Speedin' in December faster than a Jet Plane

It feels like it was just Halloween, I blinked and Thanskgiving Day I was looking for the day after shopping deals, and here we are days before Christmas.
Last weekend was packed. We had practice for the Christmas program at church Saturday morning with lunch followed, then home for a nap and Speed Gonzolis house cleaning for the Christmas Party with Brian's family. (Why does it seem you never have enough room, and the house isn't good enough?) We managed, and survived. It was nice, and cozy. Sunday morning we woke to rush around to get ready for the church program, then home for a quick bite and nap, then off to Dad's work for the Christmas Party, then home for a quick dinner then off for another Christmas party. Whew! (We have more this weekend!)
Monday I helped at Flora List school with the Santa Shop. It was fun, and funny. I had one kid that had the wrong list and I was trying to tell him he only had 5 people on his list and $5, he told me he had 9 and $9. Finally I asked what his mom's name was, it didn't match the list. Then to finish his shopping he insisted he get his sister a cat toy. I tried to put it back and have him get something else, but he said his sister and him love cats. Hopefully they have one.
Tuesday was a day of shopping so I can make several dishes including: Spinach dip in bread bowls, White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate-Peanut Butter Mallow Bars, Green bean casserole, P B Cookies, Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, and muffins. We have two Christmas parties this weekend along with it's my turn to bring snack at church, (this means I make and bake "goodies" for everyone at church).
This is Ben's last day of school before Christmas break, so tomorrow I am going to put him to work in the kitchen.
Brian will soon have a couple of weeks off work, so hopefully we will get some house projects done. I am aiming for kitchen cupboards. I am embarrassed to admit, we do not have any cupboard doors on our top cupboards, and we can't afford to replace them so we are going to make cupboards. I will try to post before and after pictures.
Okay, if you've followed this far thank you so much. I need some advice.
We have a small house and "our" house. Our small house is currently being rented, which pretty much pays the house payment. I would love to sell it and be done, one less stress to worry about. My question is what is the name of a good realtor to list with? Or if there is a "bad" one please let me know of those too.
Thank you in advance.

Kids Say the Darnest Things

Ben and I were watching a tv show the other night and he saw the Call Sam commercial. I've seen it a million times, so I wasn't listening.
Then the next commercial came on and Ben said, "Mom look at that we can call 1-800-Call-Sam and he will give me a $1000. He gets kids 1000's of dollars."
Great now my child thinks we can call a lawyer for no reason and get money. I tried to explain you had to be hurt, but I am sure the next time he falls down or gets a scrap he'll be crying 1-800-Call-Sam.
What have your kids "picked up"?

Cookin' in the Kitchen, Again

Monday was the big shopping day for the big cook day on Wednesday.
We shopped at Walmart, where they miss marked a whole bunch of hamburger, 5 pounds for $4.42! I grabbed 25 pounds, we eat a lot of hamburger; and you can't beat that price.
So Wendesday this is what I cooked:
2 Lasagnas
2 Kraft Layered Bakes
2 Ham & Rice Soups
2 Chilis
2 (batches) No Bake Cookies
12 Calzones
2 Tator Tot Casseroles
2 Sloppy Joes
24 Breakfast Burritos
12 Breakfast Sandwhiches (Sausage, Egg, McMuffins)
Not to mention I helped Kellie (my sister-in-law) make these:
4 (batches) No Bake Cookies
2 Sloppy Joes
12 Calzones
3 (batches) meatballs
1 Salisbury Steak
2 Chili
2 Tator Tot Casserole
2 Scalloped Potatoes & ham
2 Broccoli-Ham Bake
24 Breakfast Burritos
12 Breakfast Sandwhiches

I am hoping this will get us through until December.
Plus, Meijer has Green Giant Steamers (frozen veggies) on sale for 89 cents, and I have been buying coupons for $1 off 1, so this is a money maker. We will be stocked!

I fired the stove back up last night to make peanut butter cookies with Hershey kisses and Banana Bread.

Making Out like a Bandit

Today was a special program going on at the Jackson Crossing.
The deal started at 11:00. If you bring in 20 pounds of non-parishable food they will give you a $25 gift certificate. My sister called me (while we were at mom's garage sale) and I piled up 20 pounds and came in. Bingo, $25 gift certificate. I asked if it was limit one, they said "no".
So I ran over to Aldi's and bought 50 pounds. Bingo, another $50 in certificates.
That wasn't enough, Black Friday is coming up and I need to finished my Christmas shopping so I ran to Target for a couple more items (okay two big packs of water and carried them from Target to just past the coffee shop) almost 60 pounds.
So I now have $125 in gift certificates to Jackson Crossing, and I spent under $20!
I wondered how we were going to have enough money for this Christmas season, but I know better than to question the power of God. He will provide.
How has God provided for you lately?

Chop, Chop

Before

Tis' the season for a haircut.

A chop here and a chop there and this is the result.

After

I need some ideas for hair products to use to give it volume on top.

I haven't had my hair this short since high school.

Pigtails and Puppies

When I can get Annie to hold still I love to get pigtails in her. Then the real challange begins, will she keep them in or pull them out?

I caught her, sucking her thumb with pigtails in and playin' with Petie.

