I Wasn't Born a Soccer Mom!

I'm Back

2009-02-22T19:14:00.002-05:00

Well my blah day turned into a blah week which turned into a whole MONTH!!! I have not blogged in a month well no cool excuse. I have just been blah but I am shaking it off. I am getting back to the gym. Kastan's basketball season is over so that frees up 2 nights a week. Work is still crazy busy. With the horrible economy we say overworked at Social Services. There has just been sad story after sad story and my heart breaks everyday!

I will be making my rounds to all my bloggy friends to let them know I am alive and well. Espically TOOJ who has been by a couple of times!!!

Blah Day

2009-01-22T21:36:00.003-05:00

Today was just one of those blah days. I was just not in a good mood all day long. I hate these days because I spend all day feeling sorry and picking apart my life. It is not healthy, at all. I caught myself about mid-day and just made myslef shake it off. It worked, I really did get a hold of my emotions and ended up having an alright evening.

I don't like down days, at all. Wasted time and wasted emotions. It is a huge step for me to recognize it and change it instead of letting one blah day run into another and another and another.

On a good night, it was Math Game Night at Kastan's school so him and I headed over to play some board games before his basketball game. It was fun and surprising that we actually played true board games. I didn't think they made those anymore but they do.

Then we went to Kastan's basketball game. The team did good and worked well together. I love at this age it is truely about having fun and they are not super competitive. Kye made a couple of friends and sat on the side line pretending to read books with his new friends.

So that is it a recap of my blah-day-turned-good-evening!

Another Kyeism

2009-01-21T19:25:00.002-05:00

Well my little one is really in that funny stage, you know the one where they say the craziest things. Here is his latest.

This weekend I got him a sausage biscuit but he didn't eat it. Kastan wanted the sausage so I gave it to him. Well Mr. Kye comes in later and looks at his biscuit and said "Mom where is my black chicken?" Cracked me up!

Wow

2009-01-20T21:33:00.002-05:00

The United States of America makes me proud, gives me hope, inspires me, reassures me, comforts me and gives me reason to believe.

I am so proud of the growth of our great nation in breaking through the racial barriers and electing the first African American as President.

I am so hopeful that the days to come will bring successes to individuals, families, companies and our country as a whole.

I am inspired to take on the challenge of improving our country starting with my own community.

I am reassured that we as a country can live, work and interact together regardless of race, religion or sex.

I am comforted by the fact that our president is a wise leader.

I have reason to believe that anyone can achieve their dreams.

Thank You uh I think!

2009-01-18T12:53:00.002-05:00

Is this a compliment in your book?

"Mommy, thank you for stop getting on my nerbes"

How would you respond?

I will tell you what I did, I let my heart melt because this statement was given with a big giant squeeze me so hard hug.

Caught in the act!

2009-01-18T10:28:00.002-05:00

I have a complaint, surprise surprise. This one is involving my dishwasher. The dishwasher is loud, really loud. I swear it sounds like two midgets in there mud wrestling every time. Not to mention the cycle is sooooooo long but that is about the only complaint I have so I deal with it.

Until recently, I have noticed that the silverware is not getting clean. What was weird is that I ever really caught it until I would get it out of the drawer. It was driving me crazy that I didn't notice as I put them away from the dishwasher.

Well of course I should of never doubted my sanity, I should of remained confident in my perfection. The culprit to this delimma was my sweet, cute little skinny legs.......Kye! Now to his defense he has been stepping up his helping mommy out game. After he eats he has been taking great pride in tossing (literally) his dish in the sink. It does make me a little nervous watching him carefully balance his dish as he walks to the sink. I do cringe when I hear the sound of the dish crashing into the sink but hey he is proud to be a big boy.

What I wasn't seeing or hearing was the little booger putting his silverware back into the drawer. Pretty gross! This has been happening for a while, at least a month. I know there has to be a couple that slid past me. I just wonder who was the lucky recipient of the Kye-surprise???

And this is why video games are good!

2009-01-17T12:18:00.002-05:00

We are a family of gamers, no getting around it. I play simple mindless games on POGO. Keith and Kastan plays online games like Warhammer. In order to be successful in the games that Kastan plays you have to be able to read and type. Not an issue for my little brainiac, he hangs right in there. We have always thought he was pretty good with it and ow we have proof.

Kastan's school uses PAWS typing software during one of their computer resource class. The whole school has been doing it and out of every 2nd-5th grader in the school Kastan was the 3rd person to finish. I relate this directly to his typing for the game.

What do you think a real coorelation or just the perfect excuse to keep doing what we love?

Delurking Evening

2009-01-12T21:53:00.002-05:00

Well cool people like Jodi and Renee brought to my attention that it is national delurking day! Of course I am late getting on my blog so I am celebrating delurking evening all by myself! Make me feel better and delurk or just comment to let me know you were here!

Quotable Sunday

2009-01-11T10:57:00.002-05:00

Yay it is Sunday and I get a free pass on coming up with a great and exciting topic because Toni is having quotable sunday and it is so fun to participate in. You should do it!

This week I am going to post some quotes on brothers. As you know I have 2 boys and watching their bond that was instant just warms my heart. I love watching their relationship grow, it is amazing!

There's no other love like the love for a brother. There's no other love like the love from a brother.
~Astrid Alauda

A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.
~Author Unknown

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.
~Marc Brown

A brother is a friend given by Nature.
~Jean Baptiste Legouve

Things I learned at the gym this week

2009-01-10T19:54:00.002-05:00

I know we all have those I was a bad mama-jamma days. Be it before kids, before marriage, before life snuck up and kicked the shit out of us, there was a time when we felt superfly!!!

I am desperately seeking those days and have committed to going to the gym and working out. In fact I went everyday since last Sunday and I feel GREAT!!!! I have learned some things this week and thought I would share them with you.

1. Everyone in the universe makes a resolution that requires them to be at the gym.

2. 3 years and 1 kid later makes a huge difference on your physical condition.

3. Retro 80's clothes should not include the workout clothes.

4. I need stretching in order to walk after any type of cardio workout.

5. Getting stuck next to the stinky onion mixed in dead dog smelling guy sucks!

6. Changing my shirt in the locker room now that I have more weight is more intimidating than when I had to do it in 7th grade and had no boobs.

7. I can be a little competitive and end up pushing the level button up every time the person next to me does so I should pick cardio machines next to people more out of shape than I am.

8. Adjusting the IPOD while I am running on the treadmill can be dangerous to my health.

9. The step climber is evil.

All those are great lessons but one thing I haven't learned is why I have a sneezing fit about 15 mins after running. My nose hearts so bad ad I sneeze hard sneezes. I did some Internet searches and I have no other symptoms of the exercise induced Asthma. It does not feel like allergies and is only happens when I run on the treadmill. I have none of the issues after the elliptical or bike, just running. Any ideas???

Basketball Season Has Started

2009-01-08T20:28:00.003-05:00

Tonight was Kastan's first basketball game. He made the first basket of the game and his team won. He had a good time and stayed focused through out the game. Overall a good night.

It was just me and Kye at the game because Keith had to work. Kye really thinks he should be out there ballin too. Instead he settled on playing with his motorcycle on the floor.

I am so not the sports fan but having two boys will probably force me into watching and attending more sporting events then I ever thought I would. At least basketball is indoors, only two nights a week and no weekends.

When both of them hit playing age I can only imagine our action packed weeks. Ahhh is it horrible that I am not overly excited for these sporting events?

And this is why I say goodbye to Mommy Guilt

2009-01-06T18:19:00.006-05:00

Recently I adjusted my schedule and changed the boys child care from a home daycare provider to a daycare center. This is after I went back and forth on calling myself selfish and saying I need a break. You see the wonderful break comes in the form that I now have about an hour and a half in between leaving work and picking up the boys.

I haven't really used to extra time all that much because that Mommy guilt would creep in and I would rush from work straight to pick them up. I do love when I walk in and Kastan lights up and says Hey Mom! My heart does flip flops when Kye comes running up to me and yells Mommy as he gives me a huge hug!

After the wonderful greeting we would head home to start the nightly grind. Of course I am wore out because I.just.left.work. No one cares though, they want dinner, baths, playtime, homework. I would do it dragging ass
and being a cranky-ass most of the times but we do get through the night only to wake up and start all over.

Well recently I have said bump that Mommy Guilt I need to take care of me. I now spend that extra time going to the gym. I do cardio and an ab workout and then head to get my favorite men. Guess what? When I walk through that door Kastan still lights up and Kye still yells Mommy and runs for a hug. No changes there but huge changes at home. I am more energized and most definitely happier.

Happier=nicer=behaved children=better night!

So to Mommy Guilt I say eff off, I am doing my best I have two really great, well adjusted, smart, caring, loving little boys that think I am the best mother ever. I know this because just tonight my sweet Kastan said, "Mom have I ever told you you're the best Mom ever, cause you are."

Me and Him!

2009-01-05T23:35:00.002-05:00

I have so much in common with my 3 year old. The main thing that sticks out in my right now is both of our inability to adapt to being off schedule. The holiday season gave us a lot of days off and really disrupted our routine. We enjoyed the days off but we both stayed up later and woke up later.........now all that has stopped. Back to the daily grind, problem is we are not adjusting.

I couldn't sleep last night, stayed up past midnight and woke up at 6:00 am for the day. Not enough sleep for a sleep lover like me. Of course it was busy at work and I am barely able to keep up. Finally get home after basketball, make dinner and then I crash. I was out like a light. I know what late naps does to Kye, keeps him up llllaaaatttteeee into the night. Guess what it is almost midnight and I am no where near sleepy. So once again tomorrow I will be all kinds of crabby-baby lady.

Quotable Sunday

2009-01-04T10:40:00.002-05:00

Today is Sunday and that means lots of quotes over at Toni's! Be sure to go check out all the fun posts and jump in and do it yourself!!!

With the new year I decided I am going to recognize the oppurtunities to be nicer to strangers. I also want to take the time to value the great friendships I have in my life so today's quotes are on friendship!

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost."
- Charles Caleb Colton

"Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you."
- Elbert Hubard

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him, his own."
-Benjamin Disraeli

"A friend is a gift you give yourself."
- Robert Louis Stevenson

Having great friends in your life is truly a blessing. I am fortunate to have great friends to interact with and lots of amazing people in my virtual world!!!

Check out my new look!!!!

2009-01-03T21:44:00.006-05:00

So I was getting a little bored with my background and guess what I came across today? I came across Lee's blog and guess what she does free custom layouts. Did I mention it was free and she is very fast. In fact I emailed her this afternoon and I got it this evening. How is that for fast?

Click HERE to check her out!!

Thank you so much LEE!!!!

Not only is she fast and free she is also the sweetest most patient person ever. Of course I didn't know how to add it or even get rid of my old background but Lee took the time to respond to each of my questions and give me step by step directions. Really sweet!!!

So how do you like my new banner, is it jazzy or what????

I have decided to use the back ground on my blog I am using for giveaways so go here to check out the background.

Party of the Year

2009-01-03T11:28:00.002-05:00

Mark your calendars for the party of the year, possibly the decade. It is happening in March. The countdown has been on since May 08, marked by daily dicussions, ideas and changes. The invitation list is growing and growing though a couple of people have been on then off then on again a couple of different times.

