Look what I did!!

I love mermaids, and I love dolphins. I've got a pendant that I thought, wow, if I could draw this out nice, it would be a great tattoo. I can draw a decent dolphin, but my mermaids suck.

I had to dig through some old papers to find the exact date,.... but sometime in 1999, I found an artist who drew some awesome mermaids.... Jack Henslee. I emailed him, and told him what I was hoping to have done, and if he would consider doing it for me.... I drew up a sketch, and emailed it to him. Days later, he replied with this image for me... I was so impressed, and excited!! I couldn't wait to see about having this done up as a tattoo. Obviously, it sat for a good while! But it was never forgotten. It would get done eventually! There were times we'd discuss going, and I'd be very nervous.... too nervous to consider doing it almost.

This year we were looking online at some tattoo art, as hubby wanted to get another soon... and I dug out my mermaid/dolphin drawing yet again. Through a friend, we found an artist that might make this tattoo doable, and he said with some minor changes, he could do this. So, last night, we drove down to Underground Art and Jake hooked me up! He did some minor revisions and added a bit of flare to the mermaid and dolphin and the end result after a good 2hrs of work this is the final product

It is far prettier than I could've imagined it ever being, I'm so totally impressed. I sit and look at the picture and think "Wow!! That's on ME!!" LOL To me, it's not just a "tattoo" it's real ART. He did a terrific job!!! Best part is that it wasn't near as painful as I thought it might be, so I would totally consider getting another one!! :o)

Some Pictures....

Jessica's 11th Birthday Party at the bowling alley
Brian being the helpful brother with Geoffery
Geoffery LOVES to bowl!!
Sydney bowled a GREAT game!!
Three of the kids, by this time Brian had hit the videogames!

The picture of Jess on her Birthday post, is from when we went to a Pioneer Village, for her class trip. It was a lot of fun and we learned a lot of neat things. Like how kids would have to bring a piece of coal to school in the winter months, and if you didn't bring yours, you sat in the back of the room LOL We got to watch them make FRESH "sorgum".... well, the whole process was interesting.... and it smelled terrible!! I assured her that it COULDN'T taste as bad as it smelled. Okay.... I lied. But honestly, I had NO idea. That stuff was NASTY!!!! As you could see from her photo :o)

Her party was a lot of fun, she had 3 of her best girlfriends make it, and they had a great time bowling, enjoying the cake/icecream and later some videogames :o)

Happy Birthday Jessica

Yup, Jessica is 11 today. Hard to believe that 11yrs ago I was holding my first baby girl. A troubled pregnancy early on, nothing that terrible, but constantly monitored incase of any true problems.... and here she was. This tiny bundle of joy. I couldn't believe I had a baby girl!! My sweet Jessica Lynn. She has grown up into a beautiful young lady. She is very helpful, considerate, and generous. She's a parents dream. Okay, enough sugar coating? LOL Nahh.... I'm not, I'm very serious. She's a great kid. I guess we're very lucky, as all our kids are really well behaved, smart, and polite. Jessica is all of the above and more and this is HER day today.

Saturday we had her party at the Bowling Alley... she had 3 good girlfriends show up and we had a blast watching the kids all bowl. They played some video games and goofed around, ate and had cake/icecream.... it was really a nice time for all the family and friends that attended.

She got some wonderful gifts, and even a little spending money that is burning a hole in her pocket :o)

We took some great pics from the party, I hope to post a few here later on today or this week.

On a side note.... I found this pretty amusing. The girls were supposed to be getting their room cleaned (hey, they're not PERFECT kids!!) and it wasn't getting very far. I reminded Jess that they get out early Tuesday, that we could make a trip to the NEW Target and she could spend her money... Sydney questions this, what does she need to spend money for??? It's her Birthday money I reminded her,... she wants to buy something. So, I thought a minute,... "if you get in and help out really good, I'm sure I could give you a little bit to spend too" "Nah, I don't need to spend any money" ???? She's 7. Smart lil thing. She totally shrugged it off like Bah cleaning!! I don't need anything THAT bad. I then reminded her that she had some money from the toothfairy.... she could spend that.... and she reminded ME that she was SAVING this money.... "so I can buy a car when I'm older" :o)

8 Years and Counting....

My Dearest Husband,

Eight years ago today, we said "I do". Does it still feel like yesterday to you?? Each year as our Anniversary draws closer, I find myself thinking back to how we met, when we met and how anxious I was to chat with you each day. You were witty, and smart. You didn't care what anyone thought, you were yourself no matter what. I really liked and admired you for that. Those are qualities that I still like and admire in you, amongst the many others that I've learned over the years.

There's no question that we've had our fair share of ups and downs these last 8 years, but I really do love to look at where we're at today. I've never felt closer to anyone in my whole life. I like to think about where we'll be in another 8 years and how much closer we'll be to each other, if that's even possible??

These last eight years have given me so much. A wonderful husband, with a strong marriage. Our children are happy and healthy. We have never wanted or needed for much and if we did, you always made sure we had a way to get it. Our days might seem hectic, but I always look forward to you returning home from work. I enjoy our evenings watching tv and relaxing. I enjoy watching movies or playing video games together. More than anything, I just want to be near you always.

When we curl up in bed at night, and your body is up against mine, there is no greater feeling of security and love. Your strong arms around me as I drift off to sleep, I know will bring another day where I can kiss you good bye in the morning and anxiously await your return at the end of the day.

I am so glad that we met online all those years ago, so grateful that we were strong enough to endure the harder times in our relationship, and so proud to have you as my husband.

I love you with all that I am Sweetheart, Happy Anniversary!

September 11, 2001

110 stories high I flapped freely
In the bright sky. While birds and planes
Soared on by, my majestic power
Couldn't be denied.

On a fateful September morn, my
Strength was tested, like a toothpick
My mast did break, falling to earth
With such a quake.

Rubble and dust all around,
Shouts of terror, cries of pain
Still sound through this dismal surround.

This act of injustice, this feat so cruel,
My people are grieving, my children confused.

As if by rebirth, I'm pulled from
The ash, stood on the ground
Amongst those I love.

Here we go again!

So, the older two kids are home from their summer with their dad. They seemed to have a good time there. Nothing too exciting happened I guess. They got home Aug. 6th and started school Aug. 19th. One in 9th, one in 5th one in 2nd and lastly, one in kindergarten. Sigh. Friday 19th, was just a 15min day for Geoffery with kindergarten. Go meet the teacher, look at the room, hand over supplies and junk and go home. He was pissed. I was pleased to see how into it he seemed. I worried about how Monday would go though, when I would actually leave him there.

Weekend came and went, did some last minute school clothes shopping for the kids, was peeved over how it's 108 degrees here, and they're stocking Fall stuff already. Get a clue huh??? You'd think they'd kinda leave shorts out when our weather is like this??? Most of it was picked over too. We found several cute things for the girls though. I also noticed how there was a lot of husky items to choose from for boys..... but was amazed at the new husky for girls!!! America's kids are getting fatter, that's for sure. Our school this year has even taken away the "candy cart". Monday, Weds, and Fri they would have a cart that would come around at last recess, and for under 1.00 a kid can pick some fun candies..... was always a special thing to give the kids 50c for this every once in awhile. Well,... due to nutrition and health no more candy cart.

Anyhow, so came Monday, and Geoffery did great :o) I wasn't even sure he realized I'd actually left him there. He was excited, he'd seen some friends from Headstart in the hallway, all the kids in his room were new, he was just sitting there taking it all in. When I returned later that day to pick the kids up, I was anxious to see how he was. I worried about him being able to poke the straw into his drink at lunch, I worried that he wouldn't know what to do at lunch time,... just silly stuff like that. He's the baby, and we had already worried about whether we should send him or not,..... is he REALLY ready for this????? Well.... he came down the hall, all the kids in a line (they go to the cafeteria to meet moms/dads after school) pulling his backpack behind him, kinda looking down..... he looked up and saw me and his face just LIT up.... *sigh* "MOMMY!!!" and he ran to me. I wanted to cry :o) Ohh... didn't cry when I left him that morning though LOL I scooped him up and squeezed him and kissed him and asked how his day was, it was good he said. "Can I do kindergarten again????" He asked. *sniff* "Yes, you sure can!" So, I would say day one was a success!!! Later he had asked me "Did you go home???" "Yup" "Did you look for me???" *giggle* "I sure did,... I missed you soooo much!! but I'm glad that you had so much fun in kindergarten today" He's so sweet.

However, we got home, and I find that he'd not eaten his lunch!!??!!?? Did he not know what to do????? Did he just sit there with his lunch bag in front of him and not understand??? What happened???? "Geoffery.... how come you didn't eat your lunch??" in his little words I figured out that he ate PIZZA!!! HUH???? "YOU ate pizza???" "yeah" "was it good??" "yeah" "did you eat it all gone??" "no" LOL This child, all he eats: cereal, pb&j, pb&honey, spaghetti, bacon, sometimes eggs.... waffles and pancakes. That's seriously about IT. He ate pizza??? hahahaha!! Yeah right LOL

Tuesday morning I asked his teacher, and she said yes, he did eat some of it. Wow!!! She asked if that was alright,.... the kids had sat down to eat, and he and a few others saw kids who bought their lunches and they wanted that too.... "Hey, if he eat it, I don't have a problem with it at all!!" LOL He did great Tuesday morning too. Dropped him off, got my hugs and kisses and walked out. Wow!! Maybe this was going to go well????? I sure hoped so. Again, he was happy to see me later that day, and told me he ate a hamburger for lunch LOL Uh huh suuuuurreee.... and again "Did you go home??" "yup" "Did you look for me??" "I did, but you were at school weren't you??" "yup" :o)

I am amazed at times at how different each child is. I mean, when you have just one, you have nothing to compare to,... when you have 2 you can say stuff like ohhh he's laid back, she's very active.... just seems "normal" but when you keep adding on, you expect some things to be alike I guess. From day one, Brian the oldest was always a mellow kid,.... he was self sufficient, kept himself occupied for hours, he was bright, learned things very fast. I thought I had it made once he could walk and talk. I was so proud, and thought "Damn, I'm a great mom!!" I mean, obviously it was my doing that made him who he was right???? Granted he's really sensitive, although, I think he's gotten a bit better about that now. He's still a laid back kid at 14yrs old.

