Thursday, April 27, 2006

Walking Tall
















Well, Sebastian finally decided there was a better mode of mobility....one that's easier on the knees. We were at Carrie's last night for Chris's bday party and Sebastian was standing at the coffee table and kept turning and walking to my mom...yes walking! Then, today, my mom babysat the kids so i could be a "model" for Sara for her state board nail license. Mom said all day today he kept walking. What a big boy!!!

The other picture is from tonight when he was playing in the pan cupboard. He decided he would just climb on inside. But only after he took most everything out and put it in the floor!

And back to the "modeling". LOL. My brother's gf needed someone to go with her to her state board testing, as a model. I had to let her do a manicure on one hand then a sculpted tip on one finger and a blended tip on another. When we were done, we went to The Library to eat. The Library is a bar/grill type place. The guys where my dad works talks about this place but i wasn't overly impressed with it. It was reasonably priced...that I can say.

Then, we headed home. OMG..the traffic on 96 at rush hour is freakin crazy!!!!! bumper to bumper...stop, go, stop, go. I didn't know if we would ever get home, much less, in one piece. They are maniacs. I don't know how my dad does it every day! OF course, he works nights so he hits better traffic.

Well, im done babbling about my day....It was very nice to have a day without the kids..e.ven if i was stuck in a salon chair, not able to talk for an hour and a half!!! It beat chasing kids around and dealing with whining and crying!

First, A housecleaning Tip

Good Housekeeping Tip

Always keep several get well cards on the mantel..... so if unexpected guests arrive, they will think you've been sick and unable to clean.


Now you better believe, I am going to be putting this one to use...with 2 toddlers, this place is always a disaster....lol

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Home Sweet Home???

Here we go again! Looking at houses. Don't ask me how it always comes back to this. We are using a new realtor this time. Mandy, our last one, done some not-so-nice things concerning Tiffney and I just don't want to work with someone who is going to be that unprofessional and rude! So, I am now going with Jamie who works for the same bank Tiffney did. So, he will be my realtor and my loan officer, although Tiffney is still going to be doing most of the work with our loan and making a percentage off it.

Well, Jamie found some houses for pretty cheap prices, so we started checking them out today. I found one i really like. Its on the same street where my parents lived when I was born. In fact, its diagnolly across from the house. The outside needs some work, but the inside is nice. The kitchen is all new, complete with a dishwasher....lol. The bathroom is decent..living room is big...needs new carpet and paint though. THe upstairs def needs new carpet and paint. But, nothing major. And the price is lower than any we have looked at! Im hoping jeremy can go look at it tonight after work, but I need to leave as soon as he gets home for Chris's bday party and then jeremy has bowling tonight, so he will leave around 830 for that. Somehow we need to squeeze this all in.

Im feeling kinda excited. Im just nervous about our credit and getting approved for a loan. Tiffney says not to worry; that its always possible, but they work their asses off to get financing and they have so many lenders to go through that it should work out.

Well, Sebastian is being his normal self and getting into mischief and i need to get rounded up to go to my sisters.

maybe my mom will keep the kids tonight????? I can only hope. LOL

Happy Birthday, Christopher

My sister's step son turns 15 today! They just got custody of him last month I think it was. At any rate, they are having a little get together at their place today to celebrate his bday. I just have to wait for Jeremy to get home from work so we can go over there!

Seems how I don't yet know Chris all that well, there aren't many things for me to say about him. I do know he is a very polite kid. He fits right in with the family. Whenever he is around, he helps out with anything. That is saying a lot for a kid his age. It seems most kids today lack respect and surely aren't getting off their duffs to help the adults with carrying stuff, etc.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

The Death Of Me!

This little boy is going to be the death of me. Just a half hour ago, if even that, I look at him and he is up in the front window....its a bay/bow window. Whatever they are called...it bows out and has a ledge. Perfect for little kids to climb into. Well, i jump up to get him down and just before i can get to him....CRASH! He comes down with the curtains and rod! I scoop him up to discover blood on his face, around his lip. So, i rush him to the bathroom to clean him up and by then its running down his chin. I bring him out to the couch with a cold washcloth and minutes later, he is fine. He wants down and is off and running and this is where goes! UP on the damn coffee table, playing with the touch lamp! I swear this kid is a monkey! I cannot keep up with him. He is from one thing to the next. Another favorite: take your eyes off him for a minute and he will go in and play in the toilet!

Just Sunday, he was up with daddy in the morning and i was going back to sleep...i hear Seb start screaming. A mom knows her kids' cries. I jump up and say, what is wrong with him, just as Jeremy is yelling for me. So i fly out to the living room, where Seb has a little bit of blood near his eye mixed with tears. I freaked out, called my mom, who was on her way over. We still don't know for sure what happened, except that perhaps the cat scratched him. His eye is fine now and he can see out it, it dilates, etc. MY NERVES CANNOT HANDLE THIS! I should have known better than to have kids with Jeremy! HE was a holy terror and my gosh if it didn't trickle down full force in this little boy!

Well, gotta go, the toilet is still running and shouldn't be and the kids are out of my sight..in their bedroom, but im certain they need checked on..even though it has only been about 2 mins.

Please say a prayer that I live through this child's danger stunts!

Monday, April 24, 2006

A History Lesson

I stumbled across this when I googled "funny bumper stickers" for a good laugh. I ended up laughing so hard, i cried!!!!
It is long, but so worth the read!!!!!

The World According to Student Bloopers

Richard Lederer St. Paul's School

Courtesy of:
The Funny Farm - Awesome, CLEAN Humor!
http://www.geocities.com/~funny-farm/

One of the fringe benefits of being an English or History teacher is receiving the occasional jewel of a student blooper in an essay. I have pasted together the following "history" of the world from certifiably genuine student bloopers collected by teachers throughout the United States, from eighth grade through college level. Read carefully, and you will learn a lot.

The inhabitants of Egypt were called mummies. they lived in the Sarah Dessert and traveled by Camelot. the climate of the Sarah is such that the inhabitants have to live elsewhere, so certain areas of the dessert are cultivated by irritation. The Egyptians built the Pyramids in the shape of a huge triangular cube. The Pramids are a range of mountains between France and Spain.

The Bible is full of interesting caricatures. In the first book of the Bible, Guinesses, Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. One of their children, Cain, asked "Am I my brother's son?" God asked Abraham to sacrifice Issac on Mount Montezuma. Jacob, son of Issac, stole his brother's birthmark. jacob was a partiarch who brought up his twelve sone to be partiarchs, but they did not take to it. One of Jacob's sons, Joseph, gave refuse to the Israelites.

Pharaoh forced the Hebrew slaves to make bread without straw. Moses led them to the Red Sea, where they made unleavenbed bread, which is bread made without any ingredients. Afterwards, Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten commandments. David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought with the Philatelists, a race of people who lived in Biblical times. Solomon, one of David's sons, had 500 wives and 500 porcupines.

