Serendipity...

Summer Fun

2010-08-20T16:19:00.000-05:00

Lot's of fun in the water. Warm day's & late night's.

Trampoline's mixed with pool's...

make for great fun.

Floating in the pool until you're wrinkly.

Making funny hairdo's & not having a care in the world.

Just getting to be a kid...

without a care in the world. Ahh...Summer time. Until school start's! Neener Neener!

Coincidental Treasure

2010-07-20T20:29:00.000-05:00

First & foremost I want to say that my dad has been married to my stepmom for almost 28 years & I am in no way meaning to be disrespectful by posting these picture's. My mom just recently gave me a ton of picture's of her & my dad from way back in the day. I think the coincidence is awesome & treasure this dearly...see what you think!

Same color dress, the tux & I was about the same age in this picture as my mom was! So very cool!

Watermelon Wednesday

2010-07-14T14:41:00.002-05:00

Pop Watch

2010-06-25T12:15:00.000-05:00

Hello my bloggy friends! Do you remember back when I posted about the Silly Bandz? Well, the next fad has hit & I'm selling them. Meet the Pop Watch!

I have this one & LOVE it! You can read more about them on my website, here. There are 6 colors & 4 of them glow in the dark. The kid's have gone crazy over them. I'm offering free shipping! They are waterproof & great for the sports enthusiast. It has tourmaline in them that promotes balance, concentration & relaxation.

I have already sold 20 of them this morning, so get one NOW! Hop over to my site to read more!

Wacky Wednesday

2010-06-09T00:21:00.000-05:00

This is my brother waaaaay back in the day. We were at our place on the lake & he was keeping cool ~~under his parasol~~ in the shade. Pay close attention to the smirk, the glasses, the daisy dukes & please, oh please...don't miss the fact that he rolled his socks down. Coolness fail big brother. Coolness.fail. Ha!! Remember when I told you I would get you back for all of those horrible big brother things you did to me? Got ya back!!

Blast from the past...

2010-05-25T16:54:00.000-05:00

I brought home an old album from my mom's & thought I would share a few of the picture's with my bloggy friend's! Here I am as a newborn in the bassinet. I still have that gown & afghan in a hope chest.

My first Easter. This is my mom, brother & me. My brother was so stinking cute!

First birthday! I am loving the curtain's & that ancient baby walker in the bottom right of the picture! I am most certain that it would not meet safety criteria in today's world, ha!

And last, but not least...my very first batch of cookies. My godmother made them with me & when she said to put in the egg's...I put them in shell & all, ha! Check out that wallpaper!

I wouldn't trade anything for these picture's!

A Proud Moment...

2010-05-07T00:49:00.000-05:00

I was pacing the floors on the phone yesterday afternoon. I was also making a study guide for Jordan's History test & Logan was in the living room drawing & being good. Logan has been having a hard time understanding how I could get on a plane & leave him to visit with Jeanette. He wants to go! Him & Jordan will be staying at my mom's that week & although he loves it there, he.wants.to.go. So, he walks up & rubs my back & tell's me that he has written me a poem. I quickly imagined yet another bad "Roses are red, violet's are blue. I really think the dog needs to poo" poem. Much to my surprise, I received this...

omost summer

in may on the last day,

it will be summer then.

and then 3rd grade!

but don't be sad,

itleast your not mad!!

i will be at mudder's,

and you will be at Janete's.

and i hope you have fun

and I will be in the sun

and swimming in the pool!

for a mom that is going to Ohio,

I think your pretty cool!

P.s. I love you bunch's and bunch's!

your's truly, Logan

Be still my heart! I love that kid!

Wacky Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Summer 2008...they have changed so much since then! I'm looking forward to the school year being over! Remind me I said that this time next month, ha!

Wacky Wednesday

2010-04-21T16:20:00.000-05:00

Gage

2010-04-17T00:05:00.001-05:00

My nephew, Gage, is 7 years old. He is smart, funny & rambunctious. He is full of energy, full of life & an absolute joy to me. The Summer of 2008, Gage started going blind. In February of 2009 he flew to Boston to see a specialist & we learned that he was 98% blind. He only has 2% of his sight & can sometime's see shadow's.

He loves all sports. Football is his favorite, but he was on the soccer team when his sight started to diminish. In the Spring of 2009, our community built a baseball field for handicapped children called The Miracle League. The field is made of the soft rubber that is under the indoor play places. We got Gage signed up & he was ecstatic! The kid's get to be a part of a team & experience playing baseball. Without this field & all of the volunteer's, these kid's would never have this kind of opportunity. His teammate's range from having Down's Syndrome to Spina bifida. Everyone gets to play no matter their age!

Each child has a designated helper that stays with them throughout the entire game. Gage has two designated helper's & they are the same girl's he had last year. The helper's are called, Angel's in the Outfield. They most definitely are.

Gage flirts with his helper's! He is such a ham!

The ball is pitched to him & he is told when to swing. He gets so excited!

He almost alway's hits the ball. When it's Gage's turn to bat, they use a special ball. It's a little bigger than a softball & it beeps really loudly. He hears the ball getting closer & closer & knows when to swing.

If he misses the ball after several pitches, he gets to use a tee. His helper shows him where he needs to stand & lets him feel where the ball is. The ball that he gets to use will not stay on the tee! So, we went back to a pitch & he hit it all the way to the fence!

His helper's each grab an arm & run with him so he knows where to run!

He has such a wonderful time. He is always so happy while we are there. Last year we didn't have the beeping ball & that thing has been a big help! He is able to find the ball in the outfield now as well!

They don't keep score & they keep all of the kid's busy while they are taking their turn in the outfield. There are so many ball's flying around you never know which way to look, ha! It's keeps them from getting antsy & bored.

Gage has had so many opportunities & continues to be blessed. He lives with my dad & step-mom. He attends a special school for the Deaf & Blind. When he flew to Boston, he got special treatment from the flight attendant's & the pilot. He got to sit in the cockpit! He has also hung out in Tony Stewart's trailer, with Tony!! He has many extra curricular activities. He gets to go water skiing & has even done some archery. In the next few weeks he will be traveling to many states with his track team. He loves to run! The boy never sits still & that can be a problem sometime's! He gets a lot of bumps & bruises, but he never gives up. Gage is such an inspiration to me. I love the way he smiles when he hears my voice & screams, "Aunt Shana!!" He has a sensational love for the Lord & invites everyone he meets to go to church with him. His attitude & personality is contagious. I pray that some day he will be healed & we can show him the picture's from all the thing's that he has done.

"Walk by faith, not by sight."

2 Corinthians 5:7

Easter Weekend

2010-04-08T23:40:00.001-05:00

Easter weekend started off with my birthday. I had cake at home...

Cupcakes at my mom's (Logan had already swiped one, ha!)...

And cake again on Sunday at my dad's! Yes, that's a question mark. They think they are so funny!

Saturday night, Jordan & Logan dyed eggs. Brady had gone to his mom's house for the night.

It started out well & everything went smoothly.

I even made a few!

We were definitely feeling the love...

But Logan is, well Logan, ha! And he made a very special egg. See...Yep, that says "Eat Me!" I was so proud. *eye's rolling*

On Sunday, we went to my dad's for an early dinner. Both of my brother's were there. Shannon on the left & my step brother, Kris on the right.

I only have one other picture like this & they both mean the world to me. The last one was taken on Father's day. I am still thanking God for Shannon's life. I can't imagine life without him & I almost lost him. I am so very thankful that he's still here with me.

Better late than never, ha! I have finally gotten around to changing my background. I have also been doing some blog hopping! Oh how I missed my bloggy friends! It looks like you all had a wonderful Easter.

Wacky Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T17:02:00.000-05:00

My B'day & An Egg Hunt

2010-04-05T00:10:00.000-05:00

My own personal Easter bunny...he thinks the ears made him look fat, but I kept telling him how cute he was, ha!

I told you all back on Logan's birthday that it was kind of a tradition that I make the boy's a sign on their birthday. Well, Logan made sure I had one on Friday! Thanks Logan!! I am so thankful for my kids. Simple homemade goodies are better than the most expensive present I could ever receive.

Yes, Friday was my birthday. It was also Good Friday & Logan's Easter egg hunt at school. I got there & he was in a mad dash & never saw me!

The look he gives me when I show up at school just melts my heart. Even when he knows that I am coming, he always looks so surprised & proud that I'm there.

He needs a haircut so badly! He loves letting it grow long like his big brother's though. I took the opportunity for a few great picture's. I can't wait to see what my bff does to them, ha! I know her editing brain is already working!

This is a tree in the front of Logan's school. It was absolutely beautiful & that is where the kid's ate their lunches. Every time the wind blew, it looked like it was snowing & the kid's would run around & squeal!

Logan & a few of his friend's ran up & sang "Happy Birthday!" They were so funny!

My little monkey! I think he may have some modeling potential or possibly be a photographer in the making. I might just take way to many picture's. I couldn't rightfully say, ha! He actually came up with this picture idea by his self. He is always posing & telling me to take a picture!

He was having such a good time, that he wouldn't let me check him out! I was so sad going back to the car alone! I couldn't believe he didn't want to leave with me, ha!

It was an awesome day & it was so beautiful. I am still slacking on my blog relationship's. I promise I'm going to do better! I also promise to change my background! I have so many picture's to share & time just keeps passing, so I had to get these on here. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. I can't wait to see all of your Easter post's!

Slacking, Slacker, Slackarooney!

2010-03-30T23:37:00.001-05:00

I am seriously slacking. I still have up a Valentine's theme. I haven't been blogging, nor have I been blog hopping. It's terrible...I know. I apologize! Things got crazy around here & one thing led to another. Time has passed & the ol' blog has suffered. I have plenty to blog about & I need to sit down & just make a day of it. I need to take a day catching up on all of your blogs & a day composing/scheduling posts.

I won a Lisa Leonard giveaway & still have not ordered. I promised to blog about another giveaway I won & have yet to do that either. I guess I kind of got in a funk. In the middle of just letting everything go...I almost lost my brother. It was by the grace of God that he is still with us. During that, I spent over a week away from home. Things have just gotten away from me & I wanted to apologize for dropping the ball.

On another note...I am so proud of my best friend Jeanette. She started her college classes this week & I am absolutely just giddy for her. Her grandfather is very sick & she has basically been living at the hospital, taking care of a 3 & 2 year old on no sleep & still managed to start her classes. I admire her...I love her...I wanted to acknowledge just how proud I am of her & for her. She is truly a strong woman & an awesome mom & grand daughter. She's also a pretty kick butt friend =0)

I am still planning on flying up to see her in June! For a week!! I am so excited & looking forward to our time together. I haven't done anything for myself in so long that I can't even name things that I enjoy or would like to do or have. This is the first thing that I have really gotten excited about & wanted to do in over 13 years. We have talked about meals we are going to cook & the tea parties we are going to have with her girls! We are basically going to bum around her house & just enjoy visiting with each other. That sounds absolutely awesome to me!! Rick really doesn't want me to go though, so that is making it very hard to be as excited as I would like to be. I'm trying not to let it get me down though.

Well...that is about all that has been going on here. Other than the 100 blog topics that I have just waiting to be typed out, ha! I am such a slacker! Huge bloggy fail! Hopefully I'll get back on track & soon! Please don't give up on me, my dear bloggy friends! I miss you all!

Molly the Owl

2010-03-18T20:35:00.000-05:00

I am totally engrossed with this owl. Thanks to my bff, Jeanette, I have spent hours watching Molly the owl. It has become very clear that I am either very into wildlife, or I have no life. I'm thinking I'm just really into animals. What? *grins* This is so neat & I have emailed it to Logan's teacher as well as showed it to the boy's. I cannot wait for the eggs to hatch! Molly has been really restless today, so I'm hoping we see some action soon. She has a beau named McGee. I haven't seen McGee yet, but Jeanette tells me he is really pretty & he brings Molly food. Jeanette also informed me that Molly & McGee will mate for life. She is pretty much the smartest person I know =0) She was a wealth of information today, on top of getting me addicted to this live feed. Thanks for that by the way...sigh. I hope my bloggy friend's enjoy Molly as much as I have! It truly is amazing to watch. Here is the full link. You can also check out Jeanette's post on Molly here.

Video streaming by Ustream

Edit Envy

2010-03-03T21:18:00.001-06:00

So, my bff just gave me a swift kick in the blog comment's & told me I needed to blog something. I'm not lacking in material & I have pics that I need to blog. I'm just not feeling it. I really need to change my background too. I need to get back on track! For now, here is what is on my mind. I want to figure out this whole photo editing thing! I have some really good picture's that I want to share, but I want to add a little pizazz to them & I'm intimidated. For example...I took this picture back on Logan's birthday...

I loved the picture, but I wanted to get rid of his red eye. The picture looked dull as well. I will put myself out there & just admit that I couldn't fix the red eye. I have several different editing programs, including PhotoShop & I just couldn't get anything to work. Here is the end result of what I figured out though. This is the version I blogged. I was happy with the color of his shirt that I brightened & I technically removed the red eye. You all would seriously gasp if you knew what I did though, ha!!

