A new toy for wee one....

I believe I just wrote about my little pianist....well, my mother decided to give us her electric piano and now I have music playing through the house 24/7. It's only been 2 days and I have heard chopsticks, Shortbread Boogie and Lavender Mood at least 100 times each. I am going to be really sorry that I put that piano right next to my computer desk.  It takes headphones which is a good thing....however, it takes stereo headphones which means I need to get an adapter. That also means that I get to listen to wee one's masterpieces until I get out to the store to get said adapter. I also need some sort of basket to keep all of my music in. I saved all of the books from my childhood lessons, and the girls, as well as antique sheet music from the 30's and 40's. I have all of the sheet music that I got during my 10 years of lessons. I want to go to the antique store and get an old music stand to display some of it. Now I want a music room! I wonder if John would stop production on the tree house and add a room on for me?

My front room has now become my sewing/computer/music room. It doesn't look bad though. I thought it might be too crowded, but the piano is just the right size. And let me tell you, it sounds exactly like a piano. After having a baby grand, I thought nothing else would do, but this one is not bad. I so wish we could have moved our piano down here when we moved, but we just didn't have the accomodations being that we were moving into an apartment and would have to store everything. However, it is still in the family at my sister's house, so I don't feel as bad.

Mom bought this piano last year so that she would have something to do, and dad would have something to listen to. I remember as a kid, she would play the piano or the organ and my dad would love to sing along to the old songs. When my sister and I were small, probably 4 and 5 years old, she would play the song "Yellow Bird" and we would sing along. Those were some of the best times....now that dad is gone, it's just too hard for my mom to play. The memories although sweet, are too emotional for her now and being the most loving and giving woman that she is....she gave it to us so that wee one could play and maybe get back into lessons. I'm telling you, even in the midst of her grief my mother is one of the most giving people you will ever meet.

Woohoo....she has moved on to a new book and new songs! I'm typing to the strains of Merrilly We Roll Along and O'er the Beep Blue Sea....however, she is having a bit of trouble so they pretty much end with a loud bang of the keys....lol.

Okay, I'm outta here. Time to get to the pile of laundry that is waiting to be ironed. Why did I think it would slow down over the summer????

Memorial day happenings....

Happy Memorial Day! We have had the holiday lunch and are now spread out about the house....Betsy is sleeping in her room, wee one is watching cartoons in my room, dh is watching Kelly's Heros in the den and here I sit with my computer....

For lunch I made a brown sugar/pecan encrusted ham, pasta salad, seasoned green beans, fruit salad and mom brought the potato salad. It was pretty dang good I must say. However, I didn't make dessert and now I've got a hankerin' for something sweet. Then again, when don't I? LOL.

Dh spent the day spreading the rest of the mulch and boy did he do a nice job. Everything looks just great. I cleaned and did laundry in between cooking. Now all I have to do is put it all away and iron. I think the ironing will settle down over the summer being that the girls will spend most of their time in pj's and swimming suits. I bought one of those beach cover ups that look like a dress....it's really cute with a Hawiian theme. I just love it. Anyway....I had it on the other day and we were going to the store when dh asked if I was going to wear my "house dress" to the store.

WOAH THERE MISTER....

House dress? Ummmm, as far as I know, a house dress is something an 80 year old woman wears along with curlers and slippers with the toes cut out. I hardly think my outfit constitutes a house dress. I had a bra on for gosh sakes....if it buttoned down the front and my boobs were hanging below my belly button, I could see the mistake....I yelled for about 15 minutes, and all the while he stands there looking at me like I'm crazy.  Trust me, he will never make that mistake again! 

Finally it's RAINING!!!! I'm so happy! They have had rain in the forecast for two weeks now and every day I wait patiently for it....but it never comes. The lawns are getting a bit crispy around here and my new plants need some h2o.

Okay, I'm going to go sit in my rocker on the porch and enjoy my rainy afternoon. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday weekend!

 God bless all of our men and women, at home and overseas as well as those who have given their lives for our freedom, past and present!

Pictures to go with previous entry....

I forgot that I had pictures to accompany the previous entry....so here ya go! LOL.

Nothing mulch to talk about....lol....

Another Saturday, another day spent planting flowers and spreading mulch. It's looking pretty dang good around here lately! I think we overbought on the mulch though, so I am going to have to decide what to do with the remainder. I will probably spread it out front and forego the rock this year, since we bought too much. That's okay though....I don't mind. Monday will be another lawn day for me, and a treehouse day for dh. He got the steps built today which means the walls are next!

I went to Lowe's this morning and spent a small fortune on flowers and plants. They look very nice although I need to go back and get some more for the front. I bought some purple fountain grass....it's cool! I also got impatiens which I love. Ummmm, a gardenia plant and confederate jasmine were on my list as well. I just love that jasmine! It smells so good.

I think I overdid it today. I got sick to my stomach out there! I was so hot I couldn't see straight....so I jumped in the pool, clothes and all. I couldn't help it! It was quite refreshing. I paddled around for a bit and enjoyed the quiet....Betsy worked all day and wee one went blueberry picking with her aunt. Dh wouldn't get in with me because he wasn't ready to stop working....party pooper.

While wee one was at my aunt's house, my aunt gave her a piano book and cd to practice with. Wee one loves playing the piano and has a natural talent for it. Anyway, as my aunt dropped her off at home, she hugged wee one and said, "I'll see you later my little pianist!" Wee one got the strangest look on her face and said to me, "Why did she call me her little penis?" I tell ya, that kid cracks me up!