Without the Greeks, we wouldn't have history. The Greeks invented three kinds of colums - Corinthian, Doric and Ironic. They also had myths. A myth is a female moth. One myth says that the mother of Achilles dipped him in the River Stynx until he became intolerable. Achilles appears in "The Illiad", by Homer. Homer also wrote the "Oddity", in which Penelope was the last hardship that Ulysses endured on his journey. Actually, Homer was not written by Homer but by another man of that name.

Socrates was a famous Greek teacher who went around giving people advice. They killed him. Socrates died from an overdose of wedlock.

In the Olympic Games, Greeks ran races, jumped, hurled the biscuits, and threw the java. The reward to the victor was a coral wreath. The government of Athens was democratic because the people took the law into their own hands. There were no wars in Greece, as the mountains were so high that they couldn't climb over to see what their neighbors were doing. When they fought the Parisians, the Greeks were outnumbered because the Persians had more men.

Eventually, the Ramons conquered the Geeks. History call people Romans because they never stayed in one place for very long. At Roman banquets, the guests wore garlic in their hair. Julius Caesar extinguished himself on the battlefields of Gaul. The Ides of March killed him because they thought he was going to be made king. Nero was a cruel tyrany who would torture his poor subjects by playing the fiddle to them.

Then came the Middle Ages. King Alfred conquered the Dames, King Arthur lived in the Age of Shivery, King Harlod mustarded his troops before the Battle of Hastings, Joan of Arc was cannonized by George Bernard Shaw, and the victims of the Black Death grew boobs on their necks. Finally, the magna Carta provided that no free man should be hanged twice for the same offense.

In midevil times most of the people were alliterate. The greatest writer of the time was Chaucer, who wrote many poems and verse and also wrote literature. Another tale tells of William Tell, who shot an arrow through an apple while standing on his son's head.

The Renaissance was an age in which more individuals felt the value of their human being. Martin Luther was nailed to the church door at Wittenberg for selling papal indulgences. He died a horrible death, being excommunicated by a bull. it was the painter Donatello's interest in the female nude that made him the father of the Renaissance. It was an age of great inventions and discoveries. Gutenberg invented the Bible. Sir Walter Raleigh is a historical figure because he invented cigarette. Another important invention was the circulation of blood. Sir Francis Drake circumcised the world with a 100-foot clipper.

The government of England was a limited mockery. Henry VIII found walking difficult because he had an abbess on his knee. Queen Elizabeth exposed herself before her troops, they all shouted "hurrah." Then her navy went out and defeated the Spanish Armadillo.

The greatest writer of the Renaissance was William Shakespear. Shakespear never made much money and is famous only because of his plays. He lived in Windsor with his merry wives, writing tragedies, comedies and errors. In one of Shakespear's famous plays, Hamlet rations out his situation by relieving himself in a long soliloquy. In another, Lady Macbeth tries to convince Macbeth to kill the King by attacking his manhood. Romeo and Juliet are an example of a heroic couplet. Writing at the same time as Shakespear was Miquel Cervantes. He wrote "Donkey Hote". The next great author was John Milton. Milton wrote "Paradise Lost." Then his wife dies and he wrote "Paradise Regained."

During the Renaissance America began. Christopher Columbus was a great navigator who discovered American while cursing about the Atlantic. His ships were called the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Fe. later the Pilgrims crossed the Ocean, and the was called the Pilgrim's Progress. When they landed at Plymouth Rock, they were greeted by Indians, who came down the hill rolling their was hoops before them. The indian squabs carried porposies on their back. many of the Indian heroes were killed, along with their cabooses, which proved very fatal to them. The winter of 1620 was a hard one for the settlers. many people died and many babies were born. Captain John Smith was responsible for all this.

One of the causes of the Revolutionary Wars was the English put tacks in their tea. Also, the colonists would send their parcels through the post without stamps. During the War, Red Coats and paul Revere was throwing balls over stone walls. The dogs were barking and the peococks crowing. Finally, the colonists won the War and no longer paid for taxis.

Delegates from the original thirteen states formed the Contented Congress. Thomas Jefferson, A Virgin, and Benjamin Franklin were two singers of the Declaration of Independence. Franklin had gone to Boston carrying all his clothes in his pocket and a loaf of bread under each arm. he invented electricity by rubbing cats backwards and declared "a horse divided against itself cannot stand." Franklin died in 1790 and is still dead.

George Washington married matha Curtis and in due time became the Father of our Country. Then the Constitution of the United States was adopted to secure domestic hostility. Under the Constitution the people enjoyed the right to keep bare arms.

Abraham Lincoln became America's greatest Precedent. Lincoln's mother died in infancy, and he was born in a log cabin which he built with his own hands. When Lincoln was President, he wore only a tall silk hat. He said, "In onion there is strength." Abraham Lincoln write the Gettysburg address while traveling from Washington to Gettysburg on the back of an envelope. He also signed the Emasculation Proclamation, and the Fourteenth Amendment gave the ex-Negroes citizenship. But the Clue Clux Clan would torcher and lynch the ex-Negroes and other innocent victims. On the night of April 14, 1865, Lincoln went to the theater and got shot in his seat by one of the actors in a moving picture show. the believed assinator was John Wilkes Booth, a supposedl insane actor. This ruined Booth's career.

Meanwhile in Eurpose, the enlightenment was a reasonable time. Voltare invented electricity and also wrote a book called "Candy". Gravity was invented by Issac Walton. It is chiefly noticeable in the Autumn, when the apples are fallling off the trees. Bach was the most famous composer in the world, and so was Handel. Handel was half German, half Italian and half English. He was very large. Bach died from 1750 to the present. Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He was so deaf he wrote loud music. He took lang walks in the forest even when everyone was calling for him. Beethoven expired in 1827 and later died for this.

France was in a very serious state. The French Revolution was accomplished before it happened. The Marseillaise was the theme song of the French Revolution, and it catapulted into Napoleon. During the Napoleonic Wars, the crowned heads of Europe were trembling in their shoes. The the Spanish gorrilas came down from the hills and nipped at Napoleon's flanks. Napoleon became ill with bladder problems and was very tense and unrestrainedd. He wanted an heir to inherit his power, but shince Josephine was a baroness, she couldn't bear him any children.

The sun never set on the British Empire because the british Empire is in the East and the sun sets in the West. Queen Victoria was the longest queen. She sat on a thorn for 63 years. he reclining years and finally the end of her life were exemplatory of a great personality. Her death was the final event which ended her reign.

The nineteenth century was a time of amny great inventions and thoughts. The invention of the steamboat caused a network of rivers to spring up. Cyrus mcCormick invented the McCormick Raper, which did the work of a hundred men. Samuel Morse invented a code for telepathy. Louis Pasteur discovered a cure for rabbis. Charles Darwin was a naturalist who wrote the "Organ of the Species". Madman Curie discovered Radium. And Karl Marx became one of the Marx Brothers.

The First World War, cause by the assignation of the Arch-Duck by a surf, ushered in a new error in the anals of human history.

Is today over yet?

