Ladies and Gentleman...

Start your engines!!!!!!

This morning I woke up to both an unpleasant and extremely pleasant sounds...the unpleasant happened around 6 when Howie's alarm went off...forgot to ask WHY it went off too! But he slept right thru it til I "gently" nudged him!! The pleasant...waking up a couple hours later to Miss SamSam singing outside my open door. Wasn't a "real" song, but she was just singing away in a soprano voice...which is unusual for her. Either way, I enjoyed waking up like that!

I could hear Howie and DJ getting ready to head out for the Grand Prix with Awana...in fact, DJ came to see me long before they actually left and he already had his coat on! :) He wasn't excited at all!! Howie got Sam changed out of her pull up, potty'd and dressed before he left...and even put Caillou on for her. She's so quiet when its just her!! I got up slowly and even had to come peek and make sure she was still upstairs it was that quiet. I then got a phone call from Howie that once the car was registered, it was impounded til race time...which was 10 ...and they'd gotten there for 8:30. DJ's number was 101...they were the first ones to check in!

The boys got back just after 9 and I made Howie and I breakfast since the kids already ate...and then they took off, I got ready and Sam and I took off for the church. Since his number was 101 that meant he was in the first race...and it was literally a race to get there in time. We didn't make it...traffic, train crossing...you name it! lol Good thing he raced 4 times in total! For a while there, he had the fastest time...til some of them fancy cars showed up! Of his four races, he took 1st three times and was 2nd by one 1000th of a second! that close!!! It was funny to see him all upset he came in second...gave me a good opportunity to talk to him about not always winning and how well he'd already done!  Once his class was done racing, he became somewhat bored waiting for the other two classes to do their races. His class was Cubbies and Sparks...the next class was TnT, which is my group, and Trek...the third class was adults. Yes, adults can race in this!!! I've already got my car designed for next year's race!!! In my head, that is...but I'll make it happen!! :D

It took a good hour or so before the final results were in...and DJ took 2nd in speed!!! SO awesome for him to win his first ever trophy!!!! He was so proud too!!! Ah, who am I kidding...I was bursting too!!! His smile was just awesome too!! It took the place of his train coin bank on the shelf in his room...its THAT important!!!

After the races we each kept the kid we had and went in different directions. The boys went to the train show a the fairgrounds...hitting the swap meet first...and then home. SamSam and I went to costco to do the shopping, had lunch and then finished the shopping at Albertsons and the dollar store. On the way from costco to Monroe she fell asleep...I knew she would and didn't even fight her. So when we parked a Albertsons, I laid my chair back and fell asleep too!! We both slept there for half an hour...what a great snooze!! She woke up a lil pissed my chair was in her lap practically...and told me sternly to put my chair up! First stop was the bathroom and then we did our shopping and headed home.

I called on the way home to see how the boys were doing and let Howie know where we were...we were gone 3 and a half hours at this point...and I woke him up from a doze...and he realized that DJ was too quiet...got off the phone with me to investigate and posted a picture of DJ sound asleep on the toilet...he's really not doing well with the whole wiping his own butt thing. Oy!  We got home within minutes of him waking up so he was still a bit cranky. Howie unloaded from the truck and I put everything away...then he headed back into town to get propane for dinner....been far too long without!

After dinner I got the kids in a bath...I'm beginnin to suspect that Sam has either an allergy to milk or wheat...or she's got eczema. Poor thing! So the bath tonite was courtesy of Aveno...with an oatmeal body wash and oatmeal lotion. She woke up last nite about 11:30 and was complaining of having a "ratch" which means scratch for her. And instead of itching it, I rub her skin...but last nite I put the steroid cream on as she was all red...and wow did it help! This morning everything was tame! So to keep on that trend, I did the oatmeal bath. I also bought soy milk today instead of milk. With Howie and I going on South Beach, we won't be doing much milk...and Howie doesn't drink it anyways....so I switched us! The kids, didn't even notice the change in their chocolate milk. I just need to change Howie's attitude about using it or the kids will pick up on that and reject it. So far, so good! And since putting them both to bed...not one little peep from either of them!!

