Finally, A Backyard

Funny enough--we're talking about pillows in this post as well as the last post. Do I do that a lot? Anyway, the man and I stopped at Lowes today to look at fire pits. He wants one for the backyard and I'm fine with that, as long as we get pretty patio furniture. You know the kind with the "designer" outdoor pillows.

We've lived in the Chicago area for nearly 7 years, and we've never really had a patio we could use. We had a beautiful one in Phoenix before we moved here, but it was always too hot--and you get toads. So it is nice to finally have a backyard worth spending some time in.

Squishy Bedding

I cannot explain how badly I want a sleep number bed! Truly, it consumes my morning thoughts as I lazily stretch my way out of a bed I would rather spend another 3 hours in, but due to various aches and pains and a snoring husband--I can't bear another moment in.

My husband knows me pretty darn well. I'm a soft and cuddly kinda gal. He knows that I have no other desire for Christmas/Mother's Day/Birthday's ect--than a new down pillow. These babies are like $75 each--but oh, the heaven of sinking my head into them. Plus you get the added bonus of sound control. When the buzz saw next to me hits astronomical proportions, I throw one of these puppies over my head, and it nearly drowns him out!

So if a squishy pillow is such heaven, can you imagine how amazing I'd sleep with a whole squishy bed? My husband was in a car accident early on in his life, and has to sleep on a mattress that is as stiff as a board. Sadly--I share a bed with him, so there goes my dream of a squishy bed---unless, I can turn in all of my present holiday's pillows--and transform them into one amazing bed!! I just wonder what my true sleep number is???

Giggles!!

My two little ones are awfully giggly today! It's my favorite kind of day with them. They take such joy in playing together, and everything they do just makes each other laugh. Of course, we are getting close to nap time-so me thinks, they may just be overly sleepy! These are the days when it's fun to lotion up their feet and give them little massages. It's so cute-they are so tickly on their toes, and to hear my 2 year old squeal with delight and say "Ig Iggles" is well worth taking a little break from the blogosphere for a bit!!

Back in a sec!!

Accelerated Reading!!

I think it's funny--kids and school. All of my kids have loved school-pretty much from the moment that they could go to school. Grayson didn't want to go to school today because he doesn't want to be a part of the Accelerated Reading program anymore, and today is a test on his last book. I told him that since he didn't want to go, he would get a zero on the test because he wouldn't be taking it--so why not just take the test, and guess at the answers. Either way-if you are planning to take a zero-what does it matter if you take the test and fail? And with a multiple choice test-you may actually get one or two right even without reading the story. So then he tells me--he read the book in school, and could probably pass the test. I'm sorry, why were we having this discussion??? You read the book, you could pass the test...then go to school and pass the test! Goof Ball!

Vista Rant!!

I'm having all sorts of problems with my new computer today! I'm not very happy about it! You spend a ton of money that you've skrimped and saved to buy a new computer. All that is offered out there are computers with the most AWFUL Vista as it's operating system--so bugs and all--you take it home! I've been using the new computer for about a week, and finally--there is a birthday post that I want to make today--and I need to use the scanner than came with the computer. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS!! Why?? Because the scanner software isn't compatible with Vista. In order to download the patch you have to follow the directions on the screen--fine--but by the time it's finished it's uninstall and restarted the system-I can't get back to the screen! So now I have to install it wrong-again--get the screen--copy it down ('cause I can't print) and then uninstall it only to install the patch and reinstall it!!

Sounds like fun doesn't it? I HATE VISTA!!!

My Birthday!!

This picture was taken 36 years ago today! And I just have to say--it is one of the cutest hospital pictures I've ever seen! I must admit--I was a cutie! Out of four kids--I got one that looked just like me! His hospital picture is absolutely beautiful as well--So I guess it's just the genes!

36 Years is a strange year to turn! I remember when my mom was 36-and it wasn't that long ago! 18 years ago--I turned 18--and 20 years ago, I had my first date.

My earliest memory is my 4th birthday!
All my life I thought I had a memory of my third birthday party-I remember a balloon was put in my parents room to wait for my older brother to get home from school. So with the proper math--it would have had to be my 4th birthday. I remember the party itself as well. We sat in a circle to open presents and my next door neighbor Kirk,gave me a book in the shape of a house. I have another memory around that same time. There was an earthquake in the night, and I remember that. I remember the jammies I was wearing, and according to a Christmas morning picture where I'm wearing the same jammies--I would have been 4 for that too. I don't have too many memories. I do remember my Aunt Peggy's dog Buttercup. She was a Deer Chihuahua with a little tiny head. I remember sitting on the floor with her and her little round top of her head fit in the palm of my hand perfectly. Now that is a tiny dog! I also remember sleeping over at Peggy's and she made grits or mush in the morning and they were AWFUL--so I went outside of her house and hid behind a short little fence between her house and her neighbors!

When I was 4 we moved to Bountiful and in with my grandma. We moved in on Valentine's Day and I remember being downstairs putting paneling up in what would be our bedroom. The doorbell rang and there were two Valentine's on the front porch. One for my big brother, and one for my little brother. Heartbreaking as it was at the time--the neighbor didn't know there was a little girl in the house, I think it was remedied later--but I don't remember that part!

We lived with my Grandma Code for just over 5 years, until my mom met and married my sweet daddy! I have to call him that--mainly because it is so fitting. We moved to Salt Lake, then to Sandy, and then after our house was finished we moved to Farmington, Utah where I lived until I got married! I went to Davis High School, and that picture right next to me--was my first date, my first school dance, and my 16th birthday! 20 years ago tonight--I was on my first date--oh, the memories of that night! Actually--I'm still kicking myself for so many dumb things that you do on your first date! My date was a Senior--and I'm sure it wasn't the most fun final dance of his High School career!

Here is my Senior picture. You know--ever since it was taken--I never thought it was really cute of me! You know how you look at pictures or video's of yourself and you just don't see that you are so cute! That's me, in all of my pictures! Well, 18 years later I can say--I was really cute!! I never wore make up--nope, there isn't any in the picture at all! I never wore jewelry-it was the diamond anniversary of my high school the year I graduated, so all of the girls had to wear a necklace with a "D" with a diamond on it! My ears aren't pierced--I was definitely a very GOOD girl! Man, I miss those days! I graduated with the Class of 1989, and then started college at Weber State University.

Ah--this last picture! This was taken the summer before I met my husband. We met and started dating in November, and I'm in shorts--so it's definitely summer in the photo! I'm 24 in this picture. A lot more grown up than the one above it. I had lived in Japan for 18 months, I had moved to Provo, Utah to go to school, and I had been engaged. But honestly, if you want to see what I looked like the first time my husband ever saw me--this would be it! Man--he married a "hottie". Then that hottie had kids and had her body totally messed up! I'm thinking I need to get back down to my wedding weight--so my hubby can have a little bit of his wife back!!

All in all it's been a great 36years. Somethings I would definitely change if I could go back and change it--somethings I wouldn't change for the world. The one thing I know--this first 36 years went really fast--and in that same amount of time I will be 72 years old! I wonder what I will look back on between now and then and wish I had done differently! hmmmmmm, I wish I knew!!

Eating, Eating & More Eating!

Do you know what I'm realizing I really need in this battle of the bulge?? I need appetite suppressants! Honestly, is everyone as hungry as I always am? Am I boredom eating? I don't think so, but honestly just gimme the beef!

It's craziness. I made dinner tonight, it wasn't the greatest, but holy cow...you'd think I hadn't eaten in days. I'm ready to go for round two. No wonder I'm frumpy (read fat)! I mentioned a few posts back that I have a big high school reunion coming up this August and I'd really like to look good for it, but I'm honestly questioning my ability to pull it off.

I guess tomorrow I should stock up on some healthy snacks, because apparently, I'm gonna be hungry 24/7!

School Pride

I got in trouble tonight. You know, I wasn't expecting it. I really didn't think I'd done something wrong, but apparently it was the end of the world to my 9 year old. You see, at his school they earn "paws" for good behavior. After you've saved up enough paws, you can take them to the "Paw Trade-In" store and get something cool. They have everything from custom water bottles to various school supplies and unopened Happy Meal prizes.

Well, Mr. 9 year old chose a yellow water bottle with the school name painted on it. Came home and used it, and deposited it in the sink. Where I ended up putting it (innocently enough) into the dishwasher. Oops...my bad! When it came out (sparkling clean) it was missing a TINY portion of the blue paint that made up the school name. You would have thought I'd cut off his baby toe...hissy fit! I promised him that tomorrow, when the Hobby Lobby opens, I will march right in and purchase a blue Sharpie so that I can fill in the blanks!

Luckily...that did it!

Colon Fun

Tonight I had to watch the Farrah Fawcett documentary on the internet because we were out on Friday night. Oh my heavens...how sad was it! I have never been a huge Farrah fan. She's quite a bit older than I am, and I never even watched Charlie's Angels. But after watching her battle with this debilitating disease, it just broke my heart.

It's been 2 years since her diagnosis, and it seems like she's tried every form of treatment, but has been unable to beat it. I don't know how much longer she has, but it certainly made me try to rethink my life! Colon cancer flows rampantly through my family. I lost my aunt to it 4 years ago and my uncle has had his colon removed. My grandma died in 1987 from a tumor, but she refused to even have it tested to find out what it was. After watching her kids, I'm almost sure it was colon cancer.

My mom has done all she can to keep on top of it in her life. From Colonix to yearly Colonoscopy, she's trying to change the tide in her favor. She does suffer from minor diverticulitis, so she has bulked up on fiber in her diet. Sadly, she is sticking to me on this too. I just turned 38, and she's let me know that once I hit 40...a yearly Colonoscopy will be required (yuck)!

I don't know if any of these techniques would have helped Farrah in the early stages, but my heart certainly went out to her family at this really sad time!

The Drive

I have been looking at rates for rv parks and extended stay motels around the Salt Lake area for our summer trip. We are spending 2 weeks with my mom, but I really don't want to drive 20 hours one way to only stay in town for 2 weeks. It's a very long and miserable drive.

We spend the night in Kearney, Nebraska. The hotel there has water slides that my kids love, so that portion of the drive works for them. It's just the other 19 hours of the drive!

People think I'm crazy for driving alone with four kids across the country, but with airline prices as high as they are, there is just no other choice. So we'll pack up the portable DVD player and the laptop and hope to make some good time. This is the ONE portion of the trip that I'm not excited about!

U.T.A.H.

Three more weeks of school!! Three more weeks of school! Normally I am not the type of mom that looks forward to summer vacation. My kids tend to get awfully bored and just don't seem to enjoy the summers like I remember when I was a kid. I'm not quite sure what has changed.

This summer, however, is different! It's my high school reunion and this frumpy mother of four has found one of the top rated diet pills around...and I plan on looking HOT!! Mind you, it's not until the 15th of August, so there's still time to get myself reeled in!

So we are heading to Utah...and I still can't wait!

Horses & Bulls

This past Friday we headed out to a local dining establishment that offered dinner and an amazing show. My in laws took all six of us out and honestly, I was thrilled that my kids enjoyed it as much as they did. Half way through the show, my oldest leaned over and said, "This would be great as a video game!" I laughed and replied, "Video game...I wanna horse!"

Not that we have the room for a horse or bull at our house, and especially not the horse & cattle supplies that go along with them, but there was something deep within that actually longed to care for these beautiful animals. My 9 year old wants a black stallion, but I was mesmerized by the bone white mare with a silky white mane.

It won't happen in this lifetime, but oh to dream of the freedom that comes with riding a horse.

Funeral!!

Today is the funeral for my older brothers and sisters mom. She was married to my dad, before he married my mom 26 years ago. She died earlier this week and had been looming with a terrible illness for a few months. My older sister and her family came down from Spokane for Thanksgiving so that their kids could spend some time with their Grandma before she passed away! I felt bad that I wasn't going to have the opportunity to attend the funeral--but with 4 little kids--they really wouldn't have wanted me there! But I feel so bad for all of them. I can't imagine the loss of my mom--it would kill me!!!

100,000 Mark!!

I'm battling Cyber Ghosts today! I have posted this post three times--and it shows up for around 3 minutes and then disappears! Hmmmmmm, we'll try it again!

As many of you know--my husband just went through an opening of a new restaurant! He has been putting in a ton of hours - and his poor body just really isn't geared for it! Well, they have been open for 3 weeks-and they have nearly hit the $100,000 mark in sales! That is just mind boggling to me! I've known they are always busy--but I guess I didn't fully translate that into sales!

I'm very proud of him! He's working so hard--and honestly he is loving "nearly" every moment! Leaving the house before the sun comes out being one thing he doesn't enjoy--coming home after dark--is the other! Unless he steps outside for a minute--he doesn't see the sun at all!!

Perfect Attendance!!

Today was the first awards assembly of the year. They have one after each grading period. My boys worked so hard and earned perfect attendance ribbons. They have talked about them for months, so it was nice for them to finally get to take them home. They did great on their report cards as well. MJ got an A+ in spelling, and A in math, and a B+ in both reading and penmanship. DG got an A+ in reading, an A in penmanship, and an A+ in math. Next week, he will start the advanced reading program. He currently is reading at a third grade level--so he's really doing great!

It's fun to see that they both really enjoy school, and love to go everyday. This year has even been an exceptionally easy year in getting up on their own and getting their homework done! Great job guys!!!

Going Home

Summer is coming! Summer is coming! Normally I don't really get excited about that, but this summer the kids and I are heading home to Utah! My home! My Family! My SPOT! My kids love it there, and they haven't been home in 2 years. My parents have a huge park in the back yard with a couple of gazebos, swings and a huge climb on toy. What kid wouldn't love that!

Mostly I'm excited to take them to Lagoon. It's a huge amusement park that I worked at when I was a teenager, and full of so many memories. Plus, here in Illinois, there really isn't much chance of them getting to experience too many roller coasters. So I plan on getting them season passes, so we can run over as often as we want to!

I can't wait!

Colon Cancer

We have colon cancer running rampant in this family. I lost my aunt to it and mostly likely my grandma. My uncle has had his colon removed and my other aunt has pre-cancerous polyps removed every year. I don't know if this is something that an herbal colon cleanse would help with...but I can tell you, I'm not looking forward to turning 40! Not only do mammy's click in, but a yearly colonoscopy doesn't sound like a day at the beach either.

But with 4 kids, it must be done. I have to stay healthy for them!

It's Creeping Up

Have you heard about all of the hoopla over Hydroxycut?? My husband knows that I take a diet pill everyday, so he had to stop and ask me if that was something I was using. I hadn't even heard of the problems, but I was happy to let him know that I was not using that particular product.

On the side of weight loss, however, I'm happy to say that it's going slow...but it is at least, still going. Which is great, because that 20th high school reunion is creeping up pretty quick. There is no way I'll look like I did when we graduated--but hey, I'd like to look better than the frumpy mom of 4 that I turned into!

More Addiction!!

