Many thanks...

To all those who's prayers and thoughts got the kids safely through their holiday time with their dad. They got through it and claim to have had a ehhhh time. I have heard of some fun, but I think they really missed the time they could have spent with their cousins and friends.

Also thanks to the person/s who shoveled my driveway and stairs. ( I was in the bathtub and thought I heard something, but wasn't sure until I heard the stairs getting shoveled, and by then it was too late.)

Guess how many

Time I got stuck today? 3! Almost 4, but I finally got smart, and dug through the 2 snow drifts (1 halfway out into the street and past my knees, 1 up by the garage and just below my knees) to get my car back in to the garage. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!! I hope Santa leaves me a higher automobile before the next Christmas this white. Or maybe a man to shovel my and drive me through the snow, as I seem to be a bad judge of the height of a snow drift (if I even pay attention to it at all).

Christmas bonus!

So today at work we had our Christmas lunch and got bonuses! I have never worked for this FABULOUS of employers before! Everyone got a "regular" bonus, as well as a wonderful parting gift! Mine was specially chosen just for me! How awesome is that! I can't wait to use my new mixer to show my wonderful friends how much their generosity means to me!

I don't know if I mentioned that my mixer's engine blew out the night before Thanksgiving. Apparently it couldn't whip eggs with butter and sugar. I tried to call and complain, but supposedly it was out of warranty by a year. You would think a company would stand by it's product, but no. I was kinda frustrated, but then pretty happy cause I realized that I would have an excuse to not do any Christmas baking. When I mentioned this, my friends paid attention.

I am sooo happy to work for wonderful fabulous people who share their wonderful fabulousness friendship with me!!!!

another conversation

Boy: "Thanks for getting under my bed and cleaning out all the toys, sis."

Girl: "You're welcome. Just put your nut cup away next time. I had to get a big lego out to move it."

they go back to the boy's bedroom, as the girl has agreed to help him clean

Girl: "Arrrrgghhhh! There is that nut cup again! Can you PLEASE put it away?"


I guess there are some things that no sister will ever touch!

where did I put it???

So late last January or early Febuary I bought the girl and I matching Christmas shirts and the boy a fabulous ornament. Spending a whole $.75! Now I can't find the bag! I looked in the Christmas stuff- not there, my usual holiday clearance spot-not there either! I have even looked in the tops of closets, hoping to find it there. Nope. I was planning on making the girl match me today for her field trip. I can't help but think that maybe I threw it away in a cleaning fit? If I did, it's a waste of 3 good quarters.

Thank the girl for the new background! She picked it out herself, and would have highlighted and clicked, had it not been for the piggybacking onto a neighbors wireless...

conversation with the girl

girl: "Mommy, remember when I loved cheetos so much I wanted to marry Chester Cheetah?"

me: "Yeah, and Kool-Aid man was going to come..."

girl: "I love these hash browns so much, I wanna marry Mr. Dell when I get big."

me: shaking my head because Mr. Dell is a real person, and continuing to shake because I should have seen this coming with the girl going through a bag of hash-brownie-browns a week by herself! "Sweetheart, you can't marry Mr. Dell because the original Mr. Dell passed away, and the current Mr. Dell is married to sister Johnsen, and is old like your meemaa. Maybe you can just be his friend."

girl: "Really? I know Mr. Dell? Why didn't you tell me that before? I LOOOOOOOOVE his hash browns! You have to show him to me."


She has also taken possession of the boy's Mr. Dell semi and keeps her favorite toys of the moment in them. The girl is just a little bit obsessive about her food, and potato products have been the latest. She has given up her bag of chips a week for a bag of hash browns a week. What a goof!

black friday survival tips

1. MAKE YOUR BATTLE PLAN ON THANKSGIVING. It helps to check the online black friday stuff before then, you may be able to buy some things early. Also make note of the time the store is opening. Seperate each store into "halves." Tell your co-shoppers which list they will have.


2. SET YOUR ALARM. Unless you are hunting electronics, you don't need to be at any store until a few minutes before it opens. Why wait outside in the cold in line, when you can stroll up when the doors open and get in just the same.


3. GET YOUR DIET COKE READY. Make sure that each person has one so that your peeps won't be too tired to have your back! Put them in the car so you all you have to remember is shoes!


4. SLEEP WITH YOUR MAKEUP ON. That way you can fool those who didn't into thinking you are one of those who is serious and got up extra early to put her face on.


5. DON'T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP. That fire hazard that Target sets up every year? Make sure you loudly proclaim the lack of unlocked doors is a fire hazard and you are calling the fire marshall! Also, people getting things before the designated time at WalMart? If they won't hand you the sizes you need, start loudly letting everyone else know who is breaking the rules!
6. DIVIDE & CONQUER. Give your team their parts of the list and split through the store. Any questions, complaints, use your cell phone to let them know. This is where the battle plan from yesterday becomes successful. Also don't be afraid to yell out what you need, and what you have that you don't need. Making friends with the person on the other side of the display is key to getting stuff fast!
7. GET THE HELL OUT! Find the most out of the way register you can find. They move faster. Jewelry, automotive, sporting goods, garden center, "non black friday" lines are all game.

These steps allowed me to leave the house at 3:30am and be back by 5:45am this year... What fun this is!

more thinks

• I also think I would watch "30 rock" if it weren't for Alec Baldwin. He just really annoys me.
  

• My forehead is reacting well to the tazorac. It is losing it lines as it is growing more whatever it is supposed to. The rest of my face is drinking moisturizer like diet coke in the mornings, and is flaky like a biscuit when I get home.

• When I stumbled to the living room, the news is saying something bout a winter storm. What??? Oh well, I have a stockpile of cheese, crackers, brownie mix, & diet coke. I guess I'm ready!

• If you are my child and are hanging out in your underwear, then don't complain about the house being cold! Put some stinkin' clothes on already! Don't you remember my 2-layer rule crazy!

I think I maybe, kinda, sorta, need to get a boyfriend. Someone to take me to get some nachos, and to see New Moon, and buy me some milk duds there, and then appreciate my witty, snarky comments throughout said movie. Any takers?

ow! my face...

Is burning off!!!!! I began my Tazorac prescription. Now I remember why I waited 3 years to do it again! Oh well, I will look years younger in 6 weeks! (If I can put up with it that long...)

proven theory...

I have long had a theory that I have shared with many. That drinking Diet Coke makes you short. I was the proof of that theory, being the shortest kid in my family (5'8" for me, 6' for my sister, 6'2" for one brother, and 6'4" for another). And last night my theory was proven again. The girl and her cousin K are 9 months apart. Usually they get to be about the same height, and then the girl hits a growth spurt. Not so much last night. K is taller than the girl now! Even though the girl's growth spurt will start soon, K has never been taller. How does this prove my theory? The girl has been taking drinks off my diet coke for the last year. She swore to quit that habit after last night, and finding out that her mom was right! Feel free to use this theory on your kids as well. I have always said that diet coke makes kids short, and I now have further proof to add!

computer issues

So, I switched phone/internet companies. Thought it would be easy. Not so much. I was without home phone for 4 days, and without internet until today. How? I'm not sure, but appearantly my downstairs is wired differently than the rest of the house. The main computer is downstairs, so I had to piggyback on a neighbors unsecured network. And now I can't work my wireless at all. I guess I'll be placing another service call! Good thing I paid the $4 a month extra that I can cancel at any time! I'll be getting my moneys worth for this month!

Other stuff... I finished at the denture place. I'm now at a pedo (kids) dentist. I like the clientel much better. I'll save the things I learned at the denture place for another blog.

Have to find the boy some food... he is having dad issues (will they ever end?) and is being extra picky and not so hungry...

help!!!!

I need Halloween costume ideas for myself! So far I have thought:

• bride- I already have a dress, so why not? (shot down)
• devil- red pj's and the boy's old devil stocking hat
• princess- recycling my wedding crown (shot down as well, as I have done it too many times)
• witch- I've brokered a trade with my niece for her hat (I have to give her sparkley eye diamonds for her Taylor Swift costume)
• cowgirl- but that's not really a costume for me as much as a mood

All the costumes in the stores are "sexy" and I can't bring myself to spend more than $5 on the thick trash bag material that make up these costumes! So any votes/other ideas would be wonderful!!!

randoms...

Just a thought, if you are going to act all shady and stalkerish, I'm going to treat you that way!

Why was the weather tolerable for the last day of soccer games?

I had my first experience with rot mouth last week... an overwhelming smell of (the only smell similar I can come up with is) old roadkill that you can't get away from!

I can't believe how much I am saving on gas since I don't have to drive too far to learn anymore!

Why don't the kids like my theme ideas for Halloween anymore? I think they like it, they just can't agree on a theme...

The cat got a Halloween shirt. He gets it put on him every time the girl finds it and can wrestle him down. It only stays on a few minute...

why

did the kids come home from the homecoming parade with a bag of candy, but not one colored tootsie roll in the mix of yucky stuff. This is the 2nd time they have been to a parade and this has happened this season! I'm going to have to research... is there a shortage of the colored tootsie rolls?

