A Daily Dose in Life

Working Out is Fun to Do... Sing it with me now!

2011-01-25T21:17:00.002-06:00

Remember that old song Breaking Up is Hard to Do? I sing it a different way.. Cause I have found that "Working out is fun to do!". I would have never thought that going to a gym and taking excercise classes could be so much fun. I have taken 3 classes in the last 7 days and had fun in them all. Maybe it was the company of a couple of friends from work or the class itself but it has been fun, painful but fun. I have taken Zumba, Body Pump and Body Combat. Body Combat is fun it is like boxing with an imaginary oponent and getting your ass kicked by them only to act like a winner at the end! Hilarious I am sure to the casual observer, but fun none the less. Zumba is crazy fun and I like it too, it reminds me of dance practice and how hard a time I had then learning the routine, but now I don't care and can laugh about my screw ups. Body pump is weight lifting and is fun because I am the biggest wimp in the class and have to use the lightest weights, but again with age comes a wonderful new feeling. I don't care what anyone else thinks, I am just having a good time and getting some exercise in the meantime! So far so good! "Working out is fun to do!" Sing it with me!

I'm Back!

2011-01-23T08:56:00.002-06:00

I am back at it. We will see if I can keep it up. I have been super busy... I started walking every day, lost 16 pounds, stopped walking everyday due to inclimate weather, laziness, a trip, my birthday, Christmas, New Years, life in general... oh this list of excuses could go on and on forever my friends.

So, I joined the local gym this week and took two classes, walked four miles on the treadmill and introduced my kids to the joy of having fun in a contained area. I am proud of myself for joining on a Tuesday and actually making it there Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! Wohoo! But my arms are killing me and my butt is sore. I am trying to loose the last 17 pounds on my list. I sure hope I can!

Resolutions are dumb! They never work and you make yourself miserable trying to achieve them so I don't make them. Instead I focus my energy on making me happy. So, I am working on my body and it may kill me or make me stronger both mentally and physically. I will let you know how that works.

Refreshed

2010-09-16T15:36:00.003-05:00

Lately, I have been feeling kind of stressed. Life is ever changing but when you start to notice these changes I think it really gets you in the gut. Nothing leaves you more refreshed than talking to one of your oldest friends and giggling like teenage girls! I need to call her more often so I can get a good giggle in! We are all changing daily but when the changes make you so tired that you feel depleted of all your inner energy you definitely needed a refreshing change of pace. I know that I have to make some drastic changes for myself. I see that my great ability to procrastinate is rubbing off on my kids. I don't want them to struggle so the procrastination on my part has to stop!

I am trying to get myself going again. I think I have taken some time off from being me, cause it has been difficult being me. I have to take some time to get back to me! Wish me luck! I need to be refreshed!

Still Tellin' It Like It Is!

2010-08-17T19:28:00.002-05:00

So, today I had finally had it and let it out. I told F.A. a.k.a. Fatal Attraction what I wanted her to know I thought. I told her that when I am speaking to her she needs to look at me. Because, when an adult speaks to you, you respect them by acknowledging them and looking at them. I also told her I never said I didn't like her and I would appreciate if she would knock that off. You don't create drama where there is no drama.

I have been very careful not to say I don't like her to anyone who might repeat it. I wouldn't say I didn't like her either. I just think she suffers from lack of respect for authority and is a needy, whiney child. I, on the other hand, am a feisty adult who has no fear of public speaking of the mind. Sometimes it is inappropriate and most times it is the truth.

I also told her that this is my home and if she wants to be in it she will respect my house rules. I told her and my oldest child that I didn't appreciate the covert behavior of the previous day and that honesty is always the best policy. She showed up at the mall while we were there shopping for oldest child's school clothes and he asked to leave with her, in the mean time he had asked if he could go with her and all I mentioned was the fact that he had asked me the night before to take him shopping. I had arranged to get his money out of the bank and took time from my day to take him. Instead of telling me he would rather go with Fatal he said okay well let's go. It was truly the most ackward and weird moment. I told him and her that it pissed me off that they went behind my back to arrange this chance meeting when all they had to do was be honest. I was ticked to say the least.

I also stated the facts... I am and will always be oldest childs mother and I am not going anywhere. I also made it clear that I am not telling him he can't see her but there are limits. They keep proving over and over how untrustworthy they are... I let her know that she and I are not friends, I have those already and they are my age, and that she is just oldest kids girlfriend, not mine! If you know me you know I can't stand whiny, helpless women, and I think oldes kid has found one. I wonder when that will get old?? She is controlling too, when will that get old? Hopefully soon cause I don't know how many times I can keep tellin' it like it is!

Fatal Attraction Reenactment Happening Now...

2010-08-09T23:10:00.002-05:00

So, I don't have a parenting guide. I don't know the rules of engagement when it comes to battling an obsessed teenage girl. But I do know that I am a force to be reckoned with and that I am not going down easy. This girl is weaving her way into controlling my son... but I am not going to tread lightly around this. He doesn't see it, of course, he is male. I got a text message from the previously mentioned teenage girl... let me type it clearly for you...

Have you thought about checking out parent taught drivers ed. It is only 20 dollars if they still have it. I am not trying to butt in and I know you are the Mom but with his football and stuff it would make it a lot easier.

I have changed the spelling errors but other than that this is what I got while at work today.... SERIOUSLY!!!!!!! (yes, I am yelling that!)

I fear for my dogs as they may become victims of a boiling pot of hot water on my stove at this childs hands! Save me Baby Jesus! I couldn't believe it. He told me the other day in a heated debate over being late that she was researching cell phone plans for him. I told him "Once you give someone control over even a minor detail of your life, they will continue to crave more and will not be satisfied until they have complete and utter control. Be very wary of those who are overly helpful when you are perfectly capable of doing something like this on your own and should be." I told him that he needs to do things for himself so he can learn how to do them correctly and independently. He claims he doesn't want anyone telling him what to do but his actions scream the total opposite. I said, "the next thing you will hear is I did this for you and that for you, you should do this for me!" He said, "I already hear that from her." I know! Totally send shivers down my spine.

On Facebook she calls him her husband... UHH, last time I checked he wasn't married and if they are married he needs to move out!!! She went through his cell phone in the presence of my husband and asked him who the girls were on his phone.... OH MY!!!! What happened to trust and a little personal privacy. I have been married for 8 years and I could care less who is on my husbands cell phone. But then again, I trust him and do not want to boil his mother's dog in a pot in her house, on her stove. NOPE, not gonna do that one.

I need help... anyone got any ideas on how to end the FATAL ATTRACTION going on around here? (yes, I shouted FATAL ATTRACTION)

Just Some Stuff

2010-07-16T12:40:00.003-05:00

Is anyone else tired of the Mel Gibson thing? I sure am! Isn't it obvious he has a problem with either alcohol again or mental illness? Isn't it obvious this woman is exploiting his issues for her benefit? Okay, then move on. Make friends with the fact that things aren't always black and white, there is always some gray areas in between. Once you are friends you can acknowledge it and move on. Mel needs help, Oksana needs help, we all need a little help!

I have been busy working on updating my 6 year old home. Repainting and repainting... it goes on and on. Next house will have no walls and be smaller!!! Just kidding, it will have to have some walls. We need to replace our carpet with flooring of some kind but I am not sure what. I like all the hardwood options out there but not sure what our final choices will be. We don't plan on living in this house that much longer so a huge investment is not something we want to put into this joker right now.

The kids are almost all ready to return to school. We have some clothes shopping and a couple more supplies to buy but mostly we are ready. Okay, I am ready. Them, not so much!

I have enjoyed watching my soap operas again. They are so much fun to watch and it brings me back to my high school days of watching Guiding Light. I have been painting in the afternoon near the TV just to make sure I don't miss too much. I find myself with a roller in hand paused and not painting at all. I wonder why it is taking me so long to finish...hmmm....????

Restaurant gift cards are awesome teacher gifts! My kids and I have enjoyed lunches and dinners for the past week for free thanks to my wonderful and generous parents! It is a blessing on the days I have painted or done lawn work and just don't have the energy to think of a meal much less cook! I encourage everyone to give the gift of food to all your kids teachers. They gotta eat right?

I wonder why my shorts are tight?

Summer!

2010-06-30T08:42:00.002-05:00

I love summer for so many reasons. The first is the fact we don't have to rush around in the morning to go anywhere! I think that is the most wonderful part of summer. All school year we rush to get ready and out the door and off to school and work. During the summer we have fresh made pancakes, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit and yogurt for breakfast. Cereal is not the staple breakfast during the summer. I have time to plan dinners, make bread, make pizza dough, walk dogs, play with the kids and spend time with my family. I can clean without feeling as though it is rushed. I love summer for all these things and more. The only problem with summer is that it eventually comes to an end and we are back to being rushed out the door!

Dear Mr.!

2010-05-31T11:11:00.002-05:00

Dear Mr. Mid-Life Crisis,

I am writing you this letter to inform you that your neighbors understand this is a tough time in your life, but we would rather not go along for the ride. I understand you bought a new toy, but roaring the engine at 6:45 a.m. on a holiday is not a great idea. Go for your bike ride but don't wake the neighbors. I am sure you love the feel of the breeze through your entirely white hair while wearing your favorite Harley t-shirt with your riding boots pressed firmly on the gas, but the noise at that time in the a.m. is a little disturbing to your non-riding neighbors. Harley On Dude, just quietly.

Your wife is entirely too crazy! She screamed at your neighbor one afternoon while they were walking their dog claiming said dog peed on her van. Gravity would not allow this to happen in the first place and secondly the dog is 25 pounds and 12 inches from the ground. His leg doesn't go that high. Last but not least pee is yellow and wet not gray and dry! She also screams at the top of her lungs in the front yard at your children while wearing a terry bathrobe and slippers at 4 p.m. on most days. It frightens other small children in the neighborhood. Could you make her aware?

On trash day could you please make sure all the liquor and wine bottle remain in the recycle bin? They litter the sidewalk and road as they overflow into the street most days. We think this might be why your wife appears in her bathrobe most afternoons... not sure but could be a reason. But either way it is a pain to pick them up when you do not.

And one last note before I end this letter.... Please refrain from mowing your lawn without a shirt. Moobs are not attractive, neither is your pastey white beer belly. We understand it gets extremely warm while out there cutting the grass but you are no longer 17. I understand the 17 year old boy a few houses down does the same job sans shirt but he is 17, with a permanent tan and does not have moobs. He also asks his mom permission to mow the lawn sans shirt!

We are glad you all are renters and hope the lease ends soon. 'Cause maybe then they will fix your broken beat up garage door and paint the house two colors instead of the three it is right now.

Sincerely,

Your Neighbors

Is it really May?

2010-05-03T16:24:00.002-05:00

This first few months of the year have flown by. We have been busy being sick, getting better, dealing with family drama not of our making and teenage boy garbage! My oldest has a job, finally! He is a lifeguard at a local waterpark. I am so glad as he needed to get one desperately just to get his feet wet. He is on track to graduate next year and I am hopeful he will do that with no issues. He thinks in his naive teenage mind that as soon as he graduates he will be moving out. As much as I wish this would be the case I know if he doesn't have a plan right now it is not gonna happen!

My middle child has been having issues of her own since she had a the stomach bug two times in less than a month, she is super paranoid about any stomach cramps or issues and has a mini panic attack. It is scary to watch. But it seems to be getting better. Now she is having issues with girls at school and that hasn't helped her nerves much either.

My youngest was complained about by a parent of another child in his class only to find out this child was telling my child he couldn't be in his club unless he did certain things. Bullying is a big deal and complaining about something that we aren't sure of or don't have all the facts is really the case is not a good idea.

I am winding down my school year and I am really looking forward to the summer. I cannot wait to have a break!

Other than all this stuff we are surviving and doing pretty good. But, I cannot believe it is May!

New Stage

2010-01-26T16:12:00.003-06:00

I am going through some new stage in my life right now. One where I don't really care about too much and I feel less than thrilled by lot's of things. I don't know how to explain it but I guess it is in part because I feel like so many people complain about so many things that are unimportant. The fact that many remain homeless, without jobs, food and basic necessities to have a normal and healthy existance. It is overwhelming to me to know that so many go without and yet some complain about minor things. I appreciate what I have and hope to continue to appreciate it. I just wonder why some can't see how truly lucky they are... There is so much out there in the world that is unpleasant. I have been trying to look at the positives in everything and it is difficult, but I am trying ever so hard to continue to do so.

