Chicken.....and Shrimp! It's what's for dinner!

I've recently begun cooking again.  I mean real cooking, with fresh ingredients and recipes.  Not dumping a box in a pot.  This is driven partly by my family's efforts to improve our health and cooking from scratch is getting us away from all those processed foods and broadening our food horizons. 

I'm loving it even if it is a bit of a challenge with my busy schedule.  And I'm finding myself severely disorganized in the kitchen from all those years of box cooking.  But I'm still loving it!  I'm getting faster each day I cook!  LOL!!

One of my favorite cooking blogs has got to be Gina's Skinny Recipes at SkinnyTaste.com.  She is AWESOME!!  I've tried several of her recipes and I'm always satisfied!!  I'll post more of my Proven Awesome Recipe from her site later.  But tonight I made Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets for the kiddos (yup, those are mine in the photo) and Healthy Breaded Shrimp for Hubby and me (sorry, no photo for those, we scarfed them up too quick!). 

Both were a huge hit!!  The nuggets were moist and tender.  I added a little garlic powder on the chicken because we like it that way.  The shrimp were soooo good!  I never need to eat a "fried" shrimp again!!  And both recipes were easy.  The breading was the longest part but still didn't take too much time.  I served the shrimp with cole slaw and a baked sweet potato.  The kids had mac n cheese (admittedly, this WAS from a box!).  And a good meal was had by all!

What We've Been Up To

It’s been so long, it might be time for a quick update.  DH and I are still married--19yrs in Jan!  Wow!!  Seems like yesterday and a million years ago all at the same time! 

Sara is almost 12 now and getting ready to start Seventh grade in a few weeks!!  Sixth grade was a pretty big adjustment but she did well.  I don’t think Seventh grade will be too hard on her.  She’s a typical Tween—moody, sweet at times, argumentative, helpful, attitude (wonder where she gets that!).  She is going to try out for the school volleyball team!!  She’s nervous I know but she’s been going to camps this summer and she’s played recreation league for 2 yrs now so I think she has a great shot.  Keep your fingers crossed!!  She’s still in Girl Scouts and loving it!  She’ll be a second year Cadette this year and I’ll be a third year leader!  Wow!!  It’s really great though watching “my Ladies” grow and mature!

Scott is 10….and a half!  He’ll in Fifth grade this year!  He’s kinda nervous because he doesn’t know any of the teachers (he’ll have 3).  But I think once he meets them at orientation, he’ll be fine.  He is a second year Webelo Scout and will be earning his Arrow of Light and crossing over to Boy Scouts this year!  He has really enjoyed it!  I’m happy he wants to continue.  DH is the Den Leader still and does a great job!  Scott is gearing up for ice hockey again….I think.  He said this summer he might not play because he’s been playing for 6 yrs.  But he keeps talking about getting new equipment so I think he still will.  He’ll be a second year Squirt.  He played Upper House last year as a first year Squirt so we expect he’ll make Squirt A this year. 

Piper, the Hyper Dog is……still hyper!  LOL!!

Must Be August!

I don't know what it is about August but it seems to tap on my blogging shoulder and whisper in my ear, "hey, don't ya miss the Blog?"  I have restarted this blog several times always in August.  Now it appears that August missed me or I didn't hear her last year but that's ok.  I have missed blogging.  I don't think many or maybe even ANY people read it, but that's ok too.  Someone may stumble upon it and find something they like one day. 

I am trying to decide what direction to go though.  I've always had a mish-mash of everything on here.  But I wonder if I should focus on SOMETHING like Scouts or Tweens or ADHD or Photography or Health or any number of other things!!  If you happen to read this and have an opinion, drop me a note and let me have it!!  But for now, Let's get this party started and see what we can do here!

Wanna See my Wordless Wednesday?

I started to post it earlier but didn't get it finished. Had it as a draft so when I posted it today, it showed up as the draft date. So if you wanna see it, just look below a couple of posts. :)

Aww Geez!!

It's been over a week since I posted! So sorry!! Lots going on now: school will start soon (more to post on that later), girl scouts to start up (more to post on that later), hockey and volleyball soon (yes, more to post on that later!). Ah, it seems I have no shortage of topics.........just shortage of time! Stay tuned! I promise to have something soon!

Changes, they a'comin'?

Let me share last night’s with you.

I found myself in my kitchen early in the morning with other people whom I knew in my dream but not in real life. They said there was a “warning” issued and a few seconds later a warning siren sounded. I ran to the children’s bedrooms, grabbed one of them and ran to the hallway. My other child just appeared in the hallway with my husband. I held one and told hubby to hold on to the other one. I believe I had Scott but it’s a bit fuzzy now.

I could see the sky from where I sat and it was black as night. The wind made a horrific noise and the house started to shake. I could see the black clouds swirling. We all held on tight and then it was over. We were all safe. We looked outside and directly in front of our house were several long rows of houses. At many had been destroyed and about five directly in front of us were totally gone. Only the foundations remained and oddly no debris was around. People were sitting around on the foundations. No one appeared to be hurt. Our house was untouched.

Next, I suddenly found myself in a sports stadium in the aftermath of the storm. Again, no one appeared to be hurt. I found checks in envelopes with my company logo. The envelopes again where in good condition.

Then I woke up.

NOW, disaster dreams are purported to foretell changes soon to come. I had TONS of these when I was pregnant! Not that I’m saying…… The children are getting ready to start school. We are hoping we’ve found a good medication combo for Scott’s ADHD. My company is in the process of being sold. Definitely lots of changes coming! I just hope the fact that all were safe in my dream means that the future is good!

Thought for Today

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."

~~Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Monday Musings

It’s Monday……again! Mondays are rough. Too much running around on the weekend. Too little sleep. Two kids too tired. DD not liking summer camp. DH worked an 18hr shift on Sat. Too many meetings on Mondays. I thought about cancelling Mondays on account of lack of interest. But then we’d all hate Tuesdays!!!

Wordless Wednesday......on Thursday!

So Tired

I'm so tired. It's been a long day, long week, long summer. Life with an ADHD child and a child who feels overlooked and insignificant because of an ADHD child is very tiring. They must be parented differently and one invariably feels the other gets the better deal. I'd just like one day with no whining, no complaining, no tattling, no repeated requests, no yelling, no stomping.....one perfect day. Is that too much to ask?

Am I nuts or just cookie crazy?

Ok, I'm starting to worry I leaped before I looked with this Girl Scout Leader thingee!! I really want to do this. I want Sara to be involved with a group and learn teamwork and community service. I really think she needs this especially at this point in her life.....a tween, hormones already raging, worrying about how others see her, how she looks......she's the typical egocentric tween and her self-image and self-esteem are taking a nose dive.

I tried to get her into Scouts last year but there is a shortage of Troop Leaders in my area and the school year was half over before they found a spot for her. By that time we were already over-committed so we decided to pass on it. So this year, I decided to make sure she got in by being the Leader myself. Just got my official okey dokey this week!

But I don't know anything about Girl Scouts!! I was a Brownie for 1....maybe 2 years (when MY Mom was a leader!) and that was it! I don't like to camp, I'm not very crafty and I'm crazy busy with a full time job, kids to raise with school and sports and a home to pretend I manage!!

BUT.....I do love teaching others new things, and I love helping others especially young girls find their inner strengths and talents and I love making a difference and helping others do the same.

SO....I guess I'll be okay. Maybe we won't do a ton of camping, maybe we won't make all the SWAPS. But maybe we'll have a great time finding ourselves and growing together and helping others at the same time. And let's not forget they nummy Girl Scout Cookies!!!

I Ate That Frog!!

Have you heard the story about eating a frog? You are given a task to eat a frog. It's a disgusting looking, foul smelling frog! It's HUGE!! And you just don't want to do it. So you put it off. But you keep looking at it and getting sick to your stomach. As the day wears on, it follows you around getting dirtier. It gets hot and sweaty and stinks even worse. And it's doubled in size!!!! Now, you REALLY don't want to eat that frog!! And most of the time.....you don't. You just let it keep following you around getting bigger and dirtier and more disgusting as ever.

Now you realize that if you had started your day with a quick frog gulp, it would be over. Would have been unpleasant? Probably. But would it have been better than eating that nasty, dirty, disgusting frog it's grown into.

