I HATE WALMART

I've been kind in the past since they were our families source of income. After the firing of two heroic men for tackling a man with a gun. And preventing injury and death... And then the cruel and unusual way in which they now, only now after a month and a half, have decided to lay off Jared.

Tell me if this makes sense to you, because I have not even begun to be able to wrap my head around the nonsensical tyrannical hypocrisy of that which is Wal-mart. It began with excuses of managers when Jared showed up to work a month and a half ago. When he tried to clock in. It said that he didn't work that day. He thought that very odd, since he had just had his two days off. He went to the manager and they apologized for not having called him, but that they were over on there hours and needed him to not work that night. Not all that startling, that's happened in the past. They've asked people to go home a bit early or give up a shift to save them money. Just a little irritating that he wasn't called and prepared for a nights work and drove to the store. Then it happened again, and again, and again. Then the system locked him out. Apology after apology came from the store manager and upper management. They said an investigation was taking place. Jared called the corporate office and they said the same thing. He was told he was cleared to work the next day and then went in to find the system said he was locked out. It came to today. We gave up on them only last week and began filling out a new resume. But today is when the office called to say his employment was terminated. They apologized and said that there was an investigation and that people were coached. They were also busy with inventory. This all came from a poor receptionist. No word from the store manager or explanation. Apparently since Jared transferred from the store and they were doing "regular" lay offs the newest ones were the ones to go, which included Jared.
So, needless to say, Wal-mart is no longer a career.

New info: somebody is using Jared's social security and working for a painting company for the last year and a half, in Arizona. We just found this out by trying to apply for unemployment and they said Jared has been working in Arizona. But they at least acknowledge that impossibility of him working both full time jobs at Wal-mart here and in a paint store in Arizona. Identity theft too? REALLY? Oh great there is always a third. Pray for us, I'm bracing for impact!

We love the cousins!

I've been feeling down in the dumps, have had a lingering cold for quite some time and a bunch of other whiny complaints. So, it's been bitter-sweet having the kids cousins come up. I haven't really participated in there visit as much as I'd like. But, Jared has gone above and beyond and has happily taken the kids off my hands to be with their cousins. And they've been busy! We've also had an inspection on our house... a bunch of busy stuff. It looks as though it may finally settle down. And we are hosting a simple dinner party for the visiting family, cousins aunts and the like. We are so grateful that they made the trip, it's been a real treat. And easy to tell they are cousins!

quick update...

Jack started at a new school in a class that is focused on higher functioning autism. It seems to be a great fit so far. This past parent teacher conference they raved at Jack's brilliance. I hear this across the board from other parents and such, so sometimes it makes me wonder if this is just positive reinforcement to parents when you're on the right track? It's still good to hear. With this new school, the bus comes and picks Jack up right from our front door. Which is mostly nice, the downside being the get ready and out the door by 7:10 AM.

LRE meeting...

I have a meeting today with Jack's school. (A new school as well, district, and barrage of people claiming to want what is best for Jack) Apparently they aren't equipt to handle Jack. The most interesting phenomenon that I have found true with ALL school districts and the education of our children on a whole. Is that they use their jargon and acronyms as though they believe we are to know them as if it were common place. I find myself having to rush home and research online. I'm not knocking this current district, nor the school. They have been far more help to us than the previous. It's just the ability they have to instantly make me feel as though I haven't a clue. Does your child have an IEP? Have you had to go to a LRE meeting? Do you have a 1060J form or a BAC or LBD forms filled out? Yeah some of that was made up, but it's how it feels sometimes. Use real words people! I think the acronyms are about the only government feel the school decided to implement. I could think of five better things to use. I've also come across the differences between districts and what they decide to call things, again call things what they are. Just because you've decided to call a behavioral class a "Cluster group" doesn't change what it is. They love to tout they're successes but they seem to try to hide the rest. I am really sick of the politics and games that seem to be played by schools. There really needs to be an overhaul and big changes should be made. Do I attempt to? Or do I recess back and pull kids out and find new innovative teaching implements such as K-12. Leave the old behind for the new? I'm halfway there already. Wish me luck.

What a difference a month makes!

So it's been longer than a month since my last post, but I'm referring to the month of December. So very much occurred to our family in that month, that my head is still spinning and I'm not certain this life is even mine anymore, it doesn't resemble my life... But that isn't entirely a bad thing. Change is good and I am seeing many benefits of this drastic change. I don't recommend these types of changes for everyone and if it can be avoided chose the easier route. I also must thank all whom had a hand in safely getting my family to our new home within 4 days and all before Christmas! Freezing weather, snow and rain. But we had our tree up and had our Charlie Brown Christmas. The kids so excited for the new home said, "Mom, this was the BEST Christmas EVER!" Which totally made it worth it. Jared is still having gout flare ups nearly every other week. Fresh cherries that are in season somewhere and being shipped to us are staving off some of the full blown attacks. He has begun his physical therapy here and has found his niche in the transfer to the Jordan Landing store. It truly has been a blessing and more things are fitting as though they were meant to be. Jared hopes to learn Spanish to help further and show dedication to his job. We have many in our ward that could help him practice. For now we are still sorting and unloading boxes. Many trips to the D.I. and Dump ahead of us. Thanks again for everyone's support, concern, and care... We love you all!

Elderberry Jelly...

Last Friday I went to Provo with my Dad. We were getting some more work done on the new van. Before returning home we drove up Provo canyon and stopped at Bridal Veil Falls. I've never actually been there as far as I can recall. My Dad said the Elderberries were ripe now and told me how he used to pick them as a kid and his mom would make Elderberry syrup and Elderberry Jelly. I've never jarred canned or the like myself. Dad climbed along the edges of the steep hill making me nervous and picked a grocery sack full of ripe Elderberries. And gave them to me. They appeared much like what I imagine Barbie doll grapes life sized would be. They also made me question, are you sure these are edible? Dad always knows. And he gave them to me. I tried to make some Elderberry Jelly. Followed an online recipe. WHAT a labor of love! Those aren't the easiest things to clean nor tediously pick. I only completed a third of the bag before calling that a batch and ending up with 4 pint sized jars. They sealed correctly, no popping sounds. I sieved the seeds too. But mine isn't set up like the picture, that was online. Mine will have to be called syrup. But it is done and Dad will get a jar, hopefully it will taste good. I still have my doubts.