Also, my new favorite candy bar is milky way midnight!

today...

I got to assist in an oral surgery!!! I got to help the dr as he pulled what was left of a lady's teeth. There were lots of roots to pull as well. It was awesome! Although, I will never look at candy corn the same again...

first day (again?)

Today is my first day of "community service" as my brother puts it. Fun in the "denture factory" as I like to call it. Not really gaining any time back in my day, however, the time gained from my commute will now be put to use working for free! Let the countdown begin! 320 to go!

eeeeewwwww, get me the lysol, the cat left

oh, wait, that's not the poo I thought it was, just a lego ladies hair! (How close do you think I was to tell that?)

last day!!

Today is my last day of actual school (for now)!!!!! Monday begins the first 185 of 320 hours of FREE labor at an office. I got placed in a denture office. I shudder every time I say it. Oh well, it's only approx 5 weeks...

Oh, and there was fabulousness in my yard yesterday evening... hopefully will get time to detail it...

Miss Fix-it

On the tail of the successful (yet embarassing) cup removal from the garbage disposal, I decided to take on the bathroom sink. It has had a drip for some time, that has gotten increasingly worse. I took off the aerator (sp?) and took that washer into the hardware store. They told me that was not going to solve the leak, and asked what type of faucet I had. I replied the ugly ones that came with the house, they laughed, and showed me where I might find what I need. I saw some replacement parts on the aisle that sparked my memory and I was able to tell them the brand. They got me the right parts and made me keep the receipt in case it didn't work, making sure to tell me to turn off the water to the sink before I started. Got it done in no time, only to turn the water back on to the house (there isn't a shut-off under my sink like there is the toilet, a future to-do), the sink was running non-stop. So, I took it apart again, put it back together, and it worked! I think I was unsuccessful the first time cause I wasn't showing any crack (a first, especially at home!). Tomorrow is the other bathroom, and then more supplies for the kitchen! Like my bathroom theory, it is best to change all at once!

random thoughts

The crowd at a daytime demolition derby is a different crowd than at night. Not as many of the Joe Dirt/Kid Rock combos going on. The pre-show people watching just isn't there!



I think I may have an addiction. To mascara. After 10 coats I still have yet to acheive the Tammy-Faye look. So now it is a challenge to see how many it takes.



I have 9 more days of actual school left. Then I will get back close to 2 hours of drive-time!



The boy has taken the challenge of eating as much cereal as I can buy. He is going through almost a box a day. Maybe I can talk him into a review.



The girl is still torturing the cat. After accusing everyone of messing up her doll bed, she sees the cat sleeping in it. Does he get yelled at? No! She acts like it was her plan all along!

Lastest (big) drama

Became a missionary opprotunity for my lawyer and the local police department! I got to explain how wards are set up, boundary wise, and how my (mormon) church isn't the one the kids dad would go to if he decided to want to find God. And how I consider it harassment to pop-in on my weekend with the kids, and sit behind me, and try and talk to me while I'm trying to listen to the Stake President talk! Things the kids dad already knows! Maybe he forgot...

OSA conference

I went to a "regional " Old Single Adult conference. There were maybe 100 people there. Most over 50. I was the youngest or 2nd youngest there. I am choosing to see it as a networking opprotunity, that my fabulousity will be noted and someone who is equally fabulous will have my presence made known.

Notable quotes:

"Do your shoes always match your eyeshadow?" (from another lady-whom I think was super jealous)

"You are a lot different than my first impression of you. You are nicer and more interesting than I thought." (from a person I dance with- the fabulousity of my being is intimidating to some?)

first week of school

The girl missed her first day of school due to a serious bout of strep. When asked if her throat hurts, she replied, "my mom says it does." What a crazy. She was scared to go on the second day, because who misses the first? But she went, and by the end of the day, no one noticed she wasn't there the day before!



The boy got into a different classroom than was listed on his report card. The class he was moved to has computers for every 2 students. But, as it is 4th grade, they switch teachers all the time. His teacher's discipline system is based on baseball, so I think he will get along great with her.



Both kids reading logs are going to be my downfall. I'm supposed to log minutes, make them write summaries, and keep track of it! It's driving me crazy already!

Hopefully will get time to update on first week of kids' school, the OSA conf/dance, and newest drama...

Not this time...

I will not be fooled by you, KMART! With your good-looking clothes. How fabulous they look in ads, like a Barbara Walter's filter. I will not go to see this Jackie Smith dress that appears to be one I would need, because KMART is always a dissappointment. I have been lured into this several times in the last few months through magazine ads and fashion spreads, thinking that they had what I was looking for. Only, not so much. Because you can't take that KMART stench of cheap away!


Oh, who am I kidding, if I have time, I'll swing through, if only to check out the peeps actually shopping there! And to be dissappointed again!

Last night's sleep kept getting interrupted with dreams of putting x-rays in order. Why am I dreaming bout this?? I have had NO problems with putting the puzzle of someone's mouth in order!! EEEESH!

the girl's talk

The girl had a talk the other week. She wouldn't say it, but she had the experience and told it to me. I love giving her talks... but it didn't get me out of having to give one of my own last month!

Yesterday I was playing with my brother's toy. When we had to leave, I put it down.
When we got home, my brother needed his toy back. I forgot where I put it. He started to get upset.
Everyone looked for his toy, but we could not find it.
My mom told me to try and look one more time. And to say a prayer while I looked.
On my way downstairs, I said a prayer for help. I looked again and still did not see it. I came back upstairs.
When I sat down to tell my mom I still could not find the toy, I remembered where I put it!
I told my brother where I put it. He went downstairs and found it!
I know if we ask for Heavenly Father's help, he will help us.

Isn't it fabulous? She was so proud of her experience and finding out for herself the power of prayer!

made the kids proud...

I signed up for the single adult conference coming up. The boy is always nagging me about the single adult stuff in the programs on Sunday. Now I need to get my brows done, get a fabulous outfit, and especially get some new shoes! I need to be feeling extra super for this experience! I plan on taking notes to blog about later!

I have not been able to sleep lately... Because every dream I have is about putting x-rays in people's mouths. When I take the x-ray out, I wake up! I soooo can't wait for this term to be over... one more week....

And I found out today that real, alive people teeth are different than real, dead people teeth mounted in plastic.

I just hope to come out of this term with a high B. I hope!!!

I got home from school and went to change. What greeted me in my bedroom? 2 spots of cat puke! One of which was HUGE! So gross! Almost a can of Lysol wipes later, the boy tells me that there is some more downstairs. Gross again! I finished the can.

Then, I decided to check my email and stuff. That fool I was married to...

Now I'm off to chop up a watermelon!

what kids think

On the way home, the girl says, "NO FAIR!!! The Hobo's get a pool!" We were by a trailer park, so I asked her if she thought it was a hobo camp. She did. It gave us all a good giggle.

It reminded me of when my brother thought the crosses on the side of the road were pet cemeteries for apartment dwellers and renters.

I love how kids minds work!

9 things about the 9-year-old

Today is the boy's birthday! 9 years ago (at almost midnight tonight) the boy was born! Making that kindergarten cut off by minutes! Here is a list we love about you, Count Bubbula!

1. That you can eat an entire box of cereal in less than a day!
2. How very smart you are!
3. Transformer and lego parts throughout the house!
4. How you love to make (and eat) breakfast in bed, beginning with a 2-year-old burning popcorn while his mom slept!
5. How you can turn your armpits into musical instruments!
6. How independent you are!
7. Your quest to be a "man" with smell good, hair do, and attempts at growing chest hair!
8. How helpful and kind you are, thinking of others!
9. How much your strength and positive attitude have helped the girl and I when we need it!

Happy Cheesecake day everyone!!!!!! Now you know what we'll be having for dinner at our house tonight!!!

mmmmm, dinner

I called on my way home to ask the kids what they wanted for dinner. They had no ideas. I gave them the choice of leftover spaghetti or tomato soup and grilled cheese (today was rainy and cold!). They still wouldn't choose. When I got to meems to pick them up, I found out why! The kids made pizza for dinner! On each one I had a piece specially designed for moi. It was DELICIOUS!!!! I have the BEST KIDS EVER!!!!!

On the way home, I made the boy laugh so hard I thought he might have an asthma attack! We passed the guy we like to call the man without a shirt. This guy is shirtless from early Spring until about Halloween (only putting on a shirt if there is an extreme wind chill). And it's not really a good look. So I told the boy he WAS wearing a shirt, one he grew himself. It is naturally man-made. And that when he gets older, he can grow his own shirt as well! Oh the plans the boy came up with for his very own shirt he's trying to grow!

I don't think I've heard the kids laugh since they got home, or laugh this hard in a long time. I almost cried, or maybe I was laughing hard as well.

cat woke me up

And I can't get back to sleep. So I checked my email, and the kids dad sent me something!