After the boys got home from school and finished their homework, we headed to Schaumburg to a Cigar Shop! Yep, smells as yucky as it sounds!! But he also carries the addiction my children suffer from---Basketball cards! So they went in with Dad and found their treasures. It's fun to watch them get excited over their purchases and then sit and quiz each other all the way to our next destination about the colleges a certain player played for, what team drafted him, how much does he way--what's his shooting percentage. It's so fun to hear them talking sports with each other. It just comes so natural to them.

Go Walmart!!

Wow--it's in the headlines! Walmart beats out Exxon on the Fortune 500 list! Good for them! I really don't understand why people hate Walmart. They hire a ton of people--they bring thousands of jobs into areas that need them, they bring low prices and great quality at the same time. I haven't been to a Walmart in a while--because I don't live really close to one--but if I'm near one--they would be my first stop shop for EVERYTHING! I have heard an argument against Walmart--that being that they aren't Union. Well, in Walmart's defense...they've put it up for a vote for their employees and their employees have turned it down! Bummer for all you "Pro-Union" folk! As for me--huge applause and accolades!! I HATE anything union! I will forever and ever be Non-Union! It had it's need in history--and possibly in some areas today it may still be necessary--but they are out of control--and quite honestly--against everything American! Which is why I guess the Liberals hate Walmart so much. If you don't like America--why would you like a store that is American in everyway! Go Capitalism!! Go America!! Go Walmart!!

Moving Is On!! Again!

Ok--the house hunt is on again! My excitement was kind of dampened last week when we found out that the next restaurant will most likely be going toward the city. That's east of us--and I'M NOT MOVING EAST!! Everything in the suburbs east of us is just like us--no driveway, no garage--no big back yard for the kids to play in! So I kind of gave up. But now, after talking to the husband--I think we will still move west--and just put him on the train in the morning! So I've pulled up my Illinoisrealestate.com website-and I'm picking out my favorites!!

When I find one I can't live without--I'll let you know!!

Friday!!

Today is Friday! That would normally mean Pizza Night--but we had pizza last night. We stopped at Little Caesar's for their "Hot & Ready" $5.00 pizza--but let me just say--they were neither Hot--nor Ready!! I'm not sure we will ever go back, to that one at least! When I was in High School I worked at Little Caesar's. That was back when they were pretty new--they had the best sandwiches--and their Pan Pan pizza was fabulous. They don't do any of that anymore! Too bad!

Every Friday night we have Pizza and watch a movie with homemade popcorn. It's just a fun tradition--so we may have to have Pizza Bread (how to's to follow on Cheffin'It!) I'll have to see what movies are available on Pay Per View--and we will 'veg out' for the kids last week night of Spring Break!

Just Blah-ging!!

Ok--I just updated my day and my drive over on the Cheffin' It blog!! As beautiful as my house is---I NEVER want to drive to Rockford again! But I will let you read about that rant--over there!

Other than the miserable drive--I have to say--today...well, today stunk! I'm sick again! I'm exhausted for lack of sleep! And I still have 4 kids to entertain for the day! Tomorrow is the last day of Spring Break in this house. Yes, we still have the weekend-but we always have the weekend--so I look at it as just ONE MORE DAY!!

I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring! I'm thinking I will bribe the older two with PS2 to watch the younger 2 so that I can lay down! Honestly--I can't even remember what it is like to feel good, and to have the energy to do fun things with my kids! Wow, I guess I really should go to the doctor!!

I Found The World One!!

create your own visited countries map

Ok--a couple of days ago--I put up the map with the states that I have visited--it's really fun to have found a country one!

I just found out tonight that my mom and dad leave on a Mexican cruise on Saturday! I was shocked! I was not expecting this!! You see--I have to physically prepare for times when my mom is incognito and I can't talk to her several times a day!!

I'M NOT READY!!!!!!

Where I've Been!!

create your own visited states map

E.R.??? Maybe!!

Ok--I made it through the night! I knew I would! My goal is to get the kids home from school and then see if the neighbor can watch them--and then I think I will head to the Emergency Room. The fever has gone down--but the pain has come back up! So bad!! It's now been going on for over 48 hours--so I think I can put it off no more!

My husband had to work yesterday--and really needs to be there today--although he can call in one of the managers from the other restaurant to cover for him if I go into surgery. Either way--he has Wednesday and Thursday off--so it's the time frame I'm shooting for!! Of course, if I have surgery--he's going to have to take the rest of the week off I'm afraid! Even if they do the scope--I'm sure I won't be up to chasing two little tots around the house!

I'll keep you informed!!

Another Try At The Chiro...

Do you ever get lost? I actually don't (usually). I'm pretty darned good at finding my way around most places. Even downtown Chicago. You know, if you get lost, no big deal...it just takes a minute or two longer to get where you are going...but hey, I get there!

My oldest has Scoliosis and had been seeing a chiropractor. I wasn't happy with treatment at the time (miscommunication on our parts), so we stopped going. It's been about a year, and we got a free check up coupon in the mail. So I made an appointment for him and we headed on over.

It's not really close to my house, just off of my main tollway and on to a second one. But there is a cell tower that you can see for miles away, and the office literally sits at the base of it.

So even though I hadn't been in the area in over a year, as we came around the bend in Buffalo Grove...there it was.

Where Did That Come From??

Do you have little ones? I have four of them, and I'm continually taken aback by some of the things that they say, do and remember. Yesterday we were heading to the local grocery store to pick up the Sunday paper (it's a dollar cheaper at Woodman's!). As we pass the exit of the freeway, you can see one of those extended stay hotels. My four year old saw it yesterday and proclaimed, "Mom, we do live by Gramma in Lutah." That would be "Grandma in Utah" for all of you who don't speak Brett!!

My parents came to visit 18 months ago (Brett was 3) and stayed for 2 nights in this hotel. We have seen them twice since then but for some amazing reason, Brett is able to remember that being their hotel....and I guess it will be forever! I just figured he'd forget because he was only 3 at the time. It's just amazing!

Where Is The Warming??

Well, we have finished up with the Spring Cleaning around here. It helps when there is a neighborhood pick up day to get all of the "big" junk out. All I'm left with now are bags of clothes, baby bedding and other 're-usables' for Good Will, and they come on Tuesday.

It feels very strange calling it Spring Cleaning, as we spent the evening getting all of our junk to the curb in the falling snow. Are we sure it's April? Are we sure there is such a thing as Global Warming?? 'Cause I'm starting to doubt it!

Stand For Something...

I had to put this video up! It is the first I've seen that clearly explains the importance of Families. The look on this little boys face as he's running into his daddy's arms is what life is all about. Sheer love and adoration for his daddy--excitement, tears, relief--you can see it all.

I've often wondered WHY we have these 4 kids. There are times I find it very hard to see the Joy in them. I heard the comment--"Grandkids are your reward for not killing your own kids"--and it fits so many instances in my life!! Why, again, did we decided that becoming parents was a GOOD IDEA?? Well, this video is why. I can picture this with each one of my kids--if either my husband or myself were gone for a long period of time--or in such a scary place as this little boys daddy. Heck, I get it from my 2 year old when I come home from the grocery store!!

Very Scary Night!!

Saturday night I woke up with a terrible stomach ache. My mind immediately began racing trying to figure out what I had eaten to cause such a problem. I was in and out of bed trying to get comfortable--but nothing was working. I didn't sleep at all. When my husband got up at 6 a.m. he found me in a really strange position on the couch. Hey--I was trying anything! After he left for work-I went back to bed and when the sun came up--I called my parents. My mom had just suffered through a week of 'questionable' food poisoning--but her symptoms and mine were totally different. They drove over and watched the kids while I tossed and turned on the bed. I got up several times to throw up--but other than that, I was in bed. My parents had to catch their flight home (what a terrible last day with my parents!!) so my husband came home and picked up all 4 kids and took them to his mom's house. Shortly after he left-the pain localized-and it was confirmed (by me) to be appendicitis. I've had so many attacks before--that I was suspecting it was--but it had been 10 years since I'd had the last attack, so I wasn't really sure--but YEP!! I remember now!!

So now I'm home all alone--with appendicitis! I found my insurance card just in case I needed to head to the Emergency Room. I spent the entire day in bed--which was nice considering the fact that I hadn't slept at all the night before!! When I woke up this morning my appendix was still tender--and I couldn't stand up straight--but I'm hoping the worst is through! I kept Jacob home from school so he could help me take care of the two little ones. I'm definitely not "quick" enough to keep up with them today!

As fine as I'm feeling right now--all I can think of is the DAYS it's going to take me to 're-claim' my house!! But at least I'm not in the hospital!!

Laundry Monster Slowly Dying!!

Today was laundry day! My mom is in town--and I hung out with her this afternoon and watched "The Singles Ward" (SOOOOOOOOO TRUE). After I picked up the kids from school, she and my dad headed up to Ulta to get Nailtec for my mom. It's her favorite thing for her nails-so it's always one of her stops when she is out here.

While they were gone-I had Jake help me bring up the 7 baskets of clean laundry. It needed to be folded and hung on hangers. I keep telling my mom--I have way too much laundry in this house--but I'm not quite sure she was expecting what she saw!! She and my dad came in with a Dunkin' Donuts treat for my boys (I'll explain in the next post), and then they both sat down and literally started to fold my laundry. It was so strange--my mom was working a pile--I was working a pile--and my sweet daddy was working a pile! I felt like a "sludge" but it certainly made the work that much more fun.

Grandpa was working on Barrett's basket of clothes and everytime he would he would pick up a shirt to hang on a hanger he would tell Blakelynn that it was her shirt. She would giggle everytime. Finally she caught on, and the next time he asked her if a certain shirt was hers-she'd giggle and say--Nope, it's yours! It was really sweet! My dad has asked for the past two days to take his Grand-daughter to school! I just love that she is adored by her two grandpa's!!

Blake's Bike!!

Blakelynn got this bike for her birthday when she turned 3. Her birthday is December 7, so she couldn't ride it right away anyway. Plus--it was a little big for her. We spent the summer in Utah last year--so she didn't have much opportunity to ride it at all. This year, we got it out--and she FITS!! She loves it--and looks like such a big girl zooming up and down the sidewalk on her own!!

My Mom Made It Home

I just got off of the phone with my mom. She just got off of the cruise ship and is waiting at her San Diego hotel before for her flight home tomorrow. It's been a week since I've talked to her. I hate weeks like this. My mom always laughs when people talk about trying to get your teenagers to talk to them. My mom would ask me how my day was (or didn't get a chance to ask) and I would go through my day-the bus ride in, 1st period, 2nd period, lunch, the bus ride home! Yep--she got it all! I'm a momma's girl! And she's back on dry land, and I'm gonna call her again this evening!! Wooo Hooo!!

My New Job

Last week I had a meeting with my husbands boss. It was to determine if what I did could help what he did. I walked in thinking there wasn't much need for the meeting and walked out with a job. I was kind of surprised by that, but am now on their Public Relations team. They meet every Friday at the first restaurant, so I need to pick up a Sony Vaio notebook in order to keep up during the meetings!

Time To Say Good Bye

Tomorrow is the going away party for my kids. We have about 15 kids invited, but no one has RSVP'd! I don't mind--I'm all for showing up if you can, but I'm very happy that I opted to just go to Chuck E. Cheese with my coupons rather than booking a party not knowing who all is coming.

We are doing it on a Monday night-so I'm hoping one of the long tables is 'un-reserved', but if not-we will just get 3 booths next to each other. If a group of 15 kids is anything like my kids--they rarely eat at the same time (if at all) so who cares if we aren't all sitting in one long line.

I figure I can get out the door having spent $100 to feed and 'token' all 18 children which is shocking considering the exact same thing for a birthday party this size would have cost $187!! I'm also thinking cupcakes are a ton cheaper than a cake--so now all I need is a new memory stick to keep the memorable moments of the night, safe and sound!

What A Beautiful Day!

Today has been a pretty good Sunday! Aside from the 15 toll free phone calls that have come through..."Sorry folks...I don't transact business on Sunday"! Not that calling tomorrow will get them any farther.

Today was a beautiful day. My husband worked out in the yard all afternoon, and even though it doesn't look like he's touched it, it is looking really nice! Next week is our Spring Cleaning garbage pick up. The one day of the year when you can put anything you want on the curb without a sticker...and they'll take it.

So for the next several days, we will be ridding our house, garage and yard of anything and everything we don't want to have hanging around for another year!

Tweakin' Templates!!

I have to say!! New Years time I set a goal to learn how to tweak a template to really make it my own! I have had a ball learning how to do just that! I'm no where near where I want to be--but have had a lot of fun taking an existing template and shaking it up! If you take a look at the first several blogs under family blogs on the sidebar--those are some of my attempts at "web design". Currently I'm working on a template for my sister--and by the end of the year--I'm hoping to be able to create my own templates from beginning to end! That seems like a lot of work--but from what I've learned already--I'm really excited to learn more! If anyone knows how to get a design to cover the entire background---I would love to hear from you! That is one skill I haven't mastered as of yet!! But man is it addicting!!

Jakey Time!!

Well, our date night came quickly and seemed to go just as quickly. I picked the boys up from school and hurried home, so Jake could get his homework done. He had forgotten his spelling list at school--and that was the only homework he had--so he will miss recess today to get it done. So we headed out. He decided that he would like to see "Bridge To Terabithia" and then go to dinner. So off we went. We caught a matinee, which only means that snacks cost more than the tickets to get in--but hey--how often do you get to take your 9 year old out. Yep, he got spoiled! The movie was pretty confusing to me. I loved the underlying story of friendship--but was very confused by the whole Terabithia thing. At the end, the boy learned to share what his friend had taught him with his little sister, who adored him. So needed in our family. Jake and Blakelynn do not get along at all. She adores him, and pesters him for attention--he gets annoyed with her and generally yells at, or scares her.

So at Bakers Square--we kind of talked about the movie and how it kind of mirrors our life at home. I pointed out the relationship between the brother and sister and how they fixed the relationship in the end. I then reminded Jake that Blake loves him and just wants to play with him. Then I asked if between now and our next date--if he would read her a bedtime story every night. Nothing more--just a story that she picks. He said he would. I think this little act of service on Jake's part--and little bit of attention for Blake--will truly be a miracle in their relationship! I HOPE anyway!

It was a wonderful night--we talked about things going on in his life. I found out he has a crush on a girl in his class, how long has this been going on! We talked about boys growing up, and things that will start to happen. We laughed, we snuggled--we were the only ones in the theater until just before the movie started. So I leaned over and told him that if no one else came--we could just make out the whole time! OH....the look on his face was CLASSIC!! He definitely thinks his mom is crazy!!

Next week is Grayson--and then it will be Jake's turn again. I can't wait!!

RANT**RANT**RANT**RANT!!

Since I generally write about products that I find interesting, I would like to try or have tried and love--I thought I would take a moment and RANT about the crap I hate!!

