Wild & Crazy Ride

Finding My Routine Again

2010-04-24T13:01:00.003-05:00

There are some things that have fallen by the wayside with Max around. I used to be so scheduled. That took awhile after having all of my kids--getting that routine back into my life. But with my older kids in school, I had it down! Not so much now. I'm a few days behind on my To Do list--but the one thing I've really been procrastinating on---finding auto insurance quotes. This isn't something horrible--just something that requires a bit of time, since I like to shop around. But if there's a moment in my day to get online---that is one moment of my day I can be catching up on my sleep (or the growing laundry monster in the basement)!!

Growing Older

2010-04-24T12:56:00.002-05:00

Have you heard of prototype 37c? You know, I have never really been one to worry about wrinkles. Honestly, I've never been one to worry about much. I'm sure when gray hair and wrinkles begin to appear I'll feel differently--but for now, I'm quite Okay with growing older. In fact.....my birthday is in 2 weeks---and I can't wait!

Growing

2010-04-24T12:52:00.002-05:00

When I was growing up there weren't such things as hgh supplements. Well, I'm sure athletes could get a hold of it, but us normal folk---never heard of it. My brother always thought he was short, and never seemed to start a growth spurt. I remember he used to put Iodine in milk to help him grow. I'm not sure it worked...but today (at age 41) he's over 6 feet, so I'm really thinking he didn't need to worry about it!

Baby Acne

2010-04-24T12:46:00.003-05:00

We are slowly but surely heading into the 'baby acne' state. My midwife always said, "As soon as mom is feeling good enough to take the new baby for pictures, the acne hits and you have to wait awhile!" I have suffered with acne my entire life. Because this "baby acne" is a glimpse at how this child will react to changes in hormone levels throughout their life---I'm really hoping these next few weeks are really mild. I've read up on different acne fighting products,found acneticin reviews, I've tried every over the counter remedy known to man---and I still have really poor skin!! Hate that!

SWAG

2010-04-24T12:43:00.001-05:00

It's kind of funny when you go into the hospital to have a baby. There is you, your overnight bag and hopefully...your husband. But when you come home, not only is there a new life in your hands---but bags full of baby supplies and promotional products. Now I'm not complaining---take home gifts are always fun. We've been home about 4 weeks, and I'm barely going through all of the sacks and envelopes and paperwork that came home with us. I hope that means that I'm starting to get back to my normal self.

Have You Missed Me??

2010-04-15T12:40:00.000-05:00

So.....life with a newborn is a bit more than I expected! But I'm hoping to get back on track and start back into this "blogging" thing. Lack of sleep does create some interesting spellings---that's for sure.

Having a new baby is always fun. Those first few weeks when you can just snuggle with them while they sleep...HEAVEN! It is fun to watch each individual personality start to develop--each new baby different from the last.

It's been fun---and I'll keep you posted!

Making Business Better

2010-03-01T11:45:00.003-05:00

I have been researching some business opportunities in our area, and you know I'm getting pretty good at it! Those nifty little buttons that say--click here to learn more--I LOVE them! I have found some free online classes in chocolate dipping as well as a free course at the local community college that fits right in with what I'm wanting to learn. With gas pricing starting to rise again--it's nice to find online educational helps that fit right in with my little niche business!

Cancer Clubbed

2010-03-01T11:40:00.003-05:00

Has cancer touched your life? Last month at a fundraiser for a friend whose 8 year old son was just diagnosed with some horribly rare cancer the woman hosting the get together said something so true. We always say "cancer touched"--I opened this post with that---has anyone you love been touched by cancer? But what more appropriate is---Has anyone in you life had their life hacked up, spit out, stepped on and clubbed by cancer? It's a devastation that compares to nothing else. With all of different cancers out there these days, Breast, Prostate, Colon, Mesothelioma, Pancreatic, Brain, Blood--you name it--there is a cancer for everything. And it's just humbling when you think of the numbers. Is there really any way to combat such a villain?

Finding Help

2010-03-01T11:37:00.002-05:00

Having suffered with acne most of my life, I am getting pretty tired of having to work on it. Why is it that some people just have perfect bodies and perfect skin. Then you get others with less than perfect bodies and terrible skin? I've been looking into "other" acne factors and found some information on food allergies and skin damage over at www.phisoderm.org. I'm not sure it will help with what I need---but every little bit of knowledge helps!

Or Just Good Lookin'

2010-03-01T11:33:00.002-05:00

Is this winter weather killing everyone else? I mean, just as it feels like it's finally going to start warming up--it starts snowing again. Last Friday I saw patches of grass....GRASS! But by Sunday morning---we had another foot of snow. What is that? More than the cold--the dryness is killing my skin. I've been going through lotion, eye cream, and lip balm more than ever before, and my skin still doesn't feel normal. I can't imagine what people with Eczema must suffer through.

Lookin' Good

2010-03-01T11:29:00.004-05:00

I've been starting to work with a new company for my health care supplies. I've enjoyed using some of their energy and cleaning products--but really would love to find acne pills that work. I mean, I'm 38 years old....and I still have facial problems! I was reading other people's blogs, and I can honestly say---I don't think I'm alone. Not that that makes me feel any better--but it is nice to know I'm not the only one!

Vancouver 2010

2010-03-01T11:24:00.002-05:00

How were the Olympics for you? I didn't get to catch much--well, except for the USA hockey games. How exciting were they? The thing I noticed...there weren't any 'doping' issues mentioned. I don't know if that means the athletes are clean (doubt it) or if they've found something a little better for them to work as their testosterone booster.

I remember growing up and loving to watch the Olympics. However, becoming the 'adult' I've noticed that it doesn't leave much time for TV watching. Which is too bad, I hear there were some amazing moments!

Holidays

2010-03-01T11:20:00.002-05:00

What a crazy month! You know I've been waiting for February hoping that life would slow down just a bit...but it hasn't! Between family, school and health problems--it's been one of the busiest months ever! You can probably tell by the length of time between posts, eh! I just wish I had an energy auditor to let me know how much I'd be using every day in order to store some up!

Mardi Gras and Valentine's Day were very big in our "business"--so I'm really glad those are over! However, I will miss the income from them!

Fun and Games

2010-02-07T23:46:00.002-05:00

We spent yesterday at my sister's house. Her son had his 10th birthday party and with 18 boys between the ages of 8 and 11...there were plenty of chaotic moments. It was funny how there were some boys that just ran with the crowd and others that felt the need to put themselves in positions of authority. One boy, sat at the table protecting the potato chip bowl and announced to any boy that if they wanted chips, they had to wash their hands. So my sister put a bottle of anti-bacteria goop next to him as a trade out. Not that disinfectant hadn't been used on almost everything in preparing for the party. There is a nasty stomach flu going around this area, and she wanted everything germ free. She used the wipes after everyone was gone too. With four kids of her own, I don't blame her!

Job Search?

2010-01-24T23:32:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow I will be applying with a temp agency. I'm a little nervous about it, and I can't quite put my finger on it. Is it the fact that I've been out of the loop for 13 years? Is there guilt in the fact that I'm leaving my 5 year old home with his dad while I work? I had made a goal to be a stay at home mom until my kids were in school--and my little one won't start Kindergarten until next school year. I'm not looking for some huge full time job--but something to help stretch the paycheck would be awesome! I've done a sales job search in my area, and haven't found anything that fits my schedule. I need mornings--in fact, I need to be home before my husband's restaurant kicks into gear, so he can make it in for the lunch crowd. I will keep looking, and temping if possible--but I'm thinking my heart will be more into it come next August when my baby gets on that school bus!

Energy Wanted

2010-01-24T23:28:00.002-05:00

I am not a big breakfast eater. I never have been. I remember in high school I would come upstairs to head out to the bus, and my mom always had a little plate of scrambled eggs waiting for me. Those poor things were wasted every.single.day! In college I would try a weight loss drink or a protein shake in the morning. But I found that I would get a bit queasy after them. Not so much the drink--more of the fact that my stomach was happier still being asleep.

