Monday, May 31, 2010

Dear John,

I really liked your movie, but did you have to make me use so many tissues?? I simply must go read the book now as I know it'll be better than the visual version I just watched.

Always,
Missy

Man, if you haven't seen this movie...DO! But be forewarned to have the Kleenex box handy! I think I started crying 20 minutes in...seriously! And probably didn't stop til the end...I'm still a little weepy just thinking back on it! What a great love story! It used to be that The Notebook was my fave love story...this one is inching past.

And to think....I almost got The Lovely Bones to watch....and then saw this one and knew it was going to be the one I wanted. I just wasn't in the mood for murder...some days are like that! lol

Today was an okay day. Not what we (or I) wanted. More sunshine would have been wonderful! Our original plan was to take the kids to the Speedway to watch the car races...tonite was demo derby and fireworks....but the wetness ruined those plans. It wasn't raining when we ( or I) got up this morning...and as soon as Howie was done eating the YUMMY cinnamon bread french toast I made he was outside working on the yard. Once I got the dishwasher going I joined him. The kids were already out there drawing on the driveway pad outside the house, or digging in the wet dirt...not quite mud...but heavy.

I also tried one of the Salmon berries out back...BLECH!!!!! I'm shuddering now just remembering it! Oh it was awful!! Seriously need to research them! Otherwise they're history whenever Howie wants to get rid of them.

While we were outside Morgin drove up with her mom for a visit. Jake had to work this aft, so she came for a couple hour visit and then he took her home before work....worked out well. The kids LOVED having her here too!! Samantha is just in awe of Morgin and constantly calls out for her. She was sad when they left.

While Sam was napping DJ and I took off to return the movie from last nite, drop off some more books at the salon and then stop by the shed to see what was new. I ended up with a bag of stuff, carrots, cucumber, cauliflower, cookies, scones, and an orange DJ wanted. Good haul! Oh, I also got some fresh lasagna noodles....I wanna try to make some cannelloni...maybe! There was also some babaganoush...which I've never tried...so why not!!?!? Maybe tomorrow at lunch the kids and I will try it with some chips.

Now, everyone's gone to bed, the radio is on, the animals are calm and my book is calling me. I figured out I have read this one in the series, but it's a good place to start back up...so I'm continuing reading it.

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

No Pain, No Gain

Is what I got told by a g/f of mine today when I whined on facebook about how much my body aches after yesterday's session with Jillian.

I can not begin to describe how much pain I'm in today!!!

Honestly!

I mean, I've been doing the treadmill work outs for 2 months now....but damn! 30 minutes with her and I'm crying with every move I make!! Literally! Ok, not literally, but there were a few times today when DJ jumped on me that I wanted to cry! Believe you me! Its mostly my thighs that hurt the worst...my hips once a in while...my abs when I try to take a deep breath or sigh or cough...and my pecs when I pick something heavy up. So, below the knees I'm fine and above the shoulders I'm fine....youch!!

This morning Howie went to get Jake for the weekend (his clutch went yesterday) and I took the little ones to Lowes for their Build and Grow clinic. Today was making a race car! As soon as we pulled into the parking lot DJ was instantly reminded of the flower box we made the last time he was there. This pleased me that he remembers these things. Thankfully I'm not the only mom who's there...but it's mostly dads and their kids doing these things. Today we actually ran into a mom from the Mommy & Me group...she and her dad were there with her son. He's not quite 2, so, not sure if he remembers us or not. They were just finishing up when we were getting started.

Once the kids were done I had the genius idea to ask the gal running today's event if we could have 8 more of the kits for DJ's birthday party next week....she didn't have 8 left, but went and got me 8 of the flower boxes from the last one!! Sweet!!! I'm actually excited for this!!! I guess I'll have to pick up some flower seeds to complete the deal.

On our way home I tried to find this place that was doing Alpaca shearing today....yeah, no can do! The address wasn't right somehow and I no longer have the ad I clipped from the paper. So we came home instead and had lunch with the boys. When Sam went down for her nap the rain got to me and I laid down too. This was about 2:20 or so...next thing I know its 4:47!!!! That's just crazy!!! I get up and come out to the living room...Jake's sleeping on the couch, DJ's sleeping in my chair, and Sam's not up yet!!!! O M Word!!!! This not the recipe for a good bed time!!! I immediately got Sam up and then worked on DJ. Crazy!!

After dinner the two little ones were wound up!!! Around 7:45 I'd had enough and took them out for a walk. I was tired of listening to the yelling. As we passed our neighbours, who were outside, we asked K to join us and off we went! Exploring! We went up driveways to see where they went...found the water tower....LOTS of puddles....and SamSam picked many, many Buttercups! Even slipped into one of the ditches reaching for one. Boy, that was cold water!!!

We were gone about an hour and when we got back they were put in their jammies right on the stairs....their pants were soaked up to the knees!!! They had fun tho!!! It did help with bed time...which was an hour and a half later than normal!!

While we were in town today I grabbed a movie for tonite....the Gamer....while it wouldn't be my first choice of movie, I will say this: It was thought provoking!! In the "what if" kind of way. I'm not a gamer by any means, but if it got out of control, this is what it could be like! I also have to add that I dislike "dark" movies...why does everything have to be in shadows and dim rooms? I don't live that way! And I find it takes away from the quality of the movie....not add mystery. That could just be me tho...

Now, I'm wide awake....Jake's watching tv on the couch and everyone else is sleeping the night away...I think I'll go read for a bit! Got a new light bulb for my Goodwill lamp I bought last week. Wanna hear something funny? I paid 3.99 for it and the bulb was burnt out...so while at Lowes today I get a new bulb and it comes to 5.41....I could have bought a brand new lamp cheaper!!! *shakes head*

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

I pity the fool

Who has to work with Jillian Michaels!! Ok, really, I envy those on Biggest Loser...but what they don't show is how relentless she is!! Her workouts HURT!!!! I have a new found respect for anyone who has to square off with her in a gym!

Today, instead of doing a treadmill workout I checked out what was On Demand with my cable service. I knew they had some yoga programs, so surely they had to have workouts. I did one this morning that was a belly dancing work out. Geez my hips hurt!!! I have a couple g/f's who take classes and have warned me it was a workout...now I know!!! And I'll say this...my belly can't dance!!!! Not the way she was wanting my hips to move!! Oh no! Not happening!


Note to self: don't work out with the kids around....they get in the way! Or they deliberately disobey you while you're trying to wiggle your hips!


Once Sam was down for her nap I debated taking one myself...turns out DJ stole my idea and fell asleep watching Ratatatatatatatatouile (his version) so, while he was out cold, I checked to see if there was another work out I could do...which is how I found Jillian's workout. Its part of her Shred 30 program....and it was a half hour, so I started it and WOW! She never stopped!!! Within the first few minutes I was huffin and puffin!! Damn! I also counted...throughout the whole workout, I think I did 120 jumping jacks....that's INSANE!!! Thankfully they weren't all in a row, but still 30 at a time is almost killer!! My entire lower body aches today! I can only imagine how I'll feel tomorrow morning! I think I may put the Advil bottle on my night table!


Tonite we had SamSam's 2 year pix taken...I'm a little behind...but she IS still 2!! I bathed the kids this morning knowing we had our appointment for 5 pm. Before her nap I got her 2 outfits ready and when she got up we did a quick change and hopped in the truck to head to Target. I let her wear her squeakers and every single person we walked by turned their head to check her out. It was hard to keep a straight face! She LOVES these shoes!! She was also a little bugger when it came to the camera....she clams right up!! Instead of being a ham, she's a clam! I have all the pix online thru Target's website, but can't upload them to here...gotta work on that tomorrow.


While I was picking out what pictures I wanted my children were running rampant in the less populated area of the store. *sigh* And then DJ tried climbing a display...can you guess what happened next?? *sigh* Why, yes, the rack did come off the shelf...sending trial sizes of shampoo, shaving cream, deodorants and whatever else you might need to travel with, FLYING!!! UGH!!! He just looked at me and said "oops!" Like that would fix it all!!! Someone tried putting the display back together and then I made DJ help pick it all up since he made the mess. Sam also helped even tho she had nothing to do with it...she felt bad for DJ.
Yeah....those are my kids!!! Unbelievable!! Of course, what does it say about me that I have to grab my phone to take pix of this momentous occasion while trying not to laugh?? lol

Once out of there we headed home after the kids consumed some nasty looking hot dogs...won't be eating there again! The traffic on Hwy 2 was NUTZ!!!!! Unreal!!! I should have taken one of the side roads earlier than I did as I spent a half hour in stop and go (more stop than go) traffic as everyone is trying to get out of Dodge for Memorial Day weekend and they have to go thru Monroe to do it. Luckily I was able to warn Howie before he got caught up in it all too.

Now, the granola is cooled, the caramel corn is done, and I finally watched some Lost tonite....all the while debating on whether I *really* need to see the season...I know I will, but its kind of lost on me now (pun intended) as I missed most of last year. What I'd really like is for some nerd/geek out there somewhere who has nothing better to do....go thru ALL the episodes and put it on chronological order...the flashbacks are crazy!!! I think if it all was in order it would make a little more sense. I also don't get how Locke is still alive and walking past his body.....craziness!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Friday, May 28, 2010

So, You Think YOU Can Dance?

a.k.a SYTYCD from here on out

Notice they don't ask the question in their title. Its So You Think You Can Dance. That's it. Like in casual conversation, so you think you can dance....should have an eh? at the end of it!!! If they do a Canadian version, they REALLY should add that!!! lol

Today was not wet when we woke up....well, the sky wasn't wet...the ground still was! Oh it's a muddy mess out there! We kept hoping for sunshine, but alas, there was to be none! And none in the forecast for a while yet...boo!! If you could see our calendar for the month of June, we're booked solid!!!! Lots to do! Lots to see! Rain is not one of those invited!!!

I got my workout in before lunch again...I think I've finally found my "time" to work out! Provided we're not out somewhere doing something. The kids enjoy working downstairs and trying to talk to me while I have my ear buds in and music blasting. I've got to re-work my iPod a bit. There's far too many slow songs on there...I need songs that are going to pace me better while walking. I'm finding hip-hop is good...blah! I'm truly a country girl!