Not surprising is that he is denying abuse, claiming I made up a false claim. I wouldn't know how to create a false claim! All I did was take the boy to the ER for a horrible sunburn, and questioned the marks to the Dr. He did the rest. I'm sure if he didn't think it was bruising, he wouldn't have called in the social worker, or the cops, and it would not have been hotlined. Nor would we have had to go to the children's hospital child abuse clinic the next day, nor would DFS have gotten involved.

I'm so glad he has just made my decision easier for me. I can't allow the kids to go with someone like this. What a jerk!

I also want to say (again!) that their dad was not always like this, that I would not marry a person this full of hate, venom, and crazy, nor would I have kids with a person like this, that would hurt our children.

Oh, and I have my final today! Although I am all studied out for that, getting a 100% on the reviews and a 94% on the practice final. My brain is full of teeth stuff! And children worry.

worst mom ever

The kids' dad calls and tells the boy that he is coming back this weekend and, "I want to see you, don't you want to see me?" Then he asks to talk to me. He tells me that he is coming back and wants to see the kids. I tell him to email it to me, and hang up.

So then I get to break to the boy that he will most likely not be spending any time with his dad face to face. That it is for his protection. That even though his dad sounds like he is "normal" he could still hurt him, that the abuse cycle is quicker and easier each time.

And I feel like such a bad mom because I want him to see his dad, but I don't want either kid to get hurt. I told the kids how I don't trust their dad with the ability to discipline them, or with their overall safety. The boy says he just wants his "real" dad back, and how he has been sounding more like his "real" dad.

Do you think that immersion therapy of Lifetime movies would help them understand what I'm trying to tell them? (I think it may just give the girl more anger issues)

finals (again!)

I have finals again this week. This "term" seems to be easier since this teacher gives us "study guides" that are basically the quiz/test questions. At mid-term I had a 97%, and since have scored mostly 100%'s. The teacher forgot to enter one of my test grades, so it looked like I'm not doing so well, however, I am certain that I will get another A for this term.

On other notes, I've gotten the living room painted and rearranged, and am just lazing about the detail painting. I'm looking (not very hard) for the 3M hook tape in a roll. I'm also thinking about painting the inside side of the front door the detail "blaze orange" or deep salmon as I like to think of it.

I also got told in the middle of the night by a sleeping girl that, "I like mommy the best!" I don't know who she told, but I'm glad she did! This also makes the bad dreams that come as soon as I begin to drift off bearable as well. She also had me sing to her in the middle of a dream as well. I hope I don't talk in my sleep like that, but I'm thinking the crazy doesn't fall far off the train.

And the highlight of the Summer started today... Meemaa's day camp! A week of fun for all the kids! Today was a nature hike, tye-die, and ker-chief making day, with a lesson in camp songs and an obstacle course! Tomorrow is farm day, beginning at the chicken coop, with a visit to goats, and a lesson in BB-guns. WHAT FUN!

it's not ok

• to put your hands on a child in anger
• to cause a bruise on a child that lasts over a week
• to hurt the child so emotionally they feel the hurt as if it is new when they talk about it
• to try and make the child feel that they weren't abused

However, the boy is doing well with all he's been through. The girl is doing good as well. We are all dealing and talking, and keeping them feeling safe and loved. Our family and friends are awesome, with their blessings, prayers, hugs, and support!

Oh, and the kids LOVE their bedrooms too! The girl has been sleeping in her bed every night (after she falls asleep next to me, but it's a move forward)!

joy and pain

I'm SSSSOOOOOO happy to get my kids back. Then we got to spend the evening at the ER with the boy... who came home with the worst sunburn ever, and a golf-ball sized blister, and finger bruises from the incident that concerned me Monday night. Fun times! The Dr popped the blister, put some cream on it, and then we got to talk to the cops and a social worker, and got hotlined. I get to call the police where they were on vacation today, as well as we all get to go to a child abuse clinic. At least we are together, and the kids are safe. I wonder how long they will sleep???

waiting...

The kids get home in about 3 hours!!!!!!!!!! Now, maybe a little longer since I just got a text that the flight is delayed a half hour..... I can't wait to hug, kiss, and snuggle them!!!!

not really a builder

I got the bookshelves for the girl's room put together... the armoire in her room is relocating downstairs. There was only a slight incident of my genius idea to use my staple gun instead of the finishing nails, but the staple gun won't close. Then riding my carpentry skills, I decided to put up the shelf for her "glass collection" (insert eye roll). I was doing great, using a level for the holes and everything, even hitting a stud. I hung the shelf, and it wouldn't fit! I forgot to take into account the 5 inches of shelf on each side of the holes. I re-drilled, put in the plastic screw things, and put the screws in again. Guess what? The weight of the shelf is pulling the screws out! Someone else has got to fix that for me, as that shelf got a talking to and is in time out. And now the wall is kinda messed up.

And I stink. It is humid, and that building made me sweat more than I have been all day... I think it's time to go pout in the bathtub.

BTW I plugged in the battery charger, so pix of the remodels will get posted sometime.

I need to give a shout out to Megan at the HappyRock Wal-Mart! She went above and beyond to help me! Leaving her post in electronics to check for a set of bookshelves and then going to the back to dig out a set! SuperFabulous! Am calling the manager this morning to tell him about her helpfulness!

So putting the boy's room back together... we now have 3 batman masks. Did they mate???? The last I knew we had 2 (one for each kid). Where did this 3rd come from??? I guess there is now one for ALL of us!!! YAY!!! When I'm sportin acne (well, more than usual) at Halloween time, you will know why!

best thing about court

Is that Elvis was there! I'm not sure what he was there for, but he was there! Glasses, satin shirt, sideburns, rings, sneer, he IS alive!

Court didn't go so well. His lawyer showed up, requesting a continuance. So I wait...

if only I had a broomstick

I finally get a hold of the kids today, and the boy answers. He is sobbing, can barely talk, all I can understand is the word trouble, hotdog, and getting taken to the car. Then his dad gets on the phone, says the boy is in trouble, and I hear a smack, then the phone hangs up. It's only Monday night, the kids don't come back until Sunday. I guess I'll have questions for the judge tomorrow as I get to get MY order of protection renewed. Good thing I have prescriptives to help me sleep and function... I may be starting a-nother layer of paint soon...

What makes this right??? The kids dad didn't want to be part of a family, he chose to "make himself happy," goes months without seeing the kids, and then the courts support and are "confident" in his ability to take the kids for over a week? He hasn't parented them longer than 3 days in almost 2 years!!! Good thing for blessings and prayer, as I can't even imagine the horror the kids would have to suffer without it.

painting prep

Cleaning out the boy's room in preparation for the remodel. Will probably fill up a contractor bag of broken toys and misc crap. I keep finding dirty socks! No wonder he keeps taking mine! Also wetting wallpaper border and plan on peeling it tonight as well. I may be making a late Wal-Mart run as I can't find my small putty knife to fill in all the thumb-tack holes. (Thumb tacks and wire hangers drive me crazy!!! Thanks for the memory boards full of tacks, Kate!!). Back I go!!!

I'm apprehensive, as are the kids. This will be the most time we have been apart EVER. The longest stretch in the last 2 years was the 3 night stretch over father's day. Before that, maybe a long weekend. The girl's tummy hurts, they both keep hanging on me, and we all just keep tearing up. It really, really, really, really stinks.

7 things about my 7-year-old

Today is the girl's birthday! She made her entrance her own way, and has been princessing her way through life ever since! Here are 7 things that make us love her so much!

1. Her love to eat "white stuff" by the spoonful, cool-whip, cream cheese, sour cream, or crisco. You never know which one she wants if she just mentions white stuff!
2. Her shy sorrys. She gets too embarrassed (and angry at herself) if she has to apologize, so she has learned to write it out! The notes are great!
3. She was the easiest potty-train I've ever had or seen! She just did it herself! The want for starburst was VERY strong with her!
4. Her ability to run in heels. The cheap, kid, plastic ones that make any other kid fall, she can run in to take care of business.
5. Her big heart under her feisty exterior!
6. Her declarations. When she was almost 4, she declared that, "When I turn 4, I'm gonna be good and nice to everybody!" (still waiting on that one) Last night she said that if I gave her her present early she would, "be nice to me forever!" (I just had to laugh)
7. How much she makes me smile every day, how much she is like me (looks and 'tude), how she says just what she means!

We love you SSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH princess!!!!!

best par-tay ever!

I had the best birthday party in the world! We painted nails, and put stickers on them, but mine haven't stayed on , so I keep putting new ones on almost every hour. We made tostadas and english muffin pizzas, and had lots of candy. We played pretty, pretty, princess and dressed up, and watched beverly hills chihuahua. My brother got me a singing Taylor Swift barbie, that sings Our Song. My friends got me gift cards, chocolate, and nail stickers. The candles on my cupcake were spooky and kept lighting back up after I blowed them out.