Well the kids have been waking up kinda early. Have i mentioned that I hate mornings? Then, they have just been monsters. They are from one thing to the next. I have been trying to pick up the living room and as i pick stuff up, they are getting it out, as i fold it, they are unfolding it.

then, when they arent undoing everything Ive done, they are just getting into stuff or doing stuff they shouldnt be. Sebastian climbs on top of the end table to get into my book shelf i have in the corner full of shit. Then Makenneh is wanting ina nd out and in and out. Which isnt that big of a problem, except that the handle broke off the screen door and so i have to latch it to keep seb in and so i have to get up and down everytime she does this.

Oh and she has changed clothes 2 times already and its 330pm. I told her she is keeping this outfit on the rest of the day unless she wants to do laundry. LOL. I guess its just one of those days. I have not had a break from these kids in awhile..as far as an overnight one. My mom did keep Makenneh for most of the day yesterday which was sooo nice. Although now its at a point where Makenneh is the easier one. She can entertain herself, keep busy and follow basic directions. Seb is into everything nonstop. LOL.


Ok, i think i have vented enough. maybe ill post something fun later.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

April 21=Happy Birthday, Grandma

It's hard to believe, but yesterday, Grandma turned 85! This woman is so amazing. I am always in awe of her. It was only recently that she finally started to slow down. But this woman of strength would be out in the winter cutting wood, hauling it in, gardening, tending to her flower beds, shoveling snow, you name it. I know without a doubt she would be able to work circles around me! Maybe not so much now, but a few years ago, i know she could have.

She had 12 children, losing one when he was just a child. She has more grandkids can than I can count (or keep track of) and many great grandkids as well. Somehow, she keeps track of all of them and even gets birthday cards out to everyone....ON TIME! (ok, so her secret is this handy little birthday organizer, but still!)

In all my years, I have never heard my grandma raise her voice or speak ill of anyone or anything. Her hands, despite all her hard work, are always soft to the touch and warm with love.

When I think of my Grandma, I think of:
*the beach-because as a child, we would spend many weekends up there and we always took trips to the beach. My grandma loves the water!
*walks-because we would always take walks and
*rocks-because on those walks we would always pick up the pretty rocks
*molasses cookies-bc grandma's cookie jar always had molasses cookies in it
*Vernors-because you can always find a can or 2lt of Vernors at Grandmas (although now its more apt to be diet vernonrs)
*plants/flowers-bc grandma always had a house and yard full
*Greedy-not the characteristic, but the dice game. There are always games of it being played at grandma's table.
*Jack and the Beanstalk-because as a child, I would get to sleep in grandma's bed with her and every time, she would tell me the story of Jack and the Beanstalk before bed. I remember being so amazed that grandma knew this story by heart and could tell it without a book.
*big meals-bc everytime we were at grandma's, nobody went hungry and if they did, it was thier own fault. Breakfast would be cooking when you woke up..bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, potatoes, orange juice (which orange juice never tasted so good as it did at grandma's house). All meals were that way..it was like a buffet of delicious food.

I am greatful for the years we have had with grandma and hope that we can all be blessed with many more! I remember blogging about her before, when she had ended up in the hospital. It was so hard bc to me, grandma was going to live forever! How could someone of so much strength and determination ever die? But that was a reality check for me. She is human and she has a place of rest and peace and joy waiting for her someday. I just hope that it is later rather than sooner!

And I have to share a bit about our Easter with Grandma. Aunt Bev emailed me after they got back home to tell me that Grandma was just so joyed over Makenneh. Makenneh was all about great grandma on Easter. She showed her the bugs she was collecting and just jabbered away to great grandma and great grandma really enjoyed it. My grandma told my dad about it, my mom about it, my aunt Bev about it. It just warms my heart to know that my daughter brought so much joy to her.

Well, Grandma, thanks for all the wonderful memories you have given me in my 25 years and here's looking forward to many more!!!! I love you!

Friday, April 21, 2006

Good Point?

I got this in an email forward thing and just thought it was too cute! Not far from the truth either!

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Monkey Boy

Yes, this is where he likes to climb to. He can't resist the windows. He climbs up on the recliner, onto the vhs shelf, and into the window sill. All within the blink of an eye. And he thinks he is hot stuff up there, too. This kid loves heights and has no fear what so ever. The other day, I caught him near the top of the back of the recliner. What gives? Anyway, this time, i thought i would grab the camera and snap a shot of him in his perch. LOL.

And report that he is promptly removed from window sill and placed back on the floor where little boys really belong. this one is starting to make me think he belongs in a zoo though!

Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, guess Ill go eat worms...

And that's just what little Sebastian did! I told you guys he puts everything in his mouth. Makenneh brought in a few worms from her little worm hunt today. She had them in a small container on the coffee table. Well, brother seemed to think they looked absolutely delectible and so he put them in his mouth. I had my lap full of stuff that i had to set aside before i could get to him and i was just hoping to get there before he started to chew! I wasnt sure i would be able to hold my stomach contents in if I had to watch him chew up a slimy worm. So, i get to him with half a worm dangling from his mouth! I gently pull and slurp! Out comes the worm! OMG, it was disgusting! He did start to chew a little after that, but i just pretended not to notice and told myself there was nothing in his mouth. LOL. So, add worms to the list of gross stuff the kid has put in his mouth. And don't leave out sand either. He cannot be outside without eating fist fulls of sand. And have you changed a diaper with sand in in? Im sure most of you have. It's not the least bit fun. That shit sticks and just doesnt seem to come off.

The good news (or bad news from a financial stand point) is that I do not have to babysit tomorrow. I am kinda glad, as having the time off will be nice. These kids are worse now that it is nice outside. The boys won't stay in the yard, so i just can't have hte boys out when I am the only one to chase after them and keep them in the yard, free of foreign objects in their mouths, out of mischief, etc. The girls on the other hand, spend all day out in the sandbox or digging for worms. And i spend the day fighting the boys off the door bc they constantly are hudini-ing out the damn thing. And the girls run in and out, in and out, in and out. Let the summer fun begin....

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

OOohhhh, im lovin the speed

Well, Jeremy finally decided to get cable internet. They were offering a good price and unlike the rumors we have heard, you do not have to have cable tv in order to get cable internet...so we don't have to have a huge bill. I love the speed and also the new things we can do, like video on demand.

Well, Sebastian is in bed and now just waiting for Makenneh to crash out...which shouldn't be too much longer, she played outside almost all day! That kid loves to be outdoors. Sebastian does too. He isnt too sure of the grass on his skin though. HE will try to crawl on his hands and feet rather than knees, to avoid touching it more than necessary.

Oh, and I just remembered something that should have gone under my customer service post. Tiffney came over yesterday (well, i was babysitting her kids) but anyway, after she got back, she took me and the kids up to get their blood drawn for the lead test. Well, i get there and the lady tells me that she is the only one in there and she can't draw on kids by herself bc she doesn't have the other person to hold them down. She says she tried it earlier on a little girl and almost poked herself with the needle. I was furious. I mean, this is a Quest lab. They are strictly for bloodwork, urine tests, the likes. And they couldn't take care of me, when i had a ride, bc she was the only worker and was unable to perform all job duties. So, kids still don't have their blood drawn and Makenneh is supposed to go Friday to have the doctor finish her physical. This was already rescheduled once bc last week, i went to go on Wednesday and they were closed at noon. This is getting rediculous. I hate not having a car during the day....i can't wait til Marty gets his truck fixed so they can go back to driving that instead of my car.