First off--when we were very first beginning this process of purchasing a home I thought, "Hey, what better way than to have lenders compete for my business!" You know the catch line, you've seen the commercials. So I head on over to Lending Tree's website and input our information. Not too bad--I'm expecting some emails to start arriving at any moment--but what do I get? A FLOOD of phone calls--8 in 1/2 hour--all from these lenders competing for my business. But it didn't stop, it went on and on for days--in fact, a month later I'm still getting the straggling phone call. Of course, we tell them that we've finished the mortgage cycle, and not currently interested in their product! But after literally 300 phone calls--I owe my husband a HUGE "Sorry, Honey"!!

So last night...we are needing to find home owners insurance. Our car insurance is with Geico--but who's ever heard of Geico selling Home Owners Insurance--so me, I go to Insweb.com. I put in the information we need--and am expecting the final page to come up with 6 or 7 quotes from different companies--that's what I got a few years back looking for auto insurance--but nope--to my HORROR--I got a page with 10-12 company names--letting me know that they would be contacting me shortly! WHAT THE HECK?? Sooooooo NOT what I wanted. So I did it again--today they are calling en masse, and I've gotten 16 emails! Ok--I LOVE getting emails--I hate getting phone calls. If you call me--you've lost my business immediately!! So again, I owe my husband a HUGE "Sorry, Honey"!!

Then, the other day-I'm signing up for some service plan--and it asks for my cell phone number. Since mine was dead at the time, I gave them my husbands. It didn't really matter--there was a line directly following the box for the phone number---"Don't worry, we won't call you"!! So, I finish putting the rest of the info in, and flip to the next page, and what does it say????? We just sent you a text message with your PIN, enter it here to see if you are a winner! Ok, what happened to the "Don't worry, we won't call" line! As soon as that thought entered my mind--my phone rang. Yep!! It was my husband. Something about getting a text message..."Sorry, Honey"!!

I'm sooooooo sick of having to say that! Yes, I say it a lot--I'm a freaky chic--but for things I never planned to have happen?? So, for all of you out there.....NEVER, I REPEAT NEVER try Lending Tree.com, and NEVER, I REPEAT NEVER try Insweb.com!! And if anyone says what's your cell phone number---we won't call you---Run!! And, just to let you know...Geico does offer Home Owners Insurance (Who Knew) and they were cheaper than all of the others--even before they add in our auto discount!

More Cleaning!!

Last week I got both kids bedrooms cleaned out. This may not seem like much to the outsider looking in--but this is HUGE! I have baskets and baskets of clean laundry just sitting in my living room. I needed to have the rooms clean so I could put the clean clothes in their places. So finally today--I get to take 4 baskets of laundry and get them on the shelves of the rightful owners-that will, in turn, clean my living room up! I'm so happy! I know-it doesn't take much to excite me--but I haven't had a lot of energy over the past couple of, well, years!!! So when I get enough to actually get some much needed tasks accomplished--it really makes me feel like a worthy human being!!

March Madness!

It' s March! That is amazing! March, of course, means NCAA Mens Basketball--and March Madness. I was talking to Jake on his way to Basketball camp--this is the first March Madness he's shown any interest in. He and his brother have worked out their brackets already! How, you may ask??? Well, they've made it up! All 64 teams--whichever team is a favorite--it's in the bracket! Now--I honestly don't know how many of their "dream teams" will actually make it to the Big Dance--but it's really fun talking about it with my 9 year old.

I think he's rooting for UCON!! When they go to Bulls games or watch them on tv--they do the starting line up word for word with the announcer--it's amazing to hear. But what was so funny is they kept saying "From Utah--Ben Gordon"--Now I have to tell you--I was raised on University of Utah basketball--and I'm pretty darn sure that I would have known if Ben Gordon came out of Utah!! So I started listening--and they don't say Utah--they say UCON!

We'll be Tivo'ing many of the games! I love that my boys have taken such in interest in a good healthy sport!!

Schedules!!

Oh, I'm still getting back in the groove of being back home. I don't know why everything is so out of control after a vacation! Add on top of that the fact that I'm going on 7 weeks of being sick--and I guess there is a little reason for it!

But really, this is ridiculous! I've got laundry coming out my ears--clean and dirty!! My living room is out of control--I have to clean the boys room before I can move the other things out of my living room and into their bedroom!

I've got 2 pinewood derby cars to paint with the boys. Painted they are--they just need to get their decals on and then I need to clear coat them and work on the wheels and the weights! Any good Pinewood Derby racer would know--it's all in the wheels and weights!

Last year Jake's car took #1 over all. Yep--all me with the wheels and weights!!

We will be defending our title this Saturday morning at our Pinewood Derby! Can't wait!

More Great Grandpa Paintings!!

Earlier today I put up two pictures that my great grandfather had painted. I got to talking to my mom and found out that before a reunion some time ago--other parts of the family had gotten together and photographed the pictures that they owned. My mom emailed me the pictures--I was amazed--because I had never seen any of these before. So I decided to put them up here as well!!

**Just an added note about these paintings. My great-grandfather was not a rich man. He couldn't afford canvas, so he painted on masonite. It's really an interesting choice because it gives the texture of canvas. He also couldn't afford to pile on the paint like so many have, so in some spots, as the paintings age, the paint is coming off and the masonite is showing. I don't know why this struck me as interesting--but they are such pretty paintings--so I thought I would share some extra trivia!!

John Barrett Linton!!

These are paintings done by my Great Grandfather. Apparently there are many of them floating around. I'm going to try to hunt down more and get them posted as well! I'm a strange one when it comes to holding on to personal mementos. My mom calls me a pack rat, and I really can't argue with her. However, collecting his artwork this way, is a lot less "space taking" than collecting the actual pictures.

My youngest is named Barrett Linton. I guess you can't guess where that name came from. I never met my great grandfather--but his name and stories have been passed down from generation. I've heard nothing but immense love for him from all of his family members. My grandmother was his daughter. If my youngest had been a girl he would have had her name--Katelynn "Dorothy" Noel would have been her name. Katelynn because it's my favorite name--Dorothy because it was my grandma's name and Noel because my grandma was born and died on Christmas day. But he was born a he--so we went to the most important man in her life--and that was her dad-John Barrett Linton.

I Told You I Was Taking Control!

I FINALLY got the boys bedroom cleaned out today! It was a messy black hole! I've been avoiding it since New Years--or maybe before. The boys love to attempt to play basketball in their bedroom, and have actually broken one of their beds. I assumed it was just the boards underneath the mattress that hold them up-but I have to tell you--I was WRONG! It's actually the rail that holds the boards--and it is completely un-fixable!!

So I did what any ticked off Mom would do! I took their beds down, and they are actually sleeping on their mattresses but they are up on storage boxes instead of their bed frames. I turned the huge toy box around to face the wall. No one plays with the toys in the toy box anyway--so instead of having them dig through the box and dump everything out--I made it in accessible!

The linen closet has been moved to the little kids room--so now--there just isn't much in their room to make a mess with! Hopefully-that will help keep it clean!

B.R.A.T. Diet!!

And Now...

The stomach flu sets in! I've had pneumonia like symptoms for over 6 weeks now. Coughing, congestion--horrid! Well, now---I've got the stomach flu. My kids started getting it while we were still in Arizona-from Aunt Peggy in Arizona. Blakey got it there. Barrett got it the day after we got home, followed by Grayson and Jake on Saturday--and me today! BLAH!! I hate being sick--but even more than anything in the world--I hate to be nauseous!

So I will be taking it easy on the stomach today, and living the B.R.A.T diet for myself! It's just lucky that the kids lived the Brat diet last week--cause that means that I have all of the ingredients I need!

I'll let you know how it goes!

Bleck!

Integrating Life With...Life!!

I have been working hard recently to get some things up and running in my life. The one that still lags behind, exercise. Being a mom of four kids, there just doesn't seem like there is enough time in the day to get it all in. I am still looking for healthy ways to lose weight, and wouldn't mind finding on of the cheaper treadmills on the market. I'm assuming as the Barrett finally starts to get older, I will be able to fit my life into my life a little more often. However, I've also thought of going back to school to become a teacher. That way when the kids are all in school, I work their hours, at least as a substitute, so a calm quiet life just doesn't seem to be coming all that soon!

Birthday Donuts

I just drove 1.5 hours to the nearest Krispy Kreme to get my son his birthday treat for his class. Now I will say, there is nothing better in the world than a hot, creamy Krispy Kreme donut--but even though they were hot when when we picked them up--nothing is going to stay warm during a 45 minute drive home--and there is NOTHING worse than a cold Krispy Kreme donut!

I got a late start today due to a funky cold and a migraine, but knew that Grayson would be so disappointed if I didn't make it today. So I ended up dropping off his treat 20 minutes before school got out! Bad Mom!! Bad Mom!!

Houses!!

We spent the first few days of our Phoenix trip staying in a home owned by Sweet Baby Ray and his friends. It was right in the middle of town, and all of the necessities were so close. But even better in my kids mind--the basketball hoop out front!

They would be up and out of the house early--just to shoot baskets. I guess when we get home-I really need to get their Christmas gift put together and outside--unfortunately it was -13 the other night when my husband flew home. So maybe not for awhile!

After the first two nights at the "basketball" house, we took my husband to the airport and headed to my Uncle Bobby's house. We spent a lot of time here when we lived here. That was 4 years and 2 kids ago! They were our only family down here, and they treated my babies like they were their grandkids. Always so sweet. So it was fun for them to get to spend time with my grown up boys, and to meet and get to see my two newest additions. 4 and 2!!

Vacation So Far

I have had a week full of sick people. Ok, mainly sick kids--but people they are! I don't think I've ever cleaned up this much vomit in one day! I feel like I need that Bio-hazard suit for material handling. There is no way this stuff is healthy to be around. I mean the smell alone nearly causes me to add to the mess.

We are looking up however! The weather here in Arizona is warm and sunny, and the kids have had a chance to leave the house and enjoy a bit of this vacation. I'm just not ready to head back home to the frigid Midwest and the 6 feet of snow in our driveway just yet! In fact, I think I'll make me another smoothie and head out to sit under one of the palm trees on the patio! Wish me luck!

Looking Cute

I have been using the best weight loss pills these past few months, and I have to say, I'm so glad! Yesterday we spent the day out with some friends golfing, and I was required to wear summer clothes. You know, shorts and sleeveless shirts. I would have looked like a clown out there, but because I've found some success in the weight-loss field, I looked really cute!

When I get home I want to continue watching what I eat and working out, but if just for yesterday, it was all worth it!

Leaving!!

I woke up really early on the 6th of February. I had gone to bed at 4 am, but had set my alarm for 8. My niece was coming to stay with the dogs for two nights, and the house needed to be perfect for that.

I then realized that we have 5 suitcases and 3 duffel bags. Only now do I remember my husband is broken--and I will be the one carrying the duffle bags with the straps digging into my shoulders. So I headed to Target and bought a suitcase set. Came home and dumped 2 of the duffel's into the suitcases--now there were 7 suitcases and 1 duffel--for 6 people!

On the way to Target it was just barely snowing. We had had terribly cold weather for the weeks previous (negative zeroes) but hadn't had any snow. By the time I came out of Target I could see that it was starting to snow harder and it was sticking.

So I rushed home and told everyone that we needed to leave now. Not my luck--my husband hadn't even showered yet-so that was out of the question. We finally got on the road--later than I wanted--and the roads were awful! So now we are REALLY late. We stayed behind a semi truck simply believing that if anyone spun out in front of us--he would take them out before we would. Cars were off of the road all along the way. Very scary.

We got to the airport, with about 45 minutes till the flight leaves and we still haven't parked the car. So my husband dropped us off and then sped over to the parking garage. I managed to get through the skycap with 4 kids and so much baggage, and then we made a run for security. I kept Barrett in his car seat and just pulled him behind me. I could hear everyone laugh as we went past--it looked like I was pulling luggage--but when we got past them--they could see it was a little boy. Security--what a JOKE!! I had to take the coats and shoes off of 4 kids plus me. Lift 3 carry on bags, and get Barrett out of his chair. My oldest Jake--saved the day! What an amazing help he was!

So we are through security and running looking back for my husband when I notice -- he's ahead of us. WHAT???? How did that happen! He must have passed us at security and not noticed us (how that is possible, I dare not think!!!) He came back and corralled the kids and carried some of the carry on. We were the last 6 people on the plane. Only middle seats available as far as the eyes can see! (Gotta love Southwest) So luckily there were some really sweet people, Michael got to sit with Grayson, Jake sat alone, Blake sat across the aisle from me and I sat next to Barrett!

Now in all this rush from 8 am on, I had completely forgotten one MAJOR thing! Grayson came back to my seat to show me his cool coloring and the woman just diagonally behind me asked me how old he was---I said, He's ...7 years old--today!! It was his birthday--and in the madness of it all--I hadn't even said Happy Birthday! So I went up to his seat--bent down over his ear, and sang him happy birthday!

It wasn't until we landed (no snow to be found) that we heard that there had been a 50 car pile up on the Interstate that we had just been rushing on. And only minutes after we got in the air Midway airport cancelled 140 flights! We would have been SUNK!! But we were blessed immensely and we made it to Phoenix in time to set up the house for company to come over for Grayson's birthday dinner and cake!

Early Birthday Party!!

This is a shot of Grayson's surprise birthday "cake"!! He wouldnt' let me tell his grandparents what we were bringing! Just in case you can't tell--they're cupcakes! Each cupcake had about 2 inches of frosting goop on them! We had to scoop it off--way to much for a room full of kids!

It was so cute--I even had little football candles to go on top. The football in the middle is made out of a Rice Crispy treat! Everyone fought over that piece, but I made sure everyone who wanted one got to try it!

Jake's Wolf--FINALLY!!

Jake finally got to have Pack Meeting! It's been months and months that he's been waiting! He's been working on his Bear now for 2 months-but barely got his Wolf! Normally when they get their Wolf they are given a pie plate full of Whipped Cream. All of the boys in the Pack kneel around it and the new Wolf gets to stick his head into the pie plate and "Wolf" down the whipped cream while everyone chants "WOLF WOLF WOLF WOLF"! Theyd didn't do this for Jake. It was a substitute Pack Leader. Our's is in the hospital having surgery to remove a non-cancerous brain tumor! How scary is that!! But yes, it's finally official! I am the mother of a Wolf!!

Blake's Day Out!!

This is a little pictorial of Blakelynn's day! We got to the carnival and she was so excited to get to the moonwalk. It's what she'd been waiting weeks for. She got in the first on, and did fine--and then went through the second one--came out--and threw up all over the floor! YUCK!! Poor little girl--you can see in her pictures she's white as a ghost! i made her stay in the stroller until she warmed up and felt a little better. She still had a good time, and even made it back to the moonwalks later in the day. She played all of the carnival games with her Grampa--and really enjoyed the magic show! I'm just glad she's feeling better!!

Barrett's Day!!