It's the same today. I know I should eat breakfast--but I just really don't want to. If I were to just wait and let my body kick in and get hungry--breakfast would start around 2 in the afternoon. So this week my goal is to find something, anything to get into my body when I wake up. You know, try to kick that metabolism into gear. I don't care if I lose weight---I would just love to find something to boost the energy level!

The Job Search

2010-01-24T23:26:00.001-05:00

I have spent the past couple of weeks looking for a job. You know---it has to be the best fat burning supplement ever! I have been running non-stop and it's quite exhausting! That's saying something coming from a mom with 4 kids at home. I'm never this tired! I've been looking for mostly data entry or accounts payable jobs, but then I found one that goes into hospitals and performs the hearing tests for the newborns. Now THAT is the one I want!!

Holiday Madness

2010-01-24T23:14:00.001-05:00

Have you noticed that right after the holidays end, there is a barrage of diet supplement commercials. First it was xenadrine rfa x and then P90X---I'm starting to feel targeted. Yes, I know I could probably benefit from every one of these products---I'm just too poor following the holidays to afford the help!

I'm hoping that Valentine's Day will be a little less forgiving---although I'm sure there will be a whole new set of commercials starting then. Of course, by then, I could afford all of them! :)

P90X Dreams

2010-01-24T22:55:00.003-05:00

As I was putting the house to bed last night, I wandered into the family room to turn off the TV and the lights. The P90X commercial was on, and I will admit--it's always a huge temptation whenever I see it. 90 days....who can't do anything for 90 days? I can't even stay on the best diet supplement ever for 90 days! But the results always amaze me. Thin, trim and healthy people smiling at me in the "after" photo. So last night I broke down. I have a friend who Facebooked about starting her 90 days. She is a huge sporty gal---biking, skiing, snowshoeing...she does it all. I figured out of anyone--she would be the one that survived the 90 days and will be beaming at me from one of the photos. I was wrong! She made it 1 week! Actually--she made it 5 days! She said that everything was fine, she just couldn't handle the fact that she was always hungry.

Yeah---that would be the one thing to knock me off the wagon too!

Bluefly Accessory Wall

2010-01-24T22:48:00.002-05:00

Do you watch Project Runway? I have to admit, that it's kind of an addiction in this house. Well, it's DVR'd and watched in the free moments later--but I LOVE it! Tim Gunn is just the cutest little guy. When the models come in for the last time before the runway portion begins, Tim always tells the designers to use the "Bluefly.com Accessory Wall" thoughtfully. Not being a designer, I tend to forget the need to add shoes and jewelry to the look--but what presentation wouldn't be amazing by simply adding a beautiful pair of Christian Louboutin shoes to the mix??

I will tell you that this year, I'm NOT voting for the hometown girl! Usually, in other reality shows, if there is a person from Chicago--I'm rooting for them. This season the Chicago girl is Ping....and ya know....I'm just not feelin' it!

A Good Resolution

2010-01-22T23:00:00.000-05:00

As far as girls go, I'm usually considered very Vanilla. Yes, the pony tailed, no-make up mom in lounge pants and slippers dropping her kids off in the mini van! You can just picture me now, huh? Well, not this year! 2010 has been the year of "beauty" for me. Why not...I'm 38 and not that far from needing eye cream for wrinkles! My husband's work had their holiday party on January 10 and I actually shopped for make up. I haven't purchased make up since the Chicago Bears lost their last Super Bowl 4 years ago! Anyway--I purchased a new make up bag to keep it all in, and I made the resolution that I wouldn't leave my house without my make up on, and my hair tidy. You would be happy to know---it's the 22nd of January...and I've lived up to that resolution so far!

Yay me!

Missed Oportunities

2010-01-21T23:08:00.000-05:00

I was having a conversation last Thursday night with a woman in my neighborhood. She's quite a bit older than me, and we really don't have much in common but it was interesting to talk. Turns out that several years ago, she and her husband had had the opportunity to invest in Aspartame. Yes, THAT Aspartame. It was just getting started and the developers were looking for investors to drop $1000 to help get them started. She said that they had the money, but were looking at other options and inevitably turned the investment down. I couldn't believe my ears! Aspartame....they would have like a gazillion dollars by now! That would be like turning down an offer to put a little money down to back a phentermine diet pill! As I stood there with my mouth agape, I tried to think of anytime in my life when I've let any type of opportunity slip away. Maybe they weren't as huge as her opportunity lost....but who knows where we would be right now, had we been willing to "fail fantastically"....for that is always when others find the most success!

Getting Ahead of Ourselves

2009-12-28T01:20:00.001-05:00

With the rush of Christmas coming to an end...and looking forward to the rush of Valentine's Day coming...I've been thinking that I need to look into a good project management software. Something that I can keep not only our schedule on for our employees, but something that can show each order...and when it's due. We've never missed an order (knock on wood) but being a small business owner, it is my fear. Especially with business picking up these last few weeks!

They're Gone

2009-12-28T01:14:00.003-05:00

My parents have made their yearly trek South. They are truly snowbirds and live the winter months in their 5th wheel in Arizona. They've done this most of my adult life, and finally this year decided to drive their little "home away from home" down south and park it in it's spot forever. No more pulling that baby over the mountain passes on central and southern Utah. They were looking at giving up their trailer and buying a home since the market has crashed in Arizona and they could get a steal on a house. But in the end they decided to up their mechanical breakdown insurance and pay for a permanent spot!

They had Christmas with my brothers and sisters the Sunday before Christmas, and then spent Christmas on the road. That part doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but sitting in my living room watching the snow dump 12 inches of snow on me and listening to her walking the dog in a light sweater...I guess I'd go for a Christmas like that!

Teeth Problems

2009-12-28T01:01:00.003-05:00

My husband has a mouth full teeth that need serious work. It's been that way his whole life. They seem to disintegrate at the very thought eating something sugary! His cousin is the same way and has gotten her dental implants Plano, Texas. She's thrilled with them, and her "no-pain" dentist. Sadly---that's like 1000 miles away--and we don't know many dentists near us.

Sadly, two of my kids have inherited his teeth. It's costing a fortune already, and they aren't even a decade old!

I Never Knew

2009-12-28T00:55:00.002-05:00

My parents were in town in early December and as we sat at a local restaurant having dinner, I couldn't help but overhear the people at the table next to us. They went on and on about a woman who had stolen their identity and how much strife it had caused in their lives. I have to admit, I've never really worried about someone stealing my identity. I guess I've always figured my credit was bad, and if anyone applied for anything in my name they'd be rejected anyway. But after listening to this woman tell her story to the people at her table, it really made me want to look into companies that offer identity theft protection.

Traveling Alone

2009-12-14T00:57:00.001-05:00

I have a new friend. I call her new not because we have only been friends a short time, but because, although we are friendly...I don't really know all that much about her. She lives in my area. Has been married for 20 years and has 4 kids (3 adopted and 1 bio). In getting to know her a little better these past few months I found out that she takes a 1 week vacation once a year, all by herself. No kids. No husband! Now---I'm all for getting away--but I really don't want to go alone. I don't know if she goes with friends or girlfriends, but it sounded as if she took off for a week in one of those disney world hotels all by herself! Not only do I not want to travel alone, but I really wouldn't want to do Disney World without my kids!

Her oldest son was at church today swinging around a HUGE pencil. It was his gift from his mom's trip to Disney. I'm sure it was lacking in his mind! Kind of like a t-shirt that said, "My mom went alone to Disney World, and all I got was this dinky t-shirt"! Yeah....just like that!