What is this party I speak of. Well Mr Kye's 4th birthday of course. Every since we went to his friends birthday in May he has been planing his bash. It is kind of ironic because my secret-I-wish-I-had-that-job-but-am-scared-to-take-a-chance-job is a party planner.

So my party planner still has not grasped time frames so every day he must ask me if his party is tomorrow. When I say no he then asks me if it is today. I need ideas on how to explain when his party is.

The invitation lists includes every boy in his daycare class. Though many of them come off and on depending on the days playing activities. The only little girl that has made the list is his cousin Taylor. She is a girl but she gets a free pass because they are only 6 weeks apart so they have always hung out! Ahh I can't say Taylor is the only girl he has also mentioned his "girlfriend" Johanna. Johanna is my friends daughter and for whatever reason my child that does not normally have anything to do with girls started calling her his girlfriend. Oh course at his age he means girl that is a friend but I giggle everytime he says it.

He also invites his teachers, not just his but every teacher he comes into contact with. He really admires teachers and ask why I am not a teacher. Random people we pass while out and about get invited also. People that are important for parties like bank tellers, cashiers, mailmen and random neighbors.

He has planned many games and of course a list of presents. He makes his list from every toy commercial that comes on the tv, seriously they advertise way too many toys. He is adament that the party is happening at his house. Not really a big fan of that I prefer to have parties in places that they clean up and do all the work for you errr I mean help you host.

He also makes the announcement that he will be 4 on his next birthday frequently through out the day, every day. I guess in his world 4 is a very big deal. 4 in my world means my baby is growing up waaaayyyy to fast!

Fantasy Friday Home Edition

2009-01-02T17:13:00.009-05:00

This weeks fantasy friday is the home edition. Here is my dream house. Of course it is located right off the beach because I love the beach, love love love the beach.

This is the master bedroom, you know where all that magic happens.

Here is Kastan and Kye's rooms.

If any of you ever want to come and visit here is the guest room you would be sleeping in.

Here is where the meals would be made, not by me because of course this house comes with a full staff but it is still nice to look at!

After the amazing meals we can all relax and check out the latest movie in this home theater.

I agree it is so nice to enjoy the complete movie without interuptions from the kids because the nanny is occupying them in this playroom.

I love this fantasy it was so much fun putting together. I hope you like my house and feel free to dream one for yourself. It was a lot of fun shopping around. Sort of like a stress reliever that didn't cost money!

2nd Grade Holiday Project

2009-01-01T17:13:00.003-05:00

This year Kastan has a great teacher and she did the cutest thing for the holidays. They are currently learning about measurements. So one of their projects was for each student to write a recipe for a holiday dish. They then combined it to make a holiday recipe book for the parents. Here is Kastan's submission:

Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:
2 eggs
Candy eyes
Colored icing
sugar hearts
6 lb. flour
flavered food coloring

Directions:

Step 1: Take the gingerbread dough out and put the dough on a plate
and roll it around.

Step 2: Take a gingerbread bear shaped dough cutter, then use the
dough cutter and cut the dough.

Step 3: Take 2 lb. of flour and mix it into the bear shaped dough.

Step 4: Put the eggs into the dough.

Step 5: Put the dought into the oven at 25 degrees, then wait 3 hours.

Step 6: Take the dough out and decorate it.

Step 7: Now it's ready to eat!

Now we haven't been brave enough to try this special recipe out but I did think it was the cutest I have ever read. I enjoyed reading the other student's recipes also. There were some real funny ones.

Resolutions.........Got'em?

2008-12-31T16:52:00.002-05:00

New Years Eve holds a lot of good memories for me. One year my sister and I went spent it on 6th Street partying in Austin Texas, I had a blast partying it up in Hawaii for 1999/2000. One year my mom came down to visit my sister and I in North Carolina and we went for drinks as grown ups. Another time I spent it in Kansas City but couldn't stay up late because I was flying to meet my husband in Germany after being seperated for 6 months because of the war. I just have really good memories of New Years Eve!!

This year we didn't really make plans. A couple of people were having parties, some were going to the beach to party. We just didn't commit to anything and guess what today is New Years Eve......no real plans................which means no babysitter.

We decided to just have a fun night at home with our boys and a couple of friends. Were gonna partake in some adult beverages and rock out with Rock Band!!!! Sounds like a safe fun evening.

Whatever you do tonight please be safe!!! Enjoy yourself and make some great memories..............I want to hear all about them!!!

Found something new and exciting......

2008-12-30T20:21:00.005-05:00

So ...........I always aim to please, this is true in my real life and my blog world. I have discovered something so new and fresh and really exciting. A cool way to pimp your blog, meet and keep up with friends. You really have to check it out, it is TWITTER.

What????

I am behind the power curve here?

Everyone that is

anyone

is already on

Twitter?

Your Kidding Right??? Ok.......ok........I know it is not new..........I have heard about it for a while now from my friend Jodi. She has mentioned it a time or two.

I just never checked it out until today, well actually a few minutes ago and I must say it is easy enough I am catching on. I likey this Twitter thing!

I am excited because now those giveaways that give extra entries for tweeting, I can do. I fore see this as a way to many happy winnings! I can now tweet away, look out giveaways here I come.

If you want to be tweet buddy's, friends, pals (still learning the lingo) just follow me here My Twitter!!!!

PS......Is it completely obvious I took today's hint from SITS to heart and worked it out!!!!! Look at me now SITS!!!!

Holiday Hits and Misses

2008-12-29T18:51:00.005-05:00

So I know I am really late talking about our holiday but I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We sure did. Oue holiday was filled with plenty of hits and a couple of misses.

Let's start with breakfast, we do a huge breakfast/brunch. I started this tradition early on because it is the one meal I feel confident in cooking and it is easy to feed a bunch of people. So my breakfast is the place to be for my in-laws. The hit of my breakfast was the French Toast Casserole I tried this year, it was yummy and ennjoyed by all. The miss would have to be the biscuits. I don't think there was anything wrong with them because honestly all I had to do was open the can of Grands and bake. I just think that there was so many other things no one want to fill up on them.

Moving on to presents, the major hit for me was the Wii Fit. I love this thing and have dubbed myself the step aerobics queen. Even Kye the 3 year old got in on playing, he was pretty good at the head butting soccer game. Kye loved his Fisher-Price Smart Cycle, really loved it. As in played for hours on the thing. Kastan hit the jackpot, he loved his Flip Camera and his desk that we set up the old PC for him. Keith looked hot in his shades.

Misses in the gift category would be Kastan's MP3 player and that is only because I can be a technotard and do not know how to get music on it. I thought the trick was an ITunes giftcard, well guess what that is for IPODS not his MP3 player. I am working on this and hope to get things worked out and get some jammie-jams for my little man.

The other miss was the cologne for Keith, it was just not delivered. I paid for 2 day shipping that gauranteed delivery by Christmas. No such luck. FedEx let me down on this one. They decided my address was wrong and didn't bring it to me. I called them, they repeated the address. I informed they in fact had the right address so they said they would deliver on Friday. Friday I get a call from FedEx asking for a good address because mine was wrong. I again let them know they had the correct address, they asked for directions and even laughed about how easy it was. They still did not deliver it Friday, when I called they said.......yup you guessed it, my address was wrong. I thought I was on candid phone. I asked them how this was such an issue because UPS had no problem the week before. We ended up getting it today, only 5 days after it was promised.

I contacted Macy's to ask about a refund on the shipping and their current response is that it doesn't meet the criteria for a refund because I provided a bad address. We are corresponding through email because getting a human on the phone is pretty much impossible. I wrote them back and told them that I did in fact give a correct address, the one that they deliver a bill to every month with no problems. I explained to them that it was not my problem they chose a delivery service with limited direction following ability. I am waiting to hear back from them!

With our few little misses I must say it was a great holiday and I enjoyed the day with my favorite K's!!!

Quotable Sunday

2008-12-28T12:35:00.003-05:00

Well I am finally getting my days in order. I just realized yesterday was Saturday and not Friday. I did Fantasy Friday yesterday really thinking it was Friday but Toni and her Quotable Sunday has put me back on track.

This time of year is when people begin to think of resolutions and ways to make their lives better. I think we all want to start the new year out fresh and make improvements. This week my quotes are on motivation.

The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.
--Arthur C. Clarke

You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind.
---Author Unknown

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.
---Confucius

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
---Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We are still masters of our fate. We are still captains of our souls.
---Winston Churchill

I really like the theme of being in control of your destiny and realizing that your actions or inaction takes you where you are. I really hope to stay more focused on what I want in life and taking the steps to get there.

If you have time you should share some of your favorite quotes. Just stop by Toni's to find out how. Enjoy your Sunday!

Fantasy Friday Hand BagCollection

2008-12-27T09:42:00.004-05:00

Well it is Friday again, time for me to go off in fantasy la la land. Today's trip is to my fantasy handbag collection. How cool would it be to just order as many handbags in as many colors or styles as you wanted too? Well guess what today you can if you decide to join me in Fantasy Friday!!! Here are some of my picks:

Oh that shopping trip was so much fun and Keith will be so happy that it didn't touch the wallet at all. Go ahead you should try it. Which one do you like the best? Well after all that shopping I need a break! Enjoy your shopping!

Hot Liquid Drinkers Unite

2008-12-27T09:13:00.003-05:00

Do you enjoy a cup of hot liqiud every now then, or even every day? Well my girls at SITS are having a great give away. It will defintly tickle the fancy of coffee, cocoa, hot tea drinkers every where. Just go check it out yourself here.

Busy Bees

2008-12-23T19:56:00.002-05:00

I do love the holiday season, I feel the need to put that out there before I go into my mini rant here. It is so freaking busy EVERYWHERE. I feel like a little bee whose work will never get done. Work is crazy, I only had to work 2 days this week but wow, I packed alot of work into those two days. I had to leave my desk in shambles. Of course I had a couple of last minute things to take care of and every store is absolutely crowded. I like the feeling when I am out leasurely shopping but when I am on a mission to get something specific it is annoying. Kye has a fever, I needed to pick up some Motrin. It was like going into battle. Which brings me to my final gripe of the day. The express lane, SERIOUSLY people it says less than 20 items. Follow the rules, please. It is a system that woould work well if you would just follow the rules. Cashiers of said lanes become the police and lay down the express lane law. We need enforcers, I would of left in a much better mood if only everyone took the code of express lane as seriously as I do.

Oh well tomorrow is the last day and then it will be good times had by all!! I am done complaining and now going back to my regularly scheduled holiday spirit!

Quotable Sunday

2008-12-21T08:31:00.002-05:00

Today is Sunday that means Toni is having Quotable Sunday. After you read mine you should go checkout hers and the others that particapates. This week I am going to focus on love because it is just something I need right now.

"You don't love a woman because she is beautiful, but she is beautiful because you love her."
-Anon

"Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up."
-James Baldwin

"The best proof of love is trust."
-Joyce Brothers

"The art of love ... is largely the art of persistence."
-Albert Ellis

These are just great little reminders on how powerful and great love is. It also says that it is work and isn't always easy, it does take work.

