Lynn's Life

52 Weeks of my girls {Week 5}

2012-02-04T15:16:00.001-06:00

Well, I may not be doing everything I'd hoped with my blog when I started out this year, but I am keeping up with my 52 week project. That was the main goal I wanted to keep up.

Hard to believe this photo was taken on February 4th which is normally right smack in the dead of winter. It's sunny and warm (40s), yes warm for this time of year in Wisconsin! No coats and barely any snow left on the ground. Neighbors were out playing basketball and riding bikes today.

52 Weeks of my girls {Week 4}

2012-01-28T12:43:00.000-06:00

They got a couple new games on their iPods that they can't seem to stop playing!

So, it's not lying when they ask of these are going on Facebook and I say no even though they are going on my blog, right? Totally different thing!

52 Weeks of my girls {Week 3}

2012-01-21T10:41:00.000-06:00

I told her to "go get your sister" and she came back with her in her arms! They take everything so literally. This was taken with my iPhone. I cheated yesterday and used it for my instagram 366 project on my phone as well as my weekly photo of the girls.

You can see all my 366 photos online on webstagram here: lynnsphotos Or find me on the instagram app on your phone, username: lynnsphotos.

Working Girl

2012-01-18T17:02:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been just over a year and a half since I quit my part time job. At the time it was what I needed. I was sick of it. I had things to tend to at home and with family. I just needed the break.

Over the past few months, maybe longer, I've been contemplating going back to work part time again. I want to keep it part time because I still want to put some time into photography in my smugmug gallery and my online store at zazzle. But I feel I need something to keep active and get out of the house once in awhile. Something to bring in a little extra spending money and to just feel like I'm contributing something around here.

I know, I know being a stay at home mom is a job in itself but it doesn't pay for my lunch with an old friend or a trip to the casino with my gambling buddies (don't worry I go maybe once a year!). I know I shouldn't feel guilty, but I do. My husband was and still is OK with the decision I had made to quit. But it's time to get back into the working world.

I've applied for a few jobs over the past few months. I've been being kind of picky because I want something that fits in with my kids schedule and I do not want retail again. I've gone on a couple interviews and been completely disappointed when two of the jobs I thought would be perfect for me didn't work out.

I guess those two just weren't meant to be because today I was offered the job I applied for at our local library. It's perfect. Only a few minutes from home, a couple hours a day, no weekends and best of all NO RETAIL.

I start tomorrow.

I can't wait!

52 Weeks of My Girls {Week 2}

2012-01-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Had to get kitty in the photo this week!

2012 Reading list

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

After reaching my goal of reading at least 12 books in 2011, (I read a whole 13 thankyouverymuch!) I've decided to do another list for 2012. Let's see if I can make it past the 13 mark.

I'm still on Goodreads if you want to hook up over there. You can join in on the 2012 Reading Challenge and keep track of how many books you read throughout the year. I just would like to also keep a list going over here too.

So far I'm over half way done with my first book. Quite the head start on last year where I didn't finish my first until mid February.

So I'll continue to update this post and put a link to it over on my side bar and see how I do!

January:
The Lucky One, Nicholas Sparks (started 1/1/12, finished 1/6/12) This is my first Nicholas Sparks book. Shame on me I have not read the Notebook or seen the movie. It's on my list though. I started this one because I saw that it's being released as a movie this year and the trailer looks good!
I loved this book! For some reason I never thought I'd like Nicholas Sparks and had therefore never picked up one of is books. I'm glad the movie trailer finally prompted me to as I will be reading more.

Seriously...I'm Kidding, Ellen Degeneres (started 1/18/12, finished 1/24/12) I love Ellen! Funny book. Just a bunch of random stories and thoughts but it works!

Currently Reading:

Happy List 1/3/12

2012-01-03T13:20:00.003-06:00

Linking up with Mamarazzi today for my first Happy Post of the year.

This week I'm happy for all the time our family spent together over the holidays. Both the girls were off of school starting the Friday before Christmas until yesterday. My husband had the last two weeks of December off because of a plant shut down. Not great for the wallet but still happy to have the time with him.

We spent most of the week just lounging around at home, playing games, watching movies and reading. But those are some of the best days!

52 Weeks of my girls {week 1}

2012-01-01T13:37:00.001-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Had to get out there and get started right away!

Looking forward to having fun with them this year and getting lots of great pics!

52 weeks of my girls

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

So besides my emotional state putting a damper on my blogging, I also started having a hard time coming up with topics.

I've been thinking a lot recently about some things I want to do this year on my blog.

Last year I attempted a 52 week project on my photo blog. I made it through 35 weeks. Life got in the way and I also starting feeling pressure to get a photo. The group I was with had a theme each week and although you were not required to follow the theme I chose to from the beginning and wanted to keep it that way. Well, they started getting kind of difficult and I was stressing to come up with something each week.

So this year I want to make it a bit easier for myself and a bit more meaningful. I was looking through pics from last year for a project I was considering for a Christmas gift and realized I had very few pics of my kids in 2011!! That made me sad.

My oldest will be off to college in about a year and a half. I want to start making the most of that time until she leaves. So I decided this year I will do a 52 week project of my girls.

Even though it's a photo project I'm choosing to do it on this blog because it's my family, my life.

The first week will be Jan 1-7. So at some point during the week I will post a photo of my girls. I haven't decided if it will be a specific day of the week. Probably not because it will depend on the timing of the photo each week.

So feel free to join me and share a link if you do. If you don't have kids, use your spouse, your pet, yourself....self portraits are always good!

Hello Blog....

2011-12-30T10:02:00.000-06:00

I've missed you. I know, it's been almost two months.

I'm sorry.

Please don't be mad.

It's not you, it's me. Really.

Been going through some personal crap that really is all my own doing. I tend to think way too much and make up scenarios in my head that upset me but are probably not really the case. Something doesn't go the way I was expecting and I get angry or hurt because "everyone hates me" because it was all my fault it didn't go my way.

I expect perfection in everything and get frustrated when I don't get it. I really need to learn to accept things and people for the way they are. Learn to go with the flow. Not take everything so damn seriously. It's tough. It's an ongoing process for me.

But it hasn't been until recently that I'm finally starting to see what I'm doing to myself and that I can control the way I see things and the way I feel about them.

I'm not saying I'm miraculously "changed". I'm saying I'm in the process of figuring it out. Finally. I think.

So through all this I withdrew and ignored you dear blog. Just like in real life trying to hide all the bad stuff. Going out in public with a smile on your face even though you are crying inside. Telling people who ask how you're doing "Great, how are you?"

But I'm feeling better and I'm back.

And I'm gonna try my darnedest not the let my mind get in the way anymore! We'll see! LOL

P.S. I'd like to thank a couple bloggy friends for spurring this post and helping me put it all into words. One for asking me how things were going which caused me to just let it all out and one for talking plans and goals with me for the new year (let's make it a great one!)

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 40

2011-11-09T14:41:00.001-06:00

This week is all about makeup and style. My answers are a bit boring since I've never really been much of a girly girl.

{1} What is your "can't go without it" beauty product/cosmetic?

Um.....shampoo? LOL seriously I don't use a whole lot of product for anything.

{2} Do you apply make-up before or after doing your hair?

If I even wear makeup I'll put it on after doing my hair. My hairstyle now is pretty easy and I just blow it dry right after showering. I usually don't wear makeup and if I do it's just some powder foundation and blush. I don't do mascara anymore because it just doesn't agree with me because 1) My lashes suck, I barely have any bottom ones and it's a pain to apply it without it ended up all over my eye! and 2) My eyes tend to water a lot so it just ends up smearing anyway!

3} How would you describe your personal style?

Very casual, kinda lazy! I'm a t-shirt, jeans and tennis shoes girl. If I'm at home I'm usually in sweats or pajama pants.

{4} How long does it take you to get ready each day?

I can usually shower and be ready in less than a half hour.

{5} What is your one pamper, just for you, beauty splurge?

I got nothin'!

Well unless you count having my hair cut by a "professional". I used to just go to Great Clips or whatever because it was cheap. I didn't get it cut often and I kept my hair long and put it up a lot. But I got sick of it being a different person every time, my haircut was different every time and if I didn't put it up it looked like crap. So now I have someone that knows my hair and it actually looks decent without much work.

Be sure to visit the hosts: Mamarazzi , Queso and Crazymama

Happy Post

2011-11-08T10:44:00.000-06:00

The things I'm happy about this week.... I completed my goal of reading 12 books this year. I know not much, but early in the year I decided I was not reading enough. Sometimes it would take me months to finish a book so I started with a goal of one book per month. I reached it and even beat it by one book so far!! Saturday movie nights with my family. We try to do this as often as possible when the kids aren't off on a sleepover....or working now. We watched "Limitless" with Bradley Cooper (Yum! Though he was kinda scrubbily gross in parts of the movie!) Here's a pic just because....

You're welcome.....Hmm, random pics of hot celebs make me happy maybe I should do that on my blog more often!

Lazy Sundays....no plans, no place to go, relaxing at home and everybody getting along! It's that time of year where I start wishing I could just hibernate trough the cold and snowy months! A husband that loves me no matter what!

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 29

2011-11-02T11:23:00.000-05:00

Be sure to visit the hosts: Mamarazzi , Queso and Crazymama

{1} How did you celebrate Halloween? Trick or treating? Adult party? Trunk or treat?

We are pretty boring. We stay home and hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters. This is the first year neither of my kids trick-or-treated. One had to work, the other stayed home to hand out candy. They're getting too old for it anyway if you ask me.

Never heard of Trunk or Treat....

They did each carve a pumpkin this year.

{2} What candy is your favorite/the first thing you steal from the kids?

Usually anything chocolate is good! But I'll go for Mr. Goodbar or Reeses peanut butter cups or Baby Ruth first I guess.

{3} What kind of candy do you give out, is it your favorite? or something you know you won't be tempted to eat?

We do a little of both depending on what we find on sale. We hand out the stuff we don't care for as much first so if we do end up with leftovers it's the stuff we LIKE to eat!

{4} How soon after Halloween do you take down decorations and put away costumes?

Well we didn't even bother decorating this year except for the pumpkins. Just not into it I guess, probably because the kids are getting older. I never was much of a decorator anyway.

{5} When do you decorate for the next holiday?

Again, not being much of a decorator I really don't do anything for Thanksgiving. We do hang up lights on the house for Christmas. We do that whenever the weather cooperates in mid November but don't turn them on until AFTER Thanksgiving!

We do the inside of the house a week or two before Christmas depending on when we have time to get and put up the tree.

We don't really have any set schedule or tradition.

Happy Post

2011-11-01T13:58:00.000-05:00

Again I had a hard time with this. Why do I have to think so hard. I wish it came naturally.

Anyway, this week...

I'm HAPPY because Psych is back with new episodes! ThatsWhatImTalkingAbout! James Roday and Dule Hill make a great team.

I'm HAPPY because I bought my tickets for the Midnight showing of Breaking Dawn part 1!! Going with a friend of mine without any kids this time. Looking forward to it!

My awesome new PURPLE socks make me HAPPY!

And in the background you can see a portion of the screen on my new computer that makes me HAPPY!
My laptop bit the dust which was the pits but we were able to get 18 months of interest free financing which really makes me HAPPY because we could not have come up with the entire amount right now and this gives us some breathing room. I went with an all in one this time with a wireless keyboard and mouse and a nice big screen. So far I love it!

