tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51353395289665078452012-01-30T20:22:49.344-06:00Hey life happens!!hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.comBlogger301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-7616041715576353482011-09-27T22:35:00.001-05:002011-09-27T22:35:09.482-05:00

So my ASD son had as you know begun high school. He chose Ag as one of his electives. Raise an animal and learn to care, show and sell it to earn some college money. Woot. I just hope my son gets the whole "show" part. He hates people "looking" at him and of course doesn't really like the "unknown". I'm counting my fingers and saying prayers. Today we took him to his goat number drawing. This is

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-30727182295851092662011-09-20T08:11:00.001-05:002011-09-20T08:11:21.288-05:00

So my son that started high school, CJ, enrolled in the Ag class at school. I mean duh the kids loves animals and everything that has to do with animals. It's one of his gifts with Autism. He is excited about raising the goat, yep that is the animal he picked. So I'm glad I'm excited too and the teachers for this class are wonderful. They have so much knowledge that CJ just soaks it up. There are

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-12775113366473795022011-09-15T01:37:00.001-05:002011-09-15T01:40:47.178-05:00

So this year my middle son enters high school and my youngest 8th grade. My oldest, my daughter, is still being home schooled, but I wish sometimes selfishly she would just "survive" public school. Any whoo - I made it a point to contact key people before this high school year began. At the urging of my son's math teacher (and might I say Godsend) I am the squeaky wheel!! I emailed and made sure

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-29907679098865247672011-08-06T20:25:00.002-05:002011-08-06T20:41:47.306-05:00

Friday my husband and I attended my middle son's high school freshman orientation. It was a nightmare bit chaotic. It started with us arriving early and picking up his class of 2015 shirt and then being sent to the auditorium. Let me just say I'm glad we got there early because it soon filled up fast and not even all the parents could sit. They they sent us to the gym to watch a pep rally.

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-31347811620003463862011-08-06T20:18:00.003-05:002011-08-06T20:25:26.354-05:00

Today I awoke to hear that 31 men were killed when their helicopter was shot out of the sky. Not only were most of these US men, but some of the SEAL group that worked with the elite who "took care of " Osama Bin Laden. It was with sadness that I watched the news today. The days of banning myself from the one sided news media couldn't keep me from wanting details on the loss of so many men. I

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-7844855036641161212011-07-03T15:54:00.002-05:002011-07-03T16:18:46.842-05:00

So my daughter turned 17 yesterday. 17 I keep saying out loud like it will sink in the more I say it. This is the daughter that also has PDD on the Autism spectrum disorder. She has grown in many ways by leaps and bounds. She still has her moments that if we let her she would have us do everything for her. She wanted a small family get together how awesome is that. We borrowed a moonwalk from one

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-68663591316343951052011-05-21T21:41:00.003-05:002011-05-21T22:03:31.812-05:00

I'm an outside gal. I love being outside, always have since I was a little girl. I remember sometimes admiring my surroundings and feeling these tears fill my eyes. I never knew why it just happened. Later in life I recall explaining it to my mom. It was as if I was noticing all this beauty and creation around me and almost felt unworthy to be in it's presence. It just enveloped me how beautiful

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-34212645031576656892011-05-19T16:31:00.003-05:002011-05-19T16:36:57.811-05:00

Oh, I'm counting down till the kids are out of school. I don't know which is more excited. lol So two more weeks, we have finally gotten rain in the dry old south. I've been working on 2 webpages maybe one more to add. Trying to get this stuff done so our summers can be spent fishing, vacationing, camping and whatever else intrigues us. The part I'm not excited about - filling out all the

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-1103287863658040272011-05-16T19:47:00.004-05:002011-05-16T19:57:10.020-05:00

So yesterday I had my family work our annual Cypress Cares golf tournament. It's CC's biggest fundraiser to help us raise some $$ for shipping our care packages over to the troops. They really appreciate bits of home. We are lucky to receive so many donated items, but the shipping is outrageous. It's about $14 a box, but sending 200 boxes adds up. So every fundraiser we can do sure helps. The

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-44005248236710732272011-05-09T10:39:00.003-05:002011-05-09T10:55:29.833-05:00