Howie and I started watching Shrek the Third...we'd never seen it apparently! So he hit record and went to bed! I then dozed off for a power nap and found Bucket List to watch. What a great movie!! It was comical, but not really a comedy...and it wasn't til the very last scene that I was in tears. Fabulous movie!!

Til next time...God bless!

Apparently I dawdle

Which is nothing like doodling or waddling...don't be confused!! :)

I realized last nite that I titled the post and didn't put the conclusion in the post anywhere...oops!! My bad! "If the Laundry Fairy was here....she would have checked the pockets and caught the iPod BEFORE it went into the wash..." is how it should have read...yeah, I found an iPod (Howie's not mine) in the DRYER and pronounced it DOA.

This morning I got to sleep in....really sleep in...as in ALONE!!!! Howie got up around 6 and was in the living room when DJ got up at 6:30. And instead of sending him back to bed or even our bed, he chose to snuggle with him in the chair and watch tv together....awww...til about 2pm when he's SUPER cranky and needs a nap! Sam got up at 7:30 and then the three of them had breakfast! I got woken up at 9 as Howie was getting ready for work! LOVE getting solid sleep!!

Once Howie was on his way to work, I got myself breakfast and worked on the grocery list. We're starting South Beach (hence the decaf coffee) on Monday and it sure is a change in the grocery list! So I had the ads in front of me and the book open to foods that are allowed in the 1st phase to the right and together we created a pretty darn good list!! If I do say so myself!

By 10 am, I had 5 kids in the house...so while they were busy playing, I tried working on emails and whatnot, but they really are loud!!! lol Thank you Lord for giving me only 2 to deal with on a daily basis! The kids sure had fun tho!! Hide n seek...you name it, they played it! And at one point (I think it was Mickey) they all were sitting quietly watching tv. I also got some time to chat with my sister, and promptly kick her butt at a game of Scrabble...we're not done yet and she IS giving me a run for my money!! I guess all those books she's been reading the past few years have done her some good! :D

Around 11:30 the boys went home and I got invited over to see their new paint job...man, does it look fresh in there!! Good thing our paint is only  a year old, or I'd be bugging at Howie to do some changes!! lol I'm sure he'll love reading that! We visited and chatted for a half hour before we headed back home...she was in full on party prep mode. Having a PINK party...a ladies game nite and everyone had to wear pink and bring pink food. I did get an invite, but my babysitter was attending the party in her own home...and Howie works late on Fridays...so that ended that!

After lunch (which somehow also included me deep cleaning the shelves in the fridge for some reason) I fully intended to go to Fred Meyer and do the shopping...but the crankies set in on both kids. Easily offended and quick to tears...gotta love that! So I suggested we go for a nap...yeah, that didn't go over so well! So we got ready for heading out....I was loaning my Mad Gab for the party next door, and she called to see if I'd bring it over...and then asked if DJ wanted to come over and play. I told her I was heading to town to shop, and asked if she wanted him that long...she agreed...and even took Sam who had a choice to stay with me or go next door.

That meant, I got to shop alone!!! And apparently I dawdle!! I was a half hour longer than I thought I would be! When I don't have the restriction of getting the kids in an hour from Play Land, I walk a little slower. It was nice! Should be happening again tomorrow too!! Imagine that! lol I got home about 6 and unloaded right away...the kids walked home and I got dinner started. I was going to bathe the kids, but dinner got started a bit late, so we skipped that and opted to watch tv together. Then came the bed time fight! They were both so tired...Sam couldn't stop rubbing her eyes and DJ was mellow! As DJ and I were chatting he heard Howie pull up, so roped him into reading a book before he could unload his work bag. He didn't mind a bit!

I made Howie something to eat while he changed and then made myself a cup of tea...got some decaf (I don't like caffeine to begin with) Vanilla Chai tea that sounded SOOO good!!! Then we settled in and watched Working Class and had a laugh. Howie went to bed then and I watched a Hallmark movie. Only this one didn't make me cry!! It did make me go "awwww" lol Ah yes, Valentine's day is approaching!!

Til next time...God bless!