Here are just a couple of the single shots of Barrett at the carnival! The one of him in his lion is my favorite. Being so little he didn't get to do quite as much as his older siblings. He wasn't a big fan of the moonwalks that his sister loved, and wasn't really thrilled with the horse races like his brother! He started getting cranky half way through the afternoon, so he spent the last half of the day in his stroller with mommy praying for a nap! But all in all--he had fun! He loved the balloons, he got his arm painted, and loved the Orange Juice that grandpa bought him! Maybe next year he'll get to participate a whole lot more than he did this time! One note: If you have been to a carnival you have probably seen the bowling ball game. You roll the ball up the ramp--it goes down the other side and up a little hill. The goal is to get it to stay on the other side of the hump--but it rarely does! Barrett NAILED that game! Out of all of us, he's the only one that won!!

A Mood Enhancer??

Ok---I have found the diet product for me! See--I told you I'd keep looking around! What I found? Ephedrasil hardcore!! Not only is this a great appetite suppressant--it is also a mood enhancer. Oh---to someone suffering for depression, a mood enhancement is a lifesaver!

The only thing that could make t better? Something to help me sleep! Like most depressed people, I have a terrible case of insomnia. If I could get a good night's sleep...who knows what I could do on the diet/exercise track!!

The Basement

We have an unfinished basement, and have been having some plans to finish it up. I would like a family room, an extra bedroom or two and heck, I'd even love a home theater down there. Kind of a place to send the kids for a quiet couple of hours on the weekend to watch a movie. They would love it. It would even be a fun spot for a slumber party. Big comfy couches to watch movies and play video games---heaven knows kids stay up all night anyway!

I've always wanted to have the house with the cool basement where all the kids would want to come back to after the school dances. Silly I know, but hey...a mom can dream!

Thinking

Have you found success in the weight-loss world. I have been reading up on a few blogs, and found a Lipovox review. You know, I've never used this kind of a weight loss product, but honestly--I've never had any success losing weight! So I'm going to check into it further.

When it comes to losing weight, I think I'm just going to have to clamp down on my eating, and exercise a bit more. I would love to lose the extra pounds, and become the kind of mother I always wanted to be with my kids. Not to mention the wife for my husband!!

Makin' Bank

We are trying to scrape together everything in the house to set up an early garage sale this year. We've never lived in a house with a garage, so this will be my first one ever! Most of the kids old toys and clothes will go, and if I can make sure all of the PS2 games work--I'll sell them too. We don't have a lot of the "undesirables" that you see at some sales, but a little extra in the cash drawer would kill two birds with one stones. First off, it would help clear out some of the clutter in this house, and second, it would help get us on a fun family vacation this summer.

Getting My Boy Healthy

My oldest son has become a bit rotund. I've always chalked it up to the coming growth spurt that just hasn't seemed to come! He's an active kid--sometimes! He plays basketball and is quite good. He and his little brother are taking up hockey, and even with all of this movement, the weight doesn't seem to come off like I think it should.

I talked to my husband about possibly finding a weight training class for him. Nothing that would require the use of NO2 Black, just something to help build and tone the muscles (football season starts in March). I would love it if it helped trim him down, and I'm sure it would help his self esteem immensely--but at 11 years old, I'm just afraid he's too young for to much. Am I wrong?

Is It Really Just The Sink??

You know how it seems to be true that food cooked by someone else always tastes better? I know that's a strange thing to blog about, but over Christmas we had the opportunity to spend time at my husband's parents house. Since my mother in law cooked all of the food, I generally try to oversee the clean up. I'm going to throw out the idea that cleaning someone else's house is much more fun than cleaning my own! Kinda like the food thing, eh?

I can stand for a few minutes at my sink and wach the pots and pans by hand only to field a really sore back! But at their house, I can stand and hand wash the dishes until they are finished. The only thing different is that she has a deeper, wider seeming sink.

I guarantee you, if I had that sink, I would handle the dishes in my own sink much better. One can hope anyway, right? So I've been looking into Kohler sinks and if I can get my budget wrapped around it in the new year...that is my resolution!

New Year Headaches

My husband has been working obscene hours these past few weeks. When they first opened the restaurant they began with a "second class" POS system. It was supposed to be in sync with their bookkeeping program, but the two never seemed to match up. After 3 years of headaches, and with the new year fresh...they finally decided to switch POS systems to one that is actually integrated into their books. The problem??? My husband is the only one with the knowledge on how to migrate everything over from one system to the new one. It doesn't help that he's the head chef, and in every meeting someone decides to throw. So his hours are getting later and later every night.

Normally I don't mind, but in the next week, the boys' basketball seasons begin, and I'm just not up to handling both schedules on my own...I'm hoping for some help!

A Date With Jake!

My son has taken up the Cello, and I have to say, music is in his blood. It's amazing to listen to him play after just a couple of weeks worth of lessons. For the past month he has been begging to go see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra that was here in Chicago last week. I had no interest in seeing it, and no money or child care in order to get him there. Why is it that after I hear of something for the first time and pay no attention to it--as soon as it's gone--the interest comes! I had no idea that I knew music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Not only did I know it, I really liked it!

The orchestra will be in town next week, and I really want to get this for my son. He's one of "those" kids (in need of some diet pills), and sadly it's starting to affect his self esteem. I do think most of his problem stems from his scoliosis, and I really can't do much for that--but what a great way to take his mind off of his body image.

I will have to tell you if we make it next week or not. It's the week of Christmas, and for some reason, everything seems to get backed up into that week. But for him, it's well worth putting some things on the back burner. A night for him to relish in the possibilities of his talent!

I finished up my Christmas shopping last Thursday or Friday. I couldn't help it, I was in the mood, and I had the budget for it--so we headed to Target first. I got everything I needed for Blake, except her vanity. What made it nice was that since I had to shop for four kids with the four kids present, I sent the two older ones to a different aisle with their little sister. I then stashed all of her gifts under their coats. As I always do, I wondered just what the "camera" watching people at Target thought--would they realize that I had kids and was using my stealth mode? I got everything I needed and headed to the check out counter. I sent the three over to find a candy bar while the woman ringing everything up was just as stealth as I was. They must have special ops Christmas training.

So we headed to Meijer. I mainly needed some groceries, but decided to check out their toy section for some of the "vanity" items for Blake. Again, I sent her with her brothers to a different aisle, but this was much different than at Target. I suddenly had a Meijer employee or two all around me. Mind you, they didn't do or say anything to me--they were just suddenly needed in my aisle. I didn't mind--I was being completely on the up and up--no biggie. So we head to the grocery section and I start putting my items on top of the coats that are on top of 'the goods'. When I finished up, I head to the front to do my self checkout. I sent the kids off again to get their candy bars (that they didn't get at Target).

Now here is where the problem began. The kids are away for a quick moment-so I should start with Christmas---except that I buried Christmas under the groceries. The groceries go on the debit card and come out of my budget, while Christmas is only paid for with cash. So I need to do two different check outs. So I do the groceries and click the button that I'm finished. Start the card swiping--and literally there was a SWARM of 8-10 Meijer employees around me. Again, not on me--but suddenly there. Again, I don't care--but I keep having to wave my kids back to the candy bar section to stay away from the Christmas stuff. You'd think the employee's would catch on, but they didn't. I finished paying for the groceries--and I had to put the bags on the floor--there was no room in the cart, and you can't leave them on the scaled counter. As soon as I finished and lifted the first coat to begin the Christmas portion--suddenly, one by one the employees started to dissipate. Except for one, he came over to help me get the items in different, non-see through bags. I made the comment about how hard it is to shop for Christmas for kids when they have to be with you, and he says, "Oh, don't worry about it, we get this all the time!" Yeah, well, you all certainly didn't act like it 5 minutes ago!!

So I am all done--everything is wrapped and under the tree. Now I'm just waiting for my husband to find the items from him, and I'll get those wrapped and under the tree as well.

On tap for tomorrow...the box for my parents in Utah!! It would be nice to be able to get their box put together and to their house before Christmas day. They leave for Yuma two days after Christmas--and if I miss them my package will sit out in front of their house for months!!

Little Man's Eyes

I'm thinking my eight year old may just need eyeglasses! I've had my glasses for years, and have always sworn I'd get laser surgery, but I have yet to do it. If he does in fact need glasses, I will be finding the age requirements, because that beautiful little face will not be hidden behind glasses! He will have his eyes fixed even before me!

Isn't it amazing how our kids needs come before our own? I should look into new glasses as well. I'm sure my prescription has changed, but I want to wait and find out if he really needs them--maybe we can get a two for one!!!

Fresh Popped Popcorn

I was looking through some of the Black Friday ads after dinner last night, and there were a couple of sales on for those cute little old fashioned popcorn machines. I've always wanted one of the full size ones--but they have them now that fit on your counter. I don't know if the popcorn is quite as yummy as the full size, but I'm willing to give it a try.

The other night we went to see Twilight, and I have to say--I'm sick of the theaters dishing out the popcorn and then setting them under heat lamps. There is nothing more fabulous than fresh popcorn...and it's been so long since I've had it!

Planning A Getaway!

I can't believe it's been a little over a year since the hubs and I got home from our vegas trip. We were just gone the weekend, but it was heaven. We had never actually dropped of the kids and flown off somewhere, and I must admit, I was a little nervous about it. But it was great.

Then to have a weekend with just my man. Holding hands as we walked the strip, stopping to shop and browse and eat. It was amazing. We stayed at Circus Circus, but got to go through many beautiful hotels including the Wynn, and we were even at Tao at the Venetian for it's 2nd Birthday party...how many average Joe's can say that??

Anyway, with Christmas upon us, I'm trying to think of something special to do with my man this year!! Any ideas??

Future Finances

I have a friend who has been looking into term life insurance quotes recently. We are in about the same stage of life, so I'm wondering if I should follow her example. All of the commercials I hear on the radio talk about being closer to 50 years old. My husband and I are nearing 40, so I really haven't looked into it.

With four kids, and with me being a stay at home mom, we would be devastated if something happened to my husband. That alone scares me to death! If something happened to me, I think he would get along pretty well, he would just need some child care. How much easier would it be to just start preparing for it now. Heaven forbid something terrible happens that we are completely unprepared for!

More Woes

So, how many times have you heard me complain about my face?? I was watching Extreme Makeover last night, and this woman was going in for some laser treatments on her face. When she was finished the doctor set her up with a daily cleansing regimen an order of acne pills.

Now, I'm 37! I should be long past the need for such things, but even today I have three huge mountains growing out the side of my cheeks. What is up with that? I don't think I can afford the laser treatment...but I'm in for the pills?

Did You Hear??

Did you read the newspaper article about the bearings company here in Chicago that gave their employees plump, juicy turkeys for Thanksgiving as well as plump, juicy bonus checks? One man that was interviewed received $33,000 while his wife's check was for a smaller amount. Holy cow...how would it be? Not only to receive that check, but in these economic times for a company to be able to give that check!

Bravo to all involved! I wish I worked for ya, but hey...you did good!

Technical Storage

Have you heard the radio commercials talking about backing up your hard drive using an online service? What are your thoughts on that? I've been a bit wary about some online services, and other than this blog, I really don't want any of my pictures online. I'm more of a fan of tape drives and CD's, but that may just be me bein' 'old school'!

I would love to find something. Every picture I've taken since my daughter was born is on this computer, and I would be SICK to lose even one!

What are some of the services you use??? Any ideas?

20 Year Reunion

Is it too early for New Year's Resolutions? I know, it probably is, but I have to say...I'm gonna do it this year! My high school reunion is coming up, 20 years, and if I have to take Decaslim twice a day to get skinny and beautiful....then that is what I am going to do!

Twenty years! I can't imagine. I walk my 4 year old into the high school for his pre-school program, and I still feel as gawky and strange as I did all those years ago. I was not one of those girls that just magically floated through the hallways. How I wanted to be! Now with the creation of online social networking, I've had the chance to take a look at some of these girls. Time has not been too kind to many of them! Now, I'm just a few pounds away from MY TURN!

Strange Little Quirks!!

I was talking to my mom last night about something silly. Street names! I find it kind of strange that I have such a drastic opinion on something so trivial, but there you have it. Down the street from me there is a street named "Kaskaskia". I'm sorry, but that is HORRID, and it's not even the worst I've ever heard!

When we first bought our house I was so happy to have the street name "Devonshire". To me it sounds so quaint and rustic. I almost expect to find a courtyard out front with a sconce or two on the brick. I love, love, love the sound of it.

Growing up the East side of Salt Lake City was considered higher 'class' than the west side. Our little 'village' was on the west side Farmington (suburb) and honestly, I hated that. But it was a beautiful area...how strange to hate it just because it was West. But even today the West is nowhere near as 'cool' as the East side. BUT, we lived in Oakridge Village which was next to Oakridge Farms and I have to say I MUCH preferred living in a Village rather than a Farm...silly huh!

Do you have any strange little quirks about your likes and dislikes?

When Mean Shows On Your Face!!

Have you been watching "The Biggest Loser"? OH MY GOSH!! Vicki is such a Troll! Normally people become prettier the thinner they get, but her mean little inside person is starting to show on her face...and she is an ugly little troll!

I haven't been watching much this season because of her, well, that and the fact that I have the time for alli rather than 8 weeks in a gym...but it is inspiring at times to watch some of these people, who remind me somewhat of me, push themselves just a little farther each week.

I couldn't take 3 months away from my kids, but it would be awesome to actually start seeing a change in myself as much as these people on the show. Well, other than Vicky and Brady!!

Starting Anew!!

One of the chefs at the restaurant is looking into opening his own little place closer to home. It makes sense due to the fact that he spends nearly 3 hours a day just in his commute. On top of that, if you have a little extra in the slush fund, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the economy. Yeah, it may be worrisome as to your clientele, but with the availability of real estate, full kitchens already in, used cisco and some really promising locations...now is definitely the time to make that jump!

I know my husband would love to have the same opportunity, but with our kids as little as they are, now is just not his time. We are hoping to get a little nest egg in place so that when things start picking back up and our kids are a bit older, he can make that same move. Here's to hoping!

Weekly Sales Rock!!

Have you started thinking about Christmas yet? That is absolutely AMAZING to my mind! But ready or not...it's time to start planning. This time of year is a budget killer for us. With three kid's birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas...YOWZA!! So searching for bargains is a must. The kids have their wish lists finished already, and I'm just trying to think of something nice for my husband. I've been looking a couple of things. The Magellan Maestro would be perfect. He's always getting lost and with the catering portion of the restaurant picking up...he would definitely get some great use out of it. But I can't help looking at the external hard drive. This would be more of a "family" gift...and it is needed, but it's just not as fun as giving him his own special gift.

Both of these items are on sale this week, which helps immensely, I just have to figure out which one he would love/use more. Ok, LOVE nothing...he may actually make it home a couple of hours earlier if he has a little box on his dash telling him where to turn!!

You definitely don't want to miss this sale!!

What Would You Do??

