Just Sayin...

We received an overpayment of child support AGAIN. Last time it was only $170. This time it's over $400. I'll receive a letter saying they can deduct 10% of the regular payment until the overpayment is reconciled. Why do they do this?? On a happier note, Ronan seems to be progressing in his potty training. Well, during the day. He has suddenly started wetting the bed every night. I don't think we've changed anything? Even if I get up in the middle of the night he's already wet. Hmmm. And he refuses to wear anything but underwear now - no PullUps.

What's Behind the Brands We Trust

I already published this article on my vegan diary blog. But, people need to know - I have used many of these brands for years without knowing they perform animal testing on their products. Please make yourself aware, and hopefully you can begin to try new brands that are cruelty-free.

Being Vegan: What's Behind the Brands We Trust

What Will I Plant in My New Garden?

I am so excited - how will I contain myself for 2 whole months? Ronan and I are moving out of this dinky, roach-infested, college-student-ridden apartment complex and into a rent home.

A long-time good friend (also a single mother) and I are moving in to a 4-bedroom 1-3/4 bath house with enough room for a play area, a craft area, a mudroom, and a huge backyard and patio. The kitchen is sizable, with a nice, separate dining nook and of course "watsa, watsa" cabinet space (Ronan loves using that adjective).

We will both be closer to work. The boys (hers is 5) will have separate rooms so they don't have to be around each other all of the time. Individual rent and utilities will be cheaper. Instant babysitter! Above all, I can't wait for Ronan to have all of that room to run around. There is a garden, already prepared, that is about 16x20, a storage shed, and even a dog run - who knows?

I've made it a year here, an accomplishment that was difficult and that I am proud of. I wasn't going to move, so that Ronan could actually know a "home" for a change. But this house will be home, and a much better one. My friend and I are so stinking excited, and the boys both loved the place. We know of course, their stamp of approval is the most important of all. I don't know that they realize what is going on yet, even though it's been discussed, but hopefully the new won't wear off and they'll enjoy the mom-mune idea. Hey, it's working for groups of single moms over the country to combat the economy - why not us?

So, who's not busy at the end of July?? :)

Pauls Valley Artist Kent Stewart

Local artist J. Kent Stewart is creating quite the pleasing array of paintings and they're actually available to buy. View his site here or visit some of his works in person at Your Framer on the corner of McClure and Chickasaw. http://jkentstewart.blogspot.com/

Too delicious!

Made these last night, so good! And my friends loved them too.

Delicious Vegan Sloppy Joes

Your Framer

A dear friend has relocated her coffee house/boutique/custom framery in Pauls Valley, OK. Amber is very environment-conscious and also vegan-friendly. Her hard-to-find products are a breath of fresh air to this artsy little community. Pictures posted below were taken April 28. The shop has not yet had its Grand Opening, but it's sure to be something you don't want to miss. Duck in for a custom latte or house drip after dining at the Boomerang Grill across the street ;)

View more photos on Facebook and visit the shop's page here.

Someone got a new haircut :)

Enjoying Spring, Learning Something New

My Review of Aqueduck Faucet Extender AQUA

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Make hand washing easier, for both of you! Instead of lifting kids up to the faucet (ow!), bring the faucet to them. Aqueduck™ faucet extender stretches the water flow to within kids' reach. Bonus: parents report kids wash their hands more thoroughly, because it's more comfortable and fun. Aqueduck...

Aqueduck Faucet Extender AQUA

We Love This

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 4/21/2012

 

5out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Easy To Use, Comfortable, Easy To Clean, Durable, Quality Construction, Good Value

Best Uses: Developmental, Gift, Travel, Everyday Use

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

Was this a gift?: No

I couldn't be more fond of this product. It's so easy to install, my 3-year-old can do it. Now he can easily wash his hands, promoting hygiene and independence. And I can just leave it on when adults are using the sink as well.

(legalese)

My Review of Deluxe Car Seat PiddlePad Prevents Stains

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Piddle-proof your car seat and stroller, with our bigger, better PiddlePad! It's larger, softer, and stays in place better, guarding your gear against stains and leaks. Contains diaper blowouts and, later, potty training uh-ohs. With quilted Velboa top, slip-resistant, waterproof base, and abso...

Deluxe Car Seat PiddlePad Prevents Stains

Great Idea!

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 4/21/2012

 

4out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Easy To Set Up, Washable, Practical, Durable

Cons: Hard To Adjust

Best Uses: Toddlers, Travel Strollers, Car Seats

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

My only complaint with this product is that it does easily move out of place as there is nothing to attach it to the car seat. Otherwise, it's been a great relief to have in case of an accident while potty training.