Jessica, 2nd born. I was thrilled to have a daughter. She was always fairly quiet, curious, felt she needed to be played with all the time, really took more attention with her. I guess when I think about it now, she loves to be center of attention, I figure she'll want to run off to NY and try out for broadway shows when she gets older :o) LOL She's smart, sensitive, outgoing, beautiful, so friendly.... she really a good girl.

Sydney, 3rd born. OMG. For the first I don't know how many months, she was screaming,... it wasn't colic I don't think,.... maybe it was..... I can't remember,... or I've blocked it out. I know we tried those drops for gas and other things. She was just spoiled I guess. Pick her up and the screaming would stop. Being stay at home mom, she clung to me. I couldn't go to the bathroom without her in tow. I couldn't go or do anything without either taking her or hearing her scream as I left her. Phew. But smart!! Wow, she was reading letters off of blocks really early on, she was singing nursery rhymes really early on too. I loved when she would do that while we were shopping,.... sweetest voice singing those songs, would always draw attention from other shoppers who would stop and talk to her and tell me how sweet and pretty she was. Today, she's NOT outgoing like her sister, but she's never been that way. She tends to be a lot more shy. Even with family she would shy away when they would talk to her,.... if she is forced to reply, she would do so with a mutter and scamper off. She is also equally as smart as her older brother and sister, and it shows in her work. She's more sensitive than her older siblings too. Look at her with a "look" and she will cry. She is beautiful, and very loving.

Then we have Geoffery.... I really can't think of a bad time with him as a baby. He is mommy's boy still I think. He never liked being left anywhere. Followed me to the bathroom, that sort of thing. But after Sydney, I was quite used to it. We were concerned about him as he got older as he wasn't talking much, but the Dr reassured us that some boys are like this. Takes time for the brain to collect all the info and process it etc etc..... Slowly he did start to talk, but mostly we couldn't understand him. We worried about his hearing and had it checked. It all came back fine. So, we waited. He was so smart, counting to 20 well before starting preschool, knew his colors and abc's, he knew songs too. Very smart!!
He went through Headstart (preschool) all last year, and he gradually improved with his talking, and we were amazed at how well he was doing. To me, at times it seemed like over night success. Headstart was a time though..... I think in the full school year he attended, maybe 2wks of that time he didn't cry when I left him. So, now we start Kindergarten. We questioned his maturity for this,.... but we're trying it out. After Monday and Tuesday being so wonderful, dropping him off and him being happy to be there,..... here we go again...... flashbacks from Headstart. He didn't want to go inside his room, didn't want to pick his milk for snack, and DID NOT want me to leave him. He clung to my legs while his teacher pryed him off and I raced out the door. *SIGH* All I can say now is, better luck tomorrow??? But I'm not going to hold my breath. For the record,... he didn't eat the hamburger, but he did eat a few fries,.... that's progress!!!! :)

Seamstress

ONE DAY, WHEN A SEAMSTRESS WAS SEWING WHILE SITTING CLOSE TO A RIVER,
HER THIMBLE FELL INTO THE RIVER. WHEN SHE CRIED OUT, THE LORD APPEARED
AND ASKED, "MY DEAR CHILD, WHY ARE YOU CRYING?"

THE SEAMSTRESS REPLIED THAT HER THIMBLE HAD FALLEN INTO THE WATER AND
THAT SHE NEEDED IT TO HELP HER HUSBAND IN MAKING A LIVING FOR THEIR
FAMILY.

THE LORD DIPPED HIS HAND INTO THE WATER AND PULLED UP A GOLDEN THIMBLE
SET WITH PEARLS. "IS THIS YOUR THIMBLE?" THE LORD ASKED.

THE SEAMSTRESS REPLIED, "NO."

THE LORD AGAIN DIPPED INTO THE RIVER. HE HELD OUT A SILVER THIMBLE
RINGED WITH SAPPHIRES. "IS THIS YOUR THIMBLE?" THE LORD ASKED.

AGAIN, THE SEAMSTRESS REPLIED, "NO."

THE LORD REACHED DOWN AGAIN AND CAME UP WITH A LEATHER THIMBLE. "IS
THIS YOUR THIMBLE?" THE LORD ASKED.

THE SEAMSTRESS REPLIED, "YES."

THE LORD WAS PLEASED WITH THE WOMAN'S HONESTY AND GAVE HER ALL THREE
THIMBLES T O KEEP, AND THE SEAMSTRESS WENT HOME HAPPY.

SOME YEARS LATER, THE SEAMSTRESS WAS WALKING WITH HER HUSBAND ALONG THE
RIVERBANK, AND HER HUSBAND FELL INTO THE RIVER AND DISAPPEARED UNDER THE
WATER. WHEN SHE CRIED OUT, THE LORD AGAIN APPEARED AND ASKED HER, "WHY
ARE YOU CRYING?"

"OH LORD, MY HUSBAND HAS FALLEN INTO THE RIVER!"

THE LORD WENT DOWN INTO THE WATER AND CAME UP WITH MEL GIBSON. "IS THIS
YOUR HUSBAND?" THE LORD ASKED.

"YES," CRIED THE SEAMSTRESS

THE LORD WAS FURIOUS. "YOU LIED! THAT IS AN UNTRUTH!"

THE SEAMSTRESS REPLIED, "OH, FORGIVE ME, MY LORD. IT IS A
MISUNDERSTANDING. YOU SEE, IF I HAD SAID 'NO' TO MEL GIBSON, YOU WOULD
HAVE COME UP WITH TOM CRUISE. THEN IF I SAID 'NO' TO HIM, YOU WOULD
HAVE COME UP WITH MY HUSBAND. HAD I THEN SAID 'YES,' YOU WOULD HAVE
GIVEN ME ALL THREE. LORD, I'M NOT IN THE BEST OF HEALTH AND WOULD NOT
BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF ALL THREE HUSBANDS, SO THAT'S WHY I SAID 'YES'
TO MEL GIBSON."

THE MORAL OF THIS STORY IS: - WHENEVER A WOMAN LIES, IT'S FOR A GOOD
AND HONORABLE REASON, AND IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OTHERS.

THAT'S OUR STORY, AND WE'RE STICKING TO IT.

(My Mom sent me this, thought it was really cute and had to share)

My time in the service.....

Nah, not really.... I wasn't IN the service, but I was like >this< close to joining. I was kinda thinkin about this last night, thought it might be something good to blog about.

I wasn't yet out of High School,.... we had a career day where they filled the gym up with various booths of people who would love to see you join their career. Of course we had the "Be All You Can Be" booth. We took cards and pamphlets.... talked to the people,... it was all very interesting. Some reason that was the only booth I can recall, maybe nothing else just stuck out??? I dunno.

Anyhow, eventually I gave the number a call. My Dad was in the Army.... I could do that. I could learn something worthwhile without the college time right??? Might be a great idea.

I spoke with a recruiter, who picked me up and took me to Burger King where we could talk. He told me I needed to take a test, get a physical all this great fun stuff. Okay,... lets do it I said. So, I believe it was a couple Saturday's later, my poor mom in tears "My baby's going into the Army...." I headed out with him and a couple others to go test and junk.

Pretty sure the testing was first,.... I don't think they wanted to scare you away with the physical part first! From what I recall, I did really well on the test. It tested you in various areas, and in the end told you where you did the best, be it mechanics, or whatever. It's been too long, I can't tell you what I did best in, but I do remember the recruiter later telling me I could have any job I wanted. Cool!!

Then the physical,.... first was the hearing test,... that was so strange. You're in this sound proof room with probably 8 other people wearing headphones. You hear a beep,.. but it sounds so far away..... so you're looking at the people around you thinking it's their headset you're hearing... not your own... so for probably the first few beeps,... I didn't hit the button LOL I wonder if they thought I was oddly deaf?? LOL To a waiting room,.... had to give blood next. I found I was in a big room, and nothing but guys. Talk about feeling VERY uncomfortable. Gave my blood and got out of there,.... for the wonderful physical. I guess I was 18,... and yes,... still a virgin. When the Dr asked me all this,.... he said "Okay we'll not do the vaginal exam, we'll do rectal instead" GAH!!! What??? I've never had anyone probe any part of me like that!!! Talk about embarrassing. I wanted to run away about then.

Finally it was all over with. I had to wait for all the physical results to come back or something,... but was given a book to look through for all the various jobs available to me. My mind was made up,... I wanted to be an MP. (Military Police) I wanted to have my own dog and patrol with it. How cool would that be I thought!!! Yup yup, that's what I wanted to do,... then when I got out of the Army, I could use those skills and be a cop later on!!! Perfect sounding job to me.

So, results came back fine, and the recruiter was more than happy to have me sign the line!!! Sign my life away pretty much..... he asked what job I'd found. Told him MP,... "why?" "I want a dog" LOL I explained myself,.... and he said he was very sorry, but I wasn't tall enough. HUH???? Yeah, I'm a whole 5ft 2inches tall, so??? What the Hell does that have to do with being an MP and having a dog????? "You wouldn't be able to control the dog" Ooooooo. You just don't tell me how I wouldn't be able to DO something. I told him that was the lamest thing I'd ever heard of. If I raise the dog, and train the dog, I can control the dog, size means NOTHING. I got up and walked out and never signed any line.

Later on,.... after I'd graduated, I still had that book, had my test scores, was looking through it,.... and wonder if maybe I should've changed my mind and maybe done something like Occupational Therapy??? What a career that could've been for me later on huh??? Oh well..... FAR too late to do something like that now.

But I do wonder from time to time,...... could I have protested claiming SIZE discrimination???? Hmm........

Deep Thoughts....

Last night, DH and I were watching our favorite show West Wing We have the box sets and we just finished watching the last disc of season 4. Sigh. Not sure when season 5 is due out, but when it is, I'll be all over it. I hate being left hanging. But it made me think.... about getting older, having kids, the kids growing up and such. It wasn't just West Wing that had me thinking,.... I think the fact that our baby is starting Kindergarten come August has kind of started it,.... the bombings in London didn't help either. Just so much going on right now I guess.

