Hello Everyone!! Welcome to the busy start of the holiday season. Sorry I have been absent for the past few weeks. Been going through some major drama!! Here comes the major venting session!! LOL

So lets just start off and tell ya all whats been going on...<eyeroll>

Ok so it starts out...My daughters ex-friend up the street from us got herself in a little trouble (more like major trouble). She was the leader in an incident where the local police and fire department as well as the states gas company had to come to a vacant home for a gas leak. Well, turns out I had 2 of my darling little devils attending the incident with her as well as my best friends little boy. Well, a week after the police, fire department and gas company came to the house I find out about it. A detective had visited my home a couple of times while I was out and about.

Soo, next comes having to take my oldest daughter Crystal to the police station to be questioned about the house. Well, seems her friend (also named Crystal) had cut a gas line in the house as well as started a fire in the garage. My daughter and bestfriends son both told the detective the exact same story therefore putting the other Crystal at fault for the whole situation. Not that we let them slide, they got in major trouble for even being in the house and even more for playing with the other Crystal. See the week prior to the house incident the other Crystal was banned from playing with my kids because of a fire she started in the woods by us. (Thank God, it was near the lake!!)

So, anyways, the detective had enough evidence from the house to give to city prosecution from the other Crystal. I have always had problems with the girls playing together because frankly, I couldnt stand the girls mother. She is crazy to say the least. So after the kids were questioned and such, the other Crystals mother kept calling and harrassing me and telling me her daughter could have never done anything like that and she was never in the house and blah blah blah..so after about 10 phone calls to my cell phone I had enough. I tried politely to tell her what happened and explained the whole theing to her, but she would not listen, so then I finally ended up just cursing her out.

Well, that weekend, while I am visiting Kim for the first time, I get a phone call from my best friend across the street from me saying a social worker was at her house and going to mine next!! Seems that the others Crystals mother was soo upset her little angel could not have done the crime decided to get revenge by calling Child Protective Services on me and my friend.

Well, I for one am not the best house cleaner...LOL. So when the social worker came over my home was less than desirable. Its an old house that was built in the early 1900's. So, for the past two weeks, myself, hubby, friends and family have been working our butts off making my home look more modernized and up to the "states" standards of what a proper home should look like.

I am a firm believer that karma catches up to people and know that the woman who caused this drama in my life will adventually get hers and in a way I am thankful that she did do this because I basically have a new home because of it. ( I also know that because of the police reports and the basically false call to Child Protective Services that she also has to deal with them...hehehe).

Anyways, thats what has been going on here and I wanted to give a warm THANK YOU to Kim for helping me with my threads that I have not been able to run. The house is about halfway done, but the majority left isn't anything that I have to work on so I think I should beable to participate alot more now and not to mention "I MISS DOING MY ARTWORK!!!"

Thanks all for letting me vent!!

I know the stress they have put you under and you have stood strong like a tree through it all .. I saw your before pictures and I know the work you guys are doing so keep up the good work and no problem with my helping out hun anytime.

Thanks Kim...I really do appreciate it. And yes we have been working our butts off!!

For those of you interested I will share some before and after pics..I find it quite a makeover...LOL.

Ok this first picture is after my little brother tore down what was left of walls in the kitchen prior to me even dating my husband, yes this was a 10 year wait on my part...LOL...

Ok the second picture is of it now as it is still a work in progress...

Now the third one is of my fireplace area...its in my livingroom/family room and before it was a cloud blue color..this is my sis and bro in law painting on my birthday...of course you really cant tell where anything is because of the furniture standing up and everything scattered everywhere..

This fourth picture is what it looks like as of tonight...I am very happy with the looks and let me tell you I cannot wait to start decorating for Christmas!! Its sooo pretty now..hehehe (We even redid our floors...along story for another day..LOL).

Anyways, I forgot to add that the social worker did end up coming back over a week and a half later to see if we had at least cleaned the house and was majorly shocked by the home improvements..so needless to say he is working on closing the case as he stated for his 5 minute walk through yesterday and told me that he did find out the call was done out of spite for revenge. LOL..I believe I told him that the first visit...

I am speechless. You poor dear! I am so sorry you had to go through this and I am also so impressed you were able to make lemonade from your proverbial lemons.

Your "before" kitchen picture reminds me of our first house, long ago; a 1920's bungalow that we moved into and then gutted. We rebuilt the thing from the ground up, practically, while we were living in it, and did all the work ourselves -- this was before we had any kids. You have a lot more time for that sort of thing if you have no kids! Anyway, we spent a while cooking in a kitchen with bare studs everywhere, and you could look through the "wall" into the living room.