Medical Offices

2009-12-14T00:50:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been stuck in a doctor's office waiting and started checking out the medical equipment? Does everyone do that or just me? After you've had four babies--there isn't an exam table that I haven't sat on! I remember in one really long appointment, I sat and stared at the blood pressure meter on the wall. Did you know there is a fancy name for that little meter? It's a Sphygmomanometer! Yes siree...I sat there and read it over and over until I could say it (and spell it) with ease! Let me tell you---I sound SO smart in a conversation where I get to throw that word around! Yeah...I haven't been in one yet---but I'm just waiting, cause it's bound to happen!

I've even gotten my kids started on games to pass the time. You know the exam tables with all of the drawers underneath it? Well, we play a little "Guess What's In That Drawer" game. You guess something like hospital gown or gauze...and then you take a little peeksie to see if you win. Yeah---it's snooping...but all in the name of entertaining children who would otherwise be ripping through said drawer looking for latex gloves to blow up or those extra long Q-tips to jam up their noses!!

Memories

2009-11-29T23:05:00.002-05:00

Last summer when we were on our vacation, a new temple opened nearby. It was the first one I could take my kids into that they would actually remember. The whole time we were in line waiting for our turn, I was telling them different things to expect. The first thing you do when you walk in the door is stop between two people. You lift one foot up and they slip these little disposable shoe covers over your shoe. Then you repeat it with your other foot. I was really excited for them to see this part--it's always what stuck out in my head from earlier open houses I'd been to. This new building (sadly) didn't have these cute little feetie covers---the entire walking areas were made up of marble tiles and all of the carpet was covered with the long plastic carpet covers. No, it's not a big deal---but there was a tinge of disappointment!

Fighting The Good Fight

2009-11-29T22:59:00.002-05:00

My mom has been going through a really rough patch trying to wean herself off of pain medication her doctor prescribed for her. You know, you always hear about celebrities fighting these kinds of addictions, and I tend to judge rather harshly. Little did I realize that much of these addictions are caused by the doctors and the drugs themselves. By that, I mean, with the rebound of pain that accompanies taking pain medication. It will take away the pain for awhile, but when it wears off, the body sends rebound pain--and you end up taking more medication to relieve that pain, and the accompanying pain and so on!

It's been 24 days since she went off of her pain medication cold turkey. And she's finally starting to feel a little more human. Those first three days were the worst! I honestly thought I should start looking for cross country movers to be with her. It's probably good that we are 1500 miles apart, because I would have been there all day every day--and there are times I think she would have pushed just to converse with me. And with me not there, it gave her the freedom to rest and only take my phone calls when she really had the energy to do so!

Hand Dryers

2009-11-16T08:06:00.002-05:00

Are all kids drawn to hand dryers? I swear, every restroom we are in, my daughter (6 1/2) must wash her hands and sit with them under the dryer until they are practically chapped from being so dry. There are paper towel dispensers along the other wall which would be much quicker, but no, she must dry! It isn't that she's being all 'conservation minded', she just likes the fact that something mechanical dries her hands for her.

I remember being up in the mountains at summer camp. We would have to be up at the crack of dawn, and even though it was summer--it was always freezing up there. We would hang out for the flag ceremony, and then we would dash to the bathroom, and turn the blowers on--and just stand in front of them. Anything to get warm!

So Proud

2009-11-16T08:03:00.002-05:00

I was filling out some paper work for some of the ladies at church, and came across a name of someone I'd never met. Mind you, I've been in the area and the same church for over two years, I should know everybody right? Turns out this young lady has picked up and moved to the Dominican Republic to work on humanitarian projects. How amazing is that? I can't imagine being so self-less, and I have to say, I'm humbled by her. So if you are ever in santo domingo look up Sister Cutler for me---just see how she's doing!

I Want It!!

2009-11-16T08:00:00.003-05:00

We are remodeling our basement. I know, it's a recession...what are we thinking! Honestly, we are updating it, and adding a kitchen. In case we need to move elderly parents in--or even rent out the space for added income. We were looking at sinks and faucets the other day, when we saw the COOLEST bar faucets ever! Mind you, I've never really been into a bar---so I don't know if they are what real bars use--but you hold the glass upside down and push it toward the faucet, and a gush of hot water hits it--and cleans it. OH MY HEAVENS....I want one so bad! I don't think we use too many glasses. I'm not sure it would be used much at all. But oh it was so cool!

My Laptop Is Dead

2009-11-02T02:49:00.002-05:00

My laptop is fried! I guess I was asking for it, when I let my kids play with it. But it's got too much information to just let it go. I've been looking into secure online backup. I don't know how long the process takes, or how many times my laptop will freeze before it's totally backed up. But it is definitely something that would save me so much time and stress. I don't know if it has a virus---and it won't keep itself running long enough to run a scan, and I do have to say---it's DRIVING ME CRAZY!!

Purloined Pens

2009-11-02T02:47:00.001-05:00

Do you have people in the office that steal all of the office supplies? I swear, my husband comes home from work every night with three pens. Each has the company name on them, so it's not hard to see where they are coming from. I wouldn't be surprised to find 20 or more of them in his drawer. But it really makes it nice when I can't find a pen--I know just where to look! Would it be too tacky to start requesting sticky notes?? I'm always needing those! :)

Christmas Past

2009-11-02T02:45:00.003-05:00

My cousin posted a picture of herself from many years ago on Facebook. I couldn't tell how old she was, or if it was taken after they moved to Utah or in one of their Baltimore apartments. Turns out, it was her first Christmas after the move west. So I had definitely met her by then.

In the picture, she was 10 years old and holding up the baby doll that her mom had gotten for her for Christmas. Here she is 34 year old looking at this picture and wondering if 10 was too old to be getting excited about getting a baby doll for Christmas!

The Elk

2009-10-28T20:20:00.000-05:00

Today we went with my sister and her kids to see the Elk of Elk Grove Village. It's so strange that after all of the years that we've lived here-we've never stopped to do this. Mind you--she's not much into being outside--more of an indoor girl, so I was kind of surprised when she called.

We drove the kids over, took a bunch of pictures, and then headed to my brother in laws restaurant for dinner. It was yummy! I have to download the photo's and then I will put them up a little bit later this evening!!

Dinner Dilemma

2009-10-04T20:46:00.002-05:00

I was talking to my mom earlier and realized that I may not need the best weight loss pill ever, although--I'd still like it! But I really do need to cut down on the snacks after dinner! Well, and dinner itself! Tonight we had 'from scratch' waffles---fatteningly delicious!

I did sit up last night and work out our month of dinners for the month of October. I do enjoy having a list of everything that I'm going to be cooking in the next 30 days. It helps with the shopping and really helps cut the "chore" out of dinner.

Moving Matters

2009-10-04T20:43:00.002-05:00

Well, my in laws have begun their move. Actually they are almost finished with it. They are taking pretty much everything but the bathroom sinks! However, there are a couple of things that they aren't taking that should go with them. They paid for these items, and even though they are attached to the wall---they are theirs. This includes surround sound equipment and a huge awning in the backyard. Now I understand that this is a foreclosure--but come on---it's not like it's part of the house!

Colon, Apostrophe, Question Mark

2009-10-04T20:38:00.003-05:00

Do you want to know a secret of mine?? I LOVE the new TV show about Guiliana and Bill Rancic. Much of it is filmed here in Chicago and it is fun to see places on TV that I get to look at all the time. We even drove by their old house a few weeks ago when we were downtown. Yeah---not that I'm a stalker or anything!

On the last episode she and her assistant headed to a spa for a detox. She had just told her husbands friends that she wouldn't be having a colonic or anything, so it was really funny to see her squirm when she found out that there was, in fact, a colonic with her name on it!

I really would be a poor participant in a colonic---but when you look into colon health I would be more apt to try colonetix or something like it. I'm much happier to take a pill!!

Past Dreams

2009-10-04T20:32:00.000-05:00

Last year at this time I vowed that I would find some weight loss pills that work and I would be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader this year for Halloween! And ya know what......this year, I'm going to find fabulous weight loss pills that work-----and NEXT year I'm going to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader for Halloween!