My daughter and I took a basic Zentangle class at the craft store last Wednesday. It was a nice night with my girl and I also think I may have found myself another obsession. It makes me HAPPY because even though I feel I can't draw I was able to do this! Here are a few of the tangles we learned that night.

We learned them individually, but if you take a look at the site you are eventually meant to combine them in different ways to create some really cool stuff. Take a look!
I may start sharing some more if I keep it up and create anything decent.

What made you happy this week?

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 26

2011-10-12T06:54:00.000-05:00

Time for another round of We Want to Know Wednesday!

Be sure to visit the hosts: Mamarazzi , Queso and Crazymama

{1} What is your feel better remedy when you are sick?

It's not really a remedy but that is about the only time that I really love me some chicken soup! I just think it tastes better when you're sick.

{2} When illness strikes, what is your policy on staying home from work, school or church with yourself and the family?

For the most part in our family it's pretty much unless you are about to fall over we don't stay home! LOL School has a rule though that they have to be fever free and not throwing up for at least 24 hours before going back to school when sick.

It's a bit different with the kids sometimes now with them being diabetic because depending on what the problem is it could mess with their blood sugars and if that's the case it's best for them to be home.

{3} What do you think is worse? Flu or cold?

Flu is definitely worse. I can usually function with a cold. A hot shower first thing in the morning, some dayquil, nyquil at night and I can survive. But stomach issues, achy-ness and throwing up that goes with the flu is the pits!

{4} Flu shots? Do you get them? Have you yet?

Yes, we usually do. Again with my kid's condition it's recommended that the whole family gets them. We haven't this year yet but we have plans to.

{5} When you are feeling down, what is your usual, go-to therapy? (retail therapy, exercise, comfort food, etc).

Comfort food.......I'm an eater. When I'm down, bored, happy, sad, mad. I eat.

Happy

2011-10-11T13:28:00.001-05:00

I'm joining in this week with Mamarazzi and the weekly HAPPY list. I've participated in the past, but I need to get to it more often. I need to find more happy in my life!

I'm HAPPY because my daughter got her first job this past weekend! She applied at Schlotzsky's last week. She got a call while at school on Friday with a message saying to stop in after school or at 11 am on Saturday to schedule an interview. She went over after school Friday, came home and said she started the next day!

I'm HAPPY because hubby and I had date night on Saturday. It's been a while, he's been working lots of hours which I'm grateful for but we don't get to do much.We went to Outback Steakhouse (I'm HAPPY that I had a coupon for a FREE steak dinner!). Then we went to see Abduction which gets a thumbs up from me.

I'm HAPPY because we had breakfast as a family on Sunday morning. That doesn't happen too often anymore either with everyone's busy schedule.

I'm HAPPY because I got a free scalp treatment yesterday. A friend is in cosmetology school and she needed people to come in for different things they are learning so I agreed to do that. Never had one done before.

I'm HAPPY because I just got home from a nature walk/photo shoot and lunch with hubby. I've been neglecting my camera the past few weeks so we went for a drive and walk through a state park and I brought my camera along. We were able to see a hawk stalk his prey, swoop down and grab it and fly back up to another tree. Hoping I got some decent shots of him. Then we went to Five Guys for lunch. Yum!

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 25

2011-10-05T07:41:00.001-05:00

See how inconsistent I am? Nothing for a month, then 2 days in a row! Anyway, on with it.....It's We Want to Know Wednesday time.

Be sure to visit the hosts for We Want to Know Wednesday: Mamarazzi and Queso.

{1} If you had an extra hour to do ANYTHING for yourself each day what would you do?

Sleep. I can never get enough sleep!

But what I really should do is take a walk. I do it randomly and I usually feel better and ready to start the day if I do it in the morning but I tend to get lazy and put it off.

{2} Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I don't know. I think I'm turning into an old person. I used to be a night owl and stay up until all hours. Now I'm lucky if I can make it until my hubby gets home just after 10pm. On the mornings I can sleep in sometimes I'm lucky to make it past 7, I used to be able to easily sleep until 10 or 11 am.

Maybe it's just that the kids are in school now and I have to get up at the freaking crack before dawn!

{3} How much sleep do you get on an average night?

Not nearly as much as I'd like. I'm usually in bed by 10:30 and up around 5:30 which is 7 hours. But that doesn't mean I sleep the whole time. I get up at least once to pee. Then it's a guessing game to if I'll fall right back to sleep or if my mind will start it's usual wandering!

{4} When do you find the time to blog/surf the ol' interweb?

Lately I haven't. I don't really have a specific time set aside for it which is kind of a bad thing. I usually end up sitting here way too long. My time management skills suck!

{5} What is the ONE thing you're never too busy for?

Facebook?

Twitter?

I don't update my status or tweet a whole lot myself but I'm always interested in what everyone else it up to.

Yeah, you know I already spend way too much time online.
Just wait until I get my new phone and I can check in on the go!

And of course my family!

Lazy Blogger

2011-10-04T19:58:00.000-05:00

Sigh..........That would be me.

Again...

Seems the first thing I start ignoring when I have other stuff going on is my blog. So I skip a few days, then a week or two.

Then before you know it a month has gone by and I feel completely out of the loop.

I've let my photo blog suffer too. I missed one week on my Project 52 and that set the ball rolling. Now I've missed 4 weeks :(

Another project started and not completed. Argh!

Anyway, wanna see a pic of my daughter all dressed up for homecoming?

She passed!!

2011-09-15T07:37:00.000-05:00

She's so excited! I'm a nervous wreck!!

I mentioned yesterday it was road test day. The instructor said she did well. The only things she had problems with was the parallel parking (who doesn't? I still avoid it at all costs) and making sure she got up to speed a little quicker in the business district.

She already took her maiden voyage alone last night. She drove back and forth to jazz band practice at school. It's a route she's driven with me many times. But even so I was a basket case waiting for her to text me once she got there! And then again when she told me she was coming home.

I think I see few more grey hairs in the mirror today.

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 22

2011-09-14T08:52:00.000-05:00

Be sure to visit the hosts for We Want to Know Wednesday: Mamarazzi and Queso.

This week's questions are all about road trips. I love a good road trip so here we go!

{1} What are 3 must haves for a long road trip?

Well, assuming good directions and a map or gps system are a given my top 3 are:

A cooler packed with drinks and lots of snacks: Seems that even if you've just eaten before the trip starts once you get in that car everyone gets the munchies. Snacking helps keep me alert when I'm driving too. It's much cheaper to pack your own than do load up at a gas station. Though it never fails that at at least one stop there is something I just can't live without!
A bag packed with books, magazines, word searches, notebook, pens etc. to keep me occupied on those long boring stretches with no scenery. I usually take more than I ever need or use but nice to have it when I'm bored.
A pillow! I usually don't actually sleep much but it's hard to get comfy in a car without one.

{2} What was the destination of your most recent road trip?

Green Bay, WI....sorta. Hubby and I stayed a couple nights there on our anniversary in June but from our hotel we road tripped around door county both days.

{3} What do you miss most about home when on a trip?

It's a toss up between my own bed and my own shower. No matter how nice the place is you stay and how clean the bathroom is it's just not the same as showering at home!! I feel lost. LOL

{4} What is the furthest you have traveled on a road trip?

Between here and Orlando, FL which is about 1270 miles! Close second is between here and my home town in MA which is about 1050 miles!

{5} Will you "stop for the largest ball of twine, etc" or are you a "hurry and get there" road tripper?

Deep down I'm the "stop for the largest ball of twine" kind of gal. But most road trips we take we only have a limited amount of time to get where we are going, do our thing and get back home so we usually can't do that. I really want to take a trip one time where that is all we do is sight see and stop at fun attractions and cool home town restaurants etc. I'd have a route in mind but kind of just take it slow and do what we feel like from day to day.

Right now I'm heading out for a road trip to the DMV! It's road test time for my teen. Wish me luck! I'll be back around to visit everyone later today.

Purple Package!!

2011-09-12T21:31:00.001-05:00

Yay! My package from my partner Mary for Mamarazzi's Favorite Color swap came today. I love it!

We both love PURPLE!! So while it made it easy to shop because it was my favorite color also, it was hard to because everything I saw I wanted for myself too!

Everything was wrapped in cool purple Tinkerbell (I think it's Tinkerbell!) tissue paper. Each one was numbered and she had a list commenting on each present.

Here's what I got (with my comments added):
1. HOME letter blocks: I abso-freakin-lutley love these! I alternated them in the pic so you could see both sides. One side is purple and the other has a white crackled paint over it. My kids have already decided where they should go.

Oh, and she painted them herself. How cool is that!?

2. Grape Crystal Light: I need this because I drink way to much soda!

3. Dove Chocolates: Seriously who doesn't love chocolate?!

4. Juicy Fruit Gum: Sweet Berry flavor, I always need gum with me!

5. Nail Polish: Pronto Purple, I sent her purple nail polish too! Glad she sent me some because my kids stole mine.

6. Bath & Body Works Secret Wonderland: Gotta have purple lotion and shower gel. Love the smell!

7. Hand sanitizer: I use this all time when we eat out. My kids just roll their eyes at me! It's in a cute little purple holder that you can hang on your bag.

8. Slippers: Cute Halloween ones with a pumpkin and BOO on the bottom. I will definitely wear these! My feet are always cold in the fall and winter months. I always need something on them. These are much better than the hospital socks I was wearing last winter. Ha! Funny I sent her socks too!

9. Notebook and Postcard: I've always been a sucker for a fun notebook. And of course I love collecting postcards!

Thanks to Mary for an awesome package. You can head on over to her blog to see what I sent her (hopefully she enjoyed it).

Also a big thank you to Mamarazzi for organizing another fun swap! Check out her blog to see all the other favorite color packages arriving around the country.

I'm so glad I decided to join.

First Day Photos

2011-09-01T12:59:00.001-05:00

It's time for the annual first day of school photos!

A junior this year. Really?

Yeah, really. But while getting her pics taken she said "Mom! I feel like a kindergartner!" Well to me it's seems like you just were!

She's part of what they call the "Link Crew" this year. A bunch of Juniors and Seniors who get together and are trained to welcome and help the freshman. She was at the freshman orientation the other day where they show them around and help them find classrooms. They had to wear their shirts today so any freshman needing help during the day could find them.

And a 7th grader. Doesn't seem possible!

Just a bit worried about her today. It's her first full day away from us since her diagnosis.

"Mom, you're not putting these on Facebook are you?"

LOL, no just my blog. OK, maybe one on FB!!

Their pics from last year's first day are in my header. Check out the difference!

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 20

2011-08-31T07:45:00.001-05:00

It's We Want to Know Wednesday this week, your hosts are Mamarazzi and Queso.

All questions this week are relating to Mamarazzi's cell phone addiction. My addiction is not with my current phone but with really, really, really wanting an iPhone! I'm dying to start playing with some of the cool camera and photo apps out there.

I've been holding off because of other "more important" expenses. I hope to have one by the end of the year. Though I hear the iPhone 5 will be coming out around October which I'm sure will be way too expensive. So if I hold out long enough then maybe the cost of the 4 will come down even more!!

Anyway on with the questions.....

{1}Do you prefer to text or call?

It really depends on the situation. Most of the time it's just quicker to text. Especially with my family.

"Mom, I'm done can you come get me now"
"Sure, on my way"

Yeah, really don't need to take the time to call me on that.