In all my 16 years of being a parent, I have never been as busy having a home schooled daughter and 2 boys in junior high. Of course it probably wouldn't be so bad if I didn't volunteer for so many things, but I just can't help it. I have the time and it makes no sense to just be doing nothing. I get to see my kids at school, get to know their teachers which has helped rid my youngest of bully

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-28473534070435283162011-03-08T11:20:00.002-06:002011-03-08T11:33:53.767-06:00

Well, been pretty preoccupied with the kiddos school stuff and station business. It's time to get the kids ready for next school year - YES it's only March. ughSo is anyone as annoyed by all this Charlie Sheen business? Please take him away already - off my tv, off the radio and please off the internet. I do not get the lessons we are teaching our kids today. "Yes daughter, if you behave badly

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-17723796801660596082011-01-15T09:07:00.003-06:002011-01-15T09:39:40.502-06:00

I'm sad to say I missed when talk about this first came out in June of last year. It's come up again due to numbers coming in on the amount of tickets being written to elementary students. Yes, that's right - elementary students. If you haven't seen what I'm talking about the article is here Tickets in schools, What the heck has happened to our society. Now misdemeanors are handed out like once

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-13037732242597992372011-01-13T13:00:00.005-06:002011-01-13T13:25:19.757-06:00

So I realized I forgot was lazy and didn't ever upload my few pics from candy toss. I'll have to say it was quite enjoyable being atop a firetruck with our Santa and tossing kids, big and small, candy. My kids and I have done it every year since I joined the firestation. These 2 teenage boys of mine had such a blast as did I. Alli doesn't do the candy toss with us, she hates the sirens and well,

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-46187852957998937132011-01-13T12:48:00.003-06:002011-01-13T13:00:09.952-06:00

So I've decided to be more diligent on my blog. I know everyone says that, but at first when I started this it was my own kind of therapy. I am very motivated in the causes to which I belong and a firm believer that one person can make a difference. I choose to try and be one of those people and hope my children believe they can do it too. It's true by the way. I've seen countless acts of one

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-32670032764613387802010-12-08T17:35:00.000-06:002010-12-08T17:43:15.872-06:00

So the fire department I am a member of does this wonderful thing called a candy toss. We decorate our fire trucks and ambulances, to a safe degree, and head to some neighborhoods and parking lots with Santa aboard and toss kiddos candy! This is my 3rd year doing it with my kids. They are teenagers now and still love going. It begins tonight, but we are not quite 30 degree ready. Lack of gloves,

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-60407707341495599282010-09-13T10:29:00.002-05:002010-09-13T10:39:25.525-05:00

Well, this year has started off rocky for the boys at school. Ben is already having trouble getting his work turned in & it is only the first six weeks. ugh Then my poor Chris who always makes A's and B's is doing fine. Yes just fine. Last year I was contacted that there would be budget cuts in the district and they were no longer offering "co-teach" classes. What does that mean? Well, it means

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-80239692580060064572010-09-12T14:33:00.003-05:002010-09-12T14:39:42.456-05:00

Well, I got tickets to the Astros game for the kiddos and I through the station. A whole group of us went and it was a blast. They were letting all those in uniform out to stand on the field. My kids wanted me in the stands with them so - that's where Mom was. It was just amazing to be there. My second year in a row to go as part of the department & I really like most of the people I work with

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-57967062418880505952010-09-07T13:46:00.002-05:002010-09-07T13:51:02.571-05:00

I have yet to understand even at my age, why we don't get our life's lessons. Why sometimes there are some people that must get hurt repeatedly & still with no sight as to the problem? It's sad - really

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-44874895061193414782010-02-20T22:39:00.004-06:002010-03-22T18:27:36.748-05:00

Well, today was my son's first real birthday party. I say first one because this is the first time he has passed out his own invitations and invited his own "friends". I hadn't really thought too much on the other times he has had party's but the "friends" were well family or family friends. I am not saying those are less important by any means, but for him to choose or even be able to choose

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-48788663621154522682010-02-19T09:40:00.002-06:002010-02-19T09:46:38.939-06:00

Wow I can't believe it has been so long since I've written on here. I only remember because my middle child just had his 14th birthday and believe it or not he has never really had any party's. He lacked in social skills that he never knew who to invite & then wasn't into all the fuss about it. This year is different. My PDD son has grown this year alot. In all ways possible... he is almost

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-54353761235941530702009-06-22T08:43:00.002-05:002009-06-22T08:59:00.596-05:00