(legalese)

My Review of Dri Nights Waterproof Mattress Protector Crib/Twin Size

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Potty training? Bed wetting? Our saddle-style mattress protector makes clean-up easier and its more absorbant than others! No more changing the sheets at 2:00 a.m.! Simply place over the fitted sheet and tuck in the extra-long side flaps. It stays put, yet lifts off quickly when needed (buy 2, so y...

Dri Nights Waterproof Mattress Protector Crib/Twin Size

Easy to use, more than expected.

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 4/21/2012

 

4out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Easily Cleaned, Portable, Easy To Set Up, Easily Stowed

Best Uses: Toilet Training, Hygiene, Traveling, Potty Use

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

This protector covers so much area of the bed that my toddler, who twists and turns throughout the night, will always be on it. It is very easy to install and remove, and tuck in a bag to go to grandma's.

(legalese)

My Review of Multi-purpose Appliance Latch

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

If your toddler can't resist opening the dishwasher or dryer, you need this simple, self-adhesive appliance lock! Easy for you to open, but impossible for tots. Sticks on instantly. Great for childproofing refrigerators, freezers, and microwaves, too.

Multi-purpose Appliance Latch

Good idea, But easily diverted

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 4/21/2012

 

3out of 5

Pros: Strong Construction, Useful Application, Easy Use

Cons: Poor Design

Best Uses: Toddlers, Kitchen/Bathroom, Accident Prevention

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

I got this after my son dumped an entire gallon of orange juice on the floor. However, after seeing me operate once or twice, he can easily unlatch it himself. It's better than others I tried because it will actually stay affixed to the appliance. But definitely for a younger toddler. Mine is just over 3.

(legalese)

My (cheap) Concealed Kitty Loo

These things are expensive pre-made, and most of the ideas I found online still required buying a $100 piece of furniture. I want to move my cat who is 14 years old into our apartment, which doesn't allow pets. So it's imperative to make it look like a cat doesn't live here. So, here is my own kitty loo, on a budget.

First, I hunted at Gordman's, halfway hoping to find something. They're notorious for low prices. I got lucky, and found a shelf of small trunks marked down to 29.99. There were several designs, but the hippie in me got attracted to the tie-dye. Once I got it home, I cut the hole for Leia to enter. Had to remove one of the handles but that side is hidden anyway. Then I lined the interior with self stick vinyl, to protect the cloth and wood from any "miss-haps." In the bottom I folded up a puppy training pad for more protection. I bought a Wonderbox, because they are flexible and eco-friendly. Adding a pan liner, a stick-up air freshener, and a litter scoop, all I need is the cat :) OH, and I spent less than $50 on the whole thing.

Thanks for your support!

Receiving 50 votes, this blog made it into Circle of Moms Top 25 Single Moms!

Dry Nights

It's been a week now of no diapers to bed, just training pants. I've cut off beverages after 7:30, no longer let him take a sippy of water to bed, and have him try to go at 8:30 right before going to bed. He's been dry every morning - as long as I get him to the toilet right after waking. I have the sheet protectors just in case, but even one night with regular underwear was successful. I don't know what to thank for this lucky transition! I was imagining waking us both up in the middle of the night.

Well...sharing.

Ronan was having a sharing problem last night at a friend's. Her son is 5, but she has told me Ronan is the only child he really gets along with. Last night a meltdown occurred over our host's Leapster game. Ronan doesn't have anything like that and the boy was playing a game very much in Ronan's interest - Cars 2. While the other boy was being disciplined for throwing a fit. I attempted a conversation with Ronan.

"What's your most favorite toy at home?"
"Cars."
"If Brodun came over and played with your favorite cars and didn't ask, would you be upset?"
"Yes."
"Well, this game is Brodun's most favorite toy. And you took it without asking. So he's upset."
I paused to let that sink in before I lost him...
"When Brodun is ready to come out of his room, what are you going to do with the game?"
"Share."
Score!

When Brodun was released from time-out, I reminded Ronan about the game, and he handed it over. And the rest of the night he was content with watching Brodun play. It's relieving to know that I am able to come up with some sort of language for him to understand and get over "but I want to play."

Aaaannnnd....crash.

Here comes another bipolar relapse. See the doc in a few days. Have to keep my mind occupied until then. Especially when Ronan's home. He picks up on emotions better than anyone I've ever met.

He's a big boy now :')

Twice now, Ronan has done his #2 on the big potty! The things that seem to be working best for him are definitely underwear versus training pants, keeping a potty nearby, and not nagging him about it. Sure, he still has accidents, and we just started nighttime training two nights ago. But he's come a long way, and he's pretty proud :)

Do I have what it takes?