So today, I decided to eat my frog. I needed to talk to the school about Scott's placement for 3rd grade. I was putting it off because he'd had a rough year last year and I just really didn't want to face the administration. But the school called yesterday with questions about Sara's placement. I tried to eat the frog then. But they didn't have the time to discuss Scott then and asked me to call back in the afternoon. I had time in the afternoon.....but I didn't call. That frog just looked way to gross to eat!! But this morning, I realized that it had to be done and it was in his best interest and I just needed to get over it and do it.

So I did. And it wasn't near as bad as I expected. They appreciated my input and agreed with me on the environment he needed. So I feel good about his upcoming school year. And I'm so glad I made that call. It's over, done, finished!!!

One frog down!! Next frog please!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Yoo Hoo!

Hey! Have ya missed me???? It's been a long time hasn't it! Ahh, life got complicated as it tends to do and I've been away from blogging. I've missed it tho. Hope to keep more in touch. Lots going on with us here. School is starting soon and I'll have a 5th grader and a 3rd grader. So hard to believe!! Scott will be a Bear Cub Scout and Sara will be joining Girls Scouts for the first time and get this.....I'm going to be GS Troop Leader!!! EEEKKK!!!! Add in a busy husband, crazy Border Collie, hockey, volleyball, Silpada jewelry business, hormonal tween and ADHD and .....well......let's just say it's never boring around here!!!! I'd better learn to like roller coasters! Wanna join me for the ride????

Happy Birthday Mama!!!!

Today, I am also immensely thankful for my mother! She is an awesome lady with enormous strength. She was diagnosed with Lupus in her early twenties and told she’s be dead in 6 years. Well, she definitely beat that!!! She went on to get married, have 2 children and now has 2 grandchildren. She's a great Mom!! She hasn’t had a easy life. Lupus is an autoimmune system that attacks a lot of your systems. She has had quadruple bypass surgery, arterial grafts, 5 hip replacements and 1 knee replacement and she’s still going at 68 years old today!

Happy Birthday Mama! I love you!!!

Thankfulness ~ November 12

More Thankfulness!! Gotta get caught back up!

November 8, I was thankful we found fuzzy crocs for the kids at the outlet store. Sara’s been asking for some since LAST year!

November 9, I was thankful the Boy Scouts meeting was cancelled because we were all too tired!

November 10, I was thankful we made it home safely from the doctor’s driving in the remnants of Ida…in the dark. Have I mentioned I can’t see well in the dark? And it’s worse in the rain?

November 11, I was thankful the kids and Hubby cleaned up the kitchen and living room while I was at work.

November 12, today I am thankful for the ability to delete some very inappropriate comments that have made their way into my blog. I am also thankful for the ability to moderate those comments to keep my blog a nice place to visit.

Thankfulness ~ November 7

Whew, busy week so I'm behind. Here are my Thankful thoughts for the week.



November 3, I was thankful I didn't have any obligations to attend to!

November 4, I was thankful Sara did so well at her dance class. The moves are really starting to click.

November 5, I was thankful a potentially serious concern at work was resolved meaning less work for me.

November 6, I was thankful for the extra time spent snuggling with Sara and gabbing about the day before she went to sleep.

November 7, I am thankful for a great day with Scott including hockey practice, scouts outing and a great hockey game where he did a great job on the ice and had a fabulous time!!!

Courage

Today, I attended a party for an awesome woman, Paulla. We had tons of great food, lots of wonderful gifts and beautiful music provided by most talented coworkers whom I had no idea could sing. I didn't want to go but I did and in the end I was glad I did because Paulla had a wonderful time.

You see, Paulla has cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer about 2 yrs ago. Breast cancer was prevalent in her family history so she opted for a double mastectomy and chemotherapy in the hopes it would keep her cancer-free. It did not. About a year later, cancer was found in other organs and she underwent more chemotherapy and once again she thought she had beaten the monster. But, once again, she had not.

Today, Paulla is fighting her toughest battle and most likely her last. Today, she spent a wonderful afternoon with great friends who love her and support her. Tomorrow, she goes to get a catheter inserted to deliver the chemotherapy directly to the cancer that lies in the lining of her brain. The prognosis for this type of cancer is generally about 6 months.

I have no idea what I would do in her shoes. But I DO know that Paulla has done. Paulla has embraced life. She continues to live her life to it's fullest. She and her daughter who is studying to be a nurse went to New Orleans last week. They walked all over the French Quarter. They learned to cook cajun dishes. Paulla told us she will continue to come in to work for 2hrs a day and work 4hrs at home throughout this ordeal. Paulla has not once felt sorry for herself. She is always positive. She's always smiling. She is one of the most courageous people I know.

Please keep Paulla and her daughter Annie in your thoughts and prayers.

Battlefields

Dear Teacher,

Yes, I am aware it was 45 degrees this morning. Yes, I am also aware that my son came to school this morning in shorts and short sleeves. Out of all the daily battles I am presented, THIS is one I choose not to fight.

Thank you for all you do,
Mom

Thankfulness ~ November 2

This month we celebrate Thanksgiving. In the spirit of the holiday I'm going to post something for which I am thankful for every day of the month. Okay, so it's November 2 and I'm already behind. So here's the deal, if I get behind, I'll catch up with the next Thankfulness (is tht a real word??) Post. Cool? So here goes:

For November 1, I was thankful for my brother who came to visit and spent loads of time with the children even keeping them on their Teacher Workday so Hubby and I didn't have to miss work. He spent the Halloween weekend with us and left on Nov 1. I was also thankful that he got home safe and sound.

Fov November 2, I am thankful for my son, Scott, who earned his very first Boy Scout badge tonight! He worked very hard to learn his Scout Motto and the Laws of the Pack. We are so proud of him!

Rays of Sunshine #3

This is my time to push the positive and ignore the negative in my life. Here are my recent Rays of Sunshine.


~~Scott is loving boy scouts! He is working hard to earn his Bobcat Badge at next week's meeting.

~~Sara is doing an awesome job in 4th grade. She'll make the Honor Roll for sure and maybe the Principal's List (all A's)!!!

~~Scott is playing hockey again!!!

~~My brother is coming for a visit this weekend!!! Haven't seen him since July.


YOUR turn!!

Make Suds.....Not War

If only it were this easy.

Fiction Friday!!

I know. I'm such a tease!!! I promised a new story LAST Friday and didn't deliver. And again this week, I'm behind the 8 ball with homelife and work and writing took a back seat. BUT.....I can give you a taste!

She awoke a little later than usual. The warm sunlight filtered through the lace curtains kissing her face while wonderful sounds drifted to her ears. Most mornings those wonderful sounds were the sweet songs of the chickadees getting their breakfast from the backyard feeders. But today, the songs were even sweeter—happy, laughing children’s voices rising up from the kitchen.

“Let’s put chocolate chips in them!!” “I want to make her one shaped like an “M”!!” Then the older voices chimed in. “Let’s keep the noise down or Mimi will know
what we’re doing!” “Oh, yeah, PaPa! It’s supposed to be a surprise!”

Time to Check the Girls!!

Mert over at Almost Somewhat Positive came up with this great idea to remind us to do our monthly self breast exams. If you can't seem to remember to do it, just pick a day, put it on your calendar, in your blackberry, post-it note on your mirror. What ever you have to do. Mert calls it Frisk the 15th because you do it the 15th. I LOVE it!!! So it's the 15th.......so go feel your boobies!!!

ETA: I messed up the cool graphic and it's late so I'll fix it later. :)

Freebie Coffee?? Count me in!!

Want a free sample of Dunkin Donuts coffee? I just got mine! Click above for yours but hurry they are going quickly!!!

41 is.....

Forty-one is :
· the 13th smallest prime number. It is also the sum of the first six prime numbers (2 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 11 + 13), and the sum of three primes (11 + 13 + 17).
· The atomic number of niobium.
· The New General Catalogue object NGC 41, a spiral galaxy in the constellation Pegasus.
· The number of the last symphony of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (note: '37' is not in the canon).
· "#41", a song by Dave Matthews Band.
· The number of times Paul McCartney sings the phrase "Let It Be" in the Beatles #1 hit Let It Be (song).
· Charlton Heston's designation as a galley slave in the film Ben-Hur.
· The victim number that appears on Dr. Lucy Lynskey's forehead in the Peter Jackson film The Frighteners.
· The precinct number that appears on the NYC police car in the film Ghostbusters during the earthquake moment of the film's climax.
· Worn by and retired for Brian Piccolo, running back for the Chicago Bears. Died June 16, 1970 of embryonal cell carcinoma.
· In Christianity, 41 represents the 39 lashes Jesus received before the crucifixion, plus one for the spear in his side, plus one for the crown of thorns.
· The international direct dialing (IDD) code for Switzerland.
· C-41 process is the film developing process for 35mm color negative film.
· George W. Bush's nickname for his father, George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States.
· Montana is the 41st state of the United States.
ME! I am 41 years young today!! Happy Birthday Me!!!