Haloween Costumes

Here's a quick picture of the kids in one of the many Haloween costumes.
I think they had three different events where they dressed at three different costumes.

Mama's Boy Growing Up

I attended the first conference for Ben and the reports are great. He is barely 1/2 way though the school year and can count to 100, and is reading great. The teacher said if he keeps it up they will move him into the 1st grade classroom for reading time. Maybe he will become a Rocket Scientist.

Today I tried a new recipe for cookies, okay it was a cheating recipe and super easy:
1 package of Raspberry Jiffy Muffin Mix
1 package of Instant Vanilla Pudding
2 Tablespoons of oats
1 Tablespoon of butter/margarine
1 egg

Mix the first 4 ingredients until crumbly then add egg and stir until completly combined.
Roll mix into balls and bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes.
This will make approximately 12 cookies, just enough for a quick bite.

Accomplishments

We are here, and keeping busy.
Yesterday we started the day off buy selling some of our Halloween Candy to Dr. Watterson so he can mail it to the troops. Then we headed off to 3 grocery stores for groceries and all with two kids. They were great. On the way home we stopped at two different McDonalds so the kids could each get apple dippers and hamburgers. (We had the trick or treat coupons for free items and they were both on the way home.)
After we got Ben on the bus I started to cook. Here's what I made for our freezer stock.
3 Meatloaves
3 family sized meatballs
2 Scallopped Potatoes and Ham
2 Broccoli and Ham Casserole
Sloppy Joes
Poorman's Casserole
Salisbury Steak
Homemade Calzones
Breakfast Casserole
This morning we took it easy, but this afternoon Anna and I got out to run 5 more places. She was great and we also made it to the voting poles. I was in and out in 5 minutes, no line no wait. I am a little embarrassed to admit I am 26 and have never voted before.
We got home and I started cooking again. So far we have 4 dozen no bake cookies and fresh homemade apple pie cooking. I need to make more calzones (these are similar to hot pockets). You make 'em, bake 'em, and freeze 'em. When you are ready to eat just heat. So easy.
Did you vote? They say this election will go down in history, will you be part of history?

Annie's Birthday

Yesterday, Thursday, was Anna's 2nd birthday. We didn't do a whole lot, but this is what she did do:
Wake up and eat a chocolate donut for breakfast.
Followed by a bubble bath (she loves baths, if giving the opportunity she take 'em 3 times a day)
After getting dressed she watched Wiggles and ate popcorn.
Gramma came over (her favorite)
We traveled to Bob Evans and Roly Poly for lunch.
Gramma played while mommy had an interview at Polly's.
Mommy came home and took me to Rite Aid where we got a Barbie.
Home for a nap, whew!
After nap, daddy came home with a birthday hug.
We unwrapped presents.
Ate pizza, cottage cheese, and chips and dip (all favorites) for dinner.
Play time with new presents.
Ice Cream from TCBY.
Love, hugs, giggles, and quality time with mom and dad.
Night-night.

What more could a 2 year old want?

Fall is Here

Wow I woke this morning to find our back yard covered in leaves. The cooler weather has been nice, and the fresh fallen leaves that are changing colors remind us that children dressed in costumes running with bags of candy will soon fill the night. My son remarked today at the lunch table, "Mom! look at all the leaves on the ground, fall is here!" To take the time to enjoy the fresh fallens leaves is something a child has no problem doing, but as adults we tend to notice the down side of raking and working. My suggestion to you is enjoy the leaves they only fall once a year and before long you will be shoveling snow.
What is your favorite season, and why?

Christmas is coming, and Ben is talking

Lately I have been exercising and walking, this is very un-normal. This "baby-fat" needs to drop off. I know with Halloween is a couple weeks away, then Thanksgiving is less then a month after that, then Christmas after that. Whew! For halloween I try to help the kids eat there candy, then at Thanksgiving and Christmas you have to endulge in all those yummy treats, and try every new dish.
Anywho, I was walking the block for the 2nd time yesterday enjoying the weather and waiting for the bus. Ben hopped off and quickly told me he doesn't have school tomorrow, Friday. I tried to ask him why, but he kept talking about how Mrs. B had a meeting that was going to be fun; and on and on he went. I came home checked all the paperwork nothing said he didn't have school tomorrow. No notes, nothing on the school calander. So I called the school (4:15), no answer, so I left a message. Ben opened his bookbag and inside was his red folder; they only bring the folders home on Folder Friday. What the heck? So I proceeded to try to call one of Ben's classmates, couldn't find the phone number. I called my sister-in-law, she has a Kindergardener (different class), and she was going on a Field Trip. No help there. So I figured I would call the school in the morning. The school called last night and told me Ben does have school and they don't know where he got the message that he didn't have school. I have to giggle, because he was so sure and had a great story to back it. My only guess, is that Mrs. B has a meeting today, and they are going to have a sub teacher. We'll see.

What are your kids telling you?