Yes, our youngest starts Kindergarten next month. I'm excited for him, and worried about him at the same time. He's a smart kid, but there are times when we worried a great deal about him, his speech and such. Still times when I don't think he fully understands the things we tell him. He doesn't seem to grasp things very well. Other times, I think maybe I am just babying him too much and I'm not wanting to see the big picture?? I don't know, I just know that he's our baby, and he's starting REAL school. No turning back. No more babies in our family. The kids are growing up. We're growing older. I don't think I like any of that.

The bombings in London,.... not just once but twice??? It makes me scared for the world. Last night we heard more on CNN about the bombings in Egypt as well. What are things coming to?? So many killed and injured. I realize things could've been much worse as far as casualties, but it doesn't change the fact that these people are all over and scaring the crap out of everyone. Not just those in England, but all over..... to me, it's like Sept. 11th all over again. "where were you when you heard about....." That will be the questions I figure my Grandkids will ask,.... will even be questions my younger kids will ask.

Then last night, West Wing,.... the last couple of episodes. One guy Toby was due to be a father of twins, his concern was that he wouldn't love his kids like other fathers love their children. What an odd thought to have as an expected parent I thought. I thought maybe it's more of a fear of loving something especially a little life,... or lives in his case that scared him so much?? I can honestly say as a mother, I never had that worry. With my first, I was scared to pick him up, he was so tiny I thought I would break him or drop him. With all the kids, I would cuddle them close and just think "wow,... this little life came out of me" Birth is amazing,.... and children are wonderful. I look back on my first born,... my first birth,... and think, "you know,... when I decided to have kids, I never considered them to grow up, to become preteens, or teens or eventually to move out and get a ton of body piercings" I didn't sign on for that part of being a parent. They're supposed to stay little always. Which brings me to the other part of the story from West Wing. The President's youngest daughter is abducted. She's in her early 20's just graduated from college.... could you even imagine?? President or not, your kid is taken from you, that safety net is gone. You can't do anything but wait and watch what's going on around you and pray that your child will return to you safely.

After all of that,.... I couldn't help but think of our kids. How fortunate I am to be a stay at home mom, how I am with them 24/7 and watch them grow, and help them on their way. How I see my husband who is working terribly hard to give me the opportunity to do so, go down the hall and spend a good hour with the kids playing video games because he knows that the next 4 nights are gonna be rough, and he won't see the kids much at all after he starts work tonight. Do I take them for granted?? Do I take for granted that they're so healthy,.... that they're smart and happy???? Do I take for granted that we live in a small town, and safety has never seemed an issue?? When I quietly go into their room at night, shut the tv off and cover them up, am I taking for granted that I can do that every evening??? These are my kids. I don't think I could love them anymore than I already do. I think the fact that I don't want them to grow up, shows I don't take them for granted,.... because once they leave the house, I can't protect them anymore. I want them to have a sheltered life, to be mommy's babies,.... yes, even the 14yr old LOL It's just times like these, when you reflect on what's going on around you, and you worry more about your kids I guess.

To the families in London and Egypt that were touched by the last few days events, my heart goes out to you all.

Ramblings....

I was asked today,....

are you ever going to post again?

Yeah, you know who you are..... :o)

So, since I've been lazy.... and really not a whole lot to jabber about honestly... I thought I would just ramble on about the things that are kinda going on around here. Where to start???? Ohh..... Kim, you'll like this one :o) I actually had meant to blog about this over the weekend but well, it's been a rough week more or less. Lets just go back in time a bit.... back to umm.... Friday 17th.

We had a dinner date,.... MIL was to keep the two rugrats for us, and we were going out to dinner with DH's friend and his wife. We've been out with them once or twice before. He's really quiet and mellow.... Happy to sit back and let others enjoy the evening at his expense I guess you could say. She's much younger than he is, and is always out looking for a good time LOL She's a trip. Anyhow, they picked us up and we headed out to eat,..... although we didn't know where.... we knew we were driving into Memphis, and we needed to decide WHERE to eat. Finally chose Red Lobster. I've never really eaten there that I can recall, I think once when I was a kid maybe. It was pretty good.... I even tried the seafood pizza. Something about fish or chicken on a pizza rubs me wrong... but honestly this wasn't like a regular pizza to begin with, was pretty yummy :o) We enjoyed the food, the conversation the LACK OF CHILDREN :o) After we ate, it was around 10pm.... hmmm what to do??? The idea of going to a "gentlemen's club" came up.... and not from the guys or myself. Knowing I've never been,... she was all up for going. DH didn't mind the idea either LOL Imagine that??? LOL His thought was that if I was too uncomfortable, we'd leave. So, yes we went. Sorry to disappoint ya Kim, but no, I didn't do the lapdance,.... or tip any girls... I sat off in the sidelines and just watched. I love watching people and my God what a place to do people watching LOL I watched this cute tiny girl (stripper) lead a pudgy, unkempt looking man off to the "lap dance area"... I don't think if I had the coordination to dance like they do in those frickin heals from Hell, that I could NOT be picky with whom I would dance for. DH said "it's the old fat ones that have the money...." Might be true, but I think I'd prefer the well dressed good looking men LOL But hey, that's just me! All in all we spent maybe an hour there, and it was interesting. There were fat girls, skinny girls, girls with HUGE boobs, girls with no boobs.... (that made me feel pretty good actually LOL) but my take on the whole place??? It was nothing more than a dance club minus the dancing. Loud music, lots of lights and more men than women. Although, DH said that he saw more women there than he's ever seen before,.... and I mean in the crowd. There were a handful of girls that would go up to tip the main dancer, and not get off the stage!! It was really something to watch LOL I must say that I do feel silly for getting so worked up over these places,... and actually probably wouldn't mind going back to one, where the girls actually could perform. Seriously, there wasn't a lot of dancing going on.

We didn't get home till 2am, and come morning, DH woke me and I'm thinkin it's too early to get up..... kids are still gone.... nice and quiet house.... look at the time and it's 10am!!! Our plans for the day were to go take a look at Jim Walter's Homes.... So, I jumped out of the bed and got ready and off we went. We spoke with a nice lady, who's granddaughter ended up being someone DH went to school with years ago. She assured us if we did what she suggested we could get into this home by Christmas. So, we're waiting to hear for sure on this. I really hate waiting.

Our home right now is tiny for the 6 of us. It's OLD, and has lots of problems,... we need something bigger for sure and something we don't have to try and keep up with. DH was to start a new position within his company. Not a more plush job unfortunately. He works for a steel plant,... and his job before now was mechanical engineer,... he wrote up drawings/programs for how the steel would be rolled through the machines and how it would look when it was all done. Basically they make huge steel beams for large construction projects. I think some of the steel now is actually being used for the new towers if I'm not mistaken. Anyhow,.... the company has always paid the mill workers a production bonus. DH never got this bonus since he was considered as working in the office,..... after 10 yrs of working in this office.... he's now going to the mill, to work the machines that roll out these steel bars. He just started Tuesday night. It will be tons more money, so we hope to be able to have this new home built. The job itself is sucky. It's hot and dripping wet sweaty work, he comes home blowing black crap out of his nose, and so tired that he can barely stand up. Granted this is the first week so it's really a rough adjustment. His hours will end up being 4 days on, 4 days off. He will work nights one week, and days the next. The pros to this job of course the #1 being the money, but we look forward to when he's doing the actual 4 days off. We hope for it to mean more time together, to maybe go fishing or do stuff with the kids.

So, that's been my week. DH works tonight, and will be off Sat, Sun and Monday. Hopefully that's enough time for him to recoup after the hard ass week he's had. Wish us luck on the house,.... I really hope to know something/anything by the end of next week, if not sooner. Really is killing me,... I soooo love that house!!!

Anyhow, suppose until next session, have a great cool summer,..... I know we're stayin indoors for a few days.... 89 degrees/feels like 92 (32 degrees/feels like 33 for those of you in metric lands) and it's just now 10am!!! It won't be getting any cooler over the next few days either. Phew!!! Too hot to play outside!!!

My Dad

In the Army - 60's

Since Father's Day is just around the corner, I wanted to blog about my Dad a bit. When I was born, I was the apple of his eye. As I grew up, and watched him, I felt there wasn't anything my Dad couldn't do. He was very artistic, he could build a house from the ground up, was an avid angler, could play the guitar by ear, fix cars, clean swimming pools, make a tree swing, a sandbox, bury dead critters for me, even the tiniest goldfish, he was really an amazing man.

Dad so young here....

Growing up with Dad was a lot of fun. We did all sorts of things. My favorite was always going to see Grandma and Grandpa in Oroville. We would load up and take off for the weekend, or holiday weekends too. I enjoyed the drives, and the stops at Dairy Queen for an icecream cone, watching the cows go by. It was just one of those times as a kid where nothing seemed wrong, where life was just at it's best. Mom told me how when she'd come home from grocery shopping or work or whatever, he'd have a backyard full of neighborhood kids, and be inside fixing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for everyone.

Dad and I - Aug. 1970

Dad each year would have us a great garden, he would teach me the wonders of how things happened. Showing me how to plant our vegetables, and the first sprouts and pulling up carrots! I wanted to be just like him, as we would strut around our garden together, without our shirts on. Granted, I was maybe 7 or 8 at the time :o) The one house I remember with fondness was an A Frame style, with a nice yard. We had a huge walnut tree in back. He tied me up a nice swing where I would spend hours upon hours swinging. I had a friend behind us, and we would climb the privacy fence and set up there and talk and play with Matchbox cars between the fences where there was a 2x4 separating them. One day this girl was talking about how she had to go to her Dads house. I didn't understand as she tried to explain that she had 2 moms and 2 dads. One set being step parents. I think I was about 9yrs old then.