Fiction Friday

I've gotten the writing bug again and I want to share some of what I've done. I don't know what it is about autumn that seems to get my creative juices flowing! I'm going to do a "Fiction Friday" project. It probably won't be every Friday but I'll try to keep up with it. I mostly write short stories and personal essays. I don't know how good they are but I enjoy it.

I'm working on a story that I hope to have finished by next Friday. It's an "alternate" if you will of this story that I originally wrote in college and then refined 2 years ago. Stay tuned!!!

By the way, here's a story I wrote 8 years ago when my first born was a baby about nursing in public. I am honored that breastfeeding.com still has it on their website.

Friday Fill In!

1. Sweet dreams await me.

2. It's been a long week especially for me.

3. Silliness is infectious!

4. I'm going to be a creepy witch this Halloween.

5. Outstanding or not, it's done.

6. A nice soft pillow is what I want right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Canes' Hockey, tomorrow my plans include haircuts for the kids and costume shopping and Sunday, I want to rest!!

Thought for Today~~October 9, 2009

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

~~Albert Camus

Rays of Sunshine #2

Way back in February of this year, I started a project called "Rays of Sunshine". Well, started is probably being generous since I hadn't posted any more "rays" since then. BUT, I love the concept and I'm going to keep it up. It's my way of focusing on the positive. So here are my recent rays:

~~Both children absolutely LOVE their teachers!!

~~Sara has gotten two "Cool Moves" awards at school for exceptional performance in class!!

~~Scott is FINALLY reading chapter books, doing an awesome job and LOVING them!!

~~We have started building our patio again!

~~Scott is feeling better and coming out of his shell!

~~Sara is taking Hip Hop dance lessons and loving it! It's helping her become more confident!

Want to share your own rays???

Silpada Sale--Buy a Pair! Save a Pair!!

As this is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to share an opportunity. I have my own Silpada Designs sterling silver jewelry business and one of the things I love about my business is being able to use it to make a difference in someone else's life.

My goal is to sell 40 pairs of earrings in 10 days to raise money for SHINE FOR LIFE! Your purchase of ONE pair of earrings will help to save a pair...and a life! 100% of the proceeds from your purchase will be donated to the SHINE FOR LIFE campaign to benefit breast cancer research! Can you help???

My Sister in Silpada, Tara Paulitz is battling cancer....AGAIN!
Tara was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2006. Against all odds, Tara's fight brought about remission for two years.

In May this year her cancer returned and she is once again in Treatment. With her faith and spirit, positive attitude and help from God, we know that she will once again be blessed with remission!

I’m sure we ALL have at least one woman in our lives who has fought this same battle. I have several other friends who have beaten or are currently battling breast cancer. My mother in law also fought and beat breast cancer twice. Now I worry…about her, my sister in law, my own daughter and even my husband and son.

Tara began her SHINE FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN with a goal to raise $30,000. She has feared she set her goal too high and wasn't sure she could reach it.... But all things are possible and together we can help Tara reach this goal AND HELP FIND A CURE FOR THIS DEADLY DISEASE... ONE EARRING AT A TIME!

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Buy ONE pair of Silpada earrings & your 2nd pair is 30% off!!! Think...holiday gifts, birthdays, anniversaries.. or a treat for YOU!

START DATE: Thursday, October 8th - Sunday, October 18th!

VIEW the jewelry on my website

THEN: Leave me a comment or contact me through my website if you would like to order and I’ll contact you straight away!

Remember your support will help save a pair! Feel free to spread the word!

Together... We can make a difference!

Thought For Today~October 7, 2009

This is the best day the world has ever seen. Tomorrow will be better.

-R.A. Campbell

Let's Mingle!!

Alright then, I was looking around on the web for some inspiration and checking out some memes when I can across this wonderful project. Indigo at That's My Answer has started this "monthly mingle" so to speak and I think it's fantabulous!! It's a wonderful way to meet new bloggers!! All you have to do is sign up and put the lovely "mingle button" in your sidebar. Then each Thursday, visit the blogs of three fellow "minglers" and leave a nice note for them. It starts over each month and don't worry about being late, you can join in at any time! I'm so excited to meet new bloggy friends! Why don't you come mingle with me??

October Memories

The sun hangs just a little lower in the sky today. A cool wind whistles through the trees and around the corner of the little white house in the valley. The air is crisper, cleaner even, with just a hint of a bite to it as it swirls the leaves around me. But still the sun shines on adding just enough warmth to my body. Sweet inviting hickory smoke hangs in the air from the neighbor’s chimneys. I sit in the rocker on the porch watching colors drop from the trees until the wind grabs them dancing them across the sky—a whirling dervish of red, orange, gold and brown. Some engage in a slow waltz, others an almost frantic tribal dance. At the end of her long day, the sun dips behind the mountain top adding her own reds, oranges and golds to God’s canvas. The night’s chill starts to creep in as I wrap my sweater tightly around me, not yet willing give up on the day. Soon, familiar sounds of rattling dishes and irresistible smells of Mama’s beef stew beckon me. I thank God for this beautiful autumn day and join my blessed family. Tomorrow I’ll receive another beautiful gift from God.

Thought for Today~October 5, 2009

Don't borrow someone else's spectacles to view yourself with.

~~Simon Travaglia

Does this look okay to you?

If you happen by here, let me know how this looks. It looks fine on my IE 8 at home but I have IE6 at work and a lot of the elements (header and sidebar) don't show up. So let me know if you don't see everything and if not, what browser you use.

THANKS BUNCHES!!!

I'm going PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness!

OK, so pink really isn't a color I like BUT given it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought I'd give it a try and this beautiful template was as close I could go! :) Thank you Template Mama!! Look for more in support of breast cancer awareness throughout the month! Don't forget to Check the Girls!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!

At least to me, it is! I LOVE Autumn! The crisp clean air, the beautiful colors, the smell of wood smoke from the chimneys! I'm in heaven when the temps start to dip and the leaves start to fall! It comes later around here than where I grew up but it's coming! I can't wait! It signifies a change, a moving on if you will. I've not been around for some time. I've had a lot going on in my life. I miss this blog. Even tho I don't think anyone reads it, I still enjoy doing it. It's a opportunity for me to share my thoughts and feelings and perhaps touch someone along the way. So I'm making an effort to keep up with it better. If anyone happens to stop by on their travels around the net, please leave a quick note and let me know what you think.

Happy Easter!!

He skipped the Motocross? He MUST be sick!!

Scott is apparently still sick. He and Hubby went to hockey practice today and were to go on to a freestyle motocross show tonight--both events Scott was very excited about. Hubby called about 6pm to say that Scott was really sick again. I could hear him wailing in the background. Apparently, once he got dressed out for practice, he started feeling ill again and refused to even hit the ice. And then, he didn't want to go to the motocross event. OK, this boy is obviously sick--a 7yo would NOT miss a Motocross show unless something was REALLY wrong!!

So they are on their way home now. He still has yet to vomit. Ok, probably TMI but he DID have a huge BM but it didn't seem to help. He's fallen asleep and they should be home soon. He's had a history of mysterious stomach ailments but a lot of it has been related to constipation. This time he showed where he hurts and it is definitely his stomach area. Gastritis? I guess we'll be visiting the doctor very soon! Poor guy!

Friday Fill-In, Feb 27

And...here we go!

1. I'm tired, I'm hungry, I want to take a nap.

2. Why do I have the way and not the will.

3. How does this new DVR remote work, anyway?

4. Every morning, I put kisses on my children.

5. I consider myself lucky because I have a family, a home, and a job.

6. One day we’ll see astronauts on Mars.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to game night with my children, tomorrow my plans include Mommy/daughter time with Sara and Sunday, I want to cheer Scott on it his hockey tournament!