Then, the other night I was talking to the above mentioned bff, Jeanette, & I was sending pics back & forth with her. She does this to the same picture...

Now, I have total edit envy! This is a real problem people...don't laugh at me! For another example, here is a professional picture that I had taken of Jordan when he was 9 month's old. You would think that since a professional took this pic, there wouldn't be much improvement that could be done. Ahem...well, she proved that theory wrong! Jeanette edited the second one, as if you couldn't tell! I love the color of the water & the pink accent on the clouds. It is just awesome! The color of the towel & his tanned little belly even look's better.

Here is the only other picture that I have attempted to edit. It is a friend of mine's daughter. I was quite proud of it...I just wish I could edit my own children's photo's, ha!

How about you? Do you have edit envy? Are you learning how to edit photo's & if so, what has been your biggest challenge?

Bloversary

2010-02-19T14:30:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been a rocky road & there were a few times when I thought this ol' blog of mine & I might go down in a burnin' ring of boredom...but, we made it! I neglected you bloggy. Then I pushed you to the max. Thanks for not giving up on me. I'm getting a little misty, *sniff*sniff*. Hehee!

I am renewing my blog vows today & have all of my bloggy friends as witnesses. I vow to keep you pretty & give you more attention. I will appreciate you more & try to be funnier. As Blogger as my witness, I'll even shave my legs for you in the Winter. Haha...nah, who are we kidding? That isn't gonna happen! For better or for worse sweet blog. Marriage is all about sacrifice & compromise, right?

I can't believe it has been a year. I also can't believe that all of my bloggy friends cared enough to read my rambling's for that long. So for that, I share this anniversary with all of you! Does that make us all apart of some kind of weird love triangle? It's ok, just call me Blogger Woods =0)

Kidding...kidding! And with that dear blog of mine, all I have left to say is...You shouldn't have!!

Who Knew?

2010-02-16T00:00:00.001-06:00

When we moved into our house 3 years ago, I left our kitchen table in the basement. The main reason was I had nowhere to put it. It would have been unbelievably awkward in my kitchen. I needed a round table & I had this to work with...

It would have been terrible just sitting in the middle of a room. The other reason was that when Rick was home from the station, he ate in the living room instead of at the table. So I left the table in the basement & we all ate in the living room! At least we were all in the same room. The only time I missed the table was when we were working on school projects or in the morning's. The boy's would stand at the kitchen counter & eat their breakfast instead of in the living room. Well, not anymore!! I am proud to introduce the newest addition to our household!

It has already been put to good use. Jordan sits at the table to do his homework now. Which I love because he has proper lighting.

It matches my kitchen perfectly. I wanted a round wooden table to match my cabinet's or a glass top one. Then I got to thinking about a high top, pub style table. It gives the illusion of more room & the glass top really adds to that aspect. We were so use to having a large open space in the kitchen so this helped out a lot. All of our appliances are stainless steel & black, so it looks awesome! I love the odd triangle shape.

We have been doing game night with the boy's. I'm very embarrassed to say that we have never done this. After the first night of eating dinner together & then playing several games, Rick said, "I can't remember the last time we sat down without TV & did something as a family." We have been together for 5 years & I informed him that we had never done that.

We played Uno & Domino's the first night. The next few night's we played Phase 10. It has really been fun & it has been good for our family.

Seeing the boy's in the morning eating breakfast at the table has been so nice. I can't believe we went this long without a table. It has brought us all together & has inspired the boy's to spend more time together. Friday after playing in the snow, they would have normally went in different directions to watch tv or play video games. Instead they sat at the table & played games & drank hot chocolate. Over the weekend, they played games that they hadn't played in years. It has been a nice change. Jordan said the other night, "Who knew something as simple as a table would change our family." Smart kid...who knew? The kitchen table is the heart of our home.

Logan has really enjoyed playing games. He has brought up having a game night for the past year & it kept getting put off. He tied with Rick in Phase10 the other night! They have to play the 10th phase to see who the winner is!

Quality time is being spent & memories are being made...who knew? All because of a kitchen table.

1, 2, 3, Oh Me!

2010-02-15T00:40:00.001-06:00

It's a known fact that women worry more than men. We lie awake at night as a million thing's run through our head's. Our husband's can lay down & within 3 minute's they are snoring. Our mind's never stop. Our job as Mom never ends. It carries on through the night even. We are the ones who get woken up by a sick child or because of a bad dream. I worry about something constantly. It isn't the same thing all the time of course, but it's always something.

Kodak & Juice Box Jungle are sponsoring me to do this post. They are asking me to post the top &/or bottom 3 things I worry/think about as a mom. It has really made me think. Picking just 3 is hard!

On a daily basis I worry about things that range from keeping laundry caught up to turning the dishwasher on at bedtime. For example, Do the boy's have jeans & socks for tomorrow? Do they have clean towels in their bathroom? And then of course if I forget to turn on the dishwasher, they won't have clean cereal bowls.

In between the small stuff like laundry, I may think of 25 other things. Did I sign that form for Logan? What will I make for dinner? What is the temperature going to be tomorrow? How long until the bus? How much money is left in the kid's lunch account? Does the dog need to go out? Did I pay that bill? Was Logan coughing this morning? What color shirt did Jordan have on today? When is that project due? What was the name of that kid that sat behind me in 3rd grade? Have I showered this week?

Kidding! I only shower once a month =0) I have a lot that goes through this ol' head of mine every day. It can be very overwhelming at times. I really wish I could cut it off. Like when I'm going to sleep. I think of stuff from when I was 7 all the way to what needs to be done tomorrow or something that was said at dinner. I wish I could cut my brain off & doze off as fast as Rick does. It is very tiring to juggle it all, all.the.time.

Now the tricky part about this challenge from Juice Box Jungle is finding the things that I rarely worry about! I guess I don't worry too much about my cabinets & closets being organized. From the looks of them, I never think about it, ha! Myself. I never think of myself. I need to worry more about me & I just can't seem to do it, so that is definitely something that is last on the list. I think a lot of mom's do the same thing. When I see a mom that has her nails done & her hair regularly cut & colored or always up to date on her wardrobe...I wonder how they do it. I admittedly feel inadequate & like I need to try harder & thus gives me one more thing to worry about! It's a vicious cycle people! Can you not just wear sweats & pony tails like the rest of us, ha!

I have tried to remember that some thing's aren't worth worrying about. That I can't make everyone happy all of the time & I need to just relax. Being a mom is the hardest job a woman can have in my opinion. You never have an off day, you never get a break & their is no quitting time. So no wonder we think & worry constantly!

What do you worry/think about the most? Can you just turn your brain off?

Pet Peeves

2010-02-11T12:52:00.001-06:00

My friend Angel is doing a blog hop today about pet peeves. I thought I would join in! I have a notebook that I write post ideas in & this is actually first on my list. I have a running tally of things that really get in my craw & I thought it would be funny to share. So, thanks Angel!!

Now let's see...
1. Tapping, smacking, & chewing with your mouth open. The most annoying things EVAH!
2. Not replacing the toilet paper when you used the last. I mean really? Are you better than me?
3. Someone riding my bumper. Do you really think you are gonna make me go faster? Are you trying to use your intimidation to move the car in front of me? Are you that stupid? Do you not know that you just encouraged me to slow down so I can annoy you?
4.  Putting socks/clothes in the dirty hamper, inside out. This will most definitely guarantee the return of these items in the position that I found them in. They will be clean...but still inside out!
5. Those people that decide to have a reunion in the aisle of Wal Mart. I just want to get to the jelly people...move along. Write, email, call...just MOVE!
6. Able bodied people that think they are too special to strap their sneakers on tight & hoof it around Wal Mart like the rest of us. You know the ones I'm talking about...it's ok, you can admit it. Those damned motorized scooters. NEWSFLASH!! They are for the elderly & disabled. Not the LAZY! Trust me...you could stand to burn a few calories & walking from your car to the door doesn't count Princess.
7. Parent's that think it's cute when their children act like holy terrors. Nuff' said.
8.  Echoing my bestie here, but women that act like children. Grow up already. Not everyone has the time to scheme against you. Just because we have a disagreement or just because I don't profess my love for you on a daily basis, doesn't mean I'm out to get you. I too have a life.
9.  Passive aggressiveness.
10. One uppers. You know those people that if you told them you had an elephant, they would have a bag big enough to put it in...yeah, that is annoying!!

Shwoo! I feel better! If you want to do your own ~~pet~~ people peeves, head on over to Angel's blog & join in. She has a MckLinky up. Tell her that Jeanette's babies need balloons...don't ask, ha!

A Whole Lot of Nothin'

2010-02-08T08:03:00.001-06:00

Hello bloggy friends! Thought I would post something just to let the blog world know I was still kickin'. I have several things I need to post & I've just been too busy or too lazy, ha! So for now I'll just give a run down on what has been going on in the Land O'Shana...

Let's see, I got a new kitchen table on Thursday. I absolutely LOVE it! I was reluctant to buy it, but my BFF talked me into it on account of me not having one & all, ha! I hate spending money =/ She made me see that it would be an investment so I took the plunge. The fam & I always eat in the living room & it has been really nice eating at the table as a family. She's pretty smart that BFF of mine...I think I just might keep her, ha!

I had my hair 'did' on Friday & I loathe it. I was still crying on Saturday. I went in for highlights & came out with my whole head being dyed one color. I have been so heartbroken over it. Everyone keeps telling me to call & complain & make them fix it...but honestly, I just don't have it in me to complain & then sit there for them to fix it. Talk about awkward! So, I guess I don't have the right to complain then do I? Moving on then...

Hmm...what's next? We took the kid's out to eat & let them order steak & desserts! Then we went cosmic bowling & bowled until midnight! What was the special occasion you ask? Well, the Fire Marshal got promoted to Lieutenant of course! He is still the Fire Marshal, just his rank changed. You are technically supposed to be at least a Lieutenant to be the Fire Marshal...he's kind of been working out of class for over 2 years. Let's move on before I get on my soap box on that one!

Thinking...thinking...♫♪ Jeopardy Theme Song ♫♪

Jordan had strep throat last week. Luckily I kept it an isolated situation & no one else got it. Knock on wood. He is much better!

I am almost back to normal from my surgery! I still have some tenderness & occasional pain, but for the most part I'm good. It is all manageable so no biggie =0)

I have won 2 giveaway's & an award! WHOOPIE!! I can't describe the feeling you get when you win something. It is amazing! I posted about the Lisa Leonard giveaway here & I'll be posting soon about the one I won on Saturday. Say that 3 times fast, ha!

Well, I guess that is it for now. I'm sure there is something I'm leaving out. I'm feeling kinda froggy...I might just schedule a post for tomorrow! Whoa! Look out!

Hope everyone has an awesome week. For my bloggy friends that have gotten slammed with snow...stay warm & take lot's of picture's!

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner

2010-01-24T16:10:00.001-06:00

I have been recovering & laying low. So low in fact that I am behind on my blog reading & commenting. Sorry bloggy friends! I've kind of been down in the dumps that I'm still having some pain. The surgeon reassured me that it was normal & that it would get better. He said it was going to take a little time due to all of the scar tissue. I went for my post-op appointment & was expecting to be dancing a jig. Yeah, not so much. I misunderstood what adhesions were. He told my husband & me that I was "full of adhesions & the gallbladder was covered in adhesions." I didn't know that meant scar tissue. I'm getting better every day & will be back to normal soon enough. Whatever that is, ha!

So, while I've been wallowing in self pity & funk, I entered a giveaway. I never win anything & quite honestly, never gave it a second thought. I have entered many giveaways in the almost year I have been blogging. I never thought I would actually win though. I found a cute blog called "Our Daze in the Desert" by Arizona Mamma. She was having a Lisa Leonard giveaway & you guessed it, ok you didn't, but...I won!!! I didn't even know! {Slaps self in the forehead} That's how certain I was that I would never win. I think I am still in a little shock, ha!

I have spent half the day at Lisa Leonard Designs. I just cannot make up my mind! When I entered, I didn't pick something for myself. I found 3 things that I would love to give other people. My sister & my best friend. Now that I can actually pick something...I have no idea what to do!! I am terrible at decision making. I really get aggravated at myself. Even if I order something for someone else...which one do I pick? So many decisions, aaahhhhh!!!

Here are a few of my favorites. I need to narrow it down soon or find a ~~sugar daddy~~ rich uncle, ha!

This one is called Heartstrings...

Friendship...

Jumble of Charms...

Lot's of Love...

Sweet Sister...

I was ridiculously excited about winning this giveaway! I was clapping & squealing, hence the word ridiculously excited, ha! There was a lot of eye rolling coming from Rick's direction!

Please visit Arizona Mamma at Our Daze in the Desert & hop over to Lisa Leonard Design's & do a little shopping of your own!

Which one would you pick?