But if it's something that needs some explaining or could be misinterpreted I'd rather call.

{2}What is the last text message in your phone and who is it from?

Do you really want to know? It's pretty boring. The last message is...

"Sure"

From my hubby when asking him if he wanted a drink when I brought him a sub for dinner at work last night.

{3}What are your favorite phone apps?

I'll get back to you on that when I get my iPhone!

{4}At what age do you think kids are ready for a cell phone?

I think it depends on the kid but I really don't see a need for it much earlier than about 12. That's when we got my oldest her first phone and that was mainly because of her health condition and wanting her to be able to contact us if she needed something. Otherwise it might have been longer.

Out of fairness we got our other daughter one at 12 also, but I don't know if she was quite ready at that age. We had some issues with her use of it in the beginning.

{5}Share a current pic or video taken with your phone.

I really don't use my phone for pics much. I'm waiting for my iPhone! Here's the last one I took, back in June!
I just thought it was the cutest little ketchup :)

How could I forget!?!

2011-08-30T08:10:00.000-05:00

So here I am yesterday saying how I didn't have much to blog about over the summer. But on August 15th I completely missed blogging about my newly turned 16 year old!!

Yup, crazy right? It's just not possible for me to be the mom of a 16 year old!!

I was just planning to share some tennis photos of her today when I realized I never mentioned her on her special day. Bad mom! Bad, bad mom!!

So here she is during her party with her friends the weekend of her bday....

She will be driving soon. Well, she technically is. She has her learner's permit and has finished her behind the wheel hours. She is scheduled for her road test on September 14th. I'm just not ready for her to be driving a car on her own!

She made the varsity tennis team this year. I think. Things change all the time with her coach. But she was told to order the varsity dress and has been taken on most of the varsity matches so far. She's at the bottom of the totem pole and hasn't won a match yet. But I don't care. I know she loves it and that's all that matters. I do see improvement in her playing lately too. I wish her dad would admit to that......he tends to get frustrated in all the things she messes up on when he sees her play. I do too sometimes but am trying not to point them all out to her. She gets enough of that from the coaches.

These are the best two I've gotten so far. I've only taken photos at one match and we have the darn fence to contend with!! So I figured I'd get a cool shot of the fence while I was at it!

Happy Birthday to my sweet 16!!

Love you! :)

Is summer over already?

2011-08-29T14:15:00.000-05:00

I blinked and totally missed it!

My kids go back to school Thursday already. What?

It's been a weird summer. I feel like I've been super busy. But I also feel like I haven't done a thing!

I obviously have nothing to show for it on my blog! But we haven't done anything to blog about. No fun family stuff or vacations or even just a weekend away besides our little anniversary trip.

Mostly I've been just driving the kids all over town and back. They both had summer school classes for the first 6 weeks of summer. My youngest started Poms in July already. They had one week off of summer school and then marching band camp started up for my oldest and one week later she started tennis.

My husband has been working lots of overtime (thank God), but then I barely see him some days.

The days are already starting to get shorter and I'm not liking it! Though I do prefer the milder weather. But we all know what happens in Wisconsin after the milder weather.

Oh, I am just not ready to think about that yet!

Swap Time

2011-08-28T20:55:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to be participating in Mamarazzi's Favorite Color Swap! I almost didn't sign up because things have been kinda busy and hectic around here and it's caused me some stress. But then I decided sending someone a package full of items of their favorite color and receiving a package of my own would be super fun and a perfect way to relieve some of that stress!

Here we go again

2011-08-23T22:04:00.000-05:00

You may or may not know that my oldest daughter has type 1 diabetes. It's been just over 4 years since she was diagnosed on July 16, 2007.

It was quite the shock. It took some time but we got used to the idea, learned a lot and now it's just a part of who she is.

We've been told from the very beginning that they aren't sure why it happens. Our whole family has given blood samples and participated in a study they've been doing to try to determine the how and why behind it all.

They do know that if one child in a family has it that the chances are high that the siblings will also be affected. We've been told that since the beginning and have known it all along. Even though we've hoped and prayed it would never happen to our other daughter I've always known it the back of my mind that some day we may get that same diagnosis for her.

Well, that day has come.

Exactly 4 years and 1 month later on August 16, 2011 she was diagnosed. The same summer between 6th and 7th grade. Kinda strange.

This time we were more prepared. We knew the signs and caught it before she got really sick. Or ended up in the hospital like her sister.

It's been much easier giving her medication since we know what we are doing now.

She has her big sister to look up to for help and support.

We knew all along it was a possibility so it wasn't quite the same shocker it was the first time around.

But you know what?...............

IT STILL SUCKS!!!

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 17

2011-08-10T07:11:00.000-05:00

I'm taking part in We Want to Know Wednesday this week, your hosts are Mamarazzi and Queso.

1} If you could be on any game show what would it be?

I totally want to take a ride in the Cash Cab!! Do you hear me Ben Bailey?? I don't care how many people say it's set up.

You In?

2} If you could choose to stay any certain age forever, what age would it be?

Tough question but I probably say 41, the age I am now.

3} What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

I don't remember. lol Maybe I should change my answer on number 2 to an age before I started losing my memory.

4} What would I find in your fridge right now?

Rather than bore you with a list, here's a few photos of the insides of my fridge. Nothing too exciting......no science experiments going on right now! I just realized I totally cut off the top shelf of the main part of the fridge. All you're missing is some yogurt and butter.

5} If you were a piece of furniture what would you be? why?

A nice soft comfy couch. Though I'm not so sure I'd want people sitting on me all day!

Reminiscing

2011-07-22T10:46:00.001-05:00

My girls are growing up in the digital age of texting, IMing, facebook etc. I never had that as a kid.

I was trying to explain to my oldest how things were so different for me.

I didn't spend the evening texting or chatting with my friends on facebook. We would call each other on the land line and talk for hours. One friend at a time. I couldn't chat with 5 people at once!

We didn't send emails or facebook messages we wrote letters to each other and gave them to our friends the next day at school.

We didn't update our status, we passed hand written notes between classes.

Really mom? yeah, we had it rough!

But I kinda miss that.

I had saved a shoe box full of notes from my friends that I would periodically go back and look at. Years ago for some reason I decided I didn't need them anymore and threw them out.
I really wish I hadn't. I'd love to go back and look at them now. See what was so important to us then.

I pulled out my old yearbooks and looked at what people wrote. Laughing at old times. Wondering what kind of dumb stuff I wrote in other's books that people are laughing at now. Remembering how I felt when a guy I secretly liked wrote in my year book and how we used to goof around in the class we had together. Wondering what I wrote in his book!

My daughter doesn't get to do that. They don't get their yearbook until the beginning of the following school year. They don't have the last week of school to write silly things in each other's books. They won't have that to look back on when they are my age.

That kind of makes me sad.

It's not just that. I kinda miss that whole time in my life.
So many people say they wouldn't want to relive their high school years. Yeah, there were some not so great times. Like not having a boyfriend, then missing out on homecoming dances and prom because of it, not being popular and being snubbed by those who were or getting picked on.

But there were fun times too. Hanging out with my girlfriends, going to Friday night football games and dances, sleepovers almost every weekend, daydreaming out loud about the guys we had crushes on.

Where am I going with all this rambling?

I guess I've just been thinking about it a lot lately since my daughter is in the middle of it all right now. Maybe trying to "relive" that time through her and hearing about things going on in her life.

Hoping that she has a good high school experience, doesn't miss out on things I did and remembers it fondly without some of the regret I have.

Just feeling very strange and nostalgic now.

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 14

2011-07-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

I feel like I've been totally neglecting my blog again! But there's really not much to blog about when most of your days consist of carting your kids around to all their summer activities! I stopped in at my previous job to visit last week and someone was commenting how she'd like to be a "soccer mom". Well, yeah, it's not all it's cracked up to be sometimes!
Anyway, at least I'll get a WWTK post in again this week.....

Hosted by Mamarazzi and Queso

{1} What would you do with an extra $1000 a month?

Well, I hate to be all practical and all but right now if I had that extra money I'd be paying off some bills that have been dragging us down lately. I'm still paying for that surgery I had last November and an MRI they insisted I have. Ugh.

Then I'd probably think about a new car. That should more than cover a monthly payment!

{2} What category of blogger do you think you best fall under?

That's a really good question. I have no idea........I'm not sure I really fit into any category. I'm just kind of random.

{3} What is your go to solution when you are having a bad hair day?

Well, it used to be pulling it back into a pony tail or some kind of twist. But now that I've gone so much shorter I can't really do that. So I kind of just have to deal with it. I've never been much for too many accessories, maybe I should start??

It's funny though, the other day when I wasn't happy with my hair is the day my husband said "I like your hair today."

Go figure!

{4} If you were a Crayon, what color would you be?

{5} They say love is in the little things. What is a little thing someone does to show you love?

Stuff like when hubby brings me chocolate when I'm not expecting it. Or he'll make breakfast on the weekends. Or see question 3. He had no clue I was unhappy with my hair that day so it was perfect timing!

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 13

2011-07-13T11:08:00.000-05:00

Hosted by: Impulsive Addict, Janette, Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn

{1} Which activities make you lose track of time?

Me, lose track of time? Never!

Not even last week when I was 15 minutes late picking up my daughter because I was wasting time on the computer.

{2} Is there such a thing as perfect?

Funny I remember just seeing a facebook status or something that said something about "practice makes perfect, but nobody is perfect"
I wish I could remember who posted it so I could find it again to see exactly what it said.

But I guess I think perfection is similar to the saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", everyone has a different idea what is perfect for them.

{3} When do you feel most like yourself?

When I'm with my family. I can say and act as I want and feel comfortable doing it.

Otherwise I always feel like I need to "hold back".

{4} Describe your life in a 6 word sentence.

It's still a work in progress.

{5} Share one of your most beloved childhood memory.

I was just thinking about this over the 4th of July. Before my family moved all over the country we would spend the fourth of July at my grandparent's house. My aunts, uncles and cousins would be there and we'd watch the parade together. It went right past my grandparent's house so we always had the perfect view!

Then there'd be tons of food and we'd play games. The adults would always play lawn jarts. I'm surprised one of us kids never lost an eye or something because we'd always be running around near the game.

Ahh, memories of playing games that are so dangerous they are now banned!

I'm Published!!

2011-07-05T11:30:00.000-05:00

The paperback version of Rick Springfield's Late, Late at Night was released today.

Yours truly has a photo appearing in the book! I received my autographed copy today.

And here I am being a dork! That's my photo on the bottom of course!

My 13 year old self would so not believe this!!

Go out and get yourself a copy. I may just autograph it for you!

So Random

2011-07-01T09:37:00.000-05:00

Randomness = that which you feel the urge to blog about but does not warrant an entire blog post on it's own

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I CANNOT believe it's freakin' JULY already people! Another year half gone. Just like that. POOF!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've been randomly remembering people from my past that I used to work with. People I haven't thought of in years! But I can't remember their names. Drives me crazy!

I've considered trying to look them up and/or reconnecting via Facebook. But the the 'Find Friend' section on facebook sucks!!

You used to be able to be a bit more specific when looking by school or employer, like specifying a year or location. Now it's just choose your past employer and a bunch of random people show up. Well, I used to work at Kmart. You know how many people work or have worked there? How can I find someone if I can't specify dates or at least a state?!