Rays of Sunshine--#1

In conjunction with my life changes, I'm going to start posting a series of positive things for the week. They will be called "Rays of Sunshine". It's a chance to focus of the good things that have happened for me and my family instead of the negative--to share the blessings my family has realized. So here is the first.

**Sara did a wonderful job helping me clean house on Sat. She did it willingly and kept asking for things to do. I'm so very proud of her.

**Scott earned a "Cool Moves" certificate at school for his improvements in reading and writing and for his wonderful "sandwich story". He's made such great improvements in school this year. I'm so very proud.

**Hubby and I had a wonderful date-night Saturday, first in a long time.

**The children's behaviour has improved this week--less fighting and more willing to work together.

**I've been wagging more. :)

**Sara passed her test for the 8's times table. She's moving on to the 9's!!! Way to go, Sweetie!!!


It's been quite a "sunny" week!

Return of "the Bug"

Stomach bug that is. Or is it? Scott's teacher called this morning to say he wasn't feeling well. He is not one to "fake" at school (although at home may be another story), but I will say that since he had the bug a few weeks ago, he's been a bit super sensitive to slight feelings of tummy unrest and seems to confuse nausea with the simple need to "go".

His teachers felt it best he come come home since we was very upset and kept running to the bathroom so here we are at home. We've been here for a while now and have yet to get sick, so I'm not so sure it's a real bug. But he does still seem out of sorts, not that typical "fake it till you get home and then miraculously recover". Guess we got an early start to our weekend!! Hope he feels better soon! And if it IS a bug, hope he doesn't SHARE!!!

Impromptu Date Night

Hubby and I found ourselves in the nice situation tonight. Sara went on a sleepover and the neighbor offerred to keep Scott for a few hours so we could go out dinner....alone! Oddly enough, we both passed on the offer at first. It's kinda nice to spend time with the kids one at a time. Scott is a totally different child when he doesn't feel the need to compete for attention. But he was also feeling sad and wanted a playdate since Sara got to spend time with friends so we took them up on it.

We decided to have an early dinner and enjoyed a great dinner at the Japanese steak house. We got a regular table rather than sitting at the grill. It was wonderful! I hadn't had this food in ages! But I ate WAY too much! We had a great time just talking. Normally when we go out, we don't really talk....just eat and stare around the room. But tonight it felt so comfortable. It's been a long time since I felt so connected. What a great day!!

Make Your Own Weather

I've been making changes in my life. I'm making a concerted effort to be more positive--focusing on the things over which I have control--basically ME. I have spent too long listening to the negative voices in my head and their impact on my life and the lives of my family is no longer acceptable. I had let my Faith fall and forgotten to hand it all up to God.

Stephen Covey says you must make your own weather. Each and every day, I have the choice to find the bright spots, the Sunny spots 0r to dwell on the dark things, the Clouds. I've seen how staying positive and in control of my emotions can influence how my day goes with my family, my friends and, well basically everything.

So to celebrate and commit to this new approach to my life where I strive to promote the positive and silence those negative voices, I am changing the name of my blog to Sunny, With a Chance... As we make our own weather, each day has the chance to be a great day and with God's help, it will be.

Oh What a Night!!!

But it wasn't Late December back in '63. It was last Friday night. You may well remember we have been fighting the tummy yuks here on the homefront. Sara had it 2 weeks ago and Scott had it last week. It's been a weird virus that hits hard with the nausea for a day then kinda hides behind a general bellyache and lack of appetite before swooping in for the kill 3 days later with the lower GI woes.

Well, Friday night, NO ONE in the house wanted me to sleep!! Sara woke up just as I got in bed about midnight. A drink of water and reassurances and she was back to sleep. I lay on the couch for a while to make sure she was down. After about a half hour, the Hyper Dog started to whine in the garage. Now this dog rarely makes a sound so this was odd. And if you remember, SHE was sick last week too!!! She continued to whine off and on until about 2AM so I got out of my nice warm bed to go outside in the cold with her. Poor thing pee'd a river but went right back to bed.

So now it is 2:30am and I hear, "Mommy!!" It was Scott, who also sleeps like a rock. "My tummy hurts really bad!!!" This is when the tummy bug delivered the finally blow with the lower GI flood. Poor guy!! Finally got him back into bed by 3:30 and I just collapsed on the couch for the rest of night. I don't think I slept more than a hour at a time that night! And I'm still exhausted!!! I hate this time of year!!

Deja vu

Ever get up, get showered, get ready for work............... and then wake up and realize you have to do it all over again???

Let's Party!!!!!

Sarah over at Real Life and the Wii Fit Mommies are having a Twitter Party--a Wiimoms ‘Lots of Love (Handles) to Give’ Twitter Bling Party to be exact and you could win some fabo stuff!!! The party is Friday, 2/13 from 8-10pm EST. Sarah has all the specifics on her blog so go check her out. And while you are there, sit and visit for a spell. She has lots of great info including money saving tips and awesome web designs!!

Hope to see you there!!!

Quarantine

I've hung the white sheet on my door. Added a sign "Quarantine--Do Not Enter". Believe me, you do NOT want to visit me now.

Sara started it last Monday night. Said she didn't feel well right before bed. Then it was painfully apparent. Thankfully, she was already in the bathroom. Better the next day but home from school. Fast forward to Friday morning. She came to my room at 7am. "Mom, there's something all over my bed and it smells really bad." UGHH!!! I had to take the comforter to a cleaner to try to save it!!!

And now, today. Scott was sick at after school care. We barely made it home before he was sick again. Poor thing!! And the icing on the cake? The dog is sick too!!! I'll spare you the gory details but let's just say she needs a new bed and we had the windows open in 30 degree weather!!!!

I have worn my hands to the nub washing them because I do NOT want to share this! Sure hope Hubby stays well, because you know how men are when they are sick!!

Aloha Friday

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. Kailani at An Island Life thought that on Fridays she would take it easy on posting, too so she started Aloha Friday posts on her blog where she asks a simple question to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just answer my question, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don't forget to visit the other participants!

Today’s question is:

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?

I don't. I've tried and they are too hard to meet. But I did pledge to live a healthier happier life this year so I guess that kinda counts as one.

Santa Meets The Tooth Fairy

Well, it's Christmas here! Merry Christmas to you all!!

I am still up. We are anxiously awaiting TWO magical icons tonight! Santa, of course, will be here---just as soon as Sara gives up and falls asleep!!!!! She has been having bedtime troubles for sometime now. I thought the fear of being skipped by Santa for still being awake would help tonight, but alas, the excitement is too great and she is STILL up requesting curtain calls--what was that noise? I'm too hot. My tummy hurts. I thought I heard prancing and pawing!! Ah.....perhaps she eventually will fall asleep so St. Nick can stop in!

But the REAL excitement is for Scott. You see, he lost his very first tooth today! Yes, he IS almost 7 and we were beginning to think he'd keep his baby teeth until college! He is so excited!!! He put the tooth at the edge of the bed so the Tooth Fairy can find it! I can't wait to see what is more exciting to him in the morning: Tooth Money or Santa Gifts!!

Oh and it's Piper, The Hyperdog's Birthday today! She's 2!! Lot's going on at our house today!!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and ask that we all remember the reason for the season. Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!

Aloha Friday

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. Kailani at An Island Life thought that on Fridays she would take it easy on posting, too so she started Aloha Friday posts on her blog where she asks a simple question to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don't forget to visit the other participants!

Today’s question is:

What is your favorite Holiday movie?

I have several. I still love It's a Wonderful Life. It's just so uplifting. I also love A Christmas Story, National Lampoon's Christmas and The Santa Clause. I can't wait until Christmas Eve when I can start watching A Christmas Story over and over again!!!

What's Your Christmas Spirit Level?

Your Christmas Sprit Level: 65%

You have a lot of Christmas spirit, and it's evident to most people who know you. You love most things Christmas, and you do your best to make sure everyone has a great holiday. While you like the more commercial aspects of Christmas, you truly know what the spirit of Christmas is about. You're all about giving, being kind, and sharing the spirit of Christmas with everyone you know.

Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?

Hey, better than I thought!!