Tonight we will be relaxing and enjoying a quiet evening at home. No one got to bed before midnight last night. We took Betsy to work, then dh, wee one and I took my mom to dinner. Afterward, we went for a drive, and then stopped in to see Betsy and get some ice cream. Since we were two blocks from mom's house, we just stayed there till Betsy's shift ended at 11:00 then went home. It was kinda fun actually. Nicer than me picking her up that late all alone. I have a feeling there will be four sleeping people in this house by 9:00!

Have a good night all!

Yeeeeouch!

Ahhh yes, the first casualties of the summer....wee one's shoulders have been sufficiently burnt to a crisp! She was fine today when she went outside to swim. I don't know when it happened, but I think it was over at her friend's house. Their pool uses chlorine....the strong stuff....and I think what wee one has is a mix of sunburn and allergic reaction. We use the Baquacil which isn't chlorine, but a kinder, gentler sanitizing system. In any case, I saw the glow of wee one's shoulders before she came through the door! Poor kid. She couldn't even eat her dinner between the itching and burning. So, brilliant mother that I am (*enter sarcasm here), I filled a tub with tepid water and oatmeal. Let me tell you, that stuff works wonders! Her splotches aren't nearly as swollen and don't itch quite as bad. Of course, I did slather her with hydrocortizone cream as well. She is enjoying some ice cream in front of the tv right now....she says she isn't going to swim for a week!

Dh and I went to the insurance office today and I have to say, I wasn't as shocked as I thought I would be. For our two cars and a 16 year old girl, it will be $2400 a year. Dh is going to check with one other company before we sign with them. It was going to be $2500 but since Betsy has good grades and completed the school driving program, we got a $100 credit. Go Betsy! If anyone out there has a teenage daughter and an insurance company that they love, feel free to let me know....we haven't signed anything yet. We also got a new policy for the house, which was $14 less than our old one....woohoo. Hey, $14 is $14, right?

I made ribs with apricot bbq sauce, baked potatoes, corn and homemade coconut pecan pie for dinner. The ribs were tough, the potatoes were okay, the corn was so-so (I don't like corn) but the pie....dear Lord the pie....heaven on a plate I'm telling you. I really should sell my pies. They are scrumpdillyicious. You know who always said that? Dennis the Menace on the sides of DQ treats. Remember that? When sundaes came in paper cups....ahhhh, memories. Anyway, everyone else liked the dinner. I don't know what is wrong with me. I love cooking it but don't like eating it. So, why then am I such a fat butt? Well, I suppose it's because I love cooking AND eating thesweet stuff. Betsy just came through and said the pie was "good". Now that is quite a compliment coming from her. She hates coconut and nuts....lol. She had her pie with ice cream....and she's a size 6 petite. No freaking fair.

Seriously though, I have got to lose some weight. I lay in bed at night, deciding which diet I want to do....how much I want to lose....and it all sounds great. Until I get up in the morning and sprinkle chocolate chips between rock hard frozen waffles. SUGAR....WHY DO YOU MOCK ME???? I did buy some diet Dr. Pepper, which I do believe is the best of the diet drinks. I'm not big on artificial sweeteners, but when you are hankering for a sweetness kick....you gotta have something!

Well, I suppose I should go spend some time with my wee burnt one. Let me leave you with the one word every child needs to know this summer....SUNSCREEN!!!!

You Belong in the UK Blimey! A little proper, a little saucy. You're so witty and charming... No one notices your curry breath What English Speaking Country Do You Belong In?  

I found this lovely quiz whilst perusing journals. Try it yourself and see where you belong! Cheerio!

Documented evidence and reason #472 why I hate living in Florida....

It seems by the volume of comments that I received on my last entry that I am not the only woman in America with "OFGC Syndrome" (over-flowing-garbage-can). I feel soo much better knowing that! LOL. Things are much better today and I know why that is....

Have you heard of the disorder called "SAD"? Seasonal Affective Disorder....it's where people become sad and depressed, usually during the winter, when they are deprived of sunlight. Apparently I have the dyslexic version of the disorder. Today I woke up to NO humidity, high 60's and partial cloudiness. I can't begin to tell you how much better I feel. My mood is lighter, I have more energy, things are just, well, happier! Of course, I know the humidity and 90 degree days are ahead, but I'm going to enjoy today for all it's worth.

I took Betsy to work tonight, then came home with a burger for dh who is slaving over my brakes, both front and back....what a guy. Anyway, when I came into the garage with his food, he pointed out the spider that was hanging near the ceiling. Holy crap....that thing was freaking huge! I don't know if you can tell in the pic....but the flash from the camera actually lit his eyes up. Ewwwwwww~! Dh told me that it was a baby compared to the ones that are crawling around the building at work. They are in a woodsy area and he said that it isn't odd to see one the size of a dinner plate!

Being that he is deathly afraid of spiders (there was a banana spider "incident" when he was a child....), I picked up a broom to kill it (yes, I did say KILL....if you are offended by this, please send me your number and I'll be glad to call you the next time we have a spider rescue emergency!), when dh told me not to bother because it would be too fast for me. I decided to let him shoot it with some bug spray and, let me just say....I've never seen anything move faster than that spider in my life! He must have been hanging there from his web because he looked like a fireman sliding down a pole! We both jumped about 10 feet....but our mission was accomplished....we had to do something because he was right above wee one's scooter and bike. I didn't want her to get bit.

Both of the girls are sunburned. Wee one has been swimming every day and is a lovely golden bronze....however, they spent the day in the pool with their grammy today and it was overcast. Both of them are burned....especially Betsy who normally looks as white as the underside of a fish! LOL. She has gotten a bit of sun lately though and is looking more Floridian....but don't tell her I said that!