My husband's best friend Chris has offered him a little mini scooter/motorcycle for the kids to ride on. Now I know we aren't talking used Harleys or anything, but it seems like a really nice gift.

I remember back in 7th grade, my little brothers friend had a mini motorcycle. He let my friend and I take it for a ride. 1 hour/1 minor crash/1 visit to the "crushes" house later...he got his bike back! Here we are 25 years later, and I still remember that little ride of ours.

I want my kids to have memories like that for their lives. Minus the crash of course! I think we'll talk a little more about it with Chris and see if it will make a nice Christmas gift for the kids!

Toot Toot Chugga Chugga!!

Image via WikipediaWell, Barrett has changed his mind again! Originally he wanted me to sculpt his birthday cake into a monster truck. I was all for it, I think it sounds great...but now he'd like a "Toot Toot Chugga Chugga" car from the Wiggles. That's actually a little easier for me, because it's just a VW Bug and Wilton has a cake pan shaped just like that.

I was going to make little fondant Wiggles to put inside the cake, but I've changed my mind. B has a big red car toy with all of the Wiggles already in it--so I'm just taking them off of the toy, washing them in bleach, touching up the paint and sticking them in the car. So much easier than sculpting people!

We are just going to have dinner at home with some family and friends and call it good! I'll post pictures when I get them!

Food Kiosk Ideas!!

My husband's restaurant is looking into opening some shops at the mall, kind of like a Subway franchise. This would be BBQ of course, and they wouldn't do any cooking on site. They would have everything prepared at one of the restaurants and brought in every day. I might be a little partial, but they have the best pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches--add that to their yummy sides (like green chili mac and cheese) and I'm set!

With the economy slowing a bit, I'm not sure they'll go much farther with their plans just yet, but it sounds like a really good idea to me. Any reason to hit the mall is a good one in my book, especially if it involves a great sandwich at the food court!

Weightloss Woes!!

I have been looking or thebest diet pill on the market for quite a long time, but I have to say...I'm putting it on hold. I suffer from aspartame poisoning and the worst thing you can do with that is drop a lot of weight quickly. So I have to go at it at a much slower pace than I really want to, which is sad! Instead of hoping for some quick results, I'm giving myself an entire year to meet my goal. Just in time for my 20th high school reunion.

And can I just sadly point out, I was looking at pictures from the 20th reunion for the class in front of mine. All of the men were bald. It was amazing to see. Many of the beautiful girls had aged terribly and some of those gawky girls in high school were down right gorgeous! It was a jolt to the system to see. I'm hoping I can lose a little of the weight to look just a bit better than I do now...at least minus one of the chins!! ;)

It's Gotta Be Cool!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. It is really hard living in a house with far more potential than I know what to do with. No, not square footage or even upgrades...but everywhere I look there are cords and sockets, plug ins and HDMI wall plates. I don't know if it has to do with cable TV, surround sound or internet but with the number of bundles we have, it has to be something amazing!

We've lived here over a year and when you walk to the bottom of the stairs in the basement and look up, all you see are cords. Bundles and bundles of them crisscrossing the ceiling. One pokes up from the family room carpet, one or two from the wall in the master bedroom. Each of the kids rooms have two or three of their own. My husband and I are clueless--and thought the brother in law would know, but honestly, he's no help either! I think I'm going to need to pick up a book from the library, "Electronic Wiring For Dummies"...wish me luck!

Birthday Time

My mom and dad have been in town this past week, and will be going home early next week. So we've decided to have Barrett's 4th birthday party 2 weeks early so that they can be here for it. We'll have the normal things that birthday parties have, but since my mom is here, I think we'll have her amazing sweet potato pie! It's light and fluffy heaven! I don't need her to make it--that would be poor of me, but to have her here with me telling me her secrets...I'm all set!

Great Parents!!

We had my parents and my in laws in for dinner tonight. It was really nice having everybody around. I would have loved to have done some healthy grilling, but it was a rainy, chilly day. So my husband whipped up some fabulous Japanese food. My mom didn't get to stay very long, but we made it through dessert so that was nice. My kids were absolutely spastic. it's not often they get two sets of grandparents in the same room!

Lovin' Technology!!

Last Sunday at the end of the birthday party we were at, I was able to my cousins micro sd and completely upload pictures from our trip to Wisconsin. I remember in the olden days of digital cameras you had to have all of your cords to connect your camera to your computer...and now, you just pull the card out and insert it into your computer all by itself. I love that it's becoming so much easier to save all of our family pictures!

Boys Will Be Boys!!

I took the boys over to the village hall to sign them up for basketball. I'd never been there before, and I have to say, it was impressive. Not only is there an indoor swimming pool with a water slide, there was a huge climbing wall. I could tell that my boys were eying that puppy with some intent of conquering it. All I saw were the hooks and grips, you know the industrial kind you see for material handling. I'm not sure this momma is quite ready to send them up the wall...but someday, they are going to LOVE it!

Gettin' My Walk On!!

I may not be getting a pair of Asgi shoes, but I do need to find a good pair walking shoes. I have set up a meeting schedule with my treadmill! I am bound and determined to cut some of myself in half, and this seems like the easiest way to do it. I even Tivo'd a cute drill sergeant doing cardio, I can't wait to work out with him! Next time you see me (ok, in 6 months or so!!) I'm going to be trim and healthy--woo!

Peach Fuzz!!

I have talked about acne treatments so many times in the past, that I'm sure you all know exactly what I'm going to say! BUT...you so don't! I have been enjoying a great respite from my horrible skin recently. I do wish I could tell you why, but the truth is, I have no idea...but I'm lovin' it!! I do have little peach fuzz all over my face, strange-I know, but true. I used my husbands electric razor the other day to just clear off the skin, and then scrubbed my face, applied my mud mask followed by my Oil of Olay...and my skin looks AMAZING! Like I said, I'm not too sure this is really what's going on...but hey, I'll try it again as long as it keeps working!

Starting Again!

Aside from walking, I'm also working on my eating habits. At the end of last school year I blogged about orovo. I purchased some and was gung ho to get started. I did really good while I was still getting up at 7 a.m. to get the boys to school, but once summer hit--I failed miserably! My problem? There is a bit of caffeine in the pill and you take 4 in the morning and 4 around noon. During the summer we would get up later which would move my morning pills back a couple of hours, which would move my afternoon pills back as well. So by the time it was time for bed I would be sitting there staring at the ceiling! I gave up for the summer, but still have most of my bottle left. And since my boys are back to getting up early, I think I'll be even better this time! I'll have to let you know!

I Was Mistaken!!

A few years ago we went to Jackson Hole for a family reunion. We stayed in cabins up at Coulter's Bay, and although it was "foresty" it really wasn't to mountainous. But several weeks before our trip there were a couple of boy scouts that got lost in the mountains, and as a way to keep her grandchildren safe, my mother bought them each a camping whistle that came with a compass and little binoculars. It was a cute little set, inexpensive, but cute.

The last couple of weeks my kids have been running around the house with these binoculars, holding them backward so that it looked like you were really far away instead of just a couple of feet. I was surprised to see that they still had these binoculars (we aren't known for knowing where items are at any particular time) and I had no problem letting them continue to play with them.

They wanted me to look through them to play along and as I took them in my hands I thought they seemed nicer now than they did 2 years ago. Well....they were! These were Nikon binoculars that my husband had won at a golf tournament, worth about $200!! Needless to say...they aren't playing with them anymore!

Pre-School...Finally!

What a crazy last couple of weeks it's been. Getting home from Wisconsin, getting the kids ready for and into school to being able to relax by the pool for Labor Day. With three kids gone during the day, and only the Demon child home...it really is becoming really quiet around here. He will start school the first week of October. I'm so excited we found him a Pre-School that only costs $170 for the entire year. It's through the high school, so I'm sure it's getting funding from somewhere else as well. I've been looking around for Pre-Schools the last few months, and let me tell you they are deathly expensive! I wouldn't be able to afford school and the Harley parts my husband keeps purchasing! Ok, so he's not that bad!

When Grayson started pre-school I paid $120 to sign him up and $120 per month. It was out of control, and during a time we really couldn't afford it. But with his shyness, he needed it--so we worked it into the budget and he has thrived because of it. Barrett has the same personality, and I'm hoping it will help him get over his shyness as well!

Finally Some Help!!

It looks like we finally have some safety from the headache of the past few months. The in laws have been in dire straits financially and have made irresponsible choice after irresponsible choice! Now we have someone coming in to truly help them out. There will be enough money to take care of their bills that haven't been paid since January, and still have enough to take care of some of the problems that need to be fixed in order to sell their house. They have to redo the indoor lighting as well as the electrical system. It shouldn't be too much, but it's just one more thing adding on to the time before this house sells. We've been out of it for one year this coming Sunday...and there is no reason for it not to be on the market yet!

Real Estate Problems!!

It's been almost a year since we moved to this house, and nearly 9 months since we hired some moving services to come to the old house and finish moving us out. Yet, as of today...there is still not a for sale sign on the old house. It's not our house or it would have been up by now, but honestly! It's a terrible economy to sell a house, shouldn't it have been listed immediately? It would maybe have sold by now, but starting now, it could easily take over a year to sell it! It's just pathetic, and I can't get stressed about it anymore!

Modern Technology!

Have you heard of "unlocked cell phones"? I hadn't until last week when we were sitting around a campfire and my 21 year old niece was talking about them. I sounded very old and out of touch as I was told all about them...I didn't dare tell anyone I had no idea what an Ipod was useful for, yep...technologically out of touch at 37! How pathetic is that? What ever happened to the disk man? I was in that era, when that was what everyone wanted. An MP3 player? Ipod? Unlocked cell phone? I think I'll have to wait until my kids get older and start asking about these things before I try to figure them out!

Party

 

Vacations!!

Well, we are leaving for Jellystone's Three Bears Lodge in Wisconsin in an hour or two! It's not like we are taking cruises, but for a family of six, a 2 1/2 hour drive north is a little more economical right now! We will be gone for 4 days and we have a house sitter coming to stay with the pups. I'm a little worried about Wasatch. We got him from his previous owner when he was about 6 months old, and he went through an "abandoned" feeling for a while. When the previous owners came for a visit to help me finish moving our stuff, the puppy was so excited to see them. After they left he searched the house for an hour looking for them. So I'm nervous about his depression...but I will let you know how he does once we get home. For now, I'm off to ride my golf cart!!

Running Online Stores!

I've just built three stores, one for each of my older kids. They are online, and they are fun. I don't think they will pay for college or anything, but I wanted to try something to get their brains engaged and their blood pumping to sale things! Blake runs a "Tween" store. Anything you want "From the Tween Scene" can be purchased at her shop. Jake runs his own Sports Card Shop, and for those of you who know Grayson, won't be surprised to find that he runs a Monster Truck Thunder store! They are having a blast, and have even made a few sales--so that is always fun!

Still Workin'!

Diet pills, diet pills, diet pills! All you see on TV today are ads for diet pills. We really do seem to be obsessed by weight--and yes, it is healthier to be less obese, but what I really want is help finding a diet pill that will actually work. So many claim to offer something better than any other pill, but then at the bottom in fine print it always says "Results not typical"! Well, thank you---I'd like to see what your typical results are, since I would most likely fall under that category rather than the woman that dropped 50 pounds in a week!! Just sayin!

Time Again

The time has come to renew my passport! I got mine originally when I moved to Japan back in 1992. But 10 years later it expired, and I've never had the need to get a new one. Now my husband and I are making some plans, and both of us are going to need one...more on the plans at a later date!! I hate anything with a picture of me on it...but I'll gladly trade that in for some sand in my toes as we walk on the beach!

I Heart Technology!!

I love these new compact flash cards for digital cameras! Today was the baby shower for our nephew who lives in California. They weren't there but we had a ton of people taking video and still photo's with many different digital cameras. Before everyone left at the end of the day we took each of their memory cards and uploaded them to the photobucket account of the new mom and dad. Even though this new little family couldn't make the trip here for the shower, they got to take a look at everyone's pictures at the end of the evening. Technology is just amazing! When I had my first baby there was no such thing as digital cameras and we had to wait not only for the shipping but for the processing---this was so much faster!

Trying To Look Good

I have been debating on whether or not I should just cave in and purchase Phentermine! I know, it's a bit drastic...but nothing else is working. Probably because I haven't really put my heart and soul into a weight-loss plan. I just have so much going on in life, that it seems like it should just fall off of me on it's own. Sadly, due to my first born, I have a dead thyroid so nothing really works for me. The closer I get to my 20 year high school reunion next year, I think I may get a little more enthused about it.

Motorcycles!!

My husband had been looking into used Harleys recently. We were supposed to head up to Biker Week for him to cook ribs and he wanted to look the part. Sadly, he's broken and leaning over that much just to drive would kill his neck and back, let alone his right arm. I have no problem with him not getting a motorcycle. I have lingering memories of being 8 years old in a hospital room after surgery and hearing a teenager down the hall moaning and screaming in pain for hours after a motorcycle crash. If you do drive a motorcycle...please be smart, and careful!

Walkin'!!

Have you ever noticed the tons of exercise equipment you find at garage sales? We buy these things with the greatest ideas and intentions, only to sell them as cheap scrap several years and layers of dust later! When we bought the treadmill my husbands work associates kept asking him about the towel rack. I am happy to report that although it isn't used as often as I hoped it would be...it has NEVER been a towel rack!

Getting Fit!!

I have been looking around for trampolines for the kids. I have a little boy who is slightly round and I thought it would be a great way to sneak some fun exercise into his daily life. Sadly, my husband doesn't want one...so I have been looking for other 'fun' alternatives. The best buy I've found is Wii Fit. It will actually come in about $150 less than the trampoline with the netting, and my kids love it. Friday alone Jake spent an hour and a half on it. He played the hula hoop game and the ski slalom course. So now, I just have to find one...and call it good!

Growing Up!!

We've lived in this house almost a year. I can't believe it's gone by as fast as it has. In that time we got a puppy--and he has decided that there is something in the couch that must be eaten! I don't know why...but he has destroyed the poor thing! I would love to look for some modern furniture for the family room, but with the kids still so young, I think I will be required to live with this couch as long as I can! I could go out and buy a new one today, but if the puppy doesn't wreck it...my 3 year old will! As much as I will miss having babies around...I do have to admit, I'm kind of excited for the 'less destruction' stage that will come along with older kids!

A New Home!!

The boys at my husband's work have been busy! They are opening the new catering kitchen as well as expanding restaurant number one from a 36 seat 'lunch' establishment, to a huge fine dining restaurant with a massive patio! They will definitely need a cell phone repeater for a space that size! The catering offices are open for business, and the construction on the rest should be starting any day! When it's all said and done, I think my husband will be moving from the restaurant he's in now, and taking over the catering kitchen. As long as he's happy doing what he does...I don't care where he does it!

Father's Day Weekend!!