Well, another post of aimless ramblings...but i never promised anything better. LOL.



Customer Service???

So, i dragged my feet again. No surprise. But, we found out tonight that we had to have a money order for comcast when they come out tomorrow to install the internet stuff. Well, I was at my friends and Jeremy was here with Sebastian and no car. So, I figured i would run up to the party store when i got home and got the kids to bed. HAHAHAH. First off, Sebastian didn't want any part of sleeping and Jeremy ended up calling me back to see if i could come home so he could get to bed. So, i get home around 9pm. Neither kid is interested in sleeping. makenneh had a melt down on the way home because she wants a baby rabbit. (kaitlyn has one and she just loves it). She sobbed sadly the whole way home. She even thought for a few mins and says, take Brownie back, mom. Yes, she was willing to take brownie, her beloved hampster back, in order to get a bunny. Well, once she realized I was taking her home instead of the pet store, she really melted down! She refused to get out of the car, the works. So anyway, i know, what does that have to do with customer service? Well, the point it, after a harried hour or so, I still didn't have either kid sleeping and was also determined not to haul them both out to the store to get the money order. So, I held, cuddled, begged and pleaded. Finally, i put Sebastian down and he goes to sleep. Then, just when i thought Makenneh was sleeping and turned the tv down, she says, I want to hear it mom. UGH. So i turned it back up a bit and wait. Then she falls asleep. Not too long after that, my brother calls and wants to know if i have any taco seasoning. So, Sara comes to get that and of course, two women cannot just get on with business without finding something to talk about. so, i burned up more time there. Finally, i head to the party store, only to find them closed. Great, i think. So, i head to Kroger, just down the road. It was 1110 and they close at midnight. Yeah right!!!!! Their CUSTOMER SERVICE DESK closes at 9PM!!!!!!! Yes, they close that counter down 3 hours before the rest of the store. That is nuts. Isnt that type of business all about customer service? So, the cashier tells me, you can go to meijer or walmart. Um, no. I am in the small town here, 20 mins from walmart (which closes at midnight if not sooner anyway) and even though im closer to meijer, its late at night and that just isnt the safest place for anyone to be at that time of night, much less a female by herself with a 100 bill in her purse no less. So, i remembered trusty ol VGs from my home town and decide to trek a town over where i can be safe. Luckily, they were still offering money orders. Even though they close the counter, they still do everything..you just wait in the check out line instead of at the counter. NO big deal. now, why, if one store can do that, cant the rest of them? My cashier rang up the money order, ran to the counter, printed it out and voila, i had a money order! Made me realize how much I miss from that store. They are excellent in customer service! OH well, can't have it all i guess. But, as a customer, i do appreciate some service. With a smile is always nice.

Oh and i might add that while i was at Kroger (where I decided to get Jeremy's cigarettes, seems he had coupons and they double even the dollar ones there), the cashier is talking to another employee about something and says right outloud..."oh i had 3 of those fuckers"...i forget what she was talking about. Now, i swear and i don't get offended by it really. But, in a grocery store? Where ppl of all ages, all walks of life are welcome? I just thought it was a bit ...over the top. I couldn't imagine saying the big bad F word while working with the public like that! I wonder if it was the same cashier who told Jeremy that Sebastian was too old to be drinking a bottle, before he was even a yr old? Hmmmm...this Kroger store has some doozies. They give out free parenting advice, close customer service desk way early and cuss like sailors. But they really are close and convenient and their prices are good. Sacrafices I guess. customer service or good deals and good location?

Monday, April 17, 2006

Maid, anyone?

I HATE cleaning. I really do! Just one of the things I could do without. I keep dreaming of hiring a maid. LOL. Then there is all this controversy over illegal immigrants and I think...but if i can get a housekeeper for what, pennies a day......what's wrong with illegal immigrants. JK. But really, i could afford it that way. But, to stay within somewhat legal boundaries, I decided to let my cousin and her step sister stay. HAHAHHAHA. child labor. Just don't tell anyone. NO, really though, i am letting them stay. My cousin, Desiree, called tonight and wanted to stay, so i went and picked her up. Gotta love spring break. Why do they let these kids out on the loose for a whole week off of school? Why can't i get a spring break too? No kids, no bills, no troubles. Now, there is a dream. A whole week...off!

anyway, i really had nothing to write about..i just figured i would ramble. now i will cease my senseless ramble and get ready for bed! Night All!

Pictures as Promised




here are the kids Easter Morning...The pics are kinda blurry, but you get the point.

The easter bunny didn't bring much candy, which is good, bc they don't need it!!! But, im regretting the bubbles too. Boy oh boy can she make messes!

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Happy, Hoppy Easter!

Yeah, I know, the day is over, but still wanted to say happy easter to anyone reading my blog! I did get some pictures today, but, to be frank, i am just too lazy to upload them tonight. Holidays make for a long day!

My father in law and his gf came over last night and brought the kids baskets. He got the premade ones from Toys R Us....Makenneh got a My Little Pony one with all kinds of markers, crayons, paints, etc in it. She loves it. Sebastian got a Tonka one with a little tool set in it. Then today the Easter bunny brought them baskets of goodies...an outfit each, a shirt each, bubbles, Boots (from Dora) slinky, Boots wall walker, Sippy cup, some candy, stickers. And then we went to my parents' where they each got a dancing Hampster from my Grandma...tooo cute! and baskets from my parent's full of little goodies. I fight to keep from falling into this commercialism of Easter. It seems to have become the 2nd Christmas! How silly. I want to keep it simple like it was for me growing up. We always got things like pails and shovels, and kites, and silly putty and a spring outfit.

Makenneh played outdoors most of the day, even though it was kinda chilly. My mom and dad got her more bug collecting stuff and she had to go bug hunting. OF course, she doesn't understand that the weather was a bit too chilly for most bugs. She still got some worms, a spider and some fly thing. When my mom found the first worm for her, she put in her container and says, "oh worm, im so glad i found you!". Of course, the poor worm wasnt as excited im sure! She really has a love for nature and critters. She will tell bugs that she loves them, she will encourage them to fly or run, "like this". Yesterday, she was outside and she leaned down to a bug and said, "come on bug, run like this..." then "come on bug, fly! flap ur arms like this" as she flaps her arms. I just ate it up. It was so beautiful to just observe her in her sweet innocence. Of course, I just know i am heading towards loose creature of all sorts in my house...you know, the bugs that get away, the worms she brings in and forgets about....eewww!

Well, i will try to post some pics tomorrow, but for now, i think im taking my tired ass to bed!

