Hanging in there...

I had really hoped that I could keep up with my blog through school. But that's proving to be a challenge with everything else I'm doing.  I know, school and housewife,... rough.  But lately there are days I come home and am just so exhausted!  I'm still enjoying school though.  I'm constantly looking forward towards graduation.

Yesterday we had a girl graduate.  She was a prior nail tech.  She had gone through the nail tech program, and worked for a solid year, then returned for cosmetology school.  Crazy huh?? I was sorry to see her go.  She was really sweet, and so very helpful! I had hoped to pick her brain even more so while I had the chance.  

Also yesterday,... I did my first full set of tips on a CLIENT.  It's one thing to do them on another student, but a client is to me a true test.  I've done a couple sets on students,... however, the two I've done them on, don't even TRY to take care of them.  Put them on Saturday afternoon, but Tuesday they've pulled them all off.  Bleh.  

So, this gal that came in, was getting the WORKS! she wanted pedicure, manicure, hair colored and high lighted!!!  While they put the color on her hair, I did her pedicure,... then got set up for her tips.  Did the cuticle care and such,... got the tips sized,... took a break and got food.  Returned and started prepping her nails for the tips.  I screwed up a few times on steps,... but quickly corrected.  I wasn't sure about 2 of the nails, but the rest looked really good.  I had a couple comments by girls that would walk by, saying they looked really good.  One compliment was from an instructor :o) Made me feel good.  The client wasn't able to get her highlights done yesterday, so will return this morning.  She was happy with her nails when she left, I can only hope she'll still be happy when she returns today.  I told her I didn't mind constructive criticism and that if she had any problems to tell me so I can fix it.  We'll see how that goes huh??

Had a GREAT weekend this past weekend.  Got home from school Friday afternoon and opened the kitchen door (leads to the garage) and this big cloud of garlic wrapped around me :o) Mmmmm!!! Cousin CC was over fixing us dinner!!! We had so much fun!!!! Jessica helped cook, when Gina and family showed up Hannah helped out too.  Seemed I had to run an errand or something? but I can't recall for sure.  It did seem I got out of a LOT of helping LOL  CC stayed the night that night,... got to sleep in Sydney's bed since Sydney was staying the night with a friend and going to a fair the next day.  I got up to go to school,... house was pretty quiet,... did what I had to do and left.  When I got home,.... we were missing 2 more kids.  Jessica and her friend went to town to see a movie.  I was SOOO worried about that.  Her friend had been driving on a permit for a long time, and now had her license.  Her friend is a good girl, but I was still paranoia momma.  They both had a good time though :o) I'm glad they were able to go and do something fun like that.  I had Jessica text me at every stop and when she was back to her friends for the night.  Geoffery had gone with his Grams to the chili cook off in town,.... and later he called asking to stay the night!!! So,... we were kid free.  At least until after 5pm when Sydney would return.  Hubby and I ran to the gas station,... he was dying for a coffee Monster... then we went to Subway and got dinner for he and I and Sydney.  Went back home and vegged watching some tv.  I enjoyed that day a lot :o)  Then CC came over later,... with a present for Jessica!!! She had asked prior,... but wanted to get her a new mattress because the one she had sucked.  It was something I had hoped to buy for her once I was working,.. but this was SO SO sweet of Aunt C.  She got a queen, so it's larger than her box spring and all LOL We all flopped down on it to try it out :o) OMG so much nicer!!!!!  We made it up and hoped that Jess wouldn't notice right away.  Later we watched a movie and LAUGHED our butts off.  Bridesmaids was the movie.  Totally awesome!!!  Watched some LA Ink on Netflix,... then I went to bed around midnight.  That's LATE for me.  Sunday I was up by 7 and had the dogs outside,.... CC again stayed the night, and tried out Jessica's new bed :o) LOL  She said it slept GREAT!!!! She remade the bed sloppily so that it looked sorta like before,... I couldn't WAIT for Jess to come home and see and try it out too!!!

CC was up about 7:30ish and headed to Gina's by 8am.  We had plans to go to the drag strip in Paragould.  I woke Chris at 9:30 who forgot we were even going ROFL  He got up and got ready and we waited on Geoff to get home and had him ready,... then took off for Gina's and headed over to the strip.  They had a car show going on, plus the drag strip was pretty active.  Was a fun fun day :o)  Came home and cleaned up a bit .... even had a short cat nap before everyone came over and we grilled up some burgers for dinner and watched the race.  Err.... Gina and CC grilled up the burgers for us,... I was booted out of my kitchen!!! LOL

All in all it was a very busy and FUN weekend.  Not sure what's in store for this weekend,... but am hoping the weather holds out and we can grill for Sunday at least!!!

Best shove off and get a little more study time in, I've got a test today.  Last 3 tests I've aced!! I hope to do the same this test.

Another day,.... another dollar,.....