I love you like I love my party,
The Girl

(The girl had a not-so-slumber party. 3 hours of slumber party fun, but without the drama and sleep depravation! One of my best ideas ever!)

chicken sitting

We are chicken sitting this week. We are supposed to let out the chickens in the morning, and put them away at sundown. The kids also get to gather the eggs! The first night, we get to the farm, and there is a dead chicken! I call my mom to get my dad to come take care of it, as the puke keeps coming up in my mouth. It was an interesting sight, it was on it's back, with it's legs pointing towards the sky. I guess the heat must have cooked it, because there was no blood. Inside the coop, as I was getting the "guard" dog some food, I saw a mouse blur past. Again with the puke. I just don't think I'm cut out for the farm life... Only tonight and tomorrow moring left!

game

The boy refuses to recout his games last weekend. I will give a quick recap...

The boy hit what sounded like the game winning hit (game was tied, runners on 1st and 2nd). The line drive went right into the 2nd basemans glove, and he wasn't even trying to field it. It surprised everyone, especially the 2nd baseman. Who then turned and tagged the runner going from first. It took the wind out of the team, and they lost that game as well as the next. That 2nd baseman had a lucky play!

waiting for the boy to post about his baseball games....

survived

The cat and I have survived 3 nights without the kids. I don't know who missed them the most. Mackie kept meowing at the kids rooms, and didn't eat so good. The girl had to talk to him every day, and it seemed to help him. I have not been eased so much. Selfish, lack-of-thought parenting makes me want to scream!!! I can't wait to seen them at school, help them change thier clothes, and give them HUGE hugs.

Good thing someone knocked me in the head with the thought to get a good piece of room painting done when they have to go away again! This time for 7-10 days! I will be such a basket case. It is very hard to let your kids go with someone you don't trust, who lacks common sense for themselves, and is not keeping the best interests of your children at heart! At least I have wonderful kids who watch out for and take care of each other! And who know and want to make good choices!

yesterday, today

I got to polish another person's teeth!!! It was awesome. And I REALLY like that the two people I have polished have good teeth, so I haven't been discouraged!!

Then, the kids went to VBS, which they loved. However, there are newer, hipper songs than when I went, so...

My brother called again last night to tell me who was pitching. Mike got another save, helping the Nationals beat the Yankees again!!

Today the boy had a field trip I got to go on. It was a fabulous time at the bowling alley! The bumpers were put up, and then they turned off the lights and it was REALLY fun!

Then, the kids and I went to Wal-Mart to get their dad a father's day present, and the ingredients for them to make him dinner and dessert. The kids were super excited about their plans! When it was time for the kid swap, I got leered at again! In front of his "lady" friend! How classy! I think I need to take a shower now...

fabulous brother

As I was trying to get the kids to bed last night, my brother called. He asked me what number my favorite pitcher (Mike MacDougal) was. Since he gets the Nationals games on TV, he was watching. I told him, and he confirmed that he was watching him pitch. I was jealous, but his performance keeps me hoping that he will still be pitching for the Nats when they play the Cards for my birthday.
My brother is so awesome to let me know!!!

Finally!!! I found a picture of him in his new uniform!!!!!

Just glanced out the window and asked the boy, "Is that FOG??" I guess it is...

geeked up

At school today I got to polish the teeth of one of my fellow students!!!!! It was SOOOOO awesome!!!!! I can't wait to polish kids teeth all day!!!!! Did I say how awesome it was????

And by the way, why does it take my hair longer to dry when I use gel instead of mousse??

last sunday

I forgot to blog about last Sunday night! A lot of the primary lessons have been about baptism, and the girl has begun her countdown to hers (It's going to be a long year!). She plans on having my brother baptize her, so her date is not definite. But she can try on her dress that she will be baptized in, "not the one meemaa is going to make me to wear for the talks and stuff." I had to get out the bag of important clothes (my wedding dress, my baptism dress, the boy's blessing outfit, and the girl's blessing dress) so the girl could see them. She wanted to put on her blessing hair bow, but was denied. So she decided to try on the baptism dress. And being the princess she is, insisted I put on my wedding dress. There were some zipper issues (that zipper has always had issues, right meems??), but I got it on (I needed some good foundation undergarments and a slip, but...)! It surprised the boy who told me I "looked so beautiful." The girl then had to play with the train, and can't wait to be able to try it on herself when she's taller! It took a while to get the girl out of her baptism dress, as she kept spinning around and dancing in it and such. It apparently doesn't take much to impress my kids!

fun times

Yesterday the kids and I got most of our chores done. I weeded our "garden," paid bills, cleaned the bathrooms (super DISGUSTING), washed some clothes, did some dishes, and got some grocery shopping done. The kids picked up their stuff throughout the house, folded the towels (FINALLY!), did some dishes, and helped me by staying our of my way when I was dealing with stupidity (I still marvel at how someone who was once so smart and family focused, can become so hateful, spiteful, mean, and stupid).

So, we decided to go to the drive-in. It is cheaper than a real movie, you can see two movies for that price, we don't have to sneak in snacks, and the bathrooms are an adventure! We saw Night at the Museum II but left before the second movie, as my dad was having leg issues. We took one of my sister's kids as well. It was a fabulous time! We can't wait to do it again, when we are going to take a little grill, a stereo, and more blankets!

Breakfast of champions

The boy tried to blog-stalk over my shoulder but was shut down. He was eating a slim-jim for breakfast. Now he is following it up with cool ranch doritos! And he has already brushed his teeth this morning. My stomach can't handle the stench of the slim jim and doritos. Thank heavens he goes to summer school!

The girl is having left over tortellini for breakfast. What is weird about that is that she is eating breakfast at all! Now SHE is following it up with the doritos!

Although with their weird breakfast choices keeps me knowing they truely are my kids!

fabulous!

Next to the warehouse I work a little at, there is a truck parts place. Usually there is a dog tied up outside the truck place, their pets (none are protective dogs). Today, there was a goat. With a sparkley collar!

friday fun

Friday in class, as soon as I'd taken my quiz, during the substitute's (department head) talk about the rest of the day, my phone buzzes. I ignore it until he takes a breath and begins the video. I look and see that it was the kids school. I hurry out to hear a voice mail from the nurse to call her back. I do, and she informs me that the boy came in saying he knocked his head on the ground outside and is complaining of a head and stomach ache. I tell her I'll be there in 30-45 minutes to get him.

As I'm doing good in traffic (it's wasn't rush hour, I don't know why I was so surprised), I call the pediatrician to find out if I can just go to urgent care. They strongly suggested to take him down to the children's hospital because if it was serious, I would already be there.

I get to school and get the kids. The girl isn't going to miss this fun! We go downtown to the hospital and have no wait! Then we get to sit for 3 hours in a room, the kids get Lunchables and Gatorade! The prognosis is there maybe some slight head trauma, but since he didn't puke, and seems as normal as he can be, they don't want to expose him to any extra radiation. I got instructions to come back if he acts funnier than normal, or starts puking. Neither happened.

Since that kinda took our energy, we hung out at home all weekend and cleaned. Our house is almost not a pit. My goal is by the end of the week to have it neat enough to let people in and not have to apologize and cringe. The kids awesomely cleaned their rooms, got their toys out of the basement (and living room and my bedroom), did dishes, and are now (I think) folding towels. I got part of the kitchen cleaned, the laundry folded and the hang ups hung. I'd like to pay bills, but I'm still waiting on that check issue from Monday.

the best of game days

BASEBALL



Sunday: The game looked bad when my dad was there,then he left at the 5th inning, and I made a DOUBLE-PLAY!!! Then I hit a HOMERUN!!!!!!!!!





Wednesday: The game looked as if it would be bad because we were playing an undefeated team! But, in the first inning the score was 0-4. Both teams went on playing their hardest. the final score was 9-11 us!!


This was a public message posted and sponsored by: the 3 billy goats Duff

summer diet

Apparently I have unknowingly started my Summer diet. My ex keeps on about the Boy's tools. What kind of a dad takes a kid's tools away?? He has gotten his lawyer involved and is refusing to sign papers because he didn't read what he signed. What a jackass. Then he thinks the world stops when he is away, and the visitation schedule stops as well. I am expected to wait until each Tuesday to make plans for the kids, because if he comes into town, it should automatically be his weekend. What a C-R-A-Z-Y.

So after much crying and praying this morning, (after the kids got to school) I have made it through the day. I have also found a mediator so hopefully we won't have to go to court and have a judge tell him what everyone already sees as sensical (especially those who also have "shared" custody with another).

I have a feeling my ex's jackassery comes from seeing me this weekend. I am successful without him, the kids thrive without his anti-parenting, and our (the kids and me) family has become stronger. He has not been successful except in wearing his unhappiness and self-hatred on his sleeves and trying to spread his feelings on to others. Were his actions and problems to be cool really worth it??

