This is a picture my sister is using on her "Travel" blog. It's a photo taken in Cancun at sunset, and I LOVE it! The pinks, purples and grays are just so beautiful. I think it's a great photo for a travel blog--because it certainly makes me want to head to Mexico just for the sunsets!! And with all of the snow outside my house--I'm game for the heat too!!
My mom is a "Designer Handbag" queen! She hasn't always been-but when she was watching the movie 'Serendipity' she thought it was so strange that these people would go to New York just to buy knock-off Prada Handbags. My mom had never heard of Prada before this movie--and now--she's hooked! Not just to Prada-she has a handbag collection that contains Gucci, Guess, Burberry, Dooney & Bourke and, yes, Prada.
Well, now---I found an amazing deal on Prada sunglasses. Now-my dad will kill me if I get her addicted to designer sunglasses as well! But these really are great sunglasses! Prada Sunglasses at BestBuyEyeglasses come with an easy return policy--but what is even better than the lowest prices anywhere??? They can customize your lenses if you happen to need them to be prescription! That is amazing! And they are classy looking sunglasses too!
These happen to be my favorites-but there are so many styles to choose from! I will definitely have to pass this info on to my mom--plus--they even give you a discount code to get 5% off!
It's Presidents Day! I'm not real sure what we are supposed to do on Presidents Day-but in this house it meant -- sleep and clean! Not much else occured-sadly.
My house is cold--the water heater is out of "juice" and my radiators are not working because of it! Some man is supposed to be coming early tomorrow to swap out the old one for the new one! And with him--comes the $450 bill plus removal of the old water heater.
So tonight we will all be sleeping under our electric blankets with our clothes for tomorrow at the foot of the bed-under the blankets too! I guess it isn't as bad as the olden days when they had to heat bricks and then sleep with them in your bed!!
We spend alot of time over at my sisters house. Our kids are the same age--she and I are pretty darn close--and she married a Chef! Who wouldn't go over there! It is kind of intimidating ever having to cook anything to bring to her house. You just know that even if he doesn't say anything--he's judging everything he puts in his mouth!
He's also pretty hard to shop for. You know--one of those--guys with everything. I love to find interesting, one of a kind gifts for him--but that is pretty rough!! But HELLO!! I found a great one! It's from Brookstone-yep, the interesting, one of a kind gift heaven!! My find this time? A wireless meat thermometer. It comes with a Wireless belt monitor that announces out loud when dinner is done. How fun is that! Plus it has a range of 300 feet! 
He's really good with his internal timer at knowing when food is ready--but what a fun and clever gift idea!! I can't wait!
My kids had a wonderful time spending the night at their grandparents house. They always do! Uncle Bob gets up to cook them a big pancake breakfast, and then tickles them all awake when it's ready! They love their uncle Bob which makes me VERY happy! We don't get to see much of my family--so I'm glad that they have strong relationships with the family that is here. It also helps that Uncle Bob is still a kid too!
They played games and watched videos until we came to pick them up! I'm not sure they really wanted to come home--but didn't want mommy to leave them again, so they mumbled-but they came!
We don't have school on Monday for Presidents Day--I was going to look at taking them out to the movies or something--but I'm feeling too tired for that! We'll have to see what they deserve!!
My husband was out of town this week, so we didn't have a chance to have a "Valentine's Day" with the rest of the world. It's not really a big deal--we have Christmas on a different day too--you just get used to enjoying the holiday itself-not just the day.
This afternoon we dropped the kids off at his parents, and headed to dinner. We went to Giordano's Pizza. YUMMM!! It is my favorite spot in the world. Such good pizza--and just down the street from the theater. Yep, he took me to see Wicked. It's kind of a funny choice for me because I've never even seen the Wizard of Oz. My poor husband--I'm very technical--I do it with commercials and I do it with movies and TV shows. If there is something 'wrong'--I have to let it be known! So we are sitting in the theater and I turned to him and said--I thought at the end of the Wizard of Oz-Dorothy woke up and it was all a bad dream. Why is there a story about the Witches of Oz if they never even existed? He closed his eyes and shook his head! I'm sorry--but that totally screws with the show for me--it doesn't exist--so why are we here???
It was a nice evening out with my husband--and for that alone--I'm grateful! The yummy food and fun evening at the theater was just an added bonus!! We have never done Valentine gifts. We've never really felt the need. We "show" the love in many other ways--many other times of the year, which I prefer anyway.
I was reading an article by BELISI on Valentine's Gift ideas--you know, the over $5 million for this gift kind of list. I was amazed by it. One--I can't imagine ever having that kind of money--and Two-even if I did-I can't imagine spending it on gifts. Mr. Belisi asks the question--what was your most "fab" gift--or your biggest flop gift? Now that isn't too hard--we got engaged on Valentine's Day--so I would have to say--a beautiful 1 ct. Diamond Engagement Ring would have to take the cake on that one!!
I just got off of the phone with my husband. He is still at the office, and is running late! I need to get the kids together and get them to their grandparents house for the afternoon and evening. We are going out! It's our Valentine's Day--he was out of town for the actual day--but tonight is the night!