Today also marked the beginning of my gleaning career! I joined the Tri-Valley gleaners and should be able to cut down on our grocery bill starting soon!! This group goes around various grocery places and gleans their leftovers that they would toss but are still good to eat...and its then brought to the "shed" for distribution. Today I got breads, bagels, peaches, cherries, tomatoes, and a danish ring. Oh there's SO many baked goods!! I only chose the one thing so that's good! I'll make Howie eat most of it! lol I'm excited to be a part of this! And once the farmers start harvesting we'll have TONNES (literally) of fresh veggies I won't have to buy. Love it!

This next part is for Fiona...my most loyal reader...and fellow AI watcher....love her!
I did finally watch Tuesday's AI where they sang....I'm not sure either of them deserved to win based on that nite only. The acoustics were TERRIBLE!!! You could barely hear them!!! BUT Lee did worlds better!! Sounded more solid in his performance. She screeches and sings in this flat note/key that just drives me bananas! And still, to this day, reminds me of a street performer begging for money. Either way, they'll both do very well!! I think the all time most deserved winner is Carrie Underwood...and that girl has MADE it!! She's the female Garth Brooks in my opinion! Truly talented!!

Now, I'm off to bed. Nothing on tv worth watching...other than SYTYCD try-outs...which kind of bore me....so I watched more Biggest Loser that I missed out on because of AI and then re-watched some of Glee because it's just freakin awesome!!! Just might turn me in a partial gag gag fan after all....


Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Thwarted by the rains

AGAIN!!!!!

Today we originally had a play date with a friend and her two girls...but yesterday the youngest had a random high fever and aches all over...so we cancelled our plans.

Then I took a look at the Mommy & Me calendar and said we'd join up on the picnic for today.

The rains changed those plans!! grrrrrrrrrrr

Man was it raining too!! Like Ontario rains!! Walls of water everywhere! Good for the garden....not so much for the children who are going batty!

We were upstairs, we were downstairs and DJ did get to play next door for a while...entertainment was the word of the day. I did my work out before lunch so they were both with me downstairs "working" on their desks...which actually means laying under neath it like a mechanic and using their tools to "fix" the problem...which actually means just hitting the underside of the desk with whatever tool they have in their hands. Thank you Apple for making the iPod!!

While I was walking the dishwasher was doing its job....while SamSam was snoozing the washing machine was doing its job....while DJ was out playing the mop was doing its job (too bad it's not automatic too!) so the rains REALLY ruined my day! I had none of that on the menu when I woke up this morning!

Ah well...it needed to be done! Especially since DJ's birthday party is next weekend! He's already SO excited for it!! Howie went today and bought his BIG gift...one we can't wrap...and I have to find a big bow for it...he's gonna FREAK when he sees it!! Better make sure I have the video camera ready for that one!!

So did you happen to see American Idol?? Can I just scream "I TOLD YOU SO!!!!" one more time!?!? HA! I called it from the beginning!! And really, it doesn't matter who "win" the competition...its who you sign with after! And how well they promote you and your talent.
I must say, it was nice to see all the previous (minus 2) winners and others who came back to sing with the crew. That was awesome!

What I don't get....Janet Jackson! WHAT was she doing there!?!?!? She sang 2 songs and not with any of the idols...anyone else that was there was singing WITH a previous contestant...so what was her purpose?? To just shake her booty and bat her cat eyes?? Who knows! Maybe she's Simon's idol....?? It was waste of time for me.

Now, I'm hitting the hay! No heart attacks this morning so that was helpful! And no accidents in the house save for the one poop that we have NO idea when she does it to make it stop! If we could figure that out we'd be golden!


Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Good Karma Squeakers

Have you heard of these?? I hadn't til last nite when I was at the Night of the Arts at Glacier Peak....they were the table kitty corner from me. It took me a while to figure out exactly what they were selling...I mean, I could SEE the shoes on the table...but at first glance thought they were another Robeez style shoe.

Turns out I was WRONG!!!! So very, very wrong!!!

They're shoes alright...but they're squeakers!


The shoes themselves squeak! Literally!! With every step your toddler takes the shoes squeak!




By the end of the nite I knew I had to get a pair for a certain 2 year old girl...I picked out a brown and pink sandal for her. We've got lots of pink and lots of brown in her wardrobe and they're just a darling addition!










I didn't get to see her last nite as she was in bed when I got home, but I showed them to Howie who responded with a "great, noisy shoes" comment and I pointed out that they're not everyday shoes...they're special shoes. It's a VERY good way to keep track of your kid when you're out and about! Just listen for the squeak!

So, today after lunch I put them on her feet and the smile was as bright as the sun that was no where to be found on this rainy day. Then I set her down and she started walking. It took her a couple steps to realize SHE was the one squeaking! Then she started dancing around on them! And giggling the whole time!

DJ piped up then and said he wished he had a pair of squeak shoes...boy am I glad they didn't come in his size!! Whew!

Samantha started making laps around the kitchen/living room wall and enjoyed all her squeakiness! Such fun!!!

Of course, she didn't fully understand the concept of "special" shoes...so when I took them off LOTS of screaming and crying ensued....perfect lead in to nap time!!

If you want to get a pair of these "Unique Shoes that Squeak" head on over to http://www.goodkarmsqueakers.com/ and get your toddler a pair!!! A portion of all money generated by Good Karma Squeakers will be donated to the Half the Sky Foundation. Half the Sky is a non-profit organization that provides support for orphaned children in China.

You can also find them on Facebook by typing in Good Karma Squeakers in the Search box...and they're on twitter at GoodKarmaSqueak.

I have not been compensated for this review...just a product I wanted to share with you!!!
Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Me vs The Spider

And let me tell you...it wasn't really a fair fight!!

The final score was Spider 5, Me 0, zip, zilch, nada, nuttin!

I got bit FIVE bloody times by the same stinkin spider!!!! FIVE!!!

The first one was just under my chin, then the second was was the back of my neck, right where the necklace sits...so I thought I'd gotten "caught" up in the chain of my necklace...until I felt a welt there a minute later and it was ITCHY!!!!!! (I'm itching now just typing this out!) and the one under my chin was burning.

Did I forget to mention that this is all going on WHILE I'M DRIVING!!!!!! Seriously!! THE most possible worst time ever!!!

So I start freaking out thinking there's a bee in the truck with me...but after talking to Howie he assured me it wasn't a bee but more likely a spider. Which got me even more freaked out...since I hadn't seen it to kill it!

This is where bites 3-5 happen!

The stupid thing is IN MY SHIRT!!!!! I was literally ready to strip to my bra while driving just to get this thing off me! It bit me on my right shoulder blade...then just above my bra strap in the arm pit area....and the final bite before its timely death was under the bra strap above the waist! That's when I finally wrangled it OUT of my shirt and off my body and killed it with my cell phone! Thankfully I was sitting a light when all this went down!

Seriously....I'm still itching!!! But just out of recanting the story and not from the bites. FIVE bites in less than 5 minutes!!! Ok, 15 minutes...but c'mon!!!! Who else does this happen to!??! Insane!!!!

Its very weird to be so totally and painfully aware of 5 separate bites and have them all burning and itching at the same time! Meanwhile, all I can think of is the calamine lotion in the drawer of the kids bathroom and some stupid email hoax thing about spider bites and the person dying. You know the one I'm talking about! *shudder* No worries, I'm okay...I think!

Yeah, that was my drive to the Night of the Arts at Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish this evening. My unit leader in Avon set this up for me to get potential clients...so we set up a table and had a drawing for a basket of goodies. I got 24 names from the drawing and the winner was a guy (and first person to enter the drawing) that I cajoled into filling out a ballot to win it for his girlfriend. Ironic!

It was an okay nite. Now, I'm used to do these kinds of things what with my parents having their own business and setting up shop just about anywhere. This was okay, but the entertainment was seriously lacking! Ugh! Thankfully I have this wonderful ability to tune out just about anything...but it sure was difficult to talk to people with that racket happening in the background. There were two horrible bands, two great choirs, and several other talented musicians....and then there was the debate team. 6 of them. They each gave a 10 minute speech on something....I have no clue as this is where that talent comes into play! The acoustics in the cafeteria were horrible, and if I can't see the person's mouth, well, it's a wash for me!

I got home just before 9:30 and sat down to see the winner of DWTS...well to be honest, we watched up to the final two....I was SHOCKED to see it come down to Evan and Nicole...and then knew full well that Nicole was taking it home. I then flipped to the last 3 minutes of Biggest Loser to see who won that one...and of course it was Michael! I mean, come on, he started at 526 lbs! If he didn't lose the 264 lbs that he did, I'd just consider him a loser! They all looked SO amazing tho!!

Then it was Glee time! I'm so glad for dvr!! And tonite's episode was no disappointment!! Truly phenomenal! The way they all sing is just amazing!! And what other show do you know of that would have Lady gag gag and KISS in the same hour?? AWESOME!! I haven't deleted this one yet....I may have to go back and revisit it a few more times!

Now, tho, I'm ready for bed. Miss B literally gave me a heart attack this morning when she barked me out of sound sleep at 6 am! DJ came into our room and she barked twice. If ever I was to imagine how it would feel to get jolted with a defibrillator...this was it! Sleeping on my back and all of a sudden the jolt hit....I may have levitated a bit! Then around 7:30 Samantha kicked the wall and she barked me awake again! I swear!!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Madhatter Tea Party

That's what we went to this morning!!! The gal who organizes the Mommy & Me group I belong to has set up a series of picnics at the different parks in our area....this makes me very excited to learn where the "good" parks are!!! Today was awesome!!!! Great neighbourhood, fully fenced, and lots for the kids to do!

And our tea party was a smashing success!! It was funny to see DJ drinking from a teeny tiny tea cup! One of the girls who attended brought along her service for 4...and we had apple juice instead of tea...but the kids loved it!