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Long days, nice weather and Happy Easter

I had to title this post long days bc the first thing i wanna share is quite hilarious. Makenneh has been doing excellent with her potty training (thank God). Well, the other day, she walks back to the bathroom, while Jeremy is in shower...climbs up on the potty and sits down. He checks on her...she is ASLEEP on the toilet!!! Yes, folks, out for the count on the toilet. It really was priceless....i wanted so badly to take a picture but my camera had no batteries in it and she was starting to wobble back and forth...didnt need her falling off the toilet just for a picture. But, trust me, this would have been killer to show her future boyfriend.

And, I finally decided that I will live through this horrible phase they call toddlers. I am thinking I am on the upside with Makenneh. Of course, Sebastian is right there, ready to hit terrible. Actually, i think he already has. But, Makenneh is doing great with the Potty training, she even had a dry night last night. Only 1 accident today..and she was heading to the bathroom when she had the accident.

Well, Grandma and Aunt Bev are down for Easter. I was hoping to get to mom's to see them today, but it didn't work out that way. I went to mom's earlier in the day and I was just tired, Sebastian needed a nap and I wanted to see Jeremy, so i figured i'd come home, catch a nap(didn't work out that way) and spend some time with Jeremy. Well, i ended up getting a call from my father in law that they were coming over to give the kids their baskets. Which was perfectly fine. So, we stayed home all evening. We will go to mom's in the morning as soon as we are up and around and spend the day there. This is the very first holiday that my grandma has come to my parents' house. We always went to grandparents' houses for holidays and it wasnt until very recent years that mom started doing dinners at home. But, traditionally for Easter, we went up to my grandma's and had Easter there. But, this year, Jeremy wouldn't have been able to go up north bc of his job..he only gets the weekend off. Well, he was supposed to work today even, but opted not to. Too hard to drive over 2 hours to eat a meal and visit and drive home, all in a day, then get up weeee early to go to work.

And the best news of all is our weather has been fantastic!!!! we have had weather near 80! We are about 20 degrees above avg for this time of year, but I won't complain. Wait til the real heat and humidity roll in...then you will hear my bitchin! I hate the heat and humidity!

Well, Happy Easter to All and I am off here to turn in for the night! Long day ahead of me, Im sure!

Tuesday, April 11, 2006




Here is my masterpiece just before it got smashed to bits I am quite proud of it, seems how i cannot draw for shit. it was all done freehand by looking at a dora pic. Not to o bad. That poor lil pinata was stuffed full of goodies...sunglasses, mini frisbees, bracelets, stickers, dora bubbles, lil bit of candy, matchbox like cars, small farm animals and wild animals....and i know there was more.

IM sorry but.....

The damn bots are attacking. I had to add word verification to my comments. I was getting spam comments and can't have that. LOL. So, I had to make that change.

WEll, i said i would post pics of the pinata and ill post those as well as some from the party, but ill do so in a new post.

Monday, April 10, 2006

Despite the cool temps....

Well, the weather was ok for the party. We had sunshine but we also had wind and cool temps. But, it was still enjoyable to be outside for the kids and we hung out in the house as well. The kids all got to ride my sister's horses and they loved it. Makenneh didn't want to get off. So that was nice. The Mexican fare went over well....everyone enjoyed the tacos, dips, etc. Im sure it was better than the common sloppy joes or whatever. We packed the pinata full of goodies and it took those little ones forever to get it all picked up and in their goody bags. My goodness. It was cute to see. Unlike the slightly older kids you see literally tearing after the stuff, these girls squatted there and poked at the items, slowly gathering them to their bags, helping each other out. It was a marvelous site. And boy oh boy did these 2 kids get a boat load of gifts. It was like Christmas revisited. I dare say each child got about 10 new outfits and then tons of toys....books, dora the explorer van, crayola desk, bug kits, a dance and play music thing for Sebastian, mega blocks, a 3 in 1 ride and haul dump truck...he can sit in it, pull it like a wagon or push it. So cute. Gee, i really cannot remember everything the kids got. Oh, Tad leappad toy, Dora bathtime toy.....yeah, it was nuts. And they each got a total of $20 as well. I am planning to use that money to buy some toy organizers. Seems how they have limited space, the more organized we can be with toys the better. Oh and my mom and dad got them savings bonds as well. I want to be a kid again....they make out on bdays. My cousin had his 15th bday party last weekend and got $107. Anyway, i busted my ass the week leading up to this party and by evening's end, i was beat. My feet were burning, my limbs felt like jelly and my poor eyelids were sagging to the floor. But, my night was not over, oh no. Still had to clean up all of the mess, round up kids and the worst part was having to haul that stuff into our trashed house. I had been on the go sooo much this past week, that no housework really got done. So, i felt obligated to stay up and clean the bedroom despite the exhaustion. Not to mention, good ol Sebastian felt he would milk the day for all it was worth and didn't retire until about 1230am. UGH. So, it was after that that i went to tackle their bedroom which didn't even have so much as a path in it. I still need to go through the toy boxes to eliminate some more toys.

Then today, i went to my mom's and had an early dinner. It was nice..the kids played outside some more, but nothing seems to wear that boy of mine down. I thought Makenneh was an energizer bunny...this kid has her topped. I know I am in for trouble. He just doesn't stop. This kid was misplaced...he was supposed to be my brother's kid. He looks like him, acts like, and has that endless supply of energy. I was the good natured, laid back child.

Anyway, I got home around 6pm and had to finish picking up. I must take time to mention that Jeremy was very helpful yesterday with loading the gifts and stuff and even better today while I was gone. He fixed the floor, the tail lights in the car and picked up the living room!!!! Then, at 7pm, my brother's gf's parents came over so i could do their taxes. That is still a work in progress. I am ready to call it a night, but Makenneh is still up....for some reason. She played hard again today and didn't have a nap. What is into these kids? OH yeah, cake, ice cream, candy!!!!

Well, that's the sum of our exciting weekend. Now, it's time to work on Easter. Does the spending ever end?

Thursday, April 06, 2006

My artistic side appears

I decided to make a pinata for the bday party. I had seen a how to on the NickJr site and thought it would be cute and easy and God knows, much cheaper than buying one. So, anyway, earlier this week, i did the paper mache stuff....covering the inflated balloon in strips of newspaper covered in flour/water mix. Wonderful...i forgot just how messy that stuff was. So, i overdid the glue mix a little, i think, bc it took two days to dry. Tonight, i sat out to paint it, etc. Oh and did i mention that today, while out shopping, i changed the plans....it is now going to be a dora head instead of a sunflower. HAHAH. So, i had to paint the thing and draw a face! Now, i cannot draw a stick figure usually and was interested to see how this face drawing business would turn out, especially seems how it needed to look like someone specific. I am proud to report that i think it turned out quite nice so far. I still have to do the hair. Mom thought she had enough felt but its not enough. That will be crammed into the rest of the last minute stuff I have yet to do. But, I am already sooo proud of that pinata! As soon as I get it finished, i will post pics. The only thing is, I feel bad because there is more Dora than Diego for the party. But thats bc Diego is a newer show. Oh well, such is life. Its still going to be a great party, except that damn weather. As of right now, they are saying 45 for the high. =( The good news is they are no longer talking about a chance of rain=)

