DokkestulDiscussion

Dear John

2012-01-23T18:57:00.004-06:00

Dear ipad, television, rocking chair, and couch;
Please do not think I am leaving you; this is only temporary. I will visit you more frequently in the evenings as they allow; on the weekends and again full time when summer comes. I will miss you more then you will know. I swear its not personal; no really--its not you...its me.All good things must come to an end; but alas we will meet again.
I love you......please never forget......

***Tomorrow is the dreaded return to work day. Maternity leave is ending and instead of seriously considering how much I will miss Carter; I'm doing my best to make due***

Chicken Pad Thai

2012-01-22T18:19:00.006-06:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE the smell of freshly chopped cilantro? Because I do! Today I got to smell that when I made some pad thai. I used Sandra Lee's recipe from the Food Network site. However; I added chicken**. Because I love me some protein. Here is the recipe I used :-)

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package rice noodles
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
2 large eggs, beaten
**1-2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon chile sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 carrot, grated
4 scallions, sliced thin (reserve 1 scallion for Round 2 Recipe Coconut Chicken Soup)
2 cups bean sprouts
1/4 cup peanuts, coarsely chopped, for garnish
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and turn off the heat. Add the rice noodles and let them soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain. (Reserve 1 cup cooked noodles for Online Round 2 Recipe Summer Rolls.)

In a wok or a large skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon oil. When it is hot, add the eggs and cook until they are firm. Remove them from the pan and let them cool a bit. Roughly chop them and set aside. **Add another tablespoon of oil and cook chicken (cut into bite sized pieces) in same pan and set it aside with the eggs.**

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, chile sauce, lime juice, garlic, and broth. Set side.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan along with the carrots, scallions, and bean sprouts andstir fry 1 minute. Add the reserved eggs and sauce, stirring to coat everything completely. Cook for another minute. Serve garnished with peanuts and cilantro

Izze's mom vs Carters mom

2012-01-14T09:40:00.002-06:00

Izze was a formula fed baby. She slept with us for maybe a week or two. By 6 weeks she was in her own crib and sleeping through the night. The first few nights we did a little bit of cry it out with her. She handled it fine. She's resilient. Izze didn't get held often (she would fuss, it was a hot summer and she was a hot baby). She preferred to swing or ride in a stroller.
Carter had some formula during her first week of life; but since then has turned to exclusive breastfeeding. Carter sleeps ONLY with her mom. The idea of a crib disgusts her. The idea of her crying it out; makes her mom's heart break. Carter's mom is not as resilient as Izze. Carter is held or worn pretty much 24/7. She has a sling; a k'tan; a Becco and a wrap. Carter prefers to be with mom.
Some of this is the difference in kids. But a lot is the difference in their moms.
Izze's mom was a first time mom just trying to survive.Carters mom was having her final baby and trying to savor every second with her.Izze's mom was okay with sharing Izze and not being "favored".Carter's mom really likes being her favorite and is a bit selfish about it.Izze's mom wanted easy.Carter's mom wants whatever Carter wants.
I don't know if its third child; I don't know if its final child; or if its just "THE BABY" of the family syndrom. I do know that its not because I think these things are "better" then I used to; because I still see no problem with formula feeding; crying it out; and not wearing my child. I say you have to do what you have to do.
So I figure it must JUST be that they have different moms.

Oriental Chicken Roll Up --Applebees copycat recipe

2011-10-23T16:37:00.005-06:00

Alright, in trying to figure out how to pin this recipe the exact way I made it; I had to blog about it first, because well I found a recipe online, read the reviews and then modified it to work for my lazy self. So here goes:

ORIENTAL CHICKEN ROLL UP (Copy Cat Recipe from Applebees)Dressing:

6 Tbsp light corn syrup (or honey)
3 tbsp white wine vinigar
1/2 cup mayonaise
2 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon seasame oil

Other ingredients:

4 flour tortillas (burrito size)
Tyson (or like brand) chicken tenders; 2-4 servings worth
Bag of asian slaw (also called broccoli slaw, it contains shredded broccoli, cabbage and carrots)
Chow Mein Noodles (about 1 cup-2 cups)
Sliced almonds (1/4 cup)

Start by mixing the dressing ingredients until smooth; and then chill them.
Cook up some crispy chicken tenders according to directions.* Cut them up into bite sized pieces when they are finished cooking.
Mix a bag of "asian slaw"; in with the dressing. (it has broccoli, cabbage and carrots)
Add about 1 cup crispy chow mein noodles and 1/4 cup sliced almonds to the salad and dressing.
Use a soft (can warm a few minutes) burrito sized flour tortilla. Fill with salad mix and chicken. Roll up and eat!

You could also make it the salad the long way. By going to this site. Note that it is only enough for one salad and does not include rolling it up. I doubled the recipe and was able to get 4 good sized roll ups.
*We also decided to throw in about 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce on the cut up chicken for a different flavor. And because applebees always had a teriyaki type dipping sauce with this particular wrap, though I have yet to find a recipe or name for THAT. Please let me know if you do!

Timelines

2011-09-27T20:11:00.004-06:00

I hear facebook has this new "timeline" feature coming. I'm not sure what it will be like but it got me thinking of my time line from the last week. I hope to never have 6 days like this again.
Thursday: Caden comes home from daycare whiney and crabby. A few hours later, Caden throws up all over his bed. He is up half the night with Kevin sick as a dog. Friday: Its Nea's birthday. But I get to celebrate MY birthday at work. Aunt Gloria even brought treats. Yeah for that. At lunch I find out I get a call from Chloe and Grandma Priscilla has passed away. Make it through the day but feeling very sad. Get home from a long day (Fridays are the long days at work) and find out dad needs help at the shop, so I go put 3 hours in there. Come home and am in bed an hour later. Saturday: ITS MY BIRTHDAY. But Caden is STILL sick. So we have to cancel our plans. No party at the Roughtons for us. Also with Priscilla passing, dad is at his wits end and needs help at work. Kevin spends the morning working while I take care of a whiney boy and his sister. I do get graced with a lovely facial. Mom offered to take us to dinner but Caden is still crying with an upset tummy. I'm sad that I can't celebrate, but mom shows up around 7 with a DQ treat for me. Super nice. However, I'm tired. By 8pm I'm in bed and I HAVE CADENS FLU. Happy Birthday to me :-( Sunday: I wake up and I'm sick ALL day. I'm weak and feel like dying. But its football day. Vikings start off 20pts ahead at half time, then for the 3rd week in a row, they give the game away. At least I won 50$ off the final score. I sleep some more and hope tomorrow I feel better. I get a call from Gregg and Bridgette had surgery today. She is okay but we won't know more till tomorrow. DO NOT LIKE THIS.Monday: Wake up and take Izze to school, and Caden to daycare. I come home and I'm STILL sick when I eat, though I feel better and less achey. The baby is starving but if I eat I get sick. No food for me. Nap and get ready for the wake at 3pm. Spend the evening there; heavy heavy hearts.Tuesday: Wake up to moaning. Kevs not feeling well. Time to get ready for funeral, apparently its just me and the kids. 15 minutes later Izze's not feeling well. Then she gets sick. REALLY sick. She stays home with dad and Caden and I go to the funeral. He yells about being hungry for the first hour and half. When its time for lunch he doesnt eat. We come home and nap. He wakes up and had an accident in his unders. PLEASE don't let his flu be back. Clean up is usually Kevs department but he's dying on the couch so I get it. I cook the sickies some food and go to the store. It took THREE stores to find everything we needed. I come home; put groceries away, give the kids baths and put them to bed. I told Kev god forbid something happens to him; our kids will start bathing on a weekly basis in stead of every other day. LOL
I'm TIRED. My feet are swollen. I don't think I could handle this past few days when I WASN'T pregnant more or less when I am.
Dear Lord, I thank you for the few positives in this crazy weekend as they helped me from falling completely into the poor me pitty song. I thank you for helping a wonderful woman end her suffering and bring her joy of being home, though she will be greatly missed. I thank you for he fact that the end of this is all in sight. But most of all I thank you for helping me keep my hormones in check and not lose my mind. Amen.

WHERE OH WHERE IS THE MONEY TREE?!

2011-09-18T11:47:00.003-06:00

Well we bought a week.
Kev thought he fixed the dryer, but really we just threw 50$ into it for two whole loads of laundry. BOO.
SO now I'm looking at the list of things we need and thinking to myself, where oh where will I find that magic money tree:
Mold out of Izze's closet. (fix sheetrock, fix baseboard, new carpet, etc)
New dryer
New roof(hopefully that will wait till next summer)
Winterizing time(new seals for two doors, window plastic for whole house, silicone to seal another area)
Christmas gifts and Birthday gifts (we have 13 bdays between now and December)
Current clinic and hospital bills (kidney stones and sinus infections)
Upcoming hospital bills(c-section, baby care, BIG V!)
AND THE LIST GOES ON....

Quote of the day

2011-09-17T10:43:00.002-06:00

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass;Its about learning to dance in the rain.

MONDAY I HATE YOUR STINKIN GUTS

2011-09-12T15:33:00.005-06:00

I was having a reasonably decent time on my first Monday off. How lucky am I to have Monday off. Noone likes Monday; and I get to spend it with my boy being productive.
Best of all, I woke up for the first time and I was EXCITED about the baby. I know that sounds bad, but before all I could see was the cost and the stress; but today I was excited. I wanted to meet her!
We went to the store; they of course didn't have the blinds we needed which was our only reason for going. But we managed to spend 40$ anyways. Found out later, according to online I wont be able to buy $5 blinds, I'll have to buy $40 costume blinds cause of the stupid size :-(
We went to Medford to find Izze some "dress down day" clothes. We made it through 5 stores before we finally found some clothes she would like. My wallet doesn't love them, but I figure we can handle a few outfits.
By the end of our excursions I'm about to pass out. This pregnancy is causing me to be narcoleptic. I'm sure of it. I sleep 8-10 hours a night and I could still nap 3 hours a day. So when Caden naps, momma naps. I had to set an alarm so we could pick Izze up from Kindergarten on time, and that of course included waking Caden from a dreary sleep.
Of course there are no parking spots near the school, so instead of just leaving Caden happily watching a movie I have to take him the block and half to go get Izze. He was not happy. I was not happy to have to carry a not happy boy.
We come home and I decide to be productive again. Time to put away the kids laundry which Kevin kindly did yesterday. But I notice he never brought it up from the dryer. So I go get it. Its wet. Its been sitting wet since last night. *annoyed*
I turn the dryer on and come back 20 minutes later. The dryer is noticeably quiet, running but quietly and not "shaking" as a dryer does. I open it and the stuff is SITTING still. *GRR*
So I have wet laundry waiting to mold (don't get me started on mold thats a whole nother post) and I do NOT want to go to the freaken laundromat to remedy this situation. I guess I should just be happy that the freaken house didn't burn down from the dryer.
And now I'm back to seeing dollar signs. I'm back to wondering how we can afford all these things (new roof, mold, dryer, clothes I just bought) ON TOP of a new baby; and I hate myself because once again I resent her.
Moral of my story; why is it that even though my Monday's should be nice and relaxed now that I don't work on them; they are still finding a way to be MONDAYS?!?!!?

Big Boy Room

2011-09-11T16:20:00.002-06:00

My big boys room is all finished up (well sans the window treatments but he is perfectly happy to live with towels pinned up there for now)

It looks great and our house is now officially a 4 bedroom (we bought it as a 3 bedroom). I love his room. Its funny to me because I never wanted a boy and here I had more fun with his room then I did with Izze's :-)

He loves it. And he's dying to get his Thomas stickers up and on the wall. I think thats going to be a mommy/Caden day project on one of our Mondays together.

The Floridas on Friday

2011-09-08T18:31:00.004-06:00

Caden was eating dinner last night.He looked at his cup and pointed at Ursula.
"She's on The Florida's mom"
"Yes she is buddy, thats Ursula from the Little Mermaid, we saw her in Florida"
"She big and mean, she come out. In another day and another day Gayles gonna take me to see Ursula on the Floridas!!!!"
Well the boy has big dreams. Apparently Gayle is taking him back to Florida on Friday. I hope he's not too disappointed when she doesn't show up!

Don't Blink

2011-09-07T07:08:00.003-06:00

Scene: Morning of the second day of school; I am waking Caden up.
"Hey buddy, its time to go to GinaMary's for daycare"
"No Momma, I want to go to school, to preschool!"
"Sorry buddy, your not big enough yet"
"Yes mom. I is big now....see" {Stretches legs out in the air to show me}
Fast forward 30 minutes; dropping Izze off at school (after leaving a pouting Caden at daycare as he watched his friends go to preschool and he didn't--MOM GUILT)
"Bye Fa-shizza, have a good day"
"Bye mom, see you after school!" {looks around to see who's watching BEFORE she gives me a kiss}
So I walk to my car and climb in and turn the radio on.
The song "Don't Blink" is playing.
And here comes the tears....they flow.....and flow...... and flow.