Pretty sad in my opinion! As far back as I could remember I always wanted to be a part of the DCC. Now, at 38 years old---I'm left to dream about it for Halloween! Not that my mother would have ever approved of my younger, thinner self becoming one!!

Garage Sale Stuff

2009-10-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

I am going over to my sisters old house tomorrow to help her and her mother in law pull things out to be put in a garage sale in a couple of weeks. What is so fun is that the attic and basement are full of her husbands grandparents things--total "Antique Roadshow fodder up there! There is depression glass, and even an old stove from the 1920's in PERFECT condition! That alone could fetch several thousands of dollars--and it still works!

So tomorrow will be really an interesting day--I can't wait to fill you in on what else we find!

Can't Eat It

2009-09-20T22:22:00.001-05:00

Have you ever noticed that the best appetite suppressant is cooking?? I know, that sounds so strange. But I can be dying for scrambled eggs--and if I've cooked them, and smelled them while they cook--I can no longer eat them. Yet, if we were to pile in the car and head to Denny's I could eat multiple servings! It's the same with most hamburger products as well--and ALL chicken! I don't know if it's the smell that the foods give off--but yes, I'm no longer able to eat anything after I've cooked it. (And no it isn't that I'm a bad cook---my kids and husband LOVE my cooking)

It's The Law

2009-09-20T22:19:00.004-05:00

My brother in law is an attorney and we find that whenever we have a legal question (whether it's business law related or not) we will always call him for his advice first. My cousin has been living back east for several years and has been loving all of the things that life affords her. However, she's found her self in need of one of the really good New York accident lawyers, so she called me to see if I could call him for a referral to find a good one. Glad to see we aren't the only ones who use and abuse him!!

Awesome Find

2009-09-20T22:16:00.004-05:00

I started taking Vivix from Shaklee this week, and I have to say---I LOVE it! I was a little worried that it would carry some of the same side effects as some weight loss pills. You know, the jittery, jumpy, fuzzy head. But there was none of that. Just pure unadulterated energy--and the four days I've been on it have been AWESOME!

I just wish it was less expensive. But honestly, the result is worth it. I actually scoured my refrigerator---and it's needed that for MONTHS!

It's HERE!! YAY

2009-09-20T22:09:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the first day of fall! Can you believe it! Time to winterize the house. Luckily my husband has the day off tomorrow. He is in charge of everything outside--like the faucets and spigots and such. I do the inside like the furnace filters and the new batteries for the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Pretty easy, eh? We have a huge air conditioner in the back yard, and we don't touch it---but the one in my bedroom window will most likely stay there throughout the winter. I am a person who is never cool---so it may be the middle of February before we pull that one in!

Time To Get Rid Of It

2009-09-19T22:12:00.000-05:00

So, would you look for the best fat burner now?? Or would you wait until after the holiday binge has past? I know--it's the same question every year. My baby is nearing 5 and I'm still holding on to his baby weight. It's definitely time to do something about it. With the weather cooling down, I should be able to do a bit more out of the house. Maybe walk the kids to school some mornings. Tomorrow we are going raspberry picking--so that will be a little activity.

Girl Chat!!

2009-09-17T11:37:00.000-05:00

We have a HUGE family! We are a divided family--my mom brought three kids into the marriage and my dad brought 4. So there are 7 base kids, plus each one has a spouse, bringing that up to 14, plus 19 grand kids and 1 great-grand baby. So the total at any family occasion is 35! Add in grandparents and aunts and uncles and you've got quite the room full. Now just imagine that one of them is gone and calling home for the holiday! After you've passed the lucky telephoner around the room--you are talking an hour long distance phone call!! Those pennies add up pretty darn quick!

We have an all "Girl" call every Sunday night. Generally my mom calls my oldest sister, puts her on hold and gets my next sister on the line, and then conferences me in lastly! It's quite a chore, but we seem to manage at least a short catch up conversation every Sunday night! For the other times--that is what this blog is for--updating the family on the goings on in our world!!

Computers!!

2009-09-03T23:05:00.000-05:00

We recently had to "upgrade" to the AT&T/Yahoo system from the old SBC/Yahoo one. Let me tell you---I hate it! I'm very near dropping AT&T all together because of such a crappy product!

We will be right in the middle of something and up pops a message telling us that we are unable to connect to the internet--would you like to continue to work offline--however, we are connected at the time. Well, you select the try to sign on again button, and nothing happens, but it seems happy with itself for the moment. Then 10 seconds later it does it again! Literally it's every 10 seconds! I'm getting so angry!! I will be looking into other DSL providers tomorrow! If anyone has any great ideas--let me know!

Paella!!

2009-08-28T16:05:00.000-05:00

This year for the "Welcome Fall" feast--we are going to try something different! PAELLA! Paella is a traditional Spanish dish prepared by simmering together chicken, seafood, rice, vegetables, and saffron and other seasonings. Not generally something you think of around this time--but warm and hearty for those cool Autumn/Winter nights!! I can hardly wait to sink my teeth into it!!

Paella
Serves 6-8

1 1/4 lb chicken, cubed
1/2 lb lean pork, cubed
3/8 c olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1/2 clove of garlic
1 tbs minced parsley
1 pimento, chopped
1/2 med onion minced
1/2 tsp saffron (the good stuff)
2 tsp salt
1 quart real chicken broth
2 cups rice
6 large or 12 small stuffed olives, minced
2 7oz lobster tails, cut in pieces
1/2 lb large shrimp, cut in pieces
1T dry sherry
1/2 c cooked green peas

In dutch oven best for this) brown chicken and pork in 1/4 c of
olive oil. Sprinkle with paprika and add garlic and a little of
the onion while cooking. Remove chicken and pork from pan. To the
pan add the rest of the oil and onion with the parsley. Cook until
the onion is soft. Add the rice and glaze the rice (if you haven't
done this is is a process of sort of stir frying the rice before
you cook it -- similar to what you do with bulgar -- it usually
takes about 5 minutes at medium heat).

Return chicken and pork to the pot. Add the chicken broth, saffron
and salt (ground together with mortar and pestle) and olives. Heat
until boiling. Cover and place in the oven at 350. This will take
30 min to 45 min to cook depending on the kind of rice that you
use and how well your dutch oven makes use of heat.

Steam the shrimp and the lobster. When rice is done add the lobster,
shrimp, sherry and peas. Bake and additional 5-10 minutes.

Coupons

2009-08-24T00:14:00.003-05:00

Did I mention I've given up couponing? I know, I shouldn't. I've saved a ton of money using them. I mean who else walks out of the grocery store with a basket full of food and $1.18 out of my pocket??? The problem is, the grocery store that I go to regularly has changed their barcode scanner and it beeps after every coupon.

Every single one of them the service lady has to come over and look at, and then manually send them through. I go into this store with a STACK of coupons. By the last one, she's usually tired of me, and sends me off with a grunt. One time she actually huffed and puffed her way over to me and in a not quite so polite tone let me know that she didn't have time to babysit me! Excuse me??? Yeah--I wrote a note to her manager! And ya know what...they sent me a 25% off coupon for my next visit!

The Bills

2009-08-24T00:10:00.003-05:00

For the past few months our mortgage payments are getting later and later. It's not that we mail them late, in fact, they are mailed the same day of the month every month. But they seem to be getting lost at the fulfillment center somewhere between the mail room and the payment processing desk.

I will admit---this is probably my fault. You know those little slips that they send you every month and you rip off the bottom portion of the letter and return it with your payment in the enclosed envelope??? Well, our mortgage company is super cheap and won't provide the "enclosed envelope". So I figure I get to be stingy with my time and not return the coupon with my payment!

Not to worry...the account number is written clearly on the check---and luckily it's stamped the day it reaches the fulfillment center--so there have been no late fees charged that haven't been removed. Still----my husband has threatened to take away my bill paying privileges if I don't get myself back in line and do as I'm told!