So,... I have completed my first month of school now.  It's been going very well.  I'm still very excited about it.  I look forward to going and learning and DOING.  I want to be the BEST I can be with this.  I really hope to do very well once I have my license.  Am just really excited to be working!

I think since I've gotten to the floor,... (as of Aug 31st per Facebook status) I have probably made roughly $30 in tips.  I think that's pretty good considering it's a school, and most of the clients that come in are on a fixed income.  More times than not, I get tipped $1.  Hey, it's a dollar more than I had before right??? Not to mention, dollars add up!!!  And then the kids take them away *sigh*

I can't even begin to count how many pedicures I've done.  Way more than manicures.  Although, from an already licensed nail tech, she said that she'd much rather do pedicures than mani's because you get more for them.  Good point!!!  I don't mind either though.  I've really gotten used to doing pedicures though.  I actually did one on the already nail tech and she gave me an 8/10.  I liked that :o)  I'll be sad when she leaves,... which is this month some time.  I hope to pick her brain more before then.  She's given me a lot of advice.

Yesterday was rather *grrr*  Because too many were not doing anything Friday or Saturday, they started a "daily assignment".  The daily assignment must be done if you have no clients,... must be done before you do anything on each other.  Well, being that I'm part time, I don't have a lot of free time to do what we have to do for our monthly sheets too!!  After we got out of class, it was just after 10am.  I got started on the assignment, and by the time I finished and had it checked it was 12:30.  Enough time to snarf down my lunch and get ready for my 1pm client.  Once I was done with the client, I had to beat feet outta there!!!  It was already after 2pm.

The good thing though is that this assignment is basically what I will do for the practical board exam, when I go to get my license.  Everything we're doing, is what I will do there.  So, the more I do this at school, the better I will be for the final exam.  I guess that is a good thing,... just that I still have like 5 more pedicures to get finished along with a ton of manicures before the end of the month.

Another GRR moment was when a client wanted to borrow a polish of mine,.... and the girl that sits beside me was doing her pedicure.  I had a NEW polish,.... hardly used.... and she spilled it all over the client and the floor.  Grrr.  I was so pissed.  *deep breath*  I will be very happy to be graduated that's for sure.  I can't stand unprofessional people.  We are in a business,... put your professional personality on please!?!  Dang.  BUT I am in a school of mostly 18yr old girls.  Oh the dramas.  

YESTERDAY :o) Was my 14th Wedding Anniversary!!!  FOURTEEN YEARS!! :o) I've now doubled my prior marriage time.  It just really makes me excited, and happy.  I can look back,... sure I remember a few icky times,... but ya know,... the GREAT times far out weigh those.  I have a beautiful happy family, a husband that is my best friend.  He takes such great care of us,... of ME.  I am very fortunate.  *sigh* makes me all emotional just thinking about it all.  

I've got a lovely cold, so sadly our evening together wasn't spectacular,... but we were home, together.  Sure beats the fact that he could've been working nights!! That would've sucked.  I hope to make it up to him this weekend,... I know we'll go to dinner Saturday night,... looking forward to that :o) But I look forward to some quality time Sunday as well.  

Anyhow, I need to go get my lunch ready for today.  Run the dogs outside,... all that fun stuff.

Happy Anniversary to US!!

My first week of school!

I have completed day 3 of manicurist school! Yay me!!!

Day one: it was rather ick.  I was extremely nervous that morning, I couldn't even begin to think of eating breakfast!  I worried about getting the kids to school on time and ME to school on time, I worried about hubby being home alone without me and having to deal with the puppy.... I worried that I wouldn't know what the heck to do when I got there,... all the little things LOL  The drive over I was anxious,.... slow drivers, road work, etc.  I thought for sure I'd be late.  You've gotta be there by 8:30!!

Well, I was there right about 8:15! I was very proud of myself.  I went in, and found out what to do,... go into the office, sign in, get your time card and punch in.  Then wait until 8:30 and we'd have roll call.  I think that's odd, roll call considering you all just signed in???? Go figure.  Anyhow, after we did that, I learned that myself and one other girl started same day who is also a nail tech.  The other 4 girls that started same day are cosmo girls.  

Myself, and the other new girl, and a girl who's been there 2 weeks already went into a smaller office with our instructor.  It was kinda hectic as she was having to answer the phone as well as teach.  We just did book work.  It was all pretty basic, a lot of easy stuff like bacteria and infection control.  Science kinda things.  I like science!!!  We took a short 10min break, by then I was hungry and went ahead and ate what little bit of lunch I fixed,... then we went into another area, all the new folks, and had orientation.  We reviewed a lot of stuff you get when you enroll, and some other things.  Then we got our kit.  THAT was fun!! It was like Christmas.  All the goodies we got :o) Big black bag full.  China Glaze polishes and nice manicure kit, etc etc.  We had to check off to make sure we had everything.  By then it was time for me to go home.  I felt a bit overwhelmed but I did have a good day.  I survived!!!!