First Day Jitters

2011-09-06T16:46:00.003-06:00

Back to school is painful. Even for those teacher that enjoy it, its an adjustment.
I love my job. I wouldn't trade it for the world. There are days in the summer where I could run screaming from children and bang on the doors of the school begging them to let me work. But when your alarm starts to ring those first few days its tough.And "first day jitters" are not just for kids.
Today I went back to school as a specialist. Teaching computers. I love to be on a computer, so I'm excited about this. At first I mourned the loss of having my "own" class and kids, but there are far to many benefits to do so for long. Today was an AWESOME first day. The world of a specialist flies by. SO many kids, SOO many faces, SOOO few minutes with them.
And now that Kevin got me OUT from under the bed, I'm sure glad he did!

Kindergarten

2011-09-06T16:38:00.004-06:00

Its offical, I have an elementary student in my family!

How did that happen????
Here were her two preschool picture.

And here she is today!!!!

From #2 to only child

2011-08-29T19:39:00.003-06:00

Sunday morning Izze went to stay with Nana and Papa. Caden came home around lunch (from playing with Gayle) and didn't even mention the fact that she was gone. He went about his entire day not asking about her and enjoying being the lone child.
About 15 minutes before bedtime I looked around the basement and noticed the mess that Caden and Daddy had made. I told him someone needed to "clean up this mess".
He looked around the room and said "Not me, not you, not dad. Izze do it."
I pointed out that Izze isn't here to clean up. He thought for a minute.
"Izze do it when she come home"
The first thing he said about her all day...and apparently all she is good for is cleaning up his mess.

Summer comes and summer goes

2011-08-18T14:34:00.003-06:00

Its almost time for school to start! UGG where does the summer go?!
I feel like it just started. We were gone more then we were home during June and July. Which isn't something to complain about, yet I feel like I lost a ton of summer because of it! At least I have maternity leave to look forward to :-)
I get a change this year. When I go back, I will not have a class of my own. I will instead have 12. 12 classes of students learning computer! It will be different. I am sad to lose my "own" class but super excited with what being a "specialist" could bring. Wish me luck.
Izze girl is starting KINDERGARTEN. How did THAT happen?! I'm super excited. I know some moms get sad, but I'm really not. I'm proud and happy. She's sooo smart and I can't wait to see what she will learn!!!
Caden heads back to daycare at "Mary Ginas" He needs it. Structure. Someone who tells him no. His momma's no good at that. Its not my fault though, its those dang toddler briefs that he runs around in. How cute. Why is it tighty whiteys are sooo dang adorable on a 3 year old and look just absolutely rediculous on grown men? Either way, those little unders he's learnign to wear, they win my heart all too easily.
Baby Zuppa (we have dubbed her after the thing, the only thing, i have craved this pregnancy) is cookin away. Still about 15 ish weeks go go? I'm sure they will fly by!

Where to put it?!

2011-05-28T19:03:00.003-06:00

I'm 12 weeks pregnant and as I look around my house, I honestly wonder where we will put it.
Every extra inch is covered in toys.
There isn't much I love more then a good toy purge, but when I just sat down to do it, I honestly almost started crying. I just dont know what to do. I have a donate bucket, a garbage bucket, a send to grandma's bucket and anything we are keeping is going to be immediately put away (if it doesnt have a spot its NOT staying).
Yet I sit in front of that pile and just stare. I have no motivation for anything but crying. I just want it to go away.
If you can make it go away, I will pay you. Big money. I'm to the point that I can see how a one would want to burn their house to the floor and just start from scratch.
WE just did a toy purge at Christmas, a big one. HOW in the world did it multiply so fast? And how to I make sure it doesn't keep happening. How do I get this sorted and down to minimal clutter again when looking at it causes such depression I want to go to my room and never come back out.
Lord, is there a prayer for THIS!?

Eloquance

2011-04-20T18:27:00.002-06:00

I was looking for a quote to sum how I feel today.
I've always loved:

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

So I searched for Eleanor Roosevelt and found so many quotes it was

hard to choose which best fit my mood today.

“Great minds discuss ideas ; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people”
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do and damned if you don't.”
“We gain strength , and courage , and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face... we must do that which we think we cannot.”
“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.”
“Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”

What I found most importantly today was that Eleanor Roosevelt=Eloquence

Silly little man

2011-04-08T17:15:00.003-06:00

Caden did something that made Kev mumble "I guess I just need lower expectations"
To which Caden replied very insulted: "No! I'm NOT the lorax" (pronounced low ex)

Oh My

2011-04-05T20:57:00.003-06:00

Today I had one of those moments with Izze that made me think: there will be an age when I will NOT want to hear my daughter say this to a boy.
Playing with her friend today Izze whispers to him in her best conspirator voice:
You be the horse and I'll pretend to ride you.
Deep breath mom. Deep breath!
I'm telling you if she was FOURteen instead of FOUR saying that in that voice; we would have a WHOLE different situation on our hands!

Kevs Kryptonite

2011-04-04T18:13:00.003-06:00

Kevin is BEYOND ticklish under his arms.
Its to the point we can almost make a grown man cry.
This delights Izze and I to no end.We will spend countless minutes tickling dad and giggling like a bunch of fools; to the point that he almost gets mad. That just makes us laugh harder.
The best part of the whole ordeal is that when Izze laughs.........Izze farts!
So it becomes like a torture chamber full of gas and tickles.
Being a frequent farter myself, I am immune to most and just laugh harder.
Poor Kev. The abuse he endures from his girls.
Oh the simple joys of life!

For Fun....

2011-04-04T17:31:00.002-06:00

Stolen from my girl Lori :-)
Interview with Izze—April 4, 2011—age 4 years, 11 monthsThis was PAINFUL. Everything started "I dont know" she's shy as she sees me writing. If I did this without a computer in front of me or in bed she woulda talked away!

1.What is something mom always says to you?
Snuggle with me!

2. What makes mom happy?
Snuggles.

3. What makes mom sad?
No hugs.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Tickles me!

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Cute and good

6. How old is your mom?
30, younger then dad.

7. How tall is your mom?
I'm 3 feet mom is 4!

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Teach

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Calls me!

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?Like Taylor Swift

11. What is your mom really good at?
Tying Shoes

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Working for money!

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Teach her class

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Noodles

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Because she takes me to swimming!

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Dora

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Play polly pockets.

18. How are you and your mom the same?
We have the same hair.

19. How are you and your mom different?
We have different names.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Cause she's my mom.

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
To Gayles

Summer..Fall..Winter...Spring...Winter

2011-03-25T07:39:00.004-06:00

My children got to spend some time at Grandma Gayles.
As they were getting ready to go, I told Izze to get her boots on. When I looked down I noticed she was putting on her rain boots.
"No, honey you need to wear your warm winter snow boots."
"But momma its SPRING now."
(my poor dear girl had not looked outside to see that the world around us had turned from a beautiful brown world of mud to an ugly serene world covered in crystal white snow).
"No, Izze, its not......God changed his mind"
And with that she was put on her snow boots and went out to enjoy the world God had created for her. No grumbles (like her momma). And even some smiles.
I love my daughters trust in what the Lord decides.

Mr Beans

2011-03-22T09:48:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure exactly what happened to our Bailey either as a puppy or in his past life, but it was something. Because he reacts very strongly (ducking, obsessively licking and quaking in his imaginary puppy boots) to a few certain things.
The best I can figure:
In the past life: He was attacked by naked hippies waving plastic bags in protest. Some were obviously using bottles of lotion to squirt him while others were ringing doorbells. This of course was all happening during a horrendous thunderstorm.
Or in this life: When Kev and I were walking him as a puppy and sneaking him in and out of our "No Dogs allowed apartment" in grocery bags (kev) or by purse (me) which obviously contained a bottle of lotion that made a squirting noise, it was storming and we had to ring the buzzer to get let back in. And I'm just not pretty naked.

A story

2011-03-21T09:12:00.011-06:00

Once upon a time....God gave me cousins. I didn't want them at first, but the moment I met Bridgette, I changed my mind. I was a bit jealous sharing the attention with her, for 10 years our family had been "my show" but she was lovable and I adjusted. Then God gave us her sister, Linnea and I loved them so. I wanted to take them and put them in my pocket and keep them little and with me forever.

Bridgette, Linnea and I 1995

But God had other plans. He let us all grow older. I did not stay a teenager and they became them. But I still loved them and wanted to keep them just like that.

Me, Linnea and Bridgette 2009

God still went on with his plan and turned these young teenage girls into beautiful young women. Despite my arguments to the contrary. He did a good job with it though, and I love them still.

Bridgette, Me, Linnea 3/20/11

All the while this was happening, at my own home, I still lived as an only child. God knew I liked it this way. So he sent this pesky boy to work on the farm. From the time I was 15 this lil' kid hung around and I grew to love him too. He was a few years younger so I did my best to teach him how to be bossed around by a girl, how not to treat girls and how to swear. He was a nerdy lil' boy who grew into a nice young man. I think God sent him to help me adjust to sharing my mom. Because soon God sent me another brother, this time the real thing. The serrogate brother of mine still remained and I'm glad because I love my brother by choice as much as I love my brother of blood.

Matt, Carmryn and I 2003

Well that young man kept growing and growing and growing, God is funny that way. I got married. All of my people were there. My Bridgette she was 16. My Matt was not. Bridgette adored Matt but he was too old for her. So she decided to date a mini Matt. That was short lived and by the time Bridgette turned 18 she had convinced Matt of what she already knew. And so be it. Noone stops Bridge from getting what she wants.

Matt, Bridge and My lil' guy (their godson) 2009

This is the story of my babies. Who grew up too fast.

This is the story of why my brother is marrying my cousin and its perfectly legal and not a Jerry Springer story.

This is a story where my heart weeps with joy of things to come and sorrow for time that has gone too fast.

This is the story of a place which has been a second home to me for the past 25 years will soon mean so much more to me when on my 6 year anniversary my boy will marry my girl.

This is the story of Matthew Richard and Bridgette Christine.

This is a love story written by God for us to share.

<3>

I'm IN!

2011-03-18T19:30:00.002-06:00

Mom You're my best friend!
Aren't those the best words ever?!
They melt my heart. Even if they DID come after a long list of others:
Matty and Hailey and Sydney are my best friends in my class.Nolan and Reagan are my best friends outside of school.Evie and Ava are my best freinds from dance and your class.My cousins are lots of my best friends. Caden is my best friend. OH at school I forgot that Marshall and Duncan are my best friends too.I have a lot of best friends.
Me: What about me? Can I be your best friend?
OH YES. MOM YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND!
So it came at the end of a long list. And I may have had to beg for it a little. But it came with a big hug and a smile so huge I forgot all that preceded it.
I'm IN!

Pray for my Fairy Arms.

2011-03-09T19:02:00.002-06:00

Today is Ash Wednesday. For Lent I have decided that in my quest to be more "Jesus like" I will give up swearing.
I started my day at work, where we went to mass. Taking 20 preschoolers to mass can be quite a stressful thing to do. You can definitely tell which kids are used to attending and which are not. But over all, they did well and I was very proud of my munchkins! I succeeded here on my Lenten promise.
I followed my morning with a good ole' Catholic school Ash Wednesday lunch of grilled cheese and tomato soup. YUM.
I spent the afternoon with a second set of munchkins on loan. (The afternoon class that I'm temporarily long term subbing for). Only 7 out of the 10 were there today so it was a quiet and calm afternoon. Still doing well with the swearing.
I brought my own two munchkins home and we decided to go to supper as a good little Catholic family (with a Lutheran daddy) at the local Mom and Pop "fried food" place and have some yummy fish! They all enjoyed it. Caden spent his supper singing "Jingle Bells" to the entire restaurant. I'm sure they enjoyed it. And if not, well we did.
We followed that up by a family trip to the grocery store.
As I lay in bed I'm realizing that the times its HARDEST for me to not swear, is when I'm writing on the computer and talking to my "imaginary" friends. Its just second nature in my mind for me to speak like a sailor. I have a work filter and when I leave there it seems to disappear! It doesn't help that we actually have a story that will tell you that Phuc is a mans name, though I've started using it in vain. Or that I type LMFAO a lot, because my friends really are hillarious. Lucky for me, we have a new meaning for that: Laughing My Fairy Arms Off. Which had me LMFAO even more. I like it, I'm sticking with it.
Fairy Arms.
So please fold your hands (on your fairy arms of course) and say a little prayer with me that I can work on expanding my filter into my daily life.

Show the man some respect!

2011-03-05T09:13:00.003-06:00

Caden ~~loves~~ is obsessed with Buzz.
Kev thought maybe he could use that to get Caden on the potty chair.
"Caden if you use the potty chair, we will buy you Buzz underwear"
Caden looked at him like he was CRAZY.
"Noooooooo {giggle} NO Buzz on my BUUUUUTT!"
How disrespectful can Kev be?!!? Geez

I need a cuddle date!