Okay, I'm off to enjoy the rest of the cool and refreshing evening that God has given me....have a good one!

PMS Ranting Ahead....**warning**

If I have to pick up one more pair of shoes that have been placed on the floor two freaking inches from the shoe rack....I'm going to explode. I have had it. I have literally had it. Here is a list of things that are royally pissing me off lately:

The shoe issue. How freaking hard would it be to extend the arms the extra two inches to actually put the shoes on the shoe rack? Not to mention dh's new habit of coming in from work and taking his shoes off next to the bed (you know you aren't supposed to wear dirty shoes on the carpet!) We have a freaking walk in closet with ample shoe space. Why does he feel he must leave them next to the bed? And sometimes there will be two pair. I assumed the theory was that when he got up in the morning for work, he could just slip into the shoes and go....however, two pair? My theory has switched to one of laziness.

I started the dark/light basket routine again. I was tired of separating everything myself, digging through mounds of other peoples dirty unmentionables. Now, I know I shouldn't have expected much since they had been out of practice for a while but....DAMN IT!....how could you not notice a full freaking basket of navy blue clothes and then put all of your whites on top of it???? That is the heigth of laziness!!!! I called Betsy into the laundry area and asked her, "Honey, could you point to the dark clothes for mommy? I want to see if you need practice recognizing your colors." She didn't find it funny....her excuse? It was night time when she put her clothes there. I then explained the concept of electricity, pointed out the fact that if you extended your pointer finger and applied gentle force to the switch on the wall, it would turn on the light thereby allowing her to see the difference between light and dark clothes. Again, I was met with quite the lack of enthusiasm.

I swear to all that is holy, the next person who throws something away in my kitchen garbage can who's lid already won't close due to the sheer volume of empty water bottles and wadded up paper towels is going to feel the wrath of Mom. You would think the swarms of flies that would rival a water buffalo's ass in south Africa would be a hint that the garbage needs to go out. (Okay, I am exagerating here, there are no flies in my kitchen, but you get the picture) If I see that it needs to be emptied, I tie it up, give it a shot of Lysol and put a clean bag in. Takes me two minutes, tops. If dh sees it? He still tries to throw his garbage away, invariably something falls out, and he then lets out a string of obscenities that would make a sailor blush. I just want to scream, "TAKE THE DAMN TRASH OUT AND BE DONE WITH IT!!!!" Instead I innocently say from the next room, "Honey, is something wrong?" I can't help it.

I am also mad about the way my children leave things all over the house. I can tell wee one to put away her nightgown/pencil/bracelets....only to find it sitting just over the threshold, on the floor of her room. I will then ask her if she put her things away, to wich she will respond that yes, her things are in her room. Technicalities....I need to learn them.

Let's see....the fact that the dog will lie on the floor and yelp until someone picks him up....but no one will do it. Yesterday dh was in the kitchen and I told him I was going to mop the floor. He stood in the corner, watching me as I was mopping, then complained because I mopped him into said corner. Well Einstein, what can I tell you. I had a mop, I had water, I warned you.

I had to get up at 6:30 this morning to get wee one to her dental appointment which I made for her in advance....forgetting that she would be out of school this late in the month. I had her up, dressed and in the car by 7:30 because the traffic is horrid at that time. Again, I forgot that school traffic was not going to be an issue, and pulled into the lot at 7:38.  Her appointment was at 8 and there was no one else there. I hate when that happens. So, we sat in the car arguing over what time we would go in. I told her we would go in at 7:50 and no later. Of course we were out of the car at 7:46.  *On a good note, she had no cavities. And of course, the lovely Florida humidity has arrived.No more good hair days until at least late October.

Oh, did I mention this is day 2 of summer vacation?

It hurts everywhere....

This was my dh today. Now, he shoveled the mulch into the wheel barrow for me, however, I and I alone raked and spread two freaking yards of the stuff. I also transplanted, dug, watered, etc. I am having trouble typing this because my fingers are even sore! But I have to say....it looks wonderful. I'm too tired to go out there and take pics, so you will have to trust me on this one. We still need two more yards of mulch to finish up. We started at 8:30 this morning and I finished at 3:30 this afternoon. But, it was a gorgeous day....overcast and breezy, which made things much easier.

I had to soak in the tub forever....my hands looked neon orange from the coloring in the mulch. I just can't wear those gloves when I do that. I need to "be one with the mulch" as I spread it around....lol. And of course, I just realized that I forgot to pick up the dogs medicine....so that means I have to get dressed again and go out. Damn it!

Wee one spent the day swimming with her little friends from the neighborhood. They were so cute. They must  have jumped in and out of the pool 100 times today. They were wild! Betsy actually made them lunch....mac and cheese for everyone! She is at work now and since it is Saturday....JB had to pick her up! Woofreakinhoo. I have a feeling I will not be awake at 11!

I suppose I had better get a move on and pick up the freaking medicine. Man, I wish Walgreens delivered!

Party day!!!!

As you can see by the above pics, the kids had a great time at their end of the school year party. Several of them sang, there was a dance, a few piano pieces, a rap, stilt walking, bunny hopping and a magic trick. Everyone did really great. One little girl went up to sing the Star Spangled Banner and got flustered in the middle of her song. She just stood there with huge tears in her eyes....and then the class began singing where she left off. It was so sweet! Poor thing cried the rest of the way through, but you can bet she got the biggest round of applause!