American 1 Fall Expo for Women

The four of us girls (mom, Erica, Cindy, and I) went to the Expo together Saturday. We arrived early (about 9:30; the Expo didn't open until 10), but the line was long. I do believe it is the bigget Expo they have had. It was fun, eating free samples, getting free items, and running around laughing, giggling and having fun without the kids. Don't get me wrong I love my kids, but I need some time away and being a stay at home mom is hard to get away.
While I was there I ran into several people. Carrie, from high school (oh my gosh, that was.... a while ago). We chatted for a while, it's so good to catch up with her. I saw Jennifer, she works with my mom, and her son is in class with Ben. Everyday Ben tells me he played with Conner (Jennifer's son).
My mom introduced me to our old (when we were really little) babysitters mom. Small world.
I ran into an old girl scout's mother. (Molly Hurst)
My brother-in-law's girlfriend (Julie)
My eye doctor (of course she was running a booth, but she still took time to tell us a story).
Andy from Rivertree (if anyone is looking for a church I highly recommend Rivertree)

Needless to say we had lots of fun and my "carriage" turned back into a pumpkin at lunch time.

How often do you get out for "You time"?

Today was a Bad Day, or Was It?

Why today was a bad day for me
- Money is very tight for our family, and will continue to be for the rest of the month.
- Anna has another ear infection. This means another doctor visit and more medication.
- Ben colored on the couch with red marker (Thank you Lord for washable markers)
- A bottle of soap I bought today leaked all over, and I didn’t know until I got home.
- My cellphone didn’t hang up on a phone call until I noticed it almost 3 hours later.
- I forgot my coupons at home, so there was a second trip to the store.
- Brian was late coming home from work, and I didn’t know about it.
- Brian didn’t get the job, we were praying for.
- Gas is $3.59/gal and I need some, so does Brian.
- A speech therapist called about Ben today (I need to call back)

The greener side?
- I ate some break and bake cookies, and I am not going to feel guilty
- My Mountain Dew at lunch was great
- My shower was hot
- I found Lunchables (drink and lunch) for $1.00 and had a coupon $1.00 off 3
- A few more Christmas presents purchased
- The laughter of two children wrestling with mommy
- The love and strong hold of my husband

Creative Shopping for Christmas

Money is really tight this year and I have been trying to do some Christmas shopping as sale and clearances arrive.
Here are some of my findings:
Brand New with tags Gap Men's Jeans $1.50 (garage sale)
Brand New with tags Levi's Men's Jeans $1.50 (garage sale)
Magic 8 Ball $1.62 (Kroger)
Hello Kitty Items 25 cents each (Target)
Travel Battle Ship Express $2.74 (Target)
Old Navy new with tag purse 50 cents (garage sale)
New Home Essentials 2 wick jar candle $1.00 (garage sale)
Nintendo DS with Mario Kart game $50 (garage sale)
Ben really wanted one and I thought we couldn't afford one this Christmas
Jane facial products gift set 50 cents (garage sale)
Aromatherapy Cucmber mint Candle gift set $1.00 (garage sale)

I think I am doing okay, it's exciting getting all these deals; while accomplishing what seemed like the impossible.

The problem?
I am not sure what to get my 2 year old daughter for Christmas. Any suggestions?

God Always Has a Plan

We always think we know best. And when our plans blow-up in our face we ask God "Why?"
The last few days I have been shown several different times that God Always Has a Plan.
Today, we were eating lunch and I kept telling Ben faster, faster, we're going to miss the bus. He has a zip up hooded sleeveless sweatershirt with nothing underneath, and shorts. I thought it was too cold for today, therefore we still needed to change him before catching the bus.
I changed him, grabbed Anna and shoes and applied them while running to the bus stop.
Who knows what happened, but we waited for 5 minutes and no bus. So I wrote it off as a "missed bus".
We walked back to the house where Ben shut the front door, and locked us out. Great! I searched the garage for a hide-a-key (which seems to be hidden from me a lot). I eyes were welling with tears, me blood was starting to boil, and stress was rising. After searching for what felt like hours I found a key. Which door.... who cares as long as it works. BINGO, I was in.
I grabbed my purse and off we were to the school.
We arrived before all the busses (of course), and waited in the office (I was told we had too.) I heard a dog bark and me being nosy leaned over and saw Mrs. McAlpine (the principal) brings her cocker spaniel to work everyday. He was so cute, he is almost 1 year old. Petting this cute, soft puppy helped relief some stress. Soon after the teacher picked up Ben and Anna and mom were off.
I decided to stop at the week old garage sale down the road from the school and found a Nintendo DS for Ben. I purchased the system with house charger, car charger, and a game for $50. What a steal. It's a Christmas present, hopefully I can wait.
So today God has shown me that he has a plan and let me tell you his plan is much better than ours!!

Motherhood is worth a Million

A quick posting....
This morning I heard Ben get out of bed and go into Anna's room. My bed is lined up just right I looked through the door and saw Ben sitting in her rocking chair with a book on his lap reading to his almost 2 year old sister who was listening. Remind you, both of the just woke up and neither were paid to do this.
This was a moment where motherhood is worth a million.

Now I can laugh about Saturday's mis-haps; Anna pouring red kool-aid all over the kitchen floor and Ben powdering everything in the bathroom. I was nearly in tears, but not like the tears that came this morning where reading time was enjoyable.