I am Checkers

You Are Checkers

You are very logical and rational. You are able to understand what is and isn't a factor. You're able to compartmentalize and focus on the essentials. You appreciate simplicity. You can see the layers of complexity and beauty in anything. You are also playful and good natured. You don't take life too seriously!

What Board Game Are You?

Christmas Carol Fill In

Fill in the lyrics...with the correct ones or ones of your own :-) Have fun with this, don't worry if you don't know 'em...just make up something silly or do a silly one and a serious one! The most important part is to have fun with it.Here we go!

1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, _Do you hear what I hear__?

2. The first Noel, the angel did say, __Was to certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay__.

3. __Go, tell it on the mountain__, Over the hills and everywhere.

4. It came upon the midnight clear, _That glorious song of old_.

5. _Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas_, Let your heart be light.

6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing _right within your heart_.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _just chillin' with my family_, tomorrow my plans include _hockey practice and a holiday party with our best friends_ and Sunday, I want to _watch Scott play hockey and make cookies with the children_!

Get LOST

We have gotten LOST! Hubby found it surfing one night on the SciFi Channel. I asked him, "why is that on the SciFi Channel?" Well, it's actually SciFi and we are total SciFi buffs! I watched one episode and I was hooked! It comes on for 4 hrs each Monday night. We TiVo it of course and stay up late to watch it after the children go to bed. Once we start, we just cannot stop until all the episodes recorded are watched. Yes, we are totally addicted!!!! The new season starts January 21st so we expect SciFi will go through all the old episodes by then so we'll be caught up. Check out this cool widget but don't look ahead, it will ruin all the fun!! Come get LOST with me!!!

Need A Little Christmas...

I’m so not into the spirit this year. The tree is STILL not decorated. Hubby put it up a week ago and I JUST finished fluffing it last night. The kids have been begging to hang the ornaments but I just could not get my butt in gear. I didn’t sing in the Christmas concert this year…..didn’t even go to hear it. Hubby was supposed to take Friday off with me to do the shopping but now he can’t. The shopping is mostly NOT done!! And Christmas is just a mere 10 days away!!! I think…………..

We need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute.
It hasn't snowed a single flurry,
But Santa, dear, we're in a hurry;
So climb down the chimney;
Put up the brightest string of lights I've ever seen.
Slice up the fruitcake;
It's time we hung some tinsel on that evergreen bough.
For we need a little music,
Need a little laughter,
Need a little singing
Ringing through the rafter,
And we need a little snappy
"Happy ever after,"
Need a little Christmas now!!!

Coming around?

So…..this morning, I laid out Scott’s jeans for him to wear. He whined asking, “why do I have to wear those?”. I replied, “because it’s cold and I said so.” And he put them on without another word.

He's just not ready...

Nope, he doesn’t care that it is 20 degrees outside. So what if it’s only going to be 40 degrees today. We’ve been struggling to get Scott into long pants for over a month now. The teachers in carpool line are always exclaiming, Oh, my gosh, he’s in shorts!!

We compromised with jacket and shorts but the time has come. I even bribed him with an extra marble for his incentive rewards jar. That excited him but when the time came to put those long pants on………………..

BOOM!!!!

It was like World War 3 in my living room!!!! A tantrum ensued reminiscent of the terrible twos. Stomping, screaming, falling on the floor and flailing around. And it did not end well. Oh, he DID wear his jeans. But in the process he lost his video games for a week and TV for tonight.
Hubby said he whined all the way to school. When he got out at carpool, the teacher said, Son, where’s your coat? Scott’s reply? A scowling "HHHUMMPHHHHH!!!!"

Friday Fill-In

1. Please feel free to leave a comment. I love comments!!
2. When I do laundry I can't help sniffing it occasionally.
3. My favorite thing to cook is chicken enchiladas.
4. Hugs from my family is something I can't get enough of.
5. That's the thing I love most about autumn.
6. Reality TV always makes me think to myself, what the heck?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spagetti dinner at home and Stargate Atlantis on TV, tomorrow my plans include hockey practice with William and fundraiser at school and Sunday, I want to REST but I'll be going to more hockey with William and cleaning house.

In No Particular Order

Okay, so I tagged myself for the 7 random things from Kim at And She Lived. Since it’s November and Thanksgiving is around the corner, I’m going to do 7 random things I’m thankful for. So here they are in no particular order:

1. Intermittent wipers. I hate when it’s raining just enough to need a quick swipe but not enough to keep the wipers going. Before intermittent wipers, it was either turn them on and off every 30 seconds or leave them on and listen to them squeak across the windshield. SHUDDER!!!

2. Automatic door locks and windows. We had an unfortunate run in recently when a deer “run in” to the side of my van. Said van is now all healthy now (the deer? Not so much) but while it was getting nipped/tucked, my insurance company was gracious enough to let me use a rental car. Of course the only thing they would cover was a tiny little sardine can which is very nerve wracking when you are used to a Honda mini van. I got in the car and could not for the life of me figure out how to lock the doors or roll down the windows. Scott got in and was checking it all out when I heard him say, “oh, weird, what’s this?”, then “hey, cool, this handle thingy rolls the window down!”. Oh yeah, THAT’s how we use to do it!!

3. Fast food places that take plastic. Need I say more?

4. DVR. Seriously folks, how did we ever watch TV without one? No more missed shows, no more flashing 12:00, no more mad fast rewinding of VHS tapes trying to find an empty one to record on. How else could I watch 4 seasons of LOST on SciFi Mondays without missing a single episode. Me love my TiVo!!

5. Febreze laundry additive. Hey, Scott and Hubby both play hockey and the clothing and gear live in those dark, damp equipment bags so teeming with bacteria you need a gas mask to open them!! EEWWW!!!

6. Invisible dog fences. Our darling Piper, the Hyper Dog (aka—The Mud Pup) would have a much different life if it weren’t for invisible fences. She loves trying to herd every car that goes down the street, digging her way to China under the back porch and running a trench along the property line trying to get the neighbor’s dog to play with her. Our other neighbor says, “I look at her and say that’s a happy dog. She’s so filthy, she must be happy!”

7. Drive-thru Pharmacies. Have I ever told you guys about the time I schlepped Sara (2yrs) and Scott (infant in carrier) into an Eckerds to get a prescription filled only to have Sara lay down on the nasty floor and then proceed to barf up stuff MY grandmother ate and then have the little blond chippy cashier walk by and tell me, “I don’t do throwup”, and THEN after cleaning up floor myself have to stand in line behind 10 people at the counter with infant in carrier in tow and little 2yo covered in stinky vomit and wailing because of being covered in stinky vomit because no one would let me in front of them???? Yes, thank God for drive in pharmacies!!!!

I’m not sure anyone reads this anymore so if you happen by and want to play along, jump in!!!!

Angels

I have experienced the guardianship of angels before. There were the Angels who guided my brother and husband back to shore when they were caught in a rip tide at the beach.

There was the Angel who held my 16mo old daughter when she fell down the stairs so that she only had a carpet burn on her little nose.

There was the Angel who moved the truck my husband and son were riding in off the road keeping them from being hit head on and the Angel in the car with that driver who protected him as his car flipped end over end.

There was the Angel that slowed the deer that ran into our van a couple of months ago so that it hit the front fender instead of us hitting it head on.

And there was the Angel that grabbed my steering wheel last night as I swerved to avoid some trash in the road who maintained control of my van back to protect my children and me.

Yes, I believe there are Angels among us—each and every day.

40

40……..That’s me……….today……….I’m 40 years old today. What does that mean? I’m no different than was I yesterday………when I was 39. But today………..I’m 40.

What does 40 look like in the mirror? Lots of lines on my face. Dark circles under my eyes. Wiry white hairs on my head—there’d be a lot more to see except for the highlighting. About 30 extra pounds on my body. Sensible shoes on my feet.

I remember growing up and thinking 25 was old. But now………I’m 40. But 40 year olds are supposed to have teenagers. I have grade schoolers. 40 year olds are supposed to be at high levels in their jobs. I’m in a good position but have chosen lower responsibility than I’ve had in the past. 40 year olds are supposed to be wise sages and know everything. Well……that DEFINITELY ain’t me!!!!!!!

So I’m not anything that in my mind’s eye is 40. But, here I am………..40. No different than I was yesterday……….but somehow………..different. 40.