Bored & Annoyed

2010-01-08T16:00:00.001-06:00

I'm rethinking this whole divorce. I wonder if it's too late to get back together? The reunion may be a little awkward at first, but I just know with time we could be friends again. Or maybe just getting a new one would suffice. Ya know...a newer, younger model. No? I didn't think so =/ It was worth a shot though. I had this whole "OMG WHAT HAVE I DONE" epiphany at like 3 this morning. I got to thinking that God put these organs in our bodies for a reason. Who are we to just have them removed? It could have been the pain meds talking or maybe the fact that I was having fantom pains. Yeah, that's what we'll call them. I tried to lie very still & hope that the pain I was feeling was all in my head. How can something hurt that is no longer in your body? Is my gallbladder back from the dead? Haunting me in my slumber, clanking chains & saying boo-ow-ow-ouch? I'm hoping the fluids that use to flow freely down the bile highway are just having to get use to the detour & it's causing a minor traffic jam.

I can stand up a little straighter today. Baby steps, right? It's progress. Now if I could just stretch one good time & take a deep breath. That my bloggy friends would be heavenly. It's the little things in life that we take for granted. Who knew you used so many stomach muscles to sit on the toilet?

I am sick of being in this chair. I'm bored & aggravated. Lucky you. I am going to step up on my soapbox. Ok, maybe I'll just continue sitting in this chair...but you know what I mean. If I receive one more phone call or email or comment referring to the fact that "So n' so's cousin's, great-uncle's, girlfriend", had this same surgery done & was at Disney World by early afternoon on the same day riding Space Mountain...I AM GOING TO EXPLODE!!

I'm all for milking the sympathy & pampering, but honestly, when you aren't milking it to begin with, there isn't much to desire on the dragging this crap out. I'm in pain. I don't like pain. I am conscious of every last crumb that is in my kitchen floor at the moment. They are laughing & pointing at me like I have boogers hanging from my nose. Mocking me because they know I can't bend over to pick them up. My counter's need to wiped down something awful. I think there may be penicillin growing in a milk ring where Brady ate cereal 3 days ago. Bronx's face wrinkles haven't been cleaned since Monday. As a matter of fact...neither have mine. Why on Earth would I be pretending I am having a rough time getting over this?

I know they are just trying to be polite & helpful. I realize they may not know what to say. A simple, "Wow, I'm sorry." Or an occasional "Gee, that suck's", would be more than enough. If you have had this done & was mowing your lawn in the same day, well kudos to you. I would LOVE to be doing anything besides this right now. Like carving an ice sculpture or having a root canal. You know, because obviously.

In other news, how do you like my winter background & header? I made it all by myself! Ok, so not totally by myself. I had my hand held via yahoo messenger by my bff Jeanette. Ain't it purdy? I think I'll work on one for February while I'm confined to my recliner. Ya know...milking my situation. Now, where's that bell? I need a foot massage. {{rolling eyes}}

Post Op Update

2010-01-05T21:55:00.001-06:00

***Update*** I'm a complete spaz & typed the wrong information. I'm sure no one else noticed, but I can't just leave it that way, ha! My GB had many adhesions on it, not abrasions. That conclude's this public service announcement. You may now return to your regular scheduled program!

So the divorce was finalized today! I'm a free woman, ha! The plans I had in place for this morning changed yesterday & had me a little frazzled, but I think it was for the best. I was told to be at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. So I made arrangements for the boys to be looked after until the bus ran at 6:30. Well, the hospital called to get a little information from me & the nurse says, "Ok Mrs. Smith, we'll see you at 5 o'clock." Umm, excuse me? I was told 6:30, ugh! That meant I had to leave my house at 4:15. Which also meant that I was going to have to be up by 3 & wake Logan up no later that 3:45 so he could go next door. Waking an 8 year old & my neighbor that early in the morning didn't sound appealing! It all worked out though because I took the boy's to my moms house to spend the night. I felt better knowing they were all in the same place & they all had adult supervision. There was no room for "accidentally" missing the bus, ha! I never went to bed. I had a few things to do before I left for the hospital & let's be honest...I never would have gotten up at 3 a.m. And the insane anxiety & nervousness that I had, I wouldn't have slept anyways!

Everything went smoothly. I'm feeling pretty rough, but I'll be better before we know it. I told Jeanette that I feel like I was eaten by a bear & pooped off a cliff...this really sucks. Hubby is trying to take good care of me. I say trying because I am so hard headed. It makes for a lot of aggravation when he is trying to help & I insist on doing it myself. He doesn't give up on me though! He keeps trying to help.

The surgeon did a great job. He said that once he got in there that the gallbladder definitely needed to come out & that it had several ~~abrasions~~ adhesions* on it. He told Rick that just from looking at it, it really needed to go. So, it's out & I'm on the road to recovery! Hooray!

I wanted to tell everyone how much I appreciate your sweet comments, emails, texts, prayers & tweets. It means the world to me, really! Ok bloggy friend's...I can hardly hold my head up so I'm going to end this before I start typing mumbled jargen, ha!! Thanks again...I am very grateful for all of you ♥

Good Riddance

2010-01-02T16:15:00.001-06:00

I am divorcing my gallbladder on Tuesday. I am so ready to have this over with! I'm getting anxious & nervous. I feel like I have so much I need to get done before then. I know that's just the momma in me. I can't stand the thought of being down for the count. I have a house to run! I should be able to come home the same day, but I am making plans for the kid's just in case they keep me. I don't know what to do with my dog though & that stresses me out! The thought of him in his kennel all of that time just breaks my heart. He's got a stay at home mommy & isn't use to me being gone.

I have a mental list going of stuff that I need to accomplish before Tuesday. I want to have the laundry all caught up. That in itself is an ongoing battle. I can get it all caught up & if we all change clothes just once...it's time to do another load. I won't be spending much time in my bed & I know that, but I want to have my sheets clean. I'll be camping out in the recliner for a few days. It is just easier. My laptop is at my side, magazine's, cup holder, everything I need! It's just little things around the house that I want done. I also will plan Logan's clothes for the week so no one is dressing him or him dressing himself. Trust me...I'm doing everyone a huge favor by doing this, ha! I need to make sure the fridge is full & of course the things that I'll need to have Rick bring me.

Then there are the stupid things that I think of. For example, I want to make sure my toenails are painted. I'm going to be lying unconscious & naked in a room full of strangers...at least my toenails will be pretty! In the same breath that I say that though, I know in my heart of heart's that I'm going to be cold & I'll put on those ridiculous socks with the grippers on the bottoms that they hand you with your stylish gown. Don't judge me people...I am who I am, ha! I also have to plan out my shower for the night before so that I am not up at 4 in the morning stressed & unable to drink my beloved Dr. Pepper before taking a shower. Let's not forget about shaving my legs. The winter growth that I have accumulated for warmth must go. I will be getting gawked at enough without that monstrosity. I mean come on bloggy friend's...gravity is not a sleeping womans friend. On my back no less! Oh the horror!!

Now, what to wear? It has to be easy to put back on & something that isn't going to hurt my incision's. Oh how my little mind is going 90 to nothing. Have I mentioned I'm anxious & nervous?? Ugh...It will all be worth it & I have to keep reminding myself of that. The pain that I have been in will be a distant memory & I'll never have to deal with it again. And look on the bright side, that organ has to weigh something, right? Maybe not much, but it does weigh something. I'll be that much lighter! Now, if I could just convince them that they need to remove my appendix & my girly organ's before they go bad, that would be awesome! We could just call it preventative surgery. Think they'll buy it? No? Ahh, who asked ya!

So, bloggy friends, if I am MIA for a few days, I'm ok. Don't send out a search team. If something happens to me, I'll leave my blog to my bff Jeanette. She is the only person who knows the password to my blog. Therefore she will be my ~~baby~~ bloggy daddy.

Alright blogger's...I must go for now. The dryer is beeping Morse code to me. It might just be beeping because it's done, I couldn't rightfully say. I'll see ya on the flip side, however, my gallbladder is going to burn in a fiery incinerator of hell. So say 'au revoir to it now. It just might be time for more pain medicine. That sounded a little bitter didn't it? See, that is why we are divorcing. That is irreconcilable differences at it's best! =0)

Class Party Recap

2009-12-29T16:15:00.001-06:00

Logan had his Christmas party at school the day they got out for Christmas break. Parent's were allowed to attend & then we could just sign them out of their class. Logan's classroom has a sea theme. Here he is in the reading corner. His girlfriend was close by so having his picture taken was not high on his priority list!

He insisted on having his picture taken with his teacher. She had just cornered me about his nose. Remember me telling you about it here? One of my many threats over him picking at that sore, was that it could be a staph infection. After telling him that for an entire weekend, I made sure to tell him that he better not get to school & tell his teacher that he had a staph infection! Well...he didn't tell her that, he just kept telling her that he couldn't tell. Oy vey! The counselor even got involved. I guess they thought poor Logan had his bell rung at home & was threatened not to tell, ha!

He is in the same class with his girlfriend, Kyla. She is just precious! We bought her a necklace with her initials on it & matching earrings. He also picked out a ring that he had to buy for her. I sent it to school the day before the party so he could give it to her. She was wearing it & it was so cute! She kept running up & asking me to take her picture, but then she would run away. This is the only picture I have of the two of them & I had to sneak it, ha!

My neighbor's son, Jake is the same age as Logan & they are in the same grade. Their classroom's are right next door to each other. They fight & play like brother's & I think it's really neat that they are growing up together. We both moved into our houses at the same time & it was the Summer before Logan started Kindergarten. How cool it will be for them to go through High School together! I checked Jake out as well so he wouldn't be alone on the bus that afternoon. He got to run errands with us & then they got to play.

Now, little Miss Kyla kept hugging on me & saying she wanted her picture taken with me. Every time Logan was about to snap the picture, she did this!

She finally let him get a good one, but in my true form, I was saying "Aww!" If you know me, I say it a lot! So apparently this is what I look like when I say it, ha!

I hope he keeps this one for a while! He had the same girlfriend since kindergarten until he met Kyla. So maybe they will last a little while. She is just so sweet! She beats the crap out of him though, ha! I had to explain to him on the way home that it was because she liked him. He was a little confused until I said "Do you see her doing that to anyone else but you?" I think a light went off in his head because he was all "Ooooh, I get it now!" It's just the beginning of years of confusion honey, get use to it!

I had to share this with my blog friends. It goes with the sea theme of course! It's an octopus that takes up half the ceiling in the classroom. It is the neatest thing! The kid's called him Freddie. I took a picture of it with bloggy intentions! I wish I could have fit the entire thing into one frame, but it was just too big!

I feel so blessed that I get to attend school functions & activities. I was always the kid that was tagging along with someone else's mom. It gives me so much joy when I see the look on Logan's face when he sees me. He is always so proud that I'm there & it just warms my heart. I hope he remember's how important it feels to have me there & he'll do it for his kid's some day.

Christmas Review 2009

2009-12-27T13:30:00.001-06:00

Logan was pretty cute as a reindeer...but Bronx was adorable!

Logan & Jordan at my Mom's on Christmas Eve. I am so ready for Logan to grow out of that red Nike shirt! He wears it every.chance.he.gets. I am beyond tired of it!

The boy's with my Mom.

Jordan got a cell phone & officially thinks all is right with the world.

My beautiful sister, Jessica. Isn't she gorgeous??

Once we got home from my mom's, it was time to bake cookies. I do this with the boy's every Christmas Eve. They decorate a cookie to eat & we decorate a cookie for Santa.

I always leave the camera out for Santa to take picture's when he's done *wink*wink*!

I have the boy's call me from downstairs & we get up. I love getting this picture of them every year coming up the steps! Jordan has been sick & his little eyes look so bad. I'm happy to report he's feeling better!

Here they are digging in. Logan insisted on sleeping in that shirt so he would have it on for picture's...sigh. Of course, Jordan slept in his clothes for picture's too!

Logan wanted a PS3 so badly this year that he didn't care if he got anything else! We have one in the living room & one in their den, but he wanted one of his very own for his room. That is all he talked about!

This game we got them looks like it is really going to be fun. I have watched Logan play it & I messed with it for a minute. I hope it's as fun as it appears. The boy's went to their grandmother's house for the weekend, maybe I should go play it while they are gone, ha!

Brady & Jordan got Netbook's. They are on cloud 9!

Jordan after everything had settled down. He's got it going on! Internet & cell phone at his fingertip's, all propped up in bed. He was really not feeling well, but of course that didn't stop him! The tray's we got them are really cool. I love how they slide up. I was worried about them laying their netbook's on their bed's & the fans not being able to breathe.

Well, that was the Smith Family Christmas Review! A merry time was had by all! I hope all of my bloggy friends had a very merry Christmas. Bring on the new year!

Reindeer Debut

2009-12-23T01:00:00.001-06:00

Logan had his 2nd grade Christmas program the other night. He was a reindeer! The child doesn't have a shy bone in his body, yet he was nervous. It was really cute, ha! Here he is before we left.

I love this picture of him. He was so self conscious about the sore that was on his nose. I actually put a little make-up on it so it wasn't as red. He had a cold a few weeks ago & his nose became chapped. He is all boy & continued to pick at the scab despite my pleas & threats to leave it alone. The week practice for the play began he finally quit picking at it because the kids started calling him Rudolph. He was heartbroken!