And he thinks he married a golden retriever???? ;)

Getting Fit

2009-08-24T00:05:00.002-05:00

My husband has decided to go on some weight losss supplements. He's not fat. Maybe a little round--but nothing compared to most of America. But he's gotten it into his head that he will be more successful in business if he were thinner. The man is a GM at a huge, multi-national hotel chain. What is he going for? World Domination??

I do have to admire him though. He started this little 'health' regimen last week and every morning he is up early enough to walk on the treadmill and pack a healthy lunch. Good job sweetie!

Now my project for this week...pay some big, burly guys to come move the treadmill out of my bedroom. There is just no sane reason for me to be up this early!

School Supplies

2009-08-20T00:03:00.000-05:00

I love shopping for school supplies! I only have three kids starting school in a weeks time, but let me tell you, I have enough pencils in my house to send them each to school with a new one every day until college!! Yes, I'm addicted!

The funny thing that I do love to collect, and they are so totally lame---3 subject notebooks. Yeah, I haven't got much to put in them---but I have a dozen of them. Most of the pages are blank in each one--but collect them I must! I brought three new ones home today--but they are hiding under my bed. Just not up to explaining the "fix" to my husband!

They Aren't Coming

2009-08-10T00:26:00.000-05:00

My older brother and his family were supposed to be heading here for Thanksgiving. Usually they are on one of their orlando vacations, but this year they were going to come here instead. But now it turns out, that my sister in law's mother has booked them a week in her time share in Hawaii. I wanna go!

Now normally I would be thrilled for them, but these people and their children have been to Hawaii, Mexico and Orlando every year since their oldest kids were born...they've NEVER been to Chicago! But, we do understand and wish them the best.

They will miss out on the great trip we had planned!!

I've Been A Redo Fool!

2009-08-10T00:22:00.000-05:00

I came home from vacation with the sudden urge to finish up every household project that I've been putting off for 2 years. I've pulled down all of the wallpaper in the kitchen, spack'ed, sanded and primed all of the kitchen walls. This week--the new color goes on. I've got fabric to sew all of the window hangings and to recover all of the bar stools. I'm even ready to head outside and hang my own shutters. They've been sitting in the garage for over a year!

The only thing I wasn't planning on doing...furniture shopping! Well, maybe a couple of new couches but now I have to add a tv stand to the list. We have a huge, heavy TV. It's always sat on this sturdy (or so I thought) stand. But today my four year old was climbing on the glass shelf (under the TV) to reach the turtle food---and it came a crashing down. The shelf...not the TV--THANK HEAVENS!! But it's the shelf that holds the DVD player and the Dish box---so that will be another job added to my list!

Who Knew!

2009-08-10T00:18:00.000-05:00

I have never been on the cusp of the Technological revolution! In fact, I'm usually the one clinging to my trusty old standbys longer than anyone I know. Turntable? Still got one--and it works great! In fact, the 8 track tape controls are connected to it--and that works too! Yeah, I'm slow--and probably the last person to ever look at ipods--but I'm tellin' ya...I MUST have one! I have the cute little "computer" one that sits in the side bar of my Facebook page--which is where I learned the true and absolute joy that comes with a random selection of every song I've ever loved at my finger tips!

Yep...I'm SOLD!

Sick Again

2009-08-06T22:49:00.000-05:00

I was excited to get to go to the zoo today with my sister and her kids. Unfortunately, as is ALWAYS the case with us--whenever it's something I want to do-one of the kids got sick! Nothing to serious, just a little fever, some vomit--you know, the fun stuff!

I felt bad, because it would have been fun for the kids to get to run around together, and looking at some of her pictures in her photobucket--they had a good time. Hopefully when Katie is feeling better we'll head to the zoo, and even see if Rob and her kids would like to join us!

Where Did He Get This From??

2009-07-31T23:18:00.000-05:00

She's Back! My sister has been gone all weekend, up in Wisconsin with her husbands family. It makes for a very quiet weekend at home when her family isn't around. Kind of pathetic how dependent you can become on someone else and their kids in order to have a social life!

We didn't do much this weekend--just some cleaning and some school supply shopping. Have you ever taken a 10 year old boy shopping? Last year I could dress him in whatever I purchased-he didn't care. Not this year! It has to be perfect--right down to his shoes. I fully expected this from my DIVA daughter--but not my fashionably inept son! Well, he's turned into a "Fashion Plate"--watch out all you 5th grade girls!!

Old Movies

2009-07-18T11:05:00.000-05:00

We were watching an old movie last night with the kids. It was one where the family heads out to a fabulous beach rental for the summer. Their days are filled with family fun, their nights with cookouts and toasted marshmallows next to the surf. Everything was perfect, there were no kids fighting, no bugs...just pure family fun. I would love to find something like that for my family. Somewhere like the Outer Banks offers properties in North Carolina, which sounds like a charming place to visit. It's always more work for the mom though. Laundry and packing for everyone. Cooking and cleaning, and you know my kids will kill each other and there will be a ton of bugs!! Ok, maybe not the bugs, I'm not sure I'm up for too much family time with MY family! Isn't that so sad! They are good kids, and I'm sure they would have a great time--as long as they stay 3 feet away from each other!!

New York City

2009-07-18T04:46:00.000-05:00

I have a ton of pictures to put up from our trip to New York. It was such a fun family time, and a little hectic with four little kids and a husband working nearly the entire time we were there, but it was a lot of fun. We did a ton of walking, a ton of eating and a ton of swimming! Really, is there anything more important than swimming when on vacation?

We got to see a lot of the sights and it was really amazing for the older kids. I hope they are able to retain some of the memories from this trip because it probably won't be happening again anytime soon!

Pictures to come!!

The Piano Man

2009-07-12T11:17:00.000-05:00

Ever since my son was little he wanted to learn to play piano. I was taught the very basics by my very talented grandma, but I HATED it. So I gave it up until I was about 16, when I wanted to learn again---so I taught myself. I can read music (not very fast) and I can crank out many beautiful numbers (after hours of practicing them) and honestly, I'm just not going to be that great of a piano teacher.

So I've asked a girl in our area if she would teach him. I warned her that he may not practice very much. He may get bored with it pretty quickly. But on the whole--he should be a pretty good student. Let's hope he behaves, eh!

T.G.I.F.

2009-07-10T04:33:00.000-05:00

It has been a crazy week. I'm thrilled that it is Friday. We have nothing planned for the weekend, and I think I'm going to keep it that way. There has been something going every single day. Not even many things, just one or two things strategically placed right in the middle of the day, so as to throw off my entire schedule. Between summer camp and baseball, ballet and piano lessons, I feel like I get to be home about 2 hours at a time and then we are on the run again. The surprising thing is that it really messes up dinner. Since the dinner prep time is cut into, it always turns into a fast food night. And that isn't god for anyone!

The Cousins

2009-06-27T16:22:00.000-05:00

The house is super noisy right now--you never really know just how good that sounds!! We are visiting with my sister and it's her 4 kids against my 4 kids--and there is a thunder storm outside--so along with the noise of the kids--we get the booming noise of nature--and the pitter patter of rain on the windows. It really is refreshing!

What's really amazing is how dark it has gotten outside. It's only 4:25pm here, and it's as dark as it is at 9pm! So we are going to need to send them all downstairs to play in the playroom! Then we have to figure out what to feed these monsters--8 tummies are bound to be hungry!!

Both of our husbands are out tonight--working late-so we are having a cousin night out!

Trip Planning!!

2009-06-24T12:09:00.003-05:00

What a wild and crazy week it's been--and it's only Tuesday! I can't even begin to wonder what is ahead of me for the weekend! With an impending family trip--I have a ton of laundry and a ton of packing to do. We are going to leave Brett with my sister. He's just too little to take with us. He won't remember it anyway--and we want to stay on the move--and with nap times and strollers--that just isn't possible. Rob's offered to take Kate too-and we may take her up on that as the week progresses. NYC would be a lot easier for me with just the 10 year old and the 8 year old--Kate would love to get to play with her cousins full time too, so it's probably a great idea!!