It was fun!! And still close enough to home that we were able to get back for a decent nap time! I'm not sure who needed it more, me or Sam today! Miss B had me up at 6:30 when DJ came in the room...she barks once and I'm alive! He ignored her and crawled into bed. Shortly after 7 I heard her yakking in the hallway...NOT pleasant!! And then around 7:30 she nudged me, so I got up, put a robe on and let her out...she went half way down the stairs and came back. grrrrrrrr Getting me out of bed for nothing is frustrating!! I pointed her back to her pillow and said "Stay" and she did! But I wasn't able to get back to sleep at this point...and DJ was just snoring away! He's got a cold and isn't breathing well. DJ got up at 8 and Samantha seconds after him...so we all got up! Knowing we had the tea party to attend and some Avon to deliver there was no sense dawdling!

While SamSam napped I managed a power nap in between DJ bugging me and sitting on me...rascal! At 3 tho we went outside as the sun was shining and I HAD to get the rest of the garden planted!!! And by George, I did!! It is finished!!!! Well, except for the pumpkins...the take 115 days to grow, and I want them ready for Halloween, so I won't be planting them for a while yet. At least, I hope it goes that way! I don't know....I'll let ya know if it works! lol

The garden didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would, so I started weeding at the end of the driveway. Howie and I had talked about planting wildflowers there, and in order to do that I completely ripped out whatever was growing there. I must have done a good 10 feet of clearing! It sure doesn't look like much, but my arms and legs KNOW that it was! You see, the bottom part was maybe 3 feet across...but by the time I got to where I stopped, it was 5 feet across...and its only gonna get worse as I go! I sure hope it looks as pretty as I see it in my head.....or this was a lot of work for nothing!

Tonite once the kids were in bed, rather easily too I might add, Howie and I watched the second last nite of DWTS...and I'll tell you what...all my votes went to Erin and Maks! She's the only celebrity that isn't in the world of dance full time! And she's improved AMAZINGLY so! I will predict too that it'll come down to her and Nicole and Derek...and Nicole will win. She's too strong a dancer....her background is all dance! Either way, I'll be happy! As long as Evan doesn't win it!! just saying...


Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Gone Avoning

Its not quite the same as "Gone Fishing" but I have to say, its a lot more fun for me! Getting to hang out with my girlfriends, when they're home that is!, and talking shop...its fun! Today was no different! Well, a little different...I had DJ with me! Howie was having a tough morning with him and he'd been up since 4:30 again with Bailey (Who is currently whining outside our bedroom door where Howie's sleeping) as she had to pee. And once Howie's up...he's up! Cranky Howie is no fun!! Knowing I had to do deliveries today he wasn't able to go back to bed when I got up....and since I enjoy having two children, I thought it in the best interest of DJ if he came with me!!

I wasn't thinking about the best interest of me.......lol he drove me a bit batty! The one way to shut him up tho is to turn the music on and crank it! :D Thank you Lady Antebellum! We got to the first stop and knowing she wasn't home I just left it with her son...and DJ stayed in the car. Next stop was to friends of ours who we were giving a few toys from our stash to for their 1 year old grandson. DJ thought it was pretty neat to share like that! And he knows he can play with them if he ever visits their house!

One of our stops was to check out a friend's new apartment! Her first one moving from home...how awesome! She's done a great job too! DJ was playing seriously shy and ended up knocking over a cup that had a bit of water in it...grrr He got some time out there and then snapped out of it. I'd been talking to him about being polite and talking to people...esp when they talk to him first. I think he's having a hard time figuring out the whole stranger danger thing...when it's okay and when it's not.

We had a delivery to my old (she's not!) land lady who was at the end of her son's birthday weekend...so he enjoyed playing with the boys for a second...kicked off his shoes, socks and jacket! Took a bit of work to get him to leave too!!

The last stop we had was with Jake's girlfriend....so he relaxed even more!! Still played shy, but warmed up quicker! I had a great visit with her and her mom and yakked about anything and everything! Even got to have some sushi!! Delish!!! About 4 we took off in the homeward direction...with a pit stop at Walmart (where else!??!) to check prices on some birthday stuff for a certain boy who's turning 4. I tell ya, its tough to check these things out with him right there! VERY tough! I decided he didn't need new shoes after all, he's still got some growing room in the ones he has now, and I don't want him to get a new pair and ruin them right away...so he can wait! Plus he's got his crocks! I might get him a pair of sandals or dock shoes...we'll see! Of course, as he's seeing these things he's freaking out that I'm not buying them...complete with crocodile tears and red face! Just LOVE havign THAT kid be mine in the store....*eye roll*

We got home just after 6 and got dinner under way...DJ had fallen asleep on the way, 20 minutes before we we home! 20 mins of sleep and DJ aren't a good mix! CRANKYPANTS!!! Ugh! After dinner they got in their pj's and then wrestled with Howie to get the last of the energy out! Worked like a charm too! Samantha went down without so much as a whimper (2 nites in a row now!) and DJ came out once to remind me that I hadn't done his prayers with him....he was right!

Now, Howie's in bed too, hence Bailey's whining, and I'm going to go sit and watch the last half hour of The Apprentice finale. I'm recording the finale of Lost as I'm still a season and a half behind....once the summer starts I'll have lots of time to catch up I'm sure!


Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Change of plans

I love how when you have a day planned out in your head and you wake up to some other reality!!!

4:30, DJ woke me up...he wanted to sleep with us, and I said no...so he went back to his bed with minimal fuss actually...I went potty myself since my bladder begged...apparently Bailey decided she needed to go out too...she started nudging Howie awake. He took her out and that was the end of him sleeping.

I firmly believe now that puppies are God's way of amending women having to get up all those times to feed their infants...multiple times a nite!

So, when I got up at 9:30 Howie went back to bed...boom! Change of plans!!! He was suffering from a migraine headache so he put ear plugs in and went back to sleep. It was after noon when he got up...mostly headache free. Meanwhile, DJ was sleeping on the chair and Sam was running wild around the house! She is such a funny little girl!! She thoroughly enjoys attention and making people laugh! We LOVE that about her!! And I pray it never changes! Her giggles are infectious!

Once DJ woke up we all had lunch together and then Sam went down for her nap. Did I forget to mention its been raining cats and dogs all day!?!? yeah...NOT what I had in mind! I'm still waiting to plant the rest of my garden....I'm itching to get at it!! While Sam was snoozing DJ and I went into town to finish up the grocery shopping....and start getting supplies for his birthday party. He's quite excited about it all! The invites went out today...and I'm now an evite stalker! lol

While we were in town the sun was shining and NOTHING was wet!! They didn't have rain! My truck however was dripping! I'm convinced now that we have our own weather system up here! We enjoyed the warmth of the truck after it sitting there while we were shopping. The rains had finally let up by the time we got home too...but not nearly enough for me to get out and garden...plus I had dinner to start thinking about. While the sauce was heating for sketti I went and had a workout on the treadmill. I need to step it up a bit here!! I've noticed some body changes, but not scale changes...grrr!! I need to get a digital scale...I really HATE the one we have...one of these days! Avon has one, I just need a banner campaign where I can get it for myself.

After we put the kids to bed Howie and I had an in-home date nite...the plan was to finally watch Avatar. He's been wanting to see it since it came out, me, not so much...but hey, he's been quite gracious lately in the movie department. We got settled down to watch it and I have to say, it took a bit for me to get into it...follow the whole story line. It took a while to build up the characters so you feel like you know a bit of the history and whatnot. It was somewhat predictable to me....but the CGI is pretty freakin incredible!!! I will say that!! And Howie kept saying "I wish we'd seen this in 3D!!" and that would have been better...but I enjoyed it just the same.

There was one part that was rather hokey to me...and the fighting made me think of Braveheart....and the end screams SEQUEL!!!!! lol Hey, that's my take.....like it or not! Not something I'd need to see again like some obsessive people.

DJ just woke up to pee and as I'm snuggling with him before I tuck him back in bed he says to me "Why did you buy me?" How on earth does he know we paid for him!?!?!? He was definitely worth every penny!! And even the pennies he's costing us still!! Speaking of pennies...I'm sitting here looking at $1.09 in change from his piggy bank. Today he bought his first thing with his OWN money!! Oh he felt SO proud handing his money to the cashier!!! And it was after dinner that he came up to me saying "Mum, help me get my money from the train to pay you!" How kool is that!??!!? He actually remembered he had to pay it back! The prize he picked out?? A water squirt stick just like K got for Easter. He's been wanting one since! And every time he sees it at the store he plays with it, tells me all about K's and begs for one! So, today, I explained that he could buy with his money if he wanted to! He did! And then he wanted to buy everything else too...silly boy!


Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Friday, May 21, 2010

Sunshine makes me happy

But not nearly as happy as DJ!!!! Today he set a new record!!! He was outside playing by 9:20 this morning!! Unreal!! He was out there before Howie left for work! Shoot, before Howie even ate his breakfast!!!! Whatta kid!!

Samantha and I waited patiently for the Avon delivery truck!! A lot was riding on the timing! If he came early enough, I could do a couple deliveries in the morning AND get the grocery shopping well under way! If he came too late in the morning, then I'd have to wait all day until after Sam's nap. Thankfully he was here by 10:30 and I Sam and I were out the door by 11:30! DJ chose to stay and play...which worked well for everyone!

Sam and I got home about quarter to 2 and had lunch right away! It still wasn't til 2:30 that she went down for her nap....at which point I debated taking one, or working in the quiet of the house. Work won! I got all my Avon stuff organized, stamped and sorted! Ready to go for tomorrow! I had to go in and wake her around 4:30...the one sure fire way to wake her up...tell her we're going outside!! She shot up out of bed and into my arms lightning fast!

My plan was to take Bailey for a walk with Sam...but she'd been having a bad day! Or rather, I was having a bad Bailey day! I couldn't get her outside fast enough and she only peed outside for me once!! The rest was in the house...at the landing, on the thresh-hold of the door, on the stairs...everywhere but outside! grrrrrrr And not once did she poop outside for me either! All 4 times were downstairs! Blech! Howie's already said he's steam cleaning down there next week!