If the laundry fairy was here

This morning I woke up with both kids...I vaguely remember Howie kissing all three of us g'day and off he went to work...and it felt like 5 mins later the kids were up! Hate when 3 hours feels like 5 mins..like it the other way around! In any case, DJ had to poop first thing and off he went...but I refused to wipe him up...he's 6 mos away from school, where they WON'T wipe his butt, so he needs to get over himself and do it. It took him an hour and a half and the promise of candy for him to do it....all I can do is shake my head. All those tears and the yelling was unnecessary! We talked about that too!

Once he was done we ate breakfast and he got a Pez dispenser of strawberry candy. He is definitely like my side of the family with his sweet tooth...Sam on the other hand is more of a salty girl, she just hasn't discovered salt yet. She prefers crackers over cookies and chips over candy.

The morning passed quickly! Before I knew it my growth spurting children were begging for more food!!! Its insane when they both get in these spurts! Good thing I got some Goldfish (the cracker variety) when I was at Freddy's the other day, they're both gobbling them! Today at dinner they both ate well (Teryaki) and then had Kinder Egg (last ones!!!!) and then each had a banana and more Goldfish!! Insane! And they were both telling me they're still hungry!!! NUTS! Speaking of, I should put that on the grocery list :)

The afternoon went just as quickly as the morning with kids in and out...mine and next door...they were all over the place! It was cold here today...but that doesn't stop them from playing outside! In fact, that was SamSam's fave part of her day, she told me so at bed time. But she also knows when she's done...and too cold to go on! And that means snuggling with me to warm  up...oh darn!! She's getting better at not being so elbowy and kneesy...makes for a better snuggling companion.

Before I knew it, I had 5 kids in here playing hide n seek and then dogs and cats, and then cops and bad guys...I could hardly keep track of what game they were playing...I only shut down the game of tag they tried to play. One by one they headed for their home and Howie came home to find it quiet...Sam on my lap and DJ on the couch watching Dora...or Diego...one of the two.The boys then got started working on DJ's Grand Prix car...tonite was accessory painting and then letting it dry while we ate dinner and then he and I stickered it up to look like  real race car! He's very excited for the race. Its cute!!

I went to get dinner and both kids wanted to go with me, so they did. DJ gave me directions home, but wasn't quick enough at the second Y and told me to go right...boy did he get distressed about going the "wrong" way! I was actually laughing, he just couldn't tell in the dark. No, I'm not mean, just used his mistake to show him another way home. He kept screaming "I wanna go home!" til I got him calmed down and explained that it was a different way home. Then he missed our street, so I kept on going and he got disoriented again. This time he apologized for not paying attention. Sweet!

After dinner we did the sticker thing which morphed into them both doing stickers on paper (which is now proudly on the fridge courtesy of Sam) while I did up some Thank You cards from Christmas...and worked on my Awana project. Stupid me left the pen and address labels out that I'd been working on...which is just an open invitation to an almost 3 year old...no? She thought so! When I scolded her verbally she instantly sprung to tears...I swear, this girl needs to go into acting! But I know she was very sorry for it, and only messed up one label, so it wasn't too bad. Hopefully she'll think twice about touching pens again without permission. I can't believe she's gonna be 3 next month! Dang!

Once everyone was tucked into bed, Howie and I watched Big Bang before he went to bed...that show is seriously funny! Then I settled in to watch Grey's and Private Practice...both hilarious in different ways...Grey's with all their twitter talk...its funny! Then I watched one from dvr...Royal Pains....such a great show! I've said it before, but I do love any show I catch on USA network!!! And they have weird "season" times, so it fits in when there isn't much else on to watch...and especially in the summer when its rampant with reality crap shows.

Til next time...God bless!

Good Directions

In the past week I've had several funny and good conversation with DJ...some of them I can't keep a straight face during, and others I  prod him with questions to see exactly where he's going with it all.

One that stands out went something like this: we're driving down Highway 2 on the way to deliver Avon and he spies out his window and says "Mummy, there's Taco Bell!! Can we go there???"
Now, I then recall his obvious distaste for Mexican food, and ask "why do you want to go there?? What do you think Taco Bell is?"
His very serious response was "Its Tackle Bell...you go there to get tackled!!"
I'm still smiling and chuckling over that one!!