Also, I think I have finally decided what to do with my life...careerwise. LOL. My brother's gf, Sara called to ask if i would do her mom's taxes and her mom's bf's taxes and if so, how much I would charge. Well, I said i would, but i hate naming a price. I mean, im not certified in taxes or anything....i just took 3.5 yrs of accounting in High School and that's the closest to it Ive come. But, i have always understood them, done my own, my brother's my sisters, etc. So, I think that I need to go take some Tax Preparation Classes and start doing taxes out of my home. The irony of this is, when i started high school, i thought I wanted to be an accountant, took all the accounting classes my high school offered, until my Senior year, almost half way through, when i thought, I do not want to just deal with numbers the rest of my life. Ok I will admit, i knew absolutely nothing of computers back then and the 2nd semester of 4th yr accounting was computerized accounting. So, i was intimidated by the computers. I wasn't even sure how to turn the damn things on. I know, most ppl would never believe that story now. But anyway, now, almost a decade later, I am thinking that I should go into tax preparation=dealing with numbers! But you know, numbers dont talk back, they dont whine, they cop attitudes, they don't shit, they don't need to be fed....you get my drift.

And speaking of dealing with ppl (inadvertantly anway), We had the most horrible experience EVER at walmart today! I was ready for a rampage! We were standing in the card aisle...and Makenneh started to pee through her pull up. Tiffney said, oh my god...she is peeing. So, we were all standing there, kinda frozen, when a voice from behind my mom and Kathy says,"well you wil lhave to get maintenance to clean that up." Came off sounding completely snotty. I turned and started to say, ummm and you didn't think we would...when someone with us asked "do you work here" and she said yes. Then Tiff said, we will clean it up, its just a few drops...no big deal and Kathy said, well, can't you get maintenance then? The lady says, "well someone's gonna have to stay here until they get here to clean it up." UMMMM hello! We planned on it. For one, I had to get Makenneh to the bathroom to finish peeing and clean her up. So, i was already charged bc that worker made us out to be some horrid creeps that were just gonna walk away and leave piss on her precious floor. So, i grabbed Kenneh's hand and headed to the back to the bathrooms. On the way back there, I was brainstorming how I could deal with her wet pants. I thought I would toss the pull up, obviously as it was soaked. And then, I thought, I could get a pair of pants/shorts to put on her and of course, pay for them when we got to check out. Mind you, my purse and all was in the cart, let with the group i was with. So, i stop at a rack, find her size and ask a worker standing nearby if it would be ok to put these on my daughter, save the tag and pay for them when we got to check out(which is where were headed when she peed through in the first place). She got an attitude and said, I will have to walk you to the register to pay for them. WTF??!!! So, if i would have come up to just purchase them, that's fine, but bc i ASK you if i can do it this way, you have to fucking escort me to the register like a common criminal? I didn't say all that part, but i damn sure wanted to. So, i said, well, my purse is back wtih the group of ppl I am with...i have nothing with me and the registers are up front, i am back here and need to get these clothes off her. She says, well we the jewelry counter is right there (could check them out there). I repeated that i didnt have my purse or anything, that it was all up front in the aise she peed in. Finally, knowing that poor Makenneh is holding the rest of her pee this hole time, i put the shorts down and tell makenneh to come on. AS i was walking away, I said, If i was going to fricken steal them I sure the hell wouldn't have asked you first! I get a few steps and she calls out, politely, "Ma'am", to which i ignore. I was so fed up with the shitty service of this God forsaken store that I just wanted to get her out of the pissy pull up and get out of there. I didn't even want to buy the stuff I had picked up bc I was livid. Well, i get that all taken care of, put her wet pants back on her, with no pull up and head back to the aisle they were in. As im going, the first worker who got shitty with us about the pee says she is sorry it came off so mean, but that she needed someone to stay there until it was cleaned up, blah blah blah, bc i honestly didn't even bother listening to to it all, i grinned and said, um ok and went on my way. Get to the check outs and Kathy was just finished talking to the manager. she was pissed that that lady spoke to us that way when we were customers in that store. She told the manager that she didn't want to buy her stuff and my mom spoke up saying the same thing. The shitty thing was we spent all that time in there, and really it was stuff we needed for this party on Saturday. But boy was my blood boiling. Their customer service sucks cowpies. I hate it.

Maybe the frustration contributed to my artistic talent this evening though when doing that pinata....lol.

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

The first steps

My baby boy took his first two, unassisted steps today!!! The saddest part is, I missed it=(. I am a stay at home mom, was here when it happened, yet i still missed it. My brother and his gf stopped by and I convinced them to eat dinner. Well my brother had the keep a hold on his one dog, bc he wanted to chase my kitties and well, this place isnt big enough for a cat/dog chase. So i got up to get him another piece of pizza and when my back was turned, Sebastian let go of the coffee table and took 2 steps to my brother!!!! I had to tease Matt that if he woulda gotten up to get his own damn pizza, i wouldn't have missed it. But then he made a very valid point....if he would have gotten up to get his own pizza, it never would have happened. LOL. Ah well!

It probably won't be too long now before he is off and runnin! Look out world, another moster is about to be unleashed!!!

Counting down til the Birthday Party

Well, this weekend we will have the birthday party for Makenneh and Sebastian. There will most likely be too many ppl to all be in the house, so we are hoping for decent weather. But, I have the pinata made, just need to get it painted and decorated. I have about 180 taco shells. Yes, im crazy and decided to do tacos for a bday party. But the theme is Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! so i figured we would stick with a Fiesta theme for food as well. Along with tacos, we will have nachos and cheese/salsa, guacamole dip, taco salad, taquitos, fiesta Cheezits...and of course, cake and ice cream. We are also doing some sloppy joes, just in case anyone doesnt want the tacos. Im excited to see how it all goes over. This is the first time we have done tacos for a big party like this. Heck, mom didnt even like making tacos when it was all of us at home...lol. Now, we are doing it for about 50 ppl or so. Im excited about the party, just bc i have put forth some effort. Now as long as the weather cooperates, we shall have a wonderful day. I even printed out activity pages from NickJr, have a big box full of crayons, markers and pencils...kid safe scissors, glue sticks, string, all the goodies. Instead of doing goody bags full of junk...i got each kid a sports sipster. For girls, they get Dora, the boys get either Batman or Taz (thats just what they had that wasnt too girly) and then i have a few that are pretty neutral. They will also each get an 8ct pack of crayons and I think i will print out a coloring book from the NickJr site for each kid to take home as well. And even doing it this way, i still think its cheaper than doing goody bags, by the time u buy bags, little trinkets, and candy or whatever. I found these cool sipsters at Family Dollar for $1 a piece. And the bottle is inside a case that tightens around it, to "insulate" it and that insulator is what the characters are on. Mom tells me I'm a "fish". Really, I am. It may have came from working at a party supply store for so many years and seeing all the neat ideas but who knows. At any rate, I love to do the little things like that for the parties. If only I would be this motivated to clean the house...lol. But what fun is that? Those dishes really can wait til later. I swear...it is ok.

