Happy Birthday Cody!

It's this dude's birthday today. This guy trusts like a child, loves unconditionally, and is doing his part to make saints out of sinners. He has proved doctors, psychologists  and educators wrong, beat the odds more times than I care to remember, and has touched the heart of each person that is lucky enough to know him, while at the same time, tested every fiber of their patience. Gosh, I love him! 

Happy 34th Birthday Cody!

Happy 30th Birthday Chase

Chase, my second son and #1 blog fan, turns 30 years old today. Last night, while still in his twenties, our family celebrated some of his final hours of youth. We had a grand time. 

Asher, Casey and Kelly

They are a crazy bunch, but I love them (despite the headache they gave me).

Chase and his Mini-Me

Casey actually WANTED to play games. It's crazy what a girlfriend will do. ;)

It's Impossible to Have a Rotten Birthday in Kindergarten

When I got to work this morning, Susan had this card and gift for me on the table along with some Coke and Diet Coke (which I very much appreciate, but you all know what those look like, so no pictures).

The students sang to me and asked how old I am. I confessed that I am 49 and one little girl said "WOW. That's older than my dad!" 

I'm so glad my birthday landed on a school day. Kids make it fun. :)

Thanks again Susan. I adore working with you!

Happy 29th Birthday!

Today is Chase's birthday and to give you an idea of his personality and the role Chase plays in our family, please click on the following links:

Playful Prankster

Wittiness and Whiskers

I Don't Want a Mail Order Bride for a Daughter-In-Law

A little note here. Chase did not have to go to Russia for his mail order bride after all. He found the love of his life right here in the states (and I thank God every day). Click on Chase and Talitha's Wedding to see pics.

Chase Trimmed His Beard and I Didn't Think He Looked Gay Enough, So I Made Him Wear a Cowboy Outfit

Imitation Marijuana

Ah-La-La-La. I Can't Hear You.

Bonding Moment Between Brothers

And the last link, written by Chase himself, is one of Snippets 'N Stuff's most read posts:

Guest Post by Chase Lancaster/ 10 Proven Ways to Know When Someone is an Alcoholic


Happy Birthday Chase! Enjoy... because this time next year, you'll be the big THREE ZERO. : )

Chase and Talitha/ August 23,2013

Happy Birthday Cody!

For thirty-two years Cody has made us laugh, cry, worry and keep a routine. Our family just would not be the same without him. 

We love you to pieces Cody. 

Because of you, we are a better family. 

An Atypical Gift for an Atypical Person

Cody's birthday is coming up in a few days and once again we are scrambling to find the present he is requesting. Usually Chase is the sibling that has to go on a wild goose hunt to track down Cody's odd ideas for gifts, like the Pretty in Pink Soundtrack or Bette Midler or Tina Turner (see this post ), but somehow this year the job landed on Katelyn and Matthew.

While shopping at Barnes and Noble this morning, an employee asked Katelyn and I if he could help us. Katelyn proceeded to tell him that she was looking for a movie sound track. When he asked which one she was looking for, Katelyn said "I'm looking for the I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry soundtrack. I'm not sure it even exists." 

The employee had never heard of it but was very gracious and said he would look it up on his computer. When he inquired why Katelyn was looking for this particular soundtrack, she explained that her brother is having a birthday and he loves the movie, especially the music played in it. Lastly she added, "He's autistic."

Just like we figured, there is not a soundtrack to the movie I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. Between now and Sunday, Katelyn and Matthew will have to figure out which songs are in that movie, buy an iTunes card, download them to a computer and either burn a CD or put them on Cody's iPod.

Cody does not ask for much, but when he does, we usually have to go to great lengths to get it.

Happy 24th Birthday Casey!

Here is some random information about the year you were born...

• The first episodes of the Simpsons were shown.
• 1 gallon of gas cost 97 cents.
• US postage stamps were one quarter.
• George Bush Senior became president of the United States.
• The Mirage Hotel and Casino opened in Las Vegas.
• The Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of oil off of Alaska's shoreline.
• Nintendo began selling Gameboy.
• An earthquake, 7.1 on the Ritcher scale, hit San Francisco.
• Popular movies were Batman, Lethal Weapon 2, The Little Mermaid, Driving Miss Daisy, Dead Poets Society, Honey I Shrunk the Kids and License to Kill
• Duran Duran, Prince, Phil Collins, Madonna, Cher, New Kids On The Block, Paula Abdul and Garth Brooks were popular musicians.
• A few of the most watched television shows were Baywatch, Married With Children, Matlock, The Cosby Show, Cheers, Growing Pains and The Golden Girls.