Later I went in and asked mom about this,.... "Do I have 2 dads?" I really caught her off guard. It was maybe a day or so later when she sat me down and explained, that yes, I did have 2 dads. I was shocked. I was equally confused. Who I called Dad, was not my real father. She told me that when she and my real father met, and it was "puppy love" and she became pregnant with me and knew she couldn't be with him anymore. I didn't think much about it really.... I mostly wondered who and where was my real dad??? Something that would bug me for years to come. I would daydream about who this man might be when I was younger... thinking maybe he was rich.... maybe he had horses??? I would riddle my mom with questions as I grew older. To which I found that he wasn't the man I had daydreamed about at all. He was into bad things, had been in prison, and she knew that wasn't the life she wanted for herself or her new baby. I became grateful to her for telling me this, telling me that she chose to have me, and have a better life together.

I was born Jan. 1969, Mom used her maiden name as my last name on the birth certificate. Mom and Dad were married May 1969. When I was around 16, Dad and I had a serious talk. He said if I wanted to, that he would get an attorney and file papers so he could adopt me. I would then have his last name. I can still recall how I felt. We were sitting out back,... it was a beautiful day.... sky so blue with a few bright white clouds.... the air smelled warm and I thought my heart could just burst with how loved I felt. After some decision we decided it would be silly.... eventually I would marry, and my name would change anyhow. The fact that he wanted to do this though, thrilled me. I was so proud.


I think this is late 80's, this is how I remember him the most,... well, throw a beer in one hand and cigarette in the other first :o)

Dad did all sorts of things work wise as I was growing up. He was a carpenter for years. He hung cabinets on rainy days and hung sheetrock and God only knows what else. He really seemed happy so long as he was working with his hands. He eventually was strictly a swimming pool man. Going to various homes and cleaning their pools for Cascade Pools in our hometown. When we would make trips here or there, he would point this way and that... "I clean that pool.... and I clean this pool... and that's Joe Morgan's house, I clean his pool too" It got to be a running joke after awhile,.... but always in great fun. Summer time I would get to go on his routes and help carry the jugs of chlorine,.... he even taught me how to test the water.

For a good while he had his own business, and even barter for services from time to time. One such time was a lady who was a seamstress,.... and it was Jr Ball time.... he chose to have her pay him by making me a dress. I got to pick the fabric and style and all that. I thought I was a princess. I chose a pretty pink taffeta, I still have this dress. Honestly, I don't recall much of the Ball, what I remember most was that I was late getting home, and I was terrified of what wrath would befall me. I tried to sneak into the house, but Dad was asleep on the couch... I tried to tiptoe to my room, but MY GOD this dress was LOUD..... Dad wasn't really asleep. He opened his eyes and said "You're late" *gulp* "yeah... I know......" "did you have a good time??" "yeah" "well, why don't you get to bed then..." "Okay" and scurried off to bed. It's funny how you will hold onto such memories. But that was how Dad was. When he was angry, you knew it..... his eyes would be red, face like stone. I was sensitive as it was, so all he had to do was look at me, and I would cry.

Well, I could seriously go on and on about my Dad. I had chosen to leave out the bad parts... the not so great memories. In short, as I grew up, I learned that my Dad had a serious drinking problem. Some days you didn't know what you'd come home to.... couldn't really bring friends home either. Some days you could take advantage of it, if he was in a great mood and drunk, you could manage to get $10.00 to run to the local arcade or mini mart.... his drinking caused a lot of pain for my mom, and for myself as well, later it would prove to really hurt my younger brother.

Mom and Dad split up.... to be honest, I'm not even sure when they divorced. It was after I had left home. Dad lived with a good friend for awhile, then the friend married, so Dad knew he needed to move on. From there I'm not sure where he went,... he wasn't holding down a job, he was still drinking, and eventually ended up living on the street. My dad was homeless. I lived states away and felt helpless more times than not. I missed him, I worried about him. He was in and out of VA programs trying to help clean up his act, but more than that I think it was just a place to go when the weather was bad so he could be warm and fed. I wished for his phonecalls and loved his letters. I am thankful that he felt he could be open and honest with me that he could call and write. I feel bad that he didn't do this for my brother. I kept all his letters, and the only thing I remember of his calls, the last thing I remember hearing from him, "I'm very proud of you".

Through his drinking, he could make you feel terrible, but you know, above all that, there wasn't a day that went by that he wasn't proud of me, and he told me so. In anything I did, no matter how big or little, he was proud of me. Even today, when I do things, I can hear him say "I'm proud of you honey".

January 2001, I hadn't heard from Dad in awhile. Just a letter around the holidays, with a picture. I got a call from an Uncle who said that Dad was in the hospital, that he was in a coma. Jan. 15th I flew home to say good bye to my Dad. I kept a bit of a journal during this time. I knew I was in such a haze, I'd not remember much of it at all.

Today I am heading home to say goodbye to my father. While he's not my real father, in my heart he's always been. In his heart he's always been too. As I sit in the plane, I think of the family I've left behind. How it hurts to be away from them,... I almost feel like a poor dog being drug to the vet, my feet are down digging in, but this plane's pulling me further away. This is just something I don't want to do, much less even think about.

January 17th my Dad passed away peacefully. He never came out of the coma. But somehow I just feel like he waited for me to get there before he left us.

Dad, I'm proud of you too. I only wish I had told you more often.


VA Holiday Gathering, December 1996

Damn Murphy and his Laws

Murphy's Stupid Law #1. Never fails that your child will be invited to a swimming party and need a new suit AFTER you were already at the store and could've bought her a new one.

Murphy's Stupid Law #2. The one night that hubby and I retire to the bed before 9pm the phone rings at 9:30pm.

Murphy's Stupid Law #3. Because your child has never really been swimming, you need to attend this party to make sure she's safe. On this day, your allergies act up, the Rx meds aren't working and you can't buy the OTC med that you prefer anymore.

Murphy's Stupid Law #4. You finally find a great allergy/sinus medicine OTC and some stupid ass law comes out that prevents you from buying it OTC, and because of this stupid law, they keep most meds behind a counter and lack space for ALL the meds they used to carry, and no longer carry the med that you want!!! OMG I hate this one the most. What's the point in OTC??????? sigh.

So, how is YOUR day going?????? I need to get presents wrapped, clothes washed, and pick up child from church to prepare for the swimming party. My luck,.... or Murphy's Law #5??? Will be that the suit I picked out for picky child, won't be right,... she won't like it, it looks like an apron or something (bought a cute summer dress for her and it looks like an apron) insane like that.... guess we'll see how it goes,... I know she'll like the towel though, it's Bratz!!!

** update **

Murphy's Stupid Law #5 You clean out your truck for MIL to borrow for the day, and the one thing you told yourself to get out of it, you didn't..... sunglasses.... with allergies acting up and sitting out in the sun, I NEED them :o( Check out Ms. Mac's and read 3 Things I Hate today for Murphy's Stupid Laws #6-8.

By the way, she LOVES her swimsuit :o) WOOT!!!!

Dear Diary.....

Yesterday was the first day I've emptied and filled the dishwasher and scrubbed the counters and stove top in a long time. Even hubby emptied the trash! Good cheap labor is so hard to find, and we're missing ours already :o)

Yes, we made a 3hr drive on Saturday morning to the airport to drop the two oldest off as they were making the trip to see their father for the summer. This is something we do every summer. They're here for nearly 2 weeks after school lets out, then they're gone. The difference this year is that they were flying there for the first time. Just a 45min flight, but still. For some reason, it was harder to say good bye to them. Jessica was a nervous wreck. So much so that she was shaking. I've never seen a person much less my own child shake out of nerves. Maybe that is what made it so much harder to let go?? With smiles and encouragement I said good bye to them. We were to wait until the plane left the ground before we left the airport. We sat, watching and waiting. It sorta just hit me, and I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. I just hate seeing them go.

They got to their dads house before we ever thought of being home, so when we did get in, the phone was ringing and thankfully Jessica had a great time, she said it was "FUUNN!!" Big relief. At least the flight back won't be so bad :o)

So, yesterday hubby went to work out, and I got in and cleaned up the kitchen. The kids usually have kitchen duty and there are things that get missed. Looks lots better in there. Bathroom is scrubbed. With just the 4 of us, things do tend to stay a bit cleaner. Just a bit mind you.

Today Sydney attended Vacation Bible School. It's the church that her best friend Laura attends (her father is preacher or youth minister there) Sydney doesn't understand what that meant as in whether or not Laura would be there. I assured her that she would be, but she wasn't holding her breath. Until we got inside and she saw her :o) Sydney told me later that hugged and hugged each other. She will attend all week this week, and then Laura and her family move on Saturday.

Geoffery and I took a trip to the bank and WalMart while Sydney was there. We picked up a few things, and the most important thing,... 4 bags of sand!!! We bought Geoffery a sandbox last year, but couldn't find sand!! So I jumped on it this year. We got back home, cleaned out the sandbox and filled it up :o) We then sat and played for 45mins in the 92 degree weather..... phew!!!

So, this begins our summer vacation. The kids are both home and inside right now, waiting for lunch. Both are anxious to head back out and play in the sand. I think I dread buying it now....... this is going to be a pretty hot summer!!! Will have to go out and play in the sand at like 8am before it's too hot LOL

Miss me??

Yeah, it's been a bit huh??? Sorry,.... not a whole lot to jabber about these days. The kids are out of school, things are a tad busy getting the older two ready for their summer with their dad. This is always a dreaded time of the year for us. I hate it the most I figure,.... suppose you could say it tends to make me feel anxious and testy.

So far this past week, we did dental apts as I am not very good about making sure they get there when they should, the oldest needs braces, so he gets the joy of having those put on hopefully as soon as he returns and before school starts. Welcome to High School, here's some braces huh? LOL Poor kid.

Our family has officially expanded.... you know those sweet lil kittens?? Yeah, they're still here :o) The little girl was named about a week ago,... Sweetie... the black n white, since he looks so much like his daddy, is Skipper Jr, but we call him Jr. I kinda like that,..... sorta Jr Earnhardt too :o) (Nascar if you dont know the name) The black boy, still dont have a name,.... half considered calling him Oscar after my kitty when I was growing up, but he just doesn't fit the name,... then thought Elvis since we are so close to Graceland and all. But I dont know, he doesn't seem like an Elvis either. So, still thinking on that one. Here are a couple pics to enjoy.... Sweetie finds any spot that's unusal and naps there.... this morning it was my purse,... I had just cleaned out all the crap so it was empty and she couldn't stand it and climbed in! LOL DH took the picture of the boys a few days ago, they're like best buds!



