Social Security, ugh!

I'm pretty pleased with myself, at the moment.  Tomorrow was the deadline to turn in the appeals paperwork to the SSA; they gave Josh a payment for 18 months of UNDERpayment, and then 3 weeks later sent me a letter saying that those numbers were incorrect and now I owed them $1400.  WHAT?!?!?

Seriously, I'm not paying it.  I went through all my paperwork today; they have a history of underpaying Josh annually, and this time seemed no different.  And then, on the appeals questionnaire, they ask why we didn't tell them (the SSA) about whatever change or event caused the overpayment?

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, since we didn't do anything to cause it, and all the other reasons I have proof of, I'm feeling pretty confident.  And if all else fails, I'll send a letter to the President, his whole Administrative Staff, and my Congressman.  Certified mail.  And if anyone thinks I won't, ask Dad what happened when I sent a letter to the president of Embarq and his entire Board of Directors.  I didn't know they HAD an executive complaint department!  ; )

It's late, I'm tired, and I have some butt to kick tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

Love to all...

Christmas is coming...

We had to go by the mall today to get a bunch of vitamins and things for Bethany, and decided to 'meander' a bit while there.  Macy's had tons of Christmas things out all ready, including some beautiful Nutcrackers, and I wanted to stop by Claire's to find some new clip-on hoop earrings.  Of course, it's never "just" with us...

For starters, Josh saw this lovely Nutcracker, and Cody pointed out that it was specially designed to crack Chestnut's.  ; )









And Josh got into the Jingle-Bell Hop mood at Claire's.  He's such a cute elf!  Be sure to press 'play' to watch him jingle his bells!  Hahahahaha......

Love to all...

Upromise shopping

Just an update - for anyone who shops online, it would be helpful for both of us, if you checked out my Upromise shopping link.  Through Upromise, you can often find shipping and coupon deals, and a percentage of the purchase (NOT from you!) goes to a college savings fund for Bethany, Hans and Josh.

Here's the link:

http://www.upromise.com/guest/2635266402

So, you get to save a little money when you shop online, and the kids get a little cash back for college.  I use this link ALL the time - if nothing else, I can usually get free shipping!  I love  free...

He's off!

So I took Josh to college this morning! It was a bit surreal, but there were no tears. He was nervous, and we arrived early, with loads of others arriving - in the pouring rain. I'm excited to see how it goes. I think he's going to enjoy college - he was all ready being bored with the time off!

The Night Before College

Twas the night before college,
and all through the house
not a person was stressing;
that is, 'cept for Josh.

Though his backpack was ready
and books all set out,
he'd checked his whole schedule -
looked like he'd freak out!

An app was downloaded
for graphing his math,
and he knew how to get there -
he knew the best path.

Yet simple to notice,
that look in his eye,
that said he was nervous
about being the 'new guy'.

We told him we loved him
and sent him to bed,
to be ready for college
with a well-rested head.

And I heard him exclaim
as I turned off the light...
"I'll be lucky if I get one
wink of sleep tonight!"

Ah, brothers...

Ryan and Eric came to visit for a day, and we had a great time together! Well, except for the walk to and from the fireworks show - Eric took partial blame for the misunderstanding, though, informing me he really wasn't paying attention to me when I was talking. : )
We had lunch at Erin's Pub, a boisterous and sidesplitting event. Then we shopped for dinner (steak, corn & salad), watched Act of Valor (good choice, Eric - tears and all), and just hung out together. I hope they had as nice a time as we did! For all intents and purposes, it was a wonderful 4th of July!
So there, Ryan.  ; )

Best Friends!

Luis is here, and Josh is SO happy! I'm so grateful he was able to spend graduation with us, and hope they both have a terrific time. Plus now I have two strong lads to help set stuff up!