Wee one and her little friend did a great job singing....although their voices were barely audible. When they sat down wee one asked me if I saw her knees shaking....lol. After the show, they ate and ate and ate. The other room mom and I were then presented with gifts ( a lovely chenille throw), and cards made by the children. I love getting those cards more than anything, and I thought I would share a few of the things that were written to me....(these are word for word with spelling errors and all!)

From Patrick:
"Dear Mrs. B, Thank you for being are home room mom. Also, thank you for makeing are parties a succesed."

From Kerry:
"Mrs. B thank you for the parties. YOU ROCK!"

From Chase:
"Your no party pooper!"

From Jena:
"Thank you Mrs. B. My God, you have surived us, I wish you luck for the next year, and thoose savages! Thanks for the ice cream and party to come! Thanks!"

And my absolute favorite....From Wee one:
"Thank you Mommy! Dear Mommy, I love u! Thank u for everything! If you didn't help out, you'd be stuck in the bed all day! LOL! Love, your wonderful daughter!"

Now, can you see why I love doing this?

My train of thought has left the station....

I had all sorts of things to write about....but now that I'm sitting here I can't remember any of them. I suppose being that it's just past five am isn't helping. The stupid dog woke me up, shaking his head every two seconds. Apparently, he is having ear issues again. I tell ya, that dog has more ear infections than fifteen three year olds!

Did anyone happen to catch Oprah yesterday? I don't usually watch her since, well, I don't like her, but she had a woman on who wrote the newest hot selling diet book about French women being skinny. I wanted to see what their secret was. Apparently, they do not see food as "bad" or "wrong". They eat what they want, and (here's the key) STOP when they feel satisfied. In other words, if they want a chocolate eclair, they eat one....but put it down half way through because they have already experience the taste and smell. Here's my problem. Who in their RIGHT MIND would waste half a freaking eclair???? Therein lies the difference....

They also have a three bite rule. You get your plate, you take three bites of everything and then you are done. There was no talk of how big your bites should be....are we talking dainty little bird-like bites, or "I haven't eaten all day nevermind the fork just tip the plate into my mouth" sized bites.

Truthfully though, what she said was pretty smart. Enjoy good, wholesome foods and eat slowly, savoring every bite. Your fullness will register sooner and you can have what you like. They don't snack on chips or processed food, but good cheese or yogurt. And if you go out and eat a big dinner, you don't have to have a huge breakfast in the morning. It's about balance. And there are no "bad" foods. Carbs are good, fats are good, protien is good. Just in moderate amounts. They had an American woman on who actually lost 23 lbs. eating this way. Ithink you would have a hard time in the beginning with will power, and recognizing when you feel full. But beyond that, it just may work.

I have to make 34 ice cream cone cupcakes for school tomorrow. (how's that for a segue?) I bought the colored cones for a bit of flare. I do need to go get some frosting though. No, I am not going to whip up a batch of homemade frosting....wayyyyy too much work. LOL. Wee one has been working on her makeup for two days now. Her talent show act will be with her little friend, singing a "Spice Girls" song. She will, of course, be Baby Spice, complete with a Union Jack shirt and plaid skirt. However, she has not yet decided between the "shocking red" and "flaming pink" lipstick. I told her how about just wearing some glittery lip gloss. You can only imagine her response....

Well, I hear Betsy's alarm going off so I suppose I should get ready to take her to the bus stop. Have a lovely Wednesday everyone....

Odds & Sodds....

I had the strangest dreams last night, none of which were hot and/or steamy. I woke up feeling sad and depressed, but I can't quite remember what the dreams were about. Weird....I also slept wrong on my neck so if I want to look at anything to the left, I have to turn my entire body that way. I hate when that happens.

The weekend was a good one, and the pool is officially open....brimming with clean, freshly chlorinated water. It looks rather inviting, however it is way too cold to jump into. I like my pool water tepid.

I just returned from taking wee one to school and let me say....I just love how God works. He knows just when to put a little bit of humor into my day, to chase away the blues. We were driving our usual route when up ahead I noticed they were stopping traffic due to road work. I decided to cut through the adjacent neighborhood so that we weren't delayed. As we were winding our way through, wee one said to me, "They don't have electricity in here?" Puzzled, I asked, "What do you mean? Yes, they have electricity." She said, "Well that sign says 'No Outlet'." Let's just say it's a good thing I didn't have to tinkle at that moment because I don't believe I would have been able to hold it all the way home. I laughed all the way to school....thank you God for blessing me with a child that can brighten my day on a dime. I told her, "Honey I LOVE you!" and then I explained what it meant. She was laughing by the time I finished....what a kid.

Yesterday I finished my mound of ironing (someone didn't like their prize....::coughKimcough::). It took me two hours, but I did it in front of the tv so it wasn't that bad. I was really in the zone: iron, put on hanger, put in closet, repeat. And when I'm in the ironing zone, you just don't stop me. It only takes two seconds to snap me out of the zone....I need to finish without interruption. So, dh comes in the room and is watching me, then he tries to hug me. I'm like, "Move!" he gives me his sad face, "I just want to hug my wife!" I'm thinking, why is it that the ONLY time you want to get cozy is when I'm doing this? I told him that I was in the middle of my least favorite chore and if he wanted clothes for the week, he could wait for my lovin. MEN! The just don't get it.

As for today, I suppose I will start in on the disaster that is my house. My family had a bout of "weekend amnesia"....they forgot where everything went. They forgot where the toys go, that you rinse your plates before putting them in the sink, that when you can't put a toothpick in the kitchen garbage can because one more ounce of gargage will cause it to fall over means that someone should take the trash out....I've got my work cut out for me today.

Happy Monday.

Saturday....

