Wednesday, June 14, 2017

He Made My Daughter Get In The Car


I think back to the day I found out my ex-fiance was sexually messing around with my special needs daughter. I think about how I reacted and what I did. What I should have done differently. I wish I could go back and fix my mistakes.

The moment I heard the Amber Alert. I turned it off on my phone. I still heard another going off. I searched for the phone. I found an old phone that can only be accessed by wifi hidden inside the couch. I turned the Amber Alert off and started going through the phone. I want to mention if you have it set up on your phone for Amber Alerts, your phone will give an alert even if the sound is turned off. That was the only way I found out what was happening to my daughter.


I started going through the phone when I came across several videos that showed my ex-fiance messing with my daughter. I will not go into detail about what I saw in those videos. As those videos will haunt me for the rest of my life. I will tell you my whole body started shaking like crazy. My whole world came crashing down.

The first mistake I made was sending my ex-fiance a text saying I saw the videos. He texted back asking what videos. I replied you know exactly what videos I am talking about on the old phone hidden inside the couch. He immediately called me. The same thing was said over the phone as it was in the texts. Except he told me he was coming home.  I should have never tried to confront him. I should have never sent him that text. I should have contacted the police right away.


After I hung up the phone, I realize my mistake. I immediately called the local cops. I told them I found a phone with videos where my fiance was messing with my special needs daughter. I was told someone would be out to the house. 

During the wait, I was freaking out. I was wondering what if my ex-fiance got to the house first. He would deny it and destroy the phone. I was trying to think of a way to still have proof if my ex-fiance destroyed the phone. What did this momma do? I used my phone and recorded each video. You can clearly see my head in the video as I explained I was going to video the videos and why. That was probably one of the smartest things I ever did. 

As I looked at the time, I was freaking out and shaking like crazy. As I was wondering who would be at the house first: my ex-fiance, my teenagers or the police.


My ex-fiance was the first to arrive at the house. He came in and wanted to see the video. All he kept saying was it was his brother over and over again. His brother and his brother's girlfriend was arrested a year prior to this happening by the FBI and local police in my living room. That is another story for a different time. I asked if it was his brother why was my daughter saying his name over and over. He tried to tell me I was hearing her wrong. She was saying bat not Matt. I knew better. So, I asked him if his manhood looked exactly like his brothers. His response was classic. He tried to tell me it was and he would prove it if he had pictures. I laughed because I knew he was lying and trying to trick me. He also kept telling me to break the phone. I wouldn't. He grabbed the phone. I don't know what he did with it.

All this lead into a conversation while he stood in the doorway. I don't remember everything. I do remember telling him he had to leave. As he kept asking when he could come back home. I told him I had to talk with my daughter first, to hear what she had to say. It took everything I had to sit on the couch and let him think he was in control.


He asked if he could get some of his stuff from the bedroom. I said no. As I knew there were guns in the bedroom. I was shot by an ex-husband and I kept thinking if I allowed him to go to the bedroom. He would kill me to cover all this up. I was afraid as I stood my ground about him leaving. I had the same feeling wash over me as the night I was shot by my ex-husband. I was relieved when he left.

Within fifteen minutes the teenagers were getting off the bus. My teen son walked through the door and informed me that my ex-fiance had told him to walk home. As he told my daughter to get in the car. The thoughts and fear going through my head were unbelievable. Fear was no longer for me. I feared for my daughter. I was debating on what to do next.  

That is all I am writing about today. As I notice the time. I need to go pick my daughter up from summer school. 


Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Back To Writing

I am slowly getting back to writing blogs again. I plan on doing a little writing each morning. The past few months have been extremely rough around my home. I took a break from blogging because I did not have the energy and could not get my thought process to think about anything but the pain. I am determined to not let the past defeat me or define who I am. I am a blogger, photographer, a mother, and a woman.


A little recap: A few months ago, I learned my ex-fiance and the perfect man was a monster in disguise. He had been sexually abusing my daughter for several years. The only reason I found out is thanks to an Amber alert going off on an old phone he took several videos on. If it wasn't for that Amber alert, I would have never found out.


A week or so before finding out, I started praying to God. I had tears in my eyes and shakiness in my voice. I prayed to God that I wanted my little girl back. I knew she was screaming for my help and attention but I had no clue what she was trying to tell me. I got exactly what I asked for.


 When you say a prayer, make sure you really are looking for the answer because God will give it to you. It may not be in the way you choose or a way you would even think of. God will answer your prayer just the same.


I'm not trying to make this a religious post. As I know not all my readers believe in God or believe in the same things as I do. Heck, my teenage son doesn't believe in God at all. he chooses to believe in Science. I am trying to tell my story from when my world came crashing down around me to the point where I could do nothing but cry. I was broken. I still am broken. Yet, I choose to put myself back together. Even though I know it will get worse before it gets better.