2011-03-02T20:03:00.003-06:00

I've been subbing in the afternoons for the 5 day pm class.
10 kids and 1 teacher.
I should be able to handle this.
What I forgot is that when children adjust to a "sub" they revert to thier "beginning of the school year" behaviors. So its like September all over again. And teachers know. September is TIRING! But at least in September, you have light till 8 or 9pm. Being this tired in the winter with the cold....NOT FUN. I literally come home at 430, make supper, take Izze to swimming, come home and go straight to bed.
I love getting to teach full days, but I'm sooo dang tired and....
I miss my baby.
Caden and I have cuddle time every M, T, Th after nap and now we dont.
I need cuddles from my boy. Its only been a week and he's already becoming a daddys boy and leaving his momma behind :-( It breaks my heart! I was actually excited when he was sick the other day (with a fever) because he wanted to cuddle me! How sad is that. LOL
But this is not forever, and hopefully I will get some cuddle time with my boy soon!

Shhh...do you hear that

2011-02-20T12:14:00.002-06:00

............SILENCE!
My kids left on Friday at noon. And its sooo dang quiet, I love it. I miss my kids. Sure. They are adorable and sweet. But I know when they get back {from a weekend with Nana} they will be lil spoiled devils. So instead of looking forward to that moment thats coming all too quickly; I'm going to enjoy every last second of silence.
***I think I'm going to plan a staycation sometime. Where Kev and I send the kids away for 3 days and have NOTHING to do but be quiet and enjoy. That sounds like fun!

My Valentines

2011-02-14T14:26:00.007-06:00

Those are my crabby ass kitties who act as though they hate the world, but really the are lovers at the end of the day and this cuddle just proves it for us :-)

My pile o pups! Poor babes had to spend their valentines at the doctor having surgeries!

He's all mine girls back off.

Check out this "Mud Stuffin" in his glasses!

My girl and I were trying to cuddle and our youngest baby girl had to make sure she was not left out and proceeded to crawl RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE.

I'm sooooo lucky :-)

Taste Tester

2011-02-10T12:47:00.005-06:00

Kevin: Caden can I have one of your candies?Caden {looking at his large pile of mini M&Ms}: No.....Ucky. {stuffs face with said M&Ms}
Isn't it kind how he's saving his dad from eating that horrible ucky food? Kev's so lucky.

No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

2011-02-01T19:09:00.004-06:00

Its funny when you talk about something and within a day or two; maybe within hours or sometimes even with in minutes it comes up again. I swear this happens all the time.
So tonight as I sit chatting with some friends at swimming lessons; we are talking about the inappropriate songs we let our children listen to or the songs they learn from their friends. Well I guess I don't find them that inappropriate but they surely pass June Cleavers standards.
Fast forward 15 minutes to the drive home from swimming. We are listening to Taylor Swift. Gotta love TSwift she is so the opposite of inappropriate. I personally think even JC would approve {thats June Cleaver, not the big guy Jesus Christ...though I'm sure he's a fan too}.
And Izze says "Mom....what's the thing that she does on the matteress"
Um.....................What?!?!*I sit quietly and pretend I didn't hear*The song goes on and she's quiet, whew escaped that one. Oh shoot, wait...she sang it again.
"MOM...what's the thing she does on the matteress." Izze yells.
Well at least I bought some time to come up with this brilliant answer!
"Gymnastics dear. She does flips and jumps on it. Like the monkeys." Izze: "Well she shouldn't do that. She's not supposed to." "Your right Iz. You shouldn't do that {thing on the matteress}!"
Geez...who knew what a bad influence that Taylor Swift was, singing about jumping on the bed like a monkey!!!!

Drama Queen and her evil lil' Indian Brother

2011-02-01T16:11:00.004-06:00

So Izze and Caden are sitting nicely in the chair watching a movieIzze steals Cadens bookCaden pulls Izze's hair Izze starts to SCREAMThere Caden sits with a handful of hair. Literally a handful! I have to step in now. I tell him that is naughty. I have him apologize to Izze and give her a kiss. All the while Izze is acting as though she may die, the fit of all fits, she may need a doctor, she claims she is now bald, she can never wear a pony tail again! I place Caden in time out.I return to the room and Izze turns to me as calm as can me "Can I have a treat" Like nothing happened. HOW does she go from being scalped by an adorable blond Indian boy who left her on deaths doorstep not 30 seconds ago to HUNGRY in zero point 2 seconds?

Catching up

2011-02-01T16:01:00.003-06:00

Day 14- A hero that has let you down (write a letter)---Really, I dont let someone I dont know affect me this much. I guess maybe Tiger Woods or Kirby Pucket are a bit disappointing, but honestly its their life. They can do with it as they will.

Day 15- Something or someone you couldn't live without, because you've tried living without -- I haven't tried. I dont plan to. My tickles. On the rare occasion I dont have them to sleep, I dont sleep well if at all. So i will not attempt it! LOL

Day 16- Something or someone you could definitely live without -- Beer. Lutafisk. Cigarettes. Snow. Negative Temperatures. Fat. Exercise. Mondays. Obnoxious politically opinionated people on facebook. Ignorance.

Day 17- A book you've read that changed your views on something -- The Shack. It didnt' change my views, but solidified them. Conversations with God. Same thing. Amazing. Great book. Made sooo much sense.
Day 18- Your views on gay marriage -- To each his own. I feel everyone in this country should have the same exact rights. If a church doesn't want to allow them; that is their right. But the law; the law is meant to be fair, just and equal. Not allowing marriage between two people is taking rights away from them; and that is a step back in time. Take rights away from prisoners. But every day law abiding citizens who pay their taxes and live harmless lives should be allowed to make their own choices and love whomever they wish. It does not take away the sanctity of MY marriage because they are allowed their own.

Praying

2011-01-27T13:01:00.002-06:00

Today; I'm praying.
I'm praying that Izze's cold is just a cold.
I'm praying that said cold does not "disguise" her hearing issues.
I'm praying that the hearing issues are fixable and minute.
I'm praying that the fix is an easy one and can be done soon.
I'm praying that my baby girl will be able to hear things. Little things; she misses oh so often.
I'm praying that our appointment goes fast and she can get to swimming since its one of the few things that really makes her happy lately.
I'm praying that Friday comes and goes quickly and then Saturday and Sunday linger.
I'm praying that next week goes fast as well and then Superbowl weekend lingers with lots of time with my good friend Mir and her family.
I'm praying that February 14th hurries up, so the IRS will review my tax return now that I have all my ducks in a row.
I'm praying that the warm weather we have today (a whole 30 degrees) lasts!
I'm praying that my prayers stay as small and petty as they are now and I don't have to start praying for bigger issues that so many others do. Though I pray for them too.

Day 13

2011-01-27T12:53:00.001-06:00

A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough times
I can't think of just one band that has done this for me. In general music is very theraputic. Different songs for different reasons. If I had to choose one; I'd say Taylor Swift. Her songs can take me back to a moment in time at the drop of a hat. Every song SPEAKS. She has a way of making everyone feel understood and her lyrics are so real and relatable. When I have a bad day now; she is who I turn to.
Years ago; when things got hard, it would usually be just one song that would do it. Never a group that really stood out to me.
This challenge is starting to bore me. LOL I'm sorry for that. Its probably boring you too! I was gonna scrap it; but there are some up coming ones that I like. So for now; I'll keep truckin.

Day 12

2011-01-26T19:26:00.002-06:00

Something you never get compliments on
Well pretty much everything? LOL. Isn't the answer to this pretty much EVERYTHING I didn't say in the previous post. DUR.

Oh Izze, you know how to break your daddys heart

2011-01-24T11:58:00.000-06:00

Dad....I like the packers. *pause* Do I need a new family?

Day 11

2011-01-24T11:54:00.002-06:00

Something people compliment you on often
Is it bad that I can't think of much. About myself anyways? Maybe its my low self esteem. I'm not sure. But the thing that came to mind was my children. How cute they are. How well behaved Izze is. How smart she is. I guess I can take the credit for half of her looks, and most of her behavior, her brains are partially me and partially her dad. Caden gets he's cute a lot, noone compliments his behavior. LOL. Hmmm.
Other then my children; I really can't think of anything else I get compliments on. I need to work on this I guess

Day 10

2011-01-23T09:34:00.005-06:00

Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn't know
These negative ones throw me. I can't think of anyone who's bad in my life. I tend to keep those people out. I have trouble letting go; but not of people who are bad or negative, just of people I miss or can't forget. Sometimes those people infiltrate my head. But even them; I'm not haning on to or unhealthy about. So this again is another boring topic for me.

Day 9

2011-01-22T10:22:00.002-06:00

Someone you didn't want to let go but drifted from
My best friend in college.Though we still text on random occasions: to trash talk football, to update on big events, and just to say hey.
But its not the same.
He was a friend I could say anything to. He gave me courage to believe in myself and helped me realize what I was worth. He turned my life onto the path that led me where I am now. I will forever be grateful for our friendship. His friendship was the most honest and true I've ever had. My relationship with my husband started as just that, a relationship and then led to friendship, and while he is my best friend, its a different kind of friendship then one that starts totally platonic. And I think life has room for all kinds.
Being that this friend was a guy; it was a tricky line to walk when he or I were in a relationship; and unfortunately a significant other got between us and put a rift that never quite went away. By the time we both understood what happened it was too late, and we were moving (figuratively and literally) in totally different directions. I miss the simplicity of the friendship. Though I do know at the end of the day; if I really needed him; all I would have to do is call. I still hate the distance that grew.

Space Aliens

2011-01-21T19:00:00.006-06:00

Izze is a smart girl. She likes to tell stories. Sometimes this gets her in trouble. We are working on telling the truth, telling a lie and telling a story (or teasing).
Today her teacher came up to me laughing in the hallway here is our conversation:"So I hear Izze got LuLu from a space alien"***Are you confused? Because I was"First of all who is LuLu?""Her duck she has today""Well I suppose if she had it placed in her backpack without knowing, she may have thought space aliens magically left it there, though thats far fetched even for her."***They received small ducks for our recent fundraiser"No, not that duck, her stuffed duck"***pause for momentary confusion, and then the light bulb turns on"I think she meant 'I got LuLu from Space Aliens'.......
....... as in the restaurant. At least for today I know that she was not telling lies or losing her mind...to space aliens.

Day 8

2011-01-21T18:36:00.004-06:00

Someone who has made your life a living hell or treated you badly
This is such a negative one. In all honesty, I try not to let someone else make my life hell. I find myself thinking of Eleanor Roosevelt "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
So for the fun of it. I will say THIS man.
He is the bain of my existence. He annoyed me greatly in green. He annoyed me that much more in purple. I was always torn, I LOVE to see him sacked, and all of a sudden I was cheering for my own QB to get sacked. Thats depressing. At the end of the day, he did nothing for my team. Some may argue we had an awesome year his first year with us. But really, what did he do, except let us fall short. He got hopes up, he made believers out of skeptics and then he let us down. Ending the season with another of his infamous interceptions.
I thank you Lord for convincing him to finally retire.
Amen

Day 7

2011-01-20T08:23:00.003-06:00

Someone who has made your life worth living
I've always felt my life was worth living. I do feel since having children its even MORE important for me to live my life in a productive and healthy way. But I wouldn't say they made it.
The person that really did this is my mom. My mom is my favorite person on this planet. Hands down. Kevin knows this, my kids know this (and agree) and even my dogs know this (and agree). My mom is one of the most amazing strong women I know. She makes me proud to be a woman. She's independent and loyal and loving and fun and strong and stubborn and a fighter and everything I hope my daughter becomes some day. My mom believes EVERYTHING is possible and can probably make it happen for you. Her glass is always half full.
As a teenage girl; I had the occasional fights with my mom; who doest. But I never went through the "i hate my mom" or "i'm embarrassed of my mom" stages. I've always been proud of my mom. I've always wanted to be with my mom. If it weren't for my mom; I'd live in some warm destination, where I'd surely miss my family and visit them a lot BUT I'd do it. But I can't go that far from her. Even Duluth was too far for college, I would have loved to go to St. Scholastica, but at the end of the day it was too far from mom.
My mom rocks. She makes my life worth living every day since she gave me life! Thank you mommy!

Day 6

2011-01-19T16:22:00.003-06:00

Something I hope to never have to do
This is an easy one for me. It popped right in my head. I hope to never have to bury one of my children. I think this would be the number one fear of any parent. I know that my friend who I stole this idea from (of 30 days) also posted this. But even having not saw that; this is something I fear often. It would be the worst thing in the world. It goes against nature. It tests your faith and strength in ways I can't even begin to imagine. I don't care how old I am, how natural it seems to someone else at the time, its NOT. I do not ever want to have to do this. My heart breaks for all those who have had to do this; its something you really truely do not wish on your worst enemy.

Old School Movies

2011-01-18T17:23:00.003-06:00

As I'm fast forwarding through the previews Caden asks "Doing momma?"
Before I can answer him, Izze says "She's just waiting for it to load Cade"
Such a generation gap! Things I would have never imagined as a kid. Heck, we had to RENT our VCR to watch movies. Now they thought I was pulling out an antique when they requested Toy Story and I had to get the "Tube" style tv/vcr combo!