Happy Birthday Casey. YOU are the best thing
that happened to our family in 1989 and we love you!

Off-the-Clock Humor

When I walked into the classroom Wednesday morning, Mrs. B. had a birthday bag full of gifts for me, including candy with clever little notes...

Have I ever mentioned how much I love working with her? Not only is she a terrific teacher, but she is an amazing person.

I know Mrs. B. reads my blog at times and that makes me a little nervous. I have asked her to remember that my personal life and my professional life are a bit different. For instance, at school I would not joke about marijuana or boobs like I did in this post and this post. I would never cuss around the children like I cussed here and here and I most certainly wouldn't show this or this or even this video to the students.

That is why I was sooo happy when I read my birthday card (which I happen to LOVE) from Mrs. B....

It seems that Mrs. B. has a (dare I say) "not so professional" side too.    :)

How Our Family Uses Mnemonics

When I was a young girl, my grandpa taught me about word association. He told me when he needed to remember someone's name, he would try to think of something associated with that name. I've always remembered my grandpa's tip and still use it when necessary.

As my children went through school and were required to memorize assignments, I taught them the word association technique. Once, on a car trip, Katelyn brought along her homework (She's the only child of mine who would actually take homework on a vacation) and the rest of the family brainstormed to help her memorize the capital cities of all 50 states. Baton Rouge, Louisiana still stands out in my mind. We helped her remember it by thinking "Loise has too much rouge on her cheeks."

A couple of years ago, when Katelyn was going through pharmacy school, she and I came up with some unique and often funny ways she could remember the names of generic drugs. One of the drugs that I recall Katelyn learning is Levetiracetam. It's the generic drug for Keppra, something Cody takes for seizure control. Levetiracetam was one of the more difficult words to remember, so we got ridiculously creative and came up with, "Tyra (Banks) had to leave and try to seat them." ( Levetiracetam = Leave and Tyra seat 'em) Katelyn will never look at Tyra Banks the same way, but more importantly, she will never forget Keppra's generic equivalent.

Yesterday, Katelyn was trying to remember a friend's birthday. She thought it was on the 9th day of the month, but found out via facebook that it's actually the 10th. I offered this suggestion to her, "Your birthday is on the 16th, an even number. Nine is an odd number. Just remember that your friend's birthday can't be on the 9th, because it's an even number like yours."

At that point, Katelyn stated, "That's how I remember your birthday mom. When I was little, you told me I could remember your birthday is on the 29th because it's odd, just like you."

Happy 20th Birthday Katelyn!

Katelyn, even though I didn't make this video, it is everything I would say to you (so pretend I did)...and yes, I know this is the edited version of Pink's song, but I would have considered posting it even if it wasn't. THAT's how much I love you.

Pizza!

Okay. What you're about to read has absolutely nothing to do with pizza, but I asked Cody what I should title this post and "Pizza!" is what he said.

Today happens to be my husband's birthday. Don was born six years before me, in the year 1958. I enjoy joking with him about being "old" and, after reading the things that happened that year, I realize that I am completely justified. Don is old (hehe).

This is what I found...

 NASA (North American Space Agency) is formed

14 year old Bobby Fischer wins the United States Chess Championship
 
Toyota and Datsun Cars go on sale in the US
 
The US Military said it will be possible with satellites orbiting the earth to make detailed maps from space
 
The Wham-O company introduces the Hula Hoop; over 100 million are sold
 
Popular Films-
The Bridge on the River Kwai
South Pacific
Gigi
King Creole
Vertigo

Popular Singers-
Elvis Presley
Billie Holiday
Ricky Nelson
Frank Sinatra
The Everly Brothers
Ella Fitzgerald
Jerry Lee Lewis

Popular TV Programs-
Candid Camera
The Ed Sullivan Show
Come Dancing
The Jack Benny Show
Panorama
Alfred Hitchcock Presents

Happy Birthday Babe! Oh...and don't feel bad. You're in good company. Tanya Tucker and Jamie Lee Curtis were also born in '58. Hey! Maybe you could download Delta Dawn on iTunes and listen to it while you eat some Activia? :)

Getting Older Can Suck It, but Sisters are Special

My sister, who is a measly two years younger than I am, thinks it's funny to send sarcastic birthday cards to me every year. I have heard her talk about how she will spend hours in the greeting card department in pursuit of the "perfect" card, laughing and carrying on as she reads each one.