As you can see, dh and wee one have been busy today, working on the tree house. They managed to put the floor on, and wee one spent her afternoon pounding nails in with the hammer that daddy bought specifically for her. I reminded her that it is ONLY for outdoor use and she may NOT bring it inside.

Before starting the tree house, we uncovered the pool. Did we find sparkling clear water underneath? Well, no....more like murky, fuzzy shamrock shake water. So, instead of shocking it back to life, we decided to drain it and start from scratch. After draining and hosing and shop vac-ing the rest of the gunk out of there, wee one got in and scrubbed the sides with our new "side scrubber brush and liquid cleaner". Apparently she inherited my "cleaning gene" as she excitedly told me how it "made all the gunk go away and now it's so shiny!" LOL....that's my girl! I tell ya, when she says that she wants to help her dad outside, she doesn't mean helping for 10 minutes till she gets bored. She was out there until dinner time, working like a little trouper.

I took Betsy to training at work this morning and then to try to cash her first paycheck. We went to our bank which has a sign posted in the middle of the window, "We are now open on Saturdays until 12:00!" However, the darkened lobby said different, so we went to the other branch that was listed. Do you think they were open? Heck no! Poor Bets was so disappointed. I took her to K-Mart and let her pick out a few things anyway, and told her she can pay me back. She got a shirt, a cd, and a tube of toothpaste....lol. I told her I'll pick up the tab on her .79 Aim.

We came home and I swear I spent two hours in the kitchen cooking! I made a wonderful potato salad which included bacon (it's sooooooooo good!), baked beans, grilled burgers and strawberry jello cheesecake pie with real whipped cream. I called my mom and asked her if she wanted to come to eat. She, of course, said no, that she had been cleaning and hadn't even done her hair. I rattled off the menu and let me tell you....she walked in the door just as we were serving! LOL....the woman has excellent timing.

While we were sitting at dinner, wee one told us a little story that I didn't know about. While she and her dad were working on the tree house, apparently the ladder slipped and John ended up hanging there, yelling for her to pick up the ladder. She said to us, "I was so scared I just kept saying crap, crap, crap when I was trying to pick up the ladder. But I did think one thing was funny. Daddy's legs were swinging back and forth like he was riding a bike!" OMG....I almost spit my potato salad out when she said that. I can only imagine my hulky hubby, hanging from that tree house, scrambling to hold on while wee one is trying to get the ladder back in place. DH of course said that she was supposed to be holding the ladder whilst he was up there, but she got distracted. LOL....what I wouldn't have given for a camera at that moment!

Wee one is at her friend's house swimming right now, and Betsy is at work. Dh is in the shower and we are going to watch a movie when he gets out....so I'm outta here for now....later!

And the winner is....

WTG Kim....you were the only one who guessed the answer to yesterday's question correctly. I put the wash off until today....and guess what???? It still isn't done! LOL. Now, I know I told you that I would give you a bowl of homemade ice cream and a dusty donut as a prize, but my piggish family polished off both desserts. So instead, I am going to send you something even better. Keep an eye out for the mailman because you are soon to be the lucky recipient of....the mountain of ironing that I have not yet begun to scale! See? It's a win-win situation for, well, me! LOL....

I would also like to thank Angel, Jeanne and Niki for playing. Although your answers were wrong (you all forgot an important little quirk in my obsessively clean personality....procrastination! lol), you will be receiving the home version of our game.

Anyhoo....

I have a confession to make. As you may have noticed from my past few entries, I've been quite emotional lately, and dare I say it....a tad bit depressed. I'm not sure what it's all about, but it just seems that all aspects of my life  have been out of kilter lately. This morning I got up after 7 hours of sleep, and felt like I had stayed up all night. I went through the usual morning routine and after I returned home from taking wee one to school I went back to bed till noon!  I'm so embarassed! But I have to say, it felt wonderful. I'm currently using the "go ahead and relax because next Friday at noon is d-day" excuse for slacking....the kids finish school that day. I know I keep saying it but where did the school year go?

Speaking of school, I have to plan an "end of the year" party for next week. I'm going to use the ice cream cone cupcake recipe once again (thanks Lisa!!!!) because the kids LOVED them. They are having a talent show that day so I won't have to plan any games. I guess it will be more of a snack thing. Of course, that means getting some other parents to send in juice or chips or what have you....and that pretty much requires a DDS degree in this school....it's like pulling teeth to get people to help out! The kids are always so appreciative of everything that we do though, so it makes it worth it, even if the other room mom and I have to buy most of the treats.

DH took wee one and I out to dinner tonight. I wasn't in the mood to cook and he was in the mood to buy....so it all worked out! Afterward we went to the pool store to get sand for the filter and some start up chemicals....yes, the pool will officially open this weekend! Wee one is thrilled. Betsy, however, keeps reminding me that with her work schedule, vacuuming the pool will be nearly impossible. I reminded her that with my busy schedule, taking her to get her liscense may be nearly impossible.....then she asked if Saturday would be a good day for Dad to set up the vacuum so that she could clean it....

Well, it's about time to pick her up from work. This is really getting expensive! I've used 1/2 a tank of gas in a week, picking her up and taking her to work. Not to mention having to take wee one to and from school for geek patrol. (I had to write that because she was watching me type....)

Have a good evening and Kim, I like nice, crisp lines in my jeans! LOLOL....

I scream, you scream.... oh yeah, and we also had ice cream....