Now I just have to find luggage--and get some laundry started!!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a great Father's Day it was. Like I had said earlier, we were going to head over to Rob's husbands restaurant and enjoy a pig roast. There was indeed a full 'gutted' pig roasting on the patio. All of my kids (but Kate) were completely enthralled by the entire event. I never even showed the pig to Kate due to the inability to eat pork after it--so she and I headed in to get seated while hubby and the boys watched the pig go round and round in circles.

It was a beautiful luncheon, buffets lining each wall of the private dining room. We sat with Rob and her kids as well as her in laws. It's kind of nice sitting at the table with the Chef's family. We got to meet the owners and their wives as well as some of the long time employees. It was really nice taking a peek into someone else's world for a while!

We got my husband a whole golf set up for his big day. I must say--we totally blew him away-he had no idea it was coming. Normally he gets the standard tie for work--so this was completely unexpected!

I just hope he truly felt how much we love and appreciate him--we certainly don't say it as much as it's deserved-that's for sure!!

Grandpa's Coming

2009-06-14T22:51:00.002-05:00

Have you seen those commercials for Medicare supplement insurance? I have seen them often, but being in my late 30's, I never really thought about them. Turns out, in the next couple of months this family is going to find out a whole heck of a lot more about this type of info. My father in law is moving in with us, and will be in need of just this type of help. How glad I am that there are companies out there to make moments like these, just a little less stressful!

My stress aside, my kids are super excited about Grandpa moving in. He's getting older, but still has the strength to hit the front yard to toss a ball with the boys---or at least sit on the front porch and cheer them on. They don't have too many more years with this man, so I'm hoping that this time together will fill the rest of their lives with wonderful memories of this special man.

A Week Of Friends

2009-06-14T22:47:00.003-05:00

We had a ton of "friend" time this week, with school getting out and church activities. But you know, everyone had a great time. We had 6 kids in the family room playing Rock Band on the Wii--and 4 more upstairs playing on the Play Station.

Are you ever embarrassed by the number of "toys" you have? The little ones playing the PS2 were getting really frustrated with the game they were playing and were starting to pester the older kids on Rock Band. Until I pointed to the obscene shelf full of PS2 games for them to choose from. I tried to explain to my friends (their mothers) that my husband really was like my oldest child. Hundreds of games purchased by him. They all concurred and laughed about it, but I wasn't about to mention that I had gotten him one of those Ps3 for Father's Day. I think that would make me an accomplice to the madness!!

This Weekend

2009-06-14T12:14:00.000-05:00

Father's Day is next Sunday. We were going to hang out for a quiet dinner at home, but Rob just called and invited us to her husbands restaurant for a Pig Roast! How totally testosterone driven is that? Can you think of anything more fitting for Father's Day then roasting the kill over the flame? Collective caveman grunt goes here!

I think the kids will find that pretty exciting. Except for Kate--she won't even eat chicken since she found out it was literally a chicken. Man, I thought we covered that a long time ago-I guess not!

So Pig Roast--here we come! I hope my husband likes that-along with his whole golf set up--it's hiding at Rob's house--so he hasn't seen it yet-I love surprising him!

Brookfield Zoo

2009-06-10T23:39:00.000-05:00

Summer is here! Today was my kids last day of school. Rob's kids have school until Friday, and then it's only for an hour-so I think maybe afterward we'll head over to the Brookfield Zoo. We both have memberships for our families-so it's a free afternoon for us, and the kids love it.

They have a Family building where there are dress up's, and pet and hold stations, arts and crafts--feeding times. It really is a great "air conditioned" building for us all to hang out in. Their food is an arm and a leg, so we'll be sure to pack a picnic-there is a pavilion to eat in next to the Polar Bear area-it's outdoors, but it is very shaded.

I guess I should head to the grocery store for supplies!

The Final Stretch

2009-06-04T10:26:00.000-05:00

The count down has begun! School is out this Friday. I'm still just amazed at how quickly this day has come. I remember the first day of school so clearly. The kids were so cute, we all walked together with the neighbors. So grown up! They have really done well in school this year. Jake has really excelled in all of his subjects. Especially after such a rough start in Math, but he's passed that and is really showing that shy confidence of his.

Daniel is just an all around brilliant little guy. He always has been-and he's a class favorite. His teacher actually got teary last week when I was talking to her about the end of the year activites. She has grown close to all of the kids-but has a special spot for Daniel. That always makes life easier--when your kids do well in school. Not just academics--but socially and behaviorally--I'm really lucky! I just wish they acted this way at home!

A Little Help Please

2009-05-31T22:31:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I mentioned in the previous post that I'm starting to walk on my treadmill tomorrow. On top of that I would like to find any good weight loss products to help in my quest for slim/sexy! Ok, so at least the slim--not much a 38 year old mom of 4 can do in the sexy department, eh!

I'm not looking for much. Just something to help curb the appetite, or burn fat faster or whatever--just something to kick it up a notch. I do have a high school reunion this summer (I'm not attending) but I will be lunching with several friends from my "non-mom" days, and I'd just kind of like to feel a little better about my looks!

Any ideas?

Time To Pump It Up

2009-05-31T22:27:00.002-05:00

I spent the early part of this week getting the house spiffied up. Well, I guess not technically the house, but the master bedroom and all spaces leading into it. We have kept all of our fitness equipment in the basement since we moved in--and down there it is simply gathering dust. So I hired a young man that works with my husband to come and help me move at least the treadmill to my room. This way, I can work out and watch something on the DVR at the same time.

Tomorrow is June 1st--and I plan on starting the new summer regime--I can't wait!

May Weather

2009-05-24T22:22:00.000-05:00

We have had a lot of strange weather around here lately. A few weeks ago the boys all went to the Father and Sons camp out. They ended up coming home at 2:30 in the morning due to the wind. It had been rainy and windy all night, and I was quite disappointed to wake up the next morning to see the number the weather had pulled on my patio furniture.

Now, I should say, I've been wanting new furniture for awhile, but the budget doesn't allow it just yet. But now, as soon as it does, I'll be heading out to find something fun!

Starbury Shoes

2009-05-24T14:22:00.000-05:00

We are heading to the mall after school today! My oldest, Jake, is desperately in need of new tennis shoes. My sister has purchased herself some Starbury shoes, and have sold him completely on them. The best part of Starbury shoes---they are great "sports" shoes for $14.95. I'm amazed. They match up to the $150.00 basketball shoes when you cut them both down the middle, but at 1/10th of the price. They have some really "cool" styles as well. For a fourth grader--that is really important. He only has a couple of weeks left of school--but he still needs to feel cool at school!

Summer Break

2009-05-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

10 more days of school! I'm amazed. I have Kate signed up for summer camp, but I haven't done anything with either of the older boys. They do have baseball, but not much going on to occupy their summer. They do love to play outside and ride their bikes, so if I do do a summer camp program, I may only do it 2 days a week. Of course, we tried that two years ago, and by the end of it--they had wanted to go every day, and so we signed them up for that. I'm trying to decided if I should just bite the bullet and put them in everyday--or just the two.

With cousins pretty close, I do want to have time for them to get to play together. My sister might be moving this summer, so it will be nice to have the kids taken care of so I can help her. I guess that is my job for the day!

Moving On

2009-05-17T21:42:00.004-05:00

Summer is coming! You know, swimsuit weather! Honestly, drop me a quick fat loss pill because it won't be pretty! My husband's parents have a pool in their backyard which really makes it nice for me. This way my kids get plenty of time swimming, but I don't have to don a swimsuit out in public. How nice is that!

Sadly, my in laws are losing their house sometime soon, and moving into the house we just moved out of. Truly they are lucky to have a home (free and clear) to be moving into. But it is a huge step down from the house they've been living in. My mother in law is having a hard time, but when we left we had everything repainted, new carpeting and hard wood floors put in for the kitchen and back porch. It really is a much nicer house for them than it was for us. Plus, there's only two of them moving into the two bedroom house. There were six of us and 2 dogs trapped in there!