Til another blog, where I will divulge more. 

Photos from Pixabay, a free use photo sharing website. 

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Beef Sausage Served With Kale And Veggies


One day I was out and abound running errands all day long. I wasn't able to grab something to eat along the way. By the time I got home I was hungry. I was running on low. I needed to get some yummy food in me. I did what I do best. I looked through the refrigerator to see what meat I had thawed out. All I saw was the beef sausage link. I grabbed it and sat it on the table. I looked in the deep freezer and noticed a bag of Kale with veggies I had previously bought from the Schwan's man. I grabbed it and sat it on the stove. 

Next, I grabbed a cutting board. I got the beef sausage out of its package and started slicing it up. I added it to a frying pan. When the beef sausage was cooked halfway through I added the bag of kale and veggies to the pan and a little olive oil. I mixed it all together and covered the pan. Every five minutes I would lift the lid and stir the ingredients together, overturning to make sure nothing would burn til the veggies was nice and tender. I removed the pan from the hot burner and served the meal on styrofoam plates. 

You can make your own version of this meal with the recipe below. As I always make a homemade version of any grab and go meal. As I like to know what I put in my meal to make it healthier when I can.  


Beef Sausage Served 
With Kale And Veggies

12 to 16 ounces of Beef Sausage - sliced
1 1/2 cup Kale - chopped
1 cup of carrots - chopped but longer slices
1/2 red bell pepper chopped or sliced
1 cup of lima beans
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon of olive oil

Fry the beef sausage half way before adding all the veggies to the same pan. Cover pan with a lid. Stir every 5 minutes till the meal is done to prevent burning.

Note - You can add different vegetables to the mix if you like. 

Photos ©SandyKS aka rusty2rusty.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Starting Over Doesn't Mean You Have To Throw Away Your Bucket List


It is no secret I am single again and starting over. My whole life turned upside down and plans changed. I can't say I am to down about it because I am not. Or at least it hasn't hit me yet. I am told it is the denial stage. I don't know, I'll have to see how things play out. 


In the meantime, I have got rid of my 30-gallon bag full of good clean clothes of his. I donated them to a drop box for clothes and shoes. I also gave away a bunch of frozen meats to my eldest son I will not eat. Nor will my teenagers. Plus, a bunch of other food and juices to one of my sisters. I had too much and knew there was no way I could consume it all. I had to give it away before it spoiled. 


I have bagged up two more bags of clothes to donate of his. I need to bag up the clothes in the dresser, bedroom closet, hanging in the living room closet, and laundry room. Plus, I need to sort through the shed in the backyard. I am going to sell what I can. I plan to do it cheaply to get rid of it all. As I don't want any reminders fo him being here. 


I still plan do things on my bucket list that we were supposed to do together. This time I will do it alone. As I am sick and tired of being promised things that never happen. Instead, I am going to do some traveling and possible soul searching on my own. 


My Bucket List

1. Visit Niagra Falls - I have never seen a real waterfall.
2. Go on a Haunted House road trip.
3. Go to several concerts.
4. Visit Italy some day.
5. Go to Colorado, I have planned to go there roughly 20 years ago. I haven't made it thus far. 


My bucket list is longer. Yet, these are my top five things I want to accomplish before I die. 

Do you have a bucket list? If so, what is something you have listed on your bucket list?

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Party Animal Dog Food Recall


The company Party Animal has issued a recall of two of their can dog food. As they have tested positive for pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug. 

The Products Affected Are 


Cocolicious Beef and Turkey 12 ounce can.
Lot number 0136E15204 04
Best used by July 2019


Cocolicious Chicken and Beef 12 ounce can.
Lot number 0134E15 237 13
Best used by August 2019

Party Animal issued a statement to the public on their website explaining more in detail how they found out about the issue - Party Animal Public Statement

If you have any questions or concerns, consumers are welcome to contact the company by phone at 855-727-8926 or by email at info@partyanimalpetfood.com

U.S. citizens are urged to contact the FDA to report any complaints about FDA-regulated Pet Food or products by going to  the website FDA.gov/petfoodcomplaints


Thursday, April 13, 2017

Experience Four Seasons And Activities

Funny thing I noticed when I Googled the words 'four seasons'. Every link shared on the first page is the Four Seasons hotel, resort, restaurant, or a band. I wonder why is that when there another four seasons not mentioned. 

A season is part of the year, divided up by the changing of the weather. The four seasons that are experienced in certain parts of the world are spring, summer, fall, and winter. 

I live in NW Ohio, where I experience all four seasons. Not ever part of the world can experience all four seasons like Ohio can. Let me tell you a little bit about each season and the different things I have experienced with each of them.