Since today is my birthday, I've decided to share a few of them with you. I hope you find each card as amusing as she did. Enjoy.

Creative Birth Announcement

This is what my husband wrote in the lawn of the county courthouse (his place of employment at the time) twenty-seven years ago today...

It's a Boy

He figured since the baby and I were at the hospital sleeping and the grass needed to be mowed anyway, why not make a public announcement out of it? I suppose his theory worked because Chase's birth made the local newspaper.

That was in 1984. Here are some things that you may, or may not, remember about that year:


1) Ronald Reagan was President of the United Sates


2) Penthouse magazine published nude photographs of Miss America Vanessa Williams.


3) The Soviet Union boycotted the Los Angeles Summer Olympics


4) Mandy Moore and Avril Lavigne were born


5) Michael Jackson's hair caught on fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial...probably wouldn't have happened had it been Coca-Cola. Just sayin' :)


6) Los Angeles Raiders won Superbowl XVIII


7) The Cosby Show and Who's the Boss premiered


8) The top films were: Ghostbusters, Beverly Hills Cop, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Gremlins and The Karate Kid

Happy 27th Birthday Chase!

If you'd like to read more about Chase and how he keeps me and everyone around him entertained, click here, here, here, here, here, and here. Oh yeah, there's one more here.

Chicago, You Are Killing Me

Cody loves music and goes through phases where he becomes fixated with one band. Just a few examples of his obsessions over the years are Phil Collins, Blues Traveller, Poison, The Eagles, Tears for Fears and INXS.


Cody's brother, Chase, learned the hard way NOT to ask Cody what he wants for Christmas and his birthday. One time Chase had to go to Wal-Mart to find Cody a Tina Turner CD. He felt like a complete moron going to the cash register with just Tina Turner, so he tried to counter it by purchasing Korn as well. Then there was the year Chase looked all over town for the song 'If You Leave' and finally had to order it from a local music store. Chase was mortified when an employee from CD Warehouse called to let him know his 'Pretty in Pink Soundtrack' had arrived. The next year Chase smartened up. When Cody's birthday rolled around and he asked Chase to buy him Bette Midler's 'Wind Beneath My Wings',
Chase opted to download and burn it from Limewire.


When it comes to Cody's random music requests, one particular Christmas really stands out. 'Dude Looks Like a Lady' was the only thing Cody asked for that year so, while the rest of the Christians in the world were playing Christmas tunes, we opened gifts at 6:00 a.m. to the sweet jingle of Aerosmith.


Cody's latest infatuation is the band Chicago. He particularly likes their song 'Along Comes a Woman'. To put it in proper perspective for you, that song has 489 hits on his iPod whereas all the others average around 30. He is driving me absolutely crazy with this particular fascination. Every single time Cody hears the word "Chicago" (mostly on television), he starts humming that song. Well, it's really not humming, it's more like "Da da da da da-da-da", but he's got rhythm and can carry a tune, so I know it's 'Along Comes a Woman'.


Let me just say, you may never realize how often the word "Chicago" is used unless you spend a day with Cody. Any takers?

Thirty Years Ago

Things you may or may not remember about the year 1981...

Ronald Reagan became US President.

Lady Diana Spencer married Charles, Prince of Wales.

Researchers found the wreck of the Titanic in the North Atlantic.

The first test-tube baby was born.

Scientists identified the Aids Virus.

First flight of the US Space Shuttle Columbia.

MTV was launched.

Muhammad Ali finally retired with record of 55 wins and 5 defeats.

Popular movies-

Raiders of the Lost Ark

Superman II

Nine to Five

Arthur

The Cannonball Run

On Golden Pond

Chariots of Fire

Popular Musicians-

John Lennon

Blondie

Sheena Easton

Olivia Newton-John

Michael Jackson
Queen

David Bowie

REO Speedwagon

Popular Television Shows-

Dallas

60 Minutes

The Jefferson's

Three's Company

Alice

The Dukes of Hazzard

Too Close for Comfort

M*A*S*H

One Day at a Time


Happy Birthday Cody. You have inspired more people and touched more hearts in your 30 years than most people will in a lifetime.

I May Never Be an Empty Nester

The following post was written by Rick Law, an attorney who deals with estate planning, medicaid assistance and disability law.

"My wife and I have almost reached the empty-nester stage. We look forward to that event with excitement, and a little anxiety too. We have raised four children, ranging in age from 32 to 17. After such a long run in parenting minors, it’s time to move on to that more senior stage referred to as being an empty-nester.