With this chaos, I have begun my liquid diet. After I force myself to eat, and whenever the hateburn flares up, I hit the bottle of Maloxx. Shortly I will be able to wear my shorts from last Summer a little better!

afternoon keeps getting better.....

I just checked on my favorite pitcher, and..... he got called up!!!!! I'm wearing my jersey ALL weekend!! Hopefully he can stay with the Nationals until they play the Cardinals on my bday weekend, so I can go and check him out!!!!!!

(I was going to put his pix up, but I can't get the "official" one to save right)

young and hawt???

I was having a kinda angry day from stress of the kids dad coming back and having to get my pay stub from my former work (arggghhhhhh! some people are just so dumb!). But, the last few hours have been awesome for my self-esteem!

So the next to the last hour of school, a girl from another class asked how old I was. I said, "Ummm, 31, why?" She said that she had a fake ID that looked more like me than her, and she was going to give it to me. I thanked her for the offer (and compliment!), but declined as I haven't needed one for quite some time. I really don't think I look that young, but you never know.....

Then, I had to meet up with the kids dad to drop them off. As I waited for him to sign something, he kept oogling me, checking me out. Then he asked what I was doing tonight, like he wanted me to go out with him and the kids. Appearantly I still have it!! Although his taste hasn't been any good since me, it still feels good to know that someone thinks you look hawt!

checked off list, loneliness

Over the weekend, we got some of our list accomplished. We got our container garden planted, the bug fertilizer put down, and we bought the kids new beds. I saved $120 on the beds by paying in cash! Yesterday my parents helped pick up the beds and set them up. Then last night, the kids slept in them. This was my first night alone in my bed in close to 6 months! The kids slept fabulously in their new beds, while I was lonely with no one to flip flop into me! I guess I'm just going to have to retrain myself, cause the third night alone is going to be the hardest, since the kids haven't been gone from my room/bed for more than 2 nights in over a year.

fishy

Saturday: Fishing, work, and weird things.

We went shopping in the morning. I made my mom buy some nightcrawlers, and made her promise to take us fishing sometime over the weekend. So we finally went Saturday evening. The boy caught a ginormous big-mouthed billy bass. The girl caught a little, itty, bitty baby crappie. And mom caught zip, nothing, but she fed all her worms to the fish off her hook, like a worm buffett.


This post was caught by the boy

crabby

Things that make me crabby today:

It's Memorail Day weekend, and Sonic isn't starting the morning drink (99 cent route 44) special!

The new "phosphate free" dishwasher detergent... Everything comes out with a weird, chalky film!

mother's day

So I'm a week behind on my my mother's day post! I rang in my mother's day at 12am by puking my brains out! Not sure what we ate at the party all Saturday we had that did not agree with us, but the girl was tossing, turning, moaning and gassing all night, and the boy had the big D. Luckily I came to again before the kids made me breakfast. I did, however have a banner taped across the hall to run through, like the athlete I am not! And I got a topsy turvy! I just need to get my tomato plants, and then it's on! The plan is to reduce the cost of caprese salad for the girl and I by growing our own tomatoes and basil!

We missed our church as our stomachs were recovering. The kids and I were able to hold down ramen and toast, so we went to church with Meems, Pamps, and the rest of all the whole, big, family that was in town!

Today, I got my gift from church, a list of what the kids said when asked certain questions about their mom! Here's what my kids said:

Q: Why do you love your mom?
Girl: She is cool
Boy: She's sweet as honey (I have to stop and laugh every time I read this one!)

Q: What is your mom's favorite thing to do?
Girl: Play with me
Boy: Hang out with me and sis
(Huh? I thought it was hide in the bathtub, eat nachos, chocolate, diet coke, but whatever)

Q: What is your mom always saying to you?
Girl: Make good choices
Boy: I love you

Q: What can you do better than your mom?
Girl: Ride a bike
Boy: Work a computer

Q: How do you help your mom?
Girl: Cook dinner
Boy: I do chores

Q: What is the funniest thing your mom does?
Girl: She plays with me
Boy: She's clumsy sometimes

Q: What does your mom do during the day?
Girl: Sits around and plays
Boy: She goes to school

Q: How do you know your mom loves you?
Girl: Because she lets me sleep with her
Boy: She says so!

At the back of the book the girl drew a card with a picture of me running! And the boy wrote me a letter that makes me tear up!

big trash

Tomorrow is big trash pickup for our side of town. Here is a list of all we put out, the things that have been taken are in purple:

1. washer
2. water heater
3. bent car wheel
4. car speakers
5. car stereo
6. some part of the durango air filter thing
7. desk
8. computer moniter
9. 5 disc CD changer
10. desk chair
11. recliner (not ours, but still making the list)
12. various adapters
13. artificial Christmas tree
14. 11x17 piece of carpet
15. the girl's play kitchen and food
16. play vacuum
17. blow up pool
18. shoe rack

We'll see if everything gets taken tonite or goes to the landfill!!! I almost put tools out too, but I'm not THAT nice to the junk collectors!!

job loss

On my way home today, I got a call from my library job. I have no idea how they got my cell number, but whatever. So the boss lady (and that's being polite) asks me to resign, because I can't make it to staff meetings because of school. I have been nothing but a loyal, hard working employee, and she has this one issue to get at? Until last couple of months, the staff meeting thing was not an issue. My availability was not an issue either, as she chose to only schedule me at her discretion, the high point being one hour in December! This lady is just insane! I told her to just fire me then so I can try to get on with the unemployment! Also, so I can file a grievance with the EOE or whatever it is. Nowhere is it stated that attendance at these meetings is mandatory, also crazy emails the outline, which she reads word for word at these meetings! She said the last time she spoke with me about this and threatened my job that it would be OK if I were unable to attend because I was sick or on vacation, but since I'm in school, that's not a reason approved by her. And She was the one who suggested a lesser position when I tried to quit a year ago! Crazy, Crazy, Crazy!

oh happy day!!

Mackie came back!!!!! I think he was in the garage, as the litter box hadn't been used, no food was eaten, and we didn't see him all night. I told the boy to open the door from the basement to the garage, and within minutes, he was upstairs meowing at us!!!!!! We said a thank you prayer, and put the missing cat signs away for (hopefully) never.

still missing...

We got home from school, and the treats had not been touched. We looked all around the house, said a prayer, and went to meems. On the way home, we stopped by the grocery store to get more cat litter, and changed the box so we can see if Mackie is in the house. Now I'm starting to get worried....



If there are no signs of Mackie life tomorrow morning, I guess I'll call the shelter and start making lost cat signs, maybe waiting for a funky smell to erupt from somewhere in the house?

missing

Our cat is missing!!!!! He is an inside cat, and we haven't heard or seen him since yesterday morning. The girl tried to find him last night, and couldn't. She has been beside herself this morning, leaving 3 cat treats in every room, checking under beds, in closets, and even outside. Hopefully she will get dressed and off to school, and our wonderful Mackie will show up to bite her toes later........

What a week!

And it's only Tuesday. I was convinced (and had my mom convinced as well) that it was already Thursday!

As you may have read on other blogs, my Grandma J died on Sunday. She was a wonderful person, and the memories are many. How she would tell stories of adventures she and her sisters had in their late teens and early adulthood, how she would have to stop and laugh. Also The Mink! A true to life mink, just without the insides, it bites it's tail as it hangs around your neck and shoulders... It was one of her sisters' and when she got it and other furs after her passing, the evidence of another time in life.

At school, it has been CPR training, and today I got my second Hep B vaccine. Tomorrow is back to the usual learning.

Yesterday was my second round of Lupron to keep my menopause going... It was wearing off last week, causing headaches and cramps... I'm not waiting as long for the next round!

Then today I got the BEST news of all... I am FINALLY divorced!!! Lock up your single brothers!! I was weary of it actually happening, because I've been this close before, but today I got through the actual court process without any "last-minute" incidents from my ex (I finally get to call him that!)! When I got to the courthouse, there were all sorts of TV cameras, appearantly there were 2 high profile cases being tried today as well!

my head hurts

On Monday night, when washing off my makeup, there was a pain in my eye. Something was it there, an eyelash I thought. After some screeching and such, I finally got it, a 1mm piece of mascara or eyeliner. Hmmmmm, I didn't think I wore too much, but...


Tuesday I woke up with a crazy headache, one I was feeling in my sleep, in my brain. It was very miagrainey, except that it becomes bearable with ibuprofen, but as I learned in school, 6 hours later, it comes back! I woke up again this morning with it, only on the other side. This time I was smart and put the ibuprofen by my bed so I wouldn't have to stumble through the house pirate-eyed! I suspect that this is coming from the wearing off of my medically-induced menopause. I get another shot on Monday, I'm hoping the headaches won't continue until then!

favorite springtime hobby

Tonight has been FABULOUS so far!!! Waiting for a tornado to come, the news copter catches one... it has been on the ground for a while now. Will it stay together long enough to reach us??? Who knows, we'll just have to wait and see.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

To Mikey!!!!! The kids are saving your bday flogging for when you come and visit!!!!

maybe not afterall...