Winter

Winter is the first season of all four seasons of the years experienced in my area. Which would be the months of December, January, February, and March. Many animals will migrate or hibernate. People will dress to stay warm, consume hot drinks like hot chocolate, coffee or tea.


Activities During The Winter

Sledding
Skiing
Making snowman
Snowball fights
Building Snow forts
Making snow angels

Of everything in the winter, I like doing the least would be shoveling the driveway or sidewalks.



Spring

Spring is the second season of the four seasons experienced in my area. Spring arrives late March to early April. The funny thing about Spring in Northwest Ohio, you never know what type of weather to expect from day to day. One day it can be 65 degrees and sunny, next day 45 degrees and stormy, followed by hail or snow will low temperatures. You get to experience a wide range of weather. It can get windy in the Spring, where you must watch out for Tornados.

Spring is when the trees start to bud, flowers start to grow, and grass starts to turn green in the areas that turned brown. The ground will be moist, damp and in some areas covered with water. Animals start to come out of hibernation, migrate back from warmer parts of the USA, and birds will build a nest and lay eggs. Many animals are born throughout spring and summer.


Activities In The Spring

Planting flower or vegetable gardens
Fly a kite
Cleaning up local parks
Riding a bike
Spring cleaning
Opening windows or doors to allow fresh air in
Kayaking or canoeing



Summer is the third but hottest of all seasons to be experienced in Northwest Ohio. Temperatures can rise from the 70's to low 100's. People wear less or thinner clothes. Like shorts and dresses. Instead of boots, they will wear sandals and gym shoes. School's are let out during this time. Families do a lot of traveling during the summer. People look for ways to stay cool while staying busy.

Activities In The Summer
Hiking
Swimming
Camping
Visiting local parks
Traveling
Attending gardens
Fishing or hunting


Autumn
Autumn also is known as Fall is the last of the four seasons you will experience in Northwest Ohio. Autumn is the transition from summer to winter. Where the earth prepares nature for winter. As the day and nights gradually get colder and longer. Leaves on trees start to turn colors and fall off. 



Activities in Autumn

Preparing a garden for winter
Canning foods grew in the garden
Roasting smores over a campfire
Carve pumpkins
Go to corn mazes or haunted houses
Go on hay rides

What season do you experience where you live? What season is your favorite?


Monday, April 10, 2017

Once Upon A Time Holy Bible and Storybook Bible Book Review

bible ©SandyKS

I was excited to have the opportunity to review the Once Upon A Time Holy Bible and Storybook Bible. I received both books for free in exchange for an honest review based on my opinion. All opinions are honest and based on my personal experience.


My daughter is special needs, ADHD and issues with her cognitive learning. Her reading level in behind compared to her age. She was delighted with the storybook bible. As she could read and follow along. She had a little trouble with some words but thoroughly enjoyed learning what they were and what they mean. 


I have recently started attending church service again with my daughter. My daughter takes the Once UpOn Time Holy Bible with her while she attends church. She has shown it off to her friends and to the church Pastor. She will show them off to anyone who will listen to her. 

My Review

For one I want to start off by saying the Bible is real. The stories are real. They are produced for younger children 8 -12 years old to be able to understand and possibly learn in some way. Both books are based on the Christian belief. Neither the Once Upon A Time Holy Bible or the Storybook Bible are considered a form of entertainment. These books are a teaching tool to help children with the Christain principles and lifestyle. It is a way to introduce children to God. 

I have read several reviews written on these books that seem to be nick picking them apart for small things. Personally, I find the illustrations and covers to be beautifully done. I find it to contain 33 well-known stories from the bible. I remember hearing them when I was a child. I noticed the stories started with 'Once Upon A Time' and always ending with 'Happily ever after' like the fairytales. The difference I found was the bible verse that followed each 'Happy ever after.' Which the children could easily look up to reinforce the message the stories were sending. I believe this helps children understand and can connect the dots between a story and a principal to live. 

I noticed the Once Upon A Time Bible is not a study guide but a Bible to read for when the children do not need extra help or understanding. 

I like the fact I could use these books to show the difference between fairy tale and fact. With each storybook bible story read, I use the verse provided for my daughter to read it from the Once Upon A Time Holy Bible. We would talk about the story and how it would relate to something in what is going on right now. Questions would be asked and we both had a greater understanding of God after we were done. 

To learn more, visit the official websites at -
Storybook Bible

Buy link 
http://media.harpercollinschristian.com/page/onceuponatime

You can purchase the Bibles where books are sold and the Storybook Bible is currently available at Sam’s Club or wherever books are sold.

Monday, April 3, 2017

2 Different Flavors Of Beef Ribs On The Grill

Beef ribs with BBQ and Teriyaki flavoring

Yesterday I hosted a mini BBQ party. First, my daughter and I woke up and attended church. It lasts about two hours.