How was your Father's Day weekend? We had a really nice one. We spent the day at my inlaw's house, without my husband--so I got to wish his dad a Happy Father's Day, and he didn't. What's wrong with that picture! The kids love going over there because they get to spend the afternoon swimming and playing Guitar Hero on Wii...what could be more fun?

We actually had the kids make most of Grandpa's gift. Chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate peanut butter bars and no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies...yes, chocolate was the theme! Grayson also picked out the Bee Movie and pool floats for each grandchild in their favorite color. That way there is no fighting, everyone knows which one is theirs! I'm not sure if this gift was for him or more for me!!

Traveling In Style!!

I figured if we were driving to Utah, we would take the middle row out of the van, and just have a huge space between the front seat and the back seat. Kind of giving the kids a place to stretch out their legs instead of sitting so cramped with the extra row. We do have the stow and go seats in the back and the under storage under the middle seats. It's not like we would put the Delsey luggage under there, but the kids backpacks and things would fit nicely! It sounds like fun to try out, even if we don't make it across the country!

Summer Plans!!

With gas prices sitting where they are, we've made and canceled many plans for the summer. I had wanted to head home to Utah, or go with the husband to Biker Week, even hit the streets of New York looking for Guess watches or designer purses! But for now, it looks like we will be sticking around the home front for the time being. If prices loosen up a bit, we may look at doing something later!

Getting Situated!!

We spent the evening last Thursday with our friends from the old neighborhood. After a divorce, she and her kids have moved into a really cute little apartment. So we headed over to check it out. Aside from needing a couch, love seat, audio racks and some book shelves--it's got a lot of potential. The best part is that the apartment is upstairs from her mom and the kids grandma. That would be the coolest thing for my kids and I!

New Job!!

Last week I had a meeting with my husbands boss. It was to determine if what I did could help what he did. I walked in thinking there wasn't much need for the meeting and walked out with a job. I was kind of surprised by that, but am now on their Public Relations team. They meet every Friday at the first restaurant, so I need to stalk up on my laptop memory, in order to keep it with me during the meetings!

Allergy Season!!

It's definitely turned into allergy time! Friday night the kids and I tore the family room apart and took everything out of it that didn't belong there. Then we vacuumed and cleaned the carpet. Let me tell you, it looks great! The only problem was after the vacuuming Grayson and I got all puffy eyed, runny nosed and sneezy. It was terrible! I need to look into a Blueair air purifier for the house--living in the suburbs has brought far more flowers and trees into our world, and sadly, Gray and I aren't really good with those!

The Man!!

My month of gifts is over! May is better than Christmas for me. It has my birthday, Mother's Day, and our anniversary in it. Mind you, it's about as expensive as Christmas too! June is a slow month with just Father's Day and we have time for the budget to rebound before July hits with my hubby's birthday. I'm always looking for something amazing for him! This year he needs a watch. I'm not too particularly picky, whether it's a Lange Sohne or a Timex...I'm up for just about anything. The only requirement...it has to be dressy enough for Sunday best, and casual enough for everyday! Other than that, anything works!

Maybe This Time!!

If you have been keeping up with my blog at all, you will know that I've just found a great new acne treatment. It wasn't the cheapest in the world, but I'm so hopeful that it will finally get rid of my skin problems once and for all. I've been on it for two days, and I've already noticed that the redness has diminished amazingly well--I still have a hundred little bumps, but so far, they are far less noticeable. I'm thrilled so far, and so hopeful that I've finally found something that works! Before and after pictures coming later!

Pizza Movie Night!!

Every Friday in our house it's Pizza/Movie night. It helps that you can get a pizza for $5 bucks--and it feeds the five of us just fine, but there are times when the video rental costs even more. By the time we find a movie for the kids and one for me and then forget to return them on time, I could have purchased one of them for the amount that I pay. But now online you can get Blockbuster coupons which will help cut the cost of movie rental in half, as well as late fees! At this rate, I can afford two pizzas instead of just one!

Our Retreat!!

I'm starting to think about our "Marriage Retreat" coming up this Fall. OK, so it's just a weekend away together...not really heading out for some fresh air, counseling and anything else that comes to mind when you hear the word 'retreat'. But hey, that's what I call it! It's our time away together to rejuvenate the LOVE! This year we are heading East instead of West! New York City travel is so fun and exciting, and I would love to have the opportunity to share that little piece of the world with my husband. I've been there four or five times, but it's still my favorite place! He's thinking more along the lines of Boston and New England, and you know what...I'm up for that too! I'm just excited that he's excited about the trip. It means a lot!

I'm Taking The Plunge!!

I have been blogging recently about my need to change the things about myself that make me unhappy, and find a way to be happy not only in the skin I'm in, but the city, the area, the everything! You've probably read by now that one of the things I hate the most is the fact that at 37 years old I still have problematic skin. I eat good things, I cleanse and moisturize, there is nothing I haven't tried (other than hormone therapy) that has helped. So I'm going to be looking into a natural acne treatment this week, and hopefully soon, this will be one more thing that makes me sad that will be washed away. Waking up everyday with clear skin...I can't even imagine!

Finding A Good One!!

Do you love to read? I was an English Lit major in college, and the best part was the opportunity to read all of the books. I loved the old classics, as well as finding some of the ones from today. I'm not sure they would call some of today's favorites "classics", but man...there are some good ones out there. With the news of today, sometimes you just have to get yourself lost in a good book for awhile to escape it all. That's what we do in this house anyway.

Starting Again!!

I am taking the bull by the horns! I've started eating better, and I'm even starting a new workout routine...it's about time to drop these "extra pounds" once and for all. I would love something easier, like Orovo detox. Have you heard of this thing? It's been on Oprah and everything, but you can lose 7 lbs in 7 days. Yes, it's sounding a bit to easy, but at $40.00 a bottle, I think it's worth a shot! Anything to get a little boost. I just hope to steer clear of the jitters you get from so many other weight loss products!

H.E.L.P.!!

I have been thinking about losing weight for a long time. It's not completely thought consuming, but it might be a tad on the festerage side! I even tried those non-prescription weight loss pills with that obnoxious commercial. I was hoping for something great, but ended up feeling jittery, nauseous and head ache ridden. I have had to give them up. I am always open to finding something new to make the job easy. You know, they always say it isn't easy to lose the weight, but for most of us, it was really easy to put it on. So why not easy to lose??

Fitness Blogging!!

I have found something fabulous for me and my health. I've worked it out so that my laptop connects to the top of my fitness equipment. That way, while I walk on my treadmill I can either blog or drop my Entrecards. Either way, I'm multitasking, and that is darn cool! There just doesn't seem to be time during the day to get both things done on their own, but to combine them both...I'm pretty stoked!!

Planning Our Summer!!

Have you ever taken out a travel health insurance policy? Many members of my family have, and some didn't end up needing it, and some were lucky enough to avoid disaster. We are planning a trip to Utah this summer but with gas prices as high as they are, it may not happen. I'm not sure trip insurance would help in that case, but if the gas is high, we may have to fly--then the insurance will be handy!

A Last Chance!!

I wrote a a day or so ago about our nephew currently in jail. He's awaiting word on one of two drug treatment centers in the area. I really liked the last one he was in because not only were they working with him on his usage, he was also in grief counseling which in my humble opinion has a lot to do with his recurring problem.

I don't know what the future holds, but at 22 I really hope he can get his life turned around, because the end of the path that he is currently on is prison, and that would be heartbreaking for all of us!

Rock My World!!

Last week I had kind of a shock hit me. It wasn't cool, or fun at all and I'm just starting to get over it. But it's hard! When it first happened, my initial response was to run! I don't know where...New York, Washington D.C., home to Utah, or even a Hilton Head rental! But with four kids that played no part in this shock, it really isn't fair for me to just drop everything and disappear. Darn Kids! No really, I'm doing much better! I'm fully medicated. And life is slowly but surely getting back to normal!

Finding A New Me!!

I have taken on a new health initiative! I signed up for an online health program I found on the Discovery channel and on top of my treadmill workout they want me working with ellipticals. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by life in and of itself without trying to add another facet to my workout. But truly, the time is now to lose weight. Did you see the woman that won the Biggest Loser---she is totally me! I want to look like she looks now! So I have to bite the bullet and start taking care of myself!

Finding The Right Promotion!!

I have been looking at different promotional products for my husbands restaurant. It's a BBQ joint and most of what they have now are little pink pigs wearing their brand name on their t-shirts. Cute, but my favorite are the coffee mugs. However, I'm looking at something more like the t-shirts you find where the logo's are all the same, but the name of the city is different. With three restaurants underway in three different cities, I really love this idea, and would own one of all three!

Grayson's Baptism!!

I spent the better part of March getting ready for Grayson's baptism. I even made homemade party invitations that were to die for. It was an age progression in pictures in a grid. It was really fun to see how much that boy has grown up in just 8 years.

I do have to say that the baptism went amazingly well, and the dinner afterward was yummy as well. I had spent hours cooking a million desserts to take, and I was happy with how all of them turned out. Especially my maiden attempt at a Pineapple Upside Down cake. Everything was so good!

Golf Dreams!!

My birthday is coming up in just a months time. I'm asking for concert tickets. My husbands birthday is just 2 months after mine, and I'm starting now to try to think of something extraordinary for him. I would normally get him a set of Calloway golf clubs or something golf related. But due to his accident a few years ago, he hasn't been able to play. Right now it's mostly being worried about the residual pain that will come from a day on the links, but I would really like to see him try. You never know he may be able to golf, and wouldn't it be nice if he had the opportunity to enjoy something that he's missed out on all these years!

2 More Weeks!!

I have often wrote about our nephew and the trouble he has had keeping himself clean and sober. He's only 22, and still doing time for drug offenses he created when he was just a young teenager. He is currently in jail until the end of this month when he will be place in a rehab center. Currently they are looking at two different drug rehabs, hopefully both a little stricter than the last ones he's been in. After rehab he will be back in a half way house and then hopefully he will be able to stand on his own. Pretty scary stuff!

Neighborhood Cleanup!!

Tomorrow we will be spending the day at the old house. This weekend is the 'clean up' weekend for the neighborhood, and you get to throw everything you want to away without having to pay extra for it. How great is that? Last year we started going through all of my husbands grandmothers things and found 10 coffee makers! Honestly, I kid you not! I don't know how many of them were still working, but these people were the type that if something broke they put it in the basement, because someday they may be able to use it for parts or fix it! Mind you, they've been dead several years and all of those wasted coffee machines and other such memorabilia is just sitting gathering dust in a basement! I can't wait to see what we find tomorrow!

Housewives!!

I have been watching "The Real Housewives Of New York" and I have to tell you...it's like watching a train wreck. In fact, it's so hard to look away, that I actually Tivo it! It's AWFUL! Let's see, there is a wannabee couple that I would just love to slap. You can see they possess a huge power of "using" people to get what they want. They put off this air like they belong with the in crowd, but then they go back to their shanty house in Brooklynn and plan yet another way to "look good" to the socialites! What's even more funny is the fact that I would get along better in the group of ladies than they do, and I don't have an etiquette bone in my body. But I know better than to make many of the mistakes that this couple make.

Last week the rest of the crowd headed up to the Hamptons for the summer, but these two headed to St. Bart's. Most of the 'in crowd' brag that they go to St. Barts at Christmas and pay 6 times what these two paid in August. Then the wannabee's liken going to the Hamptons to going to work. I think they protest too much. My bet is the contract on their rental fell through and they couldn't show their faces! As for me...I'd take St. Thomas villa rentals any day over having to go and put on a show with these phony folk!!

Fighting The Zits!!

Yesterday I finally sat down and ordered some of those acne treatments. I'm sorry--but after 20+ years with it, I'm finally sick of it! I'm not sure how it will work, but honestly...to go a day without a bumpy face would be awesome! I never had really bad acne, but the flair ups continue many years after it should long have subsided, and I'm hating it! I will keep you updated as to the progress. I'm hoping I can give it a huge THUMBS UP!!

Learning To Ski!!

Having grown up in Utah it's pretty fair to say we learned how to ski. I didn't do as much as many of my friends but just before I got married I discovered it again. Bought my own ski stuff, and I looked darn good! I think I only actually used everything once---but after 11 years together, moving across the country, I still have those skis. Not that there is much to do with them here. We do have a little (I can't even call it a ski resort)"HILL" here that all of the kids rush to to ski and snowboard, it's not like Winter Park real estate but when it's all you have, you'll take it.

My kids keep begging us to take them and I really don't want to! You have to realize, my temperature range for happiness is from 68 to 72 degrees. No more! No less! My body actually functions perfectly for only a few short weeks a year--and if you think we are subjecting the body to 32 degrees while they learn to hurl themselves down the mountain...think again!!

I Missed The Sales!!

We bought our house last September. I had wanted to head out immediately and buy new patio furniture. Since it was the end of the season, we should be able to get a great deal. Or so I thought! There was nothing out there. We were too late. Now we are hitting the season for wanting to use the patio, and I have nothing--but I'm not deterred! I will either find a great sale now or I will wait until the early end of the season and snag me something awesome!!

What A Week!!

Life has been crazy these past couple of days. Saturday, the day before Easter I actually had to bake 12 cakes for different people! It was NUTS! I ate, drank and slept cake! I felt really bad, we had a couple of people drop in to chat for an hour or so, so I actually missed my deadline by about 30 minutes--but it was OK in the end. Still--I'm just amazed I got them all out. Now I just need to find time on my elliptical in order to work off all of the frosting tasting that took place!

Needing New Furniture!!

Have you ever had a puppy that eats furniture? Well, my dog does! In fact, my poor couch cushion has about had it. Kind of amazing how it's lasted through four kids and 2 previous dogs--but has finally met it's match with Wasatch. I'm not too concerned for the moment, simply because I have my eyes on something better. Newer and better. Have you seen furniture made with Kravet fabrics? It's beautiful--and I'm hoping to get something for the living room with it, and move the living room furniture into the family room to replace the "Wasatched" couch!

Laptop Rental

My sister has been traveling a lot lately. She's been to Vegas a couple of times, East Coast, West Coast and destinations in between. What's funny is she's always in need of a computer and has found it convenient to use a laptop rental since the fees are cheaper upfront rather than purchasing her own. However, by the time the last trip came around I reminded her that she probably could have purchased her own by now! As nice as it would be to have the funds upfront to purchase, she's just happy to have found a way to get a laptop for her needs.

Hubby Gifts!!

April is a big month for us. It's both mom's birthdays and then my dad's birthday just a few days later. Throw the Lizzie puppy into that mix, and well--it's a busy month! My dad worked most of his life in the jewelry field, and my mom has gotten beautiful pieces of designer jewelry in her life. Since he retired he still finds a way to surprise her with really beautiful pieces. I've always thought it was funny how a husbands job influences the gifts or products their wives use. My husband is a chef, and as much as I would love fancy jewelry, I have pots, pans and knives that would rival any professional!

They're Coming!!