His newest catch phrase is "are you freakin kidding me!?" and I ask him gently to remove the freakin part and he can carry on. Just this morning, he said "you scared the crap outta me" and I had to let it go...we do say crap and it's a heckuva better word than shit! Which he's already gotten soaped for...but again I did gently suggest he not use that word. He's also teaching his sister what not to say "Sam, you're not allowed to say shut up!" Which is true...but isn't he technically using the phrase anyways!??!!? Ah the joy of parenting!!!

Every week he learns a new Bible verse for Awana, and he does such an awesome job with memorizing it all week, and then we "cram" on the way to Awana with him repeating and repeating it...he does very well! And when we get to church, he searches his teacher out to say it right away! "Cuz it's still in my head and I don't want to forget it!"

Lately, whenever we go somewhere, I have him tell me how to get home...this started quite on accident on the way home once when I asked him at a T intersection which way to go and he said "go right!!" and we made a joke that you "take a right at the marshmallows (hay bales)" And this got me thinking, we drive pretty much the same two ways in and out of our little mountain top...wonder if he knows how to get home from town....so I asked him one day to tell me where to go. It started off with him telling me "go this way" or "go that way" but since he knows his left and right perfectly, I had him say "take a left/right" instead and he's cottoned on to it very well. Just tonite, I had him take me from the church all the way home!!! At every light I'd ask where to go...if we crossed an intersection with no lights, I'd slow down and ask...he even told me at the two Y's we have which way to go. I'm so impressed with his sense of direction!! And then he asks me "does that mean I'm REALLY smart Mummy??"  How do I say no to that!??! At least I know he knows his way home! We'll work on street names next year! lol

Awana was good for me tonite too...man, I was busy!! I'd had a mistake of mine brought to attention and corrected...glad she caught it! Record keeping for this thing is serious!!! Apparently kids can get scholarships based on their Awana credentials...that's kind of kool!! I also took on another task for the head secretary, and brought it home with me to do over the week. She really does do A LOT for the club, so I don't mind helping at all! DJ was happy to see me after his class as he'd picked out whistle from the treasure box...lovely! The teacher promised she'd never do that again! lol I wasn't the only non-enthused parent!

On the way home we stopped at the dollar store to get stickers for DJ's car for the Grand Prix...and I also picked up some more of those wall graphic things...one for each of the kids rooms that says "Wish it, Dream it, Do it" and one for the pantry doors that says "Live well, Laugh often, Love much" and its already on the doors...I may change up the way I put it, we'll see...but I really like it!!

When we got home DJ went to bed quickly and Howie soon followed...I sure hope the decaf headaches go away soon!!! Along with the snarkies! Not being a caffeine addict, I don't know what he's going thru. I then settled in with my needles and got to working! And watched Cougar Town (hilarious!) and Off the Map...which is quickly turning into one of my new fave shows! Followed that up with White Collar and called it a nite! Good thing too, my knuckles were hurting....and I'm working with 10's! No way could I knit on 1's!!

Til next time...God bless!

Bespectacled

This morning was a usual morning...both kids woke up before 8 and were for the most part, good...minimal fussing and they were playing well together. Breakfast, was equally good!! DJ didn't want to eat all his breakfast, so I let him off the hook, but explained that it meant no snacks between then and lunch...which he was fine with for an hour! He couldn't go next door as they were in school today, so he was somewhat bored and taking it out on me. Not a fun time!!! For either of us!

I was busy busy doing laundry (how on earth do we make so much to be washed so quickly!??!) and dishes, and also gathering myself up Avon wise as I had a date this aft to do some prospecting. Oh, and I completely changed the kitty litter up here just for kicks! LOL   And last nite, before I went to bed, I downloaded the pix from DJ's camera for him to see on the computer...he did get a couple good ones...remind tho to delete the bad ones before I even put them on the computer. Big ol black screen shot of nothing! He was very pleased to see his work n the computer in its own file tho. :)

Lunch was early, which of course DJ approved of! After we were done eating I got ready changed and put on some make up and got ready to go...the kids did too thankfully! We weren't out the door at the exact time I wanted, thanks to DJ having a meltdown about what coat to wear *shakes head*  Finally we were out the door and on our way to town. I spoke with my DSM yesterday and set up a date with her to show me how to prospect the grocery store while I'm shopping. And since Freddy's has play land, it was perfect for me to be able to go by myself...well, with her...you get the picture.