So sorry to hear what u have been going though Stay Strong

WOW Venus...you have had a hard time!!! It seems that when we are having a bad time more things just add to it!!! I was shocked to read what that lady was doing.... just goes to show that what goes around comes around... she will get her fill soon!!!


I have been having a rough time also!!! My sister is practically broke and she has been struggling with the needed childcare for my almost two year old nephew. She will normally take him to her friends house and she will watch him for little cost. Well two weeks ago her freind started a stupid argument between them and left my sister rachel with out child care, (my mom would normally do it but she was forced to go back to work). So I got a call on late Monday night (two weeks ago) that I needed to babysit. Well the first day was so hard ......and not because of the baby he was great....he is my little pumpkin!!!....but the sleeping arragements....I was up at five (which isn't really early) and hadn't slapt at all that night so I was so sleepy ALL day...and the next day!!!! Well after all that time I headed home and rested....well not really I was so stressed about my mom and her job watching the baby and just so much was on my mind I could hradley rest!!! Not to mention while doing all of this I still had school to do!!! Well the next week I only watched him one day... but boy that day was hecktic....But the week only got worse!!!! On Saturday I was home alone getting ready for my sister to come and pick me up to go to her house to and babysit fot her. Well I decided to take a shower, our smoke detector is right by my shower and I set it off. It wasn't till later we found out that the bepper thing was broken so I couldn't her any noise! All of the sudden there are TWO firetrucks at the front of my house...I answered the door to find SIX firemen there....I had no clue but the smoke alarm had gone of.... and this isn't the bad part........... thirty minuets later they showed up again...so I had to call the alarm company to shut off the alarm!!!!!


Babysitting was kinda rough I couldn't get him to go to sleep till 10:00.... We all got up the next morning and went to curch. I was glad because I was sick the week before and didn't go...I really missed it!!! Well It tuned out I had to watch him again On Sunday!!! We all went to the flea market and I had no help from anybody else..and he was a real pain!!! By the time that night I was so tired......


Well that is what has been going on in my life!!!!!

Reasons why I try not to complain ...cause there is always someone out there having a harder time me.. you poor dear's how do you manage to keep going ?

AWWWWW Kim you are such a sweetheart...i do the exact same thing...I know that all the trials I face have a perpous...and that I will never get more then I can handle!!! We have nothing compared to some people!!!

Venus--- Sweetie, I am so sorry to hear about this. I thought this only happen to me. When my daughter was born my mother could not except her name. She caused a big seen in the hospital, and then stormed out. A few days after we got home from the hospital we got the infamous knock on the door. Yep that's right child services. Someone called (my mom) and said we were not taking care of our kids. We were allowing our days old baby to lay in dog pooh, our house was unfit to live in. ALso that our son was not in school. Well she was right about two of those. The house was a wreck. We had just had about 60,000 dollars in water damage. And the social worker came the day we were moving to the hotel. Second, my son wasn't in school. He never has. He never will. He is homeschooled. And three years ahead of his peers I might add. The other claim was just an out and out lie. When the social worker talked to us. SHe appologized for the visit. But that did not stop the state from stopping by after being called annoynomisly 3 more times in the last three years. SO with that being said, I feel your pain. My heart goes out to ya. Just remember they will go away. They do realize that it is just a vindictive act and unjust. So, stay strong and things will get better.

Travis

Thanks Everyone.

Travis, wow, your own mother? I would kill!! LOL, not to mention it has taken all of my strength and will power not to now with just my neighbor, BUT, I am a better person than that and I know, what goes around comes around...good old karma.

As for my children, they are a hand full but well taken care of. my house looks alot better, which I am very proud of as a matter of fact and I dont think I need to worry about CPS anymore.

I really appreciate the support from you all here and want to give you all a big THANK YOU!!

Venus,
I am so sorry for what you went through, I am glad that good came out of it. How terrifying, the gas and fire scenario!
I am a horrible house keeper too. It is not the cleaning, it is how on earth do you keep it that way! I was so depressed at how bad my house was getting the other day, that when I came across this site, FlyLady, I jumped in feet first. You have to check it out, it will help you to keep your beautiful rooms neat and tidy. I have been doing it for about a week and already I feel like I can get a handle on my mess.

Hey have any of you ladies been told you have a enlarged thyroid ? mine is a bit larger then the other side .. I take Synthroid and have been for years they just up the dose because of the swelling ...sound like anything anyone here has been told ?

Sorry you've been having some problems Venus. It sounds like its all coming round now and working out. Its stressful, but I know you'll come through shining.