Day 5

2011-01-18T11:32:00.003-06:00

Something you hope to do in your life.
Well I have a big ole' bucket list. Its not the one that is posted here either, that was a generic one. *I hope to go to Fiji or Tahiti and stay in a bungalow for like 2 weeks* I hope to swim with the dolphins (again)*I hope to see my childrens childrens children get married and live happy lives*I hope to teach full time in 3rd or 4th grade or special education*I hope to live a comfortable enough lifestyle that I can help those who need it whenever the opportunity arrises*I hope to see a day when every human being on earth has the same rights as I do*I hope to see a woman president*I hope that woman president is my daughter*I hope to see the world

Marry vs. Mary

2011-01-17T13:29:00.003-06:00

Caden LOVES daycare. Mary and Gina are two of his favorite people. Or as he calls it "MaryGina".
Flash forward to dinner on December 31st (Happy New Years Eve!)
Izze: When I grow up I'm going to marry Matty *swoons*Caden: I going to MaryGina
Awwwwwww......if only he could marry his great aunt; but no he doesn't want that; he just wants to go to Mary and Ginas and really didn't want to be left out of that conversation! He's done with Christmas break. LOL Now to teach him the difference between Mary and marry.

Day 4

2011-01-17T08:50:00.002-06:00

Something you have to forgive someone for
I can definitely hold a grudge. I do it well. I know forgiveness is important, though I do have trouble believing EVERYTHING is forgivable. Plenty of people have hurt me, but most of those people are not part of my life anymore. If they are, they are a smaller part and I have let go and forgiven their indiscretions.
I'm searching my mind on this, and I'm honestly having trouble. In the process I thought of one thing to add to yesterdays (forgive myself for). And thats Monet. And the way she died. But I've already posted about that; so I'm not going back to it again.
So for now, I'm going to think on this.....if there is someone I need to forgive, then I'm not aware of it at the moment. And once I become aware, I will come share with you!
*****God obviously felt that he should help me with this. As I sat at the vet clinic waiting my turn; this tall woman walks out with a cat. And she walks like she has a stick up her bum (also similar to if you'd been riding horse for days). I think to myself...oh that reminds me of P@$$#. And instantly I'm filled with negative feelings, and I look again...sure as heck it IS P@$$#. Who of course I pretend not to recognize and get busy with my children and dog.
As I sit there, I think I really just don't like this girl. At all. At one point we were friends. Or so I thought. But then; she did the worst thing any HS girl can do. She slept with my boyfriend, whom I had been dating for 10 months. Why? I'm not sure. She always liked to be prettier then everyone, she liked to be popular, and she didn't have many female friends. Well no wonder if thats how she treated them. Now in most cases of infidelity I say you blame your significant other. Which I did. I still do. We broke up, though he groveled away. Eventually we did become friends again, but never the same. Usually I'd say they are the only one who has to answer to you. But when the case of the OTHER PARTY is a friend, well in that case they should be to blame too. What kind of friend does that to a person. I forgave him, but never her. Today I still am annoyed by the fact that she did that to me. I guess I'll never understand it. But at the end of the day; I should be thankful, because it led me to where I am today. So while I'll never be friends with P@$$# again, nor will I be a fan of her, right now I'm forgiving her. Obviously she needed him more then I did at that point, and I hope it led her to a better place as well.

The look

2011-01-16T10:46:00.002-06:00

My dear ole' husband is so picky.
We are headed out to BW3's for lunch. I am always down for BW3's but today I just want my sweatpants, not only for the comfort, but the warmth. I told him I'd go to lunch but I wanted to wear my sweat pants. He gave me "the look". I explained that they are WARM. He thinks jeans are warm too. I explained (and tried to make him feel sorry for me) that the only jeans I have that fit comfortably enough to go gorge on wings are my cute holey jeans and therefore NOT warm. I got "the look" again.
FINE I say and stomp away to his side of the closet. Where I swipe his uber comfy Twins' sweatshirt. If I have to be cold on the bottom I'm gonna be comfy and warm on top and maybe despite him; I'll spill some sauce on his best sweatshirt. So there! I guess I showed him!

Day 3

2011-01-16T09:34:00.003-06:00

Something you have to forgive yourself for.
This brings me back to the long list of things I hate about myself. I can certainly hold a grudge, but usually I don't hold them against myself. I'm torn here between two things I need to forgive myself for.
The first one may seem petty to some; but I'm seriously disappointed in myself. I reached my goal weight and instead of practicing self control, ate peanut butter eggs until I put half of it back on. How sad is that; 15lbs of peanut butter eggs. Disgusting! Its a lot harder the second time to get it back off. Its hard to get back into habits and every time I get dressed in the morning I'm reminded of how annoyed I am at myself that my cute size 6 clothes don't fit, that my 8's are too tight and I am now wearing a 10. Frustrating.
The second thing, is heavier on my heart. Its part of my whole separation anxiety with Caden. I think back to when he was born; and how easily I was persuaded to stay in Faribault to recover from my section when they took him to Childrens. Why, because I love my doctor but MOSTLY because, I'm cheap, and I couldn't stop thinking of how much extra it would cost for me to take an ambulance up to the cities. There were a few other reasons I let them convince me and they turned out to be invalid concerns. But money was the biggest. Hindsight is 20/20 because his helicopter trip and hospital stay were enough to use up our max spending, so mine wouldn't have made a difference. So instead I spent 48 hours without him. Then when I got there; because I was recovering from a c-section; I choose to go home at the end of the night and sleep in my bed instead of on that horrendous brick couch. Looking back; they surely would have sent him home a day earlier if I had just stayed, or fought for him in some way, but because I didn't they probably though I was a shitty ass mother. And honestly; now I feel like one. Did I mention how the first two days he was there, he didn't have a first name. I'm sure that made them think he was even less loved. It wasn't the case, but I know how it looks. Your probably thinking that I'm worrying what others think again; and no I really could give a shit less what they thought of me; all I care is that they didn't let me take my baby boy home even once he was well, they wanted to watch me with him another full 24 hours. Its my biggest regret, not that he had to stay, just that I didn't fight to be with him that week.

Day 2

2011-01-15T10:16:00.004-06:00

Something I love about myself.
I told you this would be harder. I love a lot of things about my life (my job, my family, my friends), but about myself, thats difficult. I wish I could say I love my body. I'm working on that, even when I got to where I wanted it, I didn't quite master that before I let it go.
I think that I'm a generous person. I get that from my mom. I can't be as generous as her, because well I'm a little bit more poor. But I try to follow her lead. I try to help friends when they are in true need, I try to do nice things for people for no reason and I try to share what I have when I can.
Now sometimes this isn't noticed by others (and thats okay because thats not the point) and sometimes people might think quite the opposite. For example; my AWESOME group of friends is also very generous and likes to celebrate all of our new babies, we have a few girls who make quilts and other gifts and we are often asked to contribute to these. Often I am not able to participate, mostly because its a bad time. So I often wonder if these people think I'm being cheap (as I'm known to be). {do you notice something here? I'm worrying about what others think again...see day 1} But thats not the case, to me these gifts are nice; but they are just that a gift, and they are something that happens with or without my help. And I help when I can. So to them this may not seem like a trait of mine. But its there, I promise. It just happens when people aren't looking; when people DONT expect it; and when its something that truely makes my heart smile. Because those are the times that make it worth it.

Day 1

2011-01-14T19:45:00.002-06:00

Something you hate about yourself.
Wow, so glad they started off on a positive note. I love that in a world where we work so hard to create self esteems of young girls and encourage self love, these kinds of things still fall to the negative first; my guess is that people can think of this one easily; or if they have trouble with it; its choosing between the many things. Where as day 2 will be a little more difficult.
But to the point; something I hate about myself.
I'm going with the first thing that comes into my mine. I hate how much I care about other peoples opinions. I hate that I worry if OTHERS think I look fat, I hate that I wonder if OTHERS think I have a stupid voice; and I worry that I wonder about OTHERS opinions when I try to make a decision that won't affect them.
I'm a people pleaser. I always have been; I probably always will be. When I was young I had to see a therapist for this. She found that my night terrors and anxiety all stemmed back to this fact. I had two homes and four parents who all expected very different things from me; and all I wanted to do was keep EVERYONE happy. So much so that I didn't know who I should be. I cared too much what OTHERS thought. I know this trait can be good; to an extent. But I take it over and beyond. I've gotten better at it. At least externally. Some may think I'm a "selfish" or a "me orientated" person. I put that show on; but at the end of the day I really am just worried about what everyone else thinks.
I dont know how to change that completely. I can keep it internal but I don't know how to extinguish it completely. If someone told me to; well I'd probably pretend I did just to keep them happy....because thats what I do :-)

Lets give them something to talk about...

2011-01-14T19:43:00.002-06:00

I found this on a friends site and think it seems fun. I will aim at every day though we all know LIFE happens; so every day may become every other day on occasion and you will just deal with it. Like right now; my plan is to start, but in a few minutes my friends will be arriving; so wether it gets posted tonight or tomorrow; we will just have to find out.

Day 1- Something you hate about yourself
Day 2- Something you love about yourself
Day 3- Something you have to forgive yourself for
Day 4- Something you have to forgive someone for
Day 5- Something you hope to do in your life
Day 6- Something you hope to never have to do
Day 7- Someone who has made your life worth living
Day 8- Someone who has made your life a living hell or treated you badly
Day 9- Someone you didn't want to let go but drifted from
Day 10- Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn't know
Day 11- Something people seem to compliment you on the most
Day 12- Something you never get compliments on
Day 13- A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days (write a letter)
Day 14- A hero that has let you down (write a letter)
Day 15- Something or someone you couldn't live without, because you've tried living without
Day 16- Something or someone you could definitely live without
Day 17- A book you've read that changed your views on something
Day 18- Your views on gay marriage
Day 19- What do you think of religion or what do you think of politics?
Day 20- Your views on drugs and alcohol
Day 21- (senerio) Your best friend got into a car accident and you got into an argument just an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22- Something you wish you hadn't done in your life
Day 23- Something you wish you had done in your life
Day 24- Make a playlist to someone and explain why you chose the titles. (post the titles, artist and letter to that person)
Day 25- The reason you believe you are still alive today
Day 26- Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, why? When?
Day 27- The best thing going for you right now
Day 28- What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29- Something you hope to change about yourself and why
Day 30- A letter to yourself. Tell yourself everything you love about you!

Sporty Spice

2011-01-11T18:49:00.006-06:00

For the most part, pony tails are my "slacker" style. It means I didn't make much of an effort that morning. That said. Expect to see them a lot from me on weekdays.
Lice* has been RAMPID this year. I feel so creepy crawly at just the mention of that word. Much like when you hear the word wood tick (in season) you feel the need to do a full body check. Lice make me itch. Considering I have dry skin I itch enough to begin with and then the word lice just makes me paranoid.
What I am NOT is judgmental. I know that the L-word can happen to good people and even the cleanest of families. After all my wicked step mom and my evil half sister [not really evil but it fits with the idea in my head that I'm a princess named Cinderella] had a scare a long time ago...and if you know my wicked step mom you know there is NOONE cleaner then her. {Let me tell you considering her one true love is cleaning; she was NOT a fan of the cleaning involved with this--my sister 10 years later is still terrified of sharing her hair brush with even me! but thats another story}. So if the L word has happened to you, I am sorry and I feel for you and I still love you, just don't touch my hat!
So if you see me in the near future sporting a pony....its not that I'm lazy. Well it could be. But don't assume. Give me the benefit of the doubt. I'm just paranoid!
*I bet your all itchy now too! Eh? Now who's paranoid?!

I'm S.A.D.

2011-01-09T10:50:00.004-06:00

S.A.D
Seasonal Affect Disorder.
Sucks.
This has been my hardest winter to date. It could have something to do with me not taking my usual medicine. But when I tried, it made me sick :-( But I also think it could have to do with no "break". Last year I was able to make it through the winter with no medicine, because my medication came in the form of a VACATION to a warm sunny beach.
That short 8 day break from this bitter cold made the winter of it bearable. It made everything BEFORE the trip easy because there was a treat in site. The break gives you a renewed sense. Then the second half is bearable because the end is in site.
Kev keeps telling me that the end is in site. But I don't see it. And I need a break. I don't want to leave the house. I hate taking the kids to their activities (which usually we all enjoy), I hate grocery shopping (another thing I enjoy), I hate ANYTHING that requires me to leave my warm bed.
Kevin says we should move. That is not an option. If I couldn't leave my family for River Falls (70 miles), how would I move thousands of mile?
Vacations help, but unfortunately its not realistic for a teacher to leave for a week every January. Heck its frowned upon even on rare occasions. We have a week off for Christmas; but who wants to leave your kids at Christmas?! Or take the kids and have them miss all the parties.
So instead, I sit here and fester. I'm an angry little elf. And my poor husband just has to deal with it. I have to wonder what others do to help?