The teacher's picked one kid from each 2nd grade class to be a reindeer. There job was to skip through the audience while the other kid's sang 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' & pass out candy canes. He was so excited once we got in the gym!

He lost his antlers as soon as he started, but he tucked them under his arm & kept going, ha!

He did so good & was so proud of himself!

Logan kept telling me there was a surprise, but of course wouldn't tell me what! When they started singing 'Santa Clause is Coming to Town', a miniature Santa came bouncing through the door! He was the cutest little thing!!

I wasn't expecting anything else & then Mary & Joseph appeared during 'Silent Night'. It was absolutely precious! The school is awesome about keeping God in our school. That is a very rare occurrence in most public school's. A pastor from a local church spoke & led us in prayer before the program started. He talked about the meaning of Christmas & how we know that Jesus is real. It warms my heart that the Principal isn't scared to do this for our children. Even better...there obviously aren't any parent's complaining about Christ being mentioned around their child.

Logan was so sweet after the play. He handed out the candy canes he had left to other kid's. He talked all the way home about what a good job he did! It was so cute after him being nervous! I think he was relieved, ha!

I am really going to miss this. I am enjoying every minute & soaking in all of the memories. And just so you know...he turned back into Logan after it was all over! Coming soon, picture's of Bronx in those antler's!!

Christmas Tradition

2009-12-21T15:07:00.000-06:00

Hanging the stocking's are always important to me. This year I couldn't hang them where I normally hang them & it took me forever to figure out what I was going to do. We have a split foyer & instead of railing overlooking the stairs, we have a half wall. So I got these really cute cast iron stocking holder's. Ignore the dirty little fingerprints & Bronx's head, ha!

One of the things we do every year that has become a tradition is the countdown calendar. I have seen some calling it an advent calendar. We start on December 1st & move the little Santa each day. I hang it on the front door & every morning before school, Logan moves Santa.

I started this with Jordan, but now it's Logan's thing. The older boy's enjoy it, but I make sure that only Logan is allowed since he is the only one that still believes in Santa. It's something special just for him. Jordan got to enjoy doing it for years.

Here's the little stuffed Santa that we move.

I saw that one of my bloggy friends put's little surprises for her child in the pocket's. I think that is a fabulous idea! To put little sticker's or eraser's in the next day would be a great surprise. I may try to do that next year even if Logan doesn't believe by then.

I showed here where the tree had to go this year. I wanted to show how you can see it when you come up the stairs. It is so beautiful at night when you come through the front door. You can see the tree all lit up & glowing. It's so inviting!

I finally got a beautiful mirror to hang in the blank spot above the sofa, I didn't want the boy's to top the steps Christmas morning & be able to see under the tree before I had my camera ready, ha! Very sneaky!

What Christmas traditions do you have?

I need to get out more!

2009-12-16T00:00:00.003-06:00

Do you make time for yourself? Do you make an effort to have a date night with your spouse? I never do things for me. I have horrible mommy guilt & can't even buy a bottle of nail polish without feeling terrible! Rick & I never have alone time & a date night is a joke. He is always on call so we would have to take separate vehicles & couldn't be very far from the city he works for. It would just be a stressful night instead of a stress free one. We do go out occasionally for dinner, but there is an awesome Mexican restaurant 5 miles from our house & we always have the kid's with us. It counts as getting out in my book! Rick only works half a day every once in a while on Friday's. He will bring us lunch home & we eat together without the boys. That is as close to alone time that we get...it's nice though & I definitely take it!

The JuiceBox widget that I have on my sidebar has been advertising a deal that is just too good to pass up! Restaurant.com is offering $25 gift certificate's for $10! If you use the special promo that is offered in the ad, you can get the certificate's for $2! TWO DOLLARS!! That is just mind boggling for us penny pinching, coupon clipping, deal finding, blogger mom's! So what are you waiting for? Go get your's before it's to late! This would make a great stocking stuffer or gift for that person on your list that is hard to buy for!

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

2009-12-14T23:45:00.001-06:00

Logan & I set out on the first of the month to pick out our Christmas tree. We go to the same place every year. Last year I picked a blue spruce & hated it. It dried out in like 3 days & the branches just froze. It was a disaster. This year I got the Douglas fir & I'm in love! This tree is so pretty & full. It's 8 feet tall! We always set it up in the kitchen. That way the branches can settle & I can walk all the way around it to put the lights on. Then the clean up is easy because all I have to do is sweep up the needles.

This year we couldn't put the tree where we usually put it because we bought a sectional sofa & it takes up the whole wall where the tree use to go. So this is where I was going with it once the lights where on.

I had to move the shelf that usually sits there, but the tree fit nicely into that corner. That is overlooking the split foyer, so when you are coming up the stairs you can see the tree & it is so pretty. This was before we had ornaments on it.

Here's Jordan with the coolest ornament. It is a glass ball with an Alabama A on it & it is filled with red ribbons. It's really pretty. The boy's have their own collection of ornament's that they hang each year. One's that they have made or given to me over the year's. I separate them & then they hang "their" ornament's.

Here's Logan with one of his.

And here's Logan being his typical funny self, ha!

I usually love this shot of the 3 boys, but Brady wanted to go to his moms house instead of decorating the tree. I didn't want to make him stay & him be mad at me. Jordan & Logan saved several of their ornaments to hang when Brady hangs his so I can take picture's of the 3 of them. We just haven't hung them yet.

I added this shot just so all of you in blogland could see where I spend all of my time, ha! There's my chair & my laptop. And of course my handy dandy cell phone on the arm of the chair!

The boy's had a good time. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is when the boy's decorate the tree. It means so much to me & I hate that Brady wasn't there. There was a lot of this! Logan is so goofy! He got tickled about something & was rolling in the floor laughing!

I just love Christmas. It's a time for family, love & Christ. I never want the boy's to forget the true meaning of Christmas. I have always told them that Jesus loves them so much that they get present's on His birthday. Then I ask them if they could do that for someone else so they understand just how much they would have to love someone to do that.

I don't have a theme for decorating. I only have a few ornaments on the tree that I just bought. Almost all of the ornament's have been made by the kid's. That makes each & every one have it's own special memory & place in my heart. It's neat each year when they look through the boxes & remember making one of the ornament's several years before. It makes me think about the tree being decorated with love.

What kind of ornament's do you use? Do you have a theme?

Yes I Did, Friday

2009-12-11T21:00:00.001-06:00

It's Friday! Time to do my friend Jeanette's blog carnival 'Yes I did' Friday! Hop over to her blog to link up your own Yes I did post or to read everyone else's.

So, I went to see the Surgeon on Tuesday. Yes I did finally get answers!! YES I DID! Yes my fellow blog hoppers, I am divorcing my gallbladder! Yes I did hug the doctor. I even thought about kissing him square in the mouth...yes I did, but I didn't, ha!

This morning I had a test scheduled. I was pretty sick after dinner last night so I was stressing about today when I went to bed. I woke up this morning & started my morning routine. Turn off alarms, grab phones, bathroom, kitchen. I went through everything just like normal & went to get in the shower. As I went to get undressed I glanced at the phone & the time read 1:38 a.m. Hmm, that can't be right! Great, something is wrong with the phone. So, I grabbed my cell phone & yep...1:38 a.m. Ok, seriously? No way. I opened the bathroom door & the clock on each night stand read 1:40. UGH! I turned everything off, turned my alarms back on & got back in the bed. Yes, yes I did...sigh.

Last night Logan was rolling through the kitchen on his Heely's. I don't know who had the great idea to give him those, ha! He made one crazy move & holy black marks batman! I think I have officially reached blogger status, because in a moment when the regular Shana might have had a meltdown, I ran for the camera. Yes I did. I took picture's so I could blog about it. Yes I did spend an hour on my knees scrubbing those dang marks. Blogger Shana handled it quite well though, I just thought of the blog fodder I was creating!

Yes I did wait until the last minute to do this post. That just means you still have time to do one too! Don't forget to visit Jeanette's blog for more 'Yes I did'.

Date Night

2009-12-10T10:45:00.001-06:00

Right before Thanksgiving, Logan & I had a date. It was a Birthday date to be exact! Logan had just had his birthday & the big boy's had a "party" to go to on a Saturday night. So we made plans! There is an indoor inflatable place near our house, so off we went! I haven't felt incredibly great for a while. Since August if you want to get technical. (more to come on that...I have some great news!) Anyways, I didn't want our date to be dampened, so I sucked it up & boy did we have a great time! It was close to closing & we had the whole place to ourselves! There are two sides & they are separated by a curtain/partition. Each side has different inflatables. Well, the curtain was opened & Logan could run from one side to the next. He had a blast!

We had such a great time & it was one of the best dates I've ever been on!

Sorry for all the red eye, etc. I didn't edit any of the picture's & I'm not use to having to take red eye out of my children's pics. That's a new one for us brown eyed folks, ha!

Super Snapshot Saturday

2009-12-05T13:27:00.000-06:00

It's SSS! This weeks theme is Sepia or Black & White. I took this picture this Summer of Logan & Brady. We walked 3 houses down to feed the ducks, remember? I love it in Sepia! I looks all Andy Griffin-ish, ha!

Here's the original.

Now head over to Angel's blog & see the other Super Snapshot Saturday posts or to link your own!

Yes I Did, Friday

2009-12-04T15:33:00.000-06:00

It's Friday! Time to do my BFF's blog carnival, yay! So, if you did something embarrassing this week & need to get it off your chest or if you did something amazing & want to brag...this is the thing for you! Hop over to Jeanette's blog & join in on the fun. Also, don't forget that her giveaway ends tomorrow, so you better hurry!!

Yes I did get all of my Christmas decorations done this week. I bought the tree on Monday & have the lights on it & in the living room. The boys & I will decorate it tonight. The week has just been too busy so tonight will be perfect!

Logan & I went to buy the tree together on Monday afternoon. I am incredibly short & bought an 8 foot tree. Our kitchen is quite large, so we always put the tree in its stand in the kitchen. It allows the branches to settle & I can walk all the way around it to put the light's on. Then the clean up is a breeze! I just have to sweep up the needles instead of them being embedded in my carpet. Anyways...even with my step stool, I couldn't reach the top of the tree. You kinda have to start the lights at the top & I just stood there thinking for a minute. Then it hit me! I grabbed the kitchen tongs & bodda bing, bodda bang! I could reach! Yes...Yes I did.

Last night I had to ~~beat some sense~~ talk Jordan out of buying an $80 ring for his girlfriend. They have only been an item for a few weeks. He just turned 13 & I thought it was a little excessive. Yes I did tell him that whatever he decided to do...that he would NEVER ask a girl to give back anything he ever buys for her. I wanted him to understand that if they break up after Christmas, that he had just blown almost a $100! Yes I did also tell him that I thought he was going to be a great husband. As the lady at the jewelry counter would suggest something, he would inform her that it wasn't big enough...sigh...be still my heart, ha!

Yes I did get an awesome blog makeover this week that I am still SO excited about. So if you like my header, please be sure to take advantage of Jeanette's giveaway. She will work with you & make one of your choice or she will look at your blog & get ideas & try to surprise you. It really is a wonderful offer. And because I know her...if you need any adjustments made to your columns or wrappers, she'll help you with it so the header looks fabulous! Go sign up now!

Why are you still here...shoo...go...hurry!

Blog Makeover

2009-12-01T23:00:00.000-06:00

I got a blog makeover! Isn't it fab? I absolutely love it! I keep looking at it & couldn't wait to show Rick when he got home. He was actually impressed! I have entered giveaway's, I've downloaded kit's & I've dreamed of having a cute blog. I never win anything though =( So how did I get these cute little gingerbread men you ask? Well, I have the bestest friend ever! Jeanette & I are so much alike. We think the same, we finish each other's sentences & we like the same things. A few night's ago, we were talking via instant message & we were looking for kits to download for blog backgrounds. So we both were looking & at the same time, fell in love with the gingerbread men! I had mentioned several times that I needed to do something with my blog. Jeanette has major skills & set out to make my blog look awesome!

I really, really love it! I am very thankful & I'm on a bloggy high! You can get in on the excitement too! How? Easy peasy! All you have to do is visit Jeanette's blog here & enter her giveaway. You have to hurry though because it ends on Saturday. You can read all the rules here. So hop on over & don't miss out on the chance to get a really cute header just in time for Christmas! Good Luck! And...Thankyouthankyouthankyou Jeanette!!!

I'm Heartfelt!

2009-11-30T13:49:00.001-06:00

Jennifer at These Days... and Elizabeth at Confessions From a Working Mom and Tracy at Confessions of a Self Proclaimed Bitch, gave me this award because I'm special, neener neener! Kidding...they are awesome & too kind. I am very flattered & it definitely put a smile on my face. I apologize to all of you for taking so long to accept it. I remember when I first started blogging & I would read a blog that I read every day & commented on & they would have received an award. I would get antsy & excited to see who they passed it along to & would get bummed because no one ever gave me one. It seriously tickles me that I have received an award! Thanks Ladies, you rock!