2009 Highlights

2010-01-02T18:38:00.002-06:00

In 2009 I

Got the flu
Got a passport
Went to Costa Rica
My brother visited from Germany
Got a new car, and then another new car to replace the new car I bought
Went to Vegas for my birthday
Saw Dave Matthews for my birthday
Held hands with a giant red M&M on my birthday
Got invited to go on a trip to Nassau
Had crazy relatives with major issues move to close by
Took care of someone else's teenager for awhile.
Got phone calls from said teenager at 2 in the morning
Teenager moved into my home for awhile
Thanksgiving was filled with drama
Christmas was calmer
Spent New Years Eve on the couch with a cold

Other than that my 2009 was super boring!

Life seems to be an uphill climb...

2010-01-01T17:40:00.003-06:00

Life is an uphill climb and lately God has taken away the steps that make it easier to get up the hill. We have had children or a child that doesn't belong to us in our home on and off for the last 6 months. Finally, the end was in site with this child leaving today! I have my house, my computer, my refrigerator and bathrooms back! There are no short cuts in life, at least not that I have found that work out for the best. We climb and climb until finally we find our way to the end of the path. Each choice we make in life seems to bring us either to the steep side of the trail, the steps to the future or to our end. I am trying to believe that the child that lived in my home for the last 6 weeks will make the right choice and follow the path that keeps said child safe from harm. But I fear that this child, who is not entirely blameless, will choose the path that will lead to a life less than stellar, less than wholesome, less than safe and all too self destructive. I firmly believe we live what we know. When you are treated as a throwaway item your entire life it is difficult to overcome. But many others have done it so it can be done. It is the belief that you can climb whatever mountain, steep incline or trail in life is what truly matters. God, I ask you to help this child as they enter a new phase in life. Guide them with Your hand of goodness and help them choose the right path that leads to happiness and self fulfillment. We pray that Your grace will guide her...

I am angry at this child's parents for their lack of guidance, self absorbtion and utter lack of parenting. I am angry that my family had to endure the last 6 months and watch this stupidity. I am angry that I didn't say what I thought right away... but I was trying to keep the peace. I am letting go of that anger now and will focus all my energy on myself, my family, my house and this wonderful new year that is laid out in front of me. 2010, please be good to us. We are looking forward to our climb this year... it can only get better from here and I know there will be stepping stones to guide us.

Let Me Tell You Something...

2009-11-09T14:29:00.002-06:00

Let me tell you something. Don't go trick-or -treating with a drunk person...
in your neighborhood... and let them chat with your neighbors...as they are dressed up as something you thought was normal attire and they say is a costume...with your Mom who is visiting from out of town... who also has not seen said drunk person in a few years... who also is shocked by their actions and appearance...

Let me tell you something... Don't Do It!

I Took A Break

2009-11-03T15:42:00.002-06:00

I took a break from blogging... just didn't have much time on my hands or much to say.

Since I took my break....

School Started
My brother visited from Germany
My mom surprised them and arrived during their visit
My oldest turned 17
My husband surprised me with a trip to Vegas for my birthday in December
My husband splurged and got us VIP tickets to a concert in Vegas
My brother left
Had a crazy Halloween
My mom left

Lot's of things have happened and a lot of things are yet to come. Can't wait to see what is around the corner!

The End of Summer

2009-09-11T15:23:00.002-05:00

The end of summer is quickly closing in on us. September 20th is the first day of Fall and although we haven't really noticed it... the days are already starting to get shorter. Ther revelation came upon me as the sun set earlier this week then previous weeks and I am exhausted. This first week of school went by super fast. I have to say I am enjoying the fact that I am busy. It keeps me from eating too much food. I have learned that I can avoid eating bad stuff if I make sure to pack good stuff to snack on. Then I have no choice but to eat the good stuff, like apples, oranges, nuts and dried cranberries. I don't need to be eating fast food at all. I did great today, instead of rewarding myself with a favorite fast food restaurant stop on the way home I treated myself to a fat free pudding cup and a small hawaiin bread roll with my lunch. Tonight I am planning on letting the kids choose what to eat so I may be super bad. I have been relatively good for about 3 weeks now and I am hoping to see a weight loss soon. Wii fit says I have lost 6 ounces. Which I found hysterical! I am supposed to begin walking with a friend from work after work 4 times a week to see if we can get ourselves into the routine of at least walking once together and then another time alone at home. We are hoping to be each others conscience so to speak. Today I had one cookie for a special birthday snack even though I was offered one from each of the other classes birthdays I declined. I was so proud, normally I would have at all 3 cookies.

I am thinking that after 2 months of being careful about what I am eating that if there is no change I will have to go to the doctor to see what is up with my body. I do have to get a flu shot and am thinking going to a clinic to get it would be better than waiting the 30 days I will have to in order to get into the doctor.

So, this Fall I am working on me for a change to see if I can improve me... wish me luck.

Back to School... What it really means.

2009-08-23T16:52:00.003-05:00

Back to school is just as exciting for me as it is for my kids. They love the new shoes, clothes and school supplies as much as I do. Meet the teacher night makes them just as nervous as me and the night before school is just as exciting and nerve inducing for them as it is me. I am excited to have quiet tranquility in my home for several hours a day and they are excited to see their friends and make new ones. I am nervous that things will go smoothly as we transition back into our regular routine from our laid back lazy summer schedule, which, quite frankly, was no schedule at all.

As much as I am excited it makes me a little sad to see my kids go from grade to grade and become big kids from the babies, preschoolers and the kindergarteners they once were. My oldest is in his 3 year of high school and this means his senior year is merely one school year away, my youngest is now in first grade, officially a big kid now, and my middle child is in second grade meaning she is halfway through her elementary school years (they end at 4th grade here). It means to me that my children are quickly growing up and getting older, which means I am too. Wow! How time flies by! I vividly remember graduating from high school myself and a certain girl I knew dying her hair flame red the day of graduation... I guess she felt she needed to be seen with her white cap and gown. Anyway, I am glad for another school year to begin, but I am sad to see my kids get so big so fast. I am ever so hopeful it will be a fantastic year for them all. Early to bed tonight to get up early in the morning for our very first day back in our groove!!!

Normalcy, ain't it grand!!!!!

2009-08-17T16:54:00.004-05:00

I love normal. We finally have our house back. No more visitors, just us. Ahhhh!!! Normal is good! To celebrate our first official day of normal we...

Went to WalMart and bought groceries... just for us
Walked two miles... just for me :)
I made a yummy blueberry buckle... just for us
We cleaned up the mess of our home... just our own messes
Just sat and enjoyed the silence... just us

Wow!

A Light at the End of a Long Tunnel... I sure hope it's not a train!

2009-08-14T08:54:00.003-05:00

Apparently, if you put up a few months rent and beg and plead you can rent a house... I am stating this with hopes that this will be the last night of people being in my home. I am hopeful that as of tomorrow we will be back to our normal life, just in time for school to start. Let's hope this is the light at the end of the tunnel I have been waiting for.

I have found out some interesting information lately, and I will be happy to be free of the influence of others on my own kids. It is amazing what a couple years and alcohol abuse does to a family and the kids who live in it. Remember, your children need parents... more than anything they need a stable and safe environment in order to well-rounded and stable children. Your guidance teaches them to respect others, be truthful and have great character. It is amazing what happens to children when they learn to be deceptive and manipulative. I have great gut instincts and I already knew what really was going on but the confirmation of that fact made me, once again, feel good that I do still have that instinct.

By the way, I did get more bananas!!!!

Disappointed!

2009-08-12T08:21:00.002-05:00

No job = no rental home! No kidding! I totally knew this but had a glimmer of hope that this nightmare summer would be coming to an end, but I should've known. No it is not coming to an end. My daughter had that horrible stomach thing yesterday and we are slowly testing the waters of her tummy troubles this morning to see how or if things will stay down. She went all night with nothing in her tummy from her last horrible vomiting fit around 7:30. So, it is 8:20 and she is trying some gatorade and dry toast to see if she can keep it down!

I am so depressed. I feel like the cleaning lady in my own home. I hardly got a wink of sleep last night due to my daughter and her fever induced yelling out in her sleep and the tossing and turning she did all night. I haven't been sleeping well since there is always someone up or making noise at night. My house is normally super quiet at night. I woke this morning only to come downstairs to clean up after everyone who left dirty dishes and glasses all over the place. I am constantly cleaning up something or putting stuff away or just working around someone who is in the way and doesn't offer to help me they just watch me work! I have asked people to put stuff in the dishwasher but apparently my voice is on the wrong frequency and they did not hear my request. Yesterday I was asked if we had more bananas to which I replied, "No, if there are none hanging then that means we are out, then I was asked when we would have more!"

I missed most of a meeting yesterday due to my daughter vomiting all over herself (poor thing). I then took her home to stand or sit outside the bathroom for most of the afternoon as she laid on the floor moaning and vomiting in between those moans. (Yes, I did throw away her shoes, shorts and underwear since she vomited on them, I was not washing that! Thankfully, the shoes were old and stinky, the shorts were already stained and the underwear was getting to small, not worth washing and keeping it.) She was upset that other people knew she got sick all over herself. But I reassured her that nobody knew at all and that made her feel a little better.

I am just beyond over my current situation to the point I just want to sit in my room alone, without the tv on and not hear anything or anyone.

A Post Finally!

2009-08-10T08:51:00.002-05:00

It has been busy around here. I worked a summer camp last week that was a lot of fun. But I really wasn't in the mood to work since I still have some summer left. I have acquired all the necessities for the kids to start school soon. Yeah, Yippee!!!! They go back a week and a half before me so that is great! My visitors to my home may be gone soon as their parents are trying to rent a house! Yeah, Yippee! I couldn't be happier about that as I am hoping they will be gone before the end of this week. I am hopeful as Hell! I had to come downstairs the other night pretty late to tell them to shut the blankety blank up! I was just starting to really drift off and it was very late.

I treat my house as a retreat from the outside world and lately I feel like it has been invaded. I feel as if I have no privacy and I will admit I hate it. But like I said, it will get better hopefully soon!

Drama

2009-07-30T20:29:00.002-05:00

A week or so ago, two dogs showed up in my garage. One had a tag and I called the owner and her son came and picked them up. Today they showed up again and I called and she never called back. Finally, tonight her husband called and I told them I had to leave and the dogs took off and I wasn't sure where they were. I was out front a little later and one of the dogs appeared. I got it and put it on a leash, and since I asked their address started walking the little cutie down the block. I arrived to find an ambulance and police officers. I was able to drop off the one dog and he thanked me through tears. I felt so bad!!! Apparently, his wife had been ill all day and was having issues. I told him I hope she is fine and if I found his other dog I would bring her down to him. I feel really bad for them. They lost their dogs today and only got one back and his wife was taken by ambulance to the hospital. DRAMA it is all around me... there's more but I can't talk about it right now.

Wednesday

2009-07-22T08:08:00.002-05:00

My mom always said if I didn't have anything nice to say... don't say anything at all.

I have nothing to say!

Today I...

2009-07-20T21:29:00.002-05:00

Today I...

Promised to turn over a new leaf and begin excercising ( I actually thought about it all night and yesterday while I looked at my "flappy" thighs, at least that is what my youngest calls them.)
Walked two miles ( my legs are tired)
Baked my very first pound cake (it was okay)
Realized I will have to make another pound cake and actually follow the recipe
Went grocery shopping and managed to only forget one item ( oh, okay maybe two) even though I brought a list
Realized that I need to color my hair as my roots are two inches long and looking bad (yes I do it myself because it looks just as good as the 100 dollar job at the salon and it is only 13.96 at WalMart, yeah so, I am cheap)
Saw my ideal haircut, if I only could have captured the lady with it and took her to the girl that cuts my hair
Made strawberry shortcakes using previously mentioned pound cake (ate the item mentioned below first, of course, cause that would be cheating not to eat dinner first)
Had tacos for dinner (my kids favorite meal)
Thought about bathing my dogs, but hey there not complaining that they stink so they can go another day without a bath, right?
Thought about cleaning out my drawers but decided it was not the right time ( it may never be the right time anytime soon)
Realized I might be a little bit lazy lately
And Last But Not Least.... Parked MY car in MY Garage right next to the prized item again and closed my garage door and my car is still in there sitting right next to that damn thing!!!!
Smiled about the above mentioned item, all the rest of the evening!!!!