We were hustling to get tickets to the upcoming royals/white sox game because of the questionable status of my FAVORITE pitcher.... not to worry! On Monday, he got sent down to the minors... Oh well... maybe he'll be back later in the season.....

Who knew?

That I am so smart? I have finished the first "semester" of school and got a 96%!!!!! I am the top of my class!!! I raised it from a 91% at mid term... I would like to also brag about the kids, cause I wouldn't have done so well without their help!! They each take care of unloading a shelf in the dishwasher, fold towels, keep their rooms clean, and help clean the bathrooms. They also quietly watch TV or sleep while I study. They have earned this grade as much as I have!!!!

tickets??

So, from what I'm reading, my baseball "boyfriend" may or may not be with the Sox for the season... it depends on how well (or not) he's pitching. So, he will be coming to town to play against the Royals May 4 and 5, as well as May 29-31. Of course none of these dates are a Wednesday, when it's college night, and the tix I want (behind his bullpen, of course) I can't afford. So, I'm looking for anyone with connections/tickets they are looking to donate so I can maybe see my guy pitch, and so the kids can get his autograph! (and maybe slip him my digits) Isn't he just so handsome!!!!!

best drive home yet!!!

My drives home from school have been OK. There seems to be more construction daily, with my "normal" route closed because of a water main break. So, I took an alternate. I'm stopped at a light, waiting, when I hear sirens. I start wondering if there is a wreck and I'm not going to get to go, when I see the lights. It was a motorcade!!! And who's motorcade was it??? Britney's!!!! That's something you don't see every day!!!

I was told to blog this

Last night, I disclosed in my 5 facts for game nite that I have too many accessories. I did not want to disclose the details, but it slipped to my sis, who told me I must blog it. I have over 30 purses! I did a count way back when I was cleaning/reorganizing my closet. I am only 31 years old!! This means I have had at least 1 purse a year from birth? Now these purses have probably only been acquired in the last 10 years, so I average 3 purses a year?? Why do I seem to always have the same one then?? And wallets... I appearantly buy a new one with every few purses, because I had over 5 of them!! And why am I still looking for a new purse??

busy busy

Yesterday was my first day of my new school. What's cool is that there is a 10 minute break every hour, making it 10 til 5 when I get out! Then I rushed to pick up the kids from kids club... they LOVE it there (so far). I tried to check my email and such as I was making dinner, and find the girl blog stalking when I turn my back! Tonight we get to pretty much stay at school, as the boy has a music program shortly after I'm to pick the kids up. FUN TIMES!!!!

I must say though, that the kids are extra super fabulous and extremely awesome! They have helped to do sooooo many chores in the last week, getting ready to by on the go for the next while. And they seem to care about the things I tell them I'm learning!

My sporting fun...

So, baseball is in Spring Training, and I have to watch for my FAVORITE pitcher! He is a former Royal, and is now a non-roster invitee for the Chicago White Sox. I have finally gotten around to getting a jersey (not the Royals all-star one that I am constantly haunting ebay for- and by constant I mean whenever I remember) that turns out was ACTUALLY worn by him! It's so awesome! I check and report back to the kids how he's doing when he pitches, which as a late-inning reliever, is about every 3rd day. The boy went through his baseball cards and presented me with a card from when he played with the Yals, and it sits on my fridge. Who is this player? Mike MacDougal!

My new favorite sport

My new favorite sport is soccer! I LOVE it!!! I got the first goal in my first game EVER!! WOO-HOO! Ask my meemaa about it! My team is the orange team! Bye-bye! I love you like I love scoring goals in soccer!

Love,
the girl

another new addition to blog list

At work today I had to help some guy find a website. He's not a computer person, so I had to help him get online, and get him to this site. It is fabulous! It lists all the things found when this group cleans up an area of river. I would never think this stuff could be found! Just check it out!

I love leprechauns!!

It's almost time for my friend, the leprechaun that lives in my basement, to come and give me candy, cool cars, and whatever else he wants. I love my leprechaun, he is beautiful. He said he is going to get me candy. I'm going to read my leprechaun book tonight. It's about a leprechaun who lives in a basement. I'm done.

Love,
the girl

Big 12 Champs!!!!!

M-I-Z-Z-O-U!! Guess who won the Big 12?? THEY were able to beat Baylor!! And Texas Tech!! We got to listen to it on the radio, since my moms got rid of the cable and boyo forgot to get me the website to watch it on the computer. It sounded VERY good! I hope it watched as good as I imagined.

On a sad note, our high school team lost today, but 2nd place in the state is still a cool thing to be.

Now I'm trying to convince my mom to buy big daddy baseball player's jersey... so she won't be single forever!

This was approved by the boy

frustrated!!!

I'm growling like the girl right now. The kittens I'm forever incubating are going crazy, making me super me-ow! How stupid can a person be??? Holding their children's insurance hostage for a signature of power of attorney for an automobile that supposedly my signature didn't need to be on anyway?? No biggie, cause it's just more I get to sort out later! In the words of bugs bunny, what a maroon! aaaaarrrrRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! The meow will unleash itself on him, or a foolish driver at a later date! (The driver should come first, cause I really don't like getting called crazy and stupid all the time, get something original! Next thing I'll probably also get called fat and ugly... has he seen who he has to come home to???)

i got had... twice!!

I took care of different kids both Friday and Saturday nights. Both moms said that the kid had the pukes the day before, but no one else in the house had anything, so it was probably something they ate. Well, last night I had not one, but TWO PUKING KIDS!!! On the plus side, the boy listened when I told him after the girl puked that if he was going to get sick, he better do it now, or else I wasn't going to take care of him later in the week! But I don't know which of the kids I watched shared more with us than I wanted. I tried to get my sister to watch the kids today, using the same line I was given, but she is too mean and declined. She wouldn't even come over to watch the kids while I ran to the grocery store, staying in the basement... she said she would drop whatever I need on my doorstep and honk after she backs out of the driveway! Fortunately I had bought a 2liter of 7up sometime so the kids are good to go.

more "man" chores

The toilet in my bathroom has been acting up. The water keeps going, and someone has to jiggle the handle. I couldn't take it anymore, so I went to home depot to use that stupid card they made me buy, and got my parts. I have found that it is better to buy the COMPLETE toilet replacement kit. That way, all the parts get replaced, so they won't rust or get so yuck covered that they are permanently stuck resulting in purchasing a new toilet. This time the complete replacement took only an hour and a half. The half hour part was trying to loosen the "bolt" that holds the thing that the flapper is attached to down. It is supposed to be hand tightened, but I don't know what popeye hand tightened it, cause I had to use a monkey wrench, and have the boy put all his weight on the tank to keep it from moving. But I gritted my teeth and got it loose. The girl helped me put the parts back on and it now works like new!!

mmmmm, the smell of breakfast!!

For the second morning in a row, the boy has decided to eat salami for breakfast. Yuck! There is nothing like stumbling out of bed, walking into the living room, and getting smacked with the stench! Gag! Yesterday since the boy had whatever for breakfast, the girl decided she needed to eat refried beans with cheese for hers. I will say that smell wasn't as bad. Still, why can't they just eat cereal and pop tarts like other kids?

good day, bad day, good example...

Today we went to Target. The kids got gift cards from their dad for vday. So they needed to spend them desperately. The girl got another "american girl" doll, and the boy got lego sets. I got a new duvet set for my bed, giraffe print, for 75% off. I paid a whopping $32.48!! I love that store!! There were other bed/bath furnishings as well as storage units marked down, but not to that extent yet. I now have to remember to stop in once a week to check the prices! When we got home, I even remembered to put the set directly in the washer, instead of on my bed, as I don't want another round of the freaky allergic reaction I had last time!

The bad part of the day happened next... We stopped by Home Depot to return the thermostat. I had also bought my fabulous carpet that day, spending more out of my pocket than the gift card I used as well. Supposedly if you pay even a little bit of your total at the Depot with a gift card, even if you pay more in cash, than you get the amount of the gift card back no matter what! So I basically bought a second gift card against my will. I thought I was getting cash back, as the monetary amount of the things I kept exceeded the gift card. Oh, and I got $2.22 in cash as they only force you to buy a gift card for the amount of the original gift card. The girl at the register told me it is what the computer told her to do. I asked for coorporate's number. She had to get a manager to get it, and the manager never asked what the problem was. I spent 10 minutes explaining to the "customer service" person how I was forced to buy a card instead of receiving my cash back. I ended the call telling them that I will be spending EXACTLY the amount of the card there, and will never be back, and will share this incident with others!

The kids were very proud of my "good example" as I wasn't rude, didn't cuss, or even yell at the customer service person. That made me feel good. Then I got a horrible cold flash that lasted all afternoon! I had to take a super hot bath to get my temperature up! Crazy!

vday...