Or am I missing something? If so, please help!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So at the urging of fellow blogger Janette I joined Pinterest. I'm still kinda on the fence about it. At first I just thought it was just a bunch of random photos. Then the more I checked it out it's kind of more like a bulletin board where you can bookmark all the stuff you like online. It includes a picture so you remember what it is you're bookmarking. I don't know how many times I've used the bookmarks on my browser and then later looked through them and thought "what the heck was this?".

I also think it kind of serves as a way to get to know people that you follow, who they are, what they like, what their interest are.

One problem I have is in re-pinning others stuff. Sometimes it just leads back to a random photo online and not to the actual original source. Like the recipe to make those cool looking yummy brownies you're pinning. What's the point?

I'm a list maker so I find it cool, but I'm also obsessing over what to call each list and what list to pin certain things to!!

Anyway, the jury is still out on this one! But feel free to follow me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two weeks until HARRY POTTER!!

As excited as I am to see the movie, I'm just as sad to see it end. I've read all the books and watched all the movies several times. It's been a part of my life for the past 10 years. I've watched these characters/actors grow up on film. It will be hard to say goodbye.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As of today we've had our cat two weeks. He's already been sick and we've had to take him to the vet. A sore on his cheek and some goop (yes the technical term) in his ear. Bacterial infections. What a nice "welcome to the family" vet bill!! He is kinda cute though!

He likes to sleep on his back with all four paws in the air.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So that was much longer than I thought! Sorry. And thank you to those who stuck through the whole post!

Happy List #2

2011-06-25T08:41:00.000-05:00

This week...

I'm happy because
Men of a Certain Age is back on for the summer! Scott Bakula is still a hottie!!

I'm happy because
Things are going better than I had imagined with our new kitty! I of course was worried he was going to disrupt things around here and not get along with us. Well, ME really. But we all seem to be taking to him well and he has settled in nicely to his new home.

I'm happy because
Even though she just turned 12, she still is willing to hold mom's hand. Sometimes. The circumstances need to be just right. I'll take what I can get.

I'm happy because
My daughter is happy. We got a call Thursday that Skowt's clarinet (mentioned in last week's happy list) was finished and ready to be picked up. Her face just lit up and she wanted it now! Luckily we were heading out that way already so after our stop at the mall we went and got it. She looked like she couldn't stop smiling. She didn't seem so excited when we first found it a few weeks ago, but now that it's all fixed up and playable she seems excited to have a "new to her" instrument!

She's such a band geek! I guess she takes after her mom!

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 10

2011-06-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

Hosted by: Impulsive Addict, Janette, Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn

1} What is the best or worst pick up line you have ever been given?

Gosh, I don't know that I've ever really had a bad pick up line used on me personally. I'm not sure if I should feel lucky or just plain sad that no one's tried to pick me up that way!

2} What is your most and least favorite day of the week?

Most favorite is probably Sunday. It's usually the only day that my hubby doesn't ever work. Unless there's some big order their working on and trying to get done or it's a really busy time of year. So that is usually our family day to do things together.

Least favorite, especially during the school year is Monday. Getting back into the routine of the week after a lazy weekend and having to get up early! yuck.

3} How many hours of sleep do you require each night?

I've always loved my sleep so the more the better. Though I usually get about 7-8 hours in. It would also be nice if I didn't have to get up at least once a night to pee!!!!!

4} Is there a song that takes you back in time? What song is it and what memory is it attached to?

Anything from the 80s takes me right back to high school and hanging with my friends, Friday night dances.....especially Billy Idol's "Mony Mony". We're not the only ones who added those extra lyrics are we?

The other song that always comes to mind is Supertramp's "The Logical Song".

It always reminds me of a road trip I took when I was like 9 or 10 with my parents, my aunt and uncle to Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. We lived in Massachusetts so I think it was just a day trip. But I remember riding in the back of my mom's little red Chevette. Falling asleep in the hatchback and waking up with black lines from the plastic flooring all over one side of my body. We hiked to the top of the mountain. I remember picnicking along the way and stopping at a stream for water.

Good Times. Good song.
I get goose bumps every time I hear it.

5}What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

I'd have to say young adult novels. Yeah, I'm not a young adult anymore!! But I got sucked in to Twilight and lately have been reading the Mortal Instruments series and I have a few more on my to read list. What can I say? I'm young at heart....??

I'd like you to meet.....

2011-06-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

Ishkabibble.......

Yes, his name is Ishkabibble. Interesting name for a cat right? He's Ishy for short. The previous owner's named him and he knows his name so we decided to keep it. Although I am spelling it differently than they did. I had googled it to find out just what it meant and the other spelling had some connections with smoking and drugs so I decided we'd change it up.

This one basically means "whatever, who cares". I guess it was started in the 1930s. My aunt tells me my grandmother used to say it all the time but I'm not sure I remember that! Maybe she's the one who led us to this cat, though I don't remember her liking cats much.

Anyway, we got him from a local family. The woman had gotten him as a kitten for her son. Turns out she was allergic and she just couldn't take it anymore so they decided to give him up.

We were originally going to give it a few weeks or more to find one at the shelter but my hubby is all about Craig's list lately. He decided to look to see if anyone was selling the supplies we'd need like litter box, toys etc. Well, he ended up looking at the cats available and found this one. He was listed the day before our little anniversary trip. He told the kids if it was still available when we got back we'd call. He got re-listed the day we got back so we called on Friday morning and went to meet him Friday afternoon.

He's now a member of our family. I've actually been taking to the whole thing quite well. He likes a bit of attention but he's not a touchy feely snuggly cat so that works out well for me!! He usually just wants you to throw his ball around or dangle his toys so he can bat them around.

Happy List

2011-06-18T13:05:00.001-05:00

I've been lurking around the HAPPY list for some time now. I think it's about time I start trying to participate. I tend to gravitate toward the negative side of everything which causes me to be not happy too often. I think I need to consciously start finding the positive and be more HAPPY.

I'm HAPPY because:
Last Sunday we dragged the kids to a flea market. I know, we are such awful parents. My oldest daughter had made Wind Symphony at school and needs to upgrade to a wooden clarinet. We ended up finding a nice one for $40!!!!

We'll have to put in another $225 to have it oiled, re-corked and padded, but I'm OK with that. We'd have at least that much in to rent one for just one year. And the guy at the music store said once it's in playing condition they could sell it for around $500.
I think it was a great unexpected find! YAY!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm HAPPY because:
My husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this past week! We didn't do much, just got a hotel in Green Bay and did some sight seeing and wandering around Door County. But we had fun getting away for a couple nights and being together.

I had originally wanted to take a big trip but we just couldn't afford it, so as my hubby kept telling me.......It doesn't matter what we do as long as we are together!

Say it with me, "Awww"!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

20 Years and Counting

2011-06-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today we celebrate the big 2-OH!

20 years of good and bad.

20 years of Love!

Happy Anniversary!

Here Kitty Kitty..........

2011-06-13T12:15:00.000-05:00

My daughter's birthday was a little over a month ago. If you saw that post you know we told her we were finally going to let her get a dog.

I thought I was OK with that. But no matter how I tried I was still concerned that I wouldn't be able to deal with it. All the training and barking and walking............. oh my!

In the mean time we've had some things come up financially that have worried me and was I concerned as to whether we could afford the dog.

We decided all we could do was sit her down and try to talk to her rationally and let her know we'd have to delay the adoption until we had some bills paid off. She was crushed. We broke her fragile little heart. I was crushed for her.

We told her we still owed her a birthday gift for this year because of it but there was nothing she wanted. Could you think of anything if your heart was just broken? So I suggested the cell phone she's been asking for. We went out that day and she picked one out. It perked her right up. She loves that phone.

Hubby noticed she was taking photos of some cats she has on her calendar and putting them as her phone's wallpaper. So he asked if I'd be OK with a cat. The fee to adopt them is lower and we could possibly get some of the supplies we needed from his mom who has had cats all her life. It would be kept indoors, we wouldn't have to worry about walking it, they are much quieter and from what I've seen of the cats my family members have had less needy for attention than dogs are.

Yeah, just my luck we'll get the most needy, psycho cat alive!!

Anyway, I agreed. I think I can handle a cat. I'm feeling much better about that decision. We ran it by her and she took to the idea. So now we are planning to adopt a cat.

We have a "cat fund" started that she's been putting most of her allowance in. We even went to the humane society yesterday to fill out the application form. We looked around at the ones available and she fell in love with about 5 of them.

We aren't quite ready to adopt yet. Hubby and I will be out of town for a couple days for our anniversary. Plus we need to look into getting all the supplies and take a while to add to that cat fund before we actually take the leap.

I'll introduce you all to our new family member as soon as it's a go and we pick one out!

Please excuse the mess

2011-06-09T07:45:00.000-05:00

I was starting to get sick of the old look of my blog. In fact, I've been sick of it for quite a while now.

I get bored easily with stuff like that!

So last night I started playing around with the new blogger templates. Well, at least they are new to me since I last changed my blog. Don't know how long they've been there.

Sure, it would be cool to have a personalized custom layout but I just don't have the funds for that. And knowing me I'd probably get sick of it after 6 months and want to change it up and feel guilty.

So I'm just gonna stick with the free layout sites and the blogger templates for now. I'm fine with it and I don't feel bad about changing it up when I'm sick of it.

I apologize in advance though if over the next few days, or possibly weeks, my blog is looking wonky or if every time you stop by it's different. I have a really hard time making up my mind!

I went through every single template last night. Then couldn't remember where the ones were I kinda liked. Then really couldn't decide once I narrowed it down. I picked one but not sure if it will stick.

Then I started going through the fonts. It could take forever to pick one! I want something a bit more quirky but still readable! Some of them are really hard on the eyes!

And colors.....

Decisions, decisions!

We Want to Know Wednesday: Week 8

2011-06-08T13:55:00.000-05:00

Hosted by: Impulsive Addict, Janette, Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn

1} Everyone seems to have a quirky family situation-- what is something unique about your family dynamic?

Hmm, not sure if I totally understand what you're looking for. I think my family is pretty normal as far as families go.

2} What is the most stressful aspect to blogging (aside from the network going down)?

I have a couple.

First, is coming up with things to blog about! Take a look. I haven't blogged in over two weeks. That (and the fact that I just wasn't feeling like it) is the main reason.

Second, is keeping up with all the blogs I follow. There are lot of 'em and I don't always feel like I have time for them. Many of the ones I follow I rarely comment on :( I skim through them in Google reader.

Along with that goes reciprocating on the blogs of people who visit and comment on mine. Sometimes I'll post a blog and then something comes up at home and I feel bad if I can't answer or visit them right away.

3} We all end up on a blog at some point in our day, but name your top 3 favorite websites you flock to daily (non blog)!

Facebook....doesn't everybody flock there?

Twitter....yes I usually check on the web because I'm still behind the times and don't have a smart phone yet. I've been wanting to get my hands on an iPhone. Soon. I hope. My MIL has one and it's killing me!!

Yahoo and Gmail..... I'm always checking my email

4} What’s your sign? Believe in it or not, does any part ring true to you?

Scorpio, November 11th
Scorpio is the most intensive, obsessive and turbulent sign in the zodiac....................Yeah, I'd definitely have to agree with that! Though if I continue reading not everything holds true. I'd say it's about half and half.