Fantasy Friday Wedding Edition

2008-12-19T18:47:00.006-05:00

Well last week I forgot all about Fantasy Friday. I do have an excuse, my family was in town and I was off work so that left me a little distracted. This week though I was all about dreams and fantasy. This week is my fantasy wedding. See when Keith and I got married 8 years ago it was at the justice of the peace. Nothing fancy at all, we were in the military and didn't even have family there. I used to be really insecure about the fact that we didn't have a huge wedding. Now I realize a wedding doesn't make a marriage and I am ok with our lunchtime wedding. I always said we would renew our vows on the 10 year mark with a huge ceremony and lots of people. I realize I was still trying to justify my marriage to everyone. Now I know that regardless of how we got married we are just as married as the next couple. Now I still want to renew our vows on our ten year anniversary but it will be a ceremony for Keith and I, whoever wants to come can but it will be our day. Now on to our fantasy wedding.........

I would love a pink dress

and pink flowers

with a pink cake

With pink table settings

a pink beach setting

Invisible Glasses

2008-12-17T21:15:00.002-05:00

I really need to find where invisible glasses are sold. You know the kind you put them on and no one around you can see you. I know they exist because Keith has a pair. He has to, I mean he comes home from works and he can go to the bonus room and watch tv uninterrupted. The boys never bother him, never ask him anything and never go to him to tattle. It has to be because they just don't see him so they come to me to do all those things.

I will be in the bathroom taking care of business and they will walk passed him sitting on the couch to come bang on the bathroom door and yell through the door to ask for a drink. It really makes me want to stab myself in the eye with a pencil. It just drives me crazy.

I don't think they have ever muttered the words "I'm hungry" to him, they tell me every 30 mins. I really do think he is invisible to them. The exception comes when it is time for fun stuff. Kye pretends to play his toy guitar when Keith is playing Guitar Hero. The other day he took off running upstairs telling me I am going to rock-n-roll with my dad. Then he went upstairs and said "You ready to rock dad".....
Kastan plays all kinds of games with Daddy.

I am the personal servant that has to enforce rules regarding homework, cleaning up and going to bed. I guess I wouldn't want to rock with me either. I could actually deal with that if I had at least one night with the invisible glasses!

Photo Tag

2008-12-16T18:56:00.003-05:00

Lauren tagged me with a really funny tag.
The object of the picture tag is to:

1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 people to do the same

NO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)

Here is my number four picture, I actually got lucky because recently I got a new laptop so I don't have way old pictures. This one isn't even of me. It is Kastan and it is a picture from this summer when I took him to the Air and Space Museum in Hampton. It was a good, fun day.

What drives me crazy about this is the way he can not take a picture without a silly looking face, he is getting better but he was in the ugly picture face for a loooonnnggg time!

I am tagging.......
Tooj
Yaya
Jodi
Jess

I can't wait to see your 4th picture

.

Mother of the year award, I get it!

2008-12-16T18:38:00.002-05:00

I breast fed Kye for 14 months and was a stickler for introducing foods at the prescribed time. I stayed away from the high allergy food until at least a year. Around a year I tried whole milk with him. He immediately broke out in hives all over. Reported to the doctor and she said it could be a sensitivity try soymilk. He also had the same reaction to peanut butter and eggs. The docotor said I could try them all again later to see if he would out grow them. After the reaction I was scared to try them again and just kept him on soy milk. Kye has eczema and has been itching a WHOLE lot. Today Daddy took him to the allergist for an allergy test. Guess what on of his biggest allergens is SOY. For the last 2 and half years I have been giving him soy, I have been causing him all the issues with scratching and being miserable. I feel like a jack-ass.

Other things that he is allergic to are eggs, nuts, mold, dogs and grass. The grass he is allergic to grows all year long here in Virginia. I am excited though that we now know what to do and what not to do. I just went through the cabinets and read the labels and I am so surprised at how many food have soy in them. It is like we have to start a whole new lifestyle for him.

Anyone have any tips on handling a soy allergy?

Is Mean the New Black?

2008-12-15T18:02:00.003-05:00

Are any of you Survivor fans? I am a hit or miss fan but I did watch this season, it was pretty good just because it was different. I wasn't really attached to any one particular person so it was as exciting as some of my other shows that I develop an emotional connection with.

However I must say I was so turned off by one survivor's desire to be the bad guy. She was just down right mean and wanted to own it like it was cool. I just don't see how anyone can take pride in being mean. During the jury she threw in a really low blow to one of the other girls. I just don't get how that is ever ok.

She has a pretty face but just her actions and her attitude made her so trashy. I guess she might of been going for the villian role but instead she just came across as disgusting.

I hope to raise my boys in a way that they always respect people and would never take pride in being able to hurt someone.

Quotable Sunday

2008-12-14T14:59:00.002-05:00

Today I am participating in Toni's Quotable Sunday. I am going through a lot of self healing and I think a majority of the progress comes from attitude, my quotes are based on attitude.

Carlos Castaneda:
The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same.

This has been such an eye opener for me when I realized how much effort I was spending on making myself miserable. Step one is too learn that you do truly own the power to have a good day.

Helen Keller:
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.

This one is just a reminder to not get hung up on things we can not change and to roll with the punches. I do play the what if game a lot in my life and don't realize all the opportunities in front of me.

Dish Wish

2008-12-14T09:14:00.002-05:00

OK I am really torn here because I really want to win this giveaway so I don't want anyone else to find out about it so I have a better chance but then if I blog about it I get extra entries which gives me a better chance at winning. I then remembered it is the holiday season which is about sharing so here I am telling you about a great giveaway. Jaci is giving away fiesta ware. Go check it out!

Well They're Gone

2008-12-13T14:34:00.003-05:00

My family headed back home yesterday. I can't believe how fast the week they were here went. We did a lot of fun stuff and here is the week in pictures, enjoy!

Bitter Booties

2008-12-11T07:52:00.004-05:00

With my family here I have been doing a lot of shopping, I mean a lot. I just seem to be getting the most rude and bitter sales people. I don't understand it. It seems like in our economy evey shopper and purchaser would be appreciated. I know it is the holiday season and things can get crazy but still. The way people are losing their jobs, having their hours cut, wouldn't a little customer service be helpful.

I was at Macy's yesterday and 3 different sales people in 3 different departments were just miserable and wanted to ensure everyone around them was also. The first lady was in the shoe department. She was put off when I asked her to get a certain pair of shoes for me to try. She actually walked over to a couple of other customers and said do you want me to get you anything since I have to go back. I guess my one pair of shoes wasn't worth the time or effort.

The next was at the jewelry counter, she really did not want to be there or want me there either. Asking to look at more than one piece was really a pain in her side. I mean I do understand that at the time I was the only customer so she could of been aimlessly watching the world pass if I wasn't there but still I did need to make a decision and a purchase!

The final lady was in customer SERVICE! She was in charge of the gift boxes and gift wrapping and wasn't afraid to let everyone know. I swear it was like a scene from a sitcom. She asked my sister how many items for gift wrapping and before she even got the answer out the lady snaps 4 is the limit. Then she asked how many boxes and you can imagine how that conversation went........downhill fast. My sister is 6 months pregnant and so not in the mood to play gift box derby. It was funny. I sat and watched this lady for a good 20 mins as we waited for the gift wrapping to be done and she was like this to every person that came in, even fellow employees.

I will say the two people at the sunglass counter was so helpful and full of the holiday spirit. They went out of there way to help an indecisive shopper (that would be me) and just full of spunk. Instead of one bad apple spoiling the bunch these two gave me hope that some where out there customer service is alive!

How has your shopping gone this season?

Break Ups

2008-12-10T10:12:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had to break up with a friend? I have and it is such a weird process. I mean its not like when you have a break up with a boyfriend there is a big discussion or argument, your girlfriends comfort you and you get to eat lots of ice cream to pity yourself.

One time I had a friend, we were so-so friends but we did hang out. We used to live by each other and then we both moved and then we both moved again and ended up living close to each other again. During the moves she ended up getting a divorce and remarrying. When we renewed our friendship I met her new husband. He was just mean, that wouldn't of been a deal breaker except he was mean to her son. The Mommabear in me came out and I couldn't understand how she could let him be mean. So the break up began. I just stopped calling, didn't return her phone calls and just avoided her. Of course it was a slow process but finally she quit calling.

Sometimes I feel bad but I did try to have conversations with her about the situation but she just didn't get it. She would vent to me and tell me the things that would happen but she would not change it. Really I lost all respect for her.

Now the shoe is on the other foot, I am being broke up with. A friend has stopped the calls and doesn't return mine. I sent an email to ask what was up and the reason was lame. It was because when we were buying our house I didn't let her referr me to an agent so she could get a referral fee. Yes she through our friendship away over $100.00.

Really I am a good friend, I don't want you to get the wrong idea but I guess life happens.

So fun

2008-12-08T23:15:00.002-05:00

I forget how much fun it is being with my sisters, they are in town and we have been hanging out, shopping, eating and I am loving it. I miss having them around all the time. I am so happy, I hope everyone gets the chance to hang out with their loved ones some this holiday seasons!

I promise a real blog coming soon!

Holiday Fun

2008-12-06T19:01:00.004-05:00

I am sooo enjoying this holiday season, yes I knnow the economy is in the dumps. I haven't won the lottery so I am not out spending crazy money but I am enjoying it in a more grown-up mature way.

First of all my sisters, mom and niece are on their way down here as we speak. That truly makes me so happy, I love hanging out with them. I love the way our kids interact. We shop, eat lunch, watch movies and chit chat, it is the best time!

Now that I am embracing the life of a small town, I appreciate the small town activities. We had the holiday parade today and it was a blast. Kastan was in it for his school and their theme was "sugar plums dancing in our head". Here is a picture of him in his 15 mins of fame

Kye is really at a great age, he notices all the small things and it is refreshing. Reminds me of how happy life should be. Watching the different things go by it would crack me up on what he pointed out and what he was excited about. Here he is waiting for it to start.

Tonight they are having an outdoor viewing of the movie Elf on an inflatable screen and also campfire with holiday singing and smores. As much as I say I am embracing it is too cold to be out there but we walked by as they were setting up and it had the whole holiday vibe about it.

Tomorrow we are having an open house for all the shops on main street. These quaint shops are exactly what you picture when you thing of small town. After that there is the tree lighting and a visit and pictures with Santa.

It just feels like people are so much kinder and loving this time of year, I wished it lasted all year long.

Fantasy Friday

2008-12-05T19:20:00.008-05:00

I am going to start something new for me, I am going to turn Fridays on my blog into Fantasy Fridays. This week it is off to a great vacation

I would love to spend my days here

Drinking lots of these

Having this for dinner

Spending the night dancing here

Coming back to a room like this

To do all kinds of sexy things with this guy

Come back next week for a new fantasy!

My New Love

2008-12-04T19:05:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness, I tasted a little bit of liss today. I have a supervisor at work to thank. She came by my office with a box of candies. She said I usually don't share my candy but I want you to taste these. She is an spoiled only child that has never learned to share in all her 42 years of life so I was honored that I got to taste her candy. Little did I know I would come mouth to candy with a new love. She introduced me to these

It was love at first taste. I mean the coconut middle melts in your mouth. The crisp outside has the texture of cookies, my description is not doing it justice. You have to go out and taste them for yourself.

Now here is where the story gets a little sticky. I have shared with you that I was in a rough time emotionally this last year. I went down the happy pill road and really feel I have come along ways. I feel better and recently stopped taking the pills. The problem is the year I was on the medication I gained a whooping 50 pounds, yeah I know ridiculous. Today my doctor prescribed me an appetite suppresent to give me a boost to this weight loss thing.