I am not having a good week. My hormones decided to have a party and have invited their friends....so I am overflowing with emotions, tears, you name it. As I was driving my "typical teen" (read: smart alec daughter) to work, I contemplated stopping at the grocery store and picking up a bottle of wine for myself and escaping for a few blissful, buzzed hours. Then I remembered that I had something at home that would make me feel much better than that. Left over vicoden from my last bout of sciatica? No. What I had in mind was much better....

I decided to use my new ice cream maker and freeze my troubles away. I chose the vanilla recipe to start with....something nice and easy. It called for heavy cream, half and half, sugar, vanilla....I could feel the tension melting away as I read the recipe. I followed the directions to the "T" and I must say, it turned out quite well. Smooth, creamy and straight to my thighs. Who could ask for anything more?

Right now JB is outside working on the tree house for wee one. She is at church with her friend and, as I said, Betsy is at work. Yes, I've got a free and quiet night with the hubby and he is outside working off his frustration from the day. I should be enjoying these nights as next Friday is my last day of freedom. The girls will be home at noon....and won't return to school until next August. Where did this year go? I am amazed at how fast it went. Betsy gets her first paycheck on Friday, and I told her that she can do whatever she wants with it....and then the rest of her paychecks will be split between her checking account and car insurance. It's just amazing to me that I have a child who is now in the work force.

Anyhoo....

Completely off topic: My desk had a bunch of scratches on it and it was driving me nuts. So, today I took a brown marker and colored for an hour or so. Let me just say that it looks pretty dang good. My mom said that you are supposed to make a paste consisting of instant coffee andwater and rub that into the scratches. That would never work for me....I'd be journaling and licking the desktop all evening.

Well, I suppose I should go now. I have a load in the dryer that I should take out, and one to put in. But I really don't feel like doing it. Let's take bets on weather or not I actually do the remainder of the laundry, and finish tonight....or leave it for the morning. Come on....it'll be fun. Winner gets a bowl of ice cream and a dusty donut!

D'oh-nuts....

O  <~~~~*the perfect ending to a perfect day as I can't get into the animation factory for a freaking donut graphic! (*sarcasm) So, using your imagination, think of my big "O" as a chocolate donut....

I finally felt better after leaving to go shopping. I got all I needed at Wal-Mart then headed to the shoe store to buy some summer shoes. Of course:

1. The BOGO sale was no longer running and
2. They didn't have anything I liked.

So, I went to Marshalls to see what they had. And what they had consisted of a pile of, oh, I don't know, crap. I knew I had to stop at the store to get some things for dinner, and I had a taste for donuts. For the past few days I've been channeling Homer Simpson, longing for the sickening sweet yet satisfying taste of this holy treat.

I got to the grocery store and picked out a dozen, kindly bringing some home to my family. I shopped, checked out and loaded up the car. Being that I had not eaten all day (well, I did have the bagel), I decided what the heck, threw caution to the wind and snarfed down a chocolately long john whilst driving home. Man that sucker was good....

Of course, I make the entire ten minute trip, only to ever so gently turn onto my street when I hear a sssssslide....thump. Yes, the entire dozen (-1) was on the floor of my car....all of them upside down.

I didn't yell, I didn't scream....I calmly pulled into the garage, opened the door and put them back into the box. I retrieved the second long john from under the car (chocolate side down), blew it off and placed it on top. I then quietly swept the powdered sugar out of the car and took my groceries in. I didn't mention this little mishap to my family until after they had dessert tonight.

Hey, don't judge me....after a day like that I needed some comic relief!

My day so far....

5:14 am: awoken by dh to tell me he is leaving for work (no crap? And I thought you were banging around in the bathroom for the past 30 minutes just for the heck of it.)

5:55 am: alarm goes off....time to get up and get ready to take Betsy to bus stop. I get up, go get wee one from her room, settle her into my bed, put her cartoons on and make sure Betsy is up.

6:05 am: find hairclip for Betsy who has decided to put her hair up today. Ask her if she has lip gloss to which she gives me a smart-a$$ "yeah I guess" answer as she walks away.

6:06 am: yell at her for being said smart a$$ and continue getting dressed.

6:08 am: check on typical-teen daughter and tell her I'm going to go wait in the car for her.

6:09 am: wait
6:10 am: wait
6:11 am: wait....fast forward to 6:freaking19 am: begin to feel a pounding in my right temple and start honking the horn

6:20 am: through gritted teeth remind dd that I am not a paid chauffeur and that if she expects a ride to the bus stop she had better have her princess butt out here when I am ready. Remind her that I have to take and pick up wee one from school every day as well as take her to and from work and dang it she will understand what I mean when she has to pay for her own freaking gas ::take a breath::, so quit disrespecting me.

6:25am: tell her to have a nice day at school as the bus arrives, and she does apologize. But....I pretend not to hear and drive off. I'm mean that way....

6:26 am to 7:00 am: make wee one's lunch, let dog out, feed and medicate him, make wee one breakfast then sit on the computer for a while.

7:00am - 7:45 am: Do wee one's hair, get her packed and ready for school, take her, fight the stupid "morning drivers" who forget that you CAN turn right on a red and make me sit there for 10 minutes waiting for the green. Get to school, wait 3 minutes while wee one drops her lunch box TWICE and holds up the car line. Read the lips of the lady behind me and consider responding with some "sign language" but decide that that wouldn't be appropriate for the mother of a Safety Patrol. Leave the school, hear a good song on the radio and CRANK it up as I drive home. Go to turn on my street only to have WEIRD mom standing IN THE FREAKING MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND NOT MOVING so that I have to drive around her.

7:46 am to present: go inside and take bath, shave the gams, eat a bagel, pick up the house, and make a list for the store.

And how has your day been so far????