Kid Fears

It began earlier this summer. Our neighborhood had a rash of break-ins. It was a hot topic with the neighbors. Little ears are very perceptive. We began to arm the security system during the day while we worked and at night. Our family changed.

The children who used to play easily in the living room while I did housework in the bedroom now scream and come running when I walk more than 3 feet away from them. Thankfully, Scott has not become afraid at bedtime. He is so active that he pretty much goes to sleep once his head hits the pillow. Sara, however, is a different story.

She's terrified to be in her room alone. She will start telling us she is scared before she even gets to her room. All our attempts to help fail. She can't seem to verbalize her fears. Sometimes it noises she can't describe. Sometimes it's her closet. Sometimes it's just "stuff". It's maddening. We want to help her and understand she is truly afraid but it ultimately culminates in frustration on both sides.

She begs me to lay with her which we will not do. We try to monitor her TV as she is at the age now where the fears are not "monsters under the bed" but REAL fears like fire, tornados......someone breaking in. And it is worse when Hubby isn't here at bedtime. She's always been less secure when he isn't here. We try not to make a big deal of it.....acknowledge her fears and reassure her she is safe but then change the subject and try to get her to think happy thoughts. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. Many nights she finally gives it up based on shear exhaustion.

The really heartbreaking parts are like the night she told me she wished she could just go to sleep like Scott does and that she wished it was the way it was a few months ago when she just called me back a couple of times and then went right to sleep. That makes THREE of us!!

And then she was 8!!

My little red-headed one is growing like a weed. She’s almost as tall as I am. Of course, I’m only 5’1” so it’s not going to be hard to pass me up! She’s a big 3rd grader now. She’s gotten her ears pierced. She loves to wear leggings and babydoll tops. She loves Hannah Montana/Mylie Cyrus, the Cheetah Girls, Hillary Duff and the Jonas Brothers.

She’s not my baby anymore. She’s 8!! Happy Birthday, Sara!!!!!

School Days.......

School days, school days
Dear old golden rule days
Readin' and 'ritin' and 'rithmetic
Taught to the tune of the hickory stick
You were my bashful barefoot beau
I was your queen in calico
Those were the days I loved you
When we were a couple of kids

Yes, it's that time of year. Yellow buses on the roads in the mornings. Car Pool lines. Book bags and lunch money. Another school year has begun.

Sara is in the 3rd grade this year. She has a first year teacher again this year but so far so good. Sara likes her so that's half the battle. The homework is definitely a step up this year but she's doing very well with it.

Scott is in 1st grade and has a really good teacher. She's been teaching for 15 years and relates well with Scott. His goal this year is to earn the conduct medal at the year-end awards ceremony. He was so disappointed that he didn't get one last year. It has proven to be a great motivator for his conduct this year. He is excited to do his homework each night and is doing great with reading and spelling. Hopefully we won't have the conduct concerns we had last year!!

Here's to a great year!!

Gee, has it been THAT long???

I was just looking at my list of posts and realized I went OVER a MONTH without posting!!! My apologies to anyone who happens along. Will have to post an update. So much going on. But now, to sleep, alas to dream. ZzZzZzZzZzZzZz

The Last Lecture

If you haven't heard "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch, professor at Carnegie Mellon University, please take some time and watch this. Below is Randy's appearance on Oprah where he gave a condensed version. You can see his full lecture here. Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2006. He defied the odds and survived much longer than expected. Randy passed away on July 25, 2008. He was 47. He is survived by a wife and three small children. His "last lecture" is really to his children......to teach them all the things he has learned about life and how to live it to it's fullest. I am sure they will know how great a man their father was.

One of my favorite of Randy's quotes is this:

"Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to show how badly we want something."

My thoughts and prayers go to Randy's family. Rest in Peace, Randy.

50 Questions

Ages ago, Kim at The Bitter Ball tagged me for this meme. Honestly, Kim. I had it finished but never got it posted and then lost it in cyberspace somewhere. So I’ve completed it…..for the 2nd time!!! So my 2 readers had better read it!!! ((smootches))

1. Do you like blue cheese? Yes
2. Have you ever smoked? nope
3. Do you own a gun ? yes, well hubby does.
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Never been to Sonic.
5. Do you get nervous before dr. appts ? yes
6. What do you think of hot dogs? Gotta be in the mood for them but good with chili, onions and mustard
7. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee or a Vitamin Water
9. Can you do push ups? I suppose but why would I?
10. What do you order at Starbucks? Caramel machiata
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Braided sterling silver ring…. from Silpada of course.
12. Favorite hobby? Photography but I rarely have time for it.
13. How do you eat your eggs? If I make them, scrambled with cheese or in an omelete. If Mom makes them, over easy so I can dip my toast in the yoke.
14. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? I’m a procrastinator.
15. Middle name ? Jen J
16. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I don’t want to work. I’m tired. I don’t want to work. 17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday? Lunch, 2 little plastic dogs and a bouncy ball from the “kiddie slots” at the ice rink. Well, the kids played the slots. I just supplied the quarters.
18. Three drinks you regularly drink? Sweet iced tea (it’s a southern thang), water, coffee
19. Current worry right now ? kids
20. Current hate right now? work
21. Favorite place to be? The mountains
22. How did you bring in the New Years? No clue, probably snoring.
23. Where would you like to go? Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Maine, Australia
24. Name three people who will complete this. I’m not even sure 3 people read this blog!!
25. Do you own slippers? Somewhere.
26. What shirt are you wearing? A frilly little peasant blousey looking thing.
27. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Never have, prefer flannel even in the summer
28. Can you whistle? nope
29. Favorite color? Burgundy
30. Would you be a pirate? Nope, can’t swim and get seasick.
31. What songs do you sing in the shower? Anything and everything
32. Favorite girl's name? Of course my little girl’s name but if Scott had been a girl, he would have been Alyssa Nicole
33. Favorite boy's name? Of course my little boy’s name. I don’t know. Boy names were Hubby’s responsibility so I’m not sure.
34. What's in your pocket right now? nothing
35. Last thing that made you laugh? Scott jumping into the pool on top of his swim teacher.
36. Best bed sheets as a child? We always had plain white cotton sheets.
37. Worst injury you've ever had? I’m with Kim on this one. A 3rd degree tear you know where definitely tops my list.
38. Do you love where you live? It’s good. It’s rural but close to stuff. But I miss the mountains.
39. How many TV's do you have?
40. Who is your loudest friend? John
41. How many dogs do you have? One wild and crazy border collie
42. What are you thrilled about right now? How well Sara is doing in swim lessons and Scott’s efforts in swim lessons. They have both come a long way.
43. Do you have a crush on someone? There is a guy at work……. Also I’m in love with George Clooney, Johnny Depp and John Cusak
44. What is your favorite book? no favorite, i have too many interests
45. What is your favorite candy? Milky Way Dark or 3 Musketeers
46. Favorite Sports Team? NHL Carolina Hurricanes
47. What song do you want played at your funeral? I know it is cliché but I like The Dance. There was another but I can’t remember it now.
48. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Trying to help Sara stop coughing so we could all get some sleep.
49. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? Holy Cow!! I’m gonna be late for work!

Get Ready for Blog Nosh Magazine!!

Hey, check it out!!! It's a brand new emag with a twist! It's hook it that it showcases those excellent blog posts that have fallen off the "front page" of your blogs. There are lots of topics called "Channels" to chose from. The posts will be chosen by Channel Editors, or nominated by the readers or even submitted by us! It is the reincarnation of TopBlogMag (which I wrote for in the past) and I think it's brilliant!!!

Blog Nosh Magazine launches tomorrow so check it out! Also, you can follow it on Twitter to get updates on happenings and find out when they need posts for specific topics. You are gonna love it!!!

I won!! I won!!!

Sheila at Designs by Shelia was giving away a free blog design. I've been wanting a new design but I know nothing about that kind of stuff so I entered not expected anything to come of it because I NEVER win!! But I DID WIN!!!

Go on over to her site and check out her work. It's AWESOME!!! Thanks so much, Sheila! I can't wait to work with you!!

Marriage Monday--Our Wedding Day

Want this button?

Today I am participating in Marriage Mondays at Chrysalis. This month's topic is Our Wedding Day. Enjoy!!


It was January 15, 1994, in the foothills of the Tennessee Appalachians…..the coldest day on record, with temps not expected to make it into the teens. It had snowed the day before and half of our guests were coming from an hour away. Thankfully, all of the wedding party made it in.