Organizing

2011-01-08T10:23:00.003-06:00

If you know me, you know that NOTHING makes me happier then new ways to organize. I LOVE getting fun organizing ideas, and I love to rearrange and make things more efficient.
Today, the man that was selling us his treadmill handed us the manual, very impressed they still had it. Then he happened to mention he bought it in 2001 and where he bought it. I told him he had a good memory. He shook his head no, and pulled out the receipt. Now I'm pretty good at my receipts I file them well and I keep the important one for plenty of time....but could I find a receipt from something I bought in 2001 that fast? And then he told me his secret, which to you may not be very exciting, but to me....*sigh*...well I LOVE good ideas on organization. He said he always keeps his receipts for large items IN the manuals themselves and the manuals of course have a file of their own. BRILLIANCE! LOVE this idea.
I know this post made most of you fall asleep. But these simple things MAKE MY DAY.

Its a small world after all...

2011-01-08T09:54:00.003-06:00

I sang that song in grade school at one of my concerts. I like that song, its screams Disneyworld. Only the happiest place on earth.
*focus*
So a few months back Kevin posted a WTB listing on craigslist for a treadmill near Faribault. We got a response from a woman with a free one. She gave us her address. She lived 3 blocks from us. AWESOME. Mind you, you get what you pay for, and that didn't quite work out. Its manual, its now gone.
So here we are again. Doing the same thing. Kevin posts the WTB add on craigslist and this time broadens the parameter. He puts southern MN for our area and even says he will pay up to $100. We get a response. The nice woman and Kev realize they are both in Faribault. AWESOME. Then she tells Kev to get a pen so he can write down the address. He doesn't have one but is good with numbers so he will remember. "12XX...*pause*.....Cuylle Bay". Kevin laughs. I think I can remember that, I live at 12XX Cuylle Bay. {4 houses down} Best of all. This treadmill is a NICE one! And the haul home was easy.
Yes Walt....it IS a small world after all.

Bucket List

2011-01-04T11:21:00.005-06:00

The Bucket List. Place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not.

Things you have done during your lifetime:

( ) Gone on a blind date

(X) Skipped school

(x) watched someone die

() Been to Canada

(x) Been to Mexico

(x) Been to Florida

() Been to Hawaii

(X) Been on a plane

() Been on a helicopter

(X) Been lost

(x) Gone to Washington, DC

(X) Swam in the ocean

(X) Cried yourself to sleep

(X) Played cops and robbers

(X) Recently colored with crayons

(X) Sang Karaoke

(X) Paid for a meal with coins

( ) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch

(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't

(X) Made prank phone calls way before caller id

( ) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans

(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose

(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue

(X ) Danced in the rain

(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus

(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe

(X) Watched the sunrise with someone

(X) Blown bubbles

(X) Gone ice-skating

(X) Gone to the movies

(x) Been deep sea fishing

(x) Driven across the United States

( ) Been in a hot air balloon

( ) Been sky diving

(x) Gone snowmobiling

( ) Lived in more than one country

(X) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets

(X) Seen a falling star and made a wish

( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser

(x) Seen the Statue of Liberty

( ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle

(x) Been on a cruise

(x) Traveled by train

( ) Traveled by motorcycle

(x) Been horse back riding

( ) Ridden on a San Francisco CABLE CAR !

(x) Been to Disneyland

(x) Truly believe in the power of prayer

(x ) Been in a rain forest

(x) Seen whales in the ocean

(x) Been to Niagara Falls

(x) Ridden on an elephant

(x) Swam with dolphins

( ) Been to the Olympics

( ) Walked on the Great Wall of China

( ) Saw and heard a glacier calf

( ) Been spinnaker flying.

( ) Been water-skiing

(x) Been snow-skiing

( ) Been to Westminster Abbey

( ) Been to the Louvre

( ) Swam in the Mediterranean

(x) Been to a Major League Baseball game

(x) Been to a National Football League game

(X) Played in the snow

( )Climbed to the top of a pyramid

(x) Been to the Grand Canyon

I'm doing well....but I mine as well say, there are plenty of these I have NO intention of doing. And probably some that I'd like to add.

Slacker

2011-01-02T13:11:00.003-06:00

I've been a slacker with this blog. Some people would give up completely. Some people would scrap it and start a new one. But I'm fond of this one; and don't want to start over. But I figure perhaps I can be better about it.
Its a NEW YEAR after all.
So New Years brings about resolutions. I hate them; because people never keep them. Last year, I remember being REALLY annoyed with all of the people that joined the gym. Because all of a sudden there was no where for ME to park. Now that I don't belong to a gym (though I should) that wont bug me this year. So while I know resolutions are things you don't usually keep, I'm going to make them anyways. Because it never hurts to try.
My resolutions:

Get rid of the 15lbs I gained from last spring and summer from the damn Recess Eggs (this shouldn't be hard, since God felt the need to intervene and I have become almost allergic to them; getting sick every time I eat one of them yummy buggers)
Take better care of my skin. THis stems from my lovely facial. But this is also going to be my motivator for the weight thing. I need to do better ON MY OWN. But as a reward, if I do better on my own and start to get rid of my 15lbs (which I must reiterate is a MUST so that I can wear my dress in June), if I keep on track I will reward myself every 4-6 weeks with a facial.
Be happy. Attitude is a choice. I need to remember this. My seasonal affect is bad this year, so I need to do what I will to change that.

Wish me LUCK!

I'm sooo sorry Monet

2010-07-06T15:55:00.004-06:00

I am feeling so horribly sad and guilty and angry right now. My sweet perfect Monet passed away this afternoon. I left her outside to play for a few hours as I always do. And when I went out to bring her in (ironically to take her to the vet) she was laying on her back legs in the air like she does when she's playing. I ran to her and she was warm, and she moved in my arms, but did not respond; now that my hysteria has calmed I know she was already gone when I found her. I drove as fast as I could to the vet. By the time I reached the parking lot rigor mortis had set in and I knew I had lost her.

The very kind vet assured me that even had I found her sooner there was nothing I could have done. He said it was likely a heart attack or seizure (possibly caused by heatstroke). And by the time I noticed the symptoms at her size she would be gone. But there is a part of me that says I AM to blame. I could have kept her INSIDE today and this may not have happened. I could have went to get her an hour sooner and she may have at least been with me if it was something unavoidable. Hindsight is 20/20.

She was only 5. She was the PERFECT pet. She never complained. She never barked, she let the kids maul her and she loved nothing more then the crinkle of the ham package. She was moms "favorite" and we were kindred spirits. She was a lazy girl just like me, but she managed to do it with spunk. She wasn't just a pet (my rabbit and fish are my pets) she was my baby and the favorite furbabie I had. If I could only have one animal in my entire life it would be her and I lost her much to soon.

Monet, I'm so sorry!

Lets set this straight....

2010-04-26T11:37:00.003-06:00

Some days its VERY hard for me to keep my opinions to myself.

I often am torn between the fact that I'm a teacher (a catholic school one at that) and that I'm a raging opinionated liberal. I love my job, and my beliefs, and I would NEVER teach my children any of my views. That said, I guess I think I should still be allowed to have them (opinions) and even to state them appropriately.

Noone has told me I can't, but I still censor myself. Walking a fine line of trying not to offend anyone. That is hard for me as I'm sure you'd know.

SO today, when I really wanted to re-post a friends FB status as my own, instead I came here....

SO LET ME GET THIS "STRAIGHT" - Larry King is getting his 8th divorce, Elizabeth Taylor is possibly getting married for a 9th time, Jesse James and Tiger Woods are screwing everyone but their wives, yet the idea of same-sex marriage is what is going to destroy the institution of marriage?? REALLY??

The new Boots...

2010-03-04T18:39:00.004-06:00

Words
My baby just came flying up the stairs at mock 10 speed yelling "mom! mom!" Not the usual "mommommomm" but real words. I don't like it one bit. My baby is NOT allowed to grow so fast.

His favorites...."WOOOOOW!" "Yeeeeeah!" both of those always drawn out!

"Yeeeeah-sh" (yes)

"Ball!" (if he doesn't know what something is and he wants it, it becomes ball-though he does know what a ball really is)

Daddad!

Mitch! (Though JJ is really his favorite)

Getting Places
He can walk now, but thankfully he doesn't feel the need. Crawling is faster so while he will walk short distances he finds it much easier to crawl up right on just his knees in crawling walk. But if you could run a marathon based on your dancing skills, this kid would win the Boston. He dances like crazy....

Eating
He gets mighty confused when its time to eat. He THINKS he hates everything, and instantly shakes his head no at the sight of food. But then realizes you really have a cookie and his no turns into a yes...but since he doesn't really trust you, he keeps the no too....so its a LARGE circle with his head. Undecided.

Dora
Dora asks....what letter is missng to help spell *#$# ?
And the answer is always "O!

"Will this help get out of the net?"
*Backpack circles a balloon*
"UuuuH" *with a head shake to mean no*

"Will this help get out of the net?"
*Backpack circles a feather*
"UuuuH" *with a head shake to mean no*

"Will this help get out of the net?"
*Backpack shows a scissors*
"UuuuH" *with a head shake to mean no*

(this should have been yes but he insists Dora is ALWAYS wrong, he must wonder why she deserves her own show when she needs sooo much personal help from him, where would she be without him....really he's more helpful then boots!)

And as I write this, Dora sings the "We did it" song and he comes flying in the kitchen (on his knees of course) to yell "yeeeeeeeeeeah!" as he dances that little watermelon head all around his broomstick body!

He cracks me up!

COLD IS A RELATIVE THING………BRRRRRRR!!!

2010-01-07T17:16:00.002-06:00

65 ABOVE ZERO:

Floridians turn on the heat.

People in Minnesota plant gardens.

60 ABOVE ZERO:

Californians shiver uncontrollably.

People in Minnesota sunbathe.

50 ABOVE ZERO:

Italian & English cars won’t start.

People in Minnesota drive with the windows down.

40 ABOVE ZERO:

Georgians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, and wool hats.

People in Minnesota throw on a flannel shirt.

35 ABOVE ZERO:

New York landlords finally turn up the heat.

People in Minnesota have the last cookout before it gets cold.

20 ABOVE ZERO:

People in Miami all die.

Minnesotans close the windows.

ZERO:

Californians fly away to Mexico.

People in Minnesota get out their winter coats.

10 BELOW ZERO:

Hollywood disintegrates.

The Girl Scouts in Minnesota are selling cookies door to door.

20 BELOW ZERO:

Washington DC runs out of hot air.

People in Minnesota let the dogs sleep indoors.

30 BELOW ZERO:

Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.

Minnesotans get upset because they can’t start the snow-mobile.

40 BELOW ZERO:

ALL atomic motion stops.

People in Minnesota start saying…”Cold enough fer ya?”

50 BELOW ZERO:

Hell freezes over.

Minnesota public schools will open 2 hours late.

Making myself a mix....

2010-01-02T11:20:00.008-06:00

After reading my friends "Top 10" from the last 10 years, I got to thinking....my favorite way to remember things is through music. I could probably remember every moment in the last 10 years with a different song, heck, I could possibly even make them all Tim songs....but since I want to mix it up a little, I'm going to represent my last 10 years in a mix of songs....this post is where I'm brainstorming songs to represent each year:

2000

Big things of that year (songs that reflect it):

I moved out of crazy roomates room and in with Steph, we lived together for exactly a year
2000 election, first vote for a president....heartbreak
I had many ups and downs with my high school sweetheart...(no song from then that reminds me, but the song now from taylor swift-The way I loved you)
a softball summer (Thong Song, all the small things-Blink 182)
I found out my mom was pregnant, and my heart broke, I didnt want to share my mommy (kryptonite-3 Doors down)

My other Favorite Music from the year:

Tim released My Best Friend :-) and My next 30 years
Amazed-Lone Star
Higher and with arms wide open-Creed

2001
Big things of that year:

I met the most influencial person of my life (other then my mom), he became the best friend I ever had and changed my life by teaching me I was worthy of love (Mrs. Steven Rudy, Who I am-Jessica Andrews,
I let go of my relationship (Angry all the Time-Tim, This is how you remind me-Nickleback) and started to LOVE college life instead of missing high school (Rosa Parks-Outkast)
Dated off and on again with the "cute boy" from class, and was OK with that! (Aint Nothing Bout you (brooks n dunn), its a great day to be alive-Travis Tritt)
Camryn was born
Job in the group home! Summer missing RF...RF DAYS BEST EVER! (I'm Real-Jennifer Lopez)
I turned 21 and got my first apartment! I had another CRAZY roomate!
9/11 (Where were you when the world Stopped Turning)
A choice between fun (Hotz) and serious (Josh)...silly me (what i really meant to say-cindy thomas, Complicated-Caryolyn Dawn Johnson)

2002

Big things of that year:

Out with Crazy Roomate, back in with AMY!
Josh's turn to choose fun or serious (dilemna-Nelly, Just a Friend-Mario), he chose fun(Can't Get you Outta my head-Kylie Minouge, I miss my friend-Darryl Worrley).....Johnny still has a ho train! (I aint yo ho, burning Ring of Fire)....Perhaps Sweet Lil' Joe? (Goodmorning Beautiful)...oh my (Complicated-Avril Lavign)
Road Trip to South Padre for Spring break!!!! (The Whole World-outkast)
Summer in RF...Aurora...stalking Kevin (jenny from the block, Hella Good, THE COWBOY IN ME)
Kev and I started dating in August (Hey Ma-Cameron, Dirrty-Christina)

2003

Big things of that year:

Mexico with Amy, Chris, Will (when I'm gone-3 doors down, here without you)
Kicked out of blocks :-( for my tounge ring...(Beautiful-Christina Aguilar)
Fall out with Chris in spring :-( (She hates me-puddle of mudd)
Got Belle (9month anniversery)
Moved in with Kev in August, Engaged in August!