5} IceCream!! ICECREAM!! We all scream for icecream! Name your favorite flavor/brand! (Its hot here, can't help it)

My favorite is really not ice cream, it's frozen custard from Culver's

Carmel Cashew! Yummy. It's got my sweet and my salty!

And going with BONUS question B....

B} Suggest a question you want to see in future WWTKs!

Have you ever met a celebrity? If so, who, when, where, how? If not, who would you like to meet and why?

Birthday Boy!!

2011-05-23T07:02:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to take a moment to wish my awesome (and sometimes strange) hubby a wonderful birthday today!!

I ♥ You!!!

We Want to Know Wednesday #5

2011-05-18T07:40:00.002-05:00

It's We Want to Know Wednesday time! Hosted by:
Impulsive Addict, Janette, Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn

{1} If you could choose a Super Power, what would it be?

I've always thought it would be cool to be invisible. Sneak up on the bad guys and strike when they least expect it.

Or do a little "eavesdropping". Whatever the case may be.

{2} What would be your first frivolous purchase if you were awarded a million dollars, tomorrow?

A brand new car. I've never had a new car. Only used. I want something new. With all the gadgets. Not sure what model. But can I get that in say, purple?

{3} What would be the hardest current luxury for you to give up?

The Internet!!! Did you read about my 7 hours of hell last week?

{4} If you were given a choice between being given great wisdom and great wealth, which would you choose?

Well, since I was just awarded a million dollars in #2, which should cover me for a while, I'll go with great wisdom. I could definitely use it. With a teen and a pre-teen, I need some help. Not to mention my own issues!

{5} If you were to be stranded on a deserted island for 100 days what 5 THINGS would you pack?

Wow, 100 days! That's longer than survivor! Let's see, these are probably lame but some of the first things coming to mind are:

my camera, I'm sure I could find something to photograph
sunglasses, because when I picture deserted island I picture sunny and I don't do sun without sunglasses
a blanket...or my snuggy! Because even though it's sunny I'm sure it gets cool at night
Books, I'm sure I'd have plenty of time to read!
CHOCOLATE! I cannot go 100 days without it.

Obviously I'm not thinking practical! LOL I'm thinking comfort and not being bored. to. death.

I guess 22 seasons of survivor have taught me nothing!

I'm not cut out for this!

2011-05-17T07:37:00.000-05:00

I'm teaching my teen to drive.

I'm afraid for my life.

Seriously. She's already cutoff a semi truck and taken the turn into her friends driveway at 40 mph, missing the driveway completely, driving over the lawn and narrowly missing a huge tree! Luckily her friend lives in a more rural area than us and has a big yard and plenty of room.

Good thing her chickens weren't out in the yard. That sounds strange doesn't it? I never thought I'd be saying that sentence.

Who says 15 1/2 is old enough to learn to drive?

Wasn't my husband suppose to take on this responsibility? I want out!

And there's people out there that do this for a living. Why?

We Want to Know Wednesday

2011-05-11T08:55:00.001-05:00

Time for We Want to Know Wednesday again! Be sure to visit the hosts of our show:
Impulsive Addict, Janette, Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn

This week the questions come from Janette

{1}What game show have you always thought you could be on and totally WIN!
I've always liked watching game shows!

There's a few I think it would be cool to be on. Like Cash Cab. But WIN? I don't know. Probably Wheel of Fortune.

{2}Do you have a tattoo(s)? What are they and what made you chose them? If not, would you get one, yes/no/why?
I don't have any....yet. I've been considering it for a couple years now. I was originally planning for it to be a 40th bday present for myself but that never happened. I'm not sure where I want it (but if going to go through the pain and trouble I want to be able to see it!) and the only tattoo parlor I've been in I've felt out of place so that's what's been stopping me. Oh and the cost.

I kind of have an idea of some things I want it to have but I'd need someone to design it for me. I want to work in either my kids names or birthdays, our anniversary and photography. I had been thinking of doing either a shutter or a film strip with the numbers along the edge. I also wanted it to say f11 somewhere since my bday is in November.

{3}What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?
My wedding rings. That's about the only thing I wear consistently.

{4}What is your driving pet peeve(s)
One of my biggest ones is people who don't put their blinker on until they are already in the left turn lane or half way into the intersection! At that point why bother?

{5}What was your favorite sitcom growing up that you wish was still on?
Is the Dukes of Hazzard considered a sitcom?

That was always one of my favorite shows. Brings back good family memories. Friday night was pizza and Dukes night.

I loved me some Bo Duke!

7 hours is too long

2011-05-10T13:09:00.000-05:00

Panic attack caused by lack of internet access

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

Clammy palms
Sweating
The Shakes
Twitching
Pacing
Upset stomach
Jitters
Irritability
Obsessively checking and re-checking your router and internet connection status
Uncontrollable sobbing
Frantically driving to Best Buy with laptop in tow to consult with the Geek Squad
Rushing home to install new wireless USB adapter
Frantically calling Geek Squad back when still unable to connect
Shirking all other responsibilities until you have internet!

Seven hours later my laptop is back up and connecting to the internet.

I feel much better.

Road Trip to Florida days 5 & 6

2011-05-06T06:48:00.003-05:00

Sorry it's been taking me so long to share my Florida trip! Two more days after this.

On day 5 we originally had plans to hit Clearwater beach for a couple hours before heading over the do some crabbing in the afternoon. Well, the night before they were predicting rain so we changed plans and decided to check out M&M world.

Turns out it wasn't raining though, so my daughter was not happy we didn't go to the beach. But we had slept in a bit later because of it and we didn't have as much time as we originally had planned.

After m&ms and lunch we headed to the Tampa Bay area to jump on this boat...

And catch some crabs in traps like these...

Our guide was Gus, he's been crabbing for 35 years! He's 75 years old and still going strong. He's been giving the tours for the past 3 years now.

Each of us got a turn pulling some traps...

We met some friends along the way...

They followed us everywhere. Hoping for a bite to eat. We did throw them a couple of the bait fish...

Of course part of the experience was eating what we caught. Though none of really cared for much of it except my oldest. Luckily he had also made some hush puppies, fish and shrimp so we had plenty to choose from....

Day 6 was Harry Potter Day!! We were all looking forward to this.

It felt like you were walking right on to the movie set!

Hogwarts castle...

Inside the castle was the forbidden journey ride. The line for the ride first took you through the greenhouse and then the castle. This photo of the greenhouse is all I got...

It was too dark in the castle and all I had on me at the time was my cell phone as you couldn't have any kind of purses or bags. The inside was super cool though. You'll just have to take my word for it!

Honeydukes candy store.....

which was connected to Zonko's joke shop, though not sure why I didn't photograph that!

The kids and I had our photo taken behind the castle...

The tent covered area was the outside dining area behind the Three Broomsticks restaurant. Which dummy us didn't go into. We weren't sure if the kids would eat anything on the menu so we went outside the Harry Potter area to eat. I wish we would have at least checked it out!

One of the stores was the Owl Post where you could buy postcards and have them stamped with an Hogsmeade owl postmark.

The Durmstrang boys.....

The Beaubaton girls...

And of course, no visit to Hogsmeade would be complete without Butterbeer...

Although, I am sorry to say it was kinda gross!! I'm not sure what it was made of, hubby thought it tasted like a cross between root beer and cream soda.

Happy 12th Birthday!

2011-05-05T09:51:00.000-05:00

My baby turned 12 today!

Twelve!

I can't believe that!

This morning we told her that she could finally get the dog she's been asking for.....since she was like two!

I must be getting crazy in my old age!

We Want to Know Wednesday

2011-05-04T11:43:00.002-05:00

Time again for We Want to Know Wednesday hosted by:

Impulsive Addict, Janette, Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn

{1} If money didn't matter, where would your perfect vacation take place? Briefly describe.

I would love to go to Australia.

Or wait.....Germany.

No....Hawaii.

I don't know there are so many places I'd like to visit. I don't know if I can pick just one. But hey, if money is no object I wouldn't have to right? I could travel the world.

{2}What's a bad habit that you have (or had) that is/was hard to break?

I don't know if this would be classified as a "habit" or not. But I tend to worry too much about what others think of me or what I'm doing. I ~~think~~ know it has held me back in some ways. I know it's something I should not concern myself with but it's hard for me not to think that way.

{3} If you weren't on a diet or counting calories, what would you like to have for dinner tonight?

Well, I'm not on a diet or counting calories. Hmmm. Maybe that's why I'm gaining wait! Ha! I've been walking more. Now I need to start eating less.

How about pizza?

{4} If you had the chance to interview anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what's one question that you would ask?

Man, this is a hard one. I want to pick someone of significance and ask a meaningful question but I'm having a hard time coming up with anything. I guess there is just nothing pressing that I NEED to know from anyone!

Will I be put in detention if I skip this one?

{Seriously, I've spent way too much time thinking about this today. I'll never get this post up if I don't just skip it. And do you know what? As soon as I do I'll come up with the most brilliant answer!}

{5} Describe yourself in 6 words.

Emotional, reserved, intense, sensitive, observant, picky

Monthly Vlog: May

2011-05-03T13:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm actually doing it again this month!

You can really tell how nervous I am in this one! Not sure if or when I'll ever loosen up doing this.

I do have to start off by apologizing though. I totally missed one of the challenges when recording.

Emmy Mom wanted to know.....Is there a name you can't stand and why? And along with this do you like your own name?

I really can't think of a name I can't stand. I'm OK with my name. I don't remember ever really hating it or ever wanting to change it. Both my kids went through a stage that they wanted to change their name.

Mamarazzi and Shawn asked a few this or that questions:

Ocean or Mountains?
Sweet or Salty?
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Edward or Jacob?
Book or Kindle?
Manicure or Pedicure?
MAC or PC?

The show and tell portion comes from Beth:
What is in your handbag/purse?

Paging Dr. Cullen

2011-05-02T07:12:00.001-05:00

This weekend Peter Facinelli aka Dr. Carlisle Cullen was doing some appearances near us. Saturday he was in Sheboygan, WI and yesterday was Vernon Hills, IL. Since they are both fairly close to me I knew when I heard about them that I wanted to go.

Saturday my daughter was competing at the State Solo Ensemble contest (which they did great at by the way) so we took a drive down to Illinois yesterday.

He was to be there from 12-5pm. We got there around 12:30 to this crowd and no Peter yet.

I had to use the restroom so before getting in line I snuck into Ruby Tuesday to use theirs. It was down the hall behind the end of the line. So of course, who walks out of the back room right next to the restaurant and across the hall into another back room door to head to the stage while I am in there?

My kids freaked out as soon as I got out of the bathroom. "He just walked by!! He was right there!" They were pretty much the only ones who saw him at that point because everyone else was in line facing the other direction.

We got our ticket and got in line. I was able to get some pics along the way.

When we got to the front of the line, right in front of the stage, he decided to do a quick Q&A session. Nice timing!

He came right up in front of us a couple times to hand over the mic to people.

In case anyone is wondering.....he had light grey Calvin Klein's under those jeans! LOL Hey he was close and his shirt rode up when reaching out to hand over the mic and I just happened to catch a glimpse.

It was about two hours by the time we got our turn.

We opted for just a photo. The cost went to benefit Alex's Lemonade, the charity he supports.

Quote of the day: "Let's face it. The only one who looks good in this photo is Peter." ~spoken by my oldest when the kids were complaining how they looked.

Yeah, thanks. Love you too.

Hubby snapped a few from above.

We all got hugs but he was only able to capture one!