The service was beautiful. The music included “Cross My Heart”, “Longer” and “The Wedding Song (There is Love)”. Hubby looked so nervous standing there but I was very calm. I repeated my vows with ease, but Hubby stumbled…..well, actually FELL through his! He was so nervous that in the end the Pastor had to feed him the vows…..word……by……word! LOL!!!

We lit the unity candle and knelt on the prayer bench for the wedding prayer. I noticed a strong smell of baby powder as did Hubby who thought I’d just over did the powder thing. But when he stood up!!!!!!! Oh my gosh!!!!! His BLACK pants were COVERED in WHITE baby powder!!! The Pastor said, “it’s ok, no one will notice”. Yeah right!! The church rippled in giggles. Then the Pastor presented us and told Hubby to kiss his bride. Well, he was in such nervous shock that he just stood there!! The Pastor then said, “He’s not going to kiss her” but my reply was “Oh yes he IS!!!” as I grabbed him and planted one right on the lips and the church erupted in laughter!

Hubby said he was never so glad to have anything over with! So we get to the reception in the church fellowship hall and see everyone huddled together in their coats. They had forgotten to turn the heat on!!! Did I tell you it was the coldest day on record? Single digits, even?? But everyone had a good time anyway. The bouquet was caught by my 18 month old niece and the garter was caught, well, actually, none of the men would catch it so it was given to my 10 year old cousin.

Ah yes, a day to remember! Oh, by the way, Brother In Law was caught in the act of “powdering” by the videographer so I made him sweat it out for a while thinking I was upset…..like a couple of years! LOL!! Actually, I had a blast and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!!!

Check back for pics on Wordless Wednesday!!

Wordless Wednesday

Star Wars, which?

Scott is TOTALLY into Star Wars! He loves it. He incessantly asks to watch the movies.......much to Sara's dismay. Now here is the conundrum. Sara asks, Mommy is this the second movie? No, honey it's the 5th. Huh? I thought it was Episode II. It is. But you just said it was the 5th. That's right. ARRGGHHH!!!!

I feel like I'm stuck in a Laurel and Hardy routine!! Darn that George Lucas for creating the "prequel"!!!

That Can't Be My Child!!

My kids tried swim lessons last year. We’d only been to the pool once or twice before that so they didn’t have much experience with the water. Scott started out gung-ho but stopped dead in his tracks when he realized the water was over his head (bad experience getting in over his head at a pool party). Sara didn’t want anything to do with it but she grudgingly submitted, frowning and scowling the entire time. She’s a really strong swimmer but she refused to put her head in the water so they wouldn’t pass her. Of course the very next week, she put her head in!!

Now it’s almost a year later. With hockey all winter, we didn’t have time to get to the pool so we are basically starting all over. I took them to the indoor pool last weekend to try to re-acclimate them. Sara got in but really didn’t want to put her face in the water. Scott wouldn’t get off of the steps. Looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us again this year.

This holiday weekend, of course the pools all opened so we braved the crowds and went to the outdoor pool on Sunday. It turned out to be not so crowded but the daytime temps haven’t been that high so the pool was very…….VERY COLD!!! Scott again would get off the steps but Sara was amazing!!

We had gotten some diving sticks to help them get their heads in the water. Sara brought them all into the pool and Hubby worked with her. At first she just kept saying she couldn’t do it, but a friend from school came over who could swim and that seemed to help. She started putting her face in and coming right back up. Then she worked up to really going under and trying to reach the sticks. She just couldn’t seem to get to the bottom of the pool. She really wanted to do this and was frustrated that she couldn’t, so Hubby held her hand and pulled her down low enough to reach and she got one!!!!!! She was so proud of herself!!! She kept working on it and soon she was just holding onto him so she could pull herself down and she was picking up 2 or 3 sticks. By the time we left (and we were only there 2 hrs), she was going under and STAYING under long enough to pick up all EIGHT diving sticks!!!!!!

We were so amazed!! Hubby said when she started staying under for so long, he wasn’t even sure it was her!! She’s come soooo far from last year! We may be looking at the swim team soon!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have died in our nation's service. It was first called Decoration Day. After the Civil war in May 1866, many people in the North and South decorated graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. Decoration Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan and was first observed officially on May 30, 1868. In 1882, the name was changed to Memorial Day, and soldiers who had died in other wars were also honored.
In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be held on the last Monday in May.

America remains The Land of the Free and The Home of the Brave because of the ultimate sacrifices our men and women in the armed forces make every single day. So while enjoying our long weekend, having BBQs with friends and hanging out at the pool, let's take the time to remember and honor those who gave their lives to keep us free.

What? or better yet....... WHO?

I am in a state of confusion. My brain is muddled. What do I want to be when I grow up? Maybe the better question is WHO do I want to be? When I was young, that question seemed simple—a singer or a lady truck driver (thank you ”BJ and the Bear”). Where did those dreams go? Well, I sang in church all through high school then I slowly faded out of it. I recently have sung Christmas concerts with the local Chorale but twenty years of neglect has really done a number on my voice. Where I once was a top 1st soprano, I now struggle to sing second and secretly consider converting to alto. As for the lady truck driver, I can’t even back up my minivan so I think an eighteen wheeler is totally out of the question.

Once out of college, I poured myself into the corporate world. My goal then was to be the VP of quality for a medical device or pharmaceutical company. I was young…..ambitious……stupid. A few years later, I got married and the long hours and travel I was doing wasn’t much fun anymore.

Then I had children and my whole world changed. At first, I just wanted to keep working to have that “grownup” contact and I still enjoyed what I did. Now, I just want to be home. I can’t keep up with the house and the Hubby and the children and the Piper dog. I sit at work thinking of all the things I could be doing if I was anywhere but there. Don’t get me wrong. I have a good job. I make a difference for people with what I do. I have a great boss…..which is VERY difficult to come by. I make good money. But still……..I’m not happy.

I’m working on a home business that could really explode for me and eventually be my own boss…..but even with the prospect of leaving my daily 9-5 behind and working for, well, ME, I still lack motivation to achieve this.

Maybe it’s a midlife crisis hitting just a tad early. Maybe it’s a dash of depression sneaking in here. Maybe I’ve just not found my sweet spot in life.

So WHO do I want to be?

--a really good Mama who has the time and energy to spend with her children, and has the patience to help them work through their developmental phases which are wreaking havoc in our home.

--a really good Wife who has the time to keep the house kept up, who doesn’t harbor bitter resentment against her Hubby for what he does………or doesn’t do, who can forgive and forget.

--a really good Woman who takes the time to indulge in the things she enjoys like writing and photography and growing her business.

Now, how do I do this?

Wordless Wednesday

Marriage Monday--The Crazy Way We Met

Want this button?

Today I am participating in Marriage Mondays at Chrysalis. Thanks to Kim at The Bitter Ball for cluing me into this one.

The topic for this month is The Crazy Way We Met. To tell the story, I have to go back in time to even before Hubby and I met. I grew up in the mountains of Tennessee and then moved to the northern suburbs of Chicago with I got out of college. My brother knew Hubby from church. They were both interested in the same woman (another church member) and were at that time mortal enemies. It turned out, she wasn’t interested in either of them but that’s another story. So then they became friends. He started hanging out at my parents’ house and I think they “adopted” him.

The summer of 1992, I went home to visit for July 4th. Mom said that Hubby might come over because she had been talking about me and he wanted to meet me. MOM!!!!!! Ok, whatever. On Saturday, he came and helped my Dad mow the lawn and Mom invited him to have dinner with us. No biggie.

On Sunday, we sat together at church and then went hiking with a friend of mine. We had a lot of fun together. My friend said, “I think he likes you”. On the way home, he asked me to go to see a movie with him, Patriot Games. “Sure” I said. I think he almost fainted. So it went through out the week. I think we saw each other at least every other day.

Saturday came and was July 4th. Mom was having a cookout for the youth group so we all helped with that and then we went to see the fireworks. Something about those fireworks. I think they were magical. After the fireworks, we sat and talked for a long time. He leaned over and gently kissed me. I said, “you know, long distance relationships don’t work out”. And I kissed him back.