Lets see,..... shortly things will be looking up for the household as DH has taken a different job within his company. His job now, is mechanical engineer. Best I can explain it is that he draws programs out on the computer for how the steel will look as it gets rolled/cut. He works at a huge steel mill,.... obviously. Sadly for all the work he does, he doesn't get paid near what some of the other guys get paid,.... long story on that. Most the others in the shop get "production bonus" and the guys that actually run the lathe machines outside in the mill area get production bonus as well. You know how it is, you as a wife can say what you think about how things ought to be, but they're not going to listen to you. If he didn't make up the drawings, they'd not have a program to run the steel through..... should be worthy of production bonus. But no. So,.... he's going out to the lathe. It will be tons more money for us, and we're very excited about that part. Not to mention that right now he works 12hr days 5 days a week, and has even worked Sat for OT pay. This job will be 12hr/4day week. Four days on four days OFF. We can't wait for that either. Weekends are never long enough for us :o) The bad part of the job, is that it's much more physically challenging, it's extremely dirty and quite dangerous. So, while we're anxious for the changes we'll be able to make for our family, I do worry about the cons of the job. He worries about our relationship what with the rotating schedule. As he will work one week days 6am-6pm, and then nights 6pm-6am. I admit it will be hard, it will be a huge adjustment, but I'm not worried about our relationship in anyway. I love him so very much, and could never express my appreciation for what he does to better our lives. He doesn't WANT this job,... but we need it. So, honey if you're reading this, thank you and I love you with all my heart.

Sweet Thang.....

My little man,.... sometimes he can really brighten a day.

I was in the kitchen just now, trying to get dinner started. He came in and says "Can I have a hug?"

He'll be 5 in July. He's never asked for a hug before.

*sigh*

Days like this, I wish he would stay this little.

Updates....

Not too awful much going on here these days. The kids are counting down to the last day of school (May 25th... sorta) and I'm rather looking forward to it too. That should wear off in about a week of them being home.

I never did blog about Mother's Day. On Saturday, the girls and I went to a Garden Tea Party thrown by the Girl Scouts. We were to attend in our Sunday best. The girls were very much excited about this event. I wanted to go to please them. The thought of driving an hour away for tea didn't thrill me. However, once there, we had a really nice time. It was in an auditorium of one of the larger hospitals,.... the garden??? I don't know where that was actually. We had our picture taken at a set garden style table and chairs. I look forward to seeing how they turned out. We had finger foods and tea (or punch if that was your preference). They had door prizes and crafts for the girls as well. It really was a nice event.

When I returned home, I was pleasantly surprised with my sweet husband and oldest son cleaning the livingroom and kitchen. Nothing can make a mom happier than returning home after a couple of hours being gone, and seeing the house clean. Was really sweet :o) Later that night, oldest points out "see, we even put away the last of the groceries" (I have a bad habit of leaving a bag or two out of canned goods or jar goods to put away later.....) "Yes, I saw that.... thank you.... I should leave the house more often huh?" "No, just on the day before Mother's Day" LOL

Come Mother's Day morning, I got up to get the kids ready for church. The girls had done their projects at school, and were anxious to show them to me. I always love the writing they do. It comes from their heart,... I would like to share some of that :o)

Youngest Daughter had to do a "My Mom Is Special!" writing.... (she's in 1st grade)

My Mom is special because: She takes care of me!
I like it when my Mom: Plays with me!
My Mom can do many things! I think she's best at: Making me laghf!
My Mom has a pretty smile! I like to make her smile by: Making pikchers!
My Mom is as pretty as a: Rose
My Mom is smart! She even knows: how to count in spanish!

(yes, I did leave the misspelled words in)

Her other project was a sort of book,.... inside it's titled "My Best Mom" Inside she has written:

My best Mom smells like a rose. and I love her very much!

My best Mom hugs me a lot and I hug her too!
My Mom can play with me and I play with her! And my mom sometimes reads me a book and I read them too!

My Mom let me have my own cat and I'm happy about that!

I youstoo (used to) have a dog but we had to give it away but I still love her very much

And my best Mom loves me and I love her too!

Once they were out the door for church, I could take a few minutes to wake up all the way..... I spoke with my mom for a good while.... then the hubby and I spent the rest of the day playing WoW online :) It was a quiet nice day.

As the school year draws to an end,... things tend to get hectic. This coming weekend, on Saturday 3 of the 4 kids all have something going on. At 4am I'm to drop the oldest daughter off at the scout hut as she's going on a weekend trip with them, oldest son needs to be up to the school at I don't know yet because he can't seem to remember to bring the paper home about it... he's going on a trip with his band class to a local amusement park, and then youngest daughter is going with her brownie troop to have a manicure and pedicure and out for pizza after that. Phew!! School has their awards program on the Monday after that.... Tuesday they get out at 10:30 and Weds we have to be up to the school by I think 8:30 to get report cards and that's it,.... no more school!!

Spring time......

Means cleaning right??? Why is that??? What is it about the change of seasons that makes us want to clean house?? I mean, not that I ever really WANT to clean.... but it sorta takes over me sometimes. I set out to mop the kitchen floor this morning. This was right around 9am. It's after noon now. What have I accomplished so far???

I have swept out the entryway.... the liter box is on the other side of this area, where the laundry room is, so liter always gets onto this floor. While sweeping, I wondered about the filter for the heater,... there is a cupboard along that wall... and OMG I think the last time it was changed was... umm.... dunno... year ago??? LOL Could be more even. Anyhow, I did what I could to clean it up till I go shopping this week. I used the vacuum and cleaned out that small cupboard area too. An over achiever maybe?? I don't know.... that or just anal. Hubby would probably pick the latter..... as I am the one that put all his CD's into his larger CD case in alphabetical order after all LOL

So, between catching up on all my blogging buddies lives, and cleaning.... I've yet to actually mop the kitchen floor. No,... I'm still over achieving. I do like that better than being considered anal. Cleaned out a cupboard,.... junk in there we won't ever use.... trashed..... cleaned off a countertop. Anyone else save the little Koolaid points??? I've been doing it for years.... one year I used the points we had saved (which was a crap load) and spent them at the koolaid site, got our son a gameboy, and a few other things and used them at Christmas time!! Wow huh?? Lately, the prizes haven't been that great, yet I still save them. I can't seem to stop. I can't just throw them away... what if one day they offer a new car or house for the points???? I'd have it made. So, I've got bags of the things, they need to be clipped and I dont want to take the time (as it would probably take HOURS) to do it just yet.

Then I found my EZ Off spray. Ahhh.... I meant to do that like weeks ago!! Went ahead and sprayed the oven down with that. Then back to the countertops, and cupboards......

I have mopped the entryway.... and I have swept part of the kitchen for mopping.... I figure do it all in sections,.... one area at a time ya know???? Maybe by the time hubby gets home from work, the kitchen will be clean???? I can only hope!

Happy 14th Birthday Brian!

Yes, this is going to be a birth story, so if you're not into these sorts of things, please go to the next blog on your list :o)

Almost from the start, I was considered a high risk pregnancy. I was to and from the hospital having tests run. I was what they called ANA+ I couldn't tell you what that meant now really, but something to the effect of the baby not getting his nutrients through the cord. So, I was closely monitored. Like weekly. I had ultrasound after ultrasound, I could fill a baby book with his prebirth pictures! I had dopplers done, where it measured the fluid going through the cord,... it was all very interesting. Once they decided that his lungs were fully developed and he looked big enough, they said I would be induced. Told me to call ahead of time to see if they had a bed, and they'd put some gel stuff on my cervix "to get me started" and then probably let me go back home and wait it out. Okay,.. no problem.

Now, this was my first marriage,... he was in the Navy, and we were stationed in Hawaii. Yeah, sounds great, but I didn't really have friends, and totally no family there. This was my first pregnancy, and I was a wreck. When I showed up at the hospital as they had a bed for me,.... they put the wrist band on me, and even started an IV. When I asked "is this just for precaution or something? I was told I would go back home" "Ohh nooo,... you're going to have this baby tonight" WHAT?? I'm WHAT???? I wanted to cry,.... I wanted to be that little girl again that could curl up in Mommy's lap and have her make it all better. I was scared. I was 22, and I was about to have a baby boy. I was rather excited that this tiny baby would be in my arms soon, but I really wanted my mommy.

I was there for what seemed forever. Once they broke my water, and started the fluids with the stuff (Pitocin I think) to get labor going, I was in major pain. I thought there is NO way I can do this. They gave me demerol in the IV, and I was told I slept through the pain for 2hrs but it felt like 10mins.... when they asked if I wanted another I said no, didn't seem worth it. Finally they came in and checked me and said I could start pushing. Push?? How?? What is she talking about??? I didn't go through any birthing classes, I didn't have a clue. Not to mention I was too nervous to even consider it. The nurse was great, she explained and off to the delivery room I was wheeled. On the bed..... pretending I knew how to push. I watched the overhead lights go by, and the occasional face,.... it was almost out of body to me.

It seemed like a long birth,.... I really don't know how long we were at the hospital and when you consider the actual labor process to start,.... but we were for sure there all day.... I can remember the delivery room,.... it seemed large, and very sterile... there were like 3 medical people in there I believe. I felt very small. I was very exhausted.


May 6, 1991 at 00:26am @ 6lbs 7.3oz and 19 3/4" long, Brian was born. The relief of him finally being here, and knowing that "I did it!" was wonderful. I was sooo cold, I was shaking. When they asked if I wanted to hold him, I was too scared I would drop him, so I didn't take him. His father took him to the nursery instead. I had tore pretty bad, and spent a good while wrapped in what felt like not enough blankets, while they stitched me up.