While all the kids were playing I was chatting with Lara on her back deck...she's the one with the view...of the kids that is! Otherwise we'd be up on my deck where the sun is! As we're chatting, Samantha had the brilliant idea to open the front door...and who should come out? Bailey!! Yikes!!! There was a lot of barking, crying and yelling all at once! Barking by Bailey and Max (next door's dog) with Snicker chiming in, the kids yelling at Bailey to go back in, and Samantha crying as she got knocked down! Thankfully Bailey was too shy to do much of anything but run up and down the stairs peeing...so I chased her back inside, shut the door and tended to Sam's ego. It was then I noticed the time...so we cleaned up and headed inside for dinner and a bath!

The bath, was much needed for both of them!! DJ more than anything with that full day of play showing on his feet!! We, yet again, had that chat about him KEEPING his shoes ON! I'm afraid his feet will be black til fall rolls around! I scrubbed to no avail tonite! Just as we were finishing up and fixing to go read books, Howie pulled into the driveway! So he took over the book reading for DJ and I read to SamSam. Both kids were more than willing to go to bed easily! Samantha gave me a flashback to 3 months ago when I'd tell her to lay down and she did....right away! No fuss. No nothing! I put the blanket on her and said good nite....never heard another peep from her!! DJ was still awake when I went to say good nite...which was surprising considering he fell asleep while I was making dinner. AND he almost chose bed over dinner!!! He was whupped! Tonite he found his Nascar sleeping bag and wanted to sleep in it....strange! But hey, if he stays covered, then we're golden!

Howie and I watched last week's Friday Night Lights since we were too busy to watch it last week...but he was too tired to watch tonite's episode and went to bed after. Now, it's my turn to hit the hay!!! The animals are all snoozing somewhere....so I'm gonna go crawl into bed, read for a bit and then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! I'm reading Eleven On Top by Janet Evanovich. Its the 11th book in a series that currently goes to 15...I'm that behind!!! Or at least I think I am...I can't remember the last book I read in the series, and after only one chapter, I can't tell if I've read it or not. If I have and it all comes back to me, then I've got a back up book I borrowed from next door by Dave Ramsey. Either way, I'm set for a while book wise!! The Trace Adkins bio was a really good read! I enjoyed getting to know him better...even if I didn't get to have lunch with him this past Monday!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

THAT was beyond intense!!!!

Did anyone else catch the season finale of Grey's Anatomy???

I think the better question is....who in North America missed it!?!?!? UNreal!!! Seriously!!!

There were times I was sitting on my hands.

Times I was peeking thru my fingers to watch.

Times I was bawling uncontrollably.

Times I was holding my breath!

I watched mine on dvr as we had Jake and Morgin over for dinner. Jake was desperate to meet Bailey as he's wanted an English Bulldog since he was a kid...and since Bailey is in the massive breed category, he was pleased. It was nice to have them!! The kids LOVED having them here, especially since they were just here for dinner on Sunday. As soon as Morgin came in both kids went to hide to play hide-n-seek with her. SO cute! And it took a bit to catch on too. They were calling her name from their hiding spots. Such fun!

This morning started WAYYYYYY too freakin early!! Miss B put her paws on Howie's side of the bed at 5:23....twice! I told her OFF and she did. I then got barked awake at 6:30 as DJ was on the other side of the gate I'd put up and wanted in to snuggle. He'd startled Bailey and she startled all of us...well, not Sam, she slept right thru it all. By 7:30 DJ was up again and wanted to go watch tv...so he crawled under the gate (I had it raised for fat cat so he wouldn't have to jump it) and Miss B followed suit! It was maybe 6 inches high!! I was impressed!! Since I knew Howie had taken her potty when he was up I laid in bed debating how necessary it was for me to get up right away. Turns out, it was necessary!!! She's a morning pooper...and the living room was her choice location! YUCK!! Got that taken care of right away as DJ's got that weak gag thing. Took her out and she piddled. Came back in and had hungry children.

We were done eating and dressed by 9....I don't remember that happening for a long time...at least not without Howie's help! :) In any case, we were out the door by 10 heading to Costco to do the shopping! This time, I was smart and got the customary smoothie and churro BEFORE we started as a calming device for while we were shopping!!! It worked too! Of course, there's always samples of stuff...which the kids love getting!! From croutons to milk...they don't care!

We got home about 12:30 and I left the kids in the truck watching a movie while I got the dogs out right away for potty and then unloaded....so much easier to do without having to mind them too! As I was putting stuff away, I was taking stuff out for lunch. Both kids wanted to eat outside, but it was cold and damp! So, no! I'm a mean mom! Once they were done Samantha went down quite willingly for her nap since she also got up earlier than normal. DJ and I laid down on the couch and within seconds I was dozing...I woke up 20 mins later and DJ was dozing with me. So I forced (yeah right) myself to go back to sleep for a bit. It worked! I got up just after 3 and DJ just kept on going...around 3:15 I noticed that K was outside so that got him on his feet pretty quick. The sun was out...but it was still chilly! I went out with him and took Miss B with us so she could potty and meet the neighbours. She got slightly overwhelmed as 6 people came to greet her. Man, she's got a loud bark!

It also seems her favourite pooping station is downstairs...NOT a pleasant smell! In fact, its much worse than her farts!! They make my eyes water!! I found her poop this morning before we left and Howie found more when he came home...and then she did it again within minutes of him cleaning up! Obviously we're missing the timing/her signals.

Ok, back to Grey's...I'm glad I dvr'd it as I missed ALL the commercials...but because of that, it was that much more intense for me I think. I actually had to pause it just after the first hour, where Derek got shot, to take a bit of a break! I also lost count of the bodies! Reed, Pierce, security guard, nurse, first nurse, himself, then the injured list was Karev, Derek, Owen...that's it right? Man, what a way to close a season out! I'll be sure to have strange dreams tonite...poor Howie! He says I beat him up in my sleep...I'm sure this won't help!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Taking a test drive

But not with a car...with a 7 month old puppy!!

Yes, you read that right....a puppy!!!! As in canine, 4 paws, floppy ears, big ol' jowls, and a sniffing nose!! She's a Neapolitan Mastiff and her name is Miss Bailey!!! Her current owner has two beauties and is running out of room for both massive dogs in her condo....knowing Howie is an animal lover, she approached him last week about it and we discussed it. Now, we're trying her out/on for size and fit. So far, Snickers is the only one out of sorts! Well, Jazz is too, but she's just choosing to hide rather than deal with the puppy!

The kids LOVE her!! The first 15 minutes she was here was a flurry of squeals and excitement...after that, they were good! Bailey's been checking the joint out, and snoozing more than anything. I've read they're a lazy breed when indoors! She absolutely INHALED her dinner!! Howie doesn't even think she tasted it! He fed both girls at the same time, and put some chicken in Snickers' bowl so she'd eat more right away...she's usually a dawdler when it comes to food, and Bailey will clean the plate so to speak.

She has got a BARK on her too!! Man, it's deep!!! Not sharp like Snickers, but from the chest! She's gone nose to nose with Jasper and there was no clawing or hissing...but when Jasper is trying to snuggle up with me in my chair after everyone is asleep, and Bailey comes over to investigate, he growled! There is an order in this house, and Bailey is dead last! lol

Ok, enough about the dog right?? lol This morning we woke up to sunshine!!!! YAY!!!! I think DJ was outside playing by 10 am! He was that anxious to get see K and to play!! Worked for me! Sam and I hung out inside and had little chats...by 11 tho, she was manipulating me to get outside...and so we did! She of course, was thrilled!! I worked a bit on the garden, getting those pesky weeds out! And thinning the onion row a bit! Most everything is coming up nicely! I don't think the squashes worked...I wasn't smart enough to write down what I planted where...rookie mistake! I'm allowed a few!!!! I also turned the soil on the rest of the garden as I WILL be planting this weekend!!! I should have done it today, but this afternoon kinda went sour weather-wise.

The kids ate lunch outside and Snickers helped with the carrots...both kid feigned exasperation with this, but I know they were secretly thrilled! lol No, I'm kidding. DJ was distraught but refused replacements, and Samantha just wanted to copy DJ...so yeah, she's a brat! DJ took off as soon as he was done and Samantha and I played a bit inside before putting her down for a nap. I would have LOVED to have had one too, but I REALLY needed to get the grocery list made up for tomorrow. The past couple months I've been slacking off, and rushing to do it the day of, and its just not working for me that way! I literally spent the entire nap time clipping coupons, and drafting, and re-writing that list! Man! I'm already starting to think ahead to DJ's party...and goodie bags...and food...and...and...and!

Once Sam was up from her nap, she couldn't go outside again like I said she could...the rains had started!! With some wicked winds!!! The blow-your-toupee-off kind!! I saw small branches flying around out there!! Our lights flickered twice, thankfully nothing came of that!

Once the kids were in bed, Howie and I waited til 9 for the results show on AI....and I purposely ignored anything that would blow it for me! Can I just say..."I told ya so!!"....just once!! lol Altho, Howie did bring up a good point before it all came down...what if it was Casey and Crystal in the final 2?!?!?! Hadn't even contemplated that!! I'll say it now....Lee will win!

I can also safely say that I've not been infected by that Bieber fever everyone's been talking about!!! Whew!! I know I'm old enough to be his mother but I don't find him cute at all...he's just like every other teenaged, long haired boy out there....'cept his face is clear and he's got make up on! His singing didn't impress me! His drumming did at the end, but that was minor. The other guy, Travis Garland, is just another Bieber knock-off...same hair style, just about the same clothes, and no voice!! He should learn to mind the cameras tho...there was a shot of him walking past a camera and he's hauling up his pants....PUT A BELT ON!!!!!!

Now, I'm going to take Miss B out for one last potty before bed...here's hoping she doesn't snore as loud as the other two!! Or that she doesn't think our bed should be hers!!! HA!!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Grrrrrrrr

I'm having technical difficulties tonite....I am at the mercy of my mountain and the weather!! Today was gray, rainy, cold, sunny, rainy, pouring, sunny....we were all over the place!!! Totally unreliable! So, it seems, is my Internet tonite as I thumb this on my phone, sitting in front if the computer...as if somehow, my sitting here will make it magically work and I can use all my digits instead of 2!