Good Night! :)

It's My House and I Will Get It Back!

2009-07-18T22:34:00.003-05:00

I have family who have decided to relocate here to my city. They are using MY house as a place to relax, use my internet, eat out of my refrigerator, drink my kids juice, use my toilets but never offer to clean one, when ever they feel the need. It is MY house...I think. I feel like a visitor in my own home. I cannot relax... I never know when they are going to show and tear up what I have just cleaned up... Help me. I can tell you I have cleaned up a room only to have it destroyed within minutes of my completion, vacuumed only to have it trampled on by many feet with no regard for the perfect lines I made in my carpet and listened to countless complaints about MY dog who likes to jump ( I don't care that he jumps... it is my evil plan to keep others out of MY house!) I just wish he would start biting visitors now... then I could truly be alone in MY home. My husband feels the same but he is related by blood, therefore he is trapped by family code. One day soon though, I believe he is gonna loose his sh#@*!

Today I began to exact my revenge... A beloved item is parked in MY garage. It rained today and suddenly hail began to fall. My new car has a glass roof. I pushed beloved things and others out of the way and pulled MY car into MY garage right in front of the owner of the beloved. I loved watching the panic in the eyes as I pulled MY car into MY garage within inches of the beloved item. It was pure pleasure on my part watching the expression on the faces as I got out of my car in MY garage and said, "Yep, it is MY garage!". Here is where it get's worse, ( I know it is unimagineable that it could get worse) two of their other children are coming to stay at MY house next week because they were left high in dry in another state and it isn't working out. They have no where else to go cause the trailer is filled to capacity. Praise God and pass the Tequila! I don't drink regularly but I think I am going to have to start.

I used to say as a teen that I was a magnet and people were supposed to come to me. Now, I wish I had lost my magnetism, because I would rather people stay away from me. I didn't know how good I had it until now. I have exhausted all vacation oppurtunities for awhile but as soon as I can I am going to figure out a way to get MY house back!

Save the Children

2009-07-15T07:57:00.002-05:00

Okay, I have two major issues working in my head.

One is Michael Jackson and his kids. First of all, he never named his father as a custodian... rightly so. After watching the interview last night I can see his wheels turning on how he can make those kids a cash cow. It frightens me that he might end up controlling those kids.. does it creep anyone else out? Especially since Michael admits in several interviews how he beat him and his siblings if they did not perform to his standards. What did Joe actually ever do to make money on his own? Anybody know?

Two:
Jon Gosselin... what the hell is his problem? Talk about mid-life crisis... Him in his Ed Hardy shirts, 22 year old girlfriend. What does he really do? Anything? The dude has 8 kids, no job, what looks to be hair plugs and to top it all off no real life outside of a tv show with his soon to be exwife. Then the icing on the cake for me is that he "is thinking about the kids every 10 minutes". Run girls, run!!!

Other than that I am working on getting my home reorganized and cleaned up. I started in the kitchen Saturday and have slowly started working one room at a time. I can't believe all the clutter and junk we have accumulated in the five years we have been here. I also cleaned ( I mean helped) out my oldest childs drawers. He has been storing clothes in there he hasn't worn since the 7th grade. He is now entering the 11th... 2 bags later and he can actually put his clothes he wears away. My biggest hurdle is going to be organizing my closet office. I have so much school crap to go through and organize. I am scared to death about getting in there. I don't even know where to begin. Help Me!!!

We Are Back

2009-07-14T09:06:00.002-05:00

Yes, we are back from our many vacations. From cool Oregon to the hot Texas coast we have dealt with extreme temperatures and different environments. Oregon was fantastic with highs in the 70's and the coast was beautiful but hot, hot, hot. We enjoyed both vacations and now are trying to recover and get back in our normal routine again. The kids are tired and so am I.

Things have not changed much around here, we still have family nearby and their issues keep creeping towards our door. I just wish it would go away, but it will not. I got an escape though and it was a good one. Now I am back to reality. Yuck!

Vacation

2009-07-02T11:46:00.004-05:00

Our Oregon escape is coming to a quick close. We are gearing down and repacking to fly home on Saturday. We are all tired from our adventures to the Oregon Zoo, breezy coast and our trek up to Mt. Hood yesterday. The kids were so excited to see snow but then quickly realized that without gloves snow is no fun at all. But they did enjoy playing in it for a few moments. Mt. Hood has snow on it pretty much all year and it is a beautiful place. We drove long winding wooded highways all the way up the mountain to the Timberline Lodge. It is probably a beautiful drive in the winter as well, but much more treacherous.

The coast line is amazing to see. The cliffs and winding Pacific Highway views are breathtaking and the water is too cold for humans but just perfect for whale watching. Unfortunately, no whales were passing through during our visit but we could totally imagine what they would look like from the shore. Depoe Bay is the best place to see the migration and we just hit the wrong time, but it is still an amazing place. The Pacific Ocean was beautifully green and foaming as a stiff wind blew. The temperature never went over 57 but the sun was hot... so it felt warmer unless you were in the shade.

The weather in the summer in Oregon is beautiful and it stays light out until 9:30 in the evening and the sun comes up around 5:30. The winters here would be a little less than desirable as it rains and is cold and wet and cold don't sound like a great combo to me. It also gets dark around 4 p.m. in the winter adding to the chill in the air. No thanks! But summer time would be ideal to be here. No 100 degree temps with humidity here!

We have finally settled into the time change just in time to head home and get all screwed up again!!!

Happy 4th of July!!! We will be flying the ever so friendly skies home all day on the 4th and arrive home just in time for fireworks!!!

Let the Countdown Begin

2009-06-21T19:45:00.002-05:00

It is official! We have about 36 hours before we will be outta here and in another state. It is exciting for my kids who are counting down the days... I can't wait until tomorrow night when it is just hours away!

We spent Father's Day replacing shoes from my kids who suddenly had shoes break or become too small. I took Lillie shopping for some capri pants as it is cooler where we are going and she might need some. We spent most of today running around while the boys went for some much needed haircuts. Lillie and I got our trim on Friday so we were set.

We came home and had a bbq with family and had a little play time with cousins. My house is now a wreck again. O'well, we still have tomorrow to get it straightened out.

Next time I blog, it will be from Oregon! See you then!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2009-06-14T16:26:00.002-05:00

We, meaning me and my two smallest children, will be leaving on a jet plane in a week or so to head out to the Beaver State. Oregon, for some odd reason is called the beaver state. I guess it is because of the beaver fur hats the Lewis and Clark wore when they traveled through their or it just simply the fact that there are a heck of a lot of beavers there. I am going with the later of the two. My mom has lived there for 10 years and I have never been there to see her she has always come to me. So, we are flying the not-so-friendly skies to visit her for a change.

One of my smaller children flew on a plane with me when my grandmother passed away, but the other has never flown. Should be just as interesting as my son on his first flight yelling "May day May day we are going down!", as we landed in Orlando. Yeah, I was laughing later, but not at the time. Our seat partner was a man who found it hysterical, me, I was afraid the flight attendants were going to put tape over his mouth as they looked at me with the same shameful glare a teacher gives their student when they have spoken out of turn. We survived it and moved on without issues. So, she should be fine, she is not the type to yell out anything in public, just at home.

Speaking of yelling out things, yesterday my youngest yelled out an obsenity while playing a video game with his brother. Let's just say it did not go over well! My husband now realizes that he needs to be a little more careful when driving with the kids. It happens. My oldest got in trouble at daycare for repeating something my husband said in the truck on the way to school that day when he was 6... I guess he didn't learn his lesson!

Choices

2009-06-10T10:47:00.002-05:00

We all make choices in life. Sometimes we make educated, well-planned choices, sometimes we are put on the spot and forced to make rash choices and then there are those life choices that create havoc for others and drag everyone down with you in the abyss of unhappiness.

The past week has made me appreciate my choices and my decisions. I realized over the past week that I may have made some terrible ones in the past but I sure did recover and move on from them way more successfully than some others I may know. Everyday we choose to be happy, angry or sad. Everyday we make choices that will eventually affect everyone we know and love. Right now, their are people that are close to us that are struggling with their choices. Unfortunately, they have made some choices lately that have been detrimental to themselves and others. We try to be patient and helpful, but do not want to be abused and used in a not so great way. It is difficult to be supportive and nonjudgemental when we have issues with others choices.

I guess I am struggling to be patient and nonjudgemental. I am struggling with being kind and giving when I feel like someone will be hurt eventually or inevitably. Without being specific, I can say that when someone you care about has been hurt, lied to and decieved and it is still happening on many levels it is difficult to be a good person. I have chosen to try and be a kind, understanding supporting, relative but it is very hard. I tend to be extremely judgemental when it comes to lying, cheating or just being an overall jerk! I just don't have patience for it. I know first hand how the other person feels when they have been jerked around. It is a horrible time and they second guess every choice they have ever made when it comes to the other person and begin to second guess their own judgement.

I have made some plans to escape in order to save me from this horrible disease I have called "lack of self-control". This disease seems to only be causing my mouth to open and say things that can make others cring in either disbelief or the audacity of expressing my opinion so openly and plainly. Maybe one day I will be able to explain the entire story but right now I will practice self-control and bite my tongue. I also refuse to help enable anyone to do things they shouldn't be doing. I will not stand by and watch it either.

Some crazy days...

2009-06-06T13:02:00.002-05:00

It has been a crazy week here in our house. We have had family visiting and that means 3 extra kids and two extra adults. It was utter chaos. And there are some underlying issues as well, so it made it real difficult on some of us. I am super tired from all the added bodies and clean up extra people involve. So we are taking it easy today and hoping to recover from our visit.

Meanwhile, summer official began for my kids thursday afternoon and we have already gone to the park once and swam in the river. I got a little bit of sun yesterday while at the river it was a beautiful day. We were there maybe 45 minutes before everyone decided they were hungry and ready to come home. If I was smart I just would have packed lunches and gone to the river so they could've stayed longer. Next week is VBS and that means I will have a couple of hours to do what I want on my own. I have to get organized and figure out what I am going to do on vacation this summer.

I am hoping my kids will rest up this weekend and be ready to go by Monday again.

The Dog Days of Summer Already?

2009-05-25T13:12:00.003-05:00

Interesting experiences today I think I will share. This morning my youngest awoke with the cold sweats and tummy issues so we were up early. I went downstairs and opened the front blinds. I was still sleepy and I looked out to see a gigantic Rotweiller laying on the sidewalk in front of my neighbors home. I was shocked to say the least since she doesn't own a Rottweiler. Being a good neighbor I thought I would wait until at least 7 to call over there and let her know. I kept checking on the dog but she didn't move. I became concerned about her since she was not moving. My neighbors husband emerged from his garage shocked too by what he saw. She ended up being a very sweet dog and the police and animal control believed her to be around 8 years old and suffering from some sort of hip dysplasia or injury. She is now in the custody of animal control and is on a 3 day stay and then on to euthanasia unless someone claims her or my neighbor goes back to get her. The animal control officer said they would call her if her owner doesn't claim her. I am not a big fan of the Rotweiller but she seemed like a gentle giant. So after some cops and animal control fun with the neighbors I ventured to WalMart for some much needed items for our Memorial Day picnic.

I was leaving WalMart and running in the out door was a gigantic boxer. Apparently, its owner ran into WalMart to grab some items for their Memorial Day fun and left my boxer friend in the truck and he decided not to wait. He ran into the store and into the produce department. It was like the scene from the movie Winn Dixie, he was running around and people were trying to catch him. If you haven't seen Winn Dixie, rent it. Dave Matthews plays a slow and weird pet store clerk and he is really good at it. Makes me wonder if he is really that slow or just good at acting dumb! If you haven't seen Don't Mess with the Zohan rent that too, he is in that and is a redneck. "I brought a bomb and some puppies!". That is his best line in the entire movie, we walk around saying that in our house all the time. Not a kid friendly movie though unless they are above the age of 13! Sorry ran off the map on this. Anyway...

Then I arrive home after the second dog escapade to find one of our hermit crabs missing! What is with the pet drama! I found the hermit crab under my stove... how on earth did he get there and how quick are those suckers?

Just a reminder... Make sure to tag your animal with a microchip or a collar with a tag with owner contact information. Hopefully, the owner of the Roti will find her, she seemed well taken care of and it would be sad for them to loose her at this stage in her life!