Then I was left in the recovery room where I had to drink what seemed a gallon of water and use the bathroom before I could go into my actual room. What a process. You had your first room, labor... then delivery, then recovery and lastly the room you share with what you hope isn't someone annoying. My body felt worn out, but I was so wired.

When I finally got to my room, I was the only one there for the first day or so... it was nice. My nurse came in and told me that I had to take myself down to the nursery to get Brian. They wanted you up and moving. Well, I had already tried that, and it was very painful. I had already been taking my own Advil. When he took a look at my stitches, I was VERY swollen.... he brought me an ice pack, some motrin (he was less than pleased that I'd been taking my own stuff LOL) and went and brought Brian to me.

I managed to crawl out of the bed, and went to him, I stood there just looking for a good while,.... he was so tiny. I was really afraid I might do something wrong in picking him up. There he was though, sleeping soundly. I uncovered a hand, I wanted to see the tiny fingers.... I finally got the nerve up to pick him up and he was so warm, so soft. I loved him so much.

This child was something else. When he was tiny, I called home to mom often. He had a crying time,.... where for what seemed like MONTHS he cried at a certain time of the day,.... is he getting enough to eat?? he's not wet,... what is wrong with this kid I would cry to mom. Eventually he was fun,... he would smile often,... he was a happy baby. Always a happy baby, he loved to be held and cuddled,... I started calling him my Pookie Bear,... you know, like Garfield's little bear?? He just clung to you. He was blonde with blue eyes... he was pretty. Being in Hawaii when I was out and about with him, the Asian girls just adored him, and took his picture and wanted to hold him. I was proud. This was my son.


Once he learned how to smile, it seemed the smile never left his face


Brian is a pretty good big brother (seen here with his sister Jessica in 1994)


From as early as I can remember, he would love to pretend to play videogames, and that has yet to stop. He loves all computer and video games still. He is really very good at them too.


Brian has always been a fairly smart kid, learning the basics (colors, #'s, ABC's) at a pretty early age,.. he has proven to continue to be as smart through his school years. This is 3rd grade awards ceremony.

Today, Brian has headed off to school at a very early hour of 7:20. Normally we don't leave the house until 7:35. He is a member of a club, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and they are going to a Spring Conference. He will take a test there,... but after the kids will go out for lunch, then go to the mall and trip around. Between us and his Grandma, he's got just about $70.00 to spend. He wore nice dress slacks, white shirt and his first tie. He looked so handsome. He wasn't up for the picture idea this morning, but I will get him this afternoon when he gets home and share with all :o)

We're very proud of Brian, he's nothing but a helpful kid. We've of course had our moments with him, but seriously, he is a good kid.


Happy 14th Birthday Brian!!!

Weird dreams....

Last night was really bad for sleep. Tossed and turned, that sort of thing. However, when I did manage to fall asleep, I dreamt of my Grandma and Grandpa. Both have been gone for years. I dreamt I was at their house, with my mom, and my family. Also the three kittens. I remember seeing Grandma with our youngest, who she never knew about, I remember helping her wash dishes.... and her grumbling because one of the kittens pee'd on her carpet. I knew the kittens were upsetting her due to this, so I took them to the empty garage. They never had a garage where they lived. When I woke again,... I thought, how horrible I was for bringing the kittens to their house, as Grandpa was very allergic to pet dander.

Fell back to sleep, and there I was again dreaming weird dreams. I'm not sure where I was,... I want to say back at grandma's again though. My Uncle Johnny was there, and he was talking to me,... he asked "Before we got started, how many uncles did you have??" I said 5. Grandma had 5 boys,... so I think I was counting Uncle Johnny who is my Grandpa's son from his first marriage. Then from around the corner, my Uncle Rod walked in. I was stunned. I can still recall that feeling sitting here. I was literally in shock. Uncle Rod had passed away years ago. He was cremated and ashes sprinkled out into the ocean. Yet there he stood. Smiling. He was trying to convince me that he was who he really is. I saw my mom in the other room, watching my reaction. She seemed unsure as well. Yet, he kept talking to me,... "Sing me the song you used to sing when you were a little girl" he said. He sang a bit of it,.... something to do with chocolate or candy or something if I recall. I told him "I didn't sing when I was little, I was too shy and quiet" By this time, Mom got up and went to him, kissed him on the cheek, and walked back into the livingroom. It was like she knew then it really was him,.... but I still couldn't believe it. He followed her to the livingroom and I woke up again.

Dec 1971 - Uncle Rod and I

My mom told me of a dream she once had with my Uncle Jack in it,... he was someone I really idolized. She said that in this dream, he told her she needed to get her affairs in order. She took this to heart, and she got some paperwork type stuff together. I'm not sure what all it was, maybe a will?? but I dont think so. In any event,... what were these people from my past trying to tell me??? Why is it that I even dreamt of my Uncle? I've not really given him much thought lately. He's been gone for many years. Why didn't my Dad come to me? or my Uncle Jack?? I just think that dreams can be weird, and if it is their way of reaching out, I wish that it wasn't so cryptic.

Well, with what little sleep I got last night, I'm going to catch a catnap on the couch for awhile. Who knows, maybe I'll have another family reunion in my dreams.

Naptime!

How she managed to find a clear spot on this messy desk is beyond me!!!

Oh my children.....

My sweet kids,... oh how I love them so. Really, I do. But boy do they have their moments huh??? Okay,... cute short story first,... yesterday, I was gathering up laundry to take to the bedroom, when I came back for more,... my youngest was standing there with his arms nearly overflowing with laundry, he was helping. This just made me soooo happy and proud. Okay,... that was the sweets.....

We're drawing close to the end of yet another school year. This is the time when things get super busy with school activities and such. Tonight is the Spring Band Concert. I got lucky and Jessica's scout leader canceled the meeting tonight. Phew!! One less place to drive to tonight. I wanted to get a quick meal together, so we can all eat before leaving.

Brian was in the kitchen helping clean up and even helping out with dinner, when he asked what it was we were having,.... Caribbean Chicken with Rice,... he seemed alright with that,..... the girls venture out to see what's going on,.... by this time I've got it going, and am cleaning out the litter box (I seem to be doing a lot of that lately... yes,... the 3 furry babies are still with us.....) Brian tells them happily what we're having,.... I think Sydney said "Mmm!!" Hmm... she usually turns up her nose at it,... whatever,... but then I hear from Jessica "Nasty!" Ahhh yes,..... what every mother loves to hear from their so wonderful, sweet, smart children. My comment is usually "When you're older and can stand over the stove to cook meals w/o setting the house on fire, you can cook a nice meal for the family" I'm still waiting. I look forward to those days. In fact, in High School, my two good friends Shannon and Kelly had kitchen duty. This would include their preparing a meal for the family,.... I dont remember if this was all week, or once a week or what, but I thought (even then) how cool is that???? Might be something I try to do with these 4. I think right now, if I let them cook,... Brian would fix us Subway.... Jessica grilled cheese and soup (she's been asking for that lately) Sydney hotdogs,... Geoffery PB&J. MMMmmm Mmmm!!!!

So,.... I thought I would share with you fine adults tonights recipe. It's from a Pressure cooker we got awhile back. On the suggestion of my wonderful husband I might add, this is one of my favorite appliances,... (right next to the portable dishwasher that he practically had to beg me to let him get for us)

Hmm I hate that we can't do other colors,.... I liked that for recipes..... Anyhow, here you go!!

Caribbean Chicken with Rice

1 Tb Veg. Oil
1 Lb skinned/boned chicken, cut into 1/2inch cubes
1 1/4 C chicken broth
3 Tb lime juice
2 Tb soy sauce
1 small red pepper, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
1 small green pepper, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
1 small jalapeno pepper, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 C uncooked converted rice

Brown chicken and saute for 3-5mins or until meat is browned, stiring frequently. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and cook at High Pressure......

Please, keep in mind this is for a pressure cooker,.... I'm no chef by any means,... so you'll have to adjust for stove/oven cooking. It is really good,... and we like to add a can of drained chunk pineapple as well. Mmmm Mmm..... in fact,... it's ready now!!!

Say it with me....

Awwwwww............



They have grown up so much :o) We have really been enjoying them too, even if they forget where the litter box is from time to time, or somehow wind up underneath your feet nearly killing you as you try to not squish them, or definatly how they love to climb your legs, even when you're wearing shorts..... Yup Yup!! They're great fun!!

So, who wants one??? :o)

I'm alive and well......

Yeah, it's been awhile,..... I've been trying to keep busy with housework.... and well,... this is my other addiction. Hubby and I started playing Easter weekend. We enjoy online gaming a lot. We have played Everquest, DAoC, Star Wars Galaxies, Everquest II and now World of Warcraft. I've been enjoying it probably far too much,.... hubby even said as much today :o)

For those of you that aren't up on the online gaming world, the only way I can explain it is, it's like having a whole other life in a world not your own. In SWG, we had several characters, we had professions in which we provided things for other players, we even opened up a big store! It was very complex for a game. You hunt/gather and throw parties or attend parties. All in the comfort of your own home!! It's really nice for us, what with 4 kids we don't get out much, so this is something we both enjoy doing together.

Anyhow, if I'm not in that world, then I'm in the real one, trying to get things done around here. Today I bathed all 4 of the kitties. The kittens are about ready to go to new homes, and it's really a sad thought. I can't get over how much of a real family they are. I mean the mom, dad and babies. Mom and Dad play and clean them, you'll find them sleeping together, it's really like watching a real family. I never expected that Skipper especially would be like he is. Granted, I've never had a family of cats before. It makes us sad to think we're going to break that up. Sheba especially won't be happy. She's constantly calling to them, looking for them,.... and still feeding them from time to time. Sigh. I'll have to snap a few new pictures of them. They really have grown.

Not too much has gone on of late,... just puttering.... kids are all happy and healthy. Counting down till the last day of school. May 25th. The weather has been gorgeous, so no complaints here :o)

Be well all!! Will post kitty pics soon!!!

Umm......

First,... read this.....

and then answer me this.....

HOW COULD YOU NOT KNOW THIS WAS IN YOUR NOSE??????