Met up with her as I was taking the kids to the bathroom so I wouldn't get that "call" while in the store for one of them needing to pee....smart mom move! And off they went quite willingly! She and I also went off walking around the store "shopping" but really looking for women who need an Avon rep or want to start their own business. Chatting all the while, she gave me some confidence and ice breaking methods (I know that right, as my mom is reading this to my dad, he's giving HER all the advice he'd give me, and I'm sure I'll be getting in the next phone call...) but also I'm noticing how when people are shopping, they're focused and don't want their concentration broken...I had a much easier time in checkout than I did walking around. Altho, the walkin around ended up with me getting dinner...roast chicken! YUM!

She challenged me to give away 5 books in the store...I did 8 by the time I left!!! I done did good!!! I also stopped in to the optical to see where my new contacts were as I'd just gotten my new glasses today in the mail and it seemed like a long time has passed without the new contacts. Seems that CIBA shut down the plant in Puerto Rico that makes the ones I ordered...AND they're discontinuing that line. ARGH!!!!! So of course a chat with the doc is in order as I won't do disposables....lovely!

We head home and Miss Samantha falls asleep in the last mile to the house...I'd been talking to her too!! Hate how easily she falls asleep...sometimes! We got home and when I realized it was almost 4, decided she was NOT getting the nap she wanted. DJ asked to stay out and play...it was a CHILLY but sunshiny day....so I said sure! Sam wanted too as well, but I made her come in and pee first. I thoroughly enjoyed the silence of the house and worked on emails. Before I knew it, Howie was home from work...and then Sam was in the house...and then DJ and D and K were in the house....so long quiet! The kids played xBox while Howie tried sneaking away in the bedroom....I called Sam and sic'd her on him...he loved it too! The two of them had a giggle fest she she was done!

Once dinner was made I sent the boys home and we sat down to eat....I also decided to not bathe the kids so DJ would have time to go paint his car down in the garage...the Grand Prix is in 4 more sleeps y'know!! He's very excited for this! I must remember to look for stickers ala Lightning McQueen for the car...MUST! Sam and I enjoyed the time together and sat in the chair...til Howie came up, then she jumped ship, or chairs as the case may be! DJ took her place tho and it was all good!!

Howie was in bed about 5 minutes after the kids were in bed...he started decaf coffee today, and had a headache...of course, he didn't know he was switched til I asked how he liked it....should have just kept my mouth shut! Still smells like coffee to me!! But what do I know...I don't drink the stuff! The rest of the nite was knit away....my poor knuckles...but my project is coming along!! Before I came on here tho, I went and took my contacts out as I was anxious to put the new glasses on...WHOA!!!!! What a HUGE difference!!! Not just the Rx, but the shape of the lenses, and how I see....not sure I like it! Everything now has a > feel to it...in other words, the left side of the monitor that I'm looking at to type this out, is larger than the right side...and I don't like it!! Its making me dizzy and I now have a slight headache. I keep taking them off to give myself a break. I won't be reading with them tonite but they'll be on my night table to wear first thing in the morning. And I'll be calling the Dr tomorrow too! ugh!

Til next time...God bless!

The poop does stick!!

Last nite before I went to bed I did my usual routine which usually includes one or both of the cats joining me in the bathroom while I get ready for bed. No different last nite, and while I was washing my hands, she was using the litter box (ew, I know) and when done, she did something I've NEVER seen her do...drag her butt on the floor like the dog does!!! She even left a skid mark! (EW, I know!) and it wasn't til she hopped up on the counter that I saw why...she had a turd hanging from her hind end. (EWW, I know!!) So I grabbed a tissue and yanked it off her...it was stuck on there good...and hard, so who knows how long it was stuck there for!! (EWWWWW, I KNOW!!!!) Then I started thinking back to the whole day and if she sat on my lap or not....or snuggled in bed with me or not....needless to say, she wasn't snuggling with me that nite!!!