Kim, I had an enlarged thyroid - a goitre - and the right half was surgically removed about 6 years ago. I don't take synthetic hormones, the other half of the thyroid makes up for the side removed. They do blood tests and recheck medication levels for thyroids and I'm sure your own doctor can help you out on this. For a little swelling, it can usually be adjusted with your medication. For a large swelling they may check out other options.

Jeanette .. so with adjustments to my meds it can take the swelling down ...? mine is small almost un-noticable to look at ...but feels like I have a finger poking me in the throat lol ...or maybe thats in my head lol ...I am hopful the sweeling goes down .

Hi everyone,

I wanted to let you all to know that although I don’t post in here much this is a very important part of Drawspace to me. As others have said, it is good to hear about others who are going through very difficult situations. I guess I am afraid that if I ever got started that Brenda would soon have to buy another server.

I think one of my biggest problems is that I’m the one who doesn’t suppose have any problems and don’t supposed to talk about them when I do. Can anyone else relate to this?

Bob

I often feel like my problems are small compared to some other people, and so I don't have any right to complain. What's more, I see other people with much larger problems than mine, who nonetheless seem happier, and that makes me feel really guilty. And so I don't complain, and you know what? Not complaining is how you get ulcers.

All that said, Bob, listening is what friends are for. If you have something you want to get off your chest, well, we're here for you.

I know there are many good friends here that I could talk to and I certainly appreciate each one of you.

The most recent situation is - one of my nephews was found dead in his home. He lived alone and was recently divorced. He was special to me because he wished me "Happy Fathers Day".

Also, he was about the only friend my youngest son had. And him and my oldest son were as close as brothers could be.

Bob.

I'm so sorry to hear that, Bob. The three of you have suffered a terrible loss. Do your sons live close to you?

Yes, my youngest son is 22 and lives at home. My oldest son is 42 and lives a few miles away. I have two daughters in between them. : )

Well I am glad you are there for each other.

Bob,
I am so sorry for your loss! Hold tight to your family and stay strong. We'll listen to anything you need to talk about.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Remember, when all your loved ones are gathered together... take pictures of them so you can draw them later!

Today is also my son Zachary's birthday; he's 4.

Happy Birthday to your son, Ernest!! Four is such a cute age. Glad I am done with birthdays until at least January...lol. Christmas on the other hand...let the crazy shopping begin tomorrow!! Hope you and your family as well as Everyone here on Drawspace has a Happy Thankgiving!!!

Happy Brithday to son Ernest .

Happy Birthday to your Boy 4 such a challenging age .. oh and fun too lol

Great news!!! Wed. was mine and my wifes seventh anniversary. We agreed to not do anything for eachother this year because of christmas. We are going to spend more than usual this x mas season. So I went to the store wed. morning like I always do. When I came back though, things were differnt. All the dogs in the house were quite. And my son had a very evil grin on his face. So I had to ask what was going on. My wife procedes to tell me to sit down, shutup, close my eyes, and hold out my hand. After doing this very reluctantly. She then went on tell me she was PREGNANT!!!!!!!!! i AM SO HAPPY. I can't wait for the new one to get here.

Congratulations!

Congratulations!!!! how sweet!!!! please keep us updated on how she is doing! I will be praying for yoUR FAMILY!

Awe ! a new baby

Congratulations Thunderbird. lovely story

My week has been terrible....I can't do anything right lately...

Last night I was getting ready to take a shower when I looked down and my toilet water was low, so I though I would flush it, and maybe it would fill back up. When I flushed it the toilet seemed normal, that is until the water was coming up high. I was so stupidly yelling at the toilet to stop and pulling up my rugs, when it started overflowing. I ran as fast as i could to the front door, and yelled out side for my mom and her friend, they weren't there of course. meanwhile I can hear the water rushing out, and run(in my wet shoes) to the back door and scream "help the toilets ocer flowing"! My mom's friend rushed in and shut it off, but the water had gotten everywhere! we hurried to put a million towels down and vaccumed it up.

not to mention later that week, while I was watching my nephew, we had a huge mess with my sisters dog. One day a week I babysit my nephew from 6-5 for free while my sister is struggleing with money. I have a friend who will sometimes help me out and on the days that she is there we trade up watching him. Well I was sleeping and she came in there saying the dog is pukeing the dog is pukeing. I walk in there and the dog gas barfed SEVEN times in her floor. I had to clean every bit up myself, my friend refused to help. I almost barfed myself. And then the baby walked right though it, so it was bath time!

I am going through a really toughf time right now, so any prayer would be so helpful!!!