Wipe those tears, and kiss him good-bye

My heart was breaking as I put my 5 year old son on the big yellow school bus. I know he is growing up, but this is a major milestone in life. Starting school. This is the beginning of a 13 (or longer) journey of life. He proudly climbed on the school bus without looking back to his gramma, sister, and mother. Was it hard? No, I was heading to the school to take a picture of him getting off the bus. (Don't make faces, I wasn't the only parent.) He was happy to see me, but still on a mission to get to his class. He has no fears, no questions; just lots of excitement.


When ask what he did at school the 1st day; "I ate sports cookies, they're going to help me play sports better." What a hoot. He already likes his teacher, as he gave her a great big hug on Open House night. I know he'll do great in school, but part of me misses him. Althought I am excited because he is.


I can't wait to help as a Room Mom, Field Trips, Snacks, Box Tops, Santas Workshop, Popcorn Nights, Family Nights, and all those other boxes I checked. he he





How do you feel about you kids going to school? (For some it maybe something already happening, for others a though for years to come)

School is starting, What shall I do?

School is starting and now it is just Anna and mom.
After having 4 kids all summer now I am down to one.
Ben is only going to school 1/2 day, everyday. So there goes the idea of getting a job. The main reason I stay home now it because we can't afford daycare for two kids. The school district decided to put Ben in 1/2 day, even though my request was for full-day. (What do I know I am just his mother, and they just meet him.)

So I am looking for ideas of ways I can make money while having Ben in school and Anna at home. Any input is greatly appreciated.

The Week in Review

We've been keeping busy this week. I just realized that school is starting soon, very soon.

So this week we kept busy with the kids. This is what our adgenda looked like:

Monday: Ran errons

Tuesday: Movies and snack day, visit to Great Gramma, and then to Gramma's work for a hello

Wednesday: Kids 'n' Stuff trip with a picinic

Thursday: Friends day with my cousins and Horton Hears a Who at the Movies (complete with candy, popcorn, and pop)

Friday: Gramma play day, while "school shopping" in here basement. They came home with bags including school clothes and supplies.

Whew! No wonder we slept in today.

The events for next week are trapped inside my crystal ball and will be revieled later.

What are your plans, goals, or trips before school starts?

Surgery was a Success!

Yesterday I found Anna's favorite baby doll hidden in Ben's closet in 4 pieces. Two arms, one head, and one body with feet attached. I discovered the truth that Ben and Kalie were having fun ripping Anna's doll apart, and then felt guilty so they hid it. I was brain storming last night, I always do while try to fall asleep, and decided I would try to hot glue her together. So far surgery was a success! Anna is a smiling happy little girl again, and Ben and Kalie are grounded.

What do you do with a child' broken toy? Fix it, replace it, or deal with it.

BEFORE

AFTER

Embarrassed

Okay, I am a little embarrassed to post the 1st picture. It is a picture of the left side of our house, but this gives you some idea of what the front of the house looked like before our landscaping (if you want to call it that). The 2nd picture is the right side (between the garage and the steps). We have a very big overhang off the house, so plants will not get much light or rain water, so we have to be creative.

What kind of plants/flower do you have that require low up keep?

(I have two little ones, and gardening is not my major.)

My Room

Okay I have been working on a couple of things. I wanted some sitting chairs for my room downstairs. I managed to find two matching ones without a price tag at St. Vincent De Paul. So I asked and the gentleman said he would sell them as a set for $5.00. Yeah! This was late last month and I made a trip to JoAnns and purchased material and painted them. They have been finished I just had to upload the pictures. So you will see the before and after, and a picture of part of my room downstairs. (Remember, we are a family of 4 on a very tight budget living in a repossed home.)

It's coming along

Here is a picture of my new IKEA black leather sofa. I am so excited. We checked some prices of leather sofas and wow! I didn't think it would be possible. I found this one on craigslist for $150. I am excited because it is not only leather, but IKEA too. We have an IKEA loveseat with a black cover, two black leather recliners, and my zebra print chairs. Now I have to finish painting the main room, it's in the basement and it's being painted baby blanket blue. I would take a picture, but I am embarrassed of how it looks. We are planning on having a garage sale this weekend, so hopefully I can earn enough money so I can go to IKEA and purchase accessories for this room.

If you had a choice on furniture what would you get? (Colors, styles, and items.)

Anna's Nap

At church yesterday my sweet little Anna was being rocked in morning nursery and asked to get down. She proceeded to walk over to the beds, crawl in, and go to sleep. She doesn't take naps until after lunch and she doesn't usually ask (she has a couple times).
After church we went to mom and dads for the auction of my grandfathers "stuff". I played with her outside for an hour and then tried to lay her back down. Not a peep, I figured she wasn't feeling good if she was sleeping again.
Two hours later I leaned my ear againist the door and no sound. I didn't want to touch the door knob, that usually wakes her up and I didn't want to wake her if she wasn't feeling good. So I let her sleep.
Mom checked on her an hour later. Still sleeping.
I checked about an hour after that, but I had to open the door to check on her. She was still asleep, but her bare buns were hanging out and the smell of "number 2" filled my nostrials. She pooped, took the diaper off, plopped it on the floor, ripped some wall border off, tried to get comfortable and went to bed.
Eventually Ben went in the bedroom and woke Anna up, of course it was while I was eating dinner. So I pushed my plate up (told it I would be back), grabbed Anna and proceeded with a bath. She felt like she may be warm, but the therometer didn't think so. She still went to bed great last night, and is doing fine this morning.