Happy belated Valentines day! This year the girl learned how to ice cookies, and by the end was doing a pretty good job! After trying several spreading tools, we decided the cheap plastic knife works the best. As we were icing, we got visited a few times! The first round of visitors brought a noodle necklace and bird feeder from the primary (they couldn't deliver the day they made because it suddenly started snowing!). The second round brought some flowers! They are beautiful and fabulous! We love them!

Just for Mar, the best happy, crappy, vday story goes like this: Serve someone divorce papers on the day! You get a call on how you've tainted that holiday FOREVER, and how it completely takes away from vday being the anniversary of your first date! And how you gave the server embarassing pictures of him (wearing a little girls cowboy hat? Puh-leez). It makes me feel so laughy just thinking about it still!!! I can't help but to smile!!! Heh, heh, heh...

diseased?

Yesterday I had my 2 week check-up for my smoked endo. I had some weird spot where my pain was the worst, and I figured I was sensitive to the lazer of something. The spot started the day after the surgery and grew into a goldfish shaped, port wine birth-mark colored, two inch thingy. Then on Sunday or Monday, a hole appeared in the middle and got a weird scab. So when I showed it to the Dr, he said that while my hurt was there, that he didn't lazer there. He then told me it looked like a brown recluse bite and sent me immediately to a general surgeon for immediate removal. I got to the surgeon and he said that it wasn't really spider bite season, and that it looked more like MRSA. WONDERFUL!!! So my appointment that started at 1:50 in the afternoon ended at 5. And now I'm on a round of heavy duty antibiotics, and get to go back to the surgeon in a week to see if it has helped, but it may still be a spider bite. I've had to decontaminate. Washing my bedding, towels, and scrubbies in the hottest water possible, with color-safe bleach and oxy clean. We can't share towels, and I have to wash my bedding daily. I have put paper towels in the bathrooms instead of hand towels, and keep squawking at the kids not to share anything. FUN TIMES!!

Then tonight, the boy comes out of the shower and says, "Mom, look at me!! What's wrong??" I look, and his ears are swollen, and his scrawny chest has hives coming up. So I doped him up with the most benadryl he can have, a zyrtec, and his inhaler because he was also complaining of snot/breathing issues. I can't figure out what his reaction is from. I get to set my alarm to check on him every 4-6 the rest of the night as a prevention of the drama at the beginning. Why can't we just get normal illnesses??

valentines parties

The kids had their valentine parties today! My favorite part of the valentine parties is the Necco hearts. But between the two classes, nary a Necco heart. There are plenty of sweet tart hearts, but they are gross. My favorite part of Valentines and Halloween is raiding the kids candy for my favs. Colored tootsie rolls and Necco hearts. Are these cheap treats too much to ask for?? I guess I'll just have to try and remember to spend the 25 cents on myself and pick some up later...

today's fun

I went to Home Depot to get a new thermostat, and then wander through the flooring to price for the basement bathroom, hoping to find a deal. And I did, but not for the bathroom. I found a 12 x 12 carpet remnent for only $42! It was originally $5.67 a yard, I later found out at the register. What a steal!! So, I went home inspired. I spent the afternoon cleaning the basement (again), mostly throwing out more trash and vacumming the floor. I also set up the new to us computer desk, less space taking, as well as the poopy TV. Then I got the carpet laid out. I have a little more organization I want, but then we'll be set! I had Trevor stop by and give me a list of all I need for the bath, so I may be able to cross one of my 8's off my list soon! The plan is to get my taxes done by Tuesday so I can get my budget set! That is unless my eye insurance reimbursement comes through...

my electric personality

So, I finish my last post and begin to close up the house for the night. I stop at the thermostat to turn the heat back on, and I shock when I touch it. It has frozen. I have removed the batteries, taken front off, flipped all reset switches, even flipped all breakers in the house, but it is still frozen, and I can't do anything to get it to change!

I am now on hold with the company, because I think I have fried the motherboard on this thing, and I want to complain about it, because it seems like it should not happen!

The company was no help. This is the second product by Hunter of mine that has not lived up to my expectations. I will not be buying products from this company again. The only positive I can say is that their customer service was American, so I didn't have to freak out and repeat myself over and over and over and over and need a xanax after getting nowhere. Now I will write the company and let them know of their lazy support staff who told me it was my problem!

I got tagged...

Thanks Brianne!!

8 TV shows I watch:

1. TMZ- as much as I try, I can't stay up for the late night viewing, so I have to catch the next day if I can!
2. Super Nanny- the kids have learned how NOT to act, and they have learned that bad behavior needs punishment!
3. Antiques Road Show- who knew that some people's crap could be worth something? AND the people who've paid way to much for something they thought was a steal!
4. Wife Swap- why did the Rastafarian dad have better teeth than me?? I don't think he grew up that way!!
5. COPS- since Jail is on hiatus, this is our favorite "system" show. I especially love the reverse busts!
6. The Electric Company- it's back, and FABULOUS!
7. Judge Judy
8. Judge Joe Brown- we like to watch these judges yell at the people who are stupid!

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. Margaritas
2. Dominic's
3. Minsky's
4. Hayes
5. Figlio's
6. McCormick & Schmick's
7. 54th St
8. Senior Tequilas

8 Things that happened this week:

1. I got tagged
2. I Filled out paperwork for school and stuff...
3. I got sick...two days in a row, completely different ailments
4. I worked, and saw the Beyeler girls (and Will)
5. The boy got sick (I think his dad may have helped the sickness along with his "positive" parenting, way to go dad!)
6. The girl took my suggestion and dressed super cute (pink long underwear leggings with lace and hearts, a sparkly gray skirt with a pink band at the top, her valentines shirt, a headband with hearts, and a purple sparkly scarf of mine as a sash)
7. I watched the same episodes of Curious George at both showings!
8. I read a few more YA books

8 Things I look forward to:

1. Getting my taxes done
2. Getting my school stuff finished
3. Getting DIVORCED! This is apparently no small feat, as every time it seems to be almost done, someone has to leave town, not talk to his lawyer for weeks, did I mention leave town? I'M NOT THE ONE HOLDING THIS UP!!!
4. Getting a date? Maybe, this idea kinda freaks me out!
5. Getting my house organized? I can hope for this, can't I?
6. Finishing my basement more... at least completing the bathroom by tornado season!
7. Eating nachos, drinking diet coke, and following with a dessert of chocolate
8. Painting the interior of my house... every room but the kitchen, I think

8 Things I pray for:

1. The Boy
2. The Girl
3. Their Dad (that he becomes their "real" dad again)
4. Strength
5. Sanity
6. My Family
7. My Friends
8. Anyone else I am thinking about

8 people I tag:

1. The first 8 of you who stalk this!

what is going on???

Yesterday, I wake up with the pukes. NOW I know some of the hurt stomach my sister was talking about! And I couldn't take anything for it, as I couldn't keep anything down.

Today, I wake up with a swollen face!! I have elephant eyes, huge lips and ears, and my hair itches! This hasn't happened for almost 2 years, and my mom thinks it is a reaction from the pukes. EEESH! I hate the swollen face! It looks like another day spent at home, as I refuse to go out in public looking like this!

And then the boy comes running out proclaiming the toilet is getting ready to overflow!!! What a wonderful day!!

stir crazy

Yesterday, I had laproscopic surgery. I was diagnosed with stage 1-2 endometriosis. I have some pictures, and may add them to the blog. My sister is a little bitter about it because I recovered well, and was walking around Walgreens on my way home, and was able to eat. I also remember the conversation I had with the dr. afterwards. I then also unloaded/loaded my parents dishwasher.

This morning I woke up in pain. However, it just feels stiff, like I've done a ton of sit-ups. I took a long shower waiting for my meds to kick in, and now I am stir crazy again, as the pain pills seem like crack. Only today, I can feel more pain. But I've got to do something, so we'll see... I'm trying not to do anything that requires too much (like blogging, except the spelling may be a little off, sorry!).

My biggest fear with this is that I got a shot of Lupron that will send me into menopause for the next 3 months!!! I also got some sort of menopause meds that are supposed to help me not become so crazy!! I'm not as worried about the moodiness as I am about maybe growing a beard, and the acne that supposedly will accompany it!

yesterday's highlight

When I went to the pre-op "physical" yesterday, I was measured at 5'9". HOORAY!!! It appears that I am still growing, and that I have grown 3 inches in two months, as I was measured at 5'6" in early December. And by the way, this is tall, not around...

new addition to blog list

I found another coupon blog!! Printable coupons has tons of, you guessed it, printable coupons!! This site is catogorized and has not only grocery, but clothing, restaurant, and many more types!! Enjoy!

hillbilly deluxe!!!

Just a little glance at the girls' mouth... can you see my grimace???

kids and parents professions...