Cooking on the grill - Burgers and steak

After leaving there we stopped off at Walmart, Chief's and Dollar General to pick up things for the party.  A bunch of people showed up to the BBQ. All of my children were there and their families, my nephew, my mom, his dad, and a bunch of friends.  

My grandson

My grandson had a blast playing with a plastic ball, blowing bubbles and using chalk on the cement. 

BBQ Beef ribs

As for the beef ribs, each was covered in butter and baked for over an hour in the oven. The biggest beef ribs were covered in Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. The smaller set of beef ribs were covered in a Teriyaki sauce. 

Teriyaki beef ribs

Why the two different types of flavors on the ribs? Well, everyone knows BBQ sauce is made with tomatoes. I am allergic to tomatoes. So, we had to choose something I could eat. That is why there were two different flavors. I couldn't tell you what kind of spices were used on the beef ribs. As my the person who was grilling would not tell me. He does not share his recipes like I do.

Sesame french bread to toast on the grill

Food At BBQ

Beef ribs - BBQ and Teriyaki flavors
Cheeseburgers
Small steaks
Grilled french sesame bread with butter
Potato Salad
Macaroni salad
White cheddar mac and cheese
Green beans
Corn
Cheesy noodles
German Chocolate Cake


Every last bit of food was eaten. Even the cake had no leftovers. When I went to go get me some ribs, there was only one teriyaki rib left. I saw it and pointed out to everyone standing around to not touch that one. It was mine. As I could not eat the other kind. I am allergic to the BBQ sauce. I grabbed it real quick before it disappeared. As the food was so good it was disappearing as soon as it left the grill. That or everyone was too hungry to wait til someone hollered out food's ready. As I never got a chance to. 

How was your weekend? When was the last time you grilled out? What kinds of food do you normally grill?

Sunday, April 2, 2017

My All Care Giveaway Win


Gift Basket Win In Giveaway From All Care.

About two weeks ago I attended a Health Wellness Show. It basically was geared towards older adults. As many of the booths were services for older adults. Such as All Care. They provide services and care to help the elderly. 

Gift Basket Win In Giveaway From All Care.

I entered a giveaway they had. I won a gift basket. The gift basket has a bunch of goodies in it. I love looking at everything that was packed in the basket.

Besides winning the basket, while I was at the Health & Wellness Show, I was able to pick free pens, pencils, notepads, keychains, recipes, and other assorted goodies. I still need to go through the bag I brought home. I want to category everything to see what I all picked up. Look for that post coming this week.

Hygiene products won in a giveaway.

A Great Hygiene Package

Here is what I found in the basket 

1. VO5 Shampoo
2. VO5 Conditioner
3. White Rain body wash
4. Dermasil lotion 
5. Package containing 2 toothbrushes
6. Q-tips
7. Crest toothpaste
8. Mini manicure set
9. Chapstick
10. All Care notepad
11. All Care lotion
12. Bath scrubber
13. Back bath scrubber

Plus, I get a cute purple basket to store things in. 

If you don't enter 'Giveaways' and 'Sweepstakes' you are missing out on opportunities to win free stuff. Did n't you know you can't win if you don't enter?

What was the last thing you won? Do you enter sweepstakes or giveaways? If not, what would it take for you to enter one?


Saturday, April 1, 2017

I Am Joining The Ultimate Blog Challenge Again


I have joined 'The Ultimate Blog Challenge' again. What you haven't heard of 'The Ultimate Blog Challenge'? Well, let me explain a little bit about it. 

'The Ultimate Blog Challenge' is a challenge to blog an entire month (30 -31 days). You write a blog post on your blog. It can be a free blog or self-hosted blog. You can write about anything as long as it falls within the rules. If you wish to join in the challenge, make sure to sign up at the'Ultimate Blog Challenge' website. You will receive a daily email to help with tips & tricks to help write your blog etc. Plus, you can add your website URL for others to find it. Plus, you can look for others in your niche. Or for something you are interested in. 

You can join and post your blog post in the Facebook group 
Ultimate Blog Challenge. Please make sure to read the rules before posting.

You can miss a day of posting and it will be okay. Sometimes things happen to prevent one from being able to create a post. You can either create one when you have the time, some people do. Or skip the day completely. Do whichever is easiest for you. 

If you use hashtags, you are asked to use the hashtag #blogboost The reason for the hashtag is for your to draw in more readers to your blog.

This is the third month I am participating. The first time I wasn't able to post every day. The second time I was able to post every day. I am hoping to blog every day this time too. As I normally blog Monday through Friday. Writing two extra posts a week is a challenge for me. 

Have you joined the Ultimate Blog Challenge before? Are you planning to join this year? What kind of challenges do you participate in?

Photo from Pixabay.com a free use photo website, edited in a free online photo editor.