Either way, it is a step down for them and they just aren't happy about it at all. And sadly, I really don't blame them!

Fashion Plate

2009-05-17T21:36:00.000-05:00

She's Back! My sister has been gone all weekend, up in Wisconsin with her husbands family. It makes for a very quiet weekend at home when her family isn't around. Kind of pathetic how dependent you can become on someone else and their kids in order to have a social life!

We didn't do much this weekend--just some cleaning and some shopping. Have you ever taken a 10 year old boy shopping? Last year I could dress him in whatever I purchased-he didn't care. Not this year! It has to be perfect--right down to his shoes. I fully expected this from my DIVA daughter--but not my fashionably inept son! Well, he's turned into a "Fashion Plate" and unless I find wholesale clothes, he's going to break the bank! Watch out all you 5th grade girls!!

Brookfield Zoo

2009-05-09T10:58:00.000-05:00

We are heading to the Brookfield Zoo today. It's a beautiful zoo with many attractions, but for me, the Hammill Family Center is my biggest attraction! Why? Because it's got 14 rooms where the kids can do crafts, dress up like animals, pretend to be zoo workers, get their faces painted and pet little zoo creatures--but best of all...It's air conditioned! I generally go in, find a seat and let the kids run to their hearts content.

This year there is a baby polar bear, so we will definitely have to stop and check him out. The day after our last zoo trip one of the elephants died, and so they have taken all of the elephants out of the Chicago area zoos which is really sad because they are my favorite zoo animal!

The Clubbin' Cubbies!!

2009-05-08T15:46:00.000-05:00

It's raining today! Not too bad--not too much planned! I was going to wash the van and get it detailed--but I think we'll wait a few days! On that one! Now I just have to find something fun to keep the kids occupied since they can't play outside. Maybe I'll see if there is a Cubs game on!!

Being A Mom

2009-05-03T23:57:00.002-05:00

With so many diet remedies out there from Fenphedra to the Zone...it's hard to figure out where to look for just the right aid. I'm not too bad, but honestly, I would really like to tone up. I don't plan on running a marathon or anything. But some muscle tone would be welcomed.

I really just want to get healthy enough to play outside with my kids this summer. I always planned on doing that when I was younger. They just don't ever really tell you just how much time and energy kids take out of ya. This summer, I'm hoping to make up for lost time!

Another Sad Soap Opera

2009-05-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

I don't think I've mentioned it here yet. My niece is pregnant. She's 18, unmarried, high school drop out-and funnily enough-not even speaking to baby daddy anymore. How sad is that? Her sister had her baby the end of February--same situation only a little older. I am just disgusted by their parents and their lack of parenting. These girls have been on the wrong road for a couple of years, but have been poisoned against this family by their mother. My husband is the 18 year old's Godfather, and I honestly think it's affecting him more than it did when it was her sister. We all expected it from the older sister, in fact, the shock was that she got pregnant at 18 instead of 14 as we all had predicted. But this is a complete shock from the younger sister. We always thought she had a good head on her shoulders. Well, until she dropped out of high school her junior year. But hey, what could we do--they didn't want to listen to anyone!

My Day--Nothing Amazing...

2009-04-28T21:57:00.000-05:00

Today my kids spent the day over at the neighbors house! It is an easy day for me--but also a pretty hard one! When Brett realizes that he has to same home with just mom--he's broken hearted! Kate did have pre-school today, which was strange since everyone else is on Spring Break-but her class had Spring Break a couple of weeks ago!

School starts back up on Monday. I think I will head to the doctor that day-or Tuesday. I still have the walking pneumonia that I've had for MONTHS!! I guess we are in for a strong dose of antibiotics. Never a fun thing--yeast and all! It will be nice for the kids to be back in school full time--for the remaining 8 weeks of school anyway. They love it--and I definitely need my daily routine back. Amazing how trashed the house can get with all four of them home for a week!

Growin' Up Fast!

2009-04-22T21:31:00.000-05:00

This is a moment that I would love to put a photo up to go along with this post--however, due to Kiddie Porn laws-I just wouldn't dare! My littlest man--2 year old Brett, is potty training. In order to accomplish this, he generally runs to the toilet, removes his diaper, does his business and then runs around the house naked until mom tackles him with a new diaper! Well, that's what happened this evening--except that I just looked down and found him asleep at my feet! In the BUFF!! I sit hear staring at this naked little body (he's lying on his tummy, so I just see his little tushy), and I'm marveling at how big that little body has gotten! I know-it's been two years--and I've had to buy new clothes and shoes to fit that growing body--but I'm still just amazed at how fast it all goes! I really couldn't handle more kids--I think 4 is plenty--but at moments like these-I just can't help but wish I could go back in time and hold that little baby just one more time!!

Married Time Together!!

2009-04-20T10:37:00.000-05:00

Well, that week went really fast! We found we had a bit of "time off" so we dropped the kids off with family, and the hubby and I headed out for some Quality Time!! We took a week and headed out on our own. It was amazing how nice it is just to be alone with an adult again for 24 hours a day! I can't remember life before kids--so it was fun to re-experience it! We did talk to the kids--A LOT! And the man was able to keep in touch with work on a daily basis--but we didn't have anything else on our schedules! I will write about our adventures in the next couple of posts--as well as some fun pictures!

Day 2

2009-04-16T12:10:00.000-05:00

Well, it's the second day of Spring Break--and we have done NOTHING!! It's not our fault! We had grandiose plans! Tonight we were supposed to be sleeping at a fabulous hotel, and spending the day tomorrow at the amazing Water Park that is attached to it. Unfortunately--no one told my 4 year old daughter that she couldn't get sick during Spring Break! That's right--we don't even go to school, and she's come down with a cold! Man it feels like we are running a lab for germ infestations!! I always have at least 1 child sick at all times. Maybe that's why some people don't have as many kids! With 4 kids all coming into contact with something--it's pretty darn guaranteed that someone will be sick!!

So tomorrow I think my hubby will take the boys to the movies and I will stay home with the baby and my sick little girl! She'll hate it!

It's Spring Break Already

2009-04-15T12:54:00.000-05:00

I find it amazing how fast the school year goes. I remember when I was younger (Elementary & Jr. High school) the school year lasted forever. But I distinctly remember in High School being amazed at just how quickly the school year went.

As soon as school starts--it's Halloween! As soon as Halloween is gone--it's Thanksgiving--then Christmas Break. Almost immediately we head to Valentine's Day--and the rest of the year cruises by after that. Spring Break is one final moment--when we get back to school next week-we will literally have 8 weeks left of the school year--and that just breaks my heart!!

What?? Snow??

2009-04-11T20:39:00.000-05:00

It snowed today! Can you believe it? It's the 11th of April--and there are 3 inches of snow outside my front door! My flowers are frozen--my snow shovel and ice melter have been safely tucked away in the garage--and now--it's snowing!! How miserable is that!

Not that I had any plans of importance today--but still--kind of a bummer to look outside and see it! It's hard to believe that just 3 days ago we were hunting for Easter eggs! It was chilly--but nothing warning of snow! I guess we should be glad that it happened today--and not last Sunday!!

He Was Right

2009-04-06T01:08:00.002-05:00

We have been planning for the past month or so where we were going to put the new TV. We new we both wanted an LCD mount on the wall in the family room. I was looking forward to being able to vacuum the entire floor without having to move any furniture. My husband was set on mounting the TV on the wall above the fireplace, but I wasn't so sure. I will admit, since the TV was his gift, I let him win that battle. And ya know what...he was right! I LOVE where the TV is at, and I still love not having to move any furniture when it's time to vacuum! It's HEAVEN, and I'm not sure why we waited so darn long!