My other Favorite Music from the year:

Shake ya tailfether
Someday-nickle back
Hey ya

2004

Big things of that year:

Blocks II (spring), Student taught in Glenwood City (fall)
Moved in spring from wasson to wildcat, got Bailey :-) and Boo
Summer -- 5 year reunions (the Reason-hubastank)
Christina and I became friends again in Fall (Pieces of me-Ashley Simpson)
Kerry vs Bush
Season tickets for Vikings!!!

Music:

Hey Mama-BEP
Milkshake

2005

Big things of that year:

Student taught in Ellsworth (EEK), Hudson
Got Monet in May
WEDDING IN JUNE (bless the broken road)
Moved to Faribault, spent the 05-06 school year subbing (Aweful Beautiful life)
Got preggo....last time w/vikes season tickets
Joined Pixies
Halloween in RF :-/ (Dontcha!-Pussy Cat Dolls, Photograph-Nickkleback)

My other Favorite Music from the year:

Holla Back Girl
GOld digger

2006

Big things of that year:

We moved into Dad and Theresas house
Izze was born!!!!! (My little girl by Tim, I hope you Dance by Leanne Womack (2000), My Wish by Rascal Flatts, Your Beautiful-James Blunt)
American Idol (Daughtry off) and Greys (Goodbye Denny)--(How to save a life-The Fray, chasing cars-snow patrol)
Job at ISD 656

My other Favorite Music from the year:

Sexy Back-Justin
lips of an angel-hinder

2007

Big things of that year:

Izze turned one (Shes Everything-Brad Paisley, Watchin You-rodney atkins)
October-Jan lost 30 lbs :-) (Sexy Back (2006) and This is why i'm hot)
Met Random Moms on BBC...first meet up in October! (Big Girls Dont Cry, Sweet Excape, Party Like a Rockstar)

My other Favorite Music from the year:

hey there delilah
its not over (daughtry)
Dear Mr. President-Pink

2008

Big things of that year:

Cruise with Dokkestuls--A planned OOPs.....oh lets not do that again....too late (our song-Taylor Swift)
Bought our first house
Welcome Caden (Trace Adkins-Your gonna miss this, I'm yours-Jason Marz)

My other Favorite Music from the year:

let it rock
time of my life, david cook

2009

Big things of that year:

Cade's Baptism--(crank that-souljaboy--2007)
10 years after my senior year, coached cheerleading (made up for quitting my last season), Bridge Graduated! (Green Day-Time of your life(1997))
Got a job teaching at DMCS! I NEED A SONG TO REFLECT THIS!

My other Favorite Music from the year:

Gives You hell-All American Rejects
Right Round-Flo Rida
Dont Trust me -3oh3
Use somebody-kings of leon
You belong with me-Taylor Swift

So many songs to choose from.....I'll let you know which "key moments" and songs make the list!

A NEW Decade!

2010-01-01T19:14:00.004-06:00

When I think ahead to 10 years from now it seems like forever away!

When I think back 10 years ago, it seems like just yesterday.

That always baffels me. Thinking on the "decades" of my life is interesting, because being born in a "new decade" I count the decades of my life with the decades of time.

My first decade of childhood, is a blurred memory.

My second decade, the 90s. Most people hate that 1o year span of teen years but I really loved it. My classmates in high school had for the most part been together since we were 6. We were a family, and as family goes, we were NOT always a happy one, but we had fun. I remember those days as if they were yesterday. My first kiss, my first love, so many firsts. I'm not as close to all of those friends as I once was, but when we do see each other, its as if nothing changed. High school graduation, a bitter sweet milestone. Exactly a decade later, my baby girl Bridge had hers. Crazy. I sat at her graduation, feeling like it was just yesterday I walked those same halls and crowned Mary as she did. College started at the very end of that decade. I'd have to say that first semester, I would have rather been back in high school....wishing the decade wasn't closing. I rung in 2000 with my high school sweetheart babysitting for the naked family, a quiet evening for 20 year olds, but it summed up who I was then......No computers crashed, no crazy business, the world didn't end.......Y2K was nothing.....

The past decade....would have been my growing decade. I went from a spoiled teenager to a mature adult. Sure I'm still spoiled, but I'm now mature about it ;-) I found my place in college and can say they were some of the best years of my life! I am forever grateful to my bestest friend who helped me take big steps and let go of my past and find my way towards my future. We are not as close as we were then, as life obviously takes drastic turns, but he will forever have a place in my heart for that. In these last 10 years, I met and married my husband, I created friendships with awesome women who are some of the BEST people in the world, I had two children, I bought my first house, I started my first career (better late then never), and I learned a lot about myself and the world! I spent a lot of these 10 years looking forward to the next thing. It was a great 10 years. I rung in this new decade on another quiet family evening, playing games and having laughs with my dad's family and my husband....again, a calmer New Years Eve in comparison to the ones in the decade coming to a close, but nice all the same......

As I look forward to the upcoming 10 years and think of what I want, its something I've been working on for a year, but will continue with because its an important one. I have to turn 30 this year, and while I DONT love that idea, I've decided if I have to leave my 20s I will do so in the best shape of my life....both physically and emotionally. My daughter is in her formadable years, and if there is ANYTHING I can instill in her its to love herself, and I know the best way to do this is to lead by example. SO in this decade, I promise to love myself by taking care of me, and instead of hurring to the next thing, I am going to try to enjoy the little things. So far each decade has gotten better and better, and I hope to keep that up as time goes. In 10 years, when I look back, and my daughter has entered her teens (god help me), I hope to be able to say that once again.......the last decade is BY FAR my favorite :-)

The light of the Lord

2009-12-06T10:14:00.004-06:00

Alright, so if you know me, you know that I DO believe in God. I was raised Catholic. I don't follow EVERY view of the church (I am not against gay marriage, I dont believe that you need to be at church on sunday for your faith to be strong, and a few others). But I believe, and 99% of the beliefs were given to me from the Catholic Church, which I call my "home"

Well, I have to share this........
Last night I went to mass for Chloe (my sister) with Theresa (my step mom), cause I'm her sponsor for confirmation.

Well last night, at the end of the mass, they gave the Canada and sponsors and parents a chance to come up and "fall into the light of God." Chloe said they did this earlier and it was amazing, and she was now "in love with Jesus".......for my sister thats huge!

So I went up to the alter with Chloe, and watched as numbers of HS students were blessed and moved to tears. Some would pass out, some would just cry, some were just enjoyed after receiving their blessings. I'm sure SOME of them were in it for God, but the pessimist in mefelt a lot were just into the drama of watching people fall to the ground while others pray over them. That said, my retreats growing up always moved me, and my sister was really into it, so my step mom and I decided to give it a go.

I stood at the alter praying as he worked down the line next to me........I had a serious conversation in my head with God.....telling him how I feel and that he knew my heart, and he knows my personal views and that I'm not willing to conform and I'm sorry if thats a sin, but its who I am....I told him that I would give myself to him THAT way and if he wanted to take me as I am and accept and love me as I am, then I'd be happy to have him in my life and give it to him.

So I'm doing this and the archbishop ends up next to my step mom and I can hear it, but I'm deep in concentration talking to God about my odd views and nonconformity, and I notice her feet as she falls. (She is probably more a pessimist then I and even MORE nonconforming). Next thing I know, the ArchBishop asks my name and what I'm there for....I answered "To give myself to Jesus as I am"....his hand goes to my head, and he starts praying and I'm praying in my head and can hardly understand him, and I hear people praying around me....I hear him say the name Jesus QUITE a few times, and my knees are weak, and I'm fighting it, cause I feel like I'm gonna fall, and I can feel myself rocking, and hands on shoulders and backs and such to help me stand and then he says something and lets go, and my body just FALLS......I never felt them lower me (though I know they did) and I'm laying on the floor and I can feel this huge ENERGY...but I cant open my eyes, I can see the light through my eyelids, but they flutter and won't open, and I'm totally aware (so different from the one time i fainted--that was a black out).....It feels like maybe 15 seconds of trying to open (though it was longer) and I'm able to open my eyes......I start to sit up but I can't stop the tears. And Chloe is there hugging me. I couldn't stop shaking as I left........

It was seriously the most amazing thing ever.......such a peace.

I'm just.....amazed.

Daddy Dearest

2009-11-10T16:38:00.004-06:00

I've posted on it before but I have to say it again. It must be nice to be the dad.

I'm naturally a bit of a selfish person and I'll admit it, but since having a family I've had to give that up.

I married a man who lets me be a bit selfish at times and is great with the kids. Honestly he's a GREAT dad and does a lot more then most. But at the end of the day he's still the dad.

The dad gets to go to work and come home. He gets himself dressed, leaves for work BY HIMSELF and the children are magically dressed and taken to daycare, by the time he comes home the children are magically there waiting.

The dad can work late and thats the mom's problem. If the mom wants to work late, who's problem is it? HERS. Never his.

The dad comes home and asks whats for dinner. The mom gets home, there is noone to ask that. Granted the dad in this house WOULD cook something for himself if nothing was waiting, STILL he gets to ask.

The dad isn't the one they want when they are sick.

The dads job is "more important" and thus the family has to take the back burner.

The dad, even the most helpful and kind dad, just has NO IDEA how easy they have it.

I've decided that there is one thing I want to be a bit selfish about again. And that's getting back in shape it consists of two things: having time in my day to work out and once a week I also want to watch Biggest Loser (live not DVRed) the rest of my show's I'll DVR, but this one, isnt the same that way.

It doesnt feel like much, yet tonight (mind you a night after I spent 2 hours up with a crying baby in the middle of the night), I'm forced to choose, do I get to watch Biggest Loser or do I get to go to the gym. I'm beyond annoyed. I'm beyond tierd. I'm just beyond.

So the next time someone ask's me: when does Kevin get to go on a mini-meetup with his friends like you do, I may just kick them in the teeth. Because guess what, when I get the chance to "be the dad" then he can surely have some free time and get away.

Caden Rockin out!

2009-11-07T19:29:00.002-06:00

Nau-Nau Toy of the Day

2009-08-13T08:39:00.004-06:00

Why do boy's always find the LAST thing in the house they should play with and obsess over it? They are magnets for trouble.

Here is Caden's Nau-Nau Toy of the Day

"Nau-Nau" says Caden
(translation Naughty Naughty)

help me....

2009-08-07T18:08:00.001-06:00

any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated :-)

http://becomingabetty.blogspot.com/

According to Tim

2009-08-07T15:42:00.001-06:00

"Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to 12 people you like and include me. You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (band name)"

Pick your Artist: Tim McGraw (durr)

Are you a male or female: Eyes of a Woman

Describe yourself: Renegade

How do you feel: Seventeen

Describe where you currently live: Where the Green Grass Grows

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: A Place in the sun and That’s why God made Mexico

Your favorite form of transportation: Red Ragtop and Shotgun Rider

Your best friend is: Senorita Margarita

You and your best friends are: Aint No Angels

What's the weather like: She’s my kind of rain

Favorite time of day: Sleep Tonight

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Set this Circus Down

What is life to you: Wouldn’t want it any other way

Your relationship: You just get better all the time and Real good Man

Your fear: Forget about us

What is the best advice you have to give: maybe we should just sleep on it

Thought for the Day: Would you like fries with that?

How I would like to die: Smiling and Aint that the way it always ends

My soul's present condition: Ticken’ Away

My motto: You cant take it with you

Chi-Town

2009-07-28T07:14:00.008-06:00

What a great time!!!!!

We saw the sites (Via feet and a bus tour)

We had Chicago Dogs by Soldier Field

We ordered some Chicago Style Pizza and stuffed ourselves

We partied like it was 1999

And then we had to say goodbye :-(

Loved Chicago, Love My Girls and can't wait to love on them again!

Izze-isms

2009-07-18T19:34:00.004-06:00

Daddy: Izze momma has a friend coming over.
Izze: Oh, well, is she NICE?
Daddy: Of course she is nice.
Izze: Good. (Pause) Is she PRETTY?!?!?!