Crawling into bed last nite was THE highlight of my day!! You see, mom and dad bought us a sheet set with a blanket as a gift...but used it on the bed they were sleeping on while they were here! The laundry fairy did wash them and left them in the dryer while we were trekking to the airport....but it took me a week to get them ON the bed! Last nite was the first nite sleeping with them. Instantly I could feel their warmth embracing me when I got in bed!! Then as I shut the light out and rolled over to get comfy, it was like laying on THE most luxurious teddy bear (think Russ) and having another one hug me with the sheet! WOW!!! And other than Hawaii...I've never woken up so warm and cozy in all my life!! Of course, Howie hates them! Go figure! He says he'll suffer thru them til the weather changes....and I joke they'll be there in summer too!

I did NOT want to get out of bed this morning due to these sheets! Micro fleece by the way...SO soft!! DJ noticed them right away when he got into bed this morning around 6...and Sam noticed them too when she came in at 7:30  What a delicious bed!!! Ok, I'll stop about the sheets!

The day's one and only chore was to go to the shed and gather up the books for donation...when we got there, another gal was bringing in the new load of books, so we helped each other out and got it done quicker than it would have been!! Then once I was loaded up, we headed into town. Swung by the bank and then Goodwill before heading to the homeschool center we now donate to. Dropped the books off and headed for home with a couple Avon book drops before actually getting home. Even made a hair appointment for me and DJ for next Monday...oh I can't wait!!

After lunch I tried convincing the kids to come take a nap in the new sheets with me...no luck!! DJ headed outside to play and Sam pretended I was a pillow. I then got a text from my g/f that she and her g/f were coming to Monroe to see Ben...and would I like to meet them there with their Avon. Well didn't have to ask me twice that's for sure!! Plus, I'd gotten a call last week that a sweater pattern I ordered had come in...so two birds...one trip!! I checked with next door and DJ was fine to stay with them while Sam and I took off. She fell asleep on me on the way in...so I sat in the truck for 5 mins before waking her and going in the store. Found my girls, chatted with them and then headed to the other side of the store for my pattern. It looked easy enough, so I got it! I have a couple other projects I wanna do before I make this...but I do want it done before the fair so I can submit it for judging.

After Ben, Samantha wanted to go in the candy store which is a couple stores down, but first she stopped at the horse...so I put a quarter in and let her ride! She thought that was just great!! Then we went in the candy store...where she did pretty good really!! Lotsa temptations but the owner (who's son is in my Awana group) knows how to deal with kids and asked if she could give her a lollipop...that kept her busy! I got each of the kids a chocolate for upcoming Valentine's treat and we were done. I did see something I probably should have bought a couple of...chocolate covered black licorice...kinda threw me at the time, but thinking back now, that sounds good!!

We got home just after 5 and relaxed for a few minutes before getting dinner going. And since it wasn't a bath nite, DJ got to play kinect before bed for an hour. He's getting good but doesn't play but one turn at each game...trying to teach him to play more as the practice makes him better...so far, its not sinking in. Once they were in bed tho, I turned it off and put the Bachelor on and got out my knitting. Of course, about 5 minutes into it, I hear DJ coming out to tell me something ridiculous...and as I'm putting him back to bed, discover Miss Samantha hiding behind Howie's chair! HA! That brought back memories...I used to sneak out and watch tv after my mom tucked us in...she didn't I was watching with her tho. And I was about 11 when I did that...not 2!!! She said she needed to pee, so off we went and then I tucked them both back in bed...without so much as a peep from either one then.