That means I only have tonight to eat another piece of the wonderful candy.....problem is I CAN NOT FIND THEM. I found out that they are sold at Walgreens and they are even on sale. Guess what, no Walgreenss close. They candies are not at Walmart, 7-11 or Food Lion in my neighborhood. I am going crazy and I have lost hope of tasting them.

Do you believe in magic?

2008-12-03T21:26:00.003-05:00

Apparently HP does, just look here how freaking fantastic is that? You are able to join as many of the giveaways as you want but I am joining the give away that Mooshinindy is having, you should too.

A couple of years ago my sister Sherry won $1000 from a radio station. Her car was in the repair shop and the bill was $1300.00, the prize money would of been really helpful. Instead my sister wanted to pay it forward. She put $500.00 towards the car repair and then took the other $500.00 and gave 5 people $100.00. She then asked each person she gave $100.00 to pay it forward by giving $20.00 to someone they knew. That story has stuck with me and will forever.

If I won the HP Magic Giveaway I would keep the printer well because we don't have a printer and it would be nice to print things at home! I would give 2 computers to Ms W., Kastan's 2nd grade teacher. I would ask her to keep one for her class and as a class project pay it forward to someone. I KNOW MS W. would take on this project and each and every child in her class would be involved and learn from this experience. Just as my sister's story stuck with me, their story would stick with them. That life lesson is priceless.

Let me tell you a little about MS W. She is a very passionate teacher. She is not teaching for the pay check, great vacation time and daytime hours. She cares about teaching our children. She goes beyond what is expected. I am truly honored and proud that she is Kastan's teacher. I know she puts a lot of her money into the classroom. She DESERVES to have someone give to her and her classroom. She is a great mother to 2 children, one with special needs. She has such a warm personality that makes you want to hug her when you meet her. One of the extra's she did this year was a class play. I watched her in the audience as she proudly looked on and mouthed the words with the class. At the end she had just as many tears in her eyes as I did, she loves our children.

The next person I would pay it forward to is Sarah, she is a refreshing 16 year old girl that lives above the influence. She loves photography and making videos for youtube, well what teenager doesn't? I would give her the photo program and ask her to pay it forward by finding a good worthy home for the other computer. I know she would take it seriously and would understand and enjoy paying it forward. Hopefully the message would be passed onto the receiver.

Kung Fu Panda, my boys would totally be all over this. I would be all over teaching them the importance of helping out others and we would take the other copies to ashelter in our community.

The other stuff I would find grand homes for like the last computer going to theafterschool program that has one computer for all the school aged children to work on but the most important thing to me is giving other people the oppurtunity to pay it forward. I think that it is contagious to do good. I am a big believer in community and taking care of each other. I think every now and then we need a reminder to get back to the basics. I think this giveway would be a small little reminder to many people, please pick me to win!

A lot of this post came off as corney but I mean it sincerely, I'm a little worried that just means I am sincerely corney!

Wooo Hooo!

2008-12-03T18:18:00.004-05:00

Not even a week ago I replied to this as a nonwinner. Things have changed ladies and gentlemen. I am now the winner of this! First of a big shout out to Heather and Tiffany from SITS for putting together the best Merry SITSmas ever! It was so much fun and you ladies worked hard all day long. Everything was perfect except for stupid Mr. Linky. Mr. Linky was not a very good linky so they manually entered the links to over 250 bloggers. You guys really rock!

My second thank you is a great big huge one to Christina Lee. Thank you so much for your giveaway! Without it I wouldn't be a winner. You guys should check out all the cool stuff at Tags-n-Stones and see how lucky I am to win!

I was also a winner in different ways. I got soooooo many comments that just made me feel so special and merry! Thanks for all the love!!!

I got some new followers. Nina, Jamie, Letti and Jenners are now new followers!

Merry Sitsmas!!!

2008-12-02T00:01:00.003-05:00

So guess what today is? Any ideas? Is it my birthday? No I quit those at the tender age of 33. Is it my anniversary? No we were military so of course our anniversary is based on a 4-day weekend. Is it a start of my new diet? No it hasn't been 3 weeks since I started and quit the last one. Give Up??

OK

Here is a hint!!!!

To all my SITSA'S

I have found a lot of great reading through this
blog. Denise is a Saucey Blog this week and I spent Saturday getting to know here, what a funny lady! Mamarazzi won me over with her name and her open letters! I am still new to the site so I am finding new people every day.

Did I mention that you can win lots of great prizes here today? Well you can and the best part is the grand prize of a $200.00 gift card to Target and your blog will be featured on Friday. Do yourself a favor and go check it out!!!!
The Secret is in the Sauce: Merry SITSmas!

...

Tar-jay anyone?

2008-12-01T20:25:00.002-05:00

How many of us can say a $200.00 gift card to Target is not a wonderful thing? Espicially now, around the holidays. Well I for one would love it, I have no clue what I would get but it would be spent lickidy split. What if I told you I know a way for you to possibly win one? Would you do it, would you be curious? All you have to do is go here to read all about it.

Remember whe I told you about this great blog? Well tomorrow is a huge, I mean huge day. Prizes, Prizes, giveaways galore. You should go read all about it just in case you didn't when I orginally posted about it.

..........

Puppies are cute!

2008-11-30T16:04:00.002-05:00

Today's conversation with Kye:

Me: Your so cute!

Kye: No I not cute, puppies are cute, ballerinas are cute, I not cute, I Kye!

So I guess he told me. I am sure that line came from one of those way annoying Noggin shows that he watches way to much of. When did three year olds get so sarcastic anyways?

Go Elf Yourself!

2008-11-29T21:12:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Feather I spent no money on a Saturday night and laughed like I blew a paycheck at a girls karaoke night out. These are just so stinking funny, I couldn't help but copy. I think you should do the same, but first watch ours!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Frying turkey with the K's

2008-11-28T04:55:00.014-05:00

So every year fir a while Keith has wanted to fry our turkey but we never got around to buying a fryer......................... until this year. We did it, his Thanksgiving wish came true and I am going to share the story with you!

Step 1- Buy the fryer. Upon opening the box immediately point out to everyone around how many pieces the fryer is in (this can be used later on to impress them with your techincal talents).

Step 2- Put the fryer together with the help of some handy buddies.

Step 3- Ensure the turkey is completely defrosted, you can do this by asking your wife 1347 times when the turkey was put out to thaw. If that does not reassure you then feel free to throughly inspect the turkey leaving your wife to wonder about how much you're actually enjoying this step

Step 4- Pore the oil in the fryer and then realize you didn't get enough because once again you didn't listen to your wife and tried to take the cheap way out. This step could very easily lead to a Thanksgiving fight so suck it up and put on your best, damn-she-is-right-again-face. This will cause her to once again feel victory and then she will not mind leaving to go get more oil.

Step 5- Carry the turkey to the fryer and submerge into the oil. Prior to step 5 you might want to reiterate how dangerous this is so that the peanut gallery stays back. This will ensure no one is up close in case of mishaps.

Step 6- Wait the allotted time, which is established by a debate with your wife and then a search of google. Enjoy the wait with friends and family.

Step 7- Take the turkey out, this can be another tricky step that can be up for a lot of debate. Everyone will have an idea on how this can be done best, go with your gut.
At the last minute realize you are about to burn your friends arms and switch cooking mittens

Step 8- pose with the finished product

Step 9- Enjoy

As you can see by the end result we all thought it was a great turkey!

Letting go and being thankful

2008-11-26T22:53:00.002-05:00

Growing up I always felt like I had the best Dad in the world. This is because he made me feel loved, always. He called me his little buddy and always told me he loved me more than anything. My dad told me I could be anything I put my mind to, my dad told me he was proud of me, my dad told me he would do anything for me. I truly felt special because of my father's love.

People on the outside saw a different man, my dad is an alcoholic, my dad has been in and out of jail, my dad has lost a lot of jobs and spent a lot of time unemployed. My dad has picked up and moved from state to state. My dad has lived under different aliases

The last time I saw my dad was about 3 years ago for about 15 mins. He was passing through town and needed some money. Before that it was about 5 years ago that we spent the day together and I got to introduce him to my husband and his grandson. When we talk on the phone he ends the conversation quickly. I don't blame him because the conversations are awkward and strained. It is truly like two strangers talking.

I have spent the last 8 or 9 years angry and hurt over this. I questioned how he could just not care to participate in my life. Why he didn't want to be a part of his grand children's lives. I have cried over missing him, felt guilty about not trying harder, guilty about moving on.

Last night I was laying in bed thinking about all this. I was upset and crying but then something came to me and I thought about it differently. I am who I am today because of him. I had his love and his confidence that enabled me to go on with my life and achieve what I have. So instead of focusing on what I don't have from him now i need to focus on what I took away from him then. I am thankful I knew a father's love. I am thankful that he instilled morals and values in me. I am thankful that I was his little buddy. I am thankful he taught me right from wrong.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am going to call him and tell him exactly that. It is probably something he would love to hear. I think maybe he don't feel good enough and a little ashamed of his life choices. Maybe he needs to know he did a great job and I am proud to be his daughter. Maybe it took me a long time to realize that.

The Secret is in the Sauce: Welcome!

2008-11-25T20:42:00.001-05:00

The Secret is in the Sauce: Welcome!

I just wanted to share this wonderful blog with anyone that might be interested. It is a network of bloggers that are there to support others and also offers a way to find new blogs to follow and maybe snag a new reader or two. The secret is in the sauce and you'll notice the button on my sidebar that will take you there also. Go ahead you know you want to check it out, all the cool kids are doing it!

Project #2

2008-11-25T20:06:00.002-05:00

Well as I said here, I am no interior decorator but I try. Last night I worked on a couple of walls. My friend came over and helped me so that I wasn't a complete mess and didn't single handedly destroy the place. Here is the end result of my efforts.

Introducing Larry

2008-11-24T20:35:00.004-05:00

I went to see Kastan in a play at school today. He really isn't into the whole drama thing so getting details out of him was like pulling teeth. I did fid out he didn't want to try for a speaking part, he wanted to be a turkey. He got the part! He said most kids got the part they tried for. He really does not like this stuff though. He would not practice with me. In fact in the middle of the singing portion he was on stage yawning. He is still the cutest turkey I have ever seen, what do you think???

Of course the day couldn't bewithout drama, as I was picking out his clothes this morning hesays oh yeah Mom I need to wear brown for the play. GREAT!! We pulled it out but I just wish I would of gotten a little more notice!

The countdown is on!!!!!!

2008-11-23T09:27:00.005-05:00

I know this time of year there are many countdowns going on for people. Some for the different holidays, some for the new year, some for the time family gets in town and then another for when family leaves. My countdown is for THIS!!!!

It's Britney Bitch!!! I am a huge fan, I love her. I think she has rockin body and I love the way she dances. I know she isn't the best singer vocally but she is a complete entertainer. LOVE HER!!!!

Now I know she went off the deep end and lost her mind. I can't make any excuses for the decisions she made with her kids and marriage and all the craziness. All that was wack but I still lllloooovvvveee her!

This one time in Cancun

2008-11-22T13:28:00.003-05:00

I want to share the story behind my picture on Top Momma. It is the one with the back of the boys in a swimming pool. We were in Cancun for my little sisters wedding. It was a couple of days before the wedding and we were just hanging out at the pool. It was me and my two boys, my sister and her little girl, my mom, the happy couple, some of the grooms friends, my cousin and the grooms mother. So many more adults than children.