Spring 1993 came and we were engaged. Winter of 1994 came and we were married. So 16 years later, I must admit I was wrong. J

Jose is no longer my friend

I didn’t tell you about my weekend, did I? It was something else! We had Scott’s b-day party Sat at The Little Gym. Awesome place! They are so good with the children and they get to run around like crazy!!! He had a Transformer cake and got tons of Transformer toys, surprisingly, none of which he already had. He was in Transformer Heaven!!

Then some of our close friends came back to our house for the “afterparty”. We had pizza and beer. THEN we ladies asked “Jim” to mix us some margaritas. Now, we knew better but no one else would do it so it was up to him. And apparently, we told him they weren’t very strong so he apparently bumped it up a notch………..or ten!!!!!!!!!!!! I was very happy and really silly. It was fun. Until………………

About 10:30 everyone left except for one of the girls who was sleeping over with Sara. About 10:35, I sat in the recliner to watch the girls play checkers. About 10:40, I felt the need……….urgent, desperate need……….to run to the bathroom. That pretty much ends the night. I got soooo sick!! Then I collapsed on the bed and didn’t get up until morning. Oh and my friend barely made it home before worshiping the porcelain god!

Don’t worry, hubby was taking care of the children. I think I remember him coming in about midnight and laughing at me. Then I woke several times with a jack hammer working in my head but the room was spinning so fast I couldn’t find the floor to get some Excedrin. And when do you think the kids got up? 6:45am!! Uggghhh!! I’ll save you the rest of the gory details but let’s just say I didn’t fully recover until late Sunday night. Yes, I learned my lesson…………….never let “Jim” mix the drinks!!!! LOL!!! So I think it will be quite some time before I dance with Jose again!

Interview with a 6 year old

April 24, 2008. 7:30am

Mom: So how old are you now?
Scott: {{holds up five fingers on one hand and a thumb on the other}}
Mom: So how old is that?
Scott: {{draws a “6” in the air}}
Mom: So how old is THAT???
Scott: Six!!!!
Mom: Wow!! Six years old? How does that feel?
Scott: BBWWAHHHHH!!!!! {{does a crazy dance}}
Mom: So what does THAT mean?
Scott: Good!!!
Mom: Tell me what you can do now at 6 that you couldn’t do at 5.
Scott: Go to the Sunshines. (that’s the next afterschool class up at our daycare)
Mom: Well, tell me how you are going to celebrate being 6.
Scott: TRANSFORMERS PARTY!!!!!!!!
Mom: You know what?
Scott: What?
Mom: I love you!!
Scott: I knew that!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Scott!! We love you lots!!

Friday Fill In!!

1. The last time I lost my temper I beat my bed with my pillow!
2. Criticism is what I'm fed up with!
3. The next book I'd like to read is something from the Mitford Series. I need some uplifting.
4. Scott's b-day party is what I'm looking forward to.
5. If you can't get rid of the skeleton[s] in your closet, use them as hangers!
6. The best thing I got in the mail recently was JEWELRY.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to folding clothes, tomorrow my plans include hockey and cleaning and Sunday, I want to clean but will do more hockey and Scott's friend's b-day party!

Here's my sign.....

I'm going to get a T-shirt that says this!!! I have had not one but TWO people assume I was pregnant in the last month!!!! So not funny!!! Yes, I have gained weight......yes, a lot of weight. Yes, now that I am older, I carry it in my midsection and yes, I do can look pregnant depending on how I stand. But, NO!!! I am NOT pregnant!! So don't assume I am!!!!!

Nor do I want to be. I'm crashing headfirst into 40 this year. My last "baby" just started school. I have the patience of a ..................... well, I don't have any patience!!! I am done having babies so I can enjoy the next stages in my children's lives.

I should also add that both people (who were people I work with--not strangers) were mortally embarrassed. And to that I say..........GOOD!!! Next time, wait until I'm carrying around a 3yo on my hip to congratulate me!!!

But, honestly folks, I really need to get off my big fat pregnant looking butt and take care of myself. I guess I wasn't listening the first time some one assumed I was pregnant. This time I get the message! GEEZ!!! I'm working on a plan that I'll share later so ya'll can help me along.

But here's the kicker. Have you seen the new fashions for this summer????? They ALL look like maternity shirts!!!!! I'm doomed!!!!!

Calapitters 2008

Yes, we have "calapitters" again! I’m still amazed that Sara will pick them up and play with them and Scott won’t touch ‘em!! They each have two that they have collected. Every day they ask to keep more but I think four caterpillars is a gracious plenty to keep on my kitchen counter top!

Let me tell ya, those little things are eating and pooping machines!!! They are eating a heavy diet of maple leaves and making complete pigs of themselves. One of Scott’s has already make a webby cocoon. One of Sara’s made what looked more like a chrysalis. I wanted to keep it but she said it was gross and threw it away. LOL!!! I will try to get some pictures of the little guys before they all get to the cocoon stage. Hopefully, they will emerge this year. The one we had last year didn’t do anything. Look for pics!!!

Friday Fill In #67

1. I love springtime in _____!
2. _____ are foods I love to eat for breakfast.
3. It seems I'm always searching for _____
4. _____ is a great way to end the day.
5. I think I _____!
6. _____ is what I've been craving lately.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!



1. I love springtime in the arctic. They don't have pollen!!!!
2. Grits, scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon are foods I love to eat for breakfast.
3. It seems I'm always searching for my mind!!!
4. A hug from my children is a great way to end the day.
5. I think I can!
6. Townhouse Flips is what I've been craving lately.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching a movie with my family, tomorrow my plans include hockey practice for Scott, therapy session for Scott and an evening with friends and Sunday, I want to REST!!!

A good night

Sara has definitely been a challenge in recent months. Her attitude leaves much to be desired. She is defiant, impatient, whiney and most times downright ugly. I was dreading dealing with this when she hit 10 or 11 yrs. I didn’t expect to have to address it at 7 ½. She didn’t used to be like this but this school year has really brought about some changes in her. I don’t know if it is her friends that are influencing her or even sadly, us being poor role models, but I really hope we can turn her around.

Last night started out poorly with lots of attitude and picking on Scott. I tried to prepare for the worst. But after homework and dinner and showers, she came to me while Scott and Hubby played video games. “I want to read a book”. Unfortunately it was very late. “As much as I hate to say it, honey, it’s just too late.” She then climbed into my lap and snuggled. Now, Scott is the world champion snuggler, but Sara has never been much a snuggler. So I relished in the rare opportunity to be close to her and love on her. “Can we go to my room and talk?” Wow!!! What an opportunity! Again, a rare occasion to spend wanted one-on-one time with my daughter. “Yes! Yes, we can”.

In her room, I brushed her hair and we talked. We talked about school and how she thinks it’s boring. We talked about her favorite subjects and those that were hard for her. We talked about her friends—who she likes, who she doesn’t like and why, how some of her friends don’t play with her any more and how that makes her feel. It was a perfect opportunity to discuss her attitude and how she relates to others. She was very open to my advice and shared honestly with me—something that hasn’t happened in a long while.

But all good things must come to an end. It was, after all, a school night and we all needed our rest. I hugged her tight, gave her a huge kiss, told her how much I loved her and said “Good Night”. Yes, it was definitely a “good night”.

That's my boy!

Overheard in a bathroom while traveling to TN for Easter:

Me: SHOOT!!
Scott: What, Mommy?
Me: I forgot my makeup.
Scott: Why do you need it, Mommy?
Me: To make me look pretty.
Scott: That's ok, Mommy, you're pretty anyway.

:)

Friday Fill In!!

1. Some relationships are meant to _____.

2. _____ is the last concert I saw; it was _____.

3. Spring should be _____.

4. Oh no! I forgot _____!

5. I've recently started _____.

6. _____ never fails to make me smile.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!

1. Some relationships are meant to saved.

2. James Taylor is the last concert I saw; it was AWESOME!!!.

3. Spring should be BANNED!!! I have horrible seasonal allergies and I HATE SPRING!!

4. Oh no! I forgot to send my Pampered Chef party invitations!!!!

5. I've recently started selling the most awesome sterling silver jewelry!!!!

6. My son's hug never fails to make me smile.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Atlanta Thrashers, tomorrow my plans include 2 counseling sessions for Scott and a ton of cleaning and Sunday, I want to sleep in and watch movies all day BUT I'll be doing MORE house cleaning and getting the kiddos ready to go back to school on Monday!