Day Two: Pretty much the same deal,... got there early enough to talk to the owner, and asked about reworking my contract to part time only and about the payments since Nucor will cover most all the fees.  I remembered to sign in and clock in,.... I can't tell you the last time I had to clock into a building!!! Waited for 8:30 to go into the classroom area for roll call.  Then went into the little office for more book work.  I then found out that I had a test the next day!!!! TEST???? GAH!!!!!  I can't tell you the last time I had to take a TEST!!! *EEK*  Then we went into the room where we had orientation, desks, and work areas to practice.  We were shown how to set up a manicure table, and then the new girl and I both did manicures on each other!! Yay!! I got to touch a real person!! I couldn't wait to tell the girls because both of them had asked me after my first day of school if I did any manicures LOL  I did a french manicure on her,.... and it was awkward at first, especially filing,... but I think I'll get the hang of that part okay.  Her nails turned out decent enough,... so I couldn't complain for my first attempt LOL  

I got home that afternoon, couldn't wait to let the puppies out as they'd been in kennels from 7:15 - 3:45ish I guess it was.  Surprisingly Phoebe did GREAT!!! No messes!!! I had NO idea that a puppy this young could hold out that long.  She's been so wonderful! Just love her to bits!!! The other two are still very jealous :o\  I hope it doesn't take long, then we'll see them running around playing together.  I already had dinner cooking in the slow cooker so I was able to sit down and play with the dogs and get a few things done around the house.  I swear though, these EARLY hours are killing me.  I was sooooo tired!!! But I worked on studying some,... as much as I could.  But by I think 9:30 I was ready to fall into bed.  So, that's what we did.


Day four:  Test day!! EEK!!! I hope I do well.  Was up bright and early with hubby again, got myself ready to go,.... and was to school in plenty of time that I sat down and went over a few things in my book just to refresh my brain again.  I was very tired, but anxious to get this test taken.  We ALL went into the classroom area and took our test.  I thought it might be multiple choice or something, but it wasn't.  More like fill in the blank and explain stuff.  Once we were done and handed it in, we sat and waited for her to grade it and tell us our grade.  Those that did really well, she said out loud.  Those that didn't she called to her.  I guess one of my answers had her in question, so she borrowed my book to double check it,... then she called me up there :o\  Great, first test and I do crappy.  I head up there, a bit nervous at what I'm going to see.  Out of 15 problems, I missed 3.  I had a 90%!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!! I passed!!! You've gotta have a 75% or better.  If you score lower, you pay $5 to retake the test.  Yup yup, I was a very happy camper :o) WOOOOHOOO!!!  I don't really remember what we did after testing.  Think we did manicures.  The cosmo girls had to work on them and all,.... so we taught them what to do more or less.  It was a great day!!! 

 

Well sadly,... I got distracted or interrupted or something and never did get to finish this post. So,... I'm going to end it with saying that I've been going to school nearly a whole month now.  Sept 16th will be a month.  I'm still enjoying it too.  I've had some interesting clients as I'm now on the floor!!! I was very nervous the first few clients.  I think I'm doing better now though.  Since I've moved to the floor, I've made a whole $20 in tips!!

 

Well,... it's that time, gotta get out of here for another day. Until next post!!!

Have a great week!
 

Last Summer Friday.....

Yup, today is IT.  The very last Friday of Summer 2011!! Wow.  Hard to believe that the kids will be returning this Monday for a whole new year.  I'll have one in 5th, 8th and 11th!! Crazy!!!

I think we're all ready.  I've got most all the school supplies I know they need, and think they WILL need.  I never know exactly what the older 2 need until they come home from their first day of school.  That's always nice. (not really)

Cousin did Sydney's hair for her the other day! She looks so pretty!!! It's not AS blonde as it looks, but it's pretty blonde!!! She LOVES it,... especially all the layers! Oh and she's got a few feathers in her hair too,... that's the latest hair trend for girls these days.

Sydney's new look

She's anxious for school to start, I'd say she's really missed her friends.  It's so hard to get together with friends during the summer.  If we're not doing something, then the friend is.  She's spent the last week of summer going to school to practice for band.  She's enjoyed the week that's for sure.  Today they get to go to the movies after practice.  Nice way to finish off the week!

Jessica has been slowly reading her English assignment and doing the work for it.  I think (hope!) she's about done.  The joys of taking an AP English class is that you get summer work.  Bleh.  At least the book wasn't HORRIBLE.  There were SOME good parts to it she said.  

Awww cute girls!

 We've been slowly gearing up to our school routine.  Going to bed earlier, getting up earlier.  I know that it's still going to be horrible come Monday.  Sydney's been up by 7am all this week, but after I get home from taking her to the school, is when I wake Jessica and Geoffery.  Lately, Geoff has been up when I get home, which is good although, he's not happy about it.  This morning I told him he needed to go eat.  At 8am he said he was NOT hungry.  Um.  Monday, it will be like 6:30am, so you'd best go eat.  Yeah, gonna be a rough week ahead for sure!!!  