This morning as I was doing my morning skin care regimen, the children were apparently doing theirs too...getting nekkid!! We hadn't even eaten breakfast yet!! DJ claimed to have dribbled on his pj's and Samantha was claiming hers were wet too...so instead of fighting they just got dressed!!! After breakfast I went to work...today was Avon submission day! I worked a good campaign too! I had two of my clients ask my advice about what skin care they should be using...I love that my face speaks volumes for me!! I'm noticing cheek bone contouring in my face now! And just tonite I noticed my forehead no longer has those perma-lines from raising my eye brows! Yes!!! By the time I turn that dreaded 40 I should look like I'm only turning 30! Right?!?!? :D

I got my order in with a half hour to spare...better than last time, I had 18 minutes! The kids were hungry, so I got down to making lunch. SamSam is missing the sun methinks. She begged to eat outhide (she can't say S's and most times they're H's) and after a few tears she relented and climbed up in her high chair! While she was napping DJ and chatted, watched tv, planted the herbs we were given yesterday and put them on the deck, tried protecting my feet from him! He's back onto my feet since I got that pedicure 10 days ago! Rather buggy!! I kept checking outside to see if K was home...anything for some DJ distraction!

Samantha didn't nap long, and was up about 3:30ish...once she was fully awake the 3 of us headed downstairs so I could take a walk on the treadmill. While I was walking I had DJ gather a few toys he no longer needs/plays with so we can pass them on. He likes that someone else will get to play with them. And I let him think he'll be getting them back when they're done playing with them...at which point I'm banking on him forgetting completely!! Funny how that happens!

Howie didn't come home after work, but went to Jake's baseball game in Lynnwood! A 5:30 game doesn't work with our 2, so he went to watch. The rain had stopped enough for the game to be played. Jake's team dominated yet again and the mercy rule was applied!!

Howie got home just as we were finishing up reading the 2nd book. So a bit of chaos ensued as they clamoured for his attention! He read them one more book and tucked DJ in. Samantha followed shortly after!! Once Howie was done eating dinner we sat down to watch AI...only 2 more weeks to go before Lee wins it!! That's my prediction!!! I see Casey going home tomorrow nite...altho I wouldn't be too shocked to see Crystal get voted off. Chris Daughtry got voted off before the final 2...and he's doing just fine in the music industry! History has shown that winning the title doesn't mean you're the only tone to go on with a career in music. That's my .02! I will say however, that Lee's rendition of Hallelujah gave me chills!!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

He looks SO handsome

When he gets a haircut!! Oh my goodness!!!! If I could afford it, I'd have him get one every 3 weeks!! Such a handsome face!!!! And every time he gets one, I swear he gets older on me!!

This morning was obviously hair cut day for DJ!! I'm in shock at just how fast his hair grew in 8 weeks!!! Insane! He's getting better with the clippers too...much better!!!! If he'd let her do the whole hair cut with them, he'd be done quicker. Not to mention, I could do it here at home....but that's another story! I'm not sure he'd want me doing his hair...maybe one day!

The moment we pulled into Anneke's driveway Samantha started saying "Lia's house" as there's this 2 year old girl who's one day older than SamSam and her name is Aliya. They play so well together!!! And then DJ piped up with "This is Travis' house!" and yes, it is! He's their 9 year old son and DJ just loves playing with Travis!!! He's really good with little kids too!

Once the hair cut was done I got a bang trim which was SOOOOO needed!! They were down to the tip of my nose. Then we got a chance to just chat which was nice!! We wandered out to her garden and she gave me some AWESOME tips for growing things. I also got some of her extra mint and thyme for our garden!! I think I'll start them off in pots up on the deck for this year. Not exactly sure what I'll do with the mint, but man it smelled so good!!!

After Anneke's we headed into town so I could see the gals at the other hair salon I deal with. Got two great orders from there and then we headed to the library. I'd put a book on hold a couple weeks ago and it came in...it also went out!! I was too late picking it up...boo!! So I put another hold on it and then helped the kids pick out some new books for their reading pleasure! 6 books later we checked out and headed home for lunch!

SamSam took a nap and DJ and I watched some tv together til he spied K outside and took off! That let me get to the computer to do some Avon work and enjoy some quietness in the house. I woke Sam up about 4:20 as it was way past her normal time to be getting up. Howie got home shortly after, and the normal evening routine/chaos ensued! Samantha is getting braver out on the back deck....starting to go downstairs when she shouldn't. I put her in timeout and it was THE funniest thing ever!! Both Howie and I were silently cracking up!! She sat there on the bench with both hands to her face giving an Oscar worthy performance of someone who was so hard done by!! After her 2 minutes we chatted about what she did wrong and she just clung to me in a hug that wouldn't stop! Cuteness!!

Since DJ was out playing for a few hours he got yet another bath! I wish he'd keep his shoes on!!!!! (I can hear my mother chuckling now as I never kept my shoes on either...EVER!) So they both got bath and the headed to bed!! Howie and I watched DWTS and enjoyed it! I think it'll come down to Evan and Chad in the bottom two...with Evan going home. He's just not as popular as Chad is...there's WAY more football fans than there are men's skating fans. Not to mention the x-factor...beautiful people....blah blah blah!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!!

75 years!!!



3 quarters of a century!!!!



7 and a half decades!!!!!



6,300 months!!!!!



27,375 days!!!!! (I can go on...)



And yet somehow you still think you're in your 50's! Some days I even wonder when you're going to get old!! Then you go and fall asleep mid conversation just to prove it! It does seem like your energy knows no bounds....til you sit down that is!



Do you realize you were the same age as Travis when you had Johna. That you were my age when you had me!! How about that at age 45 you became a Granpa for the first time...close to John and Joanne's age. Kinda wild when you put it in perspective of where we are in our lives compared to yours.


With 6 kids between you and mom that has grown rather nicely to 15 grand children! And the great grand kids have arleady started!! Just think, when you're Nanny's age you might even have great-great grand kids!!



Being an Evanoff is more than just a name...its an attitude!! A work ethic!!! A driven purpose in life! We've all watched that...grown up with that...and most of us have become that in one degree or another! We all learned from you whether you think so or not! I know you can look at each one of us and see yourself in our character and our actions. Scary isn't it? A bit like looking into a mirror only you can see. I can see you in my mirror too!! (Johna and Tori know what I'm talking about!) In the end tho, we're all very proud to wear the Evanoff name! I know I am!! I pray the name lives on...somehow!



Dad, you know I've loved you from the day God created me in mom's womb...and I'll continue loving you long past the day you leave this earth! I'll be sure to pass on your legacy to my children who love you for more than your pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters! I sure do wish I could be there with you all to celebrate the 75 years of life, that's 39,420,000 minutes, you've been alive! I WILL be there when you celebrate the next milestone of turning 80! Only this time, let US do the cooking will ya!


I love you and hope you feel my love across the miles! Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!!


*cue tears*



Your second born, first born, middle child and 2nd to last child!


Today is also their anniversary!! Happy 38th Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!! Here's to 38 more!!! I love you both tremendously!! Infinitely!!!! Eternally!!!!

Me

I am very aware of

What the word daily means....and have never missed day since starting this blog...but if you'd been inside my poor head last nite, you'd forgive me 1000 times!! I'll start at the beginning....

Woke up yesterday morning leisurely shortly after 9 and got down to business! We were set to leave the house at 10:45 to get to Jake's baseball game in Issaquah. I made breakfast while Howie showered (He'd already taken care of the kids) then I sunshine lotioned (DJ's words) the kids up for being outside in the gorgeous sun, got the last of our stuff packed up for the day, wrapped a birthday present for a party were attending in the afternoon, and then took a shower! Needless to say, we were a tad late leaving! Thankfully Howie was gracious and didn't say anything!

We were late arriving to the game more so because we couldn't find HOW to get into the high school close to the baseball field. We didn't miss much tho, so that was good! And before we knew it, the game was over due to the "mercy" rule, if one team has more than 10 runs on the other team the game is ended, provided you're past the 5th inning. They took a bit of a break to let the boys eat and started the second game at 2:15 instead of 3:30. Kinda nice! It was HOT out too!!! Ok, not so much hot as VERY sunny!!! It was in the 70's with a light breeze.

Once the kids started getting antsy we left and headed to Lynnwood for the birthday party of the grandson of Howie's best friend. Thankfully both kids fell asleep on the way! We had to stop for a card and Sam woke up, but we were in Lynnwood, so it was fine. The party was in the backyard with it being such an amazing day weather-wise. They even had a kiddy pool set up, which my two claimed shortly after arriving!!! Gonna have to get us one!! They LOVED splashing each other! We stayed for a little over an hour and headed home. Howie had to work that evening for a bit, and Jake was coming over to spend the nite.

We got home right around 6 and I got to work watering all the living things that needed watering. It was at this point that I noticed I was seeing double. I even told Howie that it was like my eyes were seeing independently of each other, and if I tried to focus on one thing I'd see two. We didn't do a proper dinner as the kids had been eating, literally, from the time we arrived at the baseball field for Jake's game to the time we left the birthday party. In fact, we've renamed Samantha to Samoocha!! She is SUCH a little moocher!!! Anyone!!!! Doesn't matter who you are, if you have food, she'll con you out of it!! It was funny to watch!! And quite frankly, I'm SHOCKED she didn't throw up at some point with the amount she ate! INSANE!!!

I got the kids bathed before bed to get all the dirt, grime and sunshine lotion off....also to calm them down a bit before bed. It worked too, for Sam...DJ, not so much. He knew Jake was coming and was very excited. He tried waiting up for him, but couldn't do it! Howie left to go get him a half hour before bed time, so I was on my own...I have to say, it went well considering it was unexpected!