By that time we were all hungry so we went to grab a bite to eat at Ruby Tuesday's. He was still there when we got done so we walked over again and went up to the upper level to watch for a bit before heading home.

It was a nice day. Thanks to my hubby for being such a trooper. He drove us down there and hung around waiting for us and taking some pictures while we were in line. I know he was bored.

We Want to Know Wednesday

2011-04-27T08:02:00.000-05:00

I'm participating in We want to know Wednesday today which is hosted by the following ladies.......

Impulsive Addict, Janette, Mamarazzi and Seriously Shawn

{1} What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Are you an eyes or a smile person? Maybe another body part?

Yeah, I like eyes and smile. But I think the first thing I notice is hair. Which is funny because my hubby has some scary hair! lol It's fine when it's first cut and manageable, but if he lets it get a little too long it's kind of a hot mess.

Anyway, then after that it's really about the whole package for me. No not that package, get your mind out of the gutter. Basically how they look as a whole, eyes, smile,hair, body, how they dress and carry themselves.

{2} If a movie was being made about you who would you like to see cast to play you? And would your movie be a comedy, drama, romantic-comedy, action film or a horror movie?

Good question but I haven't got a clue. I've thought about it before because I've seen the question but I just don't know who I'd pick. Any suggestions? I do know it would be a drama though, very emotional, lots of crying on my part.

{3} Does your high school yearbook include a senior comment section? If so share what you said about your future goals. Have you met those goals? If you do not have a yearbook just share what your goals where when you were 18 and if you have met them. If you’re brave enough include your Senior Picture!

My yearbook didn't have anything like that. Our choices were to have our pictures in color and have a quote we chose under them. Or our pictures would be in B&W and our signature would be put along the side of the photo. We went for the B&W with signature.

Lame? Sure but we thought it was cool.

At the time I wanted to be a photographer but my dad would not have it. He basically made me get a business degree which to this day I haven't made use of really.

Here I am in all my senior glory.....

1987

Tell me that's not one of the most awesome mullets you've ever seen?! With the feathers all the way down the back side!

{4} What latest trend simply baffles you?

I'm not sure I'm up on the latest fashion trends but the one thing that really bothers me when I pick up my daughter at the high school............guys that wear their pants practically down around their knees.

With a freaking belt no less!

I was waiting for her one day and this kid I've "known" since kindergarten walked out. I happened to glance in the rear view mirror (hey maybe that was my problem) and all I saw was his rear!! I've seen them low but his were all the way past his behind, both cheeks totally out there.

Seriously, they are called UNDERWEAR, they should be UNDER your clothes!!

{5} When you walk into a room how do you present yourself? Do you walk in with confidence and command the attention of others or do you slink in and do your best to go unnoticed?

Unnoticed, that would be me. I don't want all that attention. I tend to just blend into the woodwork in a big group of people or at a party.

Well, unless I'm with family then I'm different. Listen to what I have to say or else.

Road Trip to Florida days 3 & 4

2011-04-25T11:31:00.001-05:00

Day 3 we got up to head to IHOP for breakfast. We don't have many of them around here so my youngest was asking to eat there.

The kids spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon hanging around the pool. Hubby and I spent longer than expected on a tour and missed out on one of the better days weather wise!

That night we had reservations with everyone at the Arabian Nights dinner theater....

It was fun but kinda hard to eat in the dark and take pics at the same time! But I got a few.

My daughter fell in love with this horse...

After dinner we walked around Downtown Disney for a while.

Day 4 we had plans for Universal Studios. The weather didn't want to cooperate though. So before heading out we stopped at Walgreens and got our outfits for the day...

Meet the new smurf family...

There was a steady drizzle pretty much the whole day. This storefront caught my attention.....

It was of course just a facade. Inside was actually an office doing taste testing. Hubby made 3 universal bucks to taste some granola bars. Which came in handy at lunch time at Mel's diner. (this is one of my fave photos from the week)

Damn, theme park food is expensive though!

The kids almost got eaten by a shark....

We watched a show featuring TV and movie animal actors and how they get them to do certain tricks.

We got to see the dog from the Men In Black movies.....

We of course went on rides and shopped for souvenirs and ate junk food! It sucked being wet all day but on the other hand it kept the crowds down and there weren't too many lines.

We left fairly early, ordered pizza for dinner back at our place and just lounged around for the night.

My first (and quite possibly only) Vlog!

2011-04-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

OMG! I seriously cannot believe I'm actually doing this right now!

I'm participating in Mamarazzi's monthly Vlog for April. Did I just say Vlog? I did. Yes, I am actually posting a video of myself right here for all to see. I must be crazy.

It's an accent/dialect vlog that has been making it's way around the blogosphere but they have added some extra words to it.

I apologize in advance for.............well, everything about it really!

For some reason it kept going in and out of focus. Not sure what's up with that. I also have some serious bags under my eyes. Yikes!! But it is what it is. I did it in one take and was not about to try again. I was really hoping my kids wouldn't start calling for me or fighting and interrupt it!

You start by saying the following words:

Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel, Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both, Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise, Syrup, Pajamas, Caught, Antenna, Rootbeer, Ambulance, Museum, Milk, Orange, Apricot

THEN you answer the following questions:

What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?
What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?
What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?
What do you call gym shoes?
What do you say to address a group of people?
What do you call the kind of spider that has an oval-shaped
body and extremely long legs?
What do you call your grandparents?
What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you carry
groceries at the supermarket?
What do you call it when rain falls while the sun is shining?
What is the thing you change the TV channel with?

Where do you buy your groceries?

Just a couple clarifications....I did not enjoy the making of my own video or watching myself to make sure you could hear me. I think watching other people's is fun!

and

As far as skipping the show & tell part........I had a hard enough time just doing the easy part!

Also I have no idea why I said caramel the way I did because that is not how I normally say it. I must have been nervous and trying to hard to pronounce them correctly! It's usually just "car-mull". Anyway.....

Whew!

Road Trip to Florida, days 1 & 2

2011-04-21T19:54:00.001-05:00

She lives! Yes, I am back from my trip. I did not run away and join the circus or anything of the sort. I think I just lost my blogging mojo after my trip and then coming home and having a bit of a cold.

For a couple of days there I was seriously going to quit my blog for good. I talked it out with my good blogging friend Amy, let it simmer a bit, did some other things and finally decided I'd miss it too much. So here I am playing catch up with my Florida trip posts.

I'm going to do it in a few parts but I'm going to try to keep them short and sweet, easy to read with lots of pics. If I leave something out or you want to know more, just ask!

We got up at the crack before dawn to get the kids out of the house with my mom, brother, niece, soon to be sister in law and her daughter. Who I guess will become my niece also! They all flew down.

Then we jumped in the car to start our drive...

We buckled up for safety...

And of course you can't have a road trip without a traffic jam. This one happened to be in the middle of Kentucky, lasted two hours and got us a total of 5 miles...

After a long day of traveling and not getting nearly as far as we wanted, we had the bright idea that instead of stopping for the night, we'd have a leisurely dinner, drive a few more hours, stop to sleep in the car at a rest stop for a couple hours and then drive during the night when the traffic was hopefully better.

Obviously we weren't thinking straight! Because it is virtually impossible to sleep well in the car and traffic jams happen at night too!

So we ended up taking many rest breaks throughout the next day...

Almost got bitten by poisonous snakes....

But eventually arrived safely at our destination....

Being that the kids had already been there for 24 hours they were already enjoying the pool....

We showered, freshened up and my aunt made us some dinner in their unit. Then we took a walk around the grounds. Saw some palm trees....

Had a ghost like portrait taken of me by my daughter....

And checked out the fountain in the middle of the west village....

Friday Confessional

2011-03-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

I confess.....that I have a laundry basket at the foot of our bed with our socks and underwear in it. We "live" out of that basket. I don't even bother putting it in a drawer. Never mind bothering to fold it.

I confess.....that I've given up soda for lent (for the second year in a row). Which is supposed to be a good thing. But...

I

am

dying

for

a

soda!!

Help me!

Ok, last week Mamarazzi confessed something juicy. I was also encouraged by a couple people to post something juicy this week because honestly my last few confessions have been bor-ing!

So here you go. I can't believe I'm actually going to type this out. Anyway,

I confess.....that recently while planning our upcoming road trip with hubby I again mentioned the fact that I'd like to visit all 50 states in my lifetime. For some reason I may have also expressed that we should....ahem, you know.....do a certain something in all 50 states too....ifyouknowwhatimean!

I mean we've already got at least 4 taken care of.
Oh, and we've got "at sea" covered too.

Whew, Ok that's enough!

I confess.....that I am not here right now to take your call, but your comment is very important to me. Please leave a message after the post and I will get back to you as soon as I return. Or shortly thereafter.

Thank you to Amy for linking my up today! Please go visit her also and see what she's been up to.

On the Road Again.......

2011-03-22T14:20:00.000-05:00

When I was a teen we used to take a lot of road trips back to MA to visit our family. We'd start off every trip singing "On the Road Again".

Yes, our family is strange.

Hubby and I are planning a road trip to Florida! WooHoo!
So if I'm not around much in the next few weeks you'll know why. Still got a bunch of stuff to do before leaving because I've been procrastinating as usual!! The past few days have been cold and rainy. It's so hard to get motivated. Though you think I would be knowing we're heading to sunny and 80s!

We have some fun stuff planned for our trip so I'm hoping to have some fun stories and pictures to share when we return!

Anybody want a postcard?

Friday Confessional

2011-03-18T07:28:00.000-05:00

I confess.....that I am super lazy.

I do not like getting up at 5:30 to get the kids up for school. Many times I go back to bed after they leave and if not I lounge around and stay in my pajamas as long as possible. Until the point my husband says "are you showering today?"

It happens on the weekends too. I stay in bed way too long.
Then I get mad at myself for not getting up and getting things done. But I continue to do it. It's a viscous circle.

I confess.....that I kinda suck at this confessing thing.

Is my life that boring? Possibly. Or is it that I'm just not willing to admit the things I should be fessing up to? Yeah, that too.

Wee Bit of Me

2011-03-16T13:55:00.000-05:00

{one} scruffy or clean shaven?Scruffy
{two} what’s your favorite sundae topping?hot fudge, nuts and don't forget the cherry!
{three} do you own slippers?Of course, I live it WI,it's cold! I usually also wear socks with them. Except in the summer then I'm usually barefoot at home.
{four} did you ever have a tree house?No
{five} how you do relieve stress?YELL! I know, bad
{six} what’s your favorite dr. seuss book?Green eggs and Ham
{seven} have you ever taken dance classes?no, unless you count the doing modern dance in gym class in high school.
{eight} which do you use more: the thesaurus or the dictionary?online dictionary, usually m-w.com
{nine} what’s your favorite form of exercise?Walking, if I ever get off my butt to do it!
{ten} what’s the longest you’ve ever waited in line?Probably hours for a concert when I was younger. I do remember camping out in my friends car overnight to be first in line for Bon Jovi tickets one year.

Frog Art

2011-03-15T07:05:00.000-05:00

While in college I took an art class. I really have no idea why because I am so not artistic! I can't draw to save my life! I'm sure it was just because I needed some credits.

There was one project I did that I was kind of proud of and always liked. Recently I've been wondering what happened to it because I haven't seen it since we moved into this house 11 years ago. I could have sworn I had given it to my mom but she had the few other things out that I had given her. I was bragging to my kids about how cool it was.