Geoff and Phoebe playing

 It's been a lot of fun having a new "baby" in the house.  I have forgotten how demanding they are LOL  I almost look forward to naptime too!! She really is something else.  Funny and sweet and well, all the wonderful puppy stuff!!!  Yes, we've had some accidents in the house, but really for the most part, she does very well.  Helps that I'm quick to run her outside after she wakes from her nap.  She held her bladder all night last night, so that's a plus too.  I guess I worry about her when I start school and she's kenneled for the day when no one's home.  That will be an adjustment for her for sure.

She thinks this big tote full of yarn is a great place to nap

 Ares and Xena still don't know what to make of her, I've yet to really get any pictures of them together.  They sort of try and play with her, but at the same time, they want to keep away from her.  Xena is very jealous,... that won't ever change.  She's jealous if I give a kid too much attention in her line of sight LOL Ares, he wants to play,.... not with the toy you're trying to play with with HIM, he wants the toy that you're playing with, with Phoebe.  Goofy dogs.  I look forward to when Phoebe's a bit older and they will all play together.  I know Ares will LOVE it.  He's way more playful with toys and things than Xena is.  

Spoiled, pretty Xena

 When Phoebe sleeps, she sleeps so hard that you can put her in various poses! It's really funny.  Her whole body just goes limp.  I had fun messing with her the other day....

I'm trying to sleep here!

Modesty? I haz it?

 All in all it's been a pretty good week.  Busy at home, getting things ready for next week.  Hubby's been working nights all week, and will work Saturday night as well.  That pretty much sucks because when he's off, we'll all be going to school.  Kids return Monday, I start Tuesday.  Should be a very interesting adjustment to say the least.

I will leave you with one last puppy pic! This is probably my favorite.  I plan to mow soon, so had to make sure I got one of these.  She LOVES to roll around and hide in the tall grass.  Her coloring and the green of the grass, nice contrast I think!!  She's not fond of outside really.  Especially if it's hot.  We have to walk her out into the yard just so she has to run back to the porch.  Usually during that run, she will stop to potty LOL  Spoiled girl.  If we're out awhile, and it's hot, she will cry to go inside!!  She had enough of our high heat indexes and all to last her a long while it would seem.

Off to finish up laundry! Have a great weekend!!!

Sweet Phoebe

Catheters

Mmhmmm, a very weird title isn't it? But I had to blog this before I forgot.  Youngest, Geoffery ordered a video game from Game Stop.  Needless to say he's counting down the days until it arrives.  We're not even sure when that will be honestly.  I pray soon.

A commercial came on tv.  Catheters.  You know the one, have them shipped directly to the privacy of your home.  He pipes in saying that he has 2 things that are better than catheters.  I said you do??? Yeah,... one will be here prolly Weds he says,... mmmhmm... you don't even know what a catheter is do you???  "Nooo."  So, I explained as simply as I could.  It's a small thin plastic tube that some people need to go to the bathroom.  He gave me a look that said "huh?"  so I said, it goes inside of them.  With a disgusted face he says "Ughhhhh,.. yeah, my 2 things are way better than a catheter!"

What's the other thing you ask????  Let me show you!

Phoebe George - Border Collie 6 weeks old

 

 

 This sweet little girl is all mine!!!! isn't she lovely??? Sunday afternoon, we had my wonderful cousin and her family over for Nascar-fest.  She fixed us an AWESOME lasagna!! we had bread and a OMG wonderful peach shortcake she made from scratch with fresh peaches!!! Was a terrific meal.  I was stuffed for the rest of the night!!  Good stuff.

So, while kicking back, watching the Pocono race, Gina and I both on our smart phones surfing around,... especially Facebooking.  She came across a deal for "Yard Sales" in local areas.  Someone had posted the sell of 3 border collie pups.  1 girl, and 2 boys.  $100!!!  Holy cow!!! I've wanted a border collie for a LONG time.  But I didn't want to get one due to the fact that we don't have a fenced yard.  $100?????  *SIGH*  We don't NEEEED another dog,.... do we? 

Well, after short discussion,... hubby sayin to call,... I figured it wouldn't hurt to try??? Chances are, at that price they were gone anyhow.  The picture posted, they were really cute! I called,... and they still had all 3 of them!  NOW WHAT??  Well, I got details,... the fella was really nice,... told me how he'd bred them in the past but got out of it when he was having chemo treatment.  Recently started breeding again.  Said they were pure bred, didn't have papers because no one around there really cared one way or the other about that.  BUT said for $25 more, he could get them for me if I wanted.  HECK YEAH!! I mean,... "Honey???? are you suuurreeee???"  Well,... I told the guy I would call him back, needed to make sure I was sure too.  