The boys were home shortly after DJ fell asleep and I got Jake fed and Howie off to work. Once Jake was done eating we watched some tv from the DVR. Finished up the season of Human Target. The first one I was fine for....but the second one was killing me slowly. I asked Jake to get some advil and downed 4 of them right away. Then I had him turn the lights off. Do you see what's happening to me?? Migraine!!!!! I haven't had one of these suckers since I was 16 years old and had one a month if not more! Noises started bothering me. Jake's glow from his cell phone irritated me. The tv bothered me. And the pounding behind my eyes was unbearable! I didn't watch the second Human Target, I listened to it...and dozed in and out. Hindsight, I should have just gone to bed. But it was only 10:30 and Howie wasn't due home til 1. About an hour later, the rings stopped appearing around objects...I could keep my eyes open for more than 3 seconds....and I could sit up. I took a break once the show was over and went to the bathroom and took my contacts out. OH that helped!!! Then we watched 27 Dresses. What a great movie!!! It was quite cute!!

Once it was done, I bailed and went to bed!!! I was laying in the dark when Howie came home shortly after 1....since we keep the door propped open for the cats to come and go, I had to sleep with my mask on since Jake was still in the living room. But once I was out...I was OUT!!! Didn't wake again til 9:20! DJ even came in at 6:30 to me and asked where Daddy was....I have NO recollection of that!

So as I'm eating breakfast this morning, my SIL calls to say the twins DO have a game at 11:30. Back to the ball fields we go!! Only this time in the opposite direction! They were in Marysville today. Unbelievably we made it for the middle of the first inning....I had nothing prepared for today so had to scramble big time...plus, both Howie AND Jake showered before leaving!!! Sadly, the girls lost by one run and they were done in the tournament.....which meant we were free to come home.

My goal was to plant the rest of the garden...but the moment we entered Monroe it was raining. Big heavy drops! Then Howie asked Jake if his girlfriend would like to come out for dinner...she did, so Jake went and got her while Sam napped, DJ played, I cleaned and Howie watched hockey. He did vacuum for me tho.

Close to dinner I called DJ in as we'd noticed he and K were in the fire pit next door digging....and he NEEDED a bath before dinner!!! I have NEVER seen a dirtier kid!!! He came in and was told to touch NOTHING til he got in the tub!!! HEAD TO TOE dirty!!!!! Realistically, he got two baths! The first one was just to get the surface stuff off! His hair was horrid!! There was so much dirt and soot in there it was awful!! So I drained that and ran a new bath...but before I let the water stay in the tub, I ran his head under the faucet...he hated it, but it HAD to be done!! I scrubbed that boy til he shone!! Even then, he still had dirt stains on his feet, knees and elbows! Unreal!! I have forbidden him to play in there again!! lol

After dinner the kids played a bit but with a 2 hour round trip (not including a quick visit with Morgin's mom) we headed out shortly after 7. Jake fell asleep so Morgin and I chatted a bit. We got there shortly before 8 and I got a nice little visit in with Joanne! I headed home about quarter to 9 and got home about quarter to 10! Everyone was nicely sleeping so I got Howie's lunch ready for tomorrow and sat down to watch the finale of Survivor. I'm SOOOOOOO glad Russell didn't win again!! I was rooting for Sandra!! One game I could never do! Yet, I feel like I do it every day!!! lol

Now, I'm heading to bed! You've been caught up!! Whew! Sorry there was no post for this morning, but I hope you'll forgive me!! Makes me wonder....has the New York Times EVER missed a day?? Hmmmmm lol

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Feeling pretty domestic today!!

But more in a culinary way than in the housecleaning way!! And for whatever reason, this domesticity kicks in when everyone is in bed...go figure! Right now, at 11 pm I have a batch of granola in the oven...the lunches made for tomorrow, dishes done in the dishwasher, kids clothes washed, just need to get them in the dryer, the kitty litter done, the carrots cooking on the stove, and I've written out 3 recipes I want to make soon. My neighbour brought over 2 large avocados that need to be made into something, so I looked up guacamole recipes...I don't have all that I'd need for it. But I'm now armed with knowledge! I also got a couple apples and thought to turn them into apple sauce for the kids...which made me wonder if there was apple/strawberry sauce...there is! But there's also this Apple Strawberry Salsa that sounds YUMMY!!!! So I wrote that one out too!!! Mom, I'll make it when you're here! You and me are about the only ones who'll eat it...its got pineapple in it! The kids may want it too...we'll see!

This morning was super low key as #1 DJ was awful last nite...he was up literally 10 minutes after I'd shut the light out...he peed and went back to bed. #2 he was up at 7:20 and Samantha joined him shortly thereafter! Now, normally on Friday mornings I get to sleep in, but Howie had to be in Seattle for 9 am...and he forgot. So he was rushing out the door as we were getting up. He made it with 2 minutes to spare. If you know my husband, he was sweating!!! He MUST be 15 minutes early to anything and everything! Drives me nuts, but it works! lol

Plus, this morning I was desperately trying to win tickets to a private lunch with Trace Adkins (my next hubby as he's known around here!) but to no avail... :( Seriously bummed! I had no clue what I'd do with the kids, but I'm sure I would have figured something out somehow if I won. *sigh* Guess we're not meant to meet just yet....lol

Lunch was once again on the deck for the kids...prior to tho, Miss SamSam got her finger caught in the sliding door courtesy of her big brother *eye roll* so I gave her lovins and a cup of ice to cool her finger down...she liked that! But she liked it even better when I let her take the cup of ice outside!!! I then went in search of DJ, completely forgetting that he was in trouble!! Totally a sleep deprived moment! lol Of course, once he saw Sam's ice, he asked for one...which I obliged! Mental note to self: ice is a perfect toy!!! lol

While SamSam napped so did DJ and I! We put Shark Tales on (DJ found the stash of movies) and I fell asleep snuggling him...woke up a half hour later with a numb arm from DJ sleeping on it...adjusted and dozed back to sleep. Perfect nap!! Once everyone woke up we headed to Fred Meyer for some of their sales. With all that we have going on tomorrow I didn't want to chance trying to get there....so today worked!! We also gathered up all the books we've borrowed from the library to return them and get more. Mental note to self: Library closes at 5 on Fridays and Saturdays! d'OH!!

So we came home and had dinner instead. DJ had to do some business in the bathroom shortly after eating and while I was in wiping him up he heard K call out for him (we've got all the windows open!) and DJ snapped to attention!!! K had been missing in action this afternoon, hence the nap, so DJ was VERY happy to see him. We all went outside as Sam had been begging all day to play. I watered the flowers and garden and then joined Lara on her back deck to chat.

When Howie came up the driveway it was time to herd the kids in for bed time! Which went well for Sam (2 mins of crying) but not for DJ...that nap came back to haunt us!! He did finally fall asleep at 9:30! Which is when I got started with all this domestic stuff!! Gotta go, the granola needs stirring and I want to go watch Grey's and Miami Medical.

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

I've got the weepies today

Not sure why....but today's been bad for the tissue boxes in our house! I've cried 4 times today! The first time was totally for selfish reasons I'm not willing to admit as it would make me sound like a 4 year old!! The second time was while watching the Private Practice season finale. The third while watching the news (I rarely watch it for that reason) and the 4th was while writing an email. *sigh* I think I'll use a bit of extra eye cream tonite to ward off the puffies that are sure to happen tomorrow morning.

This morning tho, I had both my babies tackling me in bed! At least this time DJ asked if he could help her out. He's a good big brother! Thankfully with their age difference being as close as it is, he's never really tried lifting/picking her up. Which is a good thing!! Once breakfast was done and the dishwasher started we headed outside to play. It was a glorious day!! The kids next door were already out basking in the vitamin D...so we joined them! Plus, I get the added bonus of adult chat in the middle of the day!!!!! :)

DJ is now fully on this kick of wanting to eat outside...even his breakfast! Which I don't allow....but at lunch, why not!! We need to find him/them a kids picnic table for on the deck...I think they'd LOVE that! Sam started off her lunch in the high chair til DJ came in from playing and wanted outside...then she refused to eat anymore til I let her be out there with him. At which point she stole his bagel and hid in a corner with it. OH I laughed!! The compromise was that she could have a bit of it.

While she was napping DJ watched Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure and I worked on the computer....but I'd take "tackle" breaks and run over and tackle DJ on the couch!! He loves when I do this and starts telling me when to take breaks to tackle him. He's so funny!!!! Oh and get this...this afternoon during our tackle session he takes his shirt off and hands it to me and says "I need to air out my belly" SO hilarious!!! HE was serious, I was laughing!!! K doesn't wear a shirt outside sometimes, so that's where he's learning that. I love it!

Samantha during her bath this morning noticed her bruises from falling down outside and started kissing them....that just cracked me right up!! Usually she wants me to kiss them, but today she took it upon herself to make them better. Love it!

I didn't get to see much of Howie today...he got home and within 15 minutes I was out the door and on my way to Lynnwood for an Avon meeting! I chose to go to the Leadership meeting too, to learn about recruiting others to be Avon reps. I found that most interesting!! The regular meeting was after that and as always, was fun, informative and long running!!! lol Our district manager gets talking and she's like the energizer bunny....keeps going and going and going and if she ever reads this she'll hit me!! Shh k?

I got home just after 10 and everyone was sleeping of course. Hit pause on the tv (Private Practice remember) and went pee! Whew! Then I got myself a bowl of cereal (I really do LOVE the granola I make!) and sat down to watch tv and relax! I then watched Survivor from earlier. I'll watch Grey's at some point this weekend. I need to get to bed!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Habs are still in it!!!

Who knew today that the Montreal Canadiens would still be in line for the Stanley Cup!?!?!? Ok, lots of Habs fans believed they would be....and they are now!! The last team from Canada still in the playoffs. Please God, make this hockey season OVER!!!!!!