My mom is coming! I know, I always get really excited about that. She and my dad were able to find some cheap flights, and they will be here in just 2 1/2 short weeks! Just in time for Grayson's big day. I'm so excited. I know it's bad to expect the elders (sorry mom) to make the trip themselves...but with four kids it's honestly a lot easier for them to come here than it is for us to all make it home. We will be looking for flights for the summer, but for right now, I'm just happy I get to see her so soon!

Spinners, Spoilers & Derby Cars!!

My two older boys love everything having to do with cars. Their favorite thing to see and point out are "Spinners". I personally hate them, but hey, I'm a cool mom, they are boys--I totally get it! The other thing that my 8 year old loves...rear spoilers! He loves them so much that he is begging for one on his Pine Wood Derby car. Now--being the master car maker that I am---I will do my best to live up to this request--I'm just happy they aren't asking for Spinners as well! I'm almost sure they would be disqualified!

Insurance Time Again!

It's that time of the year again! Time to reup the car insurance. Did you know that when we moved last year our insurance dropped from $600 every 6 months down to $350? Just for the change in zip code! I was amazed--we had nothing different coverage wise. We'd never had a traffic violations. But because we moved from the City of Chicago to the suburbs, suddenly we get a huge break on insurance. Had I known that, we would have moved years ago!

Getting Away!!

I mentioned not to far back that my sister in laws sister moved to New York City. I can't tell you how much fun that sounds! What an adventure. There are times that I honestly look at the lives of single people, or married people without kids and have a moment of envy. Isn't that terrible? I love my kids, I really do--but there just has to be an easier way at times! My mom always tells me that your payment for having and raising kids are you grandkids--that's a heckuva long time to wait! When the kids are good--I thoroughly enjoy them, but when they get in their thick headed moments, I just want to hire a mover NYC and move in with Emily!

I'm Getting Old!!

In just a few months I will be 37 years old. Now I have to say, that doesn't bother me at all. It's the sprinkling of gray hairs throughout my hairline that has me worried. I still have all the same thoughts of losing weight, but I'm afraid if I do it too much later I will be left with the excess skin and needing to read up on some wrinkle cream reviews.

The one part of my life that doesn't make sense...I would love to lose weight, yet I just started a Cake blog, requiring much more cake in my life than normal! hmmmmmmmmmm

Moving Home!!

When I first married my husband we both worked for a huge hotel chain. This offered us the opportunity to move anywhere we wanted to for a short period of time. We had grandiose dreams, I wanted to start looking for Tennessee land for sale, he wanted Kentucky. We both wanted New England for one year to truly enjoy the seasons. But alas, we had kids and all of the fun thoughts of moving turned into the grim reality of just how hard it is to move! We did make a move from Utah to Arizona, and from Arizona to Chicago with this same hotel chain--so I guess we did pretty good! After being away from home for so long, my only dream is to head back to Utah. But then I realized, my going home, is taking my kids away from the only 'home' they've ever known, and I find myself wondering if that is really fair!

Kids/Life/Whatnot!!

Life has been outta control lately! Really, for most people it hasn't been so bad, but for some reason my son has a melt down every day that there isn't school. Talk about a kid heavily relying on a set schedule. I think it's because we get so used to 'helping' him at breakfast, and if it's a day off of school, breakfast is delayed. By the time lunch rolls around, I have kids swinging from the light fixtures.

Today in many parts of the area it's Casimir Pulaski Day--but not where we live now. The kids had Friday off, and I must say...no one was happier to see that school bus this morning than I was!

Yep...I'm a terrible mom!

Backsplash Tile!!

I have spent hours looking over internet sites for the glass tiles I would like to make the back splash with. There are so many beautiful choices out there and part of me wonders if I really want tile or the glass tile. You have to remember, I will be laying this myself, so I do have to find something that I not only love, but am able to work with. I love the look of tile on the back walls of kitchens. In fact, when we lived in Arizona, I actually masked and painted the walls so it looked like it had tile. It was gorgeous! This time, I would like to put my tile saw to work, and actually hang real tile. That's most of the fun of the redo!!

Remodel!!

I am starting the redo on the kitchen. Nothing major, just taking down the old wallpaper, painting and putting up the little glass tile back splash. There isn't a ton of stuff to get done, but getting started is taking me awhile. I wish there was some sort of performance management software I could plug in to keep me up to date and motivated. My hope is to have the whole thing done by the time we have a party here the end of March. Wish me luck!!

Life, Life, Life!!

I have been working hard recently to get some things up and running in my life. The one that still lags behind, exercise. Being a mom of four kids, there just doesn't seem like there is enough time in the day to get it all in. I am still looking for healthy ways to lose weight, and wouldn't mind finding diet pills that don't make me shaky. I'm assuming as the Barrett finally starts to get older, I will be able to fit my life into my life a little more often. However, I've also thought of going back to school to become a teacher. That way when the kids are all in school, I work their hours, at least as a substitute, so a calm quiet life just doesn't seem to be coming all that soon!

A Little "LOVE" Survey!!

Kind of fun to think about. This survey juxtapositions some things that you think are important, and some that really are. If you take it--let me know what was important to you!!

Nothing Is Sure But Death & Taxes!!

It is that time! We should be getting our return tomorrow--and that is always a happy time of the year for me! This year we finally had a salary to use to pay taxes which meant again that we are qualified for the 'welfare rebate' for the Child Tax Credit! I know, it's an awesome thing, but to be honest getting money back that you didn't pay--is welfare. So enjoy it!!

We had our house this year to deduct but it would have been nice to have a few other high ticket items like a car donation. It wouldn't have given us much more back, but it would have been nice to be able to help a cause like Car Angel.They are a non-profit company that uses these donations to make videos for kids and teens. They have given away over 2.4 million videos. Now that is making a difference!

Through Rain, Snow, Sleet & Migraine!!

I just drove 1.5 hours to the nearest Krispy Kreme to get my son his birthday treat for his class. Now I will say, there is nothing better in the world than a hot, creamy Krispy Kreme donut--but even though they were hot when when we picked them up--nothing is going to stay warm during a 45 minute drive home--and there is NOTHING worse than a cold Krispy Kreme donut!

I got a late start today due to a funky cold and a migraine, but knew that Grayson would be so disappointed if I didn't make it today. So I ended up dropping off his treat 20 minutes before school got out! Bad Mom!! Bad Mom!!

Denim!!

I just found a survey on denim. It asked some fun questions, and honestly-it was kind of cool remembering my "Denim" story!



Take the survey for yourself and see what you come up with!!

Sprucing Up The House!!

With our new house one of the things I'm really enjoying is decorating the dining room and the powder room for each holiday. For fall there were gourds and mini pumpkins on a tower on top of a fall table cloth in the dining room. For Christmas they were swapped out for colorful Christmas ornaments on a Christmas table cloth with matching runner on the buffet. The powder room boasted really cute holiday towels and matching soap pump! Currently there are pine cones on the tower in the dining room, and snowman decor in the powder room. HOWEVER!!! We were at the mall the other day and at Kohls they had the cutest Valentine linens (with matching soap dish). I've been talking myself out of driving over there to pick them up--but now I've found Kohls coupons and I'm really thinking the little ones and I will head to the mall tomorrow afternoon. You know...just to add to my addiction, er collection!!

Thinking About Scary Things!!

Last Monday my husband went in for a Stress test. In fact, it was kind of cool--he came home radio active!! Had we gone to the airport...he would have been detained! Actually, I'm making light of this situation because it was a scare and tense moment for our family. He is the ONLY breadwinner and had something really gone wrong, we couldn't survive without him. I've really started to think that even though he is very young, it's probably time to get a term life insurance quote. He's already partially paralyzed and has terrible cholesterol problems in his family. We always joke that he has my 75 year old father's body and my dad has my 37 year old husbands!

Helping My Jake!!

I have spent the past several days looking at different things for Jake. He's getting to be a big kid. He's 10 and weighs 100 pounds. He's round--but doesn't look anything like 100!! I'm worried he has the same thyroid problem as I do. I've been waiting for him to start his growing spurt, because as soon as he does he'll thin right out. The problem is...I've been waiting for 2 years! So I've started looking into nutritional supplements to see if there are enzymes out there to help him digest his food. I'm also a little worried about his demeanor. I'm thinking he may be suffering from a touch of depression--so I'm looking into more 'healthy' backups for that as well. Hopefully in the coming weeks--I'll be able to figure out what he needs and get him the necessary help!

Pinewood Derby Time!!

Jake had scouts last Tuesday and as I walked by his room I heard them talking about his favorite thing...Pinewood Derby. This will be his last derby in his scouting career and the first two are hard to beat. He was Grand Champion on both! This year he expects nothing less--and that's fine--I'm happy to do my best to keep the tradition alive and thriving! The one thing I have this year...Delta machinery!! Yes, I know--what is a little girl like me doing with power tools! But I love them! I have dreamed of a scroll saw and a table saw for years--and it's so fun to finally have them! What out new Scout pack...Jake's a comin'!!

Poor, Neglected Little Blog!!

I have not been so good at keeping up with this here blog! Mainly because I live over at my other one! It seems to be the one that gets the multi-post updates everyday--but this baby is my original--and it's hard to watch it fall behind! But for the most current, un-interupted events in Chez Nykaza--you have to head over to The Nykaza Family blog to find out!!

Bring It On!!

Friday I had to go in to the DMV to get my address changed on my drivers license. Mainly because this week...we are starting racquetball! I can't wait! Jake, Grayson and I are heading in while the two little ones are in the play room. We have an hour to give them the basics of the game and hopefully get a little workout! This is supposed to aid in some weightloss for my son and I. Here's to hopin'!!

The other thing I've wanted to start doing with him is walking the dogs. Every afternoon after school just him and me. I've been looking for weight accessories like ankle weights and wrist weights--you know, double your workout without doing anything! This is our year to get skinny--I'll keep you up to date on our progress over at my Scale Hoppers blog!

Bowman The Showman!!

I just read that Christopher Bowman died. I'm always amazed when people I "know" pass away. No...I didn't know him personally--but I watched him skate a hundred times. We are about the same age--and I don't know--it's caught be a bit off guard. They are calling it 'for now' a possible drug overdose. I feel bad that his life went that way, I still just remember him skating--and this one was one of my favorites.

My How Time Flies!!

Last Monday we finally moved all of the rest of our stuff over here from the old house. The load included a file cabinet that was in the basement. We didn't have room for it in that house, so it's been in storage for five years. Yesterday I moved it into place next to my computer and went through it to clean it out.

It was so fun to see everything that was in it. All of our taxes since 1995 were there, the receipt for our wedding rings, the paperwork for the purchase of our first two homes and scrapbook items from the boys. It was just a really fun experience to take a walk back through time. I did end up throwing almost everything out--but it was still really cool to see it again! I couldn't believe that this stuff had been sitting in this box for 5 years since we moved from Phoenix. My how time flies!

Working On The Walls!!

I have spent the week over at the Elmwood Park house getting it in order to have the paint splashed upon the walls. I'm not painting, but I do have to fix the wallpaper in the kitchen. So I headed over and got everything taken care of (although I am short in order to finish the last strip). I had been looking for box cutters in order to cut the wallpaper crisply, but I didn't have any. So I have to pick some up tomorrow on our way over so I can trim it all. It's almost over, my father in law is painting this week, and then the carpet guys come in!

Looking At New Trucks!!

We are currently looking at new cars. Well, trucks if the truth be told. It's for my husband. His poor truck is not a happy camper. When you turn it on it coughs and sputters and turns off. He's looked at some really nice trucks but none of them have a truck bed liner. To me (not being a "big" truck person) this seems like it should be a natural choice. It would protect the entire bed of the truck. Plus, they look so cool making the entire bed black. In the end, of course it is up to him--but there is a green one I really like!

Hotels And Casinos!!

We live kind of close to a river boat casino here in our new house. We pass it occasionally on our way to the expressway. My kids get really excited to see it because it's a big old river boat and they talk of the future when they may get to go into a casino. We just had the opportunity in November to stay in a Las Vegas hotel. It was just a fun getaway, of course, it was Vegas. But the hotels there are amazing! This was the first trip in our marriage that I didn't have kids around, and I could actually play the slots. I'm not big on table games, just because I don't know the rules all that well, and on Blackjack--the only game I would play...I can't count that quick in front of people!

How Do I Start One Of These??

And who do I talk to about getting it started!!

Have you ever heard of a baby sitting co-op? I found this on another blog--and it seems that a ward/congregation/neighborhood out west has one going. Here's what one of the women said...

My ward has the greatest babysitting co-op that I am part of. Eleven moms participate and each of us sign up for one 3 hour shift during the week. For example, my shift is Tuesday from 3:00-6:00pm, and the other available shifts are mornings 9:00am-12:00pm and afternoons 12:00pm-3:00pm each day. So when I need a babysitter for a doctor's appointment, there is literally NO pressure. I just look at the schedule for who has that shift, give them a call to let them know I'll be dropping my girls off, and I'm set. Here's the genius of the whole plan - you pay for your babysitting with tickets which come in 1 hour and 1/2 hour varieties. It costs one ticket per child per hour you are away. So when I have a 2 hour OB appointment, I pay 4 tickets for my two girls. When I joined the group, I was given 18 tickets to start with, and then I earn more as I watch during my shift. Sometimes members of the group also volunteer to watch for 3-4 hours Friday night or Saturday morning, just to earn extra tickets and to give members of the group a chance for a date night or Saturday morning errands or temple trip.

It has been such a great thing for me to step into, especially with being pregnant and not knowing very many people. I've had a chance to get to know more people more quickly and also have childcare that I trust. Also, these women are the happiest, most willing bunch of babysitters I've ever dealt with because they've already set the time aside for watching, and they are earning tickets each time someone needs them to babysit.

Is that not awesome? In 10 years of marriage--I have never hired a babysitter! I find that both sad and tragic. Most of the problem deals with the fact that I'm far to shy to actually meet any babysitting age girl--I don't know how much to pay--and honestly--I'm just at a loss of how the entire thing works! I normally end up calling my in laws--but dropping all four off with them could amount to 'Senior Citizen Abuse' and I may be charged literally! I'm way too new in this area to know anyone here either---so I'm probably a lost cause--which is too bad--but not really. In just a few short years, we can leave all the kids home and pay Jake to babysit!

Yeah--like that would ever happen!

Family Values!!

When I was younger there was a family in our neighborhood. They were a sweet, happy family. Both parents had cerebral palsy and so instead of having children of their own, they adopted two from Columbia. It was nice to see these wonderful parents giving these two kids the best of everything. When the daughter grew a little older, she had a baby. She couldn't care for it so her parents took it to raise. It's happened over and over and over. It's so sad, because these people are as old, if not older than my parents and have a real physical disability. Yet they put all of that aside to be wonderful parents to their grandchildren. They are just an inspiration to me.

I Finally Did It!!