Cousin was telling me "don't forget you're starting school,... " lots going on, kids in school, me going to school, hubby's weird hours.  BUT I'd be out of school by the time she really gets crazy active.  I think this will work out okay!?  The other BUT is will I even LIKE her when I see her???  

I made a HUGE mistake when we got Ares.  I love the lil guy, but he sure is a handful sometimes.  He's larger than your average yorkie,... when I picked him up at the breeder house, and cradled him,... he HATED it!!! his larger brother didn't mind, but he was HUGE! *sigh* I felt bad, the family needed the money, and they told us the papers hadn't arrived yet, they would send them out to me.  We paid them, took Ares home,.... and never did get papers.  I didn't want to make the same mistakes again.

Cradling is something I'd learned from some breeders when I lived in Hawaii.  If you can cradle a puppy and they don't mind it, that's the puppy to get.  It always seems to work.  Xena is a great example.  Smart and focused when you're working with her.  She really listens.  Ares?? Hahahahaha!!! Not so much.  

Anyhow, long story short, I drug cousin along with me,... we made the hour drive in what seemed like no time flat :o) The folks were super nice!! Got to meet puppy's momma and step sister and I think an aunt? I dunno.  All of the females were pretty and smart!  The puppies???? CUTE!!!!!!

I scooped the lil girl up, cradled her and she just laid there in my arms like a baby.  Mmmm so sweet.  Perfect little face, loved her markings.  The boys were all over the place chewing on our feet and all.  I sat down in the grass and let them all climb on me and just enjoyed :o) I watched the lil girl as she watched her momma run around, and her brothers.  She likes to sit and watch a lot.  Too cute!!!  I couldn't wait to bring her home!!  The kids had NO clue what I was up to.

Already spoiled!

I pulled into the garage, and the kitchen door opened,.... I hid her as I didn't know who it was.  It was my honey.  He got to see her :o) But, sadly she was outdoors,... so she was flea ridden! Poor thing.  I wanted her in the sink ASAP so the other animals didn't get em.  Holding her close, I was rooting around for flea shampoo and honey was asking the kids if they wanted to meet Phoebe.  Sydney says "I don't know what a Phoebe IS...."  LOL  Well, Hannah comes around and I turn slowly.... and she *GASP!* "a puppy!!??"  LOL  I turned more and Sydney saw "Ohhhhh it's so cuuutteee,.... it would be even cuter if it were OURS"  ".... it IS" I said LOL  Her eyes about popped out of her head.  Jess came in and it was the same thing.  It was too funny.

Playing in her new yard, with her new daddy

We all had fun outside with her,... watching her romp around.  Coming from being outside all these weeks, when it's been soooo terribly hot, she favors being inside now LOL Didn't take long for her to get spoiled.  I took her out today, and she cried.  Found that funny.  She's been super good.  Only a couple indoor accidents.  I've gotten good at the whole eat sleep outside routine with pups.  Hopefully it won't take her long to get housebroke.

I'm really looking forward to watching her grow up.  They say Border Collies are the smartest breed out there.  "They need a job to do..." Like hubby said, need to buy her a frisbee! I can't wait to do that.  LOVE LOVE watching agility trials and such,... not that I will get into that,... but the whole frisbee thing I would love to do :o)

Yup yup, our new baby.  What do Xena and Ares think??? Well,... they're not too sure.  Right now Ares just wants to play and doesn't understand when we're playing with her why we don't throw the toy for HIM lol Xena is jealous of anyone that tries to hog any attention away from her.  I can't even snuggle up to hubby w/o her getting in the middle LOL  

Xena says "It's picture time?"

They'll both warm up to her eventually.  The cats don't care one way or another really.  They had fun watching her, trying to figure out what the heck she was,.... but it's kinda old news now.  They stay away but aren't running to hide.  I think once she's a little bigger, Ares and she will be fast friends and playmates. 

Well,... in other news.  This is the last week of summer break! Wow huh?? It's sure flown.  The kids will start school the 15th and I start the 16th.  

We're up early this week though, Sydney has marching band practice *yawn* so I should head to bed.  Getting up at even 7am is killer right now.

Night night!!!

Tax Free Shopping!

For the very first time in Arkansas, we had Tax Free Shopping!! It ran from yesterday morning until late this evening.  My cousin and I with kids in tow headed out at 7:30 and went and did our school clothes shopping.  We got everything we needed and were done by 10am! We wandered a little bit after that, but by the time we loaded up in the car to head home, the mall was beginning to get crowded.  Hubby had Sydney with him as she had piano lessons that morning.  He said he was cussing me when he got to the mall to pick up her shoes, that he had to park out in BFE! ROFL Ooops.  Sorry honey!!  But he wasn't there long after we'd headed home, so just shows how busy it really got!