I am off to enjoy the rest of my Memorial Day with my two crazy dogs and the kids too!

It's Officially Summer...For Me!

2009-05-23T08:43:00.002-05:00

Summer began for me yesterday. My kids have another week and a half but I am done, finished and ready for my break. I have to say I was a little sad to see all my little fish graduate to big Pre-K kids, but I know I will see them again so no biggie. I, on the other hand, I am looking forward to another group of kiddos. I have until September to focus on myself, my real kids, my house and fun! I have already broken out the margaritas in a bag from my freezer to officially kick off my summer break!

Now to focus on exercising and loosing some weight, walking the dogs more, cleaning up and clearing out my house, organizing my school stuff and relaxing in the sun. I am hoping to head down to the Texas coast in early July for some fun in the sun for a week or so and then heading to Florida maybe with my in-laws and the kids. We will see how that goes. I am hopeful it will happen and the kids and I can come over to the beach and stay a couple days in a hotel over there and hang out in the sand and sun in the sunshine state. They haven't had the experience I had of living near a beach and I know they would love to stay and play for a couple of days!

Here's to summer vacation!!!!! Yippee!!!!

I Got Bit Today

2009-05-07T19:06:00.002-05:00

Yes, I was bitten today by one of the kids in my class. Not fun, but he didn't leave a mark due to my cat like reflexes!!!:) That is so funny! I do not have reflexes like a cat at all and I got nailed, but I wil survive. He was upset with me and told me, " I am mad at you Warwee!". This was all over a black stamp pad that he wasn't able to use due to another child using it. I was helping him make a mother's day card for his mom that looked like a lady bug and they were using the stamp pad to make the spots on the lady bug. Anyway the end result kid (1) Warwee (0).

Driving and Mother's Day!

2009-05-04T22:03:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I blogged about my son learning to drive this summer... Ann-Marie commented about my mom telling us (every time we were driving with her) when we were young and learning to drive about not looking down when we drop that dime and looking off the road... Oh, good times, good times! My mom has always said some interesting things while I was growing up. Some of them have been funny and some just downright crazy, but as I get older I see she was trying to prove a point, just maybe not in the way most mom's would do it.

When I was little and I would get heat rash in the summer she told me it was creeping eruption. I learned later in high school that creeping eruption was a jungle skin disease where a bug lays eggs under your skin and then they hatch, therefore causing a creeping eruption. Disgusting, I know, my mom thought it was hysterical that I thought all along that my simple heat rash was this horrible disease. Not funny to me at the time, I recalled telling other kids I had "creeping eruption". Later in life we discussed this and I asked her why she told me that, and her reply, "it was funny!". I asked her if she knew what it really was and she replied with the correct answer and "isn't that disgusting?".

I was talking to her on the phone the other day and she told me in her infinite wisdom that the reporters are to blame for bringing swine flu to the states. I laughed outloud but she continued that they go to the places where people are sick and bring it back here on their clothes. Crazy I know, but also funny as hell and could quite possibly be true! Do I think she really meant that? NO way but her theory is hysterical!

My mom always comes up with funny stuff. So, this sunday I will wish her a happy mother's day and remember all the other funny crap she has come up with over my lifetime. I am so glad she is my mom and I couldn't have asked for a better one! Happy Mother's Day!!!

Hope you had a "swine" time!

2009-05-03T21:21:00.002-05:00

Lillie went to a birthday party today...yeah, I know we aren't supposed to be gathering in large groups but whatever! In the goody bags were little trial size bottles of hand sanitzer with labels on them that said, "Thanks for coming to my birthday party, hope you had a "swine" time.". Hysterical! She had fun and it was a welcomed changed from sitting at home bored to tears.

We did venture out to Target and JCPenny and they were like ghost towns, but it made it nice really! I went up to school while she was partying and cleaned up my room a little and changed out my calendar and stuff. I came home and worked on the kid's(from my class) mother's day projects and got some stuff organized for use next year. I realize after this week we only have two weeks of preschool left. I cannot believe the year is almost over. It just flew by...I am going to miss those kids!

I have signed my kids up for Vacation bible school for one week and am looking into signing them up for art classes and swim lessons. They are overdue for swim lessons and the art is just to keep them out of my hair for half a day! It is going to be a long summer without them having anything to do... I am going to sign Chris up for drivers ed...Ha, ha, ha!!! He isn't really interested in driving but he needs to find a job, and start paying for his cell phone and stuff.

I am supposed to work this week as our school is reopening, I am going to use hand sanitizer like a crazy woman and not touch my face.

H1N1, Swine flu, Swine break?

2009-05-02T15:49:00.003-05:00

We have been told today that we will have another week of swine break...pray for me to have patience and that I won't want to hurt myself by Tuesday.

I have my new, new car... but there is a couple problems...they drove 200 miles back and forth to get it only to discover the driver seat has a tear and they need to tint my front windows. Other than that it is fine. They will have to replace my front seat and tint the windows for me to be okay with it, but no engine problems or strange behavior but this is only day two. I think I have gained 5 lbs. in anxiety eating weight. Just what I didn't want!

Here is what happened to the original new car... I bought it Monday only to not get it because they couldn't get the tire pressure warning light off, bad sign I know, I should have known right there. They brought it to me Tuesday and it was perfectly fine. I drove it Wednesday, totally fine. I got in Thursday of the week prior to this one and the check engine light came on, but everything seemed fine. I took it back to the dealership thursday, they gave me a loaner and I didn't hear from them at all until my husband called on Saturday morning, almost 48 hours after I dropped it off, only to be told it was an electrical problem they were trying to locate and not to expect it back. We didn't hear from them again until Tuesday when I began calling every hour on the hour and refusing to take voicemail. I finally spoke with someone around 4 and told them that I was not going to take the vehicle back and to find me another one. It took until Friday for them to get me a new one. They didn't have a vehicle with the same options on their lot so they ended up having to drive down to Corpus Christi to find me another. It is pearl white, not the silver metallic I had, but I like the color better. I am just over the entire car thing and just don't care at this point how the dealer feels about me and I will never purchase a car from them again. I don't even think I will have my car serviced at the dealership but go to the other dealer I bought my truck from. All in all it kind of worked out okay and it probably is not the dealerships fault that the car was screwed up, I was just angry that I was the one to call them everytime and they never called me. I get to rate them when this is all said and done and I cannot wait!!!

My New Car

2009-04-28T21:27:00.002-05:00

Remember my new car...well, it looks like we will be getting a new, new car. Unfortunately, after a few days it developed an issue and after many telephone calls and many infuriating moments, we will be receiving another car. I will write the entire story later but I am at peace with it sort of. I had to really be persistent and I think it was worth it. We shall see!

We've Got the Swine Flu Blues

2009-04-27T14:37:00.003-05:00

Two of my kids are devastated they do not have school this week. The youngest was upset that he wouldn't be able to learn about bugs and watermelon and my middle child is upset that her farm field trip was cancelled. My oldest is already complaining about boredom and the lack of a social life due to school closures. I am just bored at school with only a few students being there. I guess I could use the extra time wisely to do some cleaning up and sorting, but no, that would mean I would have to work. I am still pretty stiff and will need muscle relaxers by the end of the day to loosen whatever happened to my back but a little better today than yesterday and much better than I was on Saturday. We have a severe thunderstorm watch today and it has rained and been really windy all day. Wish us luck and we hope everyone stays healthy!!!

Swine Flu

2009-04-25T15:44:00.003-05:00

My oldest child's school is closed due to swine flu. Scary stuff! He knows one child who had it out of the two. There are angry Texans here blaming Mexico for all this mess. Not me, I don't blame anyone, I just don't want it. Wish us luck and pray none of us get it.

*****UPDATE*********

Now they have closed all 14 schools in our district. Interesting, I think I might not be working either. I kind of hope so, maybe then I can get organized and sanitize my house. Or just get over this horrible back injury I have acquired over the weekend. I awoke yesterday in severe pain and have been on muscle relaxers for two days now. It is better but not 100% yet. Thank God for heating pads, ice packs and muscle relaxers.

I Got a New Ride

2009-04-22T20:54:00.002-05:00

I got a brand spanking new car on Monday... I love my husband!!!

1 Kid, 1 Street and 1 School Bus

2009-04-17T19:40:00.003-05:00

One of the children in my class lives near school. On the way to school Wednesday morning a coworker sees a child in the street and a school bus heading straight for him. She jumps out of her car and grabs him and the mother arrived shortly after. Meanwhile, the coworkers little truck starts rolling because she didn't have it in gear and ended up chasing her truck down a hill. 1 Kid, 1 street and 1 school bus add up to DANGER. This all could have been avoided if the gate to the home was closed. My point is remind your babies that a street is not a place to stand in or play in. Frightening but true! I feel for the mom, I am sure she was super upset by this and frightened at the possibilities. My other point is I truly believe their are angels watching over our souls. If this woman had not been there at that exact time what would have happened. The bus driver may not have seen this 3 year old in the street. Oh the horrible thought! Thankfully, my coworker caught her truck and the boy was fine. We are still giggling over this woman chasing her truck as she is rather large and that is the only thing we can find funny in this entire scenario.

Hug your babies today!!!

Day 2 and 3, I am a slacker!

2009-04-15T22:16:00.002-05:00

Yesterday's meals.

Granola with strawberries
oj
coffee with creamer

rice crispy treat (snack, someone's birthday again)

strawberries, grapes and blackberries with dip (only a tablespoon)
bbq potato chips
ham and wheat bread sandwich whole with mayo

water

chinese beef with white rice (2 helpings I was really hungry!)

Side Note: My stomach was very upset last night. Don't know if it was all the fruit I had or just a bug.

Today

Coffee and a Fiber One bar they are good!

Zoo today for Kinder field trip
Lunch on the run
1 chicken finger and about 5 fries

Dinner

McDonalds southwest salad with no dressing, (it already has some honey lime sauce on it that is more than sufficient)
I did drink a coke, I needed one.

coffee and 1/2 of a cherry turnover (gotta have something sweet)

I am super proud of myself that I went to McDonald's with my kids and did not partake of any fries or get a Big Mac. The salad was actually quite good for McDonald's and I got the chicken grilled.

Today was tax day, I wrote a check and brought it to the post office this afternoon. I used to love tax day because it meant my money was coming back to me soon, but now, I hate it. Funny how things change. Everything has a cost. Of course, I could still move to D.C. and "forget" to pay my taxes....

Today I was away from work due to the field trip I chaperoned. My crazy coworker had to call me this afternoon to tell me what the sub said about me. The sub said I wasn't hard enough on my kids... My response, " (insert evil giggle here), That's funny!". I couldn't help it. I don't care I won't be rough on a 3 year old child, but I don't put up with any crap either. My friends know that and so do all my family members and those that don't, well who cares... Seriously, it did make me laugh. I laugh when I think about it. I am giggling now as I type about it. (insert evil giggle here!!!)

Keep giggling....

Will you be the Jiminy Cricket to my Pinocchio?

2009-04-13T14:42:00.004-05:00

Okay, here's the deal. I need a conscience, someone who doesn't live with me that can tell me when I am screwing up. So I am asking you, my blog buddies, to be my food conscience. I am going to write down my daily food intake, no lying, no growing nose, just the plain simple truth. I promise not to ask to be a real boy or sing "I got no strings", I would like you to tell me what I did or am doing wrong. I am going to (try) write it here in my blog everyday what I ate all day even if I screw up. I have been battling weight changes back and forth for the past 6 years to no avail. I know I am not eating right but not sure sometimes if I am truly screwing up or not. So, let's start with today so far...I will update after dinner tonight....

1 small bowl of granola with skim milk
1 small glass of o.j.
1 danactive strawberry drink
2 cups coffee with creamer ( I cannot give up the creamer, got to have it)

Snack time at school...