Now, the rules...

*Display the award on your blog*

*Link to the person that gave it to you*

*Nominate blogger's that make you feel all warm & fuzzy! (Jenifer & Tracy's said 3, Elizabeth's said 9) so I'm going with 4, ha!*

*Link to your nominee's blog's*

*And most importantly, don't forget to let them know they have been given the award!*

Now...hmm, who to choose? Decisions, decisions!

1. Jeanette at And on to Today

2. Keli at Ask the Graminator

3. Sandy at Say What

4. Lindsay at Meet the Falkers

Cellular Sunday

2009-11-29T12:27:00.000-06:00

I'm enjoying my made up meme of cell phone pics...I just love, love, love this one! Logan woke up one morning with his hair doing this flippy thing. Then when I grabbed my phone he added to the hilarity of it all. Is it not funny?!? This child makes me laugh daily!

Super Snapshot Saturday

2009-11-28T13:45:00.000-06:00

It's Super Snapshot Saturday! Whoo Hoo! This week's theme is Thanksgiving. Don't forget to link up on Angel's blog to see all the other post's or do your own!

I warned you that I would be using picture's from here, remember? Well, here they are...AGAIN, ha!

Thanksgiving pics

2009-11-27T00:08:00.000-06:00

Wednesday night we ate at Rick's grandmother's house for Thanksgiving. As soon as I finished my plate of dressing, I had this for dessert, ha! I sat in the floor with this 3 week old sweetness for about an hour. Her name is Kylie & she belongs to Rick's cousin. So sweet!

A picture of Rick from last night. Can you see me in the the bottom left? I was hiding so no one else asked for her, ha!

Rick & Brady

Here I am before we left today. It was just Jordan, Logan & I. We went to my mom's house & then went to my dad's.

Me, my mom & my sister. Try not to focus on the cheek full of ham I had!

Jordan, Logan & I. I honestly don't remember the last picture that was taken of the 3 of us, so I am very thankful for this.

My beautiful sister & me.

Here's 3 of my babies. We sure did miss Brady & Rick today. Wish they would have come with us.

Did you have a great Thanksgiving? Have any picture's you want to share? I will probably reuse some of these for my Saturday post on Super Snapshot Saturday. I just wanted to warn you now, ha!

Happy Birthday-Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T01:00:00.001-06:00

This year, Thanksgiving has a twist. While everyone is spending their day thinking of what they are thankful for...I'm especially thankful. For what you ask? Well, 13 years ago today...I brought this precious blessing home from the hospital.

Talk about busting at the seams with thankfulness. My whole family together, good food & my healthy baby. He was such a good baby. His first night home from the hospital, he slept 6 hours!

I was such a young mom. I found out I was pregnant with Jordan about a week before my 17th birthday. I got married when I was 5 months pregnant. My little sister was only 3, so my mom wasn't there to bail me out. I had to grow up. He was my pride & joy...he still is. Here he is at 4 months old, March of 1997. Am I totally biased, or was he not the cutest baby?? Look at those dimples!!

Here he is in December of 98. He had just turned 2 years old & had only been weaned off the breast for about a month! That's right...he was breast fed for 2 years, ha! I was so young & went to work full time when he was 4 months old. I turned 18 & 24 days later he turned 5 months old. I am very proud of myself for being so young & breastfeeding him for that long. (I'm proud, some say crazy, ha!)

He was 7 here & in school. It was Fall of 2003. He was the sweetest little boy. I seriously have hardly ever had to get on to him. He has always been so good & polite. He was & still is a momma's boy, but not in a bad way.

He's growing up. It is the weirdest emotion I've ever experienced. It makes me happy to see him thrive & grow...I just wish he would slow down. I'll let you see what I mean...Here he is last year on his birthday.

This was in May.

Then in June...

Again in July...just in a month there was a transformation.

Now here is the scary part. Here is my "baby" now. This was taken about 2 weeks ago.

Sigh...he is definitely not a baby anymore. He is growing into a handsome young man. Officially a teenager. He is the light of my life. My best bud. We have grown up together. I have made mistakes & will make many more, but I'm doing the best I can. I hope he grows into a wonderful man. I am so proud of him & love him so much that my heart could just explode. He's a good boy & makes awesome grades. He's in the Jr. Beta Club at school.

So, this Thanksgiving I am thankful for you Jordan! (for your brother too, but today is your day, ha!) I love you so much! Hope this post didn't embarrass you to terribly bad. Happy 13th Birthday!

Bah-hum-turkey

2009-11-25T14:54:00.000-06:00

Over the ~~river~~ interstate & through the woods to Rick's Grandmother's house we go. When I was younger, I use to look forward to the holidays. Then I had to start helping with the holidays as I got older. It started to become stressful. I didn't know what stressful was until I got married. I have divorced parents, so there are 2 trips to make. Throw in a husband whose family is divorced & it makes for one crazy, stress filled couple of days. And to make things a little more hectic? Let's add a dash of your oldest child turning 13 TOMORROW! Oh, and don't forget trying to schedule a trip to the hospital to see my grandmother. Someone please pass the tranquilizers...now. I am really wishing I could go back to feeling the joy I use to feel about the holidays when I was a child. To be carefree & running through the house as guests arrived or going to a family members house & playing with a house full of cousin's. It just doesn't even feel like Thanksgiving. I wish I could take away the rush & stress of it all.

Does anyone else feel this way? I just feel like it should be easier...sigh. I think I'm just getting old, ha! Well, I'm off to get myself & the kiddos ready for dinner with my in-laws.

Photo Phases

2009-11-24T00:53:00.000-06:00

I know kids go through phases. I especially loathe the picture faces phase. It starts when they are around 3 or 4. You say "Smile" & you get this straining scared smile with neck veins bulging. Then when that one is over, they move on to the bugs bunny face. You know the one...where they dig their 2 front teeth into their bottom lip? Then they don't want their picture taken at all. It is so frustrating.

Logan is now in the "good luck getting one" phase. I am so thankful for digital camera's. I would pull my hair out & go broke right now with regular film. I love that I can see every picture & decide if another one needs to be taken. Here...I'll let you in on my frustration.

It's funny afterwards. It's not funny when we are taking a ton of picture's & he just wants to carry on with what he was doing. He has gotten to where we take so many picture's trying to get one where he looks normal, that he asks every time it flashes if I got it. He gets frustrated at himself!

The most frustrating part for both of us is when it would have been a really good picture. The other night when he & I went on a date, he was getting mad at himself. So I just kept snapping! Some of them are really funny though!!

If he doesn't always 'take' a good picture...he still 'takes' good pictures! I think I have a little photographer on my hands. He loves taking pictures. I think he would walk around with a camera all day if I would let him. He took this one of me when we were out the other night & he was so proud of himself!

So do you have any funny picture phases that you or your kids have gone through?

Logan's Birthday & My 50th Post!

2009-11-23T00:20:00.002-06:00

Logan had a great Birthday. Rick couldn't wait until Thursday & wanted to give him his present on Wednesday afternoon. We had bought him a pair of Heely's. Rick wanted to trick him instead of just giving him the present, ha! He had me put the Heely's in the foyer. Logan was in his room playing with his friend Jake when Rick said "Logan, what have I told you about leaving your shoes in the foyer?" Now, Logan is wearing his shoes when Rick says this, but he took the bait, ha! He comes bouncing down the hallway saying he must have forgotten & down the stairs he went. I was hanging over the edge with my camera & got this when he saw what was sitting by the front door!

He was so excited & I had to put a good word in with Santa so Jake can get a pair for Christmas.

I always make a sign for the boys on their birthday. When they get up on the morning of their birthday's, they have a little sign, even if it is only a white sheet of paper with doodles & Happy Birthday. Well, the week had been so bad that I had completely forgotten about it. Logan has the sign from last year hanging above the light switch in his room. It was just a paper sized sign. He asked me when I was tucking him in on Wednesday night where would his sign be in the morning. My heart skipped a beat. I was so glad he said something or he would have been so disappointed. When he went to bed, I went all out!

He was so excited & just loved it! He wanted his picture taken with it. It made me feel so good!

This was Thursday night, right before cake. I can't believe how big they have gotten & that my baby is 8.

No matter what happens in life...this little face makes it all better.

Cellular Sunday

2009-11-22T15:09:00.000-06:00

I guess you all may be wondering what Cellular Sunday is...I just made it up, ha! I do Super Snapshot Saturday so I thought I would make Sunday easy & about picture's I have too. I love SSS because I have so many picture's that I like & want to share, but I take so many picture's with my cell phone. I know they aren't the best quality & would probably never use them in a blog post when I have picture's from my real camera. I always have my cell phone & don't always have my camera. That of course leaves me with a ton of poor quality, cute picture's that I hold near to my heart! So, I'll start sharing them on Sunday, ha!

Phew! That was a long explanation! Now, to the cutest picture evah!! That of course, was taken with my cell phone, ha!

These were taken over the Summer at my mom's house. My sister had gotten a new cat & she is so sweet & cuddly. Logan has toted, squeezed & aggravated the stew out of that poor kitty. She has really been a good sport. Her name is Bella & Logan walks in the door at their house calling for her!

As you can imagine, he was so tickled when she fell asleep on him. This is why I love my cell phone! I would have missed this picture opportunity.

Do you have any cellular picture's you would like to share? You know you have thought about it too!

Super Snapshot Saturday

2009-11-21T14:47:00.001-06:00

I love Super Snapshot Saturday! Be sure to visit Angel's blog to see other SSS post's or to link your own. This week's theme is 'your choice.' I chose my fur baby!

This was Bronx as a puppy. He was allowed on the couch when he was little. He couldn't jump up on it or down for that matter. He loved his stuffed football & this picture is one of my favorites. I named it "Halftime Nap." He would snooze while we watched football.

This is Bronx now during football. I'll be in my recliner & he puts both paws up on me. He doesn't understand why he can't nap in my lap anymore. He is just so heavy! He looks sad, but he sleeps just fine at my feet!

Hope everyone has a good weekend =0)

Yes I Did, Friday

2009-11-20T22:53:00.000-06:00

My friend Jeanette at ~And On to Today~ hosts 'Yes I did' Friday. Visit her blog & see what other's did this week.

Yes I did have a crappy week that only went from bad to worse.

Yes I did have to pick my mother up from K-Mart on Monday night after I got a call from Loss Prevention. She passed out at the register. Yes I did almost have a heart attack. She is ok by the way.

I had an appointment on Tuesday with my gastro doctor. I had made my calls to tell everyone what was said. Jordan had called me several times & so had the hubby. I was on the phone with Jeanette & my other line beeped over & over again. It was the home number. Yes I did think it was Jordan again & refused to answer. It was the Hubs calling about my Grandmother...sigh. Yes I did feel like crap for not clicking over.

Yes I did have a CT Scan done yesterday. I had to have an IV for the contrast & my arm looks so awful that I took picture's just in case I want to blog about it. Yes I did, really, ha!

Yes I did celebrate my baby's 8th birthday yesterday.

I went to the hospital after we sang Happy Birthday last night & the candles had been blown out. I got home pretty late & this morning the week had caught up with me & I slept a few minutes late. Yes I did have to check Logan in. He was only late by about 5 minutes. When the school secretary asked why we were late, Logan told her it was because his Dad had let him stay up really late partying because it was his birthday! It was so funny!

Don't forget to hop over to Jeanette's blog...have I mentioned she is my BFF? I love her lot's & did this post just for her. I couldn't let her down.

I haven't been online today. After the week I have had I'm tired anyways, but I was running fever this morning & couldn't stay awake for anything. Rick was off today & I wasn't even responding when he would say my name loudly. I finally woke up about 1:45. I know several of you are worried about my Grandmother & me. I will be seeing a surgeon on Monday & they ordered an additional test for Tuesday. I have an infection & my lab work came back a little concerning. My Grandmother is still in CICU. She has pneumonia in her right lung & her kidneys still aren't producing the output that they should be. Her heart is enlarged & still has fluid on it. Her O2, blood pressure & heart rate are all very low. She was alert, but now she is very confused & talking really crazy. They won't give her anything for pain except for Advil or Tylenol because of her kidney's so she is in a good bit of pain. They mentioned a ventilator last night & I am praying so very hard it doesn't come to that. I appreciate everyone's concern, thoughts & prayer's. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Happy Birthday Logan

2009-11-19T09:32:00.000-06:00

Eight years ago today, my second child came into this world at 7:25p.m. & weighing in at 6lbs 15oz. He was 20 inches long & made my heart grow by 20 miles. Seven days later, his big brother turned 5 & thought he had the coolest birthday present ever!

Jordan was so proud of his little brother...Logan was in awe of Jordan. Here they are in August of 02'. Jordan was almost 6 & Logan was 9 months old.

I just ♥ this one! His smile is so sweet!

This was taken 1 week after Logan turned 1 & the day before Jordan was turning 6. It melts my heart every time I look at it.