No, this isn't about one of a mom's big questions. This blog is "competing" in Circle of Moms Top 25 Single Mom Blogs contest :) Please click on the pink sticker ---> on the right sidebar and vote for "It Doesn't Get Better Than This," currently holding strong at #22. There are only five voting days left, so trying to keep a leg up. Here's what happens if I get in the top 25:

From Circle of Moms:
"We give our six million moms direct access to Top 25 program participants. The Top 25 winners of each list are featured on The RoundUp, Circle of Mom’s editorial channel. The feature includes a short interview, favorite posts, and a photo of each Top 25 winner. The Top 25 winners also receive a badge for their blog that links to their interview on Circle of Moms. Top 25 participants may also be invited to participate in Circle of Moms’ expert Q&A and The RoundUp editorial platform."

Thanks for your support!

And yes...

That's a VEGAN cupcake in my new title photo at my son's 3rd bday party. They were a hit ;) Recipes from Collen Patrick-Goudreau's The Joy of Vegan Baking and can also be found on my other blog, Being Vegan.

Transitioning a toddler...

I tried to publish this via email two days ago, but it got lost in cyber-space...

Did I talk about this already? I became vegan at the end of 2011, for a number of reasons: cruelty to factory-farmed animals, my health, to lose weight. As I became certain this was someone I was going to be able to commit to, I started trying vegan foods on Ronan. I never really considered him a picky eater until I was trying to substitute his favorite foods.

First came the chicken nuggets. I got a high recommendation for Gardein tenders, and bought a couple bags. I thought they were fantastic! Ronan, however, was not fooled. For two weeks (not every night, I'm not that crazy) I tried getting him to warm up but he was having none of it. Begrudged, I bought more Tyson chicken nuggets and pondered some more.

Second came the hot dogs. Ew! At least I was buying all beef franks before, and not a mixture of, well, whatever. But he wasn't fooled by Smart Dogs or Tofurkey franks either. I couldn't even get him to try more than one bite of cheez.

Then, I found vegetarian chik'n nuggets by MorningStar Farms. Why not? And...he likes them, whew! Next, a tofu scramble...victory! Homemade macaroni and cheez? Well, the noodles were a little al dente so I can't blame him for not having more than a few bites. But he did say it was good.

Why is it so important that my son is vegan, as well? Well, learning what I've learned about the way animals we consume are used and abused sends shivers down my spine...and then I've read up on the health benefits of vegetarians/vegans versus non. What better gift can I give than a life of compassion and understanding and a healthy start from here on? It took me 31 years to get it right...

Potty-training victory!

So, I think we're on week...4? of potty-training. At the end of week 3? I somehow got Ronan to stay naked from the waist down for an entire weekend. It worked! He went in the potty EVERY TIME. As a reward he got to move up from the bulky, reusable training pants into regular underwear that he picked out himself (Toy Story, Cars, and Thomas and Friends). All last week I think there were only a total of 5-6 accidents!

As of 3 days ago, he started wanting to use the potty before going to bed, even though he had a diaper on. And he's successfully making it there with #2s almost every time. This morning, he wanted to go as soon as he got up! I think we're definitely ready to start on nighttime training. He's so proud and even amazing his teachers with his progress!

My Review of Dri Nights Waterproof Mattress Protector Crib/Twin Size

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Potty training? Bed wetting? Our saddle-style mattress protector makes clean-up easier and its more absorbant than others! No more changing the sheets at 2:00 a.m.! Simply place over the fitted sheet and tuck in the extra-long side flaps. It stays put, yet lifts off quickly when needed (buy 2, so y...

Dri Nights Waterproof Mattress Protector Crib/Twin Size

More Than I Expected

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 3/18/2012

 

5out of 5

Pros: Portable, Easy To Set Up, Lightweight, Easily Stowed, Easily Cleaned

Best Uses: Toilet Training, Potty Use, Hygiene, Traveling

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

This was so easy to install, and the long flaps keep it in place well. I was also surprised at how wide it is, so as my toddler moves throughout the night, he's always "covered." Easy to remove, too, when he has an accident, and I bought two so we always have a spare.

(legalese)

My Review

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

My Son Loves It

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 3/18/2012

 

5out of 5

Pros: Easy To Use, Durable, Good Value, Quality Construction, Easy To Clean, Lightweight

Best Uses: Gift, Developmental, Travel, Everyday Use

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

Was this a gift?: No

My son was so excited to get this new book, and we read it several times the first few days. It was fun for him to see the "big boy underwear" and that other boys use a potty just like his. And the stickers are great prizes for every triumph.

(legalese)

My Review of Dri Nights Cloth Bedwetter/Potty Training Pants BLUE 10

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Thanks to our new, high-tech fabric and leak-resistant fit, our green bedwetter pants are more absorbent than others on the market! Kids like the big-kid look and feel (and can pull them down in a hurry). Unlike disposable pull-ups, they're earth-friendly, economical, and chemical-free. A comfortab...