I don't think it would matter either way to Izze, nice IS pretty in her eyes, but how silly of her to ask such a thing!!!! Deanna must have passed her test because she played with her all evening and even took her to show off her room. They didn't come back for quite some time. Kevin finally went down to break up the party, turns out Izze locked D in her room!!! (The lock is on the outside). She musta really liked her!!!!! Ha ha ha. Poor and patient D! Thats my angel Izze, the one others see.......

Fast forward to today, to OUR Izze. The one she saves for parents and grandparents. Izze is going on much too little sleep, I am tired after returning home from our run and am TRYING to pee in silence.

Izze: (barging into my bathroom) Momma. I'm staying overnight at Nana's.
Mom: NO, Izze you are not.
Izze: YES, momma, I AM!
Mom: No Izze, that is NOT an option.
Izze: (hands on hips, and head swaggering, and most sarcastic voice I've ever heard!!!!) Well what about a tubby momma, is THAT an option???!!!

Oh jeez. I about died. I did let her take her mermaid tubby at Nana's it seemed fair. Though I woulda rather wash her MOUTH with soap.

WE DID IT!!!

2009-07-18T17:44:00.005-06:00

Our first 5k!!!!!

Me and D!

YEAH US!!!!

(For more info click here)

never enough time....

2009-07-14T18:39:00.005-06:00

We usually spend a good chunk of our summer in Crosslake. I've been spending about 1/3 of my summers there for the past 24 years. Its my home.
Summer is not right until I spend a day on Vicky's boat (or in recent years Greggs pontoon) enjoying the sun and the lake.

This year, instead of our usual 3-4 weeks up north, we only got one!
Very sad. But we enjoyed it while we could....and are counting down until next year!

Is it sad....

2009-06-29T12:03:00.005-06:00

...that this is the highlight of my day?

I went to the gym and when I jumped on the treadmill the freaken thing wouldn't start (button was stuck) I was about to move to another and the man that jumped on next to me got mine started. I thanked him and proceeded to do my 5k. But couldn't help but glance back at him now and then because he looked REALLY familiar.

He reminded me of a "hot dad" I'd seen at a Christmas program, but I knew it wasn't him (hot dad has dark hair, his is light). He also looked like a McDonough, but I was pretty sure he wasn't since I know them all. Over the next hour and a half I keep glancing trying to decide if I know him or not. I also was trying to talk myself into (or maybe out of) asking him his name so I could STOP wondering.

As I was about to leave I gave in. I walked up and mentioned that he looks really familiar, and asked if perhaps he had kids at DMCS. I really didn't want to appear as though I was coming on to him, I just wondered. He said no, he didnt. He told me his name (which I did not recognize) and asked if maybe we went to school together. We established that I was a BA girl and he was a public school kid. He was friends with my friends older brother though, so that could be it. I apologized for bothering him and said "I just didn't want you to wonder why the crazy person kept staring at you". At which point he said he didnt notice but had he, he woulda been sure to work extra hard. I laughed and started to leave. As I was walking away he asked for my name (which I had forgot to give) and we did the usual name associations with Cecil Fielder (he pointed out) and Chuck Cecile (I pointed out). He then proceeded to let me know in a "harmless" way that he did NOT have children at DMCS; as he was single with only his black lab. At this point, I wonder, is that NORAMAL to throw in the conversation...so I nervously go to fidget with my wedding ring, which I notice I'm not wearing. Which makes me more nerouse, so I quickly say "nice to meet you" and make my exit......

So I have a new friend. At the gym. And he's HOT. Dangit .
Now I will be THAT much more self consious. No worries all. He aint got nothing on Kev.

Isn't it GRAND!

2009-06-28T18:10:00.007-06:00

I'm just now realizing that I forgot to share pictures from the splendor that is the Grand Canyon!!!

Show off

2009-06-28T18:07:00.004-06:00

He musta known I blogged about him this morning because just now this is what he surprised Izze and I with!!!!

"Momma momma, look at Caden he's KNEELING!"

"MOMMA MOMMA COME BACK HE'S STANDING"

They grow up soooo fast

2009-06-28T08:53:00.007-06:00

My baby man is growing up. He has two teeth now. And he's working on some more.

He's turned into an OCTOPUS during diaper changes. His sister NEVER did this.

He is a CRAB butt when he's tired.
But he is no where near as anal about his routine as his dad thinks he is.

He is boy through and through. He finds every piece of furniture I don't want him to have; every small toy I told his sister to take downstairs-that she didn't; every vent and outlet that we forgot to cover.

But its all good, cause this little man can ROCK a mowawk like its noone's business--and thus wrap his momma around his teeny tiny-stuck in a vent-fingers!

Mommy's girl

2009-06-23T12:19:00.003-06:00

I am a mommys girl through and through. But if you met my mommy, well you'd understand. She's not just the best mom in the world, she's the best aunt, the best sister, the best friend, and hands down the best grandma in the entire world.

My mom is selfless. She puts everyone in front of herself. No matter how hard we try to get her to take care of herself first she wont. Seeing others happy is truly what makes her happiest. She loves children and is a 7 year old at heart.

My mom is also strong and independent. She swore never to marry. Somehow she gave in and did it, but she still is very independent about it. She works hard. She gives everything she does 200% (including nap time).

She used to have things she did for herself. I remember watching her play cribage while camping while drinking peach schnapps. Then thier was the skipbo days. She turned to the diet dew instead of the schnapps. She loved to read historical smut books. Nothing better then the couples tearing thier clothes off on the front of the book.

But life happend, my mom would have give up for her time for the rest of us in a heart beat (impromptu cousin overnights; snow ball dresses needing emergency alterations before the dance; halloween costumes for a whole family in two days; 20lbs of hot beef for tomorrows party; babysitter on call 24/7; the person you call at 3am when you need a ride home, or an ear to listen, or to drunk dial; an opinion on anything under the sun; the one who stayed up talking with my friends all night, while I went to bed--making them feel like the 9th grade boy issue REALLY was important enough to drop everything for). These things on top of raising cam, being a grandma, a full time employee, a farmer and now a full time student. And like I said, she gives it all 200%. She has no time for herself. And it makes me sad. She needs that.

But its hard, becasue WE need her.

Its selfish of us. I know this. We probably take advantage. But if you know her, you understand. You just can't get enough Gayle time.

Things to Remember....

2009-06-09T20:31:00.018-06:00

When heading out to the mounains, be sure to take your rescue pack....JUST IN CASE!

Break down in tears for no apparent reason, when someone asks whats wrong just tell them
"Icecream would make me feel better"
Moms may roll their eyes, Grandma's however will make an immediate turn into the nearest icecream store.

"Fresh" Water never tastes just the same....
And really when it comes from Navajo, we shoulda known. After all, the Navajo we know is a "stud" and we tend to not drink anything he gives us!

No matter how many times you try it, the natural springs will still taste like arse, this one however was at least cold!

Really, when you see where a spring comes from, you understand just a little better why it tastes like arse.

At least a "Soda Spring" is carbonated by the carbonate acid and while still tasting arse-ish, is a step towards improvement.....

When headed up Pikes Peak, you may be thinking THIS should be your worst fear, but really you have NO IDEA.....

The reservoirs are beautiful pristine waters. I wanted to strip and go nakee for a swim. However, with a temperature of 50 the water was a TAD frigid! Still beautiful....

When negotiating with a terrorist, er I mean two year old, remember that candy is a good bribe to get them to look at the camera.....

On the way up, this made my knees weak, on the way down, I would have took the picture while hanging over the edge, and still had stronger knees then I did at the top!

By the time we reached the summit, I was sooo cold and weak, and worried over my mom lacking oxygen, that I couldnt bear to walk to the sign for a family picture. This nice family will do just fine!

Notes regarding the summit: Don't assume that at 21 degrees there will be snow or ice to walk on. Nope, be prepared to step in a giant FREEZING cold puddle of water. And to walk through mud? I've never seen such cold mud.

Don't assume you'll be able to look out over the edge. You may be sooo weak from the drives on the roads that are lacking gaurdrails and room for double lanes that you can't even leave the car.

If your with someone who is deathly afraid of heights, on the way up they may start to look green stop in the middle of the road and ask you to drive. They may be soooo freaken scared they wont get out of the car for your "chinese firedrill" but instead, make you do so while they crawl over the counsel. Then lay thier seat back and hide under the blanket until they are safely at ground level again. Or at least not alpine level!

Do be sure to breathe before you get there, because once your there, the oxygen is gone.

The ride down was pretty enjoyable even if you do get pulled over after the brake check. In case you didnt know "hot breaks fail", use low gears.

No matter how scary something was on the way up, its MUCH better on the way down.

And just because WE happend to see two rescue vehicles and accidents, does not mean its a daily occurance (or so they say). Turns out the woman working the gate has only seen one other trip this year, lucky us for witnessing two!

We were very happy to leave! Very very happy!

Mom didnt get the point of the picture was to show the ginormous rock.

Remember, zoom out is good too!

My momma the stripper.....

2009-05-29T20:37:00.003-06:00

Izze: Momma goes to work there all the time.
Adult: What does your momma do at work?
Izze: Momma makes moniess for Sunny D!
Adult: How does she make monies?
Izze: Dancin' on the stage!!!!

And there you have it folks. If you ever wanted to know what I do for a living. My daughter can explain it well. Lucky for me the number of people she knows, is small. They include a daycare provider, family and some neighbors. Also lucky for me, somebody from each of those groups attended the event at the High School (momma's work) tonight, so they know that what she really saw, was the young dancers performing, and NOT her momma. She did see some moms do a dance, and some dads do a dance (Neighbor Bob included). So the story may get more interesting with time. But for now, she sticks to the basics.

And on the way out, she announced to anyone who would listen.
"Bob does fireworks in the sky at night! That is naughty."
Eh sorry Bob!
Thats what we get for the police making a visit after the fireworks
demonstration last weekend.

ShamWOW

2009-05-27T12:59:00.004-06:00

I'm a sucker for infomercials.

I've longed for the "total body workout machine" for years and years. I thought maybe some of its appeal came from Chuck Norris. Because, well, really anything Chuck Norris does is DA BOMB.

And seriously, the fresh made salsa SOLD me on the Magic Bullet. Here it can take cherry tomatoes and garlic and peppers and make fresh yummy salsa, or some strawberry's sugar and rum and give me instant happiness in a Daiquiri! God love the magic bullet, which yes, I have, and I've used, mmmmmm once?

Or how about the Vadilla Chopper?! AWESOME. I've used it more then once, but often forget its there. When I do use it, I'm a happy lil' chopper.

Today I saw the wonder hanger. By god does THAT look cool. And if you order now, you not only get 10 hangers, but also four bend a hangers, and two bright lights! All for one low price, just pay extra shipping and handling.

Tracking Progress

2009-05-26T13:42:00.003-06:00

Well I started on my "diet" almost 11 weeks ago....

I have lost 24 lbs.
My pant size has dropped from a tight 14 to a 10
Not so happily my boobs have shrunk as well 36DD to a 34C
Dress size from a large to a medium

I started at the gym 8 weeks ago....

from hardly being able to run 60 seconds/walk 90 seconds to a 20 minute straight run (Couch to 5k, I'm in the middle of week 6)
30 day shred level one not able to complete, maybe a 60% effort, to completing it and doing so with more "umph" then kevin
chest press from 10 to 30lbs, leg press from 60 to 120lbs, thigh machine from 30-80lbs, and many more......

I started measuring "inches" two weeks ago....

lost over 10 inches!

I am starting to feel GOOD! yeah me!

Caden's Brit Milah

2009-05-19T19:48:00.004-06:00

Well Caden would not have made a good Jewish child. He clearly is against the idea of Brit Milah. While he waited until he was 6 days old (not 8, but far more then the average non Jewish child), he had a horrendous experience with it.

Since then he has continuously tried to "heal" himself and reverse the procedure. While bathing him tonight (usually this is dad's job), I noticed that he's done a MIGHTY FINE JOB of reversing the procedure.

My thoughts are, he clearly wouldn't have made a good Jewish child, and/or his destiny IS to be Jewish some day, and when he meets that nice Jewish lady and he decides to convert and take that brave step, his Brit Milah will be as authentic as can be!

Random thoughts for today

2009-05-19T13:16:00.004-06:00

Summer skies are BEAUTIFUL!

Other peoples dog barking, I phase out. My dog barking, makes me want to rip my hair outta my head and shake him till his eyes turn blue.

Days should be 30 hours, not 24. An extra 6 hours to sleep, spend with family, or relax.

Was honey really worth creating, I mean so much so that we need all those bees?!

When three year olds throw tantrums and say they can't stop, do they really mean that? I honestly think they might.

If less is more, then what is more?

Gym Oddities

2009-05-16T19:21:00.003-06:00

Things I wonder about other people:

Why do they clean off of a treadmill or an elliptical that their hands may have touched momentarily but they never wipe their sweat off of the weight machines when they walk away leaving it soaking wet, stankey and even with streaked from their deodorant?!
Who wears jeans to the gym and expects to get a work out!?
Whats with the 15 year old kid in a gym for 18+ who seems to think the more he can lift makes him look cooler, even though he's quivering and clearly not even lifting correctly as his whole body attempts to do even ONE curl up? Seriously?!
Why does everyone fight for the front parking spaces, its a GYM, walk the extra 100 yards!
Can you REALLY read your magazine, listen to your ipod, and watch the television while getting a work out?
Do you think anyone really cares how much weight you were lifting? Is there seriously a need to move the pin down lower after your done, to appear as though you are stronger then you actually are.