1 handful of gold fish crackers
1 handful of Starburst Jelly Beans ( we were graphing them)

Lunch
whole ham sandwich on wheat toast with mayo, only a tablespoon of mayo
4 strawberries with cream cheese fruit dip ( yes, I know the dip ruined it but it was good)
1 handful of jalapeno/cheddar kettle cooked chips
2 deviled eggs = 1 whole egg

drinking water right now and have been drinking (water) most of the day
*********UPDATE***********

Dinner
2 slices of leftover ham
2 servings of leftover green bean casserole
1 serving of steamed broccoli and cauliflower

Desert
I will have a small piece of bunny cake from yesterday and maybe a cup of coffee to keep me awake.
When I write it out here it doesn't seem so bad, so what am I doing wrong. I want to start with my diet and then start including some light exercise. Let me know what you think after each day. I really want to know.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T22:08:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter. We had two celebrations today, Easter and my husband's birthday. Lucky him, he gets chocolate and gifts every once in awhile when Easter happens to fall on his birthday. I think this is only the second time and he is 48 so who knows when it might happen again! :) That takes math to figure it out and I am not all about thinking very hard.

We were busy all weekend. We helped Cole spend some birthday cash at ToysRUs and then we spent Saturday shopping for Daddy's gift and buying new furniture for our family room, and car shopping. We think we have found one that we really like to replace the "little red car", as Cole calls it. We shall see though, we keep changing our minds around here.

The tax man is coming to take away some of our cash on Wednesday, so we are going to hold off for another month or so on spending any more cash. Don't forget April 15th is tax day, unless you live in D.C. than you can forget all you want!!!!

It's Gone In A Flash!

2009-04-05T21:28:00.002-05:00

Since the 1st my life has been in a whirlwind of birthday cake, balloons, more cake, more balloons and horrible winds. It has been super windy here. I picked up cupcakes and juice boxes for Cole's Kinder class on Thursday morning and ran to work. I left work early to head over to his school and my husband calls saying he specifically asked for balloons. Being that Cole is not a kid to make requests for certain items, I rushed into our local grocery store to purchase said balloons. I purchased six, because he's 6, balloons but only managed to get 5 into my truck. The wind started Thursday mid-day with gusts up to 35 mph, and of course, one big gust ripped balloon number 6 off the string and into the air. I was okay with it though, because I was running behind and needed to get to his school. I made it 5 minutes late but thankfully they had been painting and were behind schedule too. The party went well and Cole was thrilled. I did leave the balloons in the truck having learned my lesson with the wind earlier. He was excited to see them when we went out to the truck to go home. We came home and ordered pizza for dinner and that made me so happy! No cooking, just baked a cake for him and he blew out the candles like a big kid. Friday we were back at school and it was a normal day. Saturday we ran a bunch of errands in the morning and headed over to our neighbors 6th birthday party. It was an old fashioned birthday party with games and water gun fights! The kids were exhausted it was great! Today we went to the Scottish Highland Games, it was interesting. We ate fair food, funnel cakes, corn dogs, french fries and other grossly unhealthy stuff. My stomach is feeling really gurgly right now and I know what is causing it. We watched the border collies sheep herd which was really cool and got sun burnt and wind burnt all at the same time due to the horrendous winds that are still plaguing us today! We came home and I ran to the grocery store for a weeks worth of breakfast, lunch and dinner items. I came home and made sloppy Joe's for dinner with pasta salad and corn on the cob. After dinner we watched Beverly Hill Chihuahua and got the kids ready for school tomorrow. We are still shopping around for another vehicle as my husband has finally decided to get rid of his mid-life crisis Mazda for a more practical and automatic vehicle. I am thinking an SUV as I refuse to sit on the ground. I love my truck! So in between trips to other places we are stopping at dealerships and test driving several options. It has been kind of fun. I have driven a bunch of vehicles, I love that new car smell!!!! I am tired and need to get ready for my week! Have a great one!

Baby!

2009-04-01T14:37:00.002-05:00

Ha! April Fool's! I got you with that title now didn't I!

But really, my baby turns 6 tomorrow. I guess it is really time to loose those 20 pounds of extra baby weight!

One of the mom's in my class sent me an e-mail about a 4 week exercise boot camp. Was she trying to tell me something! :) I am seriously thinking about it!

Can You Handle It?

2009-03-30T22:11:00.003-05:00

I guess my post tonight is a deep one. You always hear when you go to church that God only gives you what he thinks you can handle. If that is the case, why do some of us struggle to handle it?

Well, I think it is because we can and do handle what He gives us. Then we collapse and feel sorry for ourselves. Eventually, we begin to dust ourselves off and pick ourselves back up again. I wonder what some of the trials and tribulations are supposed to teach us. Sometimes I think it is to teach us that even when there is sorrow there can be laughter and when there is joy and laughter there can also be pain and despair. I don't know but I always remember that God only gives me what I can handle and if I don't handle it right, I am sure He will let me know!

I try to remember not to beat myself up for mistakes I have made, but it is hard. I try not to take my stress and anxiety out on others but it is difficult and I catch myself doing it all the time. I think the key is to apologize and let those individuals know that you feel bad for lashing out and that you hope they understand. And then if they don't understand, well, I just live with it and unfortunately, so do they!!!! :) That saying about pleasing everyone all the time... it is true you cannot please everyone, just do the best you can for you.

Have a wonderful week!

News Report

2009-03-26T14:34:00.003-05:00

Child with worms returned to school. No itching to report. No other butt's seem to be infected or itchy! Good news, good news indeed. The poor mom was wondering what the problem with the child could be and called a relative that is a pediatrician. The pediatrician told her to go in at night and use a flashlight to check the area. Well, when she did she saw the worms and told me how she had to hold back her vomit. She is such a clean freak, I know she is having a hard time with this. She placed scotch tape over the area like she was told to collect samples for the child's pediatrician and low and behold the worms were confirmed. Poor baby.
********UPDATE********
Sandbox is suspected culprit...Seems the worms lay eggs in sandboxes and that is how that the eggs may have been transferred to the child under fingernails. Make sure you change out the sandbox often and cover when not in use.

This has been an interesting week so far. Thank God tomorrow is Friday!!!

Grossed out and 200...

2009-03-24T17:18:00.004-05:00

I am working on my 200th post. I just have one more after today and I will hit 200. I never thought I would have 200 interesting things to write about, and maybe I really don't since the only people who read this seems to be...well, one person. Anyway today was interesting.

I am totally grossed out due to one of the kids in my class having pin worms. If you don't know what they are and have a small child look it up on the internet. It will make your butt itch to think about it. I have been having butt itches all day, I call this the Lice Syndrome. You know what Lice Syndrome is right? Well, this is what it is if you don't. The moment you find out someone around you has lice your head begins to itch. It works the same way with Pin Worms. You find out one kid has them and your butt itches at random times during the day.

Me, always being the sarcastic person took this oppurtunity as quickly as I could. I walked out of my director's office and turned quickly around to her and said, "That's why my butt itches!". I swiftly left walking back to my room giggling to myself. Later in the day she was walking down the hallway and said, "My butt itches now!" That is preschool humor! It is just as funny as polka dot painting paper underwear for U week. In preschool you can get away with that!

It is gross though and I just washed all my classroom toys and wiped down chairs with sanitizer, as well as, washed all the dress up clothes. What is funny about it is I did this all yesterday afternoon after this child had been at school. The eggs can live for two weeks unless they are washed away, but that is the good news. The bad news is most people don't know they have them until they have been in their body for 1-2 months!!!! EWWWWW!

I hope you are sufficiently grossed out! Happy Tuesday!

Hysterical and True

2009-03-23T15:45:00.002-05:00

Today was a pretty good day. Things went well until outside time. One of the little girls in my class had to go potty so I took her inside. She quickly pulled down her pants and I heard the sound of wood hitting the tile floor. I asked her what that was and she replied nothing. I looked inside the bathroom and there on the floor was the wooden letter B from the alpha puzzle in my room. Earlier, this child told me the A and B were missing from the puzzle. So, curiousity led me to ask her where the letter A might be. She turned around saying I don't know and low and behold A was looking right at me attached to her butt cheek. I laughed outloud, I couldn't help it. I told her to remove the A and place it into paper towels I had prepared for B and go potty.
Afterwards she did sit in time out and we talked about not taking toys out of school. She is a repeat offender. But it had been awhile since her last offense.

What a stinker! It was too funny though that she stuck them in her pants and they adheared to her hiney. I would think that would be rather uncomfortable, but I am not 3 going on 4. It was worth going to work today just for the laughter that provoked!

Happy Monday!

Spring Break is O-V-E-R!!!!

2009-03-22T20:41:00.002-05:00

I want to cry!!!! Yes, I am going back to work tomorrow. I have so enjoyed not getting up early, not running out the door to drop off kids and heading to work, not having to hurry in the shower due to no hot water because two people used it all before I even got up, being able to drink a couple of cups of coffee before I eat breakfast while watching Good Morning America and cooking dinner without rushing. Ahh, it was sweet but now it is over. I can't wait until summer!!!!

Meanwhile, my plans for school are done, my house is pretty clean, most of the laundry is done, my dogs are bathed and stink free, my oldest has new paint in his room with new comforter and drapes to match and I feel pretty relaxed. I guess I did get a lot accomplished but there is so much I want to get done. I need to get the painters to come and paint my staircase, I cannot attempt it due to the height, so I guess a summer project it will have to be.

Well, off the write a parent note about our upcoming week and welcome them back to school!!! I think I need coffee and ice cream maybe to get me going. Sounds good, I am off!!!

Happy Birthday Ann-Marie!!!!!

2009-03-16T08:22:00.005-05:00

A story in pictures!! Happy Birthday to my dear friend, who has been with me through boyfriends, husbands, babies and more. I found some of these photos and giggled. Especially the one of us at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade getting soaked to the bone while taking our own picture to show how ridiculous we looked and were for braving the cold and rain. I hope you have a fantastic day and I wish you another year of love and blessings. Love you!!!!

Spring Break Yahoo!!! And ALEEIN!

2009-03-15T12:57:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was our official first day of Spring Break. My 5 year old says outloud in the truck on the way to a fantastic lunch, "I miss school!". What is that about? He couldn't wait for Spring Break to start and then a little remorse maybe about being away from school... Not me!

ALEEIN, that is how my 5 year old spelled Alien on his picture he drew of one. Too funny!!! He is trying so hard to try to sound out and spell words. I proudly hung it on my refrigerator because it is just so sweet.

Happy Spring Break!!!!

I'm Back!

2009-03-11T16:55:00.002-05:00

I have to say my little vacation started out not with its best foot forward. I woke up Wednesday morning with a horrible sore throat. Yep, I mean horrible. I thought maybe it would get better as the day progressed but it did not. I was leaving the next morning so I soaked my throat with Airborne every 4 hours all day. It did help ease the pain of my throat but it didn't get any better. I had to get up at 4 a.m. to catch my flight to Costa Rica, and I awoke feeling horrible. I was able to get it together enough to get out the door on time. We made it to the airport only to be reminded that it was spring break due to horrible lines. Since we were flying international we couldn't check in online and had to wait in line for our boarding passes. It was a long line and we finally made it to our airplane with 5 minutes to spare. Our entire travel day was that way. I didn't have a choice but to suck it up and get it moving as we changed planes in Houston. As we landed in Costa Rica my ears became painfully clogged. When we finally were on the ground I still could not clear my ears. About 30 minutes later I could hear again.

I did feel better the next day and had a great time on my vacation but I came home with what I believe to be a sinus infection. Apparently, the fluid in my ears is causing some problems. I have started antibiotics and hope to be better soon. Feeling sick didn't stop me from zip-lining through the canopy, going on a fantastic dinner cruise and fooling with the monkeys. I will share photos later when I have more time.

Plans are done, shopping to be finished...

2009-03-01T20:24:00.002-06:00

I have made all my plans for school while I am out. They are complete and I even put each days activities in big ziploc bags for my subs to make their lives easier. I also made sure to put names on all the papers and include all the items they will need to have on hand to complete the projects. I didn't think I was but now I know I am a control freak!!!

I finally found a bathing suit this Saturday at Macy's. Yeah Me!!!! I like Macy's because they actually put clothing pieces together that go together. I need help with that. I think I will be going back tomorrow afternoon to pick up some cute outfits for my 4 day excursion. I saw some things but with my husband and kids in tow it was tough just buying the suit and trying on the other 40 I tried on. While I was trying on bathing suits my husband, the smart man that he is ...(insert sacastic grin here) takes my kids walking around the mall. When they return to meet me they have a large bag and a small box with holes in it. Inside are two pets. They are hermit crabs!!! Just what we need, another two pets for mom to take care of. My son is so excited because they are his, and my daughter not so happy because she chose to get a ceramic horse that broke it's leg upon arriving home! My son is a little disappointed with the crabs due to the fact that they are nocturnal. I told him we would move them into his room soon so he could listen to them scrape around in the sand all night. He was excited about that. If I could get the kids to leave them alone they might survive, I keep making Lillie read the care instructions, especially the part about stressing them out. Poor Little Hermits... meanwhile they are named Beehive and Rose. One has a yellow and black striped shell, hence the name Beehive and Rose is well... red.