Breakfast

I wish I had the link from yesterday's deal on MSN, something about chocolate being GOOD for you. See,.... brownies and milk ARE a good for you breakfast!!! At least I sure hope that's the case, as I've already eaten 2 of them.

Better hurry over now if you want some,..... they're still warm,... and still some in the pan :o) But bring your own milk, we're about out :o) Among other things, I am a milk-aholic.

We need scratch and sniff blogs huh? Whole house smells like brownies :o) Ahhhhh.... wish I could share with you!

Remember when......

Your Grandma would tell you that breathing in Pam would put you at risk for cancer?? I do.

I was just in the kitchen fixing up some brownies. I need a fix. I was spraying the Pam into the baking sheet, and inhaled..... not on purpose!! I started hacking and coughing and found myself standing in Grandma's kitchen, hearing her talking to Mom about the various things that could cause cancer,... inhaling Pam was one of them.

Of course, thinking about that, reminded me of all the trips we made to Grandmas and Grandpas. I thought I would share who these wonderful people were.


George and Elsie Harrison, guessing 1980's

My Grandpa would often make the long 3hr trip to see us and the rest of the family. He did this because Grandma missed her boys. She had 5 of them. They most times stayed with us for the duration of the stay, sometimes a weekend at my Uncles house. I loved their visits. Grandpa from the first visit when I was tiny until his last visit as he was too old to make the drive, would always bring those little boxes of animal crackers. Grandma would tell us later how they'd be on the drive, and he would say "oh, we need to stop! I forgot the animal crackers!" He would also bring me Ghiradelli Flick's candy,.... I dont know if they make those anymore, but I LOVED them!! They came in a tube, and they were like a Hershey's Kiss, only a bit flatter.... they were like gold to me. The pretty foil tube they came in, to the rich creamy chocolate goodness inside.

I'm quite sure I was Grandpa's favorite. Which is kinda ironic to me now,.... but that would be another story for another date. He just always made me feel special. I vaguely remember a time we were in a store, I was looking at a book,.... it was part of a generic encyclopedia or something, it was book A. I was looking at the pictures quite intently I guess,.... needless to say, he bought me the book, and I THINK I still have it tucked away somewhere.

Grandma gave me my love for baking. I find I don't do as much of it now as I used to,... I really should. She used to bake breads and cakes and you name it!! Going to visit them was always like walking into a buffet. She would have quite the spread out,.... depending upon the time of day, it might be sandwiches, chips, other snack type foods,.... or roast with the fixings and always always cookies, and cakes. By the time we got there, we were usually starving!!! Grandma loved to cook, and she was wonderful at it too. She taught me many things growing up, but that is the one thing that I remember best.

Sometimes Grandma and Grandpa would spend Christmas with us. I used to love nothing more than getting up early in the morning, tiptoe out to the tree to see what Santa brought, and having Grandma there usually awake, anxious to see us kids and be just as excited about what we had under the tree as we were.

I could go on and on about Grandma and Grandpa,.... they had a huge impact on my life growing up. From the summers we would visit them, the weeks out of the summer I would stay with them, to the visits they made to see us that were so special.

They're both gone now, they did get to see the oldest of our kids,... Brian. I'm quite sure Grandma saw Jessica, 2nd born. She saw pictures and knew of Sydney's birth, but missed out on Geoffery. Grandma for one would have been very pleased to see that we had such a large and happy family. I only hope that when I'm older, and I have Grandkids, that I can give them memories that my Grandma and Grandpa gave to me.

Joke of the night....

My mom always sends me pretty good ones,.... I thought this was pretty cute :o)


REDNECK

An Irishman in a wheelchair entered a restaurant one afternoon and asked the waitress for a cup of coffee. The Irishman looked across the restaurant and asked, "Is that Jesus sitting over there?" The waitress nodded "yes," so the Irishman told her to give Jesus a cup of coffee on him.

The next patron to come in was an Englishman with a hunched back. He shuffled over to a booth, painfully sat down, and asked the waitress for a cup of hot tea. He also glanced across the restaurant and asked, "Is that Jesus over there?" The waitress nodded, so the Englishman said to give Jesus a cup of hot tea, "My treat."

The third patron to come into the restaurant was a Redneck on crutches. He hobbled over to a booth, sat down and hollered, "Hey there, sweet thang. How's about gettin' me a cold glass of Coke!" He, too, looked across the restaurant and asked, "Is that God's boy over there?" The waitress once more nodded, so the Redneck said to give Jesus a cold glass of Coke, "On my bill."

As Jesus got up to leave, he passed by the Irishman, touched him and said, "For your kindness, you are healed." The Irishman felt the strength come back into his legs, got up, and danced a jig out the door.

Jesus also passed by the Englishman, touched him and said, "For your kindness, you are healed." The Englishman felt his back straightening up, and he raised his hands, praised the Lord and did a series of back flips out the door. Then Jesus walked towards the Redneck.

The Redneck jumped up and yelled, " Don't touch me....... I'm drawin' Disability !"

The things kids say.....

I have been puttering around the house cleaning this and that, trying to keep up on laundry, that sort of thing.

The weather the last couple of days has been so pretty. Warm with a nice breeze. Reminds me a lot of CA growing up. I remember those nice days in the backyard swinging on the tree swing Dad made for me. The big walnut tree's thick branch would wave around and around the higher I went. The smell of Spring, the warm sun on my face. Yup, those were the days. Life was simple as a kid wasn't it???

I headed to get the kids from school, ran into the P.O. to check the mail, and I swear I could smell my Grandma's perfume!! Our town is small,.... I think we achieved the 3,000 population last census. It does seem that the majority of the townspeople are all older though. I love the way smells can trigger memories. Put me back in Oroville, CA. My Grandparents lived on Bird Street, and I have many a fond memory of the long 3 hr drive to Grandma's house. How I would walk up to the corner store with a dollar or two to buy a 1/2 gallon of milk and an icecream bar for Grandma and I. Those weeks over the summer I would stay behind as Mom, Dad and my brother would leave for home. I would help Grandma clean and listen to Grandpa's stories. I would watch All My Children as Grandma would snore in her recliner. Yup, fond memories for sure!!

Well, got to the school,.... got Sydney first today. She and I always have nice little chats in the truck while we wait for Jessica and Brian to come out of class. Today it was about her substitute teacher. Her regular teacher was out ill a few days last week, and she really missed her. The substitute was off a ways, and she pointed her out to me,.... said that was who she had when her teacher was ill. She then went on to tell me that this substitute said she was poor and needed money. Huh??? I had to laugh. "She did, she said she was poor and needed money" she tells me again. "Did she tell you this was why she was teaching??" "Yeah" Ahhh okay. Might not have been the best thing to tell students,....as we all know they're going to be eager to report such findings to their parents,.... but it does give us parents something to giggle about.

New Neighbors.....

We have some new neighbors, right next door. I haven't a clue as to who they are, as I really don't care. This morning though, I was tempted REALLY tempted to care a bit more. Especially at 6am when the moron was outside nailing into something. Waking up to carpentry at 6AM is VERY annoying. You just have to wonder what this person was thinking. DH was also quite tempted to go have a talk with him. Anyhow, the noise stopped at 6:30. We both snuck out of the bed to use the bathroom and crawled back in as two of the kids were up already. If they see us, we're just screwed.

I dozed a bit,... but the occasional dog barking, loud truck starting really was keeping me from a deep sleep. I had given up, and just laid there snug against my honey. Around 8am, the phone rang. Of course. LOL It was my MIL, asking DH down for breakfast as his sister was there this weekend. She had called last night, said they'd skip church today, and how we could sleep in.... I guess 8am is sleeping in??? Not that it mattered, our new neighbor by this time was mowing his small yard. His yard and our bedroom window are just feet from each other. There wasn't any going back to sleep for DH or myself even if we tried.

I hope this isn't the start of something for our Sunday. I hope that it turns around to be a good day. Sometimes hard to keep from being bitchy with a rude awakening like that. I will try hard to chill out and enjoy the sunny day. Nascar is in Bristol, TN today, should be a great race as Bristol is one of the best. DH is going to order Wrestlemania on PPV tonight, and I'm planning on a nice steak dinner for us :o) I think it will turn out to be a wonderful day!!!

April Fool's Day!!

First thing for the day,... I ask that you pop over to California Hammonds sometime today and give him a hand with his commentathon. This is the one year anniversary of his wife's death. She passed away after a long fight with breast cancer. Here is a quote from his site:

Our Commentathon Fundraiser begins at 12:01 a.m. PST (U.S.) and ends at midnight on April 1. For fundraising purposes, please make your comments on the post dated April 1 below (though comments are welcome everywhere). For every comment made—no more than one to a customer, please—our donors have pledged differing amounts of money; I have pledged $1000, a dollar for each of the first 1000 comments, and another $500 for comments 1001-1500. Others have pledged $500 for comments 50 through 1000. Etc. We need to get at least 1500 comments in order to achieve all pledges.

All donations will be going to the Nat'l Breast Cancer Foundation This is of course a terrific cause, and thank you for helping out!

April Fool's Day.... how many of you participate in the fun of telling someone a total lie only to laugh in their face and say APRIL FOOL'S!!! I plan a few days ahead for this event. I love to tease the kids. I'm so mean huh??? This morning's was perfect. The kids are at the point where it's getting so close to Summer they can taste it. They are tired of getting up early to do the dreaded go to school routine. This morning, I go into the girls room and say "Sydney!! Wake up!!! it SNOWED last night!!! NO SCHOOL!!" Well, I was rather surprised, as Jessica jumped up and looked out the window.... "really???" she says..... "well LOOK!!" Hoping that Sydney too would get up and look..... she looked again, turns to me with a look of 'what has mom been smoking' and I smiled and say "APRIL FOOL'S!!!" It went over really well..... she started CRYING!!! Sheesh!!!!! I didn't expect THAT!! LOL Anyhow, I lightened the mood with "what good April Fool's can you play on your friends today???" Since I didn't really get Sydney, I have to think of another,.... and Brian's a tough one too. Just glad that they enjoy playing along. Hubby and I were thinking last night that Sydney actually got me last year. She would try and try "there's a spider crawling on your head" that sort of thing,..... wonder if she'll try again this year :) I hope so, she has such a great imagination :)

Happy April Fool's Day to you!!