He won't tell me what we are doing--I'm expecting dinner--but what comes after is a surprise. I know there is a movie that came out last night that he wants to see--but I can't imagine that he will take me to it. Some guy on fire riding a motorcycle! But for him--I will sit through it and eat my popcorn!! I will do it for him!!
The kids are going to spend the night with their grandparents--so you know what I'm expecting later!! Yep--a full night of S-L-E-E-P!!! No kids waking me up early to refill a bottle, no older kids up at the crack of dawn to watch cartoons---NOPE--I'm sleeping!! I know what the hubby has planned--I give him 15 minutes--and then I'm out!!!
Living in the suburbs you tend to think you are far enough away from the "Evil" city that nothing can go wrong. That is such a bad state of mind to get in to. And a dangerous one at that. I for one am always worrying. Fires, safety, kids, insurance needs, and yes, security.
I think it's so cool that my husband will get phone calls at all hours of the night from the security company hired by his work. Usually it has to do with power outages and such--but it's nice to know that there are extra eyes watching your important assets at all hours of the day and night.
I would love to have just this type of service. My problem--I really don't want to spend a fortune. I know--you get what you pay for. That is true in so many respects--but I think I've found a exception to that rule!! The Laser Shield Home Security System is easy to install, you can use it in your home-apartment or small office, it is a wireless unit that uses infrared detection, and you get monitoring 24/7!! And it's cheaper than other security systems and packages out there. In fact, you can even purchase Laser Shield at you local outlets like Comp USA, Home Depot, Costco, Kmart, and Sears.
We are house-sitting again this weekend. Last week for my sister-this week for my neighbor. We aren't actually staying at her house though. We are just going to pick up the mail, feed the animals and let them out-and water plants (if they need it).
She just found out a couple of days ago that her grandmother in Florida passed away. So is having a hard time with this, but she and her kids had made a trip to Florida last year to spend time with her--so she really feels lucky to have had that opportunity.
She took her son with her, and her daughter is going to stay with her mom. So we get to spend a bit of our weekend in the service of our fellowman! I love moments like these!!
I just got off the phone with my sister. Bad news! We were going to get together today and let the kids play in the snow. They actually have toboggan runs here--where were they when we were little! But it turns out all three of her boys are sick. She didn't sound too great either--but the boys have the stomach flu--and I really don't want that invading my house. My kids have already missed so much school for being sick!
So now I have a long three day weekend to plan something fun! I wonder what movies are out there for the kids. We still have free movie tickets left from Christmas--and it's warm in the theaters!! hmmmm, I'll have to give this a little more thought!
My cousin Kristin and I have a lot of fun together going to movies, watching videos, discussing books we've read,shopping, and eating together. A few months ago she showed me her brand new Epilady she had just purchased. She told me she bought it because I had told her about mine. I couldn't remember telling her about it, but obviously I had. I, like most people shaved my legs the old fashioned way, with a razor, until my other cousin Kim introduced me to the Epilady, in 1987 . We started playing around with it and I fell in love with it. I was very happy when Kim gave me my own Epilady for my birthday a few months later. I have used it ever since. I've told countless people about my Epilady, but I hadn't heard if anyone bought one until Kristin did. She had actually listened to my testimonials extolling it's virtues!
Nineteen years later found me doing the same thing: sitting on the floor playing with an Epilady with an individual. This time it was Kristin instead of Kim. I decided right there and then that I had to have a new one. However, I have to admit that I haven't bought it yet, and that was several months ago. My Epilady will be 20 years old in August, and it is still perfectly good! I need to buy a new one however, so I went looking for a new one on the web. I found an article about Hair Removal. If you have ever thought about this kind of thing, I would recommend you checking this site out.
For complete, long-lasting hair removal-The ultimate epilator: wide-head, cordless and ergonomic hair removal. Keeps you hair-free for up to six weeks. Or there are always the waxing strips!
Our neighbors just got a new dog! Now I am 100% for introducing new family members--but as the neighbor of said animal--it isn't so great. From the incessant barking that comes with the animal--to the whimpering to get back into the house after 5 seconds in the freezing snow!
I was out shoveling today--yes, I actually broke down and got it done--and this little "Rat" dog comes out to the fence, and starts baiting me. As if he actually thinks he stands a chance if he takes me on! I should mention that little "Rat" dog would be a fabulous after dinner mint to my big, huge, bruiser dog--but for the sake of neighborly relations--I won't give in to the urge to drop kick him through the front window!!
Holy Crap--there is a ton of snow out there! But you know the one thing that drives me nuts--there could be 10 feet of snow outside our door and my childrens school would not be cancelled! I guess they figure we can all walk-so why not keep it open! Yes, we can walk--but there is no way my kids are walking to school in 10 feet of snow--so I have to dig my car out of--not 10--but 15 feet of snow thanks to the snowplow shoveling me in! MMMM HMMMM Thanks guys!
I finally bit the bullet and called the kids in sick! I'm sorry--if it's snowy enough for every other school to close in the state--it's snowy enough for my kids to stay home and snuggle where it's warm! They are all prone to Bronchitis--so this is another precaution for that! When the sun comes out a little later--we will go out and begin the digging out process!!