So....everyone send the nice weather here for Saturday. This Michigan weather is psychotic to say the least. We got a touch of spring to tease and then yesterday it was cold and snowing..yes SNOWING! And it stuck too. There was a dusting of snow on the ground this morning. =(

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

About me

My cousin did this for me....one of her friends had a link on her myspace page.

Your Birthdate: August 11
Spiritual and thoughtful, you tend to take a step back from the world. You're very sensitive to what's going on around you, yet you remain calm. Although you are brilliant, it may take you a while to find your niche. Your creativity is supreme, but it sometimes makes it hard for you to get things done. Your strength: Your inner peace Your weakness: You get stuck in the clouds Your power color: Emerald Your power symbol: Leaf Your power month: November

Those of you who know me, know that this is dead on. And even the color and symbol. I chose emerald for my class ring bc i didnt like my birthstone (peridot) and i love ivies(leaf). My kitchen is green with ivies and i love it.

I am thoughtful to a handicap. I think of everyone, usually well before i think of myself. I can always step back and see everything from the outside. I can see the whole picture. I would conisder myself brilliant, but never really felt that way....but that could be bc it does take me a while to "find my niche". I graduated with honors from High School, school always came real easy to me and yet, i still couldnt tell you what i want to be or do with my life. I took 2 semesters of college but it just wasnt for me, at least not at the time. Mostly it may have been because I didn't know what I would do with it. I often have trouble getting things done bc i always think...ooh i could do this with it and it will be better...but then never get to the creative idea i came up with. i have inner peace...and i hold high hopes that ppl can be better, that things will get better...always hoping, dreaming...in the clouds...lol.

so i would have to say this is quite right!

You can check urs out too, if you want

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Their First Birthday Without Her

Today was Grandma Nancy's Birthday. Nancy is my friend Tiffney's late Grandma. She just passed last July and this was the first birthday without her. I couldn't help but feeling the sadness myself. Last year, we all celebrated what we knew would be her last birthday, complete with balloons, delicious food, family and friends. I know today was hard for Tiffney, but even harder, i think for her mom. I suggested to Tiffney that she buy a Bleeding Heart Bush for her mom to plant in Grandma's memory. I havent really had the chance to talk to her, but I hope she was able to find one. Tiff just isn't a plant kinda person.

The first year after losing someone is often very difficult..all the holidays, birthdays and gatherings that you have to experience for the first time without your loved one leaves an empty feeling. This year will mark the 10th year since I lost my grandma and while it is definitely easier now than it was that first year, I still feel that twinge of sadness, emptiness sometimes. I still occassionally have days where i forget that she isn't here with us anymore. Maybe that's just wishful thinking. I would have loved to be able to share the joy of having my kids with her, my wedding, heck, my graduation! She missed all the major milestones in all of her grandkids lives. Same with my grandpa. He passed away 3 short months before my high school graduation!

So, i know how it feels for them and my heart aches today, knowing what they are experiencing. But, this is part of life that we must go through. I know i have missed Grandma Nancy. She always came to all the parties we had...bridal shower, baby showers, birthday parties...she was there! Even after the chemo made her sick...she would be there. Last year, at Makenneh's 2nd bday party, she came. That was just a few months before she passed.

When I think of Nancy, I think of:
The color Yellow. she had a bedroom of her house painted yellow with all matching decor. I always loved this room. it was bright and cheery, just like she was.

Elephants. She was an avid elephant collector. I can remember when Tiff and I were in Junior High, we would be shopping at the mall for her bday gift. Tiff always got her an elephant to add to her collection.

Chinese food. The first time i had ever been to a chinese restaraunt was with gma Nancy, Tiff, her mom and my mom. We went a couple times after that too. Her favorite was the sizzling rice soup at Moy Kong.

Most importantly, I think of the warm and loving person that she was. She embraced everyone and made you feel at home. She would insist on cooking for anyone to stopped by. And it wouldnt matter if you told her you had just eaten. She also loved to help plan big parties. Tiff's parents had big pig roasts in the summer and she would be right in there, making food, buying decorations, you name it. She enjoyed every minute of it. She always made sure that everything was just so. And she had a fridge downstairs that was always fully stocked with all kinds of pop. Going to her house was similar to going to a restaraunt...food and almost anything you could want to drink.

Happy Birthday, Grandma Nancy! This time, you don't even have to add another candle to your birthday cake!

Ok, this is just a funny email i had to share

>
>We've all had trouble with our animals, but I don't think anyone
>can top this one:
>
>Calling in sick to work makes me uncomfortable. No matter how
>legitimate my excuse, I always get the feeling that my boss thinks I'm
>lying. On one recent occasion, I had a valid reason but lied
>anyway, because the truth was just too darned humiliating. I simply
>mentioned that I had sustained a head injury, and I hoped I
>would feel up to coming in the next day. By then, I reasoned, I could
>think up a doozy to explain the bandage on the top of my head.
>
>The accident occurred mainly because I had given in to my wife's
>wishes to adopt a cute little kitty. Initially, the new acquisition was
>no problem.
>
>Then one morning, I was taking my shower after breakfast when I
>heard my wife, Deb, call out to me from the kitchen.
>
>"Honey! The garbage disposal is dead again. Please come resetit."
>"You know where the button is," I protested through the shower
>pitter-patter and steam. "Reset it yourself!"
>
>But I'm scared!" she persisted. "What if it starts going and sucks
>me in?" There was a meaningful pause and then, "C'mon, it'llonly take
>you a second."
>
>So out I came, dripping wet and buck naked, hoping that my silent
>outraged nudity would make a statement about how I perceived her
>behavior as extremely cowardly. Sighing loudly, I squatted down
>and stuck my head under the sink to find the button. It is the last
>action I remember performing.
>
>It struck without warning, and without any respect to my
>circumstances. No, it wasn't the hexed disposal, drawing me into
>its gnashing metal teeth. It was our new kitty, who discovered
>the fascinating dangling objects she spied hanging between my legs.
>
>She had been poised around the corner and stalked me as I reached
>under the sink. And, at the precise moment when I was most
>vulnerable, she leapt at the toys I unwittingly offered and snagged
>them with her needle-like claws. I lost all rational thought to
>control orderly bodily movements, blindly rising at a violent rate of
>speed, with the full weight of kitten hanging from my masculine region.
>
>Wild animals are sometimes faced with a "fight or flight" syndrome.Men,
>in this predicament, choose only the "flight" option.
>I know this from experience. I was fleeing straight up into the
>air when the sink and cabinet bluntly and forcefully impeded my
>ascent . The impact knocked me out cold.
>
>When I awoke, my wife and the paramedics stood over me. Now
>there are not many things in this life worse than finding oneself
>lying on the kitchen floor buck naked in front of a group of
>"been-there, done-that" paramedics.
>
>Even worse, having been fully briefed by my wife, the paramedics
>were all snorting loudly as they tried to conduct their work, all the
>while trying to suppress their hysterical laughter... and not
>succeeding.
>
>Somehow I lived through it all.
>
>A few days later I finally made it back in to the office, where
>colleagues tried to coax an explanation out of me about my
>head injury. I kept silent, claiming it was too painful to talk
>about, which it was.
>
>"What's the matter?" They all asked, "Cat got your tongue?"
>
>If they only knew!