But last week while searching for the childhood toy I was going to use for my project 52 photo I found it!

The assignment was to find an animal that we could "recreate" with our hand. We held our hand in the position we wanted and dipped it in wax to make a mold, then filled it with plaster. After it hardened we painted it to look like our animal.

Mine kinda looks like a frog, doesn't it?

Friday Confessional

2011-03-11T13:45:00.000-06:00

I confess.....that I was going to do a confession last week but when Friday came I just. didn't. feel. like. it.

I confess.....that Peter Facinelli is going to be in Wisconsin and Illinois this weekend for meet and greets and I really, Really, REALLY want to go.
I am more of a twihard than my kids.

I confess......that I feel embarrassed if someone I know IRL finds out about my blog. I'm not sure why. Sometimes people who don't blog or aren't real social online just don't get it.

When I originally started this blog I had invited all my family to read it. I'm not sure if any of them even do, but I'm not sure I want to know.

Sometimes when I post things I wonder "what if my family or friends or my kid's friends read this?" So sometimes I hold back because of it.

I don't hide the fact that I blog. I mean anybody could easily find it through facebook or other means, but I also don't advertise it either.

I confess.....that I have another confession I've thought of putting here but am afraid to because "what if my family or friends read this?" It's not necessarily really bad. I just don't want it to be taken the wrong way.

Wee Bit of Me

2011-03-09T12:26:00.000-06:00

I've been MIA the past week! Guess I've just been focused on other things, like planning a vacation, carting everyone else's arse around town and trying to stay sane while my daughter learns to drive!

{one} what color is your kitchen?Green, it's actually called False Cypress. I seriously just had to go dig the paint sample out to find out the name of the color!
{two} do you have a good luck charm?nope.
{three} do you prefer to write with a pen or pencil?Pen. Usually a purple one!
{four} can you use chopsticks?haha, nope.
{five} do you prefer baths or showers?Showers
{six} what is your favorite salad dressing?What's salad?? I'm picky remember? No salad for me and dressing is just so......ewww!
{seven} can you sing the alphabet backwards?I cannot.
{eight} do you have any allergies?Not that I know of
{nine} crunchy or creamy peanut butter?Crunchy!
{ten} have you ever hitch hiked?Hell No!!

Wee Bit of Me

2011-03-02T09:14:00.000-06:00

{one} do you wear holey jeans? if so, do you buy them that way?

No, but I was just thinking this morning how I needed some new jeans! I only have 2 decent pairs and I wear 1 a lot more than the other.

{two} do you get a full 8 hours of sleep per night?

No, even if I slept straight through it would only be about 7 during the week. But I wake up a least once, usually twice a night to pee! It sucks!

{three} what’s your favorite way to eat an oreo?
I don't eat too many oreos, but I usually take them apart and eat the filling first. Though that makes for a really dry cookie afterward! which is why I don't eat many. I prefer soft, moist cookies.

{four} do you wear shoes in your house?
Not usually, we kick them off as soon as we come in the door.

{five} who would you call first if you won the lottery?
Hubby and then my mom. Or vise versa depending on how/when I found out.

{six} have you ever been in a food fight?
Not exactly, one broke out during lunch once when I was in high school and my friends and I ran for the doors! Wimps!

{seven} do you snore?
I really don't know. My husband will tell me I do when I complain about his but I think he's just playing around.

{eight} do you know how fast you type?
I'm not sure. I was tested a long time ago and don't remember. I'm sure I'm faster now though. I do remember I did 10,000 keystrokes per minute on the 10 key pad. I used to use one all the time at work and was able to get super fast.

{nine} can you do a headstand (without using a wall)?
I haven't tried it lately! LOL I can't do a full one with my whole body straight up in the air but I used to be able to do the 3 point one where you put your knees on your elbows. Does that count?

{ten} how do you like your popcorn?
With butter and salt.

Project Smile {February}

2011-02-28T21:05:00.002-06:00

1. Finally getting the windows fixed on our Jeep.

2. Snow day, got to sleep in since kids didn't have to get to school.

Unfortunately my smile didn't last long...the rest of the day sucked :(

3. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies!

4. Picking up the free $10 gift card card I won! Yay me!

5. My 11yo helping with the grocery shopping and getting dinner in the crock pot without any complaints!

6. Making pizza and watching the Superbowl with my family.

7. My cousin and his wife welcomed their new little girl into the world!

8. Listening to my daughter tell me about something good that happened at school today.

9. Made hot air balloon ride reservations for hubby and I while we are on our Florida vacation. I can't wait!!

10. Snuggling on the couch catching up on some favorite TV shows with hubby.

11. Listening to my kids sing, giggle and basically get along instead of fighting!

12. Watching movies with my 11 year old!

13. Red velvet cake.

14. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

15. Talking with a bloggy friend on the phone.

16. The new season of Survivor started!

17. Going back to bed after the kids left for school.

18. Lunch date with hubby.

19. Watching my daughter's tennis tournament.

20. Meeting Frank Fritz

21. ?

22. I've been reading every day lately and I'm on my 2nd book for February! See more about my reading list and goals here.

23. SHAMROCK SHAKE!!!

24. Alone time. Watched a netflix movie that has been sitting here for weeks.

25. Starbucks with a friend

26. Watching my kids try to dance to "Michael Jackson, The Experience" on Wii.

27. Spending the day at home as a family. My daughter made a cool spaghetti and meatball cake, dinner together, watching "The Amazing Race"

28. Winning a giveaway from Mamarazzi at Dandelion Wishes
She holds one every Monday. Check it out!

Wow, listing something for each day was harder than I thought! Some days I had many things to choose from. Other days I sat there thinking "what even happened today to make me smile?" And one day I even forgot and couldn't come up with something days later. Oops! But it made me realize that there usually is something good, however small it may be, that happens each day.

I just need to start noticing they are there!

Friday Confessional

2011-02-25T10:38:00.000-06:00

This is my first time participating, bear with me!

I confess.....that I sometimes find myself doing the things I tell my kids not to do. For example the other night I caught myself having to shut off 4 lights I left on around the house. Ooops.

I confess.....that my husband and I have a secret spot in one of the kitchen cupboards to hide stuff we don't want the kids to find.
Like CHOCOLATE!
I can't believe they never found it on their own. I did accidentally left it open a couple weeks ago and they saw the stuff in there and asked about it. I made up some lame excuse and would you believe since then they seem to have forgotten all about it! Whew! I think we're still safe.

I confess.....that the main reason I just read the book "Water for Elephants" is because Robert Pattinson is starring in the movie and I really want to see it!
There, I said it. Happy now?
Seriously though, I really enjoyed the book. I read it in 4 days. That's fast for me.

I confess.....that although I know I am FAR from perfect, I'm having a hard time coming up with things to fess up about.

Wee Bit of Me

2011-02-23T14:22:00.000-06:00

{one} do you always wear your seatbelt in the car?Always!
{two} do you crack your knuckles?I used to all the time, but not any more.
{three} what is your favorite flavor of gum?spearmintoh, and the new Extra Mint Chocolate Chip is pretty good
{four} what is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?my wedding rings I guess, I'm not much of a jewelry person
{five} who is your best friend?

My hubby.

{six} what is your favorite smell?hmm...Probably Cinnamon. Used to love the smell when making cinnamon rolls at work!
{seven} what is your favorite lunch meat?pit ham
{eight} do you still have your tonsils?yup, still there
{nine} do you untie your shoes before you take them off?never
{ten} what color is your car?blue

Another for the Wall of Fame

2011-02-21T07:01:00.001-06:00

Yesterday we drove through rain, sleet and snow to meet this guy...

Frank Fritz from American Pickers, one of our favorite shows in this house. He was doing an appearance at the World of Wheels Auto Show at the WI state fair grounds. I was surprised at how many people were there considering the crappy weather we were having. We had prepaid for tickets so we weren't about to lose out on that money. Henry Winkler was also supposed to be making an appearance but he wasn't there, not sure why.

Now my daughter wants to start a "wall of fame" where we hang up any celebrity autographs we get. Could be fun, we've got a few so far.

After meeting Frank we of course walked around and checked out some cool cars. And hubby got some more ideas for his car, like he needs that! He keeps changing his mind about what to do.

Wee Bit of Me

2011-02-16T14:04:00.000-06:00

{one} what is your favorite breakfast food?I'm not much for breakfast foods. I usually eat something like cold pizza or a ham sandwich for breakfast but if I had to choose I'd say scrambled eggs with ham mixed in.
{two} how many pairs of shoes do you currently own?I have about 30 pairs right now.
{three} city or country?City, I guess. I'd love to live somewhere a little more secluded but it needs to be close enough to the city to not feel like I'm out in the middle of nowhere!
{four} what is your favorite part of your job?Not working right now but when I was it was the people I worked with.
{five} what is your favorite junk food to snack on?Chips. Or Chocolate. Or Chips and chocolate! Sweet and salty.
{six} have you ever been mentioned in the newspaper?The only time I know of was my birth announcement.
{seven} do you use post-it notes?Yes. Yes. Yes!
{eight} do you have freckles?Nope, no freckles.
{nine} is it okay for men to wear pink?Sure, why not.
{ten} when was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?Sometime within the last couple months. I belong to a website where I exchange postcards and have also tried the pen pal thing with a few people I've met there. I LOVE snail mail!!

2011 Reading List

2011-02-10T14:34:00.019-06:00

I like reading but I don't do nearly as much as I'd like to so I've decided it's time to change that. I was updating my Goodreads account recently and my stats for 2010 show I read 8 books. Eight. Sad.
How can I keep encouraging my kids to read if I'm not?!

Before I had looked at my stats I had decided I was going to shoot for at least 1 book per month. I know it doesn't seem like much, but if I do it I'm already beating my score for last year! Hopefully I can do better than that. I'm already behind so I have a bit of catching up to do.

We're almost half way through February and I've only read one book. A book that took me way too long to read! I plan to continue to update Goodreads so if you'd like, come by and request me as a friend so we can read together. I also hope to continue to update this post so I have a record of the books I've read here too.

Got any recommendations? Be sure to let me know. Right now the only ones on my "to read" list on Goodreads are books that I actually have. I have another written list I've made that I need to add to that.

Below is a running list of books I've read for the year. Beware that the list may contain spoilers!

January:
Psych: A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Read, William Rabkin(finished 2/10/11): My whole family loves this show so when I found out there were a couple books based on the series I decided I had to read them. It's a fun easy read. Though like I said it took me way longer to read it than it should! I'm sure I'll eventually read the rest of them.

February:
The Broker, John Grisham(started 2/11/11,finished 2/20/11): This one was OK. I've enjoyed most of the other John Grisham books I've read but I didn't think this one was a good as others. This is the 18th, I've actually been trying to read them in order. I'm weird that way.

Water for Elephants: A Novel, Sara Gruen(started 2/21/11, finished 2/24/11) I really enjoyed this book and I wasn't sure I would. My mom first got it awhile ago and I remember thinking "Whatever, a book about elephants, a circus, not for me". But then when I saw there was a movie being made and it starred Robert Pattinson my interest was piqued. I read it wanting to know the story before seeing the movie. I'm glad I did!

March:
Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me, Howie Mandel. I remember Howie from the 80s and St. Elsewhere. It was quite interesting to find out just how far back his issues with OCD and his phobia with germs went back!