Since the dental industry is my goal, the girl won't let me touch her teeth! She finally pulled the grossest loose one on Friday at school! But rest assured, there are several more lined up to take it's place. Yesterday, she was eating a piece of pizza, and the least loose tooth came out into the pizza. She thought she has swallowed it at first, but was happy to see it stuck in the cheese! I told her the tooth fairy doesn't pay for teeth that get swallowed, as I'm not hunting through poop to retrieve it, and she won't either. The girl now has one dangly, graying, barely hanging on tooth up top, with huge holes on either side. On the bottom, the loosest tooth can wiggle both front, back, right, and left! And she can feel her heart beeping in the bottom tooth. However, she won't allow me to touch it! Just please don't think I'm not doing anything about her teeth!!!!! I've tried bribery, begging, sitting on her, and threats (you're going to swallow those teeth, they are so loose!), but nothing can get her to let me help!!!!! As goes the theory with kids and parent's professions...

pie day!!!

Today is national pie day!! The girl tells me I'm to make a chocolate pie (french silk). I'm thinking I'm feeling lazy, so I may be going to the store and buy a pie. The boy wants his pie... white chocolate and cheesecake pudding pie. I'm feeling more of a cherry or apple with icecream... we'll see how the day plays out!

On another note, the girl FINALLY pulled the dead tooth! It was so loose, it was disgusting. It was so loose, it was dead. She has two other teeth that are begging to be pulled, but as is her stubborn ways, she is waiting for them to come out slowly. Fighting me as I wrestle her down to try and take them out, as the air she breathes out as she talks moves the teeth!

mmmmm...

Somehow, in my procrastinista ways, I missed McRib season at McDonalds! I know the boy was SUPER excited about it, but his dad took him to MCD's, as all weekend dads do, and so I never got around to getting one. That is until today!!! It was rib-on-bun day at school! And I was able to make it!! And they also had tater tots and a snickerdoodle!! The only thing that could have made it better was a tri-tater instead of the tots. I have had my fix, and am good to go until next fall, unless I forget how far one "rib" sandwich gets me, and go again later this month.

Eating with the girl, I realized how much her tooth needs to come out. She can't even eat anything soft with her front teeth! I wrestled her down earlier this month, but I just couldn't get it out. She has a standing bribe of 2 Dove nuggets (with the white ice cream) if she can pull it out at school, but she hasn't yet! That offer will most likely expire this weekend, as the PMS has kicked in, and my sanity has gone further out the window!

I think I'm too old for this...

But, I want to go see the Notorious Big movie this weekend. I want to see how his life is protrayed, and how Diddy is presented, as I believe he is all that is wrong with hip/hop/gangsta culture today. I read a book years ago about how we can pretty much thank Diddy for all that is wrong with the culture, and the glorification of being a thug. I also want to see how Tupac is portrayed. I want to see the demographic that is going to see this movie... is it people my age who lived through the original, or is it going to be full of wankstas that I want to beat down? I need someone to go see this with me, Kate????? (I went and saw that Twilight movie with you, and I know you kinda want to see it too!)

2 o'clocks...

I woke up for my case of the 2 o'clocks last night. I never thought I'd be happy with 2am, but it really beats the 4 and 5 o'clocks I've been having. At least with 2am, you can go back to sleep! So, I was awake, waiting for the sleep to come, and the girl wakes up. Then, the boy. We all piled back into my bed, and they both fell back to sleep shortly. The girl the starts laughing in her sleep! I think it may be even cuter than a baby laughing in its sleep!

girl quotes

A few things my most fabulous girl has said over the last few days...

• "Momma, you look weird without makeup on. After you put makeup on, you look beautiful!" (I guess she has noticed the yamma jamma going on!)
• "Your glasses don't make you look so weird without your makeup. You look cute!" (Maybe my glasses hide the two-face eyes?)
• "Are you divorced yet?" (No! Someone has to keep taking his time getting back to his lawyer, but I just said things have to get worked out)
• "Can I be a bridesmaid when I'm 6?" (Maybe, but the divorce has to be final, and then I have to find new daddy bohunk, so probably won't happen in the next 6 months)

She just cracks me up at her questions... I'm not surprised that her pregnancy was the worst as far as my mouth filter and evil eyes were concerned!

She also declared Sunday to be leopard skirt Sunday. Then, we had to have similar makeup, shoes, and the SAME hair- big and happy with matching headbands! I was told we needed pictures, but our twinliness happens many days, and when it doesn't, she usually picks my outfits!!

really??

As I'm pretending to pick up my house, I hear one of my wonderful neighbors mowing their lawn... I didn't realize it was that season yet! Better get on my shorts and tank top, and get out there too!!!

book of the day

The book reviews should wind down soon... I start school next week and won't have as much time. The thing with the YA books is that they only take a couple of hours. I spent a few hours at the doctors today, so I multi tasked! A major thing I have noticed with these books is that they are lacking good editing. Mainly with the wrong character names. This happened in today's book. This name problem I've also noticed in books written by more than one author, as this one was. Today's book was called Unraveling. I don't know what to think of it. I don't really like it, but not because it is overly stupid. I can't really figure out why I don't like it, I need a second opinion. It's about a girl's relationship with her mom (who has problems of her own). It's just weird. I have to pass it on to my sister or mom for a second opinion, a discussion why this book is weird.

happy bday!!!

Happy Elvis Birthday everyone!!!!! Celebrate it as best as you can!! Jelly donuts, peanut butter banana sandwiches, and fried foods galore!!!

My most favoritest pix of the king!

another book...

I forgot to list a book that I read that was not YA. Schooled was a decent read, about teaching at Manhatten private schools. Much like the Nanny Diaries, but more about the main character's personal development.

Over the last couple of days, I've read Audrey, Wait! I would put this book in the same category as the Megan McCafferty (I've only read the first two of her Jessica Darling series, but have the next ones on hold), Susan Juby (Alice series) books. It tells of the fallout after Audrey breaks up with her boyfriend and he writes a song about it.

Hopefully these two decent reads will try to counter balance that previous list of (mostly) yuck!

bunch of (mostly) lame books

I was told to blog about this, so here's to you, Kate! I was asked to join the librarians reading challenge this year. It is something about reading young adult novels, with the library reading the most pages getting a trophy or something. Since my co-workers know of my taste in bad teenage books, I was a good selection. So far I have read the following:

books 1-3 of The Show series. Much like the A-List or the Nannies, pure California teenage angst. Only this time in a badly cast CW wannabe drama.

Diva: a Novel. This one was pretty good, and was a Gateway award nominee. It is the follow up to Breathing Underwater, which was also a pretty good book (I have previously read this one). I wouldn't consider either of these fluffy, as they deal with teenage relationships and domestic violence and family issues. I would recommend these as decent reads.

Zeta or Omega? The first in a southern fluff sorority series. I'm putting the the same category as the first books. However, I can't wait for the series to show up on TV. But as with Gossip Girl and Privileged, will just disappoint me.

It's All About Us. This one is along the same fluff lines, except it has a Christian twist. I wouldn't recommend these for being Christian fiction, as it is really bad. Although I'm going through with the rest of the series to see if it can stay "Christian." Stick with the Melody Carlson for uplifting.

Almost Famous. Written by the same author as the A-List. Only more poorly written. This is going to be a drag of a series...

A Brief Chapter In My Impossible Life. This book made me cry. It is also a Gateway award Nominee. I would choose this one over Diva. It is the best YA book I've read in a long time.

I may have more reviews later on this growing list for competition...

waxing my hands

I come out from waxing my hands, and for the second day, the news ladies on channel 9 are wearing matching tops!!!!! Yesterday they were wearing red matching shirts, and today they are wearing pink and black matching shirts. It drives me crazy!!! They aren't supposed to do that!!

I love you like I love waxing my hands,
The girl

somebody watched too much Elf!

The girl comes back from her dad's, declaring how he is on the naughty list, even though he tried to convince her otherwise. Her evidence is:

1. Santa doesn't wrap presents! He always has to put them together, just take them out of his sack, and with so many toys, he really doesn't have time to wrap them all.


2. Santa has excellent handwriting! He doesn't have scribbly handwriting, it is pretty and curly-qish.


3. Her dad makes bad choices and hasn't decided to choose his family like that Walter.

All I have to say is MEOW! in training. And that she is super-smart!! I'm not going to try and pull anything over on her soon!

getting the girl happy

I've been told that the way to make the girl happy is make her hair happy. She has been watching too many commercials. I taught her the way of the backcomb today, but her hair is too fine to hold it. That girl needs some damage to her hair to hold it, or better hairspray than the aeorsol Suave (couldn't find Aqua Net that day). She swears that it is at Walgreens, but they have never heard of it. BB&B says they should have it soon... we can't wait!!! We even have a song, "we're gonna have big, happie, hair... we're gonna have big, happie, hair."

I have discovered that the infomercials are on qubo (a faith-based cartoon network, available through the dTV convertor box... thanks government!!!). This after the boy keeps introducing himself, "Billy Mayes here."