The pool we were at was wonderful, it had the mats in the pool to lay out on, the water was only about a foot deep. You can see how the cirled around that cement ball which was a fountain. There was a ledge that lead to the deeper water that was about 5 feet deep and a bar in the pool. Great set up!

My sister asked me to take a picture of her next to the ball/fountain type thing. We are totally those cheesy posing picture girls. So we were focusing on the photo shoot, I was totally into getting the proper Myspace angle and then she yells oh no! I look to where she is running to and see nothing but my little boys curls in the deep end. There was no noise, no commotion just the top of his little head. I could see he was trying to swim and moving his arms like an octopus. My sister pulls him up and hands him to me. The way I feel is indescribable. He takes a deep breath and puts his head against my shoulder. He is very calm and peaceful. Not even 5 minutes later he is ready to get down and play.

It was so scarey, I still get a sick to the stomach feeling when I think about it. I feel so guilty that I relaxed that much while we were in the water. I feel guilty that I wasn't even the one to notice, I feel sad thinking about the what ifs. I am tahnkful nothing serious happened. I get nervous realizing that drowning is such a silent danger.

I am very thankful that everything turned out ok and use this as a reminder for water safety forever.

Nothing Cool but I am trying.

2008-11-21T15:27:00.003-05:00

Since becoming a top momma two days ago I have felt the pressure to come up with more exciting and fun posts. I spent all day today thinking about a new category for Friday's posts. You know something like fun Friday, funky Friday, fashion Friday.

Nothing is coming to me. My friend Jodi has shoe Friday and that is really neat. I would like to steal I mean do something similar but for one thing I don't have regular readers and two I know I would probably not keep up with it and then the few readers I do have would hate me.

So I guess this brings me back to the point, I have a nothing cool friday, anyone have any ideas????

Remember the Kids

2008-11-20T18:26:00.002-05:00

When I started working at Social Services one of my duties was to transport the foster care children to appointments, to visits and to new foster parents. It was very taxing on my emotions but also rewarding in a sense also.

The first time I ever did a transport it was an 18 month old little boy that was just taken into custody. I had to take him from one foster parent to another for just a break. We were stopped at a red light next to Ruby Tuesday and this little boy just lit up and was so excited. I have no clue what made him so happy about this place but he was excited.

When I dropped him off at the other house he started crying and reaching up to me calling me Mommy. It was so hard to walk out of that door, he was scared. I did manage to get in the agency's vehicle before I busted out crying. I wanted to go back and just hug that little boy. He was only 6 months older than my Kye.

Two days later I had to go pick up this same little boy to take him to his new foster care parents house. I was told that I would need to get all of his stuff because he wouldn't be returning to the first foster care house. When I got there to pick up the sweet boy I was prepared to lug his stuff to the car. He only had to plastic grocery bags of stuff, that was it. That is all this little boy had. I pack more for my sons to go to daycare than this little boy owns.

I share this story with you to remind you to do a little to help the children in foster care in your area. We set up a tree so people can choose a child or a present to buy for the children in our area. This is similar to the ones Salvation Army sets up but I don't know that it is as well known. Take the time to call your local social services ad find out what you can do to help these sweet kids that will be away from their families these holidays.

Thank You.

Top Momma Top Momma

2008-11-20T08:21:00.002-05:00

I am on top momma, finally check me out and help me stay on top, click here!!!! Then click my picture of the boys in the pool, they are the cuties you see from the back it was my stab at protraying brotherly love! Check Check Check it out!

I am so excited, I have been waiting a while and now I need to start posting more exciting and enjoyable posts!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-19T19:43:00.002-05:00

So next week is Turkey Day and we are just now deciding what we are doing. My family lives to far away so that is not an option. Usually my Mother in law has Thanksgiving at her house. This year my sister in law is going to her in-laws and my father in law is working. So my mother in law asked if I minded having it at my house and she would come over to help cook.

So we are having an easy small dinner.

Home is Where the Heart Is

2008-11-18T19:29:00.002-05:00

Kye comes home from preschool saying some of the cutest things. Tonight he said Home is where the heart is. Then he told me to say it and then wanted his brother to say it. Once we all said it he busted out laughing.

Kastan made A honor roll and has perfect attendance for first quarter. He really is such an easy kid, makes me so proud!

I love my kids!

Only I can make me have a bad day

2008-11-17T19:54:00.002-05:00

I really have to remember that it is me who determines my day. Today I let some silly work stuff effect my day and put me in a bad mood. It boils down to being over 15 mins, really? I let 15 mins ruin my mood.

I just need to process situations and filter emotions so that I don't get so wrapped up on things that should not matter. I am sad to admit I even brought it home with me and have been snippy towards Keith and the boys.

A friend of mine has the following quote in her signature block, I don't know who it is from but it is so true.

"The difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude."

Trying to figure out my faith and beliefs

2008-11-16T17:07:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday night as I was just chillin at the house not doing anything I heard a knock on the door. I opened it to find to young ladies from the Church of Latter Day Saints. My first instinct was to just get them to go away but these poor young girls were so determined to get me to listen. I did for a few minutes, not openly but just as a courtesy because they were so passionate about their beliefs. I admired them for that but was not really interested in their message. I exchanged pleasantries with them and they were gone.

That visit did cause me to think and for the 6837th time I tried to figure out where I stand on the faith spectrum. I still am at lost for where I stand.

I was not raised in a religious environment. My parents used the excuse that they wanted to leave it up to us to decide but the truth is they were just lazy and had o beliefs themselves. I remember feeling so left out not having a faith base in my life because it was like a status system. In our neighborhood the Catholic Church was regarded as the most prestigious. I remember one time when I was in high school a friend and I went to a local Catholic Church to get information so we could start going. The man that we spoke to was very dismissive and said you don't just become Catholic it is a process with classes. There was no invitation to join or learn just a feel of disapproval from him. We left embarrassed and from then on I have held on to a grudge towards the whole Catholic Faith.

My sister in law has discovered her faith within the last five years. She married a pastor and has totally, completely changed who she is. I am still trying to figure out who I like more. I know I am SUPPOSED to like this new person that totally lives for her God but a lot of it seems so dramatic and fake. That is such a judgemental thing to say but really that is how I interpret the transformation. I am happy that she is happy and feels better for the commitment she now has.

I have gone to a variety of churches trying to find my relationship with God. I come out empty handed, I don't ever feel that over powering feeling that makes me jump, shout and speak a different language. I don't even get that close feeling that makes me want to cry. I just stand there observing to try an ensure I am doing all the right steps as far as praying, bowing, giving money, clapping and singing.

I just don't know if there is even a God. I mean if there is he sure has a weird sense of humor and can be down right cruel. I don't understand how people can say things happen for a reason. I don't see why innocent children should suffer as much as some children do, I don't see why some people are so "blessed" and others live suffer with no food, homes and other tragedies.

I grew up in a disadvantaged, abusive, neglectful home. There were times there was no food and I dug out of a scrap trash box from a local BBQ Restaurant trash to feed myself and my sisters. My parents drank every single night and then fought and made up in the same night. That was of course after they physically and mentally abused us. My mom finally left when I was 12, she took my little sisters with her. I found her note where she wrote she couldn't stand me because I looked too much like my dad. That is why she left me to fend for myself. My best friend from school's mom took me in because she saw what I was living in and what was going on.

I worked all through high school, not a part-time job but 40 hours a week. I joined the Army and worked my ass off to have what I have and to change my children's life. I feel slighted when people minimize my efforts by saying that is god blessing me. No that is my blood, sweat and tears, I did that. Besides did I not deserve his blessings back then? Why did I have to earn his blessings?

I am struggling here trying to figure out what I believe and what I should teach my kids. I wish I had that strong belief and passion I witnessed in those girls last Saturday. Maybe one day but for now I have a lot of anger to deal with.

Dream Eagle

2008-11-15T11:04:00.002-05:00

While reading my friend Heidi's blog I thought about how much I love dreams. I like to hear about people's dreams, I like to talk about my dreams, dreams are just so interesting to me. So yeah I am one of those people that say, let me tell you about this dream I had and expect you to be just as excited about them. I am a good listener to other dream tellers also.

Last night I had a dream that Keith died, it was so sad. My sister told me to not worry because my mom had a life insurance on him and I would be receiving $133.00 a month. In my dream all that made it better money wise but I was so sad, I even woke up crying.

That so much wasn't a good dream and of course the day I want to post about dreams that is what I have to draw from. I must say I thik my little Kye is a vivid dreamer also. He is always laughing, crying and talking in his sleep.

So what about you, do you remember your dreams?

Locked Out

2008-11-14T21:16:00.003-05:00

So today as I get home from a long rainey day at work, I go to pull out my house keys.....guess what? They are not there. Great!

So I pick up the phone to call my dear, sweet husband. Of course that was an instant fight because it is more important to pin point whose fault it is than to determine a solution. I have always beena quick thinker so I load the boys up and we head out to dinner.

I had a wonderful dinner with my little men. We went to this local italian restaurant. It was yummy and the company was great. The we walked around a couple of stores. Nice little impromptu dinner-date!

Crazy Book Worms

2008-11-13T21:23:00.002-05:00

I like a good book just like the next guy but with the time constraints that is my life I am not really a regular at the local Barnes and Nobles. Enter Kastan, supreme book lover into my life. Grandma and Grandpa got him a gift card to the book store for his birthday. I decided to take him this Sunday.

OH

MY

GOODNESS

That is just a whole little packed psycho world of its own. The parking lot alone was a freaking circus. You really have to be serious to get a parking spot. I just drove around watching the determined look people had in their eyes as they focused and whipped into their spots. SCAREY

We go inside and Kastan is in heaven, he loved it. I bet he touched every book in the young readers section..............he just could not make a decision. He did eventually decide on The Diary of a Whimpy Kid and some animal guide.

Of course no trip out would be the same without a melt down. Kye wanted this $25.00 Backyardigan Book, only for the freaking flute attached to it. I gave him the choice of 3 books that did not include some plastic toy on it and it all ended well.

If it was up to me I don't know if I would ever go back to the crazy book worm world but as a mother of a crazy book worm I think I might have to do it more than I would like!

Movie Time

2008-11-12T21:32:00.002-05:00

So as I mentioned yesterday I had a girls day and we went shopping, ate lunch and watched a movie. We went to see The Secret Life of Bees Oh my goodness what a great movie. I cried so hard and just loved it. If you get the chance to go watch it, do it! Take a friend and some tissues.

OK maybe some of it is me

2008-11-11T08:57:00.002-05:00

Picture this a day off, dear husband at work, sweet kiddos in school, house, bed and day to yourself............sounds so nice huh?.........almost fairy-taleic (new word there you like?)That is my reality today.

In preparation for my day of peace I laid out clothes for the munchkin, signed all paperwork, had back packs ready to deploy. I wanted to ensure there was nothing to get in my way of sleeping in and relaxing.

Guess what, it didn't work out that way. I spring out of bed the first beep of Keith's alarm. Just like a happy little fresh face bunny. I get the boys up, dress the one that still refuses to even try to put on a single article of clothing without mommy. I kissed the husband on the way out the door. Then I get started on cleaning the house...........huh?...............really?