On another note... While I was in the dressing room the woman in the next room was talking on her cell phone while trying on outfits. I was trying not to listen but sometimes you can't help it. I heard her say, "Yes, I got the check and I deposited it, I don't care if they want the money back now. Pause...Now? I am at Macy's trying on clothes, why? Pause...Yeah, but I have to have clothes right?" All I could think about was the fact that she was spending money marked for something else or that didn't really belong to her. I didn't listen any longer, and I never saw who she was, but it does make you wonder.

Bathing Suits=2 Laurie =0

2009-02-27T15:14:00.001-06:00

Need I say more... I lost the game today again. No suit walked out of the mall with me today. I tried on 5 and got frustrated, if only I could wear a bra underneath some of these and some of those minimizing type underwear under the bottoms I would happily walk out of the store with not one but several cool suits. URGH!!!!!!

On the other hand I could stop eating crap, but you know what... I don't wear a bathing suit that often! :)

Bathing Suit Shopping...Need I Say More?

2009-02-25T14:33:00.002-06:00

Of course I do! I hate it with a passion... and today was no exception. I tried on one and only one and became disgusted and then went looking for shorts. I walked away empty handed in the end.

My questions are this... why is it that...

Either the suits look like old lady or teenager to which I am neither.
Are hideously bright colors... I am fair and that is frightening near my skin.
The lights in dressing room always excentuate the lumps and bumps in my flab.
Where are all those nice looking suits you see every where until you need one?
Where are my friends when I need them to tell me that I look great after giving birth 3 times and not loosing all that baby weight????

I know there are others out there that feel my pain and who, like me, wish they would have begun working out about 2 months ago and not indulged in every birthday cookie and cupcake this entire school year. Not to mention the mom of one of my students who makes the most absolutely fabulous truffles, cakes, cookies and othere absolutely beautiful and yummy treats!

I guess I will go shopping again on Friday afternoon and focus hard!!! Wish me luck!

Sleep Deprived But Still Going Strong...

2009-02-23T14:20:00.002-06:00

We played a game of tag Friday and Saturday night with Cole. Every half hour one of us was up with him as he cried out for no real reason to speak of but it was exhausting. We finally got a good night sleep last night and he woke up this morning, kind of ready to go to school. At least no fever. I kept waiting for my phone to ring all day today, but no calls so I am guessing he was fine. Poor guy!

I am not ready for my trip at all which will be mid week next week. I am thinking I should start drinking my airborne now so that I am full of vitamins and immune boosters before I try and travel to another country. I need to get a new bathing suit but I hate, hate, hate shopping for those. One of the ladies I work with said to me today not to worry about what I think I look like because everyone else out just lets it all hang out anyway and what I had couldn't possible be as bad as some she saw! She is sweet, but she has never seen my thighs!!! I guess I should get myself together before the kids get off the big yellow bus.

I Spoke Too Soon...

2009-02-20T17:15:00.002-06:00

So nothing much going on has turned to a little something going on. Cole got off the bus yesterday with a fever of 101. He struggled to sleep last night with a painful croupy cough and went to the doctor this morning only to have a negative flu test but be told he might very well have the flu. If he is no better tomorrow he will have to begin a Tamiflu and another anti-viral cocktail. He did have the flu mist but apparently that did not stop this flu from getting him. I also found out that my daughter may have been the one to give me the flu since she probably had the flu too when she had that croupy cough. Nice!!!

So we spent today at home, I only went out when my husband came home for lunch. I am hopeful that after a weekend of rest he should be good to go Monday morning. Happy healing is what I keep saying!!!!

Nothing Much Going On...

2009-02-18T15:33:00.003-06:00

Really nothing much going on around here and I take that as a blessing. So far this week has been normal. Nobody is sick for a change and we are winding down our school year. I can't believe we are almost into March and I will be done with school mid May. My kids will be done the first week of June. I am thinking we should head to Florida soon after school is out for summer for a few weeks. I hope it works out that way.

While I am looking forward to my mini-vacation coming up, I am dreading the extra work it entails. I have to plan for two full weeks of school before I go due to my being gone a part of each week. Not fun, as I am the queen of procrastination and normally don't plan ahead. More often than not I am planning the Sunday before my week begins on Monday. Somehow it always works out okay.

My youngest had his first bathroom accident at school today. I would have thought it would have happened earlier in the year but no, today. He went into the bathroom to change himself and he didn't like the underwear in his spare clothes bag so he left the wet ones on and nobody noticed. He walked around the rest of the day in wet underwear. Color me not happy about that as he was in peepee filled pants for several hours and the clean clothes he put on now were damp with pee too. Yikes!!! Not a good thing for your skin. He told me flat out that the underwear I put in his spare clothes bag were the kind that are itchy on my waist, I wasn't going to wear them. No he preferred to walk around in pee rather than have an itchy waist. AHHHHHH!!!

My oldest was a moody mess and I am only guessing, but I think it was a bad day at school or girl trouble. He has one he likes and he likes her enough to tell me about it or I don't know he just might like to gross me out!!! I asked him what was wrong and he said the infamous "Nothing". Teenagers are fun. All of you with young ones... Just wait it gets better... kind of...not really it just becomes easier and more difficult all at the same time. Good luck!

On another note... it is strange how grief sometimes pops back into your daily life. I was charging my video camera to see if the battery will keep a charge. Lack of use, accumulation of dust and just no time to mess with it has left our video camera on the top shelf of life unused and unloved. Anyway I was viewing the tape that was left inside and it was of Christmas 2005, the last one I spent with my entire family. My grandmother was alive and well in the video. She was reading a story to my daughter who was 3 days shy of her third birthday and laughing. It was nice to see, but made me sad all at the same time. I don't think you ever stop missing those loved ones who you have lost. We just adapt to our revised family and move forward, because unfortunately time doesn't stop, it just keeps moving along. I was surprised by the video and the emotions that came along with seeing them again. I also am shocked at how much my kids have changed in 4 short years. What a difference in my youngest! He didn't make eye contact or speak and he never acknowledged anyone who spoke to him. I am so glad I was able to recognize his need for early intervention. Today you would never know he was delayed. I am happy to say he is average! Yes, Average and it is amazing!!! I am so happy for him and feel that God blessed me with the wisdom to know to intervene on his behalf. Now that I work with a child with Aspergers I totally understand how horrible it would be to loose a child to Autism in any form. I am so glad my baby is not locked inside himself. Thank you God, thank you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T15:07:00.002-06:00

Our day started with a windy, chilly, drizzly outlook and it hasn't gotten any better. I got one of those digital picture frames for Valentine's day from my familia. It is another piece of technology I have to figure out how to work. I just figured out the MP3 player I got a couple years ago for my birthday... I know it is sad. This thing even has an alarm clock. God help me. I will probably be up every morning at 4 a.m. because I can't figure out how to change the time. But when I am awakened I will be looking at the faces of all my family. How lovely!!!

Valentine's day at school was so much fun (or should I say "Balentine's day", that is how a 3 year old turning 4 seems to be able to pronounce it). We have parties filled with fruit, crackers, cookies, cheese and candy. I was happy to send my kids home all pumped up on sugar so they could spend some quality time with their parents.

Like I said, "Happy Valentine's Day!" I hope everyone is feeling loved!!!

My Monday

2009-02-09T20:55:00.002-06:00

My little dog seems to be on his way to a full recovery from his broken toe and mangled foot. He is limping quite a bit, but it hasn't slowed him down. I had a pretty good monday. I feel like I accomplished quite a bit and got a jump on the Valentine's day junk. The kids got all theirs filled out with names and put in a bag to take to school and I got my goodie bags for my kids in my classes. I feel like that is a huge step forward in making my week go a little more smoothly.

I am still working on getting over the fatigue of the flu, but feeling much, much better. I am not the only one struggling with illness. It seems like everyone I know has had at least one household member with the flu. It takes its toll on your body and next year I just might get that flu shot.

I am gearing up for a super vacation in Costa Rica. I found out we are going on a zip ride tour of the canopy of the rain forest one day. I am super excited about that. We are going on a dinner cruise with snorkeling one afternoon too. I am not that excited about that part. I don't like to see what I am swimming with. Remember the eighth grade trip to the Keys, not a big fan of snorkeling. But I will try it to be a good sport. I am thinking self tanner is needed about now to get me ready for a swimsuit in early March due to a lack of tan from my winter clothing and lack of rays!!! :) This is when I miss Florida... when I need a good tan quick!

Remain Calm Assertive

2009-02-07T15:29:00.003-06:00

That is what I kept repeating to myself this morning as I watched in horror as my youngest dog was smacked by a car. It was totally the dogs fault, not the driver. I opened the door to the garage and saw a flash of white and black run under it only to run into the immediate path of an oncoming car. Thankfully the young guy driving was going slow and jumped out while I watched the blood drain from his face. He kept saying I am so sorry, as he walked toward me and my dog ran by me to our fence barking and yapping. He seems fine just a scraped up foot and some bruising but this young guy may be scarred for life. I kept repeating Cesar Milan to myself as I picked up my shaking canine, "remain calm assertive and your dog will do it too.". He is right, Shaggy calmed right down and I was able to examine him and check him for injuries without incident. Poor guy, I can only hope he learned his lesson. But then again he is just a dog.

I am so tired...

2009-02-04T16:28:00.002-06:00

I have been going to bed early every night and I am still tired. I am not able to get my energy back although I feel better every day. I am slowly but surely recovering from the flu... but I still feel so tired. I don't know if I am just mentally tired or what but everything after 12 noon on is truly work for me. I am just tired at that point of the day and I feel like I need to rest.

I am 31 days away from a fantastic vacation, and that could be the problem too. I have a lot of work to do before I go and I need to worry about that stuff first. But I can't help but focus on that a little bit too.

My Kindergartener is writing sentences. They may not have correct spelling, but he is working on it and he is keeping a little journal of his thoughts. I so wish I could read his words, I would love to know what he is writing about. If only... He is so funny most of the time. His personality is much different from his siblings. He is like a little old man trapped in a kids body. He goes to bed early without any complaints but wakes up early happy and ready to go about his day. He eats almost the same thing every morning for breakfast. To say he is set in his ways is an understatement. That is why I would love to know what is going on in his mind, it might be interesting.

Reports of my demise...

2009-02-01T09:49:00.003-06:00

Okay, I have survived the latest bout of illness, much to the dismay of my daughter, who had me leaving earth due to influenza A. We also survived a little girls birthday tea party at my house yesterday. It was filled with screaming, cupcakes, frosting, candy, girl drama and more! It was the longest two hours of my entire life! They had a luncheon of finger sandwiches, pink lemonade, fruit punch, carrots and dip, chocolate covered strawberries, and cupcakes. It was a fun-filled event and I am so glad it is done and over with. Next time we will be partying at a party place. Gotta keep the girl drama down to a minimum, so keeping the busy will be the next plan.

I am starting to feel like myself again, but my energy level is still pretty low. I can do a little bit and then I have to sit down for awhile. I am still coughing and have a runny nose, but the fever and pain that gripped my body has come and gone. I am glad I had a good doctors note and was able to stay home and rest up to get over this horrible crap.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. I gotta get it in gear now and start the preschool Valentine's plans. I love Valentine's day... it is all hearts and flowers from here on in!!!!

The Words You Really Don't Want To Hear...

2009-01-28T12:47:00.002-06:00

The words you don't want to hear when you have the flu...

" you know people die from the flu!" - my daughter to her brother last night within my earshot.

I Got the Flu

2009-01-27T14:02:00.002-06:00

Yes, I have the frickin flu. Thank God for Tamiflu. Of course yesterday I was cursing the Tamiflu as it makes you feel worse before you feel better, but today the 103.7 fever has gone away and the nausea and body aches have subsided. I was somehow able to get myself showered, dressed, two little kids out the door yesterday morning so I could go to the doctor. Even after taking ibuprofen 20 minutes before arriving at the doctors office, I still had a fever of 102. I don't think pneumonia even made me feel this bad. I walked into the exam room and layed down on the exam table because I couldn't keep my head up any longer. I was in a sad, sad state. Today, I still feel like I have been hit by a truck but much better than yesterday and I have to thank the doctor for hooking me up with the cough syrup laced with hydrocodone. I was able to sleep and not cough all night and it helped with the body aches. You gotta love modern medicine. Here's hoping tomorrow is even better.