I'm crabby.

Like you couldn't tell.

Bah Humbug 7 months early.

Monday again....

Oooooh, I ate way too much yesterday! Well, maybe I didn't eat too much, we just ate our meals too close together.

We started the day going to church, and for some reason got out a little late, so my "Mother's Day Breakfast" ended up being served around 1:00. Of course, we were supposed to be at my aunt and uncles for a cook out at 3:00....which meant I really shouldn't have eaten a very big breakfast. But I hadn't eaten anything (okay, a piece of cold toast earlier) all morning and I was freaking starving!

We left the restaurant and went to my mother's where dh fixed her garage door opener. The arm had actually ripped out of the door, so he spent 20 minutes drilling and screwing it back into place. From there we came home, changed clothes and exchanged gifts. The girls got my mom a new curling iron....one that heats up in 60 seconds AND turns itself off if you forget....something mother has a wee problem with. John and I gave her a gift certificate to use when she goes up to Indiana for a retirement party for our pastor.

The girls gave me something that I have been wanting forever....and ice cream maker! It's a really nice one too....I can't wait to shop today and get the ingredients for homemade ice cream. Betsy was less than thrilled with the gift, as she is absolutely sick of ice cream/frozen yogurt by now! LOL. Still, I loved my gift. Wee one made me an adorable card at church as well. I just love those homemade kiddie cards! She wrote to me:

"Mom, you have done sooo much durring the past 10 1/2 years, so I want to pay you back with a BIG kiss!! Smack!!" and there is a picture of some really big lips. On the other page it says, "Roses are red, violets are blue, candy is sweet, but not as sweet as u!!" Gosh, how can you not cry when receiving a card as beautiful as this? Puts Hallmark to shame!!!!

We ended up going to the cook out and having a nice time. My aunt made a 12-egg hunt for wee one, with clues in each egg as to where the next one would be. The last egg had $5 in it. I don't know why she did it....but I'll tell you what, it was the highlight of the party! We all had a great time laughing as she tried to figure out the clues. We ended up eating some wonderful chicken, homemade corn bread, baked beans, potato salad, sausage....see what I mean? It was too much too soon....but so dang good. However, I did pay for it later with a tummy ache! LOL....serves me right.

All in all it was a really nice day. We took Betsy to work at 6 and I picked her up at 10. I did, however, tape DH, so I have something to look forward to watching later on....of course, if I don't quit typing and get on with cleaning, I'm never going to get to watch it!

I'm outta here....

Weed whackin' momma....

What a day! I got up at 7:45 and decided to give the house a once over....which, if you have been reading for any length of time, you know ended up being a pretty good cleaning! LOL....after that I gave the dog a bath and then re-arranged the porch to accomodate my new rocking chair. I had no idea John had gotten it for me until Friday morning. I got up and opened the blinds to the sliding glass doors and there it was. I was so happy! I just love it too....last night I sat out there with the cool night breeze, a magazine and scented candles. Talk about relaxing! What a guy....

The rest of my day was spent in the back yard weeding, raking leaves, trimming the foliage, replanting, and getting things ready to put the rock in. I have to say, I did a damn good job. My feet hurt and I have a blister on my hand....but everything is ready. I need to go to Lowes and buy a few plants and maybe some lawn ornaments. I just remembered that I didn't put out my little gnome garden stakes! I'm sure my mother will be sorry to hear that (she hates my gnomes! lol).

I have two more hours until I have to pick Betsy up from work. These late nights are going to make me crazy! John worked all day today, so we are arguing over who did the most work (I think I did, being that I was outside doing physical work, and he was at his desk! lol), and who should pick her up. I told him that the deal should be that I will pick her up on weeknights, and he can do Friday and Saturday. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

She is really enjoying the job. This is her second day and she is already making everything on the menu, running the register, etc. Her boss is really nice and seems to like her work ethics. One thing she did forget to say when she got hired was that she has her teen bible study on Wednesday nights. The boss asked her if she was involved with anything so that she could work the schedule around her, but Bets was so nervous she forgot. Well, she went in today and told her about it, and the boss said that she will make sure not to schedule her on those nights. I thought that was really nice. I'm just so proud of Betsy for getting a job and wanting to work. She is the only one of her "group" of friends who is working now, and I know that is hard for her. She told me today that she likes the job, but wishes she were a kid again. I had to laugh at that one....

Well, I'm off to put my nightie on....seems dh has caved in and is going to pick her up....on the motorcycle no less!

I want to wish all the mom's out there a wonderful and happy Mother's day!!!! Enjoy!

"My Night Out With the Girls" by: Sherry B.

You know, there is a reason that twenty-somethings go out and party, and married-with-children thirty somethings don't. The older I get, the more I realize that the good Lord's plans for us really do make sense....

I was picked up last night by my friend and two other mom's. One who works full time who's husband stays home, and the other who is also a sahm. They were very sweet and welcoming. We headed off to our destination, a local Mexican restaurant that was having a Cinco de Mayo party. It was rainy and cold, but they had Carona booths set up, a local radio station, and hundreds of men and women looking for a hook-up....

We went in and put in our name for a seat (45 minute wait, outside in the cold, damp weather), and huddled in our group, chatting. The designated driver and I did not drink, however the other two started margurita testing early. It was pretty obvious that we were the "Desperate Houswives" of the group....however, we were the ones that lived around the block from Wisteria lane....the ones who actually look like they have had children and don't get as much camera time. Still, we did receive a few appreciative glances our way....

After about a half an hour, we began the "I am so glad I'm married and don't have to deal with dating but if I did have to which one would I choose" game. Of course, being that the two were drinking, their choices were becoming louder and louder and the guys figured out our game....lol.