I did of course make time for the bloggy-blog and my other online fun! Then today I am meeting two friends for lunch and a movie so I am having "me" time.

So maybe all my complaining about doing everything and Keith doing nothing might be a little one sided and dramatic but you guys understand right?

I would of hauled ass

2008-11-10T21:34:00.003-05:00

Today started out as any typical day does, me rushig aroud like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get myself and the boys dressed, fed, cleaned and out the door by 7:15.

I do try to pick up some of the disaster I make in the mornings along with remembering to set out something for dinner. I also have to squeeze in last mintue details of school stuff the boys need. I then get a fun filled day at work.

Today on the way home I ask DH if he is going to be able to pick up the kids so that I can start dinner because Kastan has basketball tryouts tonight. He agreed and I went straight home and got dinner in the oven, folded and put away a load of laundry and ran the vacum. I get a call from Keith asking where Kastan is. After I almost passed out from worry I remember it is Monday and once again I forgot he was at bowling. I tell Keith that which he sarcastically says, "I wish you would of told me because then I would of hauled ass". Really? You would have? Well that is nice because I have been hauling ass ALL day. I will continue to haul ass because I still have to go to the bank, feed the kids and get him to basketball practice.

The man is going to drive me crazy, along with those boys of his!!! Even with all that as corney as it sounds I really do love my hectic Mommy/Wife life and I love it because I share it with my K's!!!

What happened to good tv?

2008-11-09T20:27:00.002-05:00

I am talking the good dramtic reality shows I fell in love with so long ago? I used to be so totally addicted to several shows. In fact I think I had a show every week night. I love Survivor, Amazing Race, Real World, Big Brother, American Idol, DR 90210. Wow maybe I had a slight problem, what do you think?

Lately though I just can't get into them. It is like the producers all got together and agreed to cast the most boring people and compete for the bore-me-to-death award. I am sad I have nothing to waste my life too.

Hair Cut

2008-11-08T23:23:00.002-05:00

So as much as I love my lil guy's curls I have to be realistic and accept the fact he is not a she and so I need to do better with the haircut thing. Today I took him to get the 2nd hair cut of his life and he is such a ham! He absolutely loved getting all the attention from the girls there. I mean just talking to everyone, batting his eyes and being a show off. He sat real still and my little man is just as cute as ever. Here are some pictures of the finished product!

Decor

2008-11-07T21:33:00.004-05:00

Well I am sad to say that I have been born with out the decorator's touch. I wish I had that natural woman's sense to know what looks good and how to decorate. The truth is I am useless. I have no clue what looks good and what is in style.

Now that we have moved in to our new home I am trying. I first came up with this little ensemble for the family room.

I also picked new furniture and picked out pillows for the furniture, here they are

My next project is redoing our bedroom. I just bought this set

I like my small little baby steps. The problem is everything is the same color. It is not my intention to camoflauge the whole house with the same colors but it seems to be happening. Oh well baby steps, I will get there someday!

Whoooo

2008-11-06T17:21:00.002-05:00

I have made a decision to stop taking my happy pills and wow. I am seriously withdrawing with dizzy spells, nausea, tiredness and I feel like I am walking in a cloud. I started about 3 weeks ago I was down to a pill every other day. I then went 3 days but that 3 day I was sucking so I took a pill and today I am hurting. I threw up at work and just feel like a weirdo. I am ready to get this shit out of my system. I just want to be done. I feel like an addict though because I know if I take a pill I won't feel like this but if I take a pill I will just feel like this again later on.

I am on a self directed plan to make Anji happy. I am going to start running/walking in the mornings. I know I will feel so much better and have so much energy. I am going to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. I need to drink more water. So off with the meds in with the good stuff.

Yes We Can

2008-11-05T21:27:00.003-05:00

Oh My Goodness people, we did it, we elected an intelligent, caring, admirable and inspiring leader as president. Most importantly we broke through the color barriers and chose to do what is best for our country. I am elated, excited, inspired, motivated, hopeful and proud!

We Did It

2008-11-04T21:15:00.002-05:00

It was a rainy morning and we left the house about 6:15 to head to the polls. On the way there I just felt overwhelmed and actually started crying. I can't explain why I was so emotional, it just seem like such a great moment in our life.It was me and Keith in talking to Kastan and Kye about the importance of today. It was a great teaching point in so many ways. Kastan went with me into the booth, we voted and got our stickers. The whole process only took about 25 mins. The rest of the day at work I felt like a kid the night before Christmas. Finally the work day was over and I came home and crashed out on the couch for a couple of hours. It was like I got off the emotional rollercoaster and just shut down. I am now listening to the returns coming in with such excitement and can't wait to see who wins!!!

Are you ready for tomorrow?

2008-11-03T19:45:00.002-05:00

After reading this post I decided to take my stab at explaining my political thoughts. I am so excited to vote tomorrow. I am such a huge fan of Obama. I think he is exactly what this country needs. I feel like his ideas will take this country far. He is so inspiring to me and so many Americans. I think he is in touch with more middle class Americans and has the best interest of this great country in mind.

This election has taken me on such an emotional roller coaster and I am ready to get off the ride and welcome Barack Obama as president. The election has brought out so much in our growth as a country. We have a female running for vice-president and an African American as President it wasn't that long ago that neither one of them would even be allowed to vote. As far as we have come as a country this election has also opened my eyes to how far we have to go. It has saddened me to hear the blatant racism that is in our country.

This has been so hard for me. I mean it is really rampid on the Internet but also in my everyday life. I have heard some of the most hurtful thoughts and the sad thing is it comes from people I love and respect. It makes me feel defeated to hear the comments. I take it personally and feel saddened to think about how these people honestly feel about my husband and my children. It kills me to hear the intolerance of others. I hate that we have had to defend the fact that Obama is not a Muslim but really why should we have to. Muslims are not terrorists, Muslims are not bad people why is being a Muslim even a point to defend against?

Other than race the issues that matter to me include health care, Afghanistan and schools. I work in social services, I see on a DAILY basis sick people come in that have NO, zip, zero, zilch health insurance. They do not fit a covered group for Medicaid so they get nothing. Today it was a lady that beat breast cancer about 5 years ago and now she has brain cancer, guess what no insurance. Is that fair or even humane. Does she really deserve to be told sorry you were born to the wrong family, you don't have enough money to deserve life? What is $5000.00 tax deduction that John McCain offers going to do for her? What will it do to the thousands of others like her in the future? I can blog about a similar story every.sigle.day, it happens constantly. I work for a small agency and we see it, think about how often it is happening through out. Is that something our country should be proud of?

I can hold a grudge with the best of them and I am mad about September 11, 2001. I am angry that we continue to lose American lives in Afghanistan and Bin Laden is still alive. I want him dead, I want him to pay for all he has done to this country. I do not want my husband's time over there to be for nothing. We are lucky the only thing we sacrificed was a year away from him but I am still mad that we sacrificed birthdays and holidays to still have Bin Laden walking around. I appreciate the sacrifices others have made including those that gave the ultimate sacrificed with their lives. It is time to elect a President that recognizes the importance of going after those that ATTACKED us.

It is a crime that we are not giving our children all we can with their education. We need money to ensure every child has what they need to be successful. We need to value our teachers and appreciate and reward them for the amazing job they do. We have to be willing to spend money on our future. We need to fund education on sex. We need to do all we can to stop unwanted pregnancies. Abortion is only an issue with unwanted pregnancy. Let's focus on the problem and help take away the need for so many abortions.

Tomorrow is the day that you are given the opportunity to vote, please make a wise decision and bring the best man to the office. Go out and vote it is your duty! Obama 08!!

Fall Fun

2008-11-02T10:52:00.002-05:00

In an attempt to just be more active I find myself having fun with the boys. The weather is cooler so that helps a lot. Yesterday we walked to the playground and just played around. It was fun and they really enjoyed it. These are the days I will miss. I am sure I will look back to them when they are going off to college and just wish for one more day at the park. I will love for them to need me to push them on the swing. I have to remember how lucky I am to have two great boys and remember to have fun with them.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T19:54:00.002-04:00

So I had a pretty packed Halloween this year. It started off with a root canal. I had myself all stressed out ad was so scared. Guess what? It was for nothing, it went so smooth and I am feeling no pain and ready to go get the crown. I didn't even get the pain medicie filled. Although this whole insurance and paying out of pocket sucks but that is a post of its own some other time when you guys start begging me for financial posts.

Then it was trick or treat time. It was so much fun this year, both boys are at manageable ages. Kye was a little ham ad would run right up yelling trick or treet. We went down Main Street here and it was packed full of kids. I loved it and so did they! We got back in time to still see some trick or treaters here at the house. Kastan liked passing out candy.

Then we took the kids to Grandma and Granpa's house so that we could go to our adult costume party. It was a lot of fun. I laughed so hard, we played charades and it cracked me up. I did drink enough to give me a little hang over today. It was a fun day. Here are some pictures.......

Real Life Beautiful People

2008-10-29T20:10:00.007-04:00

There are some jobs certain people shouldn't have. The first time I was convinced of this was Right after I delivered Kye. The follow up doctor looked like he just finished his photo shoot for GQ to come and push on my squishy belly to see if all was well. I was so humiliated that anyone had to feel around on the jelly roll that was my stomach let alone this fine specimen of a man. He should not of been accepted to med school based on looks.

The next experience was my chiropractor. He looked like a total jet setter in his Armani suit. His partner was this 300 year old dinosaur. When I was sitting in the waiting room I was praying for the dinosaur to call me name. No such luck, Mr Cool-Body called me back. I hobbled on back to tell him of my issues of barely being able to stand up since I had Kye. This was about 6 months after he was born so my above mentioned jelly belly was only a tad bit better. He should not of been allowed to have that job based on his looks and style.

Just today it happened again. I have an abscessed tooth, which I was able to diagnose based on my Internet research. I go to the dentist to get a second opinion and in walks in Dr. Mcdreamy, ok not the Mcdreamy but close enough. I felt so cool discussing infection and swelling of my jaw, nice. Hmmm just confirms that beautiful people belong on TV and not in my life.

They're Back

2008-10-28T19:52:00.002-04:00

Let me just start this by saying I think Kye has a shoe fetish. He has always loved, loved shoes. When we are at stores I have to steer away from the shoe area. If he sees them he seriously has to try them on. He will then throw a fit to have a new pair. When we go visit his cousin Taylor he would try her shoes on. He has walked around in my heels. He is just a die hard shoe fan.

The year before last he absolutely had to have a yucky, ugly, gawddy pair of Thomas the Train snow boots. The broke all of my rules, they were character, they had velcro and they were hideous. He loved them though, would wear them all the time. I did convince him they were play boots and he could't wear them out of the house. He still squeezed his feet in them last year. I finally got rid of them this summer.

Guess what we saw tonight at Wal-Mart? Yep those horrendous boots, He was so excited I couldn't say no. He now has a pair that fits him again. He loves them, he has been wearing them since we got home. He posed for some pictures so I am going to share with you the lovely boots!

Melt Down

2008-10-26T17:51:00.002-04:00

OMG I was totally that mother with the kid having a major melt down at the store. Kye was such a brat, screaming and crying, yelling no in my face and just making me want to shake him. Every person in the store knew we were there.