The kids and I spent the last couple of days housesitting for my sister. She and her family headed to Phoenix for the week. I don't like to fly-so I'm not jealous of that--but OH HOW I LOVE THE SUN! I'm sure she's basking in the view of the palm trees and swimming outdoors and getting a sunburn! Lucky lady!
It's cold here! Not just chilly--but truly negative 16 COLD! My brother in law got home from Phoenix last night and it was -16, he was in shock because he left Phoenix and it was 86 degrees. What a sad, SAD shock for his system!
It is supposed to warm up to 26 degrees this week, but they say the snow will be back early next week! Just in time for Valentine's Day! That's the night my sister is flying home! I hope they make it home safe and sound!
My boys are big sports fans. They aren't to picky--as long as they are watching in person. They do tend to lose interest if we are watching baseball or hockey on tv--not enough action on the baseball side--and so much action it's hard to keep straight on the hockey side!! The one that they have come to love--Basketball and Soccer.
When we were home visiting family last summer, we had the opportunity to take them to a REAL SALT LAKE soccer game. They loved it, and came home with souvenir soccer balls of their own. It's all I heard about for weeks!
Their favorite team is REAL Madrid (I wonder why??) and Real Madrid was really interested in acquiring a "Winger" by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo. He is currently playing for Manchester United. He was born in Portugal and today is his 22nd birthday! I need to show them his Cristiano Ronaldo fansite. They would love it, since it's dealing with Soccer!! I think Ronaldo has decided to extend his contract with the United--it would be great if REAL Madrid could have snagged him!
My kids and I are going to be staying at my sisters house for the next few nights! Her family is leaving for Phoenix tomorrow, and they have two big dogs that need to stay home. So we are going to move in until Thursday.
My kids are excited! Aunt Robyn's house is sooooo much cooler than ours--I think every new house is neater than ours! They are excited to be able to play some PS2 games, and watch some satelite tv! We don't have cable at our house--so they really enjoy getting to see what they are missing on a daily basis!
I'm glad it's Robyn flying and not me! I HATE to fly! I get all sick to my stomach and antsy and that whirring of the engines just about drives me mad!!
Today is the Superbowl! No one in my family is a Chicago Bears fan--we are transplants from the West--so our teams are mostly Western Conference teams. I do, however, ADORE Mr. Peyton Manning! Sadly, I'm married--but OOOOOOOOH, he's a cutie!
We are going to keep it simple tonight! We have a family birthday party and the kids are excited to have a party of any sort. They have gotten into the spirit more than I have just because they go to school with born and bred Bears fans.
It would be fun to see how crazy this town goes if they win! I'm just hoping for some great commercials!!
We did not escape unscathed?? As posted earlier--we did NOT escape at all! Today--I have 2 sick kids! But it was almost gone--almost out of the Universe--and now, it's struck our house. Poor Daniel and Kate--feverish, achy-noses a dribbling. Poor little things. We had chicken soup for dinner, I'm sure it felt good on their throats-but not much else is feeling any better!
We have a birthday party/Superbowl party this weekend. My sisters little boy Grayson is turning 7---OH MY GOSH!!! 7!!! It was just yesterday he was born! They almost lost him when he was born--so it's still a very fresh memory in all of our minds! Any way, her little boy is turning 7 on Tuesday--but they will be on an airplane to Phoenix on Tuesday. I'm so jealous. We both used to live there, and she is getting to go home--sort of! Since they will be gone for his birthday, and the Bears are in the Superbowl, she's throwing a birthday party with a Superbowl theme.
I hope my kids are feeling better by then! With her kids going on vacation--it would be so bad to take mine to the party and get hers sick! So if they aren't feeling better-I think they'll stay home with dad, and the other 2 and I will head to the party!
Probably not a big deal for all of you--quite the exciting highlight of our Winter! We have traditions that must be followed to the letter!! Kids depend upon this! Actually, it's really fun for mom too!
Groundhog Day is a great flick for your viewing pleasure! It tries to make you think it was filmed in Pennsylvania--but it's a total lie! They filmed it in Woodstock, IL--a cute little town up north. Maybe tomorrow we should start a new tradition and make our pilgrimage to Woodstock instead of Punxsutawney--guaranteed to be far fewer people gathering there!!
I will definitely update you on all of our fun tomorrow!
I thought we had made it through the bulk of the "gook" period relatively unscathed! Sadly, when I woke Daniel up this morning for school he was all achy and fevering! Poor little thing! So I had to call him out sick today. Now, I didn't have much planned for the day--just some grocery shopping and cleaning--and the cleaning I can still do--but the grocery shopping is out! That would be leaving him alone just too long. I don't have a problem leaving him for a few minutes to drop his sister off at school--he's 7 next week-and is fully capable of getting himself out of the house or calling 911 in an emergency. But grocery shopping can take upwards of an hour--and that is just too long! So I will wait until later this evening to see if he is feeling better--or just put it off until tomorrow!
I remember going to school when I was younger--when I didn't feel good! What misery! So he's snuggled up in front of the tv--sound asleep!