This was fall of 2007. He was almost 6. I just love the snaggle toothed look, ha!

This was Spring of 2008. His 2nd year of baseball.

And this little stunt about did me in. Logan has been one of those kid's that can tear up asphalt. He had stitches on his forehead twice in the same month when he was 2 1/2. He thought it was cool that he could see his skull. Boys! He broke his arm on the playground at school in Kindergarten. He only had 2 games left to play with the Cubs & had made All Stars. That all got put on hold! He started the Summer off with a cast.

This was Logan & I in September. Being silly at one of Brady's football games.

And this was Halloween of this year...without the mask, ha!

This is my big boy...my 2nd grader, the 8 year old.

I took this picture this past weekend at the park. I knew it would be our last trip to the park where he was 7. Time flies so fast. I really am so shocked at how quickly your babies grow up. I love my boy's more & more with each day & I wish I could slow them down!

Happy Birthday Lil' Man!! Momma loves you more than you will ever know.

One of those days...

2009-11-18T19:27:00.003-06:00

I'm a little late getting a post up today, but I'm trying. It has been one of those day's. It has been a really long week so far. I will have an awesome post up tomorrow though so be sure to check back in! Tomorrow is a special day =0)

I know some of you are aware of the medical problems I have been having since August. I have been put through the ringer as far as tests are concerned. I saw the Gastroenterologist again yesterday & I have another CT scan with contrast scheduled for in the morning. I had more lab work done yesterday & I was running fever. I finally, praise the Lord, have an appointment with a surgeon on Monday. Hopefully my gallbladder & I will be getting divorced very soon.

I have a favor to ask all of you. Will you pray? My grandmother, my dad's mom, Carolyn, was admitted to the hospital on Friday. She has congestive heart failure. Things took a turn for the worse yesterday afternoon & she is now in cardiovascular intensive care. She has lot's of fluid on her heart. Her blood pressure is staying around 60/30 & her heart beat is very irregular. Her kidney's are trying to shut down & her oxygen levels are staying low. She was very disoriented today & it is so sad. I got to spend an entire hour with her last night all by myself. The nurse's in the CICU were awesome. I was there for 2 hours total & I was only suppose to visit for 30 minutes. God bless those sweet nurses!

Well...I'm off to get my post for tomorrow ready. Thanks in advance for the thoughts & prayers...you guys are awesome!

Fight for Preemies

2009-11-16T11:14:00.001-06:00

November 17th is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth. The March of Dimes invites bloggers like us to get involved. I joined the Blogger's Unite Fight for Preemies. Learn about premature birth at marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies

More than half a million babies are born too early each year. Premature birth is the number one killer of newborns. Those premature babies who do survive are often disabled for life. The March of Dimes is leading the fight to defeat prematurity with a multiyear, multimillion-dollar national campaign to help the nation reduce the rate of premature births.

I have personally been affected by 3 premature births in my own life. Two of which were very close family friends, and the other was in my family. I fought to carry Logan to full term & took medicine every day to keep from having contractions. I had been told that there was a high chance that he would have Down's Syndrome or Spina Bifida, yet my only concern was that his lung's were mature enough for him to take his first breath. I thank God that I gave birth to 2 healthy boy's. There is nothing more heart wrenching than standing in the NICU staring at a child that is smaller than your own hand. Or when someone you love should be making memories of the day they bring their baby home for the first time, but instead they are preparing for heart monitor's & oxygen tanks.

Will you join me in fighting for preemies & raise awareness?

Happy Birthday Daddy

2009-11-16T09:55:00.004-06:00

Today is my Daddy's birthday. He has been my rock. Always loving, never judgmental, always there to pick me up & dust me off. I have let him down so many times...leaving him hurt & sad. God knew what he was doing when He chose my earthly father. He feels like he has let me down & like he wasn't always there for me growing up. I wish I could take that guilt away from him just like he use to kiss away my scraped knees. He is so funny & loving. He loves the Lord & cherishes his grand kids. I have been down a few wrong paths in my life & God knew I would need a strong man to be my Dad, with a big heart & the qualities of a Warrior. I hope I'm making you proud. Happy Birthday Dad...I love you!

Father's Day 2009

Holding Jordan for the very first time (March of 97)

Cellular Sunday

2009-11-15T17:03:00.002-06:00

This was taken from a cell phone almost a year ago. It's my nephew, Gage. He has gone completely blind. Last Christmas he could still tell you what color the Christmas lights were on my stair railing, but not the stairs. He can't see anything anymore. Know what he can see?? How big our God is. This little boy loves the Lord! He waits all week for Sunday. He get's so excited about going to church. He can't see everyone's reaction when he talks loudly in the middle of service. He also isn't embarrassed to sing loudly & praise the Lord! I admire his ability to be so carefree. He was almost 6 the last time he saw well enough to see other's use a judgmental eye. It makes your heart swell watching this little boy talk about Jesus. He may not be able to see his favorite cartoon or toy...but he can see the one thing that matters more than anything...his faith in Jesus Christ. This is a picture of him clapping with the choir. I never thought I would thank God for cell phones...this was one exception.

Super Snapshot Saturday

2009-11-14T21:57:00.003-06:00

My friend Angel hosts Super Snapshot Saturday. It has been a looong day so I'm a little late, but better late than never. This week's theme is funny!

This one is of Jordan last Christmas. He took the air packaging out of the boxes that were being delivered & well...you can see what he did. It was so funny & he stopped long enough for me to snap a picture.

This one of Logan I have already blogged, but come on...it is just to funny, ha!!

Don't forget to visit Angel's blog & see other funny picture's!

Yes I Did, Friday

2009-11-13T06:41:00.001-06:00

Well kid's...it's Friday! Oh Friday, how do I love thee? Let me count thy ways. Not really. I don't work so Friday is just another day, ha! It just means everyone will be home with me for 2 days making messes...sigh. It does however mean that I get to participate in my friend Jeanette's blog carnival, 'Yes I did' Friday. Score!

Did you drop a piece of toast, butter side down & feed it to your family anyways? Need to confess? Did you help Maw Maw cross the street? Want to brag about it? Well, this is your lucky day!

The Fire Marshal tweeted that he had to have the newest Call of Duty game for the PS3. Yes I did tweet this back to him. "Aww, that's cute. Him's wants a wittle video game so him's can pway wif him's fwiends. **don't shoot me**NO sleep, remember** =0)"

To explain the no sleep thing is a whole post in itself. Monday night I could not go to sleep. My side was hurting & I refused to sleep in the recliner. I tossed & turned & then the Marshal woke up about 2:30 a.m. We laughed & talked until 4. Then he started snoring. Jordan would be up at 5, so I laid there listening to the rain. Everyone expected me to crash when the house was empty at 6:30. Nope...I still could not sleep. Yes I did stay awake until bedtime that night. I was in rare form & thought I was funny, ha!

No sleep sparked an awkward conversation with Logan that morning. He was in one of those moods where you are so sorry you ever woke them up. I hate putting him on the bus when he is mad. So standing in the foyer he growled & said...I can't believe I'm blogging this..."Oh Fart Butter." Now, where he came up with that one, I will never know. Kids say the funniest things, right? Well, I wanted him to cheer up so I took the conversation to the next level. I then asked him if fart butter was what was produced when you cut the cheese. I will spare you the comments about ~~cutting the cheese & churning fart butter~~ the rest of it. He laughed all the way out the door! Yes I did just share this with all of you. Yes...Yes I did.

I think I'll end on that note. Nothing can top fart butter, ha! Don't forget to link up with other's over on Jeanette's blog!

Is it only Thursday??

2009-11-12T08:08:00.003-06:00

Is it Friday yet? Goodness gracious this week has gone so slow! I'm ready for it to be over already =0) Having the Fire Marshal & the boys home on a Wednesday really messed with my head. I think the dog is even confused, ha! I slept late this morning. Have you ever been having a crazy dream & the sound of the alarm clock plays into said dream? Well, it was one of those mornings. It makes the whole day seem weird when you don't start it as you normally would. I'm really going to be messed up Saturday morning. Last night felt like a Sunday night. Which means Saturday is going to feel like a Wednesday. Are you confused yet? Good, so am I! Who is ready for Friday?? I sure am! Ya know what else is awesome about Friday's? 'Yes I Did' Friday, hosted by my BFF, Jeanette! Do you have your post ready yet?

Veteran's Day...God Bless America

2009-11-11T13:05:00.002-06:00

Because of You, Unknown Soldier

By Courtney Tanabe

Because of you, I am here

Because of you, I am able to live freely

Yet I do not know you

And I have not done anything for you

But there you stand, ready to fight

And there you are prepared to die

For me

You've fought before

And you'll fight again

For someone you don't know

So thank you Unknown Soldier

Fighting for me

I'm here because of you

And I owe my future to you

Enough said. Have you prayed for our troops today?? I am proud to be an American.

Mine, Mine, Mine!

2009-11-10T06:55:00.001-06:00

An observation I made the other day about myself has really made me laugh. I have given it much thought & wondered just how many other mom's do the same thing. We teach our children to share. I know personally I use to get irritated when one of my boy's would snatch something from the other's hand & scream "Mine!!" I know you know what I'm talking about, ha! It's the statement itself that gets to me. It sounds so greedy & nasty. Yet, I say it all the time. It just rolls off my tongue. I shoot it out like gunfire I tell ya!

When I actually heard myself say it the other day, I stopped to think about just how much I say it. It is apparently hereditary because my mother use to scream it at me as well. Don't shake your heads or roll your eyes...I know you are! Gasping & thinking I should be ashamed of myself! It just happens & I'm sure you have done it too if you think really hard.

How many times have you told your kids to get off of the kitchen counter? Get your hands off the walls? Don't get that on the carpet? Get your feet off of the couch? Numerous times...right? Too many to count? Yeah, me too. It becomes repetitive. It comes out lightning fast & reflex like. I know it doesn't even take much thought for me any more, but really think about how you say it.

Here is how I say it..."Get your tail off of my counter", "Get your feet off my couch", "Don't run your hand's down my wall's", "If you get that on my carpet, so help me!!" Do you see the pattern? It's mine, all mine!! Muahahaha!

You are guilty of it too aren't you? It's alright, you can admit it. Your secret is safe with me!

Me, forget? Never!!

2009-11-09T18:33:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I totally bombed today & forgot to post. Don't judge me. It could happen to anyone. I'm a work in progress, what can I say? Since I made a commitment to make 30 posts in 30 days I kinda had to post something. So here it is...something, ha! So, back to your regular scheduled programming. I'll do a "real' post tomorrow. How was everyone's weekend??

Halloween 2009

2009-11-08T02:36:00.000-06:00

This Halloween, Logan was super excited. The past several years, he has not gone trick or treating. I think he was 4 the last time he went. He went to Disney World for Halloween in 2006 & attended a huge Disney costume party with lots of candy to be had. The next year, 2007, we went to the carnival at the church. It's a huge ordeal with hundreds of people. The kids play cool games & win candy. Last year, 2008, we made a deal with the boy's to stay home. We bought a ton of candy & a video game the boy's had been begging for. They were allowed to take over the living room with the big screen tv to play their game & eat all of their favorite candy. I would have spent an arm & a leg on costumes & then had to walk...walk...walk! This was a much better way to spend the night in my opinion. No checking candy or worrying about whose door my babies were knocking on. It was awesome!

This year things were a little different. The Fire Marshal had to work at the church event due to a firework show. He had to watch them set up & fire them. Brady went to the bio-mom's for a Halloween party & Jordan had plans too. So it was just Logan. He couldn't wait for it to get dark! He sat & watched tv in his mask! So funny!

He wanted to be a skeleton & every skeleton costume I found was for toddlers. I found this shirt & he loved it!

Jordan & Logan before we left.

I dropped Jordan off & headed to my mom's house. The houses in our neighborhood are pretty spread out so I took Logan to her neighborhood. My sister, the bee & her friend, the referee were about to leave for a party. She is only 3 years older than Jordan so she was really my first baby. I had a come apart about what she was wearing. I couldn't believe my parents were letting her leave the house in this. She is the reason my hair has turned gray. I tell her all of the time that she is going to be the death of me!

I like this better...I was really upset. I remember singing "I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee" with her & all I could think was my baby bumblebee was about to go out in public looking like this. Ahhh...my heart is skipping beats just thinking about it. Anyone know of any good convents?? Email Me ASAP!

Ok, so back to Logan! He loved his shirt & I bought this mask that wasn't too scary. I don't do scary!

He was so nervous! He made me walk to every door & say "trick or treat" with him. He had the cutest nervous giggle. He kept telling me that it had been a while since he had done this! His bag finally got so heavy that he announced, "Alright mom...I think they've all been robbed. We can go now!" He also mentioned that he had really racked up! He really did...I wish I would have taken a picture of all the candy that boy had. I was shocked!

Here is me & my little skeleton!

Hope everyone had a safe & happy Halloween. I really enjoyed the alone time with my little guy. Now bring on the turkey! NO...don't!! My other baby will be 13 on Thanksgiving day! I'm not ready for that...ugh!