I know many people say well just leave the store and teach them a lesson. Problem is we were there with his brother who was spending his birthday money. No way was I punishing the birthday boy because his brother was taken over by evil aliens.

So we continued to walk through the store with the evil alien in the cart as if we didn't even know he was there. Kastan picked out a Betta fish. He is such a little tight wad with his money. He said "You know Mom they will sell you a fish for $2 but then they get you because you have to buy the bowl, the pebbles and then the food that goes with it, by the time you finish you spent 20 bucks."

So we get all the other stuff that you need for this new addtion to our family and stand in line. Kye is STILL not listening, crying and yelling. Kastan is trying to come up with a name for this fish so he is saying maybe Pebbles, what about that?

I feel like I am stuck in a bad sit-com. I really hate my life at this point, I feel like every single person is staring at me. I am so close to yelling out if you staring people can do better feel free to take him. For everyone else please quit staring as if you have never heard a kid being taken over by evil spirits. Really the coughing and head spinning is for dramatics, get over yourself.

I calmly make it through the line and I take out Kye'e beloved toy that he got out of a quarter machine and began the talk with kye. I tell him how he didn't listen, he cried and was not a good boy so now Mommy is throwing away his toy because only boys that behave well get toys. We walk to the trash can and in it goes. Let me say the dramatics really started. The kid tried his best to make his self throw up but that skill fades with age I think so he was unsuccessful.

I had to throw away Kastan's toy once when he was about this age and he had the same reaction but I only had to throw away one. I am hoping that is the case with Kye because really I don't like to torture my kids. I love the fun times and smiles for us all, really I do but I can't take meltdowns past the age of 3.

I know at 3 they know what they are doing and can control themself and they probably know before this but I am not usually up for the emotional battle then so they do get away with more. Not now Mommy laid down the law, she threw away a toy.

Boys are loud!!!

2008-10-26T11:37:00.003-04:00

For Kastan's eigth b-day we didn't do a huge party but we had him invite some friends over to hang out and go bowling. So let me tell you we had a 10 year old 2 eight year olds, a seven year old and of course a crazy 3 year old in the house. It was LOUD, I mean really loud. It really sounded like we had a stadium full of drunk people crammed into this house. I tried to just chill and let them be boys but man was it hard. Boys are rough, Kastan kept yelling out lets have a bar fight, nice right? I don't even know how he knows what a bar fight is but he was all about all of them wrestling around, so not a girls idea of fun!

It was one of his friends first time visiting and he was the cutest sweetest little boy ever and they locked him in the closet. First of all my sweet little angel boy had a part in this, I was shocked but yes he was right there with them. ANIMALS I say!

The part of the day I was most impressed with is Keith took them all bowling and survived. They all had a good time, ate a lot of junk and didn't destroy the place. Here is a couple of pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Halloween Party

2008-10-22T21:27:00.002-04:00

So this year we are going to our first adult's only costume party for Halloween. I am so excited and can not wait. I already got a lame fairy kind of hodge podge get up to wear at work but now I want Keith and I to do a couples thing. I am now brainstorming but would love some ideas!

My boys have picked out their costumes already. Kye want's to be a robot and saw a Transformer costume and called it a robot. He really wanted it and it only cost $12.00.................sold! Kastan my gory little boy picked this black robe wearing skull face that has a pump to pump fake blood. Really I am totally missing out on the cute little princesses and Tinkerbells.

Money Suckers

2008-10-21T22:12:00.003-04:00

I would like to preface this with I wasn't always a cheapskate. I have turned into one with motherhood. My kids are killing the wallet. I am not talking about food, clothes, daycare or shelter expenses. I am talking about all these extra's that kids do these days.

Because I work fulltime at the crappiest place in the world I have to put Kye in fulltime daycare and Kastan goes to before and after school care. This is a pocket book killer but on top of that they offer a bunch of additional classes the kids can go to. Of course the first class is free so that they can tell you how much they love it and how good it would be for them to go and even how all the other kids in the class are doing it.

Well great lady that will be an excellent time for you to have one on one time with Kye! I am sure he will love that also.

Not only that the parties they want treats for, the fund raisers and even the pumpkin patch that came to them. Do you know how hard it is to come up with $6.00 on a Monday morning? I paid with 5 one dollar bills and 4 quaters for Kye to pick out the littlest pumpkin in the world.

Kastan has joined this bowling group that he goes to on Mondays. I was able to remember to give him a check for it. They take them directly from school and then you just pick them up at the bowling alley. What a sweet deal except the first day I forgot about it and realized 10 mins before I had to get him where he was. Whew, made it in time but I did feel like I should be awarded the bad Mommy award because I forgot my son.

I did get him in time though and asked him how he was and he said good but next time can I have 5 bucks, they have the best fries and I was starving. So yes I was that mom that sent her son with no moola. I felt like crap, I forgot him and also forgot he eats. There is always next week for improvement.

I am sure the little money sucker will not let me forget next week!

Birthday Plans

2008-10-18T12:39:00.002-04:00

I am so behind the power curve with Kastan's birthday. It is next Sunday and I haven't really made plans for it. I am bad about this inviting friends over thing. We are new to the neighborhood and haven't really made friends. We only have grandparents in the area so no cousins to invite. I have been known in the past to completely go out of my way and have huge birthday parties for him but now I am not to sure that bigger always means better. I don't knnow maybe just a couple of friends and then they can go to a movie and we will do cake and ice cream at the house.

As far as presents I have no clue what to get the kid. He has sooooo much stuff. I did buy a bunch of books because he is so into reading. I can't think of a big present he has a WII, a PSP and a Play Station 3 so I know it won't be a game system. I just don't know but I need to get on the ball, any suggestions???

Free Handbag Anyone???

2008-10-13T18:43:00.002-04:00

So every woman loves handbags right? So what woman wouldn't want a free one? Handbag Planet is giving away 24 handbags in 24 hours. You have to hurry though because it starts on the 15th of October, just click here to enter. Then you can invite friends, post a blog and other things to win more entries. So go visit them now in hopes of taking home a free hand bag!!!

Surprise Surprise

2008-10-13T11:01:00.002-04:00

HA HA ladies and Gentleman I have an announcement to make that might shock you...... Are you ready....... this is big......... I am...........starting a new diet. I am really over it, over it I say. I have started half ass exercising so I plan to kick that up a notch and then I am starting weight watchers tomorrow. I can't commit to the $$$$ so I am going to leach off my supervisor at work that is going to the meetings and buying all the books and tools. I went shopping for healthy food, I am taking my lunch to work and I am really using my spare hour in the evenings to exercise before I pick up the kiddos from daycare. I owe it to them and myself to be a better me.

I already know what your saying, you have heard this all before but really I feel good about this one. I feel ready to commit, I feel I have exhausted all of my excuses. Everything I complained about before like time, location and kids has fixed itself and offered the oppurtunity for me to get off my butt on into the gym.

I will post progress pictures as we go along so you guys can encourage me to keep up the good work because I am sure this time it will be something to comment on.

I Woke Up

2008-10-04T09:58:00.002-04:00

So the other day I was feeling a little achey and feverish at work. I decided to take the rest of the day off and sleep while the kiddos where at school. I slept, I mean I deep sleeped, completely knocked out and unaware there was a world around me.

My dear sweet Keith went to pick up the kiddos from school and even took them to eat. When they came home I had been sleeping for about 6 hours. Keith woke me up to say there was food, I wasn't hungry. That was the first indication I wasn't well, I never turn down food. In fact I think it is my personal obligation to totally destroy and conquer any food around me. When I went to sit up my head felt like it was going to explode and my throat felt like it was tightening up. I went to swallow and it hurt so bad I thought I might instantly pee my pants. I knew I had strep. I just had to wait until the morning to call the doctor for an appointment. That was really easy, I fell right back to sleep, in that deep deep sleep.

Luckily Keith was able to care for the kids because I never even thought of their welfare. I am scared to think of what he dressed them in for school, I am pretty sure he didn't comb Kye's hair and he went to school with puffy hair. Oh well, preschool teachers are used to these things when they see Dad dropping them off right?

I went to the doctors with this long list of aligments I was going to tell her about that included lower back pain around my kidney area, muscle spasms in my back, headache, sore throat, body aches. I got in her office and the nurse asked what was going on and all I could say with tears in my eyes is "I'm sick". She wanted to swab my throat and I had to forewarn her that it was gross in there. I just brushed my teeth but it was already not good and I was embarassed. I will spare you the details of what it looked like! She assured me this would be one of the better places she would have to look at through out the day. ZI still wasn't convinced but I wasn't up for the fight so I let her in.

It came back that I had strep and off they sent me with a prescription. I went to Wal-mart to fill it because here in this small town that is the best we have. When I dropped it off they told me it would be 45 mins. I was so disappointed, I mean it was one of those Z-Pack thingys that is already measured out. All they had to do was pick it off the shelf and hand it over. Ok there might be more to it but at that point I didn't want to give them any credit, I wanted to trhow my weak body on the floor and spin my self around kicking and screaming like Kye has taught me. That gets a reaction for him, granted it is not always good but I figured these people probably never saw a grown woman do it so they might fix my problem. Instead I went and sat on a bench and waited.

I got the prescription and went home and went back to sleep and slept and slept, until it was time to go to work on Friday. So now here I am operating at about 90% but I am awake after two complete days of sleeping!

I'm it!

2008-09-28T19:10:00.002-04:00

Well I am a little late on this because I have been slacking on this blog business but I have been tagged by Jen.

Here are the rules:
Link the person who tagged you
Mention the rules on your blog
Tell about 6 quirks of yours
Tag 6 fellow bloggers of yours to do the same
Leave a comment to let them know

Here is how it goes:
1. I have to set my alarm for a number that does not end in 5 or 0
2. I cry over everthing
3. I always side with the underdog
4. I don't like animals
5. I rub my toes together
6. I hate to be touched when I am sleeping

I am not going to tag anyone only because most of you have been tagged already!

Career Switch

2008-09-17T21:54:00.002-04:00

I am so tired of my job, first of all the agency I work for is so micromanaged. I mean completely overboard and annoying. We can not move furniture in our office around without getting permission, we are limited to a very regulated 30 min lunch breakin which we are required to hunt down a supervisor to tell them if we want to leave the building. We get monthly reviews in which our supervisor has to find at least one negative or the director won't accept them. So you bust your ass all month long and then you get a review with something stupid written on it. It totally brings down the moral, 90% of the time I don't even read them anymore. It is just wasted energy because then I get my panties in a bunch and have to rebuttle it, which really means nothing because utimately they don't care.

All that grumbling brings me to my point. I want a new job, I am really considering switching to teaching. I want to be a positive influence in little ones lives. I love watching the wheels turn on my boys when they are learning something and I think it would be rewarding to be a part of that in other childrens lives. I do hear teachers talk about how stressful it is so I know it isn't just a walk in the park with a great vacation schedule but I think I would be good at it and I would enjoy it.

Stay tuned to see what the ultimate decision is, until then I will be a bitter betty at work!

Randomness

2008-09-13T20:19:00.004-04:00

As you may have guessed looking around the place I am a huge Obama Supporter. I volunteer at the local campain office, I am a precinct captain for my voting district and I recently joined our local democratic committee. Last week we had a dinner to raise money. It was a really good time, my husband went along to so it was a great night without the kids. Here we are after a couple of beers to loosen up.