Things I wonder about myself:

Am I the only one who has trouble getting off a machine if the numbers are not somewhat even. I often spend a lot of time stressing over what number I should be anal about: calories, distance, time. And there are days I try to make sure all three numbers are likeable, this can take time. Yesterday though, I got lucky they were all good numbers I felt comfortable leaving: 175.5, 2.25, :05.
Is it normal that I pick my machine based off of the athletic abilities of those on the surrounding machines.
Does everyone have to talk themselves into finishing the way I do? Constant. I should just be done now. NO, 1 more minute. Minute passes. Okay, I can go. No, thats still cheating you know it wasnt enough. 3 more. AM I DONE YET?!
Did anyone notice me move the pin lower?!?!

Movin on up....

2009-05-15T16:38:00.002-06:00

So I'm about to move to week 5 of the couch to 5k. I am not sure if that is cheating or not, technically I've done week 4 three times. The second time was somewhat a failure, as I had to quit my last run a little early. But the 3rd time I did it. And I also took a minute and a half off of my timed mile this week. Usually I would do a week until I did it three times without failure, but in this case week 5 looks much more appealing then another week 4. So call it a cheat, but I'm movin on up!

Also, I'm feeling super inspired this week! Not only did my good friend do a 5k and a 10k (her first of both) all a week apart just recently, but she just posted her one year transformation. She is truly inspiring, and I'm SOOO proud of her!

why

2009-05-13T16:13:00.002-06:00

Why does your nose run when you throw up?

Why do you throw up when you work too hard?

Why does a running nose make you sneeze?

Don't want him!

2009-05-05T20:05:00.004-06:00

Seriously. I can not take 4 months of this.

Will he or won't he.

Then a whole season of the new team "Brett Favre and the Vikings".

NO FREAKEN THANKS.

We are the Minnesota Vikings. We are not about one person. We are a TEAM. And a team I've loved in good times and in bad, because they are my TEAM. But turning them into a freak show, by throwing a 40 year old has been in the mix, will NOT make me love them more.

My husband tells me. "I want a superbowl". Well, sure, I do too. But do I want to spend the next century hearing about how we only got it with the help of a "Packer". No thanks. I am sorry, but as a Vikings fan, a true one, not a fair weather one. I love my team even without the damn ring. I will not sell my soul to satan just to get it.

I have morals. I have values.

And this goes against every single Purple drop of blood running through my body.

Someone call FEMA....QUICK!

2009-05-04T14:40:00.004-06:00

Its a perfectly beautiful calm day. But ONE large gust of wind in our back yard, turns into a wind tunnel. I happend to be sitting on the deck when this happend, and was terrified as the grill came sliding across the deck at me! Never, have I seen our deck chairs over turn during these, and today, for the first time ever they did. As I went to pick them up, I looked over the side and what do I see but a natural disaster.

The play house has been here for 48 hours and already, this is what we find!

There appears to be one casualty out there, Baby Jane Doe. There are reminents of a dandelion dinner as well as a broken faucet and some mail laying in the yard.

Oh the sadness that has befallen us.....

When will they learn...

2009-05-04T12:13:00.005-06:00

Last week, my husband put up a profile picture that annoyed the shart outta me. I married him based on our beliefs and one of these very important beliefs had been crossed. He went to the dark side if you will. I updated my status informing him that we would be getting a divorce if he did NOT change his profile picture. He ignore me. 24 hours later, I divorced him. A facebook divorce, but a divorce all the same. After all, probably much more "public" then a real divorce. Since facebook soooo kindly informs the general public "Cecile and Kevin have ended thier relationship".

My husband silly man that he is, then went with it, and thought he'd go to the bar "single". So I gladly took his wedding ring from him when we went out. I wore mine, as I do not enjoy the creepy old men at the bar hitting on me. Low and behold, when the night came to an end my poor single husband was still begging me to come home after the only woman that hit on him was his mother in law and I, wedding ring and all, managed to recieve many more inquieries than he, but I took pity and came home with him.

Too bad for him, I'm a good girl and wouldn't dare sleep with a man I wasn't involved with.....wonder how long until he realizes taking that photo down WILL be in his best interest. After all, I alwayas get my way.

Three

2009-05-01T05:51:00.003-06:00

Three is involved in many important people:

The Holy Trinity has three. Father, Son and the Holy Spirit

There were three stooges.

In time three is a lot of things as well:

Three represents the past, the present and the future.

It takes you three years to for from the ability to buy a lotto ticket to buy a beer.

But MOST importantly, today, three is MY BABY GIRL!

Three years ago today, the most stubborn, strong willed, intelligent, funny, beautiful little girl showed up in our lives and every moment since has been an experience we couldnt be with out!

Happy Birthday
We love you Izze girl!

Labor Day is TOMORROW

2009-04-29T19:35:00.001-06:00

Once again. Its come. Labor day. For the past few years, I've taken the day to spoil myself some and to reflect on how big my girl is getting. Unfortunately, the bastards in our HR department swiped all of my time off and I will not be able to do that this year. So instead, I'll go to work, come home for naps and cuddles, and head to the gym when Kevin gets home. I'll grocery shop and plug myself into some lovely Greys. Then I'll fall asleep only to be woken to find that my baby is now THREE YEARS OLD!

How fast time goes!

Note to self....

2009-04-28T17:23:00.002-06:00

....when using a podcast for training don't ASSUME you know whats on it.

Listen first.

Prepare yourself.

So when the wench that made it tries to kill you* by making you keel over from exhaustion, you'll know to turn right on the trail instead of left, and you won't look like a 700lb dog without water as you do your best impersonation of a jog past the 230 people sitting outside watching the 8th grade baseball game, but instead can take the slightly longer but more secluded path to your back yard where you can THEN fall to your knee's, hurl your brains out and cry like a baby on being weaned from the teet.....without an audience!

*she added an extra 90 seconds of jogging and an extra 90 seconds of walk, which may not seem like much, but when your already moving up a week and your also adding the outside elements, it is enough to send you to an early grave! I promise.

Pat thy self on thy back

2009-04-28T15:12:00.004-06:00

I haven't blogged about it much. Partly because I'm a bad blogger, partly because every time I did I failed.

BUT I've been on track for just over 6 weeks now and have lost 19.5 lbs!!!! So I'm pumped. My first few weeks, I didn't do much for exercise, all diet....thanks to my surgery and such. But since April started I've been to the gym at LEAST 3 times a week.

I'm working on the couch to 5k program. Because I enjoy intervals. And as much as I HATE it and am horrible at it, I've always wanted to be a runner. I've finished the first two weeks and am contemplating the third. (Do I start now or take another day at week 2).

Anyways, just needed to give myself a little public pat on the back :-)

Silly Rabbit, Shoes are for KIDS!

2009-04-23T13:58:00.004-06:00

So...anyone who knows me knows I don't have an athletic bone in my body.
But I am trying.

Last week I went out on a mission to get some good supportive running shoes. Figure this may decrease my odds of rolling my ankle from once a week to maybe only like once a month.

I spent way too much time waiting and not nearly enough time trying on. There was one man getting shower for about 15 customers, but that's a WHOLE nother store.

Anyways, I picked some nice comfy shoes. They had them in "raspberry" or "ice" and of COURSE I wanted the pink. The man was taking FOREVER. I turned around and noticed a stand with the "ice" colored shoes stacked right there. No "raspberry" but the same exact shoe, for 30$ less. I was a little confused, but investigated further. Yes, exact same shoe. But whats this, the sizing.....OH ITS A YOUTH SHOE.

I start to walk away and stop. "Self" I think "you have small feet--check it out". So I look, and the highest size youth offered was six. I'm an adult women 7, no way that will work. But HEY I've got time to wait. So I try on the shoe and its too big! So I look, and grab a 5.5 in the shoe. Sure as heck, it fits. Its got about a half inch of wiggle room (which I was told was a good think in a running shoe). And I am getting the exact shoe for 30$ cheaper! It may not be pink but its money in my pocket!!!!!

Can I get a HELL YEAH for small feet?!?!?!

Now.....lets hope the ankle rolling DOES diminish.

*I still am not able to figure out the difference between youth sizing, women sizing, etc. The inside of my shoe says US 5.5, but the inside of the WOMENS shoe that I had looked at same shoe, but size 6.5 adult womens, said US 4.5 WTF

Its HEEERRRRRRRRRREEEEEE!

2009-03-16T12:37:00.002-06:00

According to Webster's Dictionary.....

Spring -noun
1: a time or season of growth or development ; specifically : the season between winter and summer comprising in the northern hemisphere usually the months of March, April, and May or as reckoned astronomically extending from the March equinox to the June solstice

Technically spring starts on Friday. Because that's the March equinox ....but an astronomist I am not. In my brain SPRING IS HERE! I'm contemplating writing Webster and suggesting they add another definition.

2: the period of warm weather following the winter, relatively based on a that years cold spells, temperatures vary from above 40 to 70, in MN this can be recognized by: high schoolers in mini skirts; garages being cleaned; more then one grill in use per neighborhood at a time; shedding of the extra layer of warmth (aka hair) on 's legs through shaving or wax removal; children and dogs covered in mud and often shivering from the wet, not technically warm, melting snow; Christmas lights finally coming off of houses; exposed garbage from the past four months laying in the streets; Window's being opened allowing for escapes of cats and children if the screens have not been put in yet; deck furniture appearing; the sound of bouncing basketballs, squeaky bicycles and children celebrating can be heard throughout town; lines at the car wash over an hour long where everyone must remove the seasons salt from their unrecognizable cars to find that they are not really white, but actually a very vibrant red; the population of the town seems to multiply by 100 as everyone and their brother are out rollerblading, walking dogs, jogging and just breathing the GLORIOUS fresh air!!!!!!!!!

I broke out the flip flops. I shaved the legs. (Yes, this was a two person job) I dug out my capri's. I put one loan cushion on one lone deck chair (I'm a realist, its March, there will be more snow). I thawed grill meats galore. I am HAPPY.

More on little man's butt

2009-02-10T07:25:00.003-06:00

"I have an overwhelming, unwarrented fear of deep dark cracks....think the gap between the stable floor and the elevator floor. It gives me the willies! Bleachers often upset me as well!" That is a quote from my facebook page. And its true. Today a friend made a comment about it:
Beth wrote at 9:39pm
Your little about me thing under your picture just made me literally laugh out loud. I love that you're afraid of "deep dark cracks." All I picture is you being scared shitless of a butt. I found myself laughing out loud at her as well. She has NO idea how true that is. My mind went straight to my little mans butt and the deep dark never ending hole (the extra one)! And all I can say is my fears are finally warrented!

DokkestulDiscussion

Dear John

**Chicken** Pad Thai

Ingredients

Directions

Izze's mom vs Carters mom

Oriental Chicken Roll Up --Applebees copycat recipe

Timelines

WHERE OH WHERE IS THE MONEY TREE?!

Quote of the day

MONDAY I HATE YOUR STINKIN GUTS

Big Boy Room

The Floridas on Friday

Don't Blink

First Day Jitters

Kindergarten

From #2 to only child

Summer comes and summer goes

Where to put it?!

Eloquance

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Silly little man

Oh My

Kevs Kryptonite

For Fun....

Summer..Fall..Winter...Spring...Winter

Mr Beans

A story

I'm IN!

Pray for my Fairy Arms.

Show the man some respect!

I need a cuddle date!

Shhh...do you hear that

My Valentines

Taste Tester

No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

Drama Queen and her evil lil' Indian Brother

Catching up

Praying

Day 13

Day 12

Oh Izze, you know how to break your daddys heart

Day 11

Day 10

Day 9

Space Aliens

Day 8

Day 7

Day 6

Old School Movies

Day 5

Marry vs. Mary

Day 4

The look

Day 3

Day 2

Day 1

Lets give them something to talk about...

Sporty Spice

I'm S.A.D.

Organizing

Its a small world after all...

Bucket List

Slacker

I'm sooo sorry Monet

Lets set this straight....

SO LET ME GET THIS "STRAIGHT" - Larry King is getting his 8th divorce, Elizabeth Taylor is possibly getting married for a 9th time, Jesse James and Tiger Woods are screwing everyone but their wives, yet the idea of same-sex marriage is what is going to destroy the institution of marriage?? REALLY??

The new Boots...

COLD IS A RELATIVE THING………BRRRRRRR!!!

Making myself a mix....

A NEW Decade!

The light of the Lord

Daddy Dearest

Caden Rockin out!

Nau-Nau Toy of the Day

help me....

According to Tim

Chi-Town

Izze-isms

WE DID IT!!!

Chicken Pad Thai