April/May:
City of Bones (Mortal Instruments), Cassandra Clare (started 4/19/11, finished 5/6/11) The first book of another young adult series. I guess I'm still a teen at heart! LOL But I'm kind of liking these fantasy type series lately. I was so not expecting what happened toward the end!! I won't say in case anyone reading hasn't read it.

City of Ashes (Mortal Instruments), Cassandra Clare (started 5/9/11, finished 5/29/11) I don't think I liked this one as much as the first, but still basically enjoying the series. I must say though I am a little creeped out by the Clary/Jace relationship.

June:
City of Glass (Mortal Instruments), Cassandra Clare (started 6/7/11, finished 6/25/11) This is my favorite of the series so far. Questions answered and things explained so that everything that concerned me in the second book no longer does! This book seemed to wrap up everything nicely which in a way makes sense considering when I first heard about the series I had read it was to be a trilogy. Well, now there is a fourth book and plans for two more. It will be interesting to see where it goes. I have a theory based on the one thing that seemed to be left hanging in this book. I hope it continues to be as good and doesn't loose momentum.

August:
Psych: Mind Over Magic, William Rabkin (started 8/1/11, finished 9/5/11) Another Psych book that took way to long to read. I guess because I didn't really care for it. I LOVE the TV show but this book was kinda boring.

September/October:
Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 10), (started 9/6/11, finished 9/27/11) I've really enjoyed most of the Sookie Stackhouse books, but I think so far this has been my least favorite. It just didn't have the excitement the others seemed to have. I wasn't as drawn to get back to reading it as I had with all the others.

City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Book 4) (See all Teen Science Fiction Books) (started 9/27/11, finished 10/13/11) Ugh! This is why I hate starting a series knowing that all the books have not been published yet.......major cliffhangers! I want to keep going but can't until next year.

The Hunger Games,Suzanne Collins (started 10/20/11, finished 10/27/11) Yes, I know. I'm way behind reading this book. No, I was not living under a rock. It just took me awhile to get to it. Kinda glad I did, because like I said after the previous book I read I like to just keep going with a series and not have to wait for the next book! Great book though and I cannot wait to read the other two books!

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games), Suzanne Collins (started 10/28/11, finished 11/1/11) I'm really liking this series. So glad I have the next one to just keep reading. Ugh! But would Katniss just make up her mind on whether she wants Peeta or not!?! Is he even alive??

November:

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, Book 3), Suzanne Collins (started 11/1/11, finished 11/6/11) I like the series but many things frustrated the hell out of me. The whole thing started to save her sister and she ends up gone in the end anyway. :( I supposed at least some good came out of it all since they are all free now. And I'm so happy that she and Peeta were able to find their way back to each other!

The Innocent Man, John Grisham (started 11/23/11, did not finish) As much as I've liked most all the other John Grisham books I've read I just cannot seem to get into this. Maybe it's because of the non-fiction thing. It's basically just a retelling of events that occured and it's kinda boring. It jumps back and forth between different murders and is just not keeping my interest. Maybe I'll try again at a later time. I really hate to start a book and not finish but I've spent too long trying to get into this one. Time to move on.

as of 12/31/11:
That makes a total of 14 attempted and 13 read for 2011!! I reached my goal and even went over by one book. I think I'm going to keep going in 2012 and start another post logging those books also. I have quite a few on my to read list so I'm going to try to beat my number from this year.

How do you sort your laundry??

2011-02-08T07:46:00.000-06:00

My husband joined the Army at the end of his senior year of high school and spent six weeks of that summer right after graduation in basic training.

Of course that meant he was 18 years old and not very domestic. As I'm sure was the case with the rest of the guys too. They also didn't have much money.

So when it came time to do laundry for the first time, him and a buddy come up with a plan to try to save some money. They didn't have much to wash individually so why not wash it together?

Good idea, but how do we keep our clothes from getting mixed up?
I know, you put yours on the bottom. Then we'll put a couple towels and I'll put mine on top.
Another good idea, why didn't I think of that?!

I'm guessing those of you reading this know what happened when they ran the washer! They did not and were quite surprised when they opened it back up to find all their clothes had mixed together!

Live and learn......

I love FREE stuff!

2011-02-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

It's been 8 months since I quit my job. I've been trying to focus on my photography more and sell some stuff but it's slow going. I'm still on the waiting list to get a booth in the craft store to sell my prints. I've also got my zazzle store up and running but it's a work in progress as I want to continue to add as much as I can. I've had some sales though and in less than six months I've actually met the requirement to get my first payout! Woohoo!

But obviously that is not nearly as much as I would have made in six months working. I've been feeling guilty that I'm not contributing a whole lot financially. So I've been trying to do my best to cut corners where I can and save some money whenever possible.

I was inspired by a woman I saw on Ellen and have been using more coupons for grocery and household things. I found quite a few coupon and money saving blogs to follow and have found some great deals. I've gotten many items for free or next to nothing by using them on sale items or stacking them with in store coupons. I'm not doing it nearly on the scale this woman does and it takes some time a planning to match things up but in the long run it saves on the grocery bill.

In the past couple weeks I've also won some free stuff just by following some businesses on Facebook or Twitter. I'm a fan of Rocky Rococo Pizza on facebook and a few weeks ago they posted that a certain number commenter on that post would win a case of their sauce. Well to encourage people to comment they said they would be randomly giving away other prizes. So I commented and ended up winning a FREE Large pizza. That's one meal we don't have to pay for and I don't have to cook!!

Yesterday I checked Twitter and one of the malls in the area that I follow tweeted about Green Bay in the Super Bowl and that the first 50 people to email them "GO PACK GO" would win a $10 gift card.

Look what I won!! Hmm? What should I buy?

So if you're on Facebook and Twitter check out some of your favorite companies and products to see if they have pages. If not just find their website. You just might be able to snag some free stuff. Many of them have either coupons to print or free samples to request in addition to doing these giveaways sometimes.

Project Smile {January}

2011-01-31T11:05:00.001-06:00

I'm playing along with Alicia today for her project smile.
She's been doing this for a bit and it's been something I wanted to join in on but like many things in my life it gets pushed aside for whatever reason. But I think it's time for me to start noticing and appreciating the things that make me smile rather than always focusing on the things that don't.

The past month has been a great one for my husband and I as a couple. We've spent some needed quality time together, we've talked a lot and we've really reconnected. We've become closer and more open with each other than we've ever been. It's been a good thing for me.

This past week we've actually had two date nights. Yes, two in one week! Now that the kids are getting older it's much easier to get out together.

Last Sunday they both slept over at friends houses since there was no school on Monday so we used up our Chili's gift card and part of our Marcus Movie theater gift card that we got for Christmas. We ended up getting to the theater pretty early so we snapped this photo while sitting in the car.

We saw "The Dilemma" with Kevin James and Vince Vaughn. I love Kevin, Vince? Eh, I can take him or leave him. The movie was pretty good though. We both liked it. And I didn't realize until the movie started that Channing Tatum was also in it! Yum.....

Another reason to smile. (shhh....don't tell hubby) I was trying to decide between shirtless and tuxedo. While he looked hot in the tuxedo, shirtless ultimately won out.

You're welcome.

Then on Saturday we had tickets to see Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood from the "Whose Line Is It Anyway" show. We love going to see them. This was like our 4th year in a row and it doesn't get old. It's all improv so even though they play some of the same games each year it's always different. So we snapped another photo that night.

I don't know how many we took and deleted because I hated how I looked! People must have thought we were nuts! Looks pretty similar to the other though doesn't it. Oh well.

Click on the button to join in.

Would you Rather.........?

2011-01-29T10:39:00.000-06:00

So I bought a book called Zobmondo: The Outrageous Book of Bizarre Choices Would you Rather.......?

It's a listing of 404 sets of 2 options to choose which you'd rather endure. It was an impulse buy standing in line at the book store. My kids and I picked it up to flip through and thought they were interesting. It was marked down so I bought it thinking I'd use it for topics to discuss here since at the time I needed some blog ideas. That was probably 6 months ago. I brought it home and it's been sitting in my bedroom ever since.

Well, guess what? As usual I'm still looking for blog ideas. I don't know why it's so hard for me to come up with things to talk about. I love blogging. I love reading others blogs. I'm always amazed at the variety of topics out there on the blogs I read. Yet still I feel like I've got nothing.

So periodically I may throw one in the blog mix. I know I will never get through all 400+, not to mention the fact that some are just so disgusting I won't even consider posting them here!!

Here we go. We'll start with an easy one.

Would you rather.......

Wear a motorcycle helmet to bed every night

Always sleep with shoes and jeans on?

I go for the shoes and jeans. That I think would be easier to handle. I could not stand the helmet on my head while sleeping that's for sure. I need me a nice soft pillow to lay my head!

So what about you? Leave your answer in the comments or leave me a link where you've blogged it.

Monster Trucks

2011-01-20T06:45:00.000-06:00

On Saturday we went to the 2011 Monster Jam in Milwaukee. We heard about it the week prior and they were having a deal on tickets so we decided to do something different. Hubby and I had gone to one before we were married but the kids had never been. They weren't too thrilled or sure what to expect but they ended up enjoying it.

Before it started you were able to walk down on the floor and check out all the trucks up close and meet the drivers.

Hanging out during the intermission.

The donut competition. That was cool.

They also had a portion of the show that featured Freestyles Quads, BMX, motocross and superbikes that was amazing to watch. They turned the lights down for that part so I wasn't able to get any decent photos.

Remember This?

2011-01-10T09:00:00.002-06:00

Jiffy Pop!

I was under the assumption that if you were a child of the 70's this is what you ate when it came time for popcorn.

I guess I was wrong. Until New Year's Eve 2010, my husband, 41 years old had never had Jiffy Pop. Tragic, I know!

He came home from the store that afternoon with a package of saying he'd walked by it and just had to buy it because he'd never had it growing up and wanted to finally try it.

So I popped it for him that night. I wasn't nearly as good as I remember. I'd say at least half of it didn't even pop. Hubby was not impressed. But hey, as a kid in the 70's it was cool! We didn't have microwave popcorn we had Jiffy Pop.

He ended up putting all the unpopped ones in some oil and popping them. And of course, I being the bad blogger that I am didn't even photograph the festivities to show off here.

Bring It On

2011-01-03T14:00:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!!

What's that you say? I'm 3 days late? Ya, I know. Story of my life. But to tell you the truth I was in absolutely no mood to be wishing people a happy new year on either New Years Eve or New Years Day.

The few days prior were not so great for me emotionally. Most all of it completely my own doing. My mind seems to be my own worst enemy. I worry about things that haven't happened yet, I create all kinds of awful scenarios in my head, I'm the ultimate Negative Nelly. And it ultimately ruins my day or days at a time. Don't see me blogging for days or weeks at a time......this is probably why!

But after a couple long, serious talks with my husband I'm feeling much better. Many times when I do this to myself we end up fighting because he gets so frustrated with the way I think. This time he is finally trying to listen to what I have to say.

We have hopefully come up with some ways to turns things around. I want to make this a fun and more carefree year for me. I want to stop worrying about things that haven't happened yet or things I can't control, stop being so concerned about what others think, stop being so uptight about everything, stop procrastinating, stop letting my own insecurities prevent me from doing things I want to do. And most of all stop beating myself up for all. And with the help, encouragement and little nudging from my husband I'm ready to make it work.

So 2011, I'm ready.

Bring it on!!