Eventually we were seated and ordered our food. The game continued on inside, however the way we were seated made it impossible for me to see the door. All I could see was the window and the booth behind us. My friend all of a sudden screeched, "There's that guy with the great butt!" While I didn't turn around, I got a pretty funny picture anyway....I'm sitting there, with a perfect view of three women, married with kids, staring like dreamy eyed teens at some guy. It was priceless. I told them, "Boy, you should see the view I have....you guys are crazy!" They all laughed and we went on with dinner.

Now, being that the place was so crowded, our waiter was running pillar to post trying to get everything done. And I will admit that when one of the women asked for more salsa, he did pretty much "throw" it to her....so, as we were waiting for our check I caught the eye of the manager and he came over. He asked how everything was and the two margurita girls pipe up...."Great but our waiter SUCKS!!!!" OMG....the other girl and I just put our heads on the table....lol. It was so freaking funny. The manager says, "Well, they all suck tonight because it's so crowded....but what can I do for you?" So the girls say...."You could at least get us a cute waiter!" OMG x2. I, at this point, tell the guy, "You have to realize that they are the drinkers, and we are the drivers!" LOL....he laughs and leaves the table. Not two minutes later this really cute, young waiter comes over with our bill and says, "Good evening ladies....and how are you?" ::flashing of sparkling white teeth:: I happen to turn around and there stands the manager, laughing his a$$ off....I tell ya, it was quite the scene.

Eventually we paid and left....on the drive home the conversation in the car was centered around our husbands, and how much we love them and would never trade them in, etc., etc....I have to say, it was a fun night, but not quite what I had expected. I guess I'm just not into the party scene anymore.

Coming in to my cozy home was such a relief....the dishes from the dinner I had made before I left weren't washed, however they were stacked neatly in the sink....dh had helped wee one with her homework and they were relaxing in front of the tv watching a movie together. She was not bathed or in her pj's like she should have been, her school bag wasn't packed and ready to go, and the dog was whining to go out....and I was thrilled to be in the middle of it all! Hubby asked how everything went and I told him it was fun but that I missed him and was glad to be home. I believe I saw a glimpse of a satisfied smile on his face....but that's okay. On the counter was a bag of peanut m&m's that he had bought me while I was out. Now that's the kind of man I would choose!

 

My baby is growing up....

Guess who got a job today? My little baby Betsy!  We are so proud of her! She got a call this afternoon from the local ice cream shop and they asked if she could come in for a quick interview. After getting home from school, her dad and I took her to the store, and she was hired on the spot! The owner said that she had remembered her from when she came in to fill out the application and had "liked her attitude". She is excited and nervous. I'm sure she will do fine....it's a really clean place with all girls working there. As a matter of fact, the daughter of one of the guys that works for my husband has a job there as well. I think it will be a lot of fun for her. She starts tomorrow night and is scheduled for Saturday as well. I guess this means we have to follow through on our promise of a car. We told her that we will provide the car, but she has to provide the insurance and gas once she gets a job. I suppose I will now be scouring the web, finding articles on the best cars for teens!  (Any suggestions here would be appreciated....)

I spent the ENTIRE day out of my house. I am so not used to that. I left at 7:30 and didn't get back until 3:30. Then made dinner and left again at 5:00. My "real life" friend and I had to go to school and present the teachers with their "teacher appreciation" gifts, then go to the mall to purchase gift certificates for them with the money we collected from the kids. So, not wanting to waste a perfectly good trip to the mall, we shopped! I didn't buy anything though. Well, I did buy a Polly Pocket set for wee one, and a little something for Betsy....but I didn't go over $14.00. I tried on a ton of clothes....but nothing looked great. I just can't buy unless I really like it. I almost got some capri's, but they just didn't do it for me.

Tomorrow night is my big night out with the girls. I'm nervous! I don't know any of them besides my gal-pal....and she is one of those women who knows EVERYBODY. Really outgoing and friendly. You know, maybe I will have a drink....just to settle my nerves! LOL....just kidding. We did do breakfast todayand I felt lost without my dh with me. We always go to breakfast together. But don't tell him I said that. If he knew I actually missed him, he will never let me live it down! LOL....

Okay, I'm outta here....I have to pick Betsy up from church. I tell ya, it's a good thing the price of gas went down to $1.98 because I'm gonna need to fill up again with all this driving around!

Tree house Saturday....

As you can see by the pictures, dh and wee one started building her tree house this weekend. They have the support beams up so far, and boy did they work hard! Wee one is so excited about working with her dad. They have made plans to put in steps underneath that lead up to a trap door....windows....ceiling fan....indoor/outdoor carpet....etc. It is going to be really cool when they are done. They are going to make it look like our house on the outside, with brick on the front and white on the sides. I didn't do any of the physical work....but as you can see I provided lunch! LOL.

Not much else went on this weekend. We went to the mall on Saturday night and Betsy filled out some applications. Sunday was spent at church, then we took my mom out for lunch. It was a nice weekend all around.

This week is "teacher appreciation week". The children brought in a cut flower for the female teacher, and candy for the male teacher today. Tomorrow we will be buying lunch for them....and I forget what the rest of the week holds. As I was driving to school this morning, every bus stop I passed had children standing with bunches of flowers. It was cute.

I have a pounding headache this morning. Oh man, it's afternoon! I didn't realize that....where does the time go? Only 14 days of school left for my children....I had better stock up on tylenol. LOL. Okay, I'm going to go take some now and maybe take a nap....have a good one.