Dinner invite

Today was Kyle's last day of school for the year!  He has the next two weeks off from school.  On his way off the bus, his bus driver gave him a candy cane, which was really nice of him.  I didn't see him give a candy cane to any of the other kids either!

Our neighbor gave us an invite to another dinner party they are having on New Years Eve (the day before our 9th Wedding Anniversary).  They invited us over to make dumplings and then have dinner.

They invited us to a dinner party they were having for last Saturday but we ended up not going.  We have two reasons for not going: 1. My diet.  I'm a vegetarian and I would feel rude for not eating their food.  2. Kyle's special needs.  Sometimes Most of the time he can be a complete handful and take all of our energy trying to hold him and keep him from misbehaving.

Anyway, they ended up bringing over some of the leftover food they had.  Their kids were all dressed up and the little girl looked so cute in her red plaid dress!  Both kids are so adorable!  The little boy happens to be 4 months older than Kyle and they ride the same bus to school.  They ended up giving us 2 slices of pizza, 4 chicken breasts, 1 slice of cake, 1 slice of pumpkin cheesecake, and some bread.   Shannon was so shocked at how generous they were for bringing over the food.  I had the pumpkin cheesecake, which was really good.  Shannon ate the pizza and chicken breasts! 

The last time they invited us, Shannon straight out said that we shouldn't go.  He doesn't like to be social.  I would like to be friends/social with neighbors every once in awhile, but I'd also like to share it with my family! 

Special Olympics ribbon

Kyle came home with his first ribbon!  Apparently he participated in the Special Olympics at school!  Even though Kyle had no idea what he was playing, I am pretty sure he had fun!  He loves being active, playing and running around! 

I've never seen the Special Olympics in action, but playing in this type of set up teaches the kids confidence, having fun, sportsmanship, and so much more! 

I'm on the list!

Every Tuesday, the school sends the students home with a packet.  It's a weekly information packet full of school information, updates, announcements, and any classroom information as well.  There was a flyer from the school asking for volunteers to help with the annual talent show in February!  I asked Shannon what he thought about me volunteering and he had no problems with it.  So, I emailed the contact person and she took down my name and cell phone number (I also gave her our home phone number since that is the best number to contact us at).  I've been added me to the list!

Computer Desk

A few months ago, my in-laws gave us their old desktop computer (they have since upgraded their computer).  I just ordered a computer desk from Walmart.  I plan on using the desktop computer in our second bedroom.  I hope to do my workouts in the second bedroom if I am unable to do them in the family room.  I can also use the computer if I don't want to use my laptop.  I can't wait to use a desktop computer again as I have not had my own since 2007.  I miss not having a mouse to navigate too. 

Bed and Bath items from Walmart

When we moved into our current apartment back in May of 2011, we bought decorative bathroom towels, matching bath mats and a bed set at Walmart.  We chose their Canopy brand because we thought it was supposed to be better quality.  Shannon chose the colors of course -- he loves blue, so it's in a light blue color.  Our towels are gold/yellow color. 

We soon found out that Walmart bed and bath products do not last.  Our towels started unraveling, losing it's shape, and shrinking after a few months!  Our sheets are okay but the bedspread slowly started beading up and making a lot of fuzz balls!  We were forced to wash our bedspread for the first time since May and I can only imagine how it will look when it's washed and dried. 

Since we finally saw how low quality Walmart stuff is, Shannon and I have decided to buy any future things at a department store.  We've been buying our clothes at JC Penney and I just purchased a new bedspread at JC Penney as well.  I am tired of my clothes unraveling, losing it's shape, etc after only a few months. 

I also plan on buying Kyle's clothes and shoes from a department store. 

How nice!

This morning, our neighbor (they live across the street from us and live in the same apartment community as us) stopped by and asked if I could possibly watch his son after school (meet him at the bus stop).  He had to take his car in to get fixed because he was in an accident yesterday (the other guy hit him).  Anyway, he wanted me to wanted me to watch his son just in case he didn't make it home in time to meet his son at the bus stop.  I told him it wouldn't be a problem and he gave me his apartment key. 

Well, he just returned home (about 20 minutes before the bus drops off the kids).  He said he went to Costco and he gave us two apples and two grapefruits and a fresh loaf of bread (made at the store).  The package of bread had two loaves so he gave us one of them!  I thought it was so nice of him to give us the food! 

Changed his shoes

Awhile back, when it was time to buy Kyle new shoes, I ended up buying 2 pairs of shoes.  He only ended up wanting to wear one pair, the blue ones.  He wore them until they literally ripped at the soles!  Earlier this week, I brought out his other pair of shoes (white ones) and he reluctantly put them on and as soon as I walked away, he took them off and tried to put them back.  I ended up helping him put them back on his feet and I quickly changed the situation (this usually helps when he's about to have a tantrum). 

Kyle does not like change.  He does not like new clothes either.  It is very difficult to bring in new clothes for him to wear.  He thrives on routine.  I would love to dress him up in cute boy clothes but I have to stick to his school clothes. 

All this week, he's been having tantrums, morning and night.  It is very out of the ordinary for him.  We don't know what triggers it either.  There are times when he bangs his head against the wall.  The other morning, he was a happy boy and smiling with me.  The next minute he starts having a tantrum!  It has been frustrating. 

Shannon has said he does NOT want to put Kyle on medication, even though I am open to the idea.  Then I thought about the possibility of trying an alternative herbal remedy that would be all natural and safe to use with no side effects.  I found a product for tantrums but it's almost $40.  If you buy 2, you get one free and that's about $70! 

When Kyle got home from school, he was much better from the rest of this week.  He cried and got upset at the usual issues that triggers him but that quickly passed.   We're thinking he's used to his new shoes by now.  It usually takes him a few days to get used to something new.  After that, it's part of his routine.