Have your kids ever picked off wall paper or wall border?
Have your kids tried to change there own diaper?
Do you kids love the feeling of fresh air?

Words of Wisdom

As parents we always here funny things, and lots of those things come from our children. Over the weekend Ben was talking to me and here are some of the things he said:
"Mom why does Subway stretch out there bread?"
"Dad could you please turn the freezer off?" (Air conditioning)
"Mom I like you" (A grin appeared 3 miles long)
"Mom I like you forever and always" (I eyes filled with tears)

What are somethings your children have said?
Include the funny, the embarrassing, and the tearful.

The Day from Heck

The morning started off with me calling Kroger (1-800-Kroger) to find out who's keys we've had. Ben told me he found them in the road, and behind the chair, liar! They told me they couldn't tell me an address, but they could tell me a name. Roger Bonney, the pianist at church. We went to their house on Sunday for dinner and as a thank you my son swiped their keys. Oh way I mad, he just had the talk about stealing things on Monday because he opened and ate a tootsie roll at Meijer in the bulk department.
Shake it off, live and learn.
Ben and Kalie are playing in the basement and I went down to check on them and do some laundry. Surprise they are being super quiet... come to find out they have the hamsters out. Now the blood is starting to boil.... last time they had the hamsters out the let them loose in the basement.
I sat them on seperate couches in time out and proceeded to finish cleaning the kitchen which included mopping. When the time-out was over, they were excused and could go and clean Ben's room. Within two minutes Kalie (my niece) was asking for a drink. I told her the kitchen was wet and she could wait 5 minutes or go and get a drink from the bathroom with her hands. She didn't like that idea, so she told Ben. He came blasting down the hall like a cheetah on crack into the kitchen and; smack fell on his butt. This didn't slow him down he grabbed a straw. I told him no, but he has his mother earplugs in (the ones where you don't listen to anything your mother says). I grasped the straw from his 5 year old hands and threw it in the garbage and said "You may use your hands." The water was running for 2 minutes straight and I walked down the hallway as Kalie heard me she ran into the bedroom. Ben was frooze like a deer caught in headlights while pouring baby powder down the sink. (My blood must have reached a new high). A swat on the rear end and back to time-out.
Shortly afterward getting out of time-out Aunt Cindy was here to pick-up Kalie. As normal the kids hid. We found them and they blasted past us and both ran to the van with Ben's bags packed and ready to spend the night. I told him "no" and they both ran back inside to hide, or so we thought. I told Cindy I heard the basement door, I checked the basement and they had run through the basement around the house and back to the van. Finally got Ben in the house and told him he wasn't staying the night. he was bummed.
A little while later I noticed Kalie's medicine was here, so I called Cindy's cellphone and someone picked up and dialed 100 # on the keypad. I said, "hello? hello?" Finally someone said "hello". I assumed it was Kalie, I asked for her mom. The reply said, "My mom is sleeping". What the heck? Then I noticed a snicker coming from Ben's bedroom. My son! Click, the phone hung up. I ran into his room and he said "Anna had it!" Okay, I am believing this... Cindy walked in with her cellphone, set it down, Anna picked it up, and Ben took it for Anna.
I attacked Brian, when he got home, and asked if I could go out for an hour of stress free air. I arrived at Kohl's and purchased a cute dress for more than 90% off (maybe I'll snap a picture later), and Mt. Dew and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. My night went much better.

Daddy

We took the day today and spent some good time with the kids. Okay, actually we took them to the garage place, then to Sandy's for topsoil. After round two to Sandy's for mulch, Anna was down for a nap, and Ben was happy to help swinging the hoe all around. Thankfully no one got hurt. We managed to mulch the front area between the driveway and the steps (I'll post pictures later). It looks so much better than that rocky soil with over gown weeds bigger than trees. (Oh it was horrible!)
Brian asked Ben the other day what he wanted to do on Saturday. Ben said he wanted to go bowling. So daddy and Ben are spending some time together. How often does daddy spend one on one, or quality time with your kids?

Remodeling or Redecorating?

The pictures you see are the before and after of the chairs I have. I started with 4 of the chairs on the left, and now have two chairs on the left (upstairs) and two chair on the right (downstairs). The basement is slowly (very slowly) coming along. I have the paint, just not the time to paint it, or should I say the time to move the furniture and paint it all at once.
I believe house projects require three things: time, energy, and money. Very rearly do these all happen at once, or when you think you have enough; you don't.
What house project are you working on/would like to work on?

What's in your Laundry?

I was doing laundry yesterday and while removing my son's clothing from the washing machine I found lots of surprises including; a pinecone, stick, giant rock, and money. Not to mention what I pulled out of his pockets before the wash. The bad news is that I was folding his clothes this morning and found a giant rock still in his pocket, this rock must have been 3 pounds and 5 inches long. I wonder if he walked lop-sided?
As the laundrier of this family I find lots of odds and ends in the washing machine/dryer. I have found white gloves (from Brian's work), mustard packets, ketchup packets, gum, gum wrappers, money (it's never much), rocks, and salt packets.
What have you found?
Join in and leave a comment; that way I don't feel alone in the laundry world.