This morning after breakfast the kids got dressed and we headed out to a new-to-us park here in Monroe. One of the moms in the Mommy & Me group set up a playdate for today at a park near her to play with bubbles and plant some seeds in pots. We headed out a bit late but with it being a park it didn't matter. I did however get a wee bit lost trying to find it...the address in the meet up info was for the gal's house...I realized that after I got turned around a bit. But we did find the park and as soon as I let the monsters free from their car seats they were off running towards the creative. A real one this time!! Suitable for toddlers and pre-schoolers. I think there was 6 or 7 of us moms and quite a gaggle of kids! Bubbles were first as they were out and ready to go for the kids. Homemade ones at that!! She even had a homemade big bubble maker...something I'll have to try one day. A piece of string and two straws....pretty simple! The kids had fun!!

They ran around and played while we tidied up the one and only table in the whole acre and a half park, and got ready for planting seeds. I think DJ's really getting a kick out of this what with the garden and seeing the green sprouts shooting up. The kids got to decorate their pot with foam stickers first which of course is fun!! And both of them planted flowers...Poppies to be exact. After planting came more playing and running around.

And then SamSam came up to me and was NOT a smell for sore noses!!!! So we took off for home to change that diaper and get into lunch. DJ of course wasn't interested in lunch when we got home....he wanted to play with K next door! Sam and I were hungry tho! So while making ours I got his 2/3's done. As I was finishing up my lunch DJ came up the back stairs and asked for his outside. He loves eating outside!!! Of course, I let him. He also had company for a bit...K found him and hung around waiting for DJ to finish. They're cute together! Once DJ was done he took off after delivering his plate back to me.

While Sam was down for her nap I laid on the couch trying to warm up under a blanket. Sleep would not come to me...grrrrrrrrrrrr!! DJ did tho. I guess K went somewhere and that meant DJ had to come in...so he snuggled with me on the couch under the blanket and we watched Phineas and Ferb...dumbest show on earth!!! Ok, after 30 seconds of watching it, I closed my eyes! Sleep still wouldn't find me! At 3 I got up to start thinking about dinner, deal with the dishes, get some laundry going, clean the litter box (revelation: if we fed cats better smelling food, would their crap smell better??) and get a workout in. Most of this happened once Howie got home. He watched hockey and I was downstairs walking while the kids were cleaning up. 'Bout time too...I couldn't see the floor down there! Tomorrow's goal: bring the vacuum down there!

After dinner I grabbed a shower and came out to pajama'ed kids! Perfect!! Brushed their teeth and put them to bed! Sam is still fighting bed time...but not nap time...so odd! At least her fight is down to less than 5 minutes! Since I already knew the results of Idol thanks to twitter, Howie didn't stay up and went to bed early. Now, its my turn!!!!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

"Don't put cookies in the fridge again!"

Not exactly something you hear every day! But tonite, as Howie was heading to bed, right before that last "I love you"....I said those words to him!! We both laughed!!

This morning DJ slept til 9!!!!!!!!! NINE A.M.!!!!!!!! I felt like a rock star!! I woke up shortly after 8:30 and because I was kind of trapped by said sleeping child I couldn't get up...not even to pee! So I checked email, and twitter...just as I was about to get into Facebook he woke up! Sam was awake too! She woke up shortly after I did...but she's still too chicken to get out of her crib on her own. In fact, when I went to try and get her out of her crib she said "No! Jay do it" so I pretended to leave but stood where they couldn't see me and watched. DJ asked if she wanted out, she said yes, and he scooted the rocking chair up to her crib side and she climbed out. Easy breezy!

After breakfast we did our normal routine all the while having the same conversation with DJ about how K isn't home on Tuesdays til late because of school and lunch with his G'pa....but he kept on checking!

Once Sam was in bed for her nap, he and I laid on the couch to watch Tinkerbell yet again, one of these times I'll manage to watch the whole thing uninterrupted, when DJ spied that K was outside playing! He took off like a charge! Went to the bathroom, got socks on, got his shoes on and was out the door before I could say "Sure you can go out!" ha! With him out I dozed for a good power nap! At 3 I got up to putz in the kitchen and start thinking along the lines of dinner while waiting for Sam to get up. Around 4 I heard the "Mummy" song coming from her room. As soon as I said we were going outside she was all over it!!

The chore today was to get rid of the weeds in the front of the house where the Rhodies are. While doing that I thought to move the blueberry bushes to the back of the house as I ordered some bulbs as a fundraiser with a friend's stepdaughter. So with them in mind I kept on going along the stairs working at weeding and de-rocking. Sometimes I think we have more rocks than we do dirt!!! Oh, and while gardening it was either listen to the kids (who all assembled on our stairs to chat) or let my mind wander.

Do you realize we as humans are outnumbered by spiders!?!?! Seriously! I killed one today, and I felt bad for one tiny second...til I thought further and realized there's WAY more of them than us! Scary! *shudder* Odd, I know!

Around 6 Howie came out of the house to see what the kid noise was all about. Not having a phone outside with me for the time (no pockets) I had no clue the time til he told me! Packed up all the yard stuff (I got to use all my new gardening paraphernalia!!) and also the kids toys before heading in. Michaela was outside and said she wouldn't mind watching after Sam while all the kids played on. She was the first one to come home tho! SO cute too! She just HAD to ring the doorbell!

After dinner the kids got bathed and sent to bed. Tonite was an AI nite, so it was a swift bed time routine! No worries, the kids were worn out from playing outside!

Now, my predictions re: AI....I think Michael is next to go...then Casey. The final two will be Lee and Crystal....even further....I predict Lee will win. There, I said it! We'll see in a couple weeks! And then of course Glee came on after AI...I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this show!!! Tonite was no exception! I was bouncing in my seat watching it! Resisting the urge to get up and dance (you're welcome Lara) and sing along! Such a GREAT show!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Oh and the reason I said what I said to Howie...with DJ sleeping in so late, he missed out on the sippy cup of chocolate milk and vanilla oreos his Daddy left for him in the fridge! Apparently is the last thing DJ says to Howie while being tucked into bed. Brats! The both of them!! LOL

"Don't put cookies in the fridge again!"

Not exactly something you hear every day! But tonite, as Howie was heading to bed, right before that last "I love you"....I said those words to him!! We both laughed!!

This morning DJ slept til 9!!!!!!!!! NINE A.M.!!!!!!!! I felt like a rock star!! I woke up shortly after 8:30 and because I was kind of trapped by said sleeping child I couldn't get up...not even to pee! So I checked email, and twitter...just as I was about to get into Facebook he woke up! Sam was awake too! She woke up shortly after I did...but she's still too chicken to get out of her crib on her own. In fact, when I went to try and get her out of her crib she said "No! Jay do it" so I pretended to leave but stood where they couldn't see me and watched. DJ asked if she wanted out, she said yes, and he scooted the rocking chair up to her crib side and she climbed out. Easy breezy!

After breakfast we did our normal routine all the while having the same conversation with DJ about how K isn't home on Tuesdays til late because of school and lunch with his G'pa....but he kept on checking!

Once Sam was in bed for her nap, he and I laid on the couch to watch Tinkerbell yet again, one of these times I'll manage to watch the whole thing uninterrupted, when DJ spied that K was outside playing! He took off like a charge! Went to the bathroom, got socks on, got his shoes on and was out the door before I could say "Sure you can go out!" ha! With him out I dozed for a good power nap! At 3 I got up to putz in the kitchen and start thinking along the lines of dinner while waiting for Sam to get up. Around 4 I heard the "Mummy" song coming from her room. As soon as I said we were going outside she was all over it!!

The chore today was to get rid of the weeds in the front of the house where the Rhodies are. While doing that I thought to move the blueberry bushes to the back of the house as I ordered some bulbs as a fundraiser with a friend's stepdaughter. So with them in mind I kept on going along the stairs working at weeding and de-rocking. Sometimes I think we have more rocks than we do dirt!!! Oh, and while gardening it was either listen to the kids (who all assembled on our stairs to chat) or let my mind wander.

Do you realize we as humans are outnumbered by spiders!?!?! Seriously! I killed one today, and I felt bad for one tiny second...til I thought further and realized there's WAY more of them than us! Scary! *shudder* Odd, I know!

Around 6 Howie came out of the house to see what the kid noise was all about. Not having a phone outside with me for the time (no pockets) I had no clue the time til he told me! Packed up all the yard stuff (I got to use all my new gardening paraphernalia!!) and also the kids toys before heading in. Michaela was outside and said she wouldn't mind watching after Sam while all the kids played on. She was the first one to come home tho! SO cute too! She just HAD to ring the doorbell!

After dinner the kids got bathed and sent to bed. Tonite was an AI nite, so it was a swift bed time routine! No worries, the kids were worn out from playing outside!

Now, my predictions re: AI....I think Michael is next to go...then Casey. The final two will be Lee and Crystal....even further....I predict Lee will win. There, I said it! We'll see in a couple weeks! And then of course Glee came on after AI...I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this show!!! Tonite was no exception! I was bouncing in my seat watching it! Resisting the urge to get up and dance (you're welcome Lara) and sing along! Such a GREAT show!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

"Don't put cookies in the fridge again!"

Not exactly something you hear every day! But tonite, as Howie was heading to bed, right before that last "I love you"....I said those words to him!! We both laughed!!

This morning DJ slept til 9!!!!!!!!! NINE A.M.!!!!!!!! I felt like a rock star!! I woke up shortly after 8:30 and because I was kind of trapped by said sleeping child I couldn't get up...not even to pee! So I checked email, and twitter...just as I was about to get into Facebook he woke up! Sam was awake too! She woke up shortly after I did...but she's still too chicken to get out of her crib on her own. In fact, when I went to try and get her out of her crib she said "No! Jay do it" so I pretended to leave but stood where they couldn't see me and watched. DJ asked if she wanted out, she said yes, and he scooted the rocking chair up to her crib side and she climbed out. Easy breezy!

After breakfast we did our normal routine all the while having the same conversation with DJ about how K isn't home on Tuesdays til late because of school and lunch with his G'pa....but he kept on checking!

Once Sam was in bed for her nap, he and I laid on the couch to watch Tinkerbell yet again, one of these times I'll manage to watch the whole thing uninterrupted, when DJ spied that K was outside playing! He took off like a charge! Went to the bathroom, got socks on, got his shoes on and was out the door before I could say "Sure you can go out!" ha! With him out I dozed for a good power nap! At 3 I got up to putz in the kitchen and start thinking along the lines of dinner while waiting for Sam to get up. Around 4 I heard the "Mummy" song coming from her room. As soon as I said we were going outside she was all over it!!