I really think that Keith and I need to make more of an effort to go on dates. It was so much fun just hanging out with him. We had good food, good conversation and a good time. I miss that.

In other news I went to the doctor to talk about coming off my happy pills. I think they are the cause for my ridiculous weight gain. Instead the doctor increased my dose. He was very concerned that I would just stop taking them and asked me to call him if I decided to do that. Really made me feel like I have a first class ticket on the wacky express. I am so over trying all these solutions for my issues. Maybe I really am just a grouchy, mean person and I just need to learn to adjust myself. I don't know it is just exhausting to constantly think about it and doubt your every decision. I guess I might need more help and I have to stay committed to making a better me. It just gets overwhelming at times that I can't deal with my life.

Wow that turned into a rather depressing little rant, sorry about that. Tomorrow I am meeting some friends at the beach so I will have sunshine and rainbow stories for you then!

School Days

2008-09-10T21:31:00.004-04:00

Kye and Mommy survived the first couple of days of school. It was pretty hard on Mommy seeing her baby go to school but I am not going to make this important time about me, Kye is the star here. He is doing really well because let's face it Kye is a Mama's Boy (which I love so much). He is fitting in well with his class though. He plays with the other kids and LOVES the projects. Everytime I pick him up he yells I got a present for you and grabs his projects out of his cubby.

The first day of school I had to go to work first and Keith dropped him off. I asked him to take pictures and this is all I got.

Here is a picture of Kastan on his first day of school, I don't think I really did a very good job either but well it is funner to point out Keith's attempts at photographing our kids lives.

Back In The Saddle

2008-09-07T18:42:00.002-04:00

Well I have been MIA lately and I really missed blogging. I have been so busy with so much stuff at home and I have been volunteering a lot for the local Campagin for Change office. Busy, busy girl I am.

Kastan started second grade this week. Man I am so proud of my son. He started a new school with such confidence it just made my heart swell. He didn't know anyone in his class but he walked right in like he owned the place. He even let me know that I didn't need to walk him in so I pulled up and he jumped right out ready to go. I pray he is always this confident and self assured. My little man is growing up!

Kye is starting preschool/daycare tomorrow. He has already told me he is not esiteded (excited) and he is not going to wisten (listen) to his teacher. So we will see how this big adventure goes tomorrow. He does like the fact that he gets his own backpack. So that is a step in the right direction................stay tuned!

Searching

2008-08-25T21:40:00.003-04:00

I admit I am easily entertained with my Feedjit tracker. I love to see where everyone is coming from and it gives my insecurity just a little hope that there is someone reading my ramblings. The one thing that kind of creeps me out though is the google searches that comes up.

One search was for nasty soccer moms. What a surprise they got when the nasty I was talking about was a litter box. Of course the link below me was about a soccer mom that takes it in two holes, why did Mcperv click on the link about litter boxes, even creepier.

Another kind of saddened me, it was I hate my mom. Of course I am sure I have complained enough on here and said the word hate so up I pop on the search. I mean to really hate your parents is just a sad situation and of course I imagined a whole horrible life for this little girl (how I know she is a tormented little girl is beyond me).

I must say though skinny bitches have more fun because every since I have post my OSB I have gotten a couple of skinny bitches searches come up. I guess more motivation to stick to my plan!!!

As I leave I remind you to please vote for Sarah V here. Remember everytime you vote your entered in a drawing for $1000 shopping spree, who can turn that down??? Thanks again for those who have voted and continue to support us!!

Gone Fishing

2008-08-23T21:30:00.003-04:00

So being the only girl in the house has benefits. One of them I exercised today. Keith was taking the boys fishing, something I will never have the desire to do. I got a free pass because fishing is a male bonding time in our family. Ha Ha I had the whole day to do whatever I want, with out kids, where ever I wanted. Guess what I choose to do.............. no I didn't shop.............no I didn't go to lunch ..... no I didn't watch a movie.............of course I didn't clean the house, I chose out of everything to take a NAP!! Seriously, what does this say about my life? I have to admit it was so nice and peaceful to just lay in silence and close my eyes without worrying about anyone else being asleep or not. Lovely, lovely I say!!!

I also wanted to add a couple of picture of Keith since I forgot to on this post So Here is my Pooh Bear

Operation Skinny Bitch

2008-08-22T14:29:00.004-04:00

For my journey to a more likeable body I have discovered this blog. There is also a button on my page for this! I think it is a great read and a good idea to have support for this journey. I also plan to start this push up program The good thing about that program is I can't make the excuse of not going to the gym because I have the kiddos. I can just do it in the comfort of my home and it doesn't take a lot of time. So no excuses on that one. Once we are moved into the house I will be able to start back to the gym on a regular basis. I am still sticking to the low carb diet so I feel I have a handle on the food aspect as long as I just get going on exercise operation skinny bitch will be a success!!

Testing 1, 2, 3

2008-08-21T23:37:00.003-04:00

Thanks toThis blog I think I might of learned to add a signature to my post. If all goes well it will be there when I press publish this post and even better it should show up everytime I post, how jazzy is that? I just learned my first lesson and that is to put some space in between or else it comes out a little weird looking!

One Crazy Ride

2008-08-21T21:10:00.003-04:00

My marriage has truly been one crazy ride, we have had so many ups and downs, good times and bad. My husband has seen me at my best and still loved me through my worst. Instead of making this a sappy lovey spill that no one is ever really impressed with I am going to keep it short and just list the ten things about Keith so you can know him better ad how he fits into stories I tell.

1. He love movies, all kinds but his least favorite is chick flicks

2. He loves to play video games

3. He likes to look good and takes a long time to get ready, I am talking girl long

4. He prefers to drive and really hate to ride as a passenger

5. He is very funny and likes to make jokes

6. He has a hard time rememberin names and often calls people by the wrong name

7. He thinks girls should not fart.............ever

8. He is great in bed

9. He loves rollercoasters and amusement parks

10. He is a great dancer

So there you have it just a little about my wonderful husband!

I'll do it

2008-08-20T20:31:00.002-04:00

How come I can not say no? I know I am over committing myself but I just keep agreeing to do things. I am voluntering as a Precinct Captain for our local field office for the Campaign for Change, this is something I really care about. It is a lot of work that I didn't realize but it is fun stuff that I like doing. I am also the treasurer for a local grass root type organization for local supporters of Obama. The lady in charge is so sporadic an unorganizied and it drives me crazy. I want to tell her to go away and come back once she has it together but noooo I don't. She asks me if I could do something and I jump right in there and say no problem. During a meeting they ask about veterans and of course I jump right in there to offer support. I didn't really commit to much more than trying to find people to help so I spoke to my husband who is also a veteran and he agreed to help. I am the same way at work and keep taking on more than my share. It would be fine if everyone had the attitude to do all they can there but instead there are a bunch of lazy's that sit back while people like me do way more work. I guess I will learn my lesson one day until then I will just be stretched thinly!

Oh yeah did you go here to vote for Sarah V today?

Annoying

2008-08-19T21:41:00.002-04:00

Ok I know that it can be very annoying when people solicited votes for online contest. I do pretty much always vote when someone asks so now is my turn to ask. My really great friend Sandy's daughter Sarah V.entered a back to school photo contest. Sarah is a great girl, a really refreshing teenager. If she wins she gets a $250.00 shopping spree and also a chance for her picture to be used in the add for the mall. The good thing is if you vote for Sarah V you are entered in a drawing for a $1000.00 shopping spree. Don't forget how fun online shopping can be. You can vote once a day up until September 1st here so please please please go vote for Sarah V

Big Daddy

2008-08-18T21:34:00.003-04:00

Do you guys remember this movie? I really love that movie and Kye and I had to reenact a scene from it. On Sunday we were waiting for Keith to get out of a movie and had about 30 mins to spare so the only thing still opened in the shopping center was a Family Dollar. As you can see it is not a high class shopping place and the workers seemed to be disgruntle. When we get inside Kye yells "I got to go pee". He is still pretty newly trained on the potty so when he says this I jump into action. We run up to one of the previously mentioned workers and I ask if he can use the restroom. The said worker grunts a little, looks up from her push broom and says "no public restroom" and immediately returns to sweeping. So I said in my most pleasant voice "oh no problem, thank you anyway". I then look at Kye and said "Come on Baby Boy let's go pee on their sidewalk". We proceeded outside and behind a pillar Kye relieved himself. He was so funny and thought it was the coolest thing. I had him do the three shake limit and we proudly walked back in to continue our shopping.

Brotherly Love

2008-08-17T21:51:00.007-04:00

When I got pregnant with Kastan I really didn't know what I was in store for. I was blessed with a beautiful baby boy that was the most laid back, loving boy. Even though he was a dream child I was miserable the first 3 months. We lived in Hawaii away from any family and were truely on our own with this precious little boy. The precious little boy did not sleep more than two hour spurts but I was determined to be the best mom ever so I struggled through it. I refused to show weakness to anyone, after all the stories you ever hear are these wonderful tales of instant bonding and undying love a mother has. I felt like I missed the boat on that one. I mean I did think he was the cutest baby ever but other than that he was so much work, not to mention the wear and tear on my body. I felt guilty for thinking it but I did dream of my before baby life, the one where I could sleep when ever I wanted. I remember the first night in the hospital I looked down at Kastan and said you are going to have to be a good baby because I am not a very good Mommy. We all made it through those horrible first 3 months and he has lived up to every word of my first night request! He is such a smart, caring and compassionate little boy, our family was complete. I didn't want another baby, didn't think I could handle another espically the newborn stage. I did get pregnant again with a surprise when my husband got back from overseas. I just didn't know what to feel, I mean it wasn't something we planned or even struggled for. I felt so guilty for Kastan, he was the center of our world, we did everything for just him. I was scared for myself and those dreadful beginnings. I knew there was no turning back but I didn't know how to handle it. When we told Kastan we were having another baby he didn't want it and it just made me want to scoop him up in my arms and keep his world all the same. Then Kye came into our world, he was my firecracker from the start. Kastan came to the hospital to meet Kye and he walked in and said that is my brother and the pride I saw in his face I knew everything was going to be alright in our family. Their bond was instant, Kastan was a great big brother from day one. He sacrificed having Mommy and Daddy all to himself without ever complaining. He loved to jump in and help with anything that he could. They are each others buddies. Listening to their conversations just melts my heart, watching them take care of each other reassures me I did the right thing. Knowing that they will always have each other comforts me. Don't get me wrong Kastan does big brother him sometimes like this morning when he told him to drink the soapy bath water but that is made up for when Kye crawls on the couch and out of the blue gives Kastan a kiss. Their relationship is natural and has completed our family!

Small Town Life

2008-08-16T21:49:00.002-04:00

I grew up in a city, not a huge one like New York or LA but a pretty good size one. I always kind of looked down on small towns as boring and lame. I joined the military and traveled around a lot and have finally settled down in a small town, I am talking population 37,000. There are things about it that really get on my nerves such as taking 30 mins to get to a grocery store and also the lack of options for shopping. Today though I realized that there are actually alot of things I like. People are so much nicer and speak to you all the time. There is a total sense of community and family. It is small enough that you will pretty much see someone you know when your out. This weekend is the county fair. I am not big on the hanging out with the carnies but I did volunter to work at the ticket booth and it was a good time. Tomorrow I will take the boys and post pictures of our fun times!