So sorry to hear about your week , I.D. Look on the bright side -- now you know where the shutoff valve the next time the toilet is overflowing!

I haven't been in here before, but there are a lot of things going on in peoples' lives.

ID - I think you need to take a deep breath and know the Gods aren't out to get you - we all have these trials - you'll get through it, and I hate to say it but they always seem to come in 3's - watch out for the last one .

Congratulations Thunderbird (and is it Lady Penelope?) how wonderful for you both.

Sympathy for your family Bob, there is nothing that will draw you closer though, and make family members forget any perceived slights -its the only silver lining that I can see. It makes us all appreciate our tenous hold on this mortal coil.

Happy belated birthday for your lad Ernest. You know 4 is that age when they have to tell everybody everything. My Aunt found that out the hard way. In the late 60's she was catching the bus to town with my cousins. My Aunt used to lie dreadfully about her age and she made a comment about her age when she got married - well the eldest knowing what she claimed her age to be now did some calculations and the youngest piped up and said at the top of his piercing 4 year old voice "That means you had Stephen before you were married!" She got off at the next stop, caught the next bus and never lied about her age again.

Venus - I have to agree that what goes around comes around. We had a rather mean neighbour up the road (rural area - about 1/2 mile away). He made a noise complaint about my sisters dogs (she has a kennel). He moved in and then decided he didn't want a kennel near him - regardless that it had already been there for 20 years. Council came out checked noise levels etc. No problem - they then went in to see the complainant to let him know the outcome. He had relatives living permanently in a caravan on his place (against health & safety by-laws). Guess which neighbour was the one in trouble? Now that is instant karma.

And when it comes to problems and talking about them my family has a motto that you all might like :

"There is no point in complaining.........................................half the peopledon't listen................................

..........................and the other half think you deserve it!"

Sue

Bigs----Thankyou very much (but is not lady p)



Everyone-----Thank you guys for all the support!!!! You all are wonderfull.


ID-----I am very sorry to hear about your week. I think I can spek for everyone, when I say this. We have all been there in some form or fashion. I know it seems hard, but life will never throw you more than you can handle. "That in which doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger" Just relax. Take a break when you can. I have learned that the calmer you approach situations the easier they are to handle and take less time as well. I do realize that is easier said than done, however give it a try. And even if is not easier at least you be able to keep your composier and sanity while dealing with it. _____god bless______


One last thing. An update!!!! I think we are going to have more than one baby!!!! My wife is only 5 weeks and is really starting to show. She didn't do that with the other two. Also twins run really, really, really deep in both of our families. I just can't wait. We will find out the number on the 18th. So we will just see.

sorry to hear about the problems people are having ... I myself worry alot about almost nothing ..but for the last 7 months I have been worried about my mamogram ... see they saw something and wanted to recheck in 6 month so for 6 months I worried about it .. then about 2 weeks ago I went in and had it rechecked .. and the women came in and said .. we need yet another image only close up .. scrary thoughts rushed through my head ... once they were done I tried to act with my husband like no problem ( he knows better) so each day I check the mail or my heart sank when he said " babe its for you " and handed me the phone ..But today I got my letter that said all is well and normal ..I know many women can understand my fears ..my OBGY has last stages of breast cancer ...so when I was given good news ... I thanked God ...and I dont think I will let small things get me down ..life is short ..we never know what tomorrow will bring us .. live today ...I think I got the best Christmas gift ever !

Glad to hear you got a good report Kim.

My wife's oldest sister went to the doctor for pain in her lower abdomen about a week ago. They found fibrous tumors on her ovaries. Then they sent her to another hospital for further tests. Well, yesterday we heard the results of the tests. She has fast cancer all over her body and they give her less than a month to live.

My wife had a younger sister, and a half brother die of cancer already. She has had her right breast removed. Another sister had a cancerous turmor removed from her brain and later died of a heart attack. And she has a brother who has a tumor on his brain and they say it would kill him to operate. They don't think it is cancer oh.

So I agree kim, "life is short ..we never know what tomorrow will bring us .. live today"

Bob.

Great news, Kim!

Kim, thats wonderful news!! Congradulations on being cancer free!!

Bob, I am sorry to hear about your wife's sister. That is horrible news at this time of year. I wish her and your family the best.

Sue, I really like your family motto!! Its halariously true!! (Thanks for the laugh!!)

Well, as for me...things have slowed down alot as for the house repairs. Now, I am just busy trying to keep the dang thing cleaned all of the time. Energy level is shot and its even harder trying to find enough to draw. Hopefully it all changes here soon and I can get back to my passion of drawing.