Feeling a Little Lost...

2009-01-22T21:50:00.002-06:00

I don't know what it is but I am just out of sorts. My eyes are puffy, like I have been crying, and watery. My nose is sniffly but no real drainage. I am thinking that I have developed some sort of allergy to mountain cedar that I have never had before. So, I took some allergy meds that people have sworn work well. I have confused the dates all week and can't seem remember when I had a conversation with someone. I think its the meds. I am going to try a day without it and see if my brain fog goes away. My eyes and nose will just have to suffer. The 2 a.m. sneezing fit will probably come back, but I guess that is okay too. Even though I don't really want to suffer with the symptoms, it will be better than being foggy. I have been in a funk lately too, can't seem to get out of it and there is no real reason for it I think. If there is I just can't put my finger on it. I just hope the funk goes away and I can feel more like me again. It could be the fact that in a month my husband has lost 15 pounds and I have lost 1 (and you know that is just water weight). It is just not fair!

IGNOTURATION Day!

2009-01-20T20:59:00.002-06:00

Yes, I do know how to spell it but that is how one of my 3 year olds turning 4 year old said it today. She was very excited about Obama being our new President and told the entire class he was our new president and George Bush was on vacation. Too funny! She even wore red, white and blue. She was so excited she could barely contain her feelings as she walked in this morning telling me all about what was happening today.

I am hopeful and happy too that the transition has happened and I don't expect a miracle to happen and things to change overnight, but I am hopeful, ever so hopeful.

We are all finally on the mend and feeling more like ourselves. Not 100% but much closer to it.

Happy Ignoturation Day!!!!!

Good day? Bad day? One in the same...

2009-01-19T15:24:00.003-06:00

Don't know what was up this morning with my school kids. They were sobbing, weepy messes this morning. Lot's of "momma!!!!" sob, sob, cough, sniff, "momma!!!", stuff going on. I guess the older kids being out of school and parents being off of work and they still have to go to school does something to them. Some of my normal Mr. and Mrs. Congeniality kiddos were just beside themselves. I had one who kept saying "what the heck?" while others had their meltdowns. I guess I am not 100% yet either working on an ear infection and "stupid" cold. I am just plain tired. I know my lack of real exercise is part of it too. I felt so much better when I had my regular walk/run with the dog. He misses it too.

My kids hung out at home celebrating MLK day. (Not really celebrating, more like laying around watching cartoons and dumb kid movies.) I was home by 12:45 and we went out to run some errands. Lillie is finally having a birthday party that we had to cancel due to my run in with a mad stomach virus. Saturday, we will be hosting a mini tea party for a few of her friends and pretending it is her birthday all over again. It stinks having a late December birthday because everyone is either gone for Christmas or too tired from Christmas to celebrate.

I was able to not procrastinate and get a lot of my school work for this week done. Prep is all done through Friday and I should be able to get my pictures printed and maybe work on my end of the year scrapbooks for my classes. Preschool is a lot of fun, but a lot of work. I wonder what tomorrow holds.

Friday one of the kids got physical with me when he didn't get his way. I have to say it is a horrible feeling when a kid gets that worked up. Poor guy is struggling with the whole idea of preparation for prekinder and following class rules. It is funny that all my other kids seem to really be conforming and want to please, he just can't seem to do it. I am hoping for a good day, not a bad day but one never knows. It should be fun either way... always an experience for sure.

New Year, New Me?

2009-01-18T22:09:00.002-06:00

I am trying hard not to procrastinate... really hard work that is. I am tired of half complete stuff hanging around. I have made a vow to myself to complete every task I begin. I still have Christmas crap that needs to go up in the attic, hello, it is getting super close to February! So, that is on the agenda to get it out of the house and up into the attic tomorrow. The kids have tomorrow off and they need the time off due to colds they are still fighting. I took my youngest to the doctor Saturday due to a fever but after a couple of not so great tests, he was diagnosed with a simple cold. He is still coughing and sounding miserable. But I think maybe a little bit better. My daughter, just the sniffles. I felt like crap yesterday, but better today. My ear was bothering me, but seems to have stopped since my congestion is going away. I guess it was just full of fluid. I am working on planning ahead at school as much a three weeks in advance. That is a stiff goal for me, but I am gonna try it. I am hoping to keep my weekends for me. I am also desperately trying to eat healthier and make smarter choices, but the donuts my husband brought home this morning ruined that today. They were still warm, how could I say no! But I am still trying.

Day 2, so far so good...

2009-01-13T16:02:00.002-06:00

Last night I had a splitting headache and began watching the Batchelor, which only made my headache worse. I don't understand how any of these women can be in love in a couple weeks. I think they are a little off, but I guess I haven't had their same experience and don't think I want to. Of course, I am watching the show so does that make me a little off?

I am thinking the headaches are stemming from not enough caffeine, I am addicted and haven't been indulging too much for about a week now so, that could be the issue or it could be the infamous mountain cedar blowing in from our northern winds last night. I was a slight bit congested.

I am desperately trying to get my diet in order, not depriving myself but just going in a healthier direction. It is hard because I love carbs, not complex carbs but the bad carbs. Pasta, my best friend in any form, reared its ugly head last night and I have to say I indulged in it, but did better about not eating too much crap. It is difficult for me to include fruits and more veggies, as I don't really appreciate fruit unless it is in pie, jelly, strudel, cobbler or a nice warm homeade muffin.. Could this be the route of my large thighs? Of course, I am trying to include more calcium too. If I ate everything I was supposed to eat in a day, I would be so full, but alas, I cannot force myself to eat all the veggies and fruit that you are supposed to. I can eat vast amounts of bread and fats. Retraining myself is difficult. Where is that Dr. Oz when you need him? I do think I must have lost a little bit, due to my tight jeans being not soooo tight this morning. Either that or the cold weather made me shrivel a little! :)

The Ordinary is Extraordinary!

2009-01-12T16:07:00.002-06:00

I never thought I would think or say this outloud but an ordinary day is fabulous. I had an ordinary day and am thankful for that. No drama, no craziness... just plain ordinary. Isn't that something. I have decided, not unlike Oprah, that this is the year that the baby weight I have been desperately clinging to must go. I am tired of feeling tired and unhealthy. I am working towards a goal of 25 pounds, but think I will set tiny goals of 2 pounds at a time. We will see how it goes. I have to do it, I know I will feel better, it is just hard especially when others bring you treats. Today I received birthday cake from one of my kids at school from her birthday party. I was good, I took two bites and threw it away. I had to eat some for her, but truly didn't even enjoy it. I have a trip to a warm and humid place coming up and I want to look semi-presentable when that time comes. Wish me luck!

Not much happening.. It's a good thing!

2009-01-11T21:30:00.004-06:00

You know that feeling that things are going a little too smoothly? This weekend went by in a flash and the week will be beginning again tomorrow morning. We sucessfully completed our first week back at school and the kids were exhausted after arriving home in the afternoons. Chris said he wasn't but I noticed he was asleep before I went to bed most nights this week. It was a little rocky the first of the week getting ready and getting out the door but by Friday all hands were on deck and the kids really got it together. I hope they didn't fall back into there lounge lizard ways this weekend. My hope is they will be raring to go tomorrow morning.

We have been moving in slow motion around here lately due to the fact that after 3 weeks my husband finally seems to be getting better. He is off the crutches but still limping quite a bit. We went to my favorite place today, Super Target, and let's just say I left him in the dust the minute my feet hit the pavement towards the store. I forgot all about him hobbling behind me. I slowed down a little but he definitely was not a great shopper today. He hurried me out of my favorite place. I didn't get to enjoy my shopping experience like I had hoped but it was okay.

Here's to boring, regular, days, with no chaos. I go back to school tomorrow, I will be back to chaos soon!

Yawn, Get up and try and get started!

2009-01-05T22:12:00.003-06:00

I woke with a start this morning... It was my husband saying,"don't you need to get up?". In my head I was thinking, "Duh, it is monday!". Thankfully, I just said outloud yes. I couldn't sleep last night. I don't know whether it was anxiety over going back to work, or just the fact that I knew I had to get up early in the morning again.

My husband took my vehicle due to his inability to push down a clutch and shift in his current condition, so I had to take his. I don't like his... therefore a bad mood began. Then the fact that I asked him to take my spare keys so I had my keys for work and the house. He took my keys... bad mood continues. Kids don't feel the same sense of urgency to get ready and get out of the house by 7:15... bad mood turns to frenzy! Remember, I was the one that said to myself, "duh, it is monday!". Yawn and beg God to let me hop back into bed and start the day again. It just wasn't my morning and that wasn't happening.

I can't complain really, as there are definitely worse things in the world than your husband not following your instructions, and kids not feeling that sense of urgency the same way you do, or the fact that I didn't get to drive my vehicle of choice. It is wonderful that I am alive and healthy enough to endure another rough morning.

On a sidenote, I wasn't the only one with a rough morning. My husband had a doctors appointment that has been a pain in the rear to get. He arrived and was told there was an emergency and they couldn't see him again until Friday. He laughed and said to the receptionist, "See these crutches, see my swollen leg, see the anguish on my face???? I cannot and will not wait until friday, how about later today or tomorrow?" To which she replied, "Oh, okay how about 10:30 tomorrow?" My husband says, "Great, by the time I get back to my truck, it will be 10:30 tomorrow morning, maybe I should just sit here until then." Her response, silence... she just stared at him. He then told her he thought he would be back in the morning and sheepishly hobbled back to MY truck. They called this afternoon to confirm and ask me if he would be able to "make it" back tomorrow. It is not like he has much choice, but I was nice and said of course he would be back, but what kind of question is that, "make it"? What were they thinking?

The Let Down...

2009-01-04T21:30:00.002-06:00

I am sure everyone experiences it in some way or another. You know, the let down after the holidays? The dragging feeling of all the fun being over with? I am feeling it tonight. My mother left Saturday, the kids and I go back to school tomorrow and a new year has begun. I am always so excited about the holidays and when they are over, I always feel a little let down. Not that I didn't get what I wanted for Christmas, it has nothing to do with the gifts, just the idea that we are going back to our old routine.

My husband seems to be getting a little better every day, still has pain and is walking with crutches, but unfortunately not back to his normal self.

The kids are excited to go back to school even if they act as if they aren't. Lillie keeps saying "Oh no, back to work!" Interestingly enough she laughs and smiles as she says it. I know Cole is thrilled to go back and play with his friends, he has missed them. Chris, he's just looking forward to being away from home for several hours. Back to normal!

Happy New Year?

2009-01-02T19:29:00.002-06:00

This new year has started with a bang for us... My poor husband has a form of arthritis that flairs up from time to time in different joints. Well, his every joint on his left side is now swollen beyond recognition. He is in excruciating pain. Meanwhile, his doctor appointment is Monday. So, instead of the emergency room we opted for the walk in clinic. They sent us to the hospital for an ultrasound of his leg due to extreme swelling. Thankfully, no blood clots were found and I was able to finally take him home. He is hopefully upstairs knocked out from pain medication and the other prescriptions they gave him to reduce swelling. I knew it was bad when he asked me to take him to the clinic. Wish us luck!

Happy, Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T22:18:00.001-06:00

Gone is 2008 and in with 2009! I am happy to see a new year begin with peace and family nearby. I wish all my friends and family a happy and healthy new year! Love to you all!

Happy 7th Birthday Lillie!!!

2008-12-27T16:17:00.001-06:00

Seven years ago today I was in Winter Park hospital after the delivery of my only baby girl. I remember vividly her birth and the days that followed. We were so excited to have our baby girl! I cannot believe how time has flown by and how quickly she has changed from my baby to my daughter. Happy Birthday baby girl!!!!

Finally!

2008-12-22T07:30:00.003-06:00

I am finally getting my energy back and starting to feel better. My stomach still isn't perfect but leaps and bounds better than the other day. IT is horrible when you get one of those nasty viruses.