I'm set to start manicuring school Aug. 16th and am very excited about that.  I still need to get one or two more pairs of scrubs though.  I'll be going PT, from 8:30am - 2pm.  Should take about 22 weeks to complete the course.  Great news is that hubby's company will be reimbursing us for most all the tuition fees!! Awesome!!  I'm really looking forward to getting through with it all and start making us some extra money.  I hope that I'm good enough that people flock from all over to have their nails done by me :o)  

Going to have some lasagna today, have family over and enjoy Nascar.  I suppose I should get off my lazy rear and get some housework done.

Have a great day!

I should be cleaning.....

But who REALLY wants to DO that???  I know I don't.  

I need to get the house ship shape though, as Jessica will be having a friend here for a week,... I'll be waking the summer time sleepy heads to help out shortly too.  They'll totally love me for that!  

So, yes, friend coming in from Wisconsin, they've been online friends for probably 3 years now? and are very excited to see each other in person.  They do skype a lot which is really neat.  I hope to keep them pretty well occupied with going and doing.  

Geoffery's 11th Bday is Tues, July 5th.  In the morning, he and Jessica both have dental cleanings! Yay! Happy Birthday Geoff LOL  After that, I think we will take the kids to IHOP for breakfast.  Geoff can eat his weight in pancakes, and with all the fun ones they have, he's sure to be very happy about that.

Not too much else been going on.  I guess I should get up off my rear and do something :o)

Hope you're having a lovely summer!!!

Nothing new....

Good Morning!

It's still 11am so I can actually say that.  I've been up awhile,... hubby was back to work this morning.  I didn't bother falling back into bed as I wanted to fix the kids a nice breakfast.  I found this awesome french toast casserole recipe and tried it out when daughter had a friend for the night.  Needless to say, it was a big hit!!  To me, it's almost like a bread pudding.  VERY yummy!!  I thought maybe cousin would bring her two over this morning before she went to work.  However, yesterday afternoon we had some severe weather, which included a tornado just outside her house!!! Thankfully no major damage was done, but there are still power outages all over the place.  Ours was out for about 2 1/2 hours yesterday.  She didn't know if the salon had power this morning and whether or not her early client would show or not,... so things got jumbled up.  No worries,... I bet Sydney will eat the whole pan by herself ROFL

The weekend was pretty nice.  Quiet.  Friday morning hubby got off work,.... slept most the morning and into the afternoon.  I took youngest to see cousin for a major haircut! He was lookin pretty shaggy.  When I got home, hubby was up.  I grilled us up some burgers for dinner,... they were bigger than the bun!! YUM!!!  Rest of the night was quiet, hubby was still pretty tired, he slept.... I goofed online.

Saturday morning was piano,... took Sydney for that, ran in/out of Target for coffee and GameStop for an EQ2 card.  Back home to grill us a nice dinner of chicken with baked beans and a HUGE salad that oldest fixed.  I was STUFFED to the max.  Chris was enjoying a glass of wine and decided he had to share with his cousin and took off to go see him.  So, I watched some tv and played online.  Until my stomach rebelled against all the food I'd eaten.  I read for a good hour, and considered falling into bed, but just before 10pm hubby returned and we watched a show then I fell into bed.

Sunday morning, was pretty sleepy as hubby couldn't sleep that night.  He was up and down and up and down,... bleh.  I had been smelling something early in the morning hours,.... even got up around midnight and sprayed some Oust! spray hoping it would help.  Is our septic having issues I wondered??? Hmmmm... toilet flushed okay.... *shrug*  When I came out of the bedroom, could smell it more.... okay.... started cleaning, looking through potatoes or anything that might be out and spoiled,... I couldn't pin point the smell.  Cleaned out the inside fridge, then headed to the garage fridge,.... opened that door and *WHAM* stink!!!! Maybe hubby hit a skunk on his way home???  Smelled like something had died though.  Geoff said it smelled like hamburgers,.. Sydney said it just smelled funny.  The fact that they could smell it, meant it WAS something.  So, I opened the garage door to air things out.  Once hubby was up I asked him about it, he said he could smell it last night too when he got home.  Hmm..... 

Gina and family were coming over so I was finishing up the housework, got a shower, and went to scrub the grill off.  We had a MAJOR sandstorm blow through Saturday night while grilling the chicken,.... plus the bbq sauce that gets all over the sides of the grill was getting gross.  I was washing it off,... when I noticed two things,.... the 2 far right burners were turned in the ON position,... I didn't even USE those burners Saturday night,.... another thought was check the tank.  It was open.  I was in a hurry to get outta the wind/sand Saturday night I grabbed the plate of chicken and dashed inside the house.  Before hubby left, he put the grill away for me.  He didn't think to turn the tank off, because I usually do that before leaving the grill.  So, THAT and the burners left ON,... #1. we had no propane to grill with #2.  THAT'S where the stink was coming from!!!!  #3.  Hubby smokes.  Usually in the garage.  Had he done that Saturday evening,.... well... Kaboom! So, we both agreed that whoever puts the grill away, needs to double check the tank.... ALWAYS.