Birthday

Tomorrow is my birthday. My husband asked a couple of nights ago what I wanted for my birthday, I paused and never gave an answer. I wasn't sure, but I wanted to think and make sure what I said was what I really wanted. Plus the fact that we have Vacation Bible School every night this week so going out on date is what we did last Friday.
I decided I want to go to IKEA (Yes, Nicole it's all your fault). I have the catalog with tons of stuff marked and have always wanted to go, but never had the money. So here is my plan (I am such a planner, it drives me nuts). Next month, when life has slowed down, I plan to have a garage sale and the money I make from the garage sale will make a trip to IKEA and be deposited into their cash register. My husbands famous words "What do you need?" My response, "Nothing, but I am coming home with lots." Of course I will take friends and we will make it a womens day out including some coffee and laughs. I can't wait, planning it now will help me get through until it happens.
Do you buy just what you need, or what you want?
Have you been to IKEA?
(Oh yeah, Nicole I am dying to see your project.)

Men and Their Toys

Do you have a man? Does he have his toys?
My husband just added another to the collection; a motorcycle. His reasoning, "It's going to save us money in gas." Only time will tell if that is true.
Why are womens toys less expensive than mens (okay maybe sometimes, not all the time) and how do you make it even? Please tell me I am not alone about this situation.

The Return of the Hamster

When is enough enough? If you haven't read; Tuesday June 24th, my son and the hamsters, start with that posting first, then continue with this.....
Wednesday I had 6 kids running around the house, and they found the hamsters. I told them not to play with them, but they are kids. One of them, I can't pin point which one, was playing with the hamster and when they were done didn't put it in the cage, instead they let it loose in the basement. I didn't notice until Friday morning, I was mad. I was on a wild hamster hunt, was it dead or alive? After looking for a couple hours I set out food and went on with my day. I check the "stash" that night, some food was gone but no luck seeing the hamster. (Some relief knowing the hamster was alive.)
Last night, Saturday, around 11 I was hunting with a flashlight in the dark basement for the hamster, and there she was sitting in the corner under a folding chair staring at me. She didn't flinch or jump or move when I picked her up. The other hamster was delighted to see her and she jump right into her hamster wheel and ran. I thought she was happy to be home. Today I was getting ready to clean the cage and I noticed there was only one hamster, gosh dang it! I don't know how she got out, and Ben wasn't downstairs since I found her. Does she not like her cage? How is she getting out? Is this weird? Please leave any comments to help.
Thanks in advance.

A Flower Among the Weeds

Have you ever had a day that nothing was going your way? Have you ever felt nothing was right, well I was having a "ruff" day today. While washing my hands at the kitchen sink I looked outback and among our weeds there was this beautiful orange flower. Our yard has lots of weeds (our house has lots of projects) and we plan on fixing it, but we are so overwhelmed with life. Someday we will landscape the hills by the walkout, but for today I will enjoy my orange flower.

My challange for you today is to find the orange flower growing in your weeds, and if you're brave leave it in the comments. It's nice to hear something good.

My Goal

I have mentally remodeled the family room (in the basement). Now I am looking for my ideas;, black tv stand, black leather couch and loveseat. We have two black leather recliners, a couple sitting chairs and some small tables. I want to paint the room a baby blue color, with black furniture and accent with zebra prints. I was thinking of making a bistro-like setting in one spot. I have the chairs and a table that will work, but I want to paint and reupholster them. I have the idea in my head, but found the picture below on the internet. Looks like someone else had my thoughts too. What do you think? The chairs I have I want to paint black, and reupholster the seat/butt part in zebra print material. I am excited, now I just have to kick my buns in gear and do it.

Crazy Weekend

Saturday was spend helping getting grampas "items" packed and moved from Adrian to Jackson, then to the right houses. The kids went with us, and they were really good. Anna loved the rain puddles; she thinks they're miniture pools. Ben was off in his own little world riding his two wheeler; he is doing great.
Sunday was busy with church and a pool party after church. The kids loved the pool, Ben was second to last out of the pool. We had a giant sub from Walmart; very good, I recommend it. It was a nice day, not to hot, just a little breeze and sunny. Both kids fell asleep on the way home, it was a nice when we got home. I was on a whim; I cleaned the kitchen, really good. Here we are one day later and it just doesn't stay that way.

The Return of the Car

It's been a crazy weekend, but to finish off the car story from Friday.
The Grand Prix was returned just over 2 hours after it left our driveway. I wondered if someone didn't have any gas, and just wanted to "test drive" my car so they could run there errons. They made a low ball offer, I just about crapped my pants, I told them my lowest price and they tried to low ball it again. I told them my lowest price, told them I would have the other lady come and test drive it that night, and call the other gentleman back that test drove it that morning and if it was still there I might consider their offer, and I turned and walked into the house. Within a few minutes they were knocking at the door with cash in there hand. After I signed the title and watched the car drive away, I wondered could I have gotten more, should I have talked figures with the gentleman from the morning, and should I have waited until the lady from Adrian test drove it? Too late now, it's done and it's sold.
(I still have no idea where they took it for 2 hours.)