The Bachelor...where do I begin!??! With the crazy one of course...Michelle!! WHAT is she thinking??!!??! Oh wait, we already know cuz she tells us all her crazy thoughts!!  Shawntel got every woman's fantasy with that shopping spree!!! My bags would have been fuller that's for damn sure!!! And Chantal, needs to chill!! I'm rooting for her since she's from Seattle, but enough with the drama mama!! Emily, that poor soul! Facing her demons like that!! Bless her! I hope she got some serious healing with those laps she drove!  Of the two Ashleys...he kept the crazy one!!!! But thankfully got rid of the squeaky voiced one!!! She seemed way too young to me. Did you notice...none of the ages of the girls are put up on the screen anymore...yeah, I don't like it! Britt flew under the radar (another WA native) as did Jackie. Alli got a special moment during the cocktail party...but I don't see her with him. Who knows...its all speculation on my part!! :)

Til next time...God bless!

Damn you Hallmark!!!

This morning I found yet ANOTHER unpleasant way to wake up...leg cramp!!!! Son of a gun that hurt!!!!! I thought I was having a seizure til I fully came to and remembered to flex my foot. I'll be damned if that muscle wasn't gun shy after that!!! This must have happened shortly after 7 as it was 7:17 when Samantha came in the room crying and mad at me!! I'm still giggling about this one. You see, yesterday they got helium balloons from the party, both of them even napped on the way home holding tight to the string attached....so they both went to bed with their balloons on their dressers awaiting them to wake up....only, they didn't quite survive the nite. They'd gotten droopy...and for that, Samantha was mad at me! She thought I'D done something to make her balloon that way and then threw the shoe it was attached to at me. Go ahead, laugh...I did too!!

Now, I'd done the smart thing and left a sippy for each of them hoping they'd leave us be for a few more winks....til Sam had to pee anyways...then Howie was up with them and I got another hour of sleep. I woke shortly after 9 and got up and had a shower before church. Even had time to put make up on!! Samantha loves when I put make up on and is right in there with me! Today she got some fake blush and eye shadow...which actually did put some sparkle on her eyes. You could tell she felt lady like! It was darling!

We took separate vehicles to church so I could go on from there and do my Avoning. Also to avoid the drama of me leaving DJ and all the tears...it worked for the most part!! I was on my way and off to Lynnwood....thankfully the roads were dry and the sun was trying to make an appearance....so I was able to use the cruise feature!!! Most everyone I visited was home, so that was nice...but yet I still managed to not dawdle too much and even had time to make a pit stop at Joann's fabric...the baby blanket I'm making for church needed more yarn...and I also have a g/f who's having a baby and I found some really nice yarn to make a layette with. I can't wait til she hears the name of the yarn...and I won't say anything here for fear of her reading this :)

I made another stop on the way home at the shed and got a box of goodies to bring home....DJ was thrilled with the sandwiches I got! Since it was after 5 we got started on dinner when I got stuff put away. Not having propane for the bbq limits our choices, but Howie broiled up burgers for us and I did some tortellini and steamed broccoli with a Caesar salad. YUM!!!! After dinner I gave the kids a bath and then they went to bed...easily too!!! They'd done a lot of wrestling while I was gone. The boys tried making DJ's car for the Grand Prix race, but the saw blade quit working, so Howie's hoping to get it in to work and sharpen it up so they can make the car ASAP!

Once the kids were in bed I offered to cut Howie's hair (per his request) but thankfully he declined and I was able to finally sit for a minute!! Or two...hours...lol  Howie was watching some tribute thing for Chaka Khan (SP?) and decided to go to bed...dodged that bullet! Not a fan....and there wasn't a cowboy hat in the bunch!! :P So once he departed, I flipped to Extreme Home Makeover and dozed off! Oops! Musta needed it!! I woke up at 10 and put on the Hallmark movie I was recording.

The Lost Valentine had me in tears within 5 minutes of starting...damn you Hallmark!!! And the tears didn't stop there either...they just kept on flowing! What a fabulous story of love!! And Betty White needs an Oscar for this movie...even if it IS a Hallmark one...she was amazing!!! Have you noticed she's everywhere!?!?! lol  Truly a great movie!!! I was literally sobbing and couldn't breathe in the end!!! Damn you Hallmark!!! I will also add, my mascara withstood the barrage of tears!! Thank you Avon! :)

Til next time...God bless!