Take a guess....

Can you guess the cup size????



Now, before I give you the answer,.... I do have a gripe. While shopping today, I was wandering around in the unmentionables,... thought how nice it would be to find a cute bra/panty set,... something girlie ya know? I found several cute things, however not in my size. I find this very annoying. I'll just say that I'm a 36A and I guess this is very uncommon or something. I found lots of 34A's,.... why not 36's??? I don't understand it at all. So, I came home skunked in that area. I guess I should resort to online shopping?? LOL Oh well. Better luck next time right???

I suppose I'll give you the answer now....... :o)









How cute is this??? :o) My Mom sent me this in an email sometime ago, and I thought all the mom's would appreciate it :o)

Good Grief

Last night we had quite the thunderstorm! It came blowing through at over 45mph, bringing heavy rain, thunder and lightning. Oh, and lets not forget the hail! It really was something that's for sure!

The power had flickered a few times, shut off a couple times to come back on again a second or so later. Finally it was calm and quiet.

The kids were already in bed, we were vegging out watching some tv, and went to bed around 11pm.

This morning, DH wakes me, saying how we forgot to reset the clocks, so the alarm obviously wasn't going to go off. I looked at my watch, it was already 6:30! Crap. I need to help him out of the house and get the kids up and going too. Gathered up his lunch and what not, and then woke the kids and got their cereal ready.

DH came out to get his stuff and go, and I saw the time. It wasn't 6:30, it was 5:30!!! OMG!!!! These poor kids. They'll be dead tired tonight huh? LOL I felt like an idiot. What I get for looking at the time before I was totally awake LOL I hate when that happens!!!

At least they're nearly ready for school, they will probably have a good 1/2 hr to just sit and watch some tv before leaving LOL Oh well. Gotta find the bright side in there somewhere right????

Squirrels.....

Does anyone know much about the critters??? I've been dinking around online looking for some sort of information, but nothing yet.

My questions are:


Do they mate for life??
Do they carry their young around like cats do kittens?

Why am I asking??? You're probably thinking a kids school report?? Nah. This morning, I'm driving up our street, I'm right at our yard, and I see something out of the corner of my eye.... it looked like a deformed squirrel.

Pulled into the drive and had to go investigate. I'm like that when it comes to nature and odd things like this. What was wrong with this squirrel?? Did it have 2 heads???? I saw it head across the street, and it was carrying another squirrel in it's mouth. It seemed too big to be a baby, but maybe I'm wrong??? I wondered, if it was a mate, and something happened to it, would it carry it away???? I wished I had had my camera to snap a couple of pictures, because it was really odd.

Okay, back to my squirrel search!!

***I have found a couple of interesting facts,.... the first being of a more serious note,.... I'm still not sure what/why that squirrel would be carrying another in it's mouth, so more updates are sure to come!***

A female squirrel will choose the strongest male during mating season, but is unlikely to breed with that male again. This is natures way of reducing inbreeding, and to preserve the species.

The squirrel's erratic path while crossing a street is an attempt to confuse the oncoming vehicle... thereby causing it to change direction. This is obliviously the squirrels biggest, and often last mistake.

A day late but.......

Where did the day go?????

That was the title of the post I attempted to post like 3xs yesterday. I swear Blogger sure can suck ass.

Anyhow, yesterday, ALL the kids were in school. Geoffery had been home Monday, as his teachers had meetings or something like that. So, I was home ALONE!! Ahhhh.... a quiet house.

Now, yesterdays initial post was rather amusing if I might say so myself,... sorry that it got lost in the Blogger shuffle. I will try and recap, but not so sure it will be as interesting or funny.

I had to return to Headstart at 9 for a meeting. To find out how Geoffery was doing and what all. He is doing great, he's at his age level and will be more than ready for Kindergarten this Fall. Yay!!! Sigh. My baby is growing up.

Once back home, (I had already read my favorite blogs, and under the power of suggestion from Ms Mac) I stripped my bed and got the sheets and all into the washer. Had a bit of a chat with the hubby, then determined I was, to put the entertainment unit together for our oldest son. The one he had was literally falling apart,.... so, I headed into his room. Sigh. It wasn't exactly clean. I looked at the old unit cluttered with junk. Bleh. I found his "20 Questions" toy, and thought I would try to trick it. It's a really cool toy,... you think of something, be it a book, coffee mug, lamp, whatever, and then it will ask you 20 questions (duh!) So, I thought first of a book,.... too easy,... then a lamp... easy again.... so fine,... this time I'm trying harder!! I thought of a rainbow. Wouldn't you know it, that stupid toy got it right????? tossed it aside and dug into the cleaning up and assembling.

I was moving along great,.... following the instructions, one piece at a time so to be sure and get it all done properly and efficiently. "Insert this here, put that there.... connect A to D...." Yup moving along fine. Then I was looking at it, and was trying to figure out why it didn't look like the diagram on the paper. So, it ended up being "remove A from D and figure out where E went and where the Hell do I put D??" Yup yup, I was becoming frustrated. I think I started this thing around noon or so,.... thinking I would be done by 1 to watch Days of Our Lives.... ha! It was around 2 when I finished. Sigh. At least it's done right???? It looks so much nicer too. The shelves are big enough that he can put 2 game systems on one shelf!! I like that a lot too. Much more organized and if he keeps it clean (yeah right!) it will really look like a small livingroom for him :o) I think that's pretty nice for a 13yr old kid. Impressed yet again with my knowledge of handling a drill and piecing things together without throwing anything or swearing too much, I stood back and admired my work.

I cleaned up the tools and mess, and had enough time to snarf down a sandwich and another short chat with the hubby :o) Then it was time to get the kids from school. Where did the day go???? What happened to my quiet time??? I totally missed out. That period of the day where you can just sit and enjoy the quiet. Then the kids are home, someone's always hollering about something, or whining at each other for something, it's trying to get dinner started and running someone to scouts,..... phew..... I was sure looking forward to 8pm bedtime for the kids by the time hubby was home and we'd eaten dinner. Just need that bit of quiet to unwind ya know???

Today has been much better,... I got the last of the laundry washed, some of it put away,.... goofed around online,..... chat with the hubby.... pretty relaxing. That's good too, as tomorrow is grocery day!!! Yay me!!!!

Lets hope Blogger lets this one through, or I will possibly scream.

Back to School...

The kids returned to school yesterday, minus Geoffery. He will return today. I dread it terribly. He SOO loves to just be home with all of his stuff and his mommy. Should be fun. NOT.

Had a decent Spring Break, although the weather was crap for most the time. Figures. Then this week its going to be super nice! Yesterday it was in the 70's. Just a beautiful day.

DH got all weird on me Sunday and we spent the morning shaving his head. He is totally bald..... and I helped? :o) LOL He just had to do it just once. I don't much like it, but I'm slowly getting used to it. 'Cept for times when I glance down the hall and see this flash of white go by,.... startled me one time last night. Poor head does need a good tan :o) I'm not sure if it's going to stay this way for long or not.

So, back to school, back to working on cleaning up the house and what not. I did get the laundry all caught up yesterday, but I still have mounds of it to put away. Since it's getting warmer, I am wondering if I should pull the cold weather stuff out of the drawers now, or give it a bit longer..... hmm..... never can tell with our weather.

Good Friday

Good Morning! I don't know what is up with Blogger, but my option to change the font color has poofed, and I can't get it back. Hmm.... so boring black for now.

Had a fairly busy day yesterday, running around getting groceries and Easter goodies for the kiddos. I always think back to Easter as a kid. My Mom was an awesome Easter Basket builder. She would find the neatest candies, or small toy type things to put in our baskets. It was always exciting to search for the basket Easter morning.

One morning, I was around 13. My brother is 7 yrs younger. He and I were searching through the house for our baskets. He found his, and I finally "gave up". My mind was turning,.... "Maybe Mom thinks I'm too old now???" I felt hurt, sad, and frustrated. I knew better than that! I knew Mom wouldn't do that to me. I would half look while I was busy getting ready for church. Mom and Dad finally got up, and Mom ooo'd and awww'd at my brothers basket of goodies (the Easter Bunny brought it of course!) and she turned to me and said "Where is yours at???" I don't know if it showed on my face or not, but I could feel my insides just LIGHT UP!! Full of excitement. Easter Bunny DID bring me one!!!!! Eventually I found it, I believe it was in the clothes hamper or in the shower, I don't recall which. But that is one of my most memorable Easters :o)

My Mother In Law kept the kids for me yesterday so I could not only get the groceries we needed, but the Easter stuff as well. I got home, unloaded the groceries and started putting baskets together. Something a lot of candy companies are doing now is putting a bag together with odds n ends in toys, with a few bags of candy. You just dump it into the basket of your choice. I really like that, it enables you to add more without tearing through the pre done basket.

I always try to recreate the Easters like I had with my kids. Do the Easter Basket hiding thing, later the Egg Hunt,.... as a kid we didn't go to church all the time, but when we did, it was the Finnish/Lutheran church in Berkeley. Half the sermon would be in Finnish, the other in English. My Grandma went to this church, so my Dad did as well.... all of us kids were baptized there. It was a small quaint church, no fuss no frills. My cousins and I would tease each other, giggle non stop to the point that Aunts and Uncles would glare (even during the Finnish part, which seemed only the old people understood anyhow) or they would put themselves between us. Once the sermons were done, we would all eat a big lunch. I remember most the women would be in the kitchen cooking up a storm. By the time the sermon was over, the back table would be covered in food. Those were some wonderful Easters.

The kids will attend church with my inlaws, they attend most every Sunday. It's not Finnish/Lutheran, so thankfully they can understand the whole sermon! They'll probably have a big lunch with their Grams and Pa, and come home for an Egg Hunt if the weather permits. It will be a very nice relaxing weekend!! I hope yours is the same!!! Happy Easter!!!