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Inside the life of a SAHM

Yes, i am a bloggin fool tonight, sorry. Anyway, i got the following in an email from my good friend, stationed in Germany. I thought it was definitely worth sharing...and is my sentiments exactly!

My husband came home today and saw me sitting on the couch, toddler on one knee, and another on the opposite knee.

I was trying to turn the pages of a book with one
hand, while listening for the sound of the stove
buzzer or the smells coming from the stove,
which would indicate that tonight's pork chops were at the stage between "well-done" and "the dog
gets tonight's entrée".
After our saying hello to one another. I looked At my beloved with serious eyes and said; I’m really tired. My husband looked at me innocently, and asked, "So,
did you do anything today?"

It's a good thing that most of my appendages were
otherwise engaged, as I was unable to jump up and
smack him.

Let me back up a bit, and explain what led me to this
point in my life.

I was not always bordering on the brink of insanity.
On the contrary, a mere Six years ago, I had a good
job, steady income, and we drove a vehicle that could NOT seat
a professional sports team, and me, comfortably.

I watched television shows that were not hosted by
singing puppets. I went to bed later than nine o'clock
at night or stayed up all night. I preferred sex to sleeping in.

Now I have become one of them.

What happened?

The stick turned blue. There were two lines. Whatever.

I have traded in my Victoria's Secrets lingerie for
cotton briefs, a firm-support bra and a t-shirt.

Good-bye, Maxwell & Biggy. Hello, Wheels on the Bus.

My idea of privacy is getting to use the bathroom
without a 6 year old banging on the door, and the
other spinning the toilet paper roll from my lap.

And I finally understand that the term "Stay At Home
Mom" does not refer to a parent who no longer works
outside the house, but rather to one who never seems
to get out the front door anymore.

So here I sit children in hand, wondering how to
answer my beloved husband.

Did I do anything today?

Well, I think I did, although not much seems to have
gotten accomplished.

I shared breakfast with a 2 beautiful young ladies. Of
course, the breakfast consisted of a bowl of Oatmeal
and 1 Jar of Baby food. One of the most beautiful young ladies is
about thirty four inches tall and only gets really
excited at the sight of purple dinosaurs, white a claymation bunny(Miffy)
and her toes.

I got to take a relaxing stroll in the park. Of course
I was on the lookout for ducks and bees, and had to
stop to smell the dandelions along the way.

I successfully washed one load of laundry, moved the
load that was in the washer into the dryer, and the
dryer load into the basket. The load that was in the
basket is now spread out on the sofa, awaiting my
bedtime decision to actually put the clothes away or
merely move them to the top of the dresser.

I read two or three classics. Outloud. Of course,
Dickens or Shakespeare cannot take credit for these works, as we
have moved on to the works like Green Eggs and Ham and
Goodnight Gorrilla. I don't think I will be making any
trips to the Section of my local library anytime soon.

In between, I washed bottles, wiped highchairs,
changed at least 6 diapers and had oatmeal flung at my
head. I kissed away the owies and washed away the
tears. I scolded, praised, hugged and tested my
patience, all before noon.

Did I do anything today?

You bet.

I now understand what people mean when they say that
parenthood is the hardest job they will ever have. In
my LBD (life before diapers) I was able to keep my
house clean, the laundry under control and even
balance my check book on a regular basis.

I was once able to navigate urban streets while
talking on the car phone, putting on make up and
looking for a decent radio station, but now I can't
get the wheels on my stroller to all go in the same
direction.

I used to talk with my friends about current events,
but now we discuss the merits of cloth versus disposable diapers. And when did I stop talking in
sentences that had more than five words?

So in response to my husband's inquiry, yes, I did do
something today.

In fact, I am one step closer to one of Life's
greatest
accomplishments.

No, I did not cure AIDS or forge World Peace, but I
did hold a miracle in my arms. Two, in fact.

My children are my great accomplishment, and the
opportunity to raise them is my greatest challenge. I
don't know if my children will grow up to be great
leaders or world-class brain surgeons. Frankly, I
don't care, as long as they grow up to be happy and
fulfilled.

They are my greatest joys, even though I sometimes cry
myself to sleep at night in frustration.

The point is, that today I got to watch my children
take another step on the great journey of Life, and I
even got to point out some of the sites along the way.
As challenging as parenthood is, it is also equally
rewarding, because we are using all our wisdom, our
talent and skills to help guide a new person towards a
happy life. A life created by me and my husband.

It is this person, these people, who in turn will use
their gifts to create our future.

So every nursery rhyme I recite, every swing I push,
every little hand I hold is Something.

And I did it today.

And here is another one, that is more on the funny side, but oh sooo true!!! Every husband needs to read this!


A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?" She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world did I do today?" "Yes," was his incredulous reply.
She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."

Cat Butt Face




Can you say, eewww? Yes, that is my cat's rear end in Jordan's face. He was cuddling the cat....upside down!!!! THe cat really didn't mind...attention is attention! LOL. Tiffney and I had to laugh. Of course, as i snapped the pic, we thought that maybe this wasn't the most appropriate picture to take, but really, its just funny stuff. And im sure you can at least get a chuckle out of it.

March 30th Family Bdays


Mary-4, Tennek-22, Sebastian-1
We all celebrate our birthdays on March 30th!
(this is Jeremy's maternal side of the family)
Also, on my maternal side, Sebastian shares a bday with my cousin, Kenny-15 and My great aunt Martha (over the hill...lol. I can only say this bc she is a jokester herself. In fact, she will tell you her name is Pearl, Pearl Harbor, all shot to hell)

There are also a few other ppl we know that share this day as well.
What a busy day!

Way to go, girl!


My Very First Birthday Card, From Great Grandma T.!!!

My baby's first birthday!!!!
Well, it may have been Helen's suggestion or just pure luck, but today, while getting ready for a family bday party, Makenneh come up to me, camera in hand, and says, "Momma, here your camwa." I was soo extatic. Daddy had to remind us that she should get a treat as mom had said...so her next words were, "Momma, i get a treat?".. of course, its around 11am, i had been resisting meeting the day and my eyes were still fighting to stay open...then i remembered the M&Ms in the cupboard! BINGO! I praised her endlessly for finding it for momma.

WE had a busy day though today. i had to run out to get something for Jeremy's 4yr old cousin's bday party and by the time i got around and out, i was pressed for time. And you know that when ur pressed for time, that's when the lines are long in stores with a slow ass cashier at the counter! But, we managed to make it on time and with my camera.

So, here are some pics, that were on my card...
The pic of Sebastian with a bday card is from the other day when he got his bday card in the mail from my gma...his ggma. I have no idea how she keeps up. I venture to say, she has over 30 grandkids, then there are more ggrandkids and even some gggrandkids. Huge family. For over 80yrs old...she keeps up quite well and almost always has a card/money to everyone (even step family) on or before their bday! Truly amazing!