Super Snapshot Saturday

2009-11-07T14:01:00.002-06:00

My friend Angel host's Super Snapshot Saturday so that we can share some of our favorite picture's stored in our computer. This week's theme was a picture of our choice.

This picture is from March 2008. We only get about an inch of snow a year here in Alabama. When we do, I try to have fun with the boys. This is Logan just as he was about to bomb me with a snowball! Of course I could be heard for miles screaming "MY CAMERA!!!"

This picture is of the boy's on the same day. Like my redneck snowman? I love the cheeks that I made him, ha! I smile every time I see it!

Do you have a favorite picture that you want to share? Hop over to Angel's blog & link up with other's =0)

Yes I Did, Friday

2009-11-06T17:02:00.000-06:00

It's that time again...Friday! My friend, Jeanette, hosts 'Yes I Did' Friday. Hop over to her blog to see other's who really need to confess things that happened during the week. It's not only for confessing though...you can also tell about something nice you did that made you feel all warm & fuzzy & you just have to tell someone about it.

Last week when I went to wake Logan up for school, he looked so sweet! He was all warm & cozy & I just couldn't bring myself to wake him up. The boys get on the bus at 6:30 every morning so I decided to take him to school so he could sleep an extra hour. The older boys decided to go ahead & ride the bus. Logan was so tickled to be a car rider that morning! I felt accomplished & proud...Until my niceness backfired on me. For the first time ever, I slept late the whole rest of the week & had to take them all to school...oh yes, yes I did.

Yes I did laugh uncontrollably Monday night at Karate because while Logan was getting nun chuck instructions, he told his Sensei that he just needed to let him freestyle. The child is not lacking in confidence!

The other night Logan said a serial killer is someone that kills the maker of cereal. Yes I did let him think that because I didn't have the heart to tell him any different, ha!

Yes I did forget & post Thursdays post with an October date. I totally forgot that I had it in my draft's since the last week in October. Since I'm doing the NaBloPoMo that might have caused a problem, ha!

And last, but not least...Yes I did tell an older gentlemen that he was so cute he got me flustered & I forgot where I was! I was at the hospital & I had been waiting on an elevator for ever & when one finally opened...there stood this man. I hopped on & pushed the button. The doors opened. I pushed the button again...the doors opened. He said "Honey, you are going to have to get on the other elevator, that's the floor we are on!" It was a screwy system & I got so ~~embarrassed~~ tickled that I told him it was because he was so cute I got all messed up! His whole face turned red, ha!

Alright, now it's your turn! Don't forget to link up & read the other 'Yes I did' posts on Jeanette's blog =0)

I'm Oozing Awesomeness (11/5)

2009-11-05T00:30:00.000-06:00

Venti Vixen at "A Starbucks A Day Keeps Life at Bay" & Rick at "That Makes Sense to Me" presented me with this award. I am fighting the urge to make a Kanye West joke here, but I'll save you from hearing yet another one, ha! Thanks from the bottom of my little blogging heart!

The rules state that I get to pass this along to 15 other newly discovered blogs that I love. Should any of you choose to accept this mission…post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the blogger to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Drum roll please...This is my favorite part!

Have fun ladies!

50th Day of School (11/4)

2009-11-04T00:03:00.000-06:00

Logan recently had his 50th day at school. I still can't believe he is in the 2nd grade & will be turning 8 this month...sigh. I'm enjoying things like this while I can. He looked so cute! He already had a pair of Converse, so they worked great & made the outfit. We are of course in 2009 & do not own a pair of jeans without cargo pocket's, but they did just fine, rolled up of course!

I just love this picture. His hair slicked back & it was 6a.m. so he had that sleepy cuteness working for him, ha!

We have oodles of temporary tattoo's stuffed in every nook 'n cranny in the house. Anytime the boy's get one that is even remotely girly, it gets given to me. I had this one saved & after a little resistance he agreed that it would look good. I don't know what screamed female about flaming cherries, but he wasn't buying it at first! I guess fruit isn't manly!

We have the cutest leather jacket that looked so good...he wasn't having it though. It was not worth a fight! He had a great day & came home talking about how everyone loved his tattoo. Hmm...imagine that!

20+ Questions (11/3)

2009-11-03T06:18:00.002-06:00

I was tagged by Jennifer over at 'These Days'. It's a getting to know me, meme. So here goes nothing!

1. Name someone with the same birthday as you. A friend of mine in high school was born on the same day, of the same year at the same hospital!

2. Where was your first kiss? First pop-kiss was in Kindergarten under the slide with a boy named Corey. My first real kiss was in 8th grade outside the choir room with a boy named Jeff.

3. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else's property? Yes, when I was a kid. It was serious so I'm not admitting my guilt any further, ha!

4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex? Yes. Bobby C. in Elementary school, 4th grade I think. Gave him a black eye. He has never let me forget it. Also, in high school, Eric W. on the bus. Gave him a shiner as well.

5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? Yep.

6. What's the first thing you notice about the preferred sex? Smile :)

7. What really turns you off? (that was originally on, but I changed it up so it would stay PG in here) Ignorance.

8. What do you order at Starbucks? I'm boring & just go with a mocha latte or cappuccino.

9. What is your biggest mistake? I don't consider a mistake, as a mistake if you learned from it. I would have to say just regular mommy guilt stuff. I wish I wouldn't have been so up tight when Jordan was little. I spent too much time worrying & didn't realize just how quick they grow up.

10. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose? No.

11. Say something totally random about yourself. I can't sleep unless a pillow is between my knees.

12. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity? Yes, 3 actually. Punky Brewster. 'Six' off of the TV show Blossom. And Shania Twain.

13. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows? Absotively Posolutely! Now, which cartoon character says that?? If you can tell me that, you are as crazy as I am, ha! I set the DVR to record Princess Protection Program & the Wizards of Waverly Place Movie...for myself, not the kids!

14. Did you have braces? Negative.

15. Are you comfortable with your height? Yeah. I like being short. I'm 5'2, but that's if I stand really straight, ha!

16. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you? Just last weekend when the hubs said "Honey, I folded the towels & unloaded the dishwasher"...once I regained consciousness, I was all "That was the nicest thing EVAH!" =0)

17. When do you know its love? When that person makes you want to be a better person. And as a woman, when they make you feel beautiful just the way that you are...all of the little flaws that you don't like about yourself just go away because he makes you feel so good about yourself.

18. Do you speak any other languages? I took French in school & I remember some of that. Some self taught Spanish & I just recently learned some Japanese. (Some = Very little)

19. Have you ever been to a tanning salon? Oh yes, ahhh...the warmth & silence is pure bliss. Me time with no kids, no phone, no cares.

20. What magazines do you read? Cosmopolitan & Glamour come in the mail for me thanks to the Fire Marshal.

21. Have you ever ridden in a limo? Negative. It's just another car if you ask me.

22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away? Yes...

23. Do you watch MTV? I haven't in a while actually.

24. What's something that really annoys you? Just 1? Wow...smacking, stupidity, tapping, stupidity, refusing to put dirt laundry in the basket...I have plenty more, but I'll stop there before I annoy you *grins*

25. What's something you really like? Sleep

26. Do you like Michael Jackson? As an artist, yes.

27. Can you dance? I guess, I don't like to though.

28. What's the latest you have ever stayed up? Holy cow...96 hours.

29. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room? Not by ambulance.

30. Do you actually read these when other people fill them out? Nah, I just see if they tagged me & then read their answers when I copy & paste. OF COURSE I READ THEM!! I'm nosy like that!

31. Tag 5 people! Karmen, Kristen, Jennifer, Katie, & Morgan

Don't forget to tag five people & let them know about it, ha!

Silly Bandz! (11/2)