Hubby was home yesterday, we laid low, didn't do a whole lot.  I finished my book *sigh* I always hate that,... hate having to wait for the next one too.  Although, rumor has it, it should be out next month! I can't wait!!!  I've also got Sookie Stackhouse to read,.... and a couple others,... but I do enjoy reading one after the other :o)

Today, I think most everything I wanted to get done is done... might throw in a load of laundry, but we'll see.  I should go out and weed through my sunflowers, and move some around as they're bunched up on one side.  That sounds too much like work though..... maybe later.  Oh, I do need to run hubby's truck to get some gas and get our new atm/debit cards activated,.... prolly see if Dollar General has hubby's Monster drinks,...  yup yup busy busy ;o)

Guess I'll get off here and run those errands real fast!!  Hope y'all have a great day!!!

Hello June....

Yeah, I really am a suck ass blogger.

School is now over for the year.  Kids did pretty well grade wise.  I'm peeved about the whole benchmark exam that we have to have here.  Our school (and I'm sure other schools as well) focus so hard on that stupid exam that it seems they lack on actual school work.  Geoff has a super hard time with math.  I hope one day that a light comes on and he just "gets it".  Until then we struggle through with him.  Benchmark exam they said he scored proficient which is great,.... but why does he have an F on his report card???? *sigh*  Other than that he did great.  Very proud of all 3 kids.  Hard to believe next year I will have a 5th, 8th and 11th grader!!!

In other news,.... I know I jabbered about going back to school and doing nursing.  After talking with a gal that is going through the program herself, I realized that it's going to take me more than 2 years to get through it all.  I will have to do the pre-prerequisites for the classes I would need for nursing.  That sucks.  

So,... going back to my original plan when my cousin moved here.  Nail school.  I will go to school and get a license to do nails!! I'm really excited about it.  I've always had a thing about my nails, enjoy cleaning them up and making them look nice.  I still remember mom getting me a little bag filled with fun nail goodies.  I was maybe 12.  When she would sit in the living room doing her nails, I would do mine too.  Our hope is that once Gina really builds up a clientele then we can open a salon together!! So, we'll see.  I hope that I can start this school sometime late July or early August.  Be done around Dec or so.  I really like the idea of setting my own schedule and being my own boss.  This way when hubby is home, and we want to make plans, I can arrange that.  Rather than having to make sure I can get time off.  

Yup yup, that's the plan now and I'm sticking to this one :o)  I'll keep you posted!!

Summer is near!

Happy Mother's Day a day late!!

I had a lovely day.  Honey had to work nights,... but he showed up Sunday morning with a dozen red roses, a beautiful card and DONUTS! "Yeah, you can come in" I said :o) Was really sweet, and the perfect start to the morning for sure!  I was putting the roses into water and getting hubby's food heated up when Geoff came out to bring me his present!  He made something in art class.  I could hardly wait!  I'll have to enclose a picture later,... but ummm it's pretty? LOL  It fits in the palm of my hand,... will serve well to sit on my night stand and hold my rings or things.  The bag was all decorated nicely and he made a card as well.  Very sweet :o)  He couldn't wait to give it to me, so that made it even more special. I then went and crawled into bed with hubby and slept for a good hour or so more!!

My girls on the other hand,..... Jess came out around 11:30 or so, I got a hug and a "Happy Mother's Day" from her,.... Brian called and we talked for about a half hour which was really nice,... Sydney..... well, I had been in and out of her room periodically,.... no "Happy Mother's Day" or hugs or anything,... I told her that she could clean her room for me :o) THAT would be an amazing gift!!! ".... I would rather draw" she said.  Hmm... I never got said drawing either.  It wasn't until later that she finally wished me a Happy Mother's Day.  BAH.  KIDS.  :o)

Really though, my day was very nice.  I did ONE load of laundry,.... so that I was sure the kids would have clean jeans to wear to school in the morning.  I read and read and read..... I grilled some chops and chicken breasts,.... the weather was GORGEOUS!!! So hubby had a nice meal before he had to go to work.   The girls and I had grilled chicken salads,.... Geoff used up the leftover bacon for a sandwich.  The rest of the day I spent reading more,... watched a little tv,.... 

So, last week (or week before last?) I updated my resume and went to the clinic here and turned one in,... still need to turn one in to the school, but now,... I'm not going to bother.  When I turned the one into the clinic, the office manager came up and spoke with me.... really nice gal.  She said "aww I need a nurse"  *groan*

When Brian was about to graduate, I had the notion to start school and become a nurse.  BUT after thinking what it would cost to send Brian,... I knew we'd not be able to send ME too.  So, I tossed that whole plan out the door.  Last night watching tv, I was watching a sweet commercial,.... I thought it was going to be for St Judes,... but it was a Johnson & Johnson commercial for nursing.  At the end it showed a link for nursing.  I went and checked it out, and there are LOTS of links for more information.  Plus some for scholarships!  