Test Driving?

Let's do an interactive posting about Test Driving:

If you test drive a vehicle, how long (time wise) do you test drive it for?

I have a couple of people that have test drove the Grand Prix today, and wow they must be going to Lansing and back. It's out right now, and it's been almost an hour. Hopefully it comes back. That would be my luck; it wouldn't.

Picking up the Pieces

Yesterday was the funeral for grampa, I cried and cried, and cried even more. We went to the burial sight where I could cover my eyes with my giant sunglasses, but that didn't stop the tears. And the hugging of close family members doesn't help the tears stop. It was said to be at his house without him, and knowing this is the last time we will be there, they plan on selling it.
I know life will go on, but a piece of my love with stay with him always.

We arrived home last night, after the funeral and family gathering, to reclaim our children. They were as wild as could be, that's normal when we arrive home. Ben some how got in trouble with dad, and Ben said dad broke his foot. For the next hour Ben proceeded to hop on one foot all through the house. Ben asked if dad could be "in trouble" for hurting him, "he needs to have something taken away." I told Ben I would talk to dad later. Ben managed to hop into the livingroom where he leaned on the end table, and crasssssh! The circular glass top of my beautiful end table crashed to the wood floor and shattered. ( I was ready to cry, again). Seconds passed, as I realized I couldn't get to mad because about 2 months ago I dropped the oval top to the glass coffee table and crash; although I cut myself also. Ben was not hurt, just stunned. I yelled for Brian to help as Ben and Anna were in the livingroom and I didn't want them to walk in it. Ben's poor face was covered in fear when dad came walking in, here comes for conquences. We were home for maybe an hour and he was already in trouble again. At least these shattered pieces were easier to pick up.

Grandpa Owen

Our beloved grandfather passed away Sunday evening. He had liver cancer and we were knew the time was coming, but no matter how much you prepare yourself the tears fall and the heartache hurts. So in between wiping tears, chasing kids, and sorting my emotions I wrote this poem for grandpa.



GRANDPA
Your love was so dear
With everyone far and near
Your hugs were tight
So perfect and right.
Those big Owen hands
Show “You’re the Man”.
A Grandpa to many,
A friend to any.
Your were mechanically good,
You fixed everything you could.
You were here,
And we loved you dear.
We’ll miss you so,
But now it’s time to let you go.

Here and Gone

Monday is here and gone.
We are back from vacation. Just over a week camping over the fourth in a tent. The whole family comes and we have lots of adventures, fun, and laughs. It is so nice to get away. We decided to take Petie with us, and he had so much fun. He helped himself in and out of the tent as he pleased. The weather was nice, just a couple of rain showers. We watched the movie Walle, very good I highly recommend it. It has some nice adult parts and comments that go right over kids heads.
It's The Bachelorette final and I need to get back to watching it, I am sure I will have something to say about who she picks. It's so nice to sit in my living room in the comfort of my couch and judge people based on what the cameras show us. I know I am not a nice person.

Mt. Dew Anonymous

I have kicked myself out of the class.
I need my Mt. Dew, plus I found they have new flavors.
It was not making me sleep any better without it, so why punish myself by taking away my one can a day. My new theory; one can a day makes the stress go away. Okay maybe not away, but easier to deal with. Plus, the combination of caffeine and sugar kicks my butt in gear to clean the house and get things done. I am not a morning person, nor do I like coffee.

Grandpa

Grandpa is doing much better, as well as someone with terminal cancer can do.
He surprised everyone and made the 2 1/2 hour drive last weekend to my cousins open house. It was a great surprise. It meant so much to everyone, I hope it meant lots to him.
He has been getting "out" of the house. Somedays he just sits outside and soaks up the sun, and somedays he actually gets in the car and leaves.
We know his time is precious and cherrish ever second we are blessed to see and hear him.

Tuesday June 24th; My son and the hamsters

Ben just received two hamsters and all the accessories from Uncle Mike. I really didn't want to take them for fear Ben doesn't understand how to care for them. I was afraid he would squeeze them to hard, try to make them sleep in his bed, try to take them in the shower, or something of that sort.
I would say he man handles them, but he does love them. Tuesday he took them out of there cage and tried to give them a bath in the bathroom sink, nearly drowning them. I was ready to cry. After looking up on the internet that you are to never give hamsters a bath unless they have something toxic on them, I blew them dry with a blow dryer on low. Poor hamster's I am sure they figured this was a punishment. (If you don't dry them they can catch a chill and die). Within the next hour I went downstairs to get a laundry and came up to find he drenched on in Febreeze, along with the wall in our bedroom (the hamsters were in our room on the dresser, up high), and his sister's hair was covered. Needless to say 3/4 bottle of Febreeze is gone. I cuddled the poor hamster in a dry wash rag and prayed they would make it through the night. I think they have been hibernating since. I filled the food dish last night, as of 8:30 this morning it is empty, and every time I check on them they are sleeping. Yes, they are still alive, I check there breathing and have tapped the cage to wake them. Poor things, I was ready to send them to a new home, where they will be ...... well not punished, but dad says not yet.