2009-11-02T01:02:00.001-06:00

**Update! If you like the Silly Bandz, check out the Pop Watch! I'm selling them & you can check out my website here!**

The fad. The "in" thing. The cool item that you just had to have or you would go down in history as the laughing stock of the school. All the other parent's were buying them, you know, because they loved their kids.

~~~The infamous bracelets~~~

We had friendship, jelly, jelly-glitter filled. There were braided, woven & twisted. The thin bangles & the slap bracelets. Chunky & studded. Charm & beaded. The list goes on & on. They were popular! Just like leg warmers & parachute pants. Jelly shoes & big hair. Am I showing my age? Ahem, you get the point, ha!

The hot item with kids right now are Silly Bandz. What is a silly band, you ask? Well, they are over priced, silicone bands. Animal shaped rubber bands, if you ask me. They come in shapes. Animal shapes like pets, zoo animals, sea creatures & dinosaurs. You wear them as bracelets & collect or trade them.

I went in 5 stores. FIVE. Everyone was sold out. Finally, the fifth store I went in to, was ordering some that afternoon. So I waited. Two days later, I went in all happy with a little pep in my step. I knew the shipment was coming in...there would be an endless selection & my kids would think I was awesome!! Right? It was almost a disaster. The store had ordered 400 packs of these ~~stupid~~ fantastic little things & there were 10 packs left. I ~~snatched like a mad woman with rabies~~ made my selection & was very pleased with myself. I couldn't wait for the boys to get home! They would love me forever & tell all of their friends that I was way cooler than their mom. Neener-Neener.

I was very cool for buying them, but Jordan is too cool for me to take his picture...so here's his arm instead.

Logan on the other hand, no pun intended, is so cool ice cubes are jealous, ha!

NaBloPoMo

2009-11-01T13:36:00.004-06:00

It's November 1st and I just joined NaBloPoMo. No, I didn't sneeze...NaBloPoMo is National Blog Posting Month. Thanks to Jeanette, I have joined her in her pledge to do 30 posts in 30 days...yes, I realize what that means thankyouverymuch! It will definitely be a commitment, but I'm up for the challenge. There is no telling what I will blog about on those desperate days where I have no muse. I may do "Toilet Scrubbing Tuesday's" or "What's that Smell Wednesday's"...what? A blogger has to do, what a blogger has to do! So...are you up for it? Are you a real ~~man~~ blogger? Can you handle the pressure? Can you smell what the blogger's are posting?? Huh? Sorry, got a little carried away there. Whew, now I'm thinking about The Rock...where was I? Oh, yeah, so hop on over to here & join in on the posting fun...ya know, if you can handle it =0)

Super Snapshot Saturday

2009-10-30T15:34:00.005-05:00

My friend Angel over at "Emily Makes Three", host's Super Snapshot Saturday. It's a way for us to show off some of our favorite picture's! This weeks theme is "Holiday's."

This picture is from Easter 2007. It's not a very good picture because it was taken by my cell phone. We were at Rick's grandmother's house. It was a very difficult time & this is a reminder that we had each other & we were all thankful. All in about a 2 week time span, we lost our home to a tornado (yes, we were home!!) & lost Rick's grandfather. The 5 of us & our dog were living in the downstairs of my mothers house. Rick & I were sleeping on a double bed. Brady was sleeping on a couch. Jordan & Logan were sleeping in the floor. We were there from March 2nd until June 21st. The boys had to transfer schools & all 3 were playing ball. I am so thankful that we had each other. It was a trying time!

On a lighter note...I took this picture of Logan last Christmas. I laugh every time I see it! He is making the funniest face & I snapped it when the nose blinked. It is so funny!!

Don't forget to hop over to Angel's blog to see other's sharing their favorite holiday picture's or link up & share your own!

Yes I Did, Friday

2009-10-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

Did you do something this week & want to "toot your own horn"? Did you kick a Cheerio under the couch to avoid picking it up? My friend Jeanette host's 'Yes I did' Friday, for all of your back patting & confessing needs. Join in on the fun over on her blog, "And On to Today."

Yes I did go an entire week without sweeping my kitchen floor. I was very disgusted when I realized this on Sunday night. No, I didn't take picture's of the pile I swept up so I could blog it...just how disgusting do you think I am!?! Don't answer that.

Yes I did take the garbage to the curb on Monday sans bra. No, I didn't take picture's, gah...you people, I swear!

Yes I did leave the pan I cooked dinner in on Tuesday night, on the stove until Thursday...because the dishwasher was clean, ha! What? It had a lid on it! Again, NO pictures. Geez Louise =0)

Yes I did get a karate lesson on Monday night. I was supposed to just be helping for a minute & got reeled in to a complete class. So I can completely kick your butt now. HI-YAH!

Yes I did tell my husband & mother that I had an appointment next week with some kind of a doctor that sounded like philanthropist because I couldn't remember the name, ha!

Yes I did start this post on Sunday night so it would be ready for Friday. Yes I did have a good time doing it!

Now, don't forget to link up over at Jeanette's, for more Yes I did, Friday fun!

Ghost Cookies

2009-10-26T12:28:00.006-05:00

Nutter Butter Cookies

Wax paper

White Chocolate

Mini Chocolate Chips (or I used Monster Mash Dots)

The next part is extremely crucial or your cookies will be a disaster...You must find a very cute helper!! I'm just sayin'!

Once said helper is ~~begging~~ ready & ~~hungry~~ willing, put cookies on wax paper & melt your chocolate.

You can completely coat your cookies in the chocolate or you can do the kid friendly version as I did & just cover the tops. (Burning ~~mr.Icandoit's~~ the cute helpers little finger's is not how I roll)

Next, put on the eye's. We used these cute decorating dots. You can use mini chocolate chips or I was going to use cookie icing.

Then they will look like this! Of course my helper is all boy so we had to add "blood."

Now, the next part is completely optional. The handy-dandy helper wasn't so sure he was going to enjoy the white chocolate, so we made milk chocolate ghosts too.

Then, wa-la, finished product with happy helper!

Super Snapshot Saturday

2009-10-24T01:19:00.005-05:00

It's Saturday! No alarm clock. Kids giggling to the sound of Saturday morning cartoons. Football all day. Man, what could be better? Sharing your favorite pictures, that's what! Hop on over to my friend Angel's blog & join in on Super Snapshot Saturday! This week's theme is Kids.

This picture was taken in 2007 & I just love it! It was Logan's first year of baseball. That was a crazy year! As you can see, all 3 of the boys were on different teams!

In this one, I love how instead of putting his hand on his knee, Jordan wrapped his arm around his little brother. Just glancing at it, no one really notices where his right hand is!

Now it's your turn! Find one of your favorite picture's & don't forget to link up over at Angel's!

'Yes I Did' Friday

2009-10-23T19:45:00.002-05:00

It's Friday, Woo Hoo! Did you do something this week that you are proud of & want to acknowledge it? Were you a lazy bum who didn't do laundry all week & want to admit it? Write your own 'Yes I Did' post & link up with other's over at my friend Janette's blog.

Yes I did wait until the last minute to do my Friday post, again. I know, I know...I've got to get better organized! It's hard to come up with something when your week is boring, but I'm trying so bear with me!

Yes I did use either the microwave or the oven all week to feed my family. Never once did I turn the stove on. Shut Up.

Yes I did buy my children over priced, animal shaped, rubber band bracelets. Yes I did take pictures so I can blog about it.

Yes I did pay my water bill, get my tag renewed & go in a specialty boutique (for the animal bracelets) all in less than 30 minutes. Yes, my town is that small!

Yes I did finally talk to my doctor's office. No I didn't get any answers. The ~~idiot~~ nurse that I talked to didn't know if he needed to wind his butt or scratch his watch. He called me at 7p.m. to tell me that the doctor wanted to see me next week. As he was hanging up, I asked him about my test results. The response...brace yourself..."Uhh, what test?" Yes I did want to slap the man. I proceeded to tell him that I had 8 vials of blood drawn. The response, "You did? When?" Sigh...a month ago. "Oh, here it is." Yes I did have to write everything he said down & google it because he openly admitted that he, and I quote, had no idea what any of it meant. Double sigh. He goes to hang up once again & I asked him if he had the other test result's. You guessed it, he asked "What tests?" Long story short, I don't know any more than I did before he called. I have an appointment this week & hopefully it will shed some light on all of it.

Well, that's my 'Yes I did's"...don't forget to visit Janette's blog to see all of the other yes I did posts!

Spicy Crackers

2009-10-19T15:00:00.007-05:00

This is an awesome recipe that I wanted to share. October is fire safety month so there are a lot of station tours & school trips for the Fire Marshal. This also means that the holiday's seasonal goodies get off to a good start for the firemen. Lot's of station tours mean lots of sweet Kindergarten teachers & mom's that come bearing all kinds of deliciousness! This also means my collection of recipe's grow because the Fire Marshal comes home and wants me to make them! I made Spicy Crackers this weekend & honestly, my hips will never be the same. I'm so very glad that they are almost gone! I had to experiment a little, so I tried a few sleeve's of Ritz cracker's & that has been my downfall, ha! So, without further ado...here they are =0)

You need saltine crackers (or Ritz if you're brave)

1 1/2 cups of Canola oil

1 pkg of Hidden Valley Ranch dry mix

2 tbls of Crushed Red Pepper (not ground)

Stand your crackers on end. I used a Rubbermaid Take-Along from Wal-Mart. You don't want to put them in there extremely tight, just to where there isn't any wiggling room between them. About medium tight.

Mix the oil, pepper & ranch mix together with a whisk.

While whisking, pour mixture evenly over the crackers. It's important to whisk while pouring to prevent settling.

Place the lid on & let sit for 10 minutes. Then flip the container over for 10 minutes. Do this in 10 to 15 minute intervals until the oil isn't pooling up in the bottom of the container.

YUM! The Ritz are awesome! Their buttery taste with the spices is unbelievable!

I served these with summer sausage & cheese, just cheese & tonight with chili.

The crackers remain crisp & never get soggy. They have a nice little kick to them, so if you don't want them as spicy add less pepper. Enjoy!

Super Snapshot Saturday

2009-10-17T12:53:00.004-05:00

It's Saturday!! A day to sleep in, watch football & munch on snacks all day! As if that wasn't good enough, my friend Angel host's Super Snapshot Saturday! Us blogger's take picture's of everything! I know my computer is full of picture's that I wish I could share & Angel has given us the opportunity to do that. So hop on over to her blog & link up with all of the other's that are sharing their favorite pictures.

This weeks theme is black & white. This is a picture of my sister, Jessica. She is 16 now, but in this picture she was about 13 or 14. It is one of my favorite pictures! I hope you think it's as beautiful as I do.

Yes I Did, Friday

2009-10-16T23:41:00.003-05:00

My good friend & partner in crime, Jeanette, hosts 'Yes I Did!' Friday every week. Pop on over to her blog here, to see everyones confessions...good & bad!

Yes I did wait until Saturday to post my Friday confessions. I'm smarter than the average bear & would never wait until midnight Friday night to remember that I had not done my post...ok, Yes I did!

Saturday, yes I did stay mad at myself all day. I forgot to make my picks on one of my football websites. I am still mad about it! I was in 2nd place in the league & dropped to 8th... EIGHTH! I'm still bitter, can you tell?

Yes I did eat lunch with a few blogging friends on Sunday & ran my mouth for 5 straight hours!

Wednesday, I was a glutton for punishment & allowed a man I had never met, to shove needles into my hand...oh, yes I did, OUCH! Then I knowingly allowed someone to inject me with radioactive isotopes...yes I did secretly hope I would turn in to Spidey Shana!

Also on Wednesday, I had a 4 hour wait to get my bone scan done. So I went to eat lunch with the Fire Marshal. I ate breakfast for lunch & was absolutely stuffed. I even tweeted a picture of the menu so I could make every one's mouth water! Yes, I did!

Did you do anything that you want to get off of your chest? Anything that you are proud of & want to announce? Well, don't forget to grab Jeanette's banner & get in on the fun next week!

A three hour tour...

2009-10-14T22:44:00.003-05:00

Alright, so it wasn't a three hour tour, but I was more nervous than Gilligan around Ginger. Do you remember when I told you about my bloggy lunch date here? Well, this past Sunday, I met Karmen, Kristen & Katie at a local Mexican restaurant. Alline planned on coming with us, but she had family activities planned on that day. I have talked to these girls so much on the computer, that we felt like we knew each other. It was still very nerve racking to walk into a place, alone, looking for people you have only seen pictures of! Karmen & Kristen are twins, so my game plan was to look for the two pretty girls that looked alike, ha! Luckily, we have shared enough pictures that I knew them from across the restaurant!

In my head, I thought there would be a lot of awkward silences & giggles. Chips & salsa would occupy us & keep us from fidgeting. We would make small talk, eat & leave. An hour, tops! Right? Well...there was no awkward anything. Definitely no silence & there wasn't a whole lot of chips eaten either! I am proud to announce that the first ETM™ (eatin' tweetin' meetin') was a HUGE success!

We laughed & talked for 5 hours. F-I-V-E! We talked about kids & husbands. Weddings & family. Church & football. Food & work. Ok, we talked about everything imaginable! It was the most fun I have had in a very long time. It was good for my soul & it refreshed me. I felt like a new woman! I can't wait to do it again! Alline & Katie's sister, Brandy, will be with us next time & we have made no promises about how long it may or may not last, ha!

(L to R) Me, Kristen, Karmen & Katie

October 11, 2009

ETM™

Tagged...

2009-10-08T22:56:00.002-05:00

I was tagged by Tina over at "It may be a crazy life, but it's our life." She tagged me to list 7 things about myself that you probably don't know. You can read Tina's post here, where she listed her 7 things! She's a pretty cool chick =0)

So, here's my 7 things...

1. I love to vacuum. Vacuuming myself out of a room & then admiring the floor just makes me a happy woman!

2. I remember everything. Things I want to & a lot that I don't. It's a double edged sword.

3. I love fantasy football. I have several NFL leagues & 2 college leagues.

4. I'm not very girly, but secretly wish I was.

5. I quit smoking cold turkey in April 2009 after smoking for 15 years.

6. I am addicted to Dr. Pepper. When I notice I only have 1 left I start worrying about how & when I'll get more.

7. I know some Braille. I was teaching myself & I need to pick it back up. My nephew has gone completely blind in the last year & I wanted to learn for him.

I am supposed to tag 7 friends, but everyone I thought of has already been tagged...So I'm putting a different little spin on things. If you are reading this & you have never done the 7 things before, like me! Then leave your 7 things about yourself in my comments section or leave me a comment letting me know that you did a post listing them.

Just to let you know...

2009-10-06T21:52:00.002-05:00

**I was tagged by Tina over at "It May Be A Crazy Life, But It's Our Life" & I haven't forgotten. I will do it in the morning!**

Well, my outing that was planned for Sunday, the one I blogged about, got cancelled. Hopefully, this Sunday we will be able to have lunch. Allie's daughter was running a low grade temp. Kristen's nephew was in the hospital Saturday night & she was up all night.(he is better by the way, thank goodness! He is precious!) Katie's fiance was flying back to Iraq & it got postponed. All in all, it just wasn't a good day! My boys were sick & Logan had taken me on a pretty good guilt trip about leaving him! I am still looking forward to meeting up with all of them. Allie's birthday is tomorrow (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!) & I can't wait to hear about Katie's engagement & see her ring!

It's been a long week so far & it's not even half way over yet. Jordan checked out of school on Friday with a fever & croup. I swear the child was communicating with Bronx all weekend. Just his breathing sounded like barking...his coughing was barkapalooza. I hooked him up to the nebulizer & that didn't even seem to help. I felt so bad for him. He missed school yesterday, but he was able to go today. He is an awesome student & was worried sick about his make up work. This morning, his facebook status was "Going 2 School :) God is Good! Feels so great not to be sick!" I was a proud momma!

When I sent him back to bed yesterday morning, Logan met me in the hallway hysterical. His head was hurting so badly & he was burning up. I took his temp & it was 101. So, I had both of them at home sick. Luckily, Brady hasn't gotten it. Logan didn't go to school today either. His fever went up to 102. He has been fever free today though & I am happy to report that he will be attending class tomorrow! Hooray!

So that is what has been going on around here...how have things been with you?

So excited...

2009-10-03T20:31:00.002-05:00

I am so excited about tomorrow! I am meeting four of my bloggy/twitter friends for the first time! I feel like I know them so well, but we haven't met IRL yet. I don't do anything for myself, ever. It's not mommy guilt, I just can't seem to bring myself to spend time & money on me, when I can spend it on my kids. I got my hair cut in January, it was the first time in 3 years! When I get Christmas money even, I spend it on the boys. So tomorrow will be good for me in many ways. I'm a little nervous, but in a good way! We are meeting at a Mexican restaurant near my house & I love it there.

I met Karmen first. She is from Dancing In the Rain. She started following me when she saw me on a mutual friends blog. Then I visited her twin sister Kristen's blog. She is over at I Love You to Pieces. Then the three of us started Twittering together & became friends on Facebook. Karmen & I figured out that we went to the same school, we were just a few years apart. I also went to school with her husband. One day, Kristen introduced everyone to her friend, Katie. She had just started a blog, My Heart Will Always Burn For You. Her boyfriend was being deployed to Iraq & I found out that she lived very close to me. I can't imagine how tough it is for her with him being gone for a year. My heart ached for her & we became bloggy/twitter/facebook friends too! Then on twitter one night Karmen & Kristen mentioned their cousin, Alline. We mostly talk on twitter & facebook, but she does occasionally blog over at Alline's Life.

I originally mentioned to Katie that we should meet for lunch one day since we lived so close together & we both frequent the Mexican place near our houses. Then Kristen got all stingy & was like "Katie was my friend first." Kidding...kidding! We all decided to go together & Kristen emailed everyone for their schedules. I was joking one day on twitter & called the lunch date an "eatin' tweetin' meetin'" & it stuck! So tomorrow we are finally having our "ETM" & I can't wait to meet you girls!

I will take pictures tomorrow so I can blog about our ETM...ya know, like the cool bloggers do, ha! Also, last week Katie got engaged!! Joseph came home from Iraq for a short visit. I can't wait to see her beautiful ring & hear all about the proposal!!

To be continued...