Not everyone becomes an empty-nester. And although we sometimes joke about the child who 'failed to launch' due to the inability to get a career, there’s another group of parents who will never know the joy of seeing their child be fully self-supporting. In my office it is not uncommon for me to sit across the table from an 83 year old parent who is still the primary caregiver for a child who is chronically disabled."
                                                                                                        
When I read the last sentence of this article, I cried.

I cried because I was led to believe by medical "professionals" that my son wouldn't live long.

I cried because somewhere in my heart I held hope that one day I would have a somewhat "normal" life. 

I cried because I don't want to continue sleeping with a baby monitor in case Cody has a seizure during the night.

I cried because my friends are all becoming the aforementioned "empty nesters" and I'm still dealing with a child who is completely dependent on me.   

I cried because Cody realized I was crying and, being the sweet spirit that he is, said "Are you doing okay? I hate it when you have a cold."

I cried because I feel guilty for thinking selfishly.


Tomorrow is Cody's 30th birthday. Tomorrow I will be cheerful and focus on the blessing Cody has been in my life.

But today, I cry.


To read Rick's article in its entirety, click on the following link...
83 Years Old and Never an Empty-Nester

What Were You Doing Twenty-Two Years Ago?

My son, Casey, celebrates his 22nd birthday today. So, just for fun, I put together a list of some of the goings-on in the year 1989...

One gallon of gas was 97 cents

Postage Stamps were 25 cents

The Mirage Hotel and Casino opened in Las Vegas as the first huge resort hotel

Exxon Valdez spilled 240,000 barrels of oil into the ocean

George Bush Senior became President of the United States

Toyota launched it's luxury brand the Lexus

A massive earthquake hit the San Fransisco Bay area minutes before the world series between the Giants and A's

The Berlin Wall came down

Serial Killer Ted Bundy was executed in Florida's electric chair

Nintendo released its popular handheld video game player- Gameboy

San Fransisco 49ers won Superbowl XXIII

Batman was the top grossing film

The Simpsons premiered

The Sega Genesis was released

Popular movies: Crocodile Dundee II, Big, Three Men and a Baby, Die Hard, Cocktail, Beetlejuice

Popular TV shows: The Cosby Show, Roseanne, Cheers, America's Funniest Home Videos, The Golden Girls

Songs that hit number one: Like a Prayer/ Madonna, Baby Don't Forget My Number/ Milli Vanilli, Every Rose Has It's Thorn/ Poison,  We Didn't Start the Fire/ Billy Joel


Happy Birthday Casey!

10 Reasons I Should Be Happy She Wants to Leave Home

Katelyn is my forth child and only daughter. She is nineteen years old, finishing her freshman year at college, and wants to move out for the summer. Here's the thing. Although I know it's inevitable,  I'm not fond of letting her go. I had to wait a good, long time to finally conceive a girl.

Because Cody will be turning the big THREE ZERO in July (just writing it makes me feel sick), I'm already dreading summer 2011. Katelyn deciding to move out is just adding to my grief, so instead of wallowing in my pain, I decided to come up with at least ten reasons why I should be happy to see her go.

1) No more tripping over shoes kicked off near the front door.
2) Less laundry (quite a bit less laundry, actually).
3) Cody gets a bathroom to himself.
4) Less water bottles to wash and refill.
5) The grocery bill will go down.
6) Her bedroom becomes my workout/scrapbook room.
7) No more school books, scarves and/or hand bags cluttering up the kitchen island.
8) Less dirty dishes left in the sink.
9) I'll be the only female in the house dealing with mood swings (I think this will be more of a plus for Don).
10) I give her two weeks before she misses me and appreciates how good she had it living at home!

Even with that said, I still don't feel better  :(

Nineteen Years Ago

My daughter celebrates her 19th birthday today. Here are some of the things that happened in 1991, the year she was born.


The Internet was made available for unrestricted use and the number of computers on the net reached one million.


Nirvana's 'Nevermind' album with the hit single Smells Like Teen Spirit was most popular and signified the start of the Grunge era, which dominated the music scene up to the mid 90's.


Along with Nirvana, the most popular musicians were Pearl Jam, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Guns N' Roses, Gloria Estefan, Boys 2 Men and Garth Brooks.


Home Improvement premiered on television.


Britney Spears appeared on Starsearch.


The New York Giants won Superbowl XXV.


The most popular movies were Hook, The Silence of the Lambs, Father of the Bride, Sleeping with the Enemy, Beauty and the Beast, Backdraft and Beethoven.

Happy Birthday Katelyn! This is for you...