The Boys First Job

2009-04-06T01:00:00.002-05:00

We are house sitting this next week. Our neighbors are heading to the Outer Banks and we get the duty of taking care of their plants and their beautiful little Yorkie puppy. His name is Louie, which honestly, is just too big of a name for such a little dog.

My boys were actually asked to take care of it, but I'm just going to go with them to make sure they stay out of trouble. Not that they would rob the house or anything, but I want to be able to teach them how to respect other people's property, even when they aren't around to keep an eye on them.

They'll make a couple of bucks, and I think they are really looking forward to that part of the deal the most!

Grown Up Movie Night

2009-04-06T00:53:00.002-05:00

I love period movies. I made my husband watch Emma with me last night. Yeah, it's a chick flick, but hey...there are corsets! What man doesn't like beautiful women in corsets? Well, corsets or not...he didn't enjoy the movie at all, and ended up switching it out for Slumdog Millionaire. But you know, it was a really funny movie. We had a great time...and I got popcorn. So it was a win win night for both of us!

Sick Week

2009-04-06T00:33:00.002-05:00

I have been so sick the past week. Have you missed me? It was a week ago Friday. I was tossing and turning all night long. I knew I was miserable, but I was unpleasantly surprised when I woke up and I was sick. I could feel it coming on, and it was a humdinger. Even now I'm still in the midst of the lung portion of it.

My husband called on Saturday afternoon and let me know that I needed to go to the hospital because people he worked with had just gone through this and needed some really strong anti-biotics. Now let me just say.......I DO NOT take ant-biotics EVER!! Between the yeast infections and vaginal dryness...I think I'd rather get pneumonia! Sorry if that was a little too much on the info side...but truly, there isn't much worse!

It was a hard week for the kids. Two of my boys ended up sick and my daughter missed a few assignments in school on Friday, because I wasn't around to get her backpack together for her. So she has a little note going to school with her tomorrow apologizing to her teacher!

Cute Clothes

2009-04-06T00:17:00.002-05:00

Do you watch the Real Housewive's of NYC? It has always been my favorite installment of all of the housewive's. This season is not one of my most favorite, although there are moments that have really liked. There were many shots of the Hamptons with different "horse" events. I have to say, equestrian apparel is my favorite look of all time! Especially on younger girls. One of the housewives is shown in her outfit, but you know, she didn't look nearly as cute as the teenager did.

I do NOT have the build to get away with this kind of outfit. My thighs are more stout than would look good in a cute pair of jodhpurs!

My First Shakley Party

2009-04-06T00:06:00.004-05:00

Last Saturday I went to a party with a couple of people in my neighborhood. It was one of those parties where you go to someone's house and buy items from some party person. You know, it was a lot of fun. I did end up purchasing some fun items and hey, even joined "the club".

The party hostess was really nice and actually got her husband to watch my three little munchkins. My husband had taken Jake to his first Scout camp out and wouldn't be home before had to leave, so I got to take them with me.

One thing that I loved, every time the door opened there was a little beep from a wireless alarm and then a female computer voice goes "The front door has opened. The front door has opened." I WANT THAT! I found it odd because the people who owned the house don't even have kids, so why do we need to know when the door opens? Made me laugh!

Just Stickin' My Toes In!

2009-04-05T23:58:00.002-05:00

We are new to this whole "technology" thing! I mean, who besides us just recently purchased their first computer?? I had always wanted a laptop, but honestly I never really thought I would get one. Now just need to bulk up on my Mac memory and everything will be up and running smoothly.

You know what I'm just about ready to take the plunge with....an Ipod! I know, my husband thinks I'm crazy. I'm just not that much of a music person, but I realized that when you can pick and choose one song off of an entire album, without having to get all of the other songs I don't like...I'm in! So, hopefully soon, I can join the iPod generation too!

First Camping Trip

2009-03-23T01:14:00.003-05:00

Last Friday night my husband took our son on his first Boy Scout camp out. Let me start by saying this...I'm just not old enough for this yet! It seems like yesterday I was watching my mom toss pocket knives and flashlights into the grocery cart for my brothers, and Friday afternoon it was me. So strange!

I was a little nervous about how these two "men" will fare! It was supposed to be really quite chilly--down right cold most of the night. Then you have the entire 'cold hard ground' to factor in. My poor husband is quite accustomed to sleeping on a sleep number bed--not cold, lumpy dirt!

But you know what??? They both did great! Aside from having to get up at 7 am in the frigid morning, they had a wonderful time. So great in fact that my husband now has it in his head that he wants to buy a tent and take both boys out this summer and camp. As long as the plan is to leave me home in my comfy sleep number bed...I'm all for them camping!!

Another Failure

2009-03-23T01:10:00.001-05:00

My father in law just went in for a stress test last week. What was strange about this stress test is that they actually let him go home. They never do that. He is usually sent immediately to a room in the hospital with an angioplasty set up for that evening or the next day. We thought this was great because it meant that he finally passed a stress test!

Wrong!

He was called this morning and admitted to the hospital for an angioplasty. He's not that old,65, but had a quintuple bypass about 15 years ago. I'm not sure how much time he has left but I do think it's time to get some life insurance quotes. I don't mean a million bucks, but enough to cover the costs of his final requests. It's not a bad idea to get it for my husband either. He's not even 40 yet, but hey, it's all in the genetics right?

Feeling The Love

2009-03-23T01:07:00.000-05:00

Our 12th wedding anniversary is coming up soon! I'm really happy to have made it to this milestone. The first 10 years were cake, so I'm hoping the next 10 will be great also! I've been looking into some 'hi-tech' gifts to give the "man" but am having a hard time nailing it down. I would love to get him a computer. I don't care if it's a laptop or a desktop, we desperately need one. Then I found a website on home theater seating and now my mind is working in a whole new direction. I feel bad because whatever we get him, the whole family will use. So it isn't just a fun gift for him. But I guess that's what it means to be a dad!

Growing Up!

2009-03-23T01:02:00.002-05:00

I never really planned on being a mom that worked from home. I was college educated, I wanted a career and although I had no intention of continuing to work out of the home once we had kids, I never planned to work and be a mom at the same time. My how times have changed!!

My sister got me started, and I blame her--but there have been so many good things that have come from it. Mostly being able to supplement a one income family. This has helped pay for things my husbands income couldn't have handled without breaking the bank!

What is also strange is the fact that my kids are far closer to college than I ever thought they would be. I know, they grow up fast. I've heard it all their lives, but I just wasn't expecting it quite this fast. MJ loves to tell me every day that in just 3 short years he'll be starting high school! HIGH SCHOOL!! What's next? Looking up vocational and technical colleges by state? I'm so not ready for that one! He actually does have his mind made up for right now...he wants to be a Monster Truck driver. So a Technical college it will most likely be! Of course, this is the same boy who, when I asked him to practice his penmanship a few years back, said, "Mom, I only have to be able to sign a contract and autographs!" Yeah...he was going into the NBA at that point. The sport may has changed, but he's got his heart on the "big show"!

Crazy Kids

2009-03-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

Do you have kids that forget everything? I ask everyday before we leave the school--do you have all of your homework? Yes, Mom! Only to come home and find out--we are missing our reading book! Today my son's class has music. They are learning to play the recorder. Last night as I was doing some last minute straightening before bed--I made 2 piles on the couch. 1 for each boy. The pile included, clothes for that day, snack for that day--and homework, books, RECORDER, etc that needed to be put in their backpack before they leave. All of it--right there!! So they are ready to walk out the door, and I ask one last time--do you have everything you need for a Wednesday? Yes, mom--comes the answer. I walk back into the house--across the living room and into the family room. There sitting on the couch is my son's recorder and his snack!

So I ran them to the door-but the car pool lady had already left. So I had to jump in the car and race them to school. I got there shortly after the bell rang--but before the pledge of allegiance. So I waited until the pledge and the announcements were done--and I had him paged to the office. It was only as I was walking out of the school that I realized--I was wearing my slippers!! mmmmm hmmmm, I looked like an out of control mom!!