But on to better things... I am hoping today to finish up my Christmas shopping and maybe finally start some Christmas baking. I haven't really done any baking because I was so ill. I didn't want to take the chance of sharing the wealth of disease with anyone. I haven't been totally into the Christmas spirit this year, but I have got to get it in gear and start enjoying it. I have to remember to cherish every moment of life because we never know what to expect in our futures.

Outside today it really feels like Christmas. It is 29 and cloudy looking like snow could fall at any moment. That would really get me into the spirit! There is a chance but ever so slight that it could snow this morning, but by Christmas day it will be back up to the 70's. Crazy how that works.

I do want to wish all my friends a very Merry Christmas and a New Year full of happiness, peace and blessings.

Did I mention I wasn't vomiting?

2008-12-18T08:31:00.002-06:00

I spent all night last night basically on the toilet or in front of it. Thanks to a stomach virus I am home today. My mom comes this evening so I am resting hoping to feel a little more like me by 6 tonight. Wish me luck! It could be worse, thankfully it is not Christmas yet!

Stupid cold!

2008-12-17T14:36:00.002-06:00

I have a stupid cold. I am so clogged up I can't stand it and blowing doesn't help, it just makes it worse. But the bright side is I am not vomiting nor is anyone else so far!!!!

My mom is supposed to come tomorrow and I need to dust and clean, but oh how yucky I feel. I am so tired and just out of it from the medicine I took. I can't even think about what I am making my family for dinner. I hate the fog in the brain that is caused by medicine and a nasty head cold.

It stinks!!!! I am hoping that it will be all over before Christmas.

Christmas Cheer

2008-12-13T11:42:00.003-06:00

You can hardly see my child but it was too cute not to share. Thankfully we were lucky, the third grade performance was tortured with a vomiter! We left after the first grade performance and missed all the vomit!

It's Official I am Now 36!

2008-12-12T15:13:00.002-06:00

I woke up late this morning. My husband let me sleep a little longer since it was my birthday... or he just forgot to reset the alarm. I am going with the first one, cause I am giving him a break. It has been a fantastic day, started with some nice diamond earrings, Bath and Body Works stuff, donuts from one of my kids at school, a beautiful orchid and a nice lunch at home alone in silence. That doesn't happen to often in my house, silence that is. So, 36 isn't so bad!

35 For A Few More Hours

2008-12-11T15:32:00.002-06:00

So, I am 35 today but tomorrow I will be 36... Boy, does time fly! I remember being 16 and getting my drivers license like it was yesterday. I remember the night I gave birth to my first child and the wicked delivery nurse I had and how I finally told her off because I was so tired and in pain. As a matter of fact my mom remembers that very vividly too! My first child is 16 and my youngest 5, I no longer have babies but school aged children. How strange it seems to me. I am happy that in 36 years I have been so blessed with great friends, beautiful and happy kids (yes, the 16 year old seems happy for a 16 year old) a great husband who always remembers my birthday and my health. Tonight I am going to enjoy the normalcy that is my life and make dinner for my kids, do some school work and help with homework. I will watch some TV like I normally do and fall asleep during the news like I normally do. But tomorrow, I will wake up as a 36 year old woman, hoping to do all of the above again! Normalcy is wonderful and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

(I must say I have been celebrating my birthday all week like I normally due because that is just the kind of girl I am!)

Why is it??

2008-12-03T19:32:00.002-06:00

I ask this question quite often. But why is it that when you try to help someone it seems to add quite a bit of stress to you? I have great intentions, really I do. I just want to help this child in my group, but it seems to be adding some stress to my life. I wanted a job that had limited stress and thought I had found it... Maybe not! Maybe there is no such thing...

Right now my stomach is churning with the thought of another day with this child and parents... Why is that? I have begun to second guess my judgement about going back to work. I could just creep back into my routine of being a full time mom again. It does sound nice... I don't know. Maybe it is just a rough week all around.

A Brief Moment of Pause...

2008-12-01T15:33:00.003-06:00

Today was a normal day for me at school until Chapel time. We walked into the church and of course, it was changed and decorated for Christmas. There was everything you would expect until I looked at the Advent Wreath. One of the banners directly facing me said in bright white embroidery on a dark blue backdrop... HOPE. It took my breath away and I felt myself struggling to hold back tears. Coincidence? Some may say that it was, but for me I think it was a subtle hint to not only remind me again of how precious life is but to have HOPE.

Reminders

2008-11-30T08:52:00.003-06:00

I think God sends reminders to us all to count our blessings. You never know when your time with family and friends will pass. You never know what the future holds. All we have is today and the hope of tomorrow. Live your life to the fullest and enjoy each precious moment. We all say we have so much to be thankful for... but God sends a reminder every now and then to show us how lucky we are.

My heart sinks a little today and hopes for a much better tomorrow. Whatever the path chosen for us and others we must not question, but it is difficult when it seems so senseless.

Who could say no to these faces?

2008-11-21T15:43:00.003-06:00

Eggplant anyone!!!!???!!! We have some to spare. What to do with all these eggplant? I wish I had someone who was interested in taking them off my hands nearby. I don't always do so hot with gardening, but I sure can produce eggplant.

Picture Day Mayhem!

2008-11-17T14:27:00.002-06:00

Why is any change in routine makes kids crazy? Today was picture day and boy were my kids insane. It just threw them all for a loop having to walk to another building to have their beloved picture taken. The company that is taking our pictures this time does an awesome job and the photographers are very patient. We will see how they do with my group of crazies tomorrow. I had my picture taken and asked her to make sure she got my good side. They laughed but I was serious. I don't know which is my good side but God forbid my pictures turns out bad. Only 20 kids and the school will have the bad picture of me hanging around. Just what I need!

I am taking my youngest to the doctor today. He has had a nasty cough for about a week and a half. He sounds like and 80 year old smoker. He doesn't seem to feel bad just super tired. He has been going to bed at night around 7:30 and laying around after school and on the weekends. I hope it is nothing, but since having my own bout with pneumonia and Lillie's two turns I am super paranoid about it. Hopefully, he will be just fine.

Ratatouille...Not the movie.

2008-11-16T13:31:00.004-06:00

We have a small garden in our backyard where we continue to grow a small amount of fresh veggies. Right now I have eggplant, lettuce (pictured above) and fall tomatoes. Radishes are coming up along with some other winter crops. For some reason we seem to have great luck with the eggplant and produce mass quantities of the stuff, so much so that we are giving it away to anyone who will take it. Unfortunately, once picked it doesn't last long.

I am forever trying to squeeze in an all vegetarian meal and I always wondered what Ratatouille really was. Well, it is eggplant, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onions and squash all tossed in a saute pan and browned. Normally, it is eaten without a pasta but we made it with rice one time and pasta another and they both were pretty delicious. We added baby bella mushroom, green peppers (from our garden) and some pablano pepper (from our garden) for a little kick, and it was fabulous too. If you ever wondered what to do with that purple thing called eggplant. Try Ratatouille, not the movie, the veggie dish.

Why is it?

2008-11-14T19:56:00.002-06:00

Why is it, so many kids produce so much snot? Why is it they seem to have never heard of a thing called a tissue or the brand names Puffs or Kleenex? Why is it that one snotty kid makes another snotty kid then another and so on and so on? Why is it that I have the horrible habit of gagging a little bit when I have to wipe said snot from a small miserable little person? Why is it that one child can sneeze and leave a huge snot ball on our circle time carpet and not seem to notice?

I don't really know the answer to any of these questions although I do have several theories. I can honestly say this has been a severely snotty week for me. I sure hope it isn't a SH***Y week next week, that will definitely make me change my career pronto!

Picture day is coming!!

2008-11-10T16:46:00.001-06:00

I have been looking for a reason to have my picture taken and next week I will be having it done. Yes, it is picture day at school. I cannot wait, maybe then I will have a decent photo of me from the neck up to post on Facebook! Laugh is you must, but I am not a photographers dream in any way shape or form. I had Glamour Shots done before and they are the best pictures of me I could have ever taken. Smoke and mirrors is truly what I need. I hope this photographer has some!

I'm Back...Sort Of!

2008-11-09T19:36:00.001-06:00

I have to admit, I have been super busy and had nothing really to say. Today was a nice day and we went shopping. I hate shopping, because I am not happy with the low rise pants. If you have any shape, and boy do I have some shape, they pucker in the back right above your butt. I would rather not sit down and show everyone my under garments... I don't know it is just a problem for me. I am swearing off buying pants until I loose some weight in the nether regions. I really have to make myself do it because I am not happy with the way I look. I just don't know how and where to begin. I just need to figure it out. I did buy a fantastic coat from Old Navy for 50% off and a pretty sweater with a sparkly snowflake on the front. I also bought some Turkey t-shirts that I am sure the kids at school will love.

I feel a little out of sorts lately, can't get myself or my thoughts organized. I think I am ready for some down time. A little Turkey Coma if you know what I mean. I am looking forward to the mini break during Thanksgiving to maybe recharge myself. Then it will be a couple weeks for Christmas and a visit from my mom that should really get me back to myself again. We shall see.

Election Day is Over!!

2008-11-05T16:49:00.003-06:00

There is a sense of relief now that the election campaigns are over. I was growing tired of all the commercials and automated phone calls. I feel like the American public has spoken and it is finally complete. God Bless America, and our new President Elect as he takes on this mess.

Things are going pretty well for me. I am finally moved into my new classroom in our new building and thoroughly enjoying our much needed space! I have 4 new students so I am really busy and our days fly by quickly. I can't believe it is already Wednesday! I love that I am super busy!

All I Can Say...

2008-11-03T20:40:00.001-06:00

Can't wait to see who we elect as our next President!!! VOTE!!!!

Me, I am BaRockin the Vote tomorrow!

Is it wrong?

2008-10-29T16:09:00.003-05:00

My husband went and early voted yesterday. He came home with his "my vote counts!" sticker. I asked who he voted for... he answered... I called him an idiot! Was I wrong? He then proceeds to explain to me that since I was voting for one and he was voting for the other our votes would just cancel each other out anyway. Here's where I have an issue...Is he crazy? How could he vote that way when he is married to someone like me. Free spirited and liberal. I guess opposites to attract. Whatever that means!

It is Wednesday, and I have a parent teacher conference for my youngest this evening. Pray for me. I had one for my middle genius yesterday and this teacher thinks she is a genius. Me, I am not convinced. I know she is intelligent, but I don't know how exceptional she is being she is only 6. But we will see how she does the rest of the year. Right now she is blowing people out of the water. Don't get me wrong, I am happy she is doing so well, but I hate for her to get labeled and then feel compelled to work herself to death trying to fulfill huge goals. It worries me. She is a smarty pants though. Her brothers... well... they are boys! :)

It's Over!

2008-10-26T20:35:00.003-05:00

The competition is over. It was explained to students and faculty that the competition is done.

So is my weekend. Filled with shopping, cleaning, more cleaning and some yard work. Everything is back to ship shape for one moment in time. By Wednesday this house will be in complete chaos again.

Here's to a great Halloween week!

The Saga Continues...

2008-10-23T16:02:00.003-05:00

So, I send an e-mail explaining to said teacher our thoughts again in a way I think he can understand. Yes, I underlined the important parts and used bold print. Here it is...

We will assume from your response and Mr. Whatshisface lack of response that this sort of behavior is condoned by the administration and that we must look into addressing it another way. We do not think that you understood the problem that we had with this situation, so let us clarify the issues. We are not debating whether or not you should have confiscated the phone, it is the "competition" we have a problem with. Our other issue is the fact that you communicated this "competition" to students.

My son is not a horrible student but he isn't the best either. This is not for lack of brain power but just lack of concern. We would prefer him to be with a teacher who wants to be an educator more than a competitor. We would hope there will be no repercussions for our son but at this time we would be more than happy to have him placed with another teacher who is not participating in said "competition" as we feel it takes away from his education.

I got a response from the Principal today not the teacher in question. I guess they got the message. Unfortunately, my underlines did not copy to the blog but you get the jist. I feel for teachers, especially the ones who, God Bless them, teach older children. But come on now! This is the same teacher who jokingly asked the entire class yesterday if anyone was Schizophrenic. What is that about? He also is a huge fan of The Clone Wars cartoon. You can find it on Cartoon Network if you are interested. I only know this because my son was able to communicate this to us from another educational day in English 2.

We got the phone back Tuesday and our fee goes to project graduation so that is a good thing. I guess the bright spot is I helped support a nice event for someone else's kid.