Dri Nights Cloth Bedwetter/Potty Training Pants BLUE 10

Great for Sensitive Skin

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 3/18/2012

 

4out of 5

Pros: Easily Cleaned, Portable

Best Uses: Potty Use, Toilet Training, Traveling

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

My son can't use disposable training pants - they make him break out in an awful rash. So I decided to try these. Not only are they easy on his skin, but he can tell when he's wet before he's soaked, they're easy off and on, and we're saving tons of money during his potty training. These will definitely pay for themselves. We did have to go up a size on his pants and shorts to accommodate the bulkiness, but not a problem.

(legalese)

My Review

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Our cloth pull-ons are more absorbent than other reusable training pants! Our secret: new, thirstier, high-tech fabric and leak-resistant fit! More affordable and green than disposable diapers, and of course, they're chemical free. Parents report they accelerate potting training, because kids know ...

Great for Sensitive Skin

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 3/18/2012

 

4out of 5

Pros: Portable, Easily Cleaned

Best Uses: Potty Use, Toilet Training, Traveling

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

My son can't use disposable training pants - they make him break out in an awful rash. So I decided to try these. Not only are they easy on his skin, but he can tell when he's wet before he's soaked, they're easy off and on, and we're saving tons of money during his potty training. These will definitely pay for themselves. We did have to go up a size on his pants and shorts to accommodate the bulkiness, but not a problem.

(legalese)

Potty training, legal issues, and abnormalities

Started hardcore potty training this past weekend. Going...well...even if it's on and off, depending on his mood. Though he still won't have a bm where it's supposed to go. And it doesn't bother him when he's soiled. Patience. And lots of hand-washing.

A week-and-a-half from now I attend a child support hearing via teleconference in Virginia. Ronan's "father" wants to reduce the amount of child support by over 50%. I would love to just say, let him. But I wouldn't even be able to afford daycare then...So I'm telling myself I did the right thing by my son's future in hiring an attorney in Staunton, VA to petition his MOA. Did I? I don't want Ronan to wonder who his father was the rest of his life, like I am now, but I also don't want him to be heartbroken by Jonathon's blatant disregard for his existence, let alone his welfare.

Next up to bat: After two years of struggling to pay retainer and filing fees, I finally have everything aligned to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Just waiting for the 70-odd page petition to be drawn up for my review and signature. Then off to court to feel even more humiliated about the whole thing than I already do. But, it will be over, finally. And I will have a chance to start rebuilding my credit. I'll never be able to afford a house on my own, but being a good influence and teacher for my son is priority.

And last, but certainly not least - the most recent news. I had my annual "lady" exam last week, and the results came back abnormal. Not just sort of abnormal, where they would just do another test in a few months. I have to have a colposcopy, which involves taking a biopsy of the affected tissue. This bothers me greatly because I was infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) years ago. I had to have exams every three months and colposcopies every four or so months. The reason being, HPV is the main cause for cervical cancer. My last biopsy showed suspicion of pre-cancerous cells, and so a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) was performed to remove all of the affected tissue. Deep breath. This abnormal test could very likely be the result of the HPV returning. Deep breath. It might be a little easier to process if I didn't contract the virus in the first place because of a very horrible experience for which I had to seek therapy. All I can do for now is wait for my appointment and hope that it's something else. Something less...sinister.


Depressing post, I apologize. But if I don't get this out of my head I won't make it to the pillow tonight.

He's really three...

Ronan had his 3rd birthday last week...I can't even believe it. At the same time, I can't believe I don't have him potty trained yet :) Starting this weekend, no more diapers. Ever. Have ordered plenty of reusable training pants and bought lots of first- and secondhand easy-pull-up pants for him to get through the many accidents he'll surely have at first. But he's not interested, so I'm just going to have to go for it. We broke "bobby" this weekend, even though he was only getting the paci at sleep-times he seemed to be becoming more dependent on it again. I know Chris moving out has been hard on him - which if nothing else is evident in the lack of motivating to do anything I say. But if I baby him for too long, well...

About to officially file my bankruptcy, after two years of paying my attorney what I could, sometimes nothing for months at a time. Then I will finally be able to build my credit again and eventually buy a home for us. Aah, baby steps.

Almost 2 months being Vegan, and I've never felt better. Still working out working out...Between studying, work, toddler, meals, sleep, and whatever else I have to get done I just don't know where to put it. But hopefully my amazing organizational skills will figure it out soon.

It's been a while

Ronan and I have been living with my boyfriend Chris for six months. Although I know it will be a very heavy blow in Ronan's life, Chris and I have decided to live apart for a while. Keeping it brief, I've been dealing with my issues of depression and can no longer truly function in this relationship.

I'm really concerned how Ronan will react to the change. Being his age, you can't just explain any of it to him. He won't know there's a difference until Chris is no longer coming home.

His 3rd birthday is just around the corner, and I hope it will still be a good experience for him. This past christmas was exciting, since he got excited about Santa and the lights and presents. It's so wonderful to try to see the world through his eyes. I really hope I'm making the right decision for us.