I've always wanted to be a part of a book club, but with four little kids ... or three little kids and a 'demon child'--I never did. Plus, I was always "the newcomer" and even though I'm sure I would have been welcomed and included, I just never really felt like having to go and force myself to be social in a group where everyone already knew each other, and honestly, it's more of a small, intimate group of friends, and NO ONE wants to be the newcomer in that situation, least of all shy little me.

Well, my sister in law found a fabulous way to get rid of all of my concerns. First of all--she just started it, so I'm in on the ground level. I still don't know 90% of the people involved and in fact, will never meet many of them. But this club is AWESOME! It's an online book club in a forum type setting. Our first book is "Nineteen Minutes" by Jody Picoult. What is fun is that there are many people who have finished the book--and they'll write different things on the forum that help those like me (I'm on chapter 3) get a feel for what's going on. We meet honestly, anytime we want to--we post our thoughts and comments, our likes our dislikes, our favorite characters--things you would say in a real book club-but they are online--and it doesn't matter that the 'Demon Child' is destroying my house--no one in the book club has to suffer through it. I don't even have to get a babysitter. I'm loving it! I don't get a lot of time to read during the day--so it's what I do as I fall asleep--hence there's only 3 chapters under my belt!!

If you've wanted to join a book club but have found some reasons not to--take a look at Spotted Puppy.com, and see if it is not just the most "novel" idea ever! No, it may not be hers--but I'm giving it to her because well--it's the first one I've heard about!

If you want to join us--just sign up--and head to your nearest library or book store. I'm starting chapter 4 tonight--and one of the newest members signed up today--and is picking up the book later--so check us out!

New Kids Bedroom!!

It is nearly time to move into Barrett's room for his redo! I'm doing the boys room last as it entails renting an opaque projector and painting the logo's of all of the Chicago sports teams all over the wall. Barrett is in need of a shelving unity, a new 'big boy' bed (have you seen those cool platform beds?) and he needs a dresser. His walls are covered in wallpaper, not my favorite but at least it's in good condition and it matches. As soon as the Elmwood Park house is finished...Barrett's room will begin!

I'm A.D.D. And That's All There Is To It!!

Are you A.D.D.? I know, I know--there are a lot of things that run through your mind when you hear those letters-and so most people will say "no". I for one, wholeheartedly believe that I am--at least to a degree. This has been my day...

Working on a budget. Sit down at the computer with tabs open for every bill plus the bank. When I notice that every month we are getting paid interest ($.38) and then immediately after the bank takes a $25 service fee. Not a bounced check thing--just a charge for having our money with them. So I stop said budget and look up how many months we've been charged this---7! Notate it, and head back to the bills. Realize that many of them are still for the previous house that hasn't been rented yet--mind you--we moved out 4 months ago--and until it's rented, we are paying for it. So I stop, add up it's bills, decide that I need to rent a Uhaul to finish getting our stuff out, so that it can be painted--wait, am I painting it or are friends from work painting it? So I stop--call the husband--he'll talk to friends at work--and get back to me. Uhaul on hold. So I start looking at buying paint this weekend to get it painted this week--but then I need to schedule Luna or Empire to come do the flooring, can't do that until we hear from the friends at work and father in law. But I have a list of everything that needs to be done before we can rent it. Tell husband to go to the bank and get our accounts switched back and to demand $175 credit back to our account. Head back to the bills, realize we pay nearly $80 a month in tolls on the tollway. Call hubby to tell him to stop taking the tollway to work!

It's now 2 hours later, I don't have a budget---and I have to get on the tollway to drive to the old house to pick up the mail and fix the wallpaper in the kitchen!

Nothing is done--and now I'm zipping out the door to run an errand that really could wait--but shouldn't--and I will probably start on some other project (or three) before we get out the door!

Is there a medication for this?

My Favorite Game Ever!!

I Have To Brag!!

I was just over at my sister in law's blog and she was talking about their family business's new website. It's been amazing forever, but apparently my baby brother has done some 'redecorating'! I have to tell you---head on over if you want to see some amazing talent! He's always been artistic, but never really on the photography side. His wife started the business and was always my amazing photographer, but wanted to be a mommy when they started their family. So my little brother Kelly (not to be confused with his wife, Kelly) learned the trade. And I have to say he didn't just learn it, he mastered it!

If you would like to see just what you are missing in a photographer, head on over to Gallery Photography.com and click on "The Weddings"! They are located in Utah--so if you live around there and want him, you have to book early because that boy is WANTED! If you live outside of Utah, never fear...if you want the best, you can always fly him to you!! You won't regret it!!


**Note**I know it's the hip, happenin' trend--but those of you planning a wedding and looking at wedding gowns--PLEASE steer clear of the white dress with the dark colored sash! It chops up the line of your body and accentuates your waist and makes you look chunky! Trust me! The long white dress forms a continual line--it makes you look taller and thinner. When you chop it up--you just look fat! So unless you are anorexic...can the sash--it's awful on every dress I've ever seen it on! It's not cute, it's not new, it's not hot---it's HORRID and yes--instead of looking at your face or anywhere else on your wedding day (or in your wedding pictures for years to come) Everyone will just be looking at your short, chunky waist---and that's never what you want!! Just Sayin'!!

13 Bloggers I Read Everyday!!

Thirteen Bloggers I Read Everyday 1. Venomous Kate 2. Lynne 3. Karen 4. Elizabeth 5. Suni 6. Kelly Anne 7. Sally 8. Skeet 9. Mr. BenSpark 10. Peggy 11. Jennifer 12. Lisa 13. Charlotte **These aren't in any particular order, and if you aren't on the list...Fear Not! I have other blogs with the rest of my list! Have fun! For the rest of the list, check out The Alexa Project

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Twits Or Tweets!!

Are you guys on Twitter? If you are, leave me a comment so I can follow you! What I love most is the add on for Wordpress where you can literally add "tweets" as they call them, "Twits" as I do from your dashboard on your blog. But then--you get that cute little box in your sidebar with your latest Twit! They do have the same thing for the Blogspot blogs--so I need to get in and update the code for this blog--but until then--you can follow me--I'm GenkiGirl--of course, or you can go to the sidebar over at NykazaFamily.com and go through from there. It's fun to get the updates as to what you are doing--so if you are a "Twit" lemme know!

Phew!!

As most of you know--I have a couple (read...LOTS) of .com's going! Today after getting all of my internet/router problems settled--I headed over to the main account... Genki Desu Yo and it was gone! But, but, but...payment for the year isn't even close to being due yet! So I checked out all of my other ones, including Stocks 'n Stuff which is my Aunt Peggy's domain--but I host it for her, and you know what, that's right--they were all gone! Nykaza Family, Cheffin' It even Scale Hoppers was gone--mind you that one hasn't been updated in a while-but still---GONE! Just my luck! I finally get all of my technical issues overcome--and found more!

Luckily, a quick email to my hosting company--and all was well! Apparently something 'technical' had to be re-started and I was up and running! But hey, those 30 minutes of concern were scary! So anyway--no fears! All sites are up and running for your viewing pleasure! hee hee

Missing My Mom!!

I have never been so excited to post in my whole life! I know--it sounds strange! But I have been without my desktop for over a week, and I finally got it up and running with internet today, and like a good friend that has been gone for awhile--I'm reveling in it's company!

Speaking of friends being gone...my best friend has headed to Yuma for the remainder of the winter. Of course, I'm speaking of my mom--she and my dad have a beautiful 5th wheel that they take down for the winter. I always get sad when this time of year comes around, but I don't know why--with me in Chicago and her in Utah, it's not like I could just pop in and see her anyway. I do have the ability to call her on the phone--but not until late evening--and that just doesn't happen very often! So it's taking it's toll on me! I will talk to her tonight for sure, but it will be three days since I've talked to her by then!

Are all of you out there as attached to your mom?

A Year In Review!!

I've been taking some time over the past couple of days to think about some of the things that have happened in the year 2007! I am happy to report that I have now gone through three entire years not being pregnant at all during any of them. Our first 7 years of marriage--I spent a month or two in each year pregnant--that all ended with Barrett in October 2004!

I've done pretty darn good staying home and making some additional money. This money has been so wonderful for our family, that it's been especially hard to see it go. We've had the chance to spend a weekend in Vegas, just my husband and I. We've taken the kids to countless events that normally would not have fit the budget. We got a new computer. A new treadmill, and just all around had money that didn't have to affect my budget to spend. That will be the hard part of the coming year!

We bought a new home and moved our family out of the city of Chicago. That is definitely the biggest event in our life. We are now Suburbanites, and honestly--we are very at home.

We've had family members come to visit. Some stayed with us, others stayed near. And still others stayed a state away--but we were still able to track them down for a visit. Living so far from my family, it's nice to have been able to see the special people that we did. Thanks Bobby and Sherri, Peggy and Mike, Steph and Lee and of course, my momma! Anytime anyone needs a place to stay while visiting the Windy City...just let me know!

This year I did something really hard--something that still brings guilt showering down upon my head. Last July I had to put our Rhodesian Ridgeback "Bear" down. He had been a hard dog since the beginning--and I honestly persevered with him and got him to nearly 10 years old. Because of his lack of bladder control moving him to the new house was out of the question. Plus he started to get very aggressive with me--and for an African Lion Hunter--that can be kind of scary! As much as it needed to happen--It still triggers a great amount of depression--I hope we never have to do that again.

Two weeks ago we welcomed a new family member into our brood. Little Wasatch has been quite the handful. Friday he went in for his "snip" and even with a belly full of stitches, we can't keep him calm and on all four feet. He's a trial for me--and I do contemplate returning him to his owners--but the thing that keeps me holding on--is the dog that I know he will become when this puppy stage is over. That's a long way off--but honestly, I wouldn't miss it for the world!

Our kids are healthy--although their mother was sick most of the year. How weird is that! I spent the entire summer deaf, and have actually just started to feel better for the first time in a long time! My husband has herniated another disk in his neck, lives in constant pain--and is going through some neck injections to try to ease his pain. Please keep him in your prayers.

I have not been a great "member" this year. I will do so much better in 2008! My goal is every Sunday. Seeing how I'm a Primary Teacher now--it shouldn't be too hard. Plus, church moves to the afternoon and that will help in and of itself. I would like to get back to the temple this year. It's been a long time--and well, I think it's about time! Plus, hey--maybe I can tag along to Hawaii with Stephanie and Lee!!!

Well, this is getting long---but for my last full night of 2007, I thought I should make some sort of post!

Happy 2008 to all of you! May it be the best year yet!

Be Careful What You Wish For!!

I think it's funny how when you get what you really want--the time it takes getting used to the new item kills me! I'm way too impatient for my own good--but this laptop is killing me. It literally makes it hard to sit down and blog.

I think it's mainly because of the fact that my internet is totally screwed up. I don't have it on either desktop, and the laptop is sometimes reading it sometimes not! I SOOOOOOO don't understand networks and 'stuff'! My other main problem is the mouse. That is one thing on my desktop that I have come to depend upon. This touch pad and clicky buttons will be the death of me. I do think I will go find a normal mouse to use with the laptop--it will make my life so much easier!

Folly Beach, South Carolina!!

There are just times in my life that I find it really hard to keep moving. You know, lack of motivation, laziness, depression. You name it--I've got them all. They all seem to come on after a holiday, or even a day off for my husband. My body/brain has gotten to shut down for a bit of rest and relaxation (never) but it's still really hard to jump start it up again! Then I get down on myself, which leads to more depression--and self loathing! It's just a nasty cycle that I can't seem to break!

I've been looking over some websites trying to see if the thoughts of a vacation calm the mind--but you know they don't! Even the sites discussing beautiful folly beach sc real estate don't seem to distract me like they normally would. I'm hoping to snap out of it before the trip to Florida comes in February! If not--maybe I'll be heading to South Carolina on my own!

Planning On New Luggage!!

Wow--what an amazing holiday it was! I hope you all had a wonderful one as well. We were quite spoiled by Santa this year, and of course, mom and dad helping out--didn't really help out in the limitation of the haul. I just realized that we have just over a month to get ready for our trip to Florida. I'm desperately in need of some luggage. Mainly because hey, I like luggage, and secondly--all of ours is still sitting over in the basement at the old house. Yes, it's pretty easy to head over and pick up what we need, but how much more fun is it to splurge on something fabulous from the Swiss Army collection! Not for the kids of course, but mama could always use a new bag!!

My First WiFi!!

Ok, folks--welcome to my maiden voyage into the WiFi sphere! I'm sitting here in a McDonalds parking lot just down the street from my house--and I'm blogging! Ha!! So cool! I've never done this before! I'm still not used to the laptop--but baby...it's comin'! Anyway--I really better finish the errands that I'm running without spending all of my time going from one WiFi to another--that's for tomorrow!!

My New Trial!!

I have to apologize to you all! I got a new laptop for Christmas, and it's taking me a bit to get used to. I'm normally a very quick and accurate typist, but on this thing...I'm terrible! So I've been avoiding it. But Christmas Day my sweet brother in law was trying to get the wireless up and running on the laptop when something happened to the internet connection to my desktop. Everything is up and running on it, but it will not recognize the internet connection. So now, it is baptism by fire. I have to get used to the laptop if I want to update my blog at all--and let me tell you--I have so much to say!

So while I try to get my fingers to adjust to this new keyboard--I may not get to updating all that quickly--but I promise, there is more to come!

Home Warranties!!

We are having some people come out this week to see about a Home Warranty. We had one on our house in Arizona and it saved us a fortune! We need to hurry and do it while everything still works and runs good enough to cover. They will cover every appliance from our garage door opener to our washer and dryer. From the stove to the air conditioner. They even cover dehumidifiers, which is great because we have a big one in the basement!

We've been in this house since September 1st, and it's the one thing that I've wanted from day one that I haven't gotten around to doing. So this is like an early Christmas present for me!

The Princess Party!!

At long last, the photo's from the Princess' Ice Cream Ball that was held here last Monday Evening. I had to wait until I could borrow my mother in law's photo card, because I was too busy to get any pictures taken!

These are 4 of the 6 girls invited. One didn't make it, and one was getting changed upstairs. But these four are the cousins. Blake, Brooke, Rebekah and Sophia.

After the girls decorated their own mini pizzas we headed into the living room for the dice game. You had to roll a 5 in order to pick out something fun from the table. A HUGE thanks to Lynne for the perfect idea of rolling for 'girlie' items instead of candy bars. It was a big hit!

From the dice game we headed into the dining room to decorate the crowns. I was so impressed at how creative each little girl was. The oldest actually walked out with a really well designed crown.

From there it was dinner. Pizza bread, garlic bread and Jello-salad. Not a huge hit--but am I the only one that thinks the actual eating time is the most boring part for the kids? They would all rather be doing something so much more fun!
After dinner we moved into the family room (I sooooo love having all of these different rooms to utilize! In the old house--it was like the living room and the...living room! I will explain more at the bottom of the post what took place in the family room! Then it was present time. Blake got some darling princess jammies, a cute princess purse and slippers, a princess boom box and princess story books. Lucky lady!

Then the scav