I read through nearly all the 32 pages of available scholarships,.... and quickly saw that the biggest thing is that you need to be enrolled in school.  I went to the ANC site and checked out the program,... but still yet, where do I start???  Do I need history? english? all those silly prerequisites??? Texting with hubby about it the whole while, we both said "call tomorrow".  I was very excited about this whole prospect.  If we can set the money aside so I can take 2 classes come fall, we can get it reimbursed from his work, and I can take 2 more in winter!! Just had to know where to start is all.  I could hardly sleep last night as I was thinking so much about this.  I'm very excited :o)

I called this morning, spoke with a really bubbly girl.  Gave me all the information I needed.  I do have to have a couple classes before I can start the nursing program.  A math and a chemistry class.  2 classes!!! Then I THINK I need to have or be taking the anatomy/physiology class prior to the actual nursing program.  I am gearing up to start in the fall.  I need to get a study guide for the Compass exam,... entrance exam for the college,.... GAH.  I looked at an online practice and I sucked hard.  I hate math :o(  I will have to really study up this summer,.... go take that test and get ready for the 2 classes I have to have.  Or more if they require it.  

In any event,.. that's my plan.  The gal is sending me out a packet this week,... should have it next week and I can look it over and go from there.  

In other news,... there are like 3 weeks left of school.  The kids can't hardly wait.  All 3 have colds,... or are getting over a cold.  Geoff's is lingering.  He tries to fake cough and whine about his throat hurting,... last night he asked if we could go to the Dr LOL  He just wants to stay home and play on his computer.  Don't we all???

 I think June 2nd is the actual last day of school,... so we're all counting down!!!!

Well,.... I guess that's all for now! Have a great day!

It's Me Again....

Wow, seems it's been awhile hasn't it???  I don't know that there's a whole lot to report, but in any event, I thought it was high time for an update on things.  

Everyone is doing quite well.  School is going pretty good.  I always have my gripes about things, but with the gov't involved, I don't see that there's a whole lot anyone can do.  I calculated that I will be 50 yrs old when Geoff graduates.  So, yeah, just 8 more years of the crap we put up with.  

Lets see, Brian is still living with his dad,.... he's still working "hard" to find a job,.... at least I can only assume he is.  He tosses around the idea of moving to CA and living with Uncle Aaron, but I think he's a bit scared to make such a big move.  We'll see how that all plays out.  

Jessica spent Spring Break in TX with her dad, it started out rough but ended up pretty good.  She's looking forward to returning for Summer if she's not got a job by then.  She's half halfheartedly looking.  There aren't many opportunities here in town, so don't know that she'll actually get anything anytime soon.  She's doing very well in school, very proud of her.  Some things she could try harder in, as I am very hopeful that she will get a good scholarship all on her own when graduation time nears. 

Sydney is involved in a few things.  She is in band in school, which she loves,... playing the flute,..... then she's taking piano lessons.  We do that every Saturday.  Weds after school she takes an art class with her principle up at the school.  I guess before he ever became principle, he was an art teacher.  She really enjoys his class since they actually DO art, compared to her art class during school hours.  Go figure huh???  I look forward to the art show they'll have at the end of the year :o)  She'll be playing piano for nearly a year this summer!! She really does well there too.  I enjoy listening to her practice.  Then Weds evenings she's been attending a Pentecostal church with some friends.  I like that she's able to explore other religions and maybe pick one that she feels best with later on in life.  Her grades are surprisingly good this year, I just hope that next year will be the same as she would like to take some PreAP classes.  Those are significantly harder, and I'm not sure if she can pick and choose which to be in.  I think it's all or nothing,.... so I have to look into that for her.

Geoffery is his same happy self.  Enjoying Pokemon, and Star Wars, and video games in general.  Also loves to read!! This makes me very happy.  He's read and re-read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books a few times now,.... and now he's working on some Judy Blume books!! I remember those :o)  His grades are so so,.... always has a hard time with math,... but this last report card seems social studies as well.  Just have to keep hounding him and working with him, and we'll see how it goes come the end of the year.  Other than that, he's doing really well.  

Chris is working hard,... he took 8 days off,.... (4 vacation days wrapped in with 4 off days) we didn't do much, but that's okay.  Got to lounge around and relax and enjoy some quiet afternoons together.  We started a "no carb" diet on 3/31.  It's going okay.  I would just like to lose 15 lbs if at all possible.  From what Gina said, it's like 10 lbs in 2 weeks.  So, maybe 3 weeks and I'll be where I wanna be???  I do miss carbs though.  But it's JUST 3 weeks right????? :o)  

I've been playing Everquest 2,.... keeping with the house, kids, etc.  Nothing else major I suppose.  Rather looking forward to summer break when we're not up at the crack of dawn and can be extra lazy :o)  Really hoping we can manage to get a pool again, as we had so much fun with the one we had before.  Guess we'll see :o)

Anyhow, I suppose that's about it for here.  

Have a good one!!!