Okay well, here is the story. My daughter and I love these Pepperidge Farm cakes chocolate with chocolate that you keep in the fridge. Oh just writing it I wish we had some. Anyway, my daughter wanted to know if she could serve us the last piece of it. The boys were still out of town so I told her yea, just get it out. So then she shows me this huge piece that is left over and asks if she can

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-9891533270234170352009-06-07T22:26:00.005-05:002009-06-08T00:01:23.477-05:00

So I was working on my computer and my husband was doing an online class. My boys have been waiting for school to end so they could go to my Uncle's in San Antonio. They will be staying for a week and I have been asked about the trip repeatedly since 2 months before school was even going to be out. Tomorrow is the day he is coming to pick them up. Anyhoo, my oldest son looks at me and says

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-80810886675626714502009-06-04T09:51:00.002-05:002009-06-04T13:13:38.497-05:00

Oh the world of autism. I used to feel so alone and limited as to who I could talk to about autism. I wanted ideas, other peoples stories just to know that this is how it goes. That it will be better. Little did I know I would find something called twitter and see advocates @thebucknation,@tannersdad, parents @autismfamily, children with autism @CarlysVoice and even a few celebrities @

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-2816166316718065372009-06-03T10:01:00.004-05:002009-06-03T10:22:50.070-05:00

Ah the joys of summer, with no school for a while. As a parent I am truly excited. To spend more time with my kiddos, as they are growing faster than I would like. I would like to say that I have so many things planned for our summer, but well life happens. My transmission on my truck is out so while I am still car shopping we will be homebound for awhile. That doesn't mean we won't have

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-30078199419991607362009-05-30T10:03:00.003-05:002009-05-30T10:21:57.655-05:00

Okay as a mom with two autistic children, high functioning which is well a way to chop up Autism in several different layers of layers. Any hoo, I am blessed that I am like most parents and relish in the little things, but even I have my limits. lol I laugh because I see why God has led my daughter specifically to me. She is my own reminder of enjoying every moment and to not assume everyone

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-30722366944624711802009-04-13T17:15:00.004-05:002009-04-13T17:28:14.236-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I share the loss of two Houston firemen this past Easter Sunday. They were battling a "routine" house fire. As a fireman's wife, I know there is no such thing as a routine fire. There are just to many variables. What I can tell you is that I was upset to learn when I woke up Easter Sunday to hear that just after midnight two firemen were unaccounted for at a roll

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-78094059394390214452009-04-06T10:57:00.003-05:002009-04-06T11:22:25.098-05:00

As we get older, people tend to want to forget their birthday. I haven't really ever gotten that, well I did when I turned 30 and realized it is just a number. The saying, "you are only as old as you feel" is so true. Anyway, I just had my 23 36th birthday with pride. lol I mean I don't feel anything different. I look almost the same and hell, I still get carded when I buy an alcoholic

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-25511020961138701522009-03-29T19:44:00.005-05:002009-03-31T10:28:02.837-05:00

Okay so I have heard friends talk about how they pay their children for chores done at home. Well I had always assumed they should do them because I let them live with me -- ha ha. No, not really just simply that they should contribute to the family like the rest of us do. It is just helping out. Then we made a trip to the store and my kids wanted to look at movies. So for some darn reason

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-64124394804121365442009-03-25T17:13:00.002-05:002009-03-25T17:25:05.559-05:00

Well, as most parents know Spring Break (kid vacation) is now over. Yes, we had wonderful, gorgeous weather that you could not have asked for, but we got it. The kids played outside, went fishing, and definitely stayed up too late. *along with mommy* So there is no surprise that Daddy showed up late for work on Monday, the kids didn't want to get up and for some reason the dog decided at 5 AM

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5135339528966507845.post-65177795862767586742009-03-22T12:01:00.007-05:002009-03-22T12:48:26.558-05:00

Okay, so went to the Rodeo with the kids. Before we even get there I have to hear "are we there yet?" Um this is when I am thinking no we are still driving aren't we? So I answer with an annoyed no b/c this is now the 5th time I have said no!! We get there and meet friends to enjoy the carnival and animals. Pfeww can those animals all under one big roof sure put off a smell. Any hooo we start

hardygirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13183425777387749885noreply@blogger.com0