The chore today was to get rid of the weeds in the front of the house where the Rhodies are. While doing that I thought to move the blueberry bushes to the back of the house as I ordered some bulbs as a fundraiser with a friend's stepdaughter. So with them in mind I kept on going along the stairs working at weeding and de-rocking. Sometimes I think we have more rocks than we do dirt!!! Oh, and while gardening it was either listen to the kids (who all assembled on our stairs to chat) or let my mind wander.

Do you realize we as humans are outnumbered by spiders!?!?! Seriously! I killed one today, and I felt bad for one tiny second...til I thought further and realized there's WAY more of them than us! Scary! *shudder* Odd, I know!

Around 6 Howie came out of the house to see what the kid noise was all about. Not having a phone outside with me for the time (no pockets) I had no clue the time til he told me! Packed up all the yard stuff (I got to use all my new gardening paraphernalia!!) and also the kids toys before heading in. Michaela was outside and said she wouldn't mind watching after Sam while all the kids played on. She was the first one to come home tho! SO cute too! She just HAD to ring the doorbell!

After dinner the kids got bathed and sent to bed. Tonite was an AI nite, so it was a swift bed time routine! No worries, the kids were worn out from playing outside!

Now, my predictions re: AI....I think Michael is next to go...then Casey. The final two will be Lee and Crystal....even further....I predict Lee will win. There, I said it! We'll see in a couple weeks! And then of course Glee came on after AI...I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this show!!! Tonite was no exception! I was bouncing in my seat watching it! Resisting the urge to get up and dance (you're welcome Lara) and sing along! Such a GREAT show!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

"Don't put cookies in the fridge again!"

Not exactly something you hear every day! But tonite, as Howie was heading to bed, right before that last "I love you"....I said those words to him!! We both laughed!!

This morning DJ slept til 9!!!!!!!!! NINE A.M.!!!!!!!! I felt like a rock star!! I woke up shortly after 8:30 and because I was kind of trapped by said sleeping child I couldn't get up...not even to pee! So I checked email, and twitter...just as I was about to get into Facebook he woke up! Sam was awake too! She woke up shortly after I did...but she's still too chicken to get out of her crib on her own. In fact, when I went to try and get her out of her crib she said "No! Jay do it" so I pretended to leave but stood where they couldn't see me and watched. DJ asked if she wanted out, she said yes, and he scooted the rocking chair up to her crib side and she climbed out. Easy breezy!

After breakfast we did our normal routine all the while having the same conversation with DJ about how K isn't home on Tuesdays til late because of school and lunch with his G'pa....but he kept on checking!

Once Sam was in bed for her nap, he and I laid on the couch to watch Tinkerbell yet again, one of these times I'll manage to watch the whole thing uninterrupted, when DJ spied that K was outside playing! He took off like a charge! Went to the bathroom, got socks on, got his shoes on and was out the door before I could say "Sure you can go out!" ha! With him out I dozed for a good power nap! At 3 I got up to putz in the kitchen and start thinking along the lines of dinner while waiting for Sam to get up. Around 4 I heard the "Mummy" song coming from her room. As soon as I said we were going outside she was all over it!!

The chore today was to get rid of the weeds in the front of the house where the Rhodies are. While doing that I thought to move the blueberry bushes to the back of the house as I ordered some bulbs as a fundraiser with a friend's stepdaughter. So with them in mind I kept on going along the stairs working at weeding and de-rocking. Sometimes I think we have more rocks than we do dirt!!! Oh, and while gardening it was either listen to the kids (who all assembled on our stairs to chat) or let my mind wander.

Do you realize we as humans are outnumbered by spiders!?!?! Seriously! I killed one today, and I felt bad for one tiny second...til I thought further and realized there's WAY more of them than us! Scary! *shudder* Odd, I know!

Around 6 Howie came out of the house to see what the kid noise was all about. Not having a phone outside with me for the time (no pockets) I had no clue the time til he told me! Packed up all the yard stuff (I got to use all my new gardening paraphernalia!!) and also the kids toys before heading in. Michaela was outside and said she wouldn't mind watching after Sam while all the kids played on. She was the first one to come home tho! SO cute too! She just HAD to ring the doorbell!

After dinner the kids got bathed and sent to bed. Tonite was an AI nite, so it was a swift bed time routine! No worries, the kids were worn out from playing outside!

Now, my predictions re: AI....I think Michael is next to go...then Casey. The final two will be Lee and Crystal....even further....I predict Lee will win. There, I said it! We'll see in a couple weeks! And then of course Glee came on after AI...I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this show!!! Tonite was no exception! I was bouncing in my seat watching it! Resisting the urge to get up and dance (you're welcome Lara) and sing along! Such a GREAT show!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

For the first time

In quite a few days now, I did NOT have the washer OR dryer going...AND there's nothing in either one too!! Truly amazing!! Tomorrow's another story, but I'm relishing in the wonderment of all today!! *sigh*

Part of why I don't have any going is that we thought we were having a septic issue....yesterday right before I was ready to go have a MUCH needed shower, Howie goes outside and starts fiddling and scratching his head. Now, my husband is pretty darn handy to have around...but when it comes to septic, he's a bit in the dark. Having never worked on one or owned one, it's all new to him. He'd seen a light go off (or come on as the case may be) on one of the boxes outside of the house. He also thought the pump wasn't pumping or was dry....so he halted all major drawings of water. I knew I should have had that shower earlier in the afternoon!!!

Anyways, a buddy of his that he works with, who also happens to live in Monroe, and has had a septic tank came by to look at ours this morning. He works graveyard at the club, so he was at the end of his day and still swung by, and looked at everything septic related. No problems! I can do whatever I want water-wise with no repercussions!!!! SWEET!!!!!

After breakfast I got the dishwasher going...as much as I needed that shower, I thought it best to wait til after I worked out. No sense wasting a good shower to just go sweat!

DJ played and played and PLAYED outside today. It was a bit on the chilly side, and he said there was rain in the air, which there may have been, but it didn't get the deck wet at all! Around 4 he came inside as K went inside....so Tinkerbell went on while I went downstairs to work out.

He now has a tell tale sign that he has something he shouldn't...and he KNOWS he shouldn't have it...whatever the item is, he rolls it up in the front of his shirt, right up to his neck! Today, it was a couple things...a rubber stamp...and a flash light. The stamp he found on the dining table...the flash light...up on TOP of the bookshelf that's 6 ft tall, if not taller! I asked him how he got it and he said, Sam did it! Which of course I know is a lie!!! After asking one more time, he said he climbed up to get it. I was livid!! Sent him to his room and kept on walking!! Walked it right off! By the time I went to get him, he was passed out on his bed with his feet up on the wall. I woke his butt up and we talked about what could have happened if the bookshelf fell on him...NOT good!

After dinner Howie got a call from Jake about the cookie dough fundraiser he's doing with his football team...so they met half way to get the order form so Howie could take it to work with him. If anyone wants frozen cookie dough let me know! It'll be here in June!


Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!

Monday, May 10, 2010

I am TRULY Blessed!

This day could NOT have gotten any better than it was!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!! Especially to my mom!! An amazing example of what I'm trying to be with my own children!

I went to bed last nite knowing I was getting to sleep in...yet, somehow DJ found a way to sneak in and wish me a Happy Mother's Day and kiss me. Samantha wasn't too far behind and Daddy soon after that! He chased them out and I was able to doze again! Pure luxury!!!! It was after 10 by the time I got up and got dressed!!!

I came out to more Happy Mother's Day greetings from the kids! Walked into the kitchen and found Howie making me breakfast (he joked it was lunch now since I'd slept so long!) of scrambled eggs and toast and hash browns. YUM!!!!!! In all our 8+ years together, he's NEVER made me breakfast like this!!! I kid you not!!! He's a fantastic lunch maker, and a delicious bbq'er...but he doesn't typically eat breakfast, so for him to make it for me...amazing!!!

After breakfast Howie took the kids downstairs to get my gifts...DJ had already blabbed about there being a shovel...but I assumed it was a big one as I've been using Howie's....it wasn't! It was this STURDY stainless steel hand held one for digging up my garden!! And a cultivator to go with it! DJ picked it out colour and all!! And then SamSam handed me her gift...a pair of garden gloves in blue with lots of polka dots on them. SOOOOOO awesome!!!! I'd been using Howie's extra pair, much to his chagrin, and the thumb had a hole in it, and they were too big for me....so this was truly perfect!!

The rest of my gifts were done yesterday. Howie put up a rabbit fence for my garden since I now have teeny tiny green things growing. He also got me two hanging planters of gorgeous matching flowers and hung them on new hooks that he put up in front of the house, on the entrance up the stairs. AND he washed my truck and vacuumed it CLEAN!!!!! They even found a pair of DJ's socks!

I could not have asked for a better Mother's Day! EVER!!!! All day DJ kept saying "Happy Mother's Day Mummy" and giving me hugs....just awesome!! He was very excited to do all this for me! and let it be a special day for me...I love that!

We stayed close to home throughout the day...working on outside stuff while I worked inside. The kids enjoyed being outside with Howie while he cut the grass and washed his car up. Dinner was fabulous pork chops on the barbie with corn on the cob....seriously GOOD corn on the cob!! Usually this time of year its chewy...but this was such tender corn!!! Fabulous!!!

Once the kids were in bed, it was our turn to veg out...I watched tv while Howie was online doing stuff. Neither of us could shower as he thinks we have a septic problem...one of the alarms went off, so tomorrow after work he'll check on it. He thinks it might be the UV light...so we'll see. I sure hope so or I'll be knocking on the door next door....I positively MUST shower tomorrow or I'll rot away!!

Now, I'm ready for bed and a bit of reading. Gotta finish up the Trace Adkins book as I've got another one waiting at the library for me! A Janet Evanovich one!!

Til next time...pray for safety for all troops!