Monday June 23; The Hot Dog Story

I was running around getting groceries after I feed the kids dinner, and the last stop was Walmart. It was a quick one, just checking on the price of single serve chips. I proceeded pass the coolers of food and browsed over and saw $1.50 Oscar Meyer hot dogs. (Not a bad price.) Then my eye lite up when I saw a package of Cheese Dogs displayed in the cooler. (I love cheese dogs). I figured someone layed them there by mistake, usually cheese dogs are more expensive. Then I noticed a entire row of cheese dogs, they must be on sale, they were even marked $1.98, which isn't a bad price for Oscar Meyer Cheese Dogs. I picked up two.
I checked out and they both scanned $2.50. What the hoo-haa? Okay, recap, Oscar Meyer Cheese Dogs are marked $1.98, scanned $2.50, and were in the $1.50 cooler. Anyway the marbles shake I get the scanning law ($5.00 for me). Walmart gave them to me for $1.98 each.
Here's the fun part:
Anna saw the hot dogs and screamed in excitement, so naturally (like any good mother) I let her hold the hot dogs on the short ride home. It maybe takes 5 minutes to get home. While 5 minutes is long enough; for her. We arrived home, I opened the sliding door and found hot dogs all over. She chewed the bottom of the hot dog package open, and managed to eat 1 1/2 and was holding the other 1 1/2 in her hands and showed no signs of stopping. Wow, I knew the kids would like cheesey hot dogs, but I never would have guessed. Thank goodness she didn't do that in the store.

Mt. Dew Anonymous

Hi my name is Lisa, and it's been 4 long days since my last Mt. Dew. I have had problems sleeping at night, so I am trying to cut out Mt. Dew, my one can a day. I have replaced it temporarliy with Tropicana Fruit Squeeze; Lime Raspberry favor. Not the kick Mt. Dew has, but this experiment will soon be over and I will be back because so far no difference, which is good.

GRAMPA

Yesterday I received a phone call about my grampa (he was diagnosed with cancer, and were unable to stop it so they called in hospice) he isn't doing good. Well he made it through the night, and his living sister, 4 sons and adopted daughter are by his side. I believe God is ready for him, but is just waiting for the finally "words". A hole in are heart will be left when he's gone, but a relief that he is safe and not hurting in heaven.

Semi-Annual Sale @ Bath and Body

I managed to get out by myself this week, okay that was Wednesday night. I ran to the mall and found myself standing in Bath and Body Works just sniffing the air for the aroma of freedom (and great smells). They are having them semi-annual sale, and I even had a coupon for $10 off $30. I left with over $110 in products for just over $20! They had the "travel" size (2 oz.) 5/$5. What a great deal they work great for your purse or car, at least until your kids figure they are there and decide to loosen the top so they spill all over and everything smells like Bath and Body. Anywho, the Semi-Annual sale is still going on with new 75% off every week (starting Sundays), and new sales too. As if you need a reason to get out of the house? Good luck, have fun, and let me know what deals you find.

Yeah, our lawn ornament is gone!

We have been keeping this "lawn ornament" in our yard for the past 8 days. This 1984 Coleman lawn ornament was brought to us to be sold or traded by Brian's father. We agreed we could hold on to it for 1 week. I was asked to help list it on craiglist and Jackson Swap Shop. Someone came from Lansing and bought it last night, thank you who ever you are.

Just for a laugh

Okay, picture this.
It's 7 pm and I am taking a relaxing moment, or so I thought. I was looking at Craigslist.org on the computer, and while I am not looking Ben handcuffs my belt loop to the computer chair, then goes on about his business. He continues on to the next thing, his Wizard Dog (a birthday present). Anna's walking around the house with one lepoard print shoe on, Kalie's purse, and a travel baby powder. Here it comes... she is presssing the side of the powder container shooting powder in her face and all over. I try to get up to get her nearly ripping my pants from my.... bottom. I inch across the livingroom to reach the powder container before it gets any worse. Okay, it's time for her to go to bed.

Good-bye Grand Prix

It's time to say goodbye. For almost 3 years I have driven this beauty black car, but on a hot summer day when the air isn't working I am a little more then stressed with two kids screaming in the back seat. Now the mini van has more seats, rear air (and heat) controls, and gets better gas mileage. So it's time to say "Good-bye" if someone would buy it.

Summer Break Begins

It's June 9th and where do I start.


Annabelle is almost 20 months, and Benjamin just had his 5th birthday (pictures to come).
We kept it simply, hot dogs with chips and veggies. Grampa made it up from Adrian, with his condition I don't know when is the last time I will see him. It was so nice to see him, and I was excited to show him our house. (We just bought it the day after Christmas.)


Today was the official 1st day of Summer Break.
We went swimming, painted canvas bags for the library, played games (in the air conditioning), and had fun. In between contacting the credit union about getting our van today. Yup, we got a mini van. It's a Honda Odyssey, the only van Brian wanted us to get. It's paid for, plated, insurance and the government got their part. I will post a picture of that later too.



We are in the process of remodeling our house, little by little. As I update/redo a room I will post pictures. Yeah, that sounds good. Before and after pictures. I get embarrassed about the before, but I like to compare after.