Crafty Christy

To Daddy #2

2009-04-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

To Daddy, With Love

2009-04-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

I just have one "small" thing to say

2009-02-12T12:03:00.000-08:00

Vaccines CAN cause Autism!!!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29160138

I have a huge erg to scream and rant and rave about this article. I'm trying to keep it under control. First off: Does ANYONE really expect a court to rule on the side of parents who could single handily bring down the largest form of income in the health care industry? Seriously. I don't.

2. Ask ANY parent who has had a child be fine one day and completely gone another. And then ASK THE PARENT what they did to get their kids back. You'll be floored.

3. I think this is a conspiracy. Honestly, I do.

4. I am pissed off, but realize it's a losing battle. I am happy in the fact that I can recover my son, and content with the fact that it takes so much time and money. I also understand the importance of telling parents to just do the research! Don't assume it's alright because everyone else does it. Actually take a look at the crap that's in the shots. It's discusting!

So there, I vented.

If off my soap box, for now.

~Hubby- Look for the video to be posted on here in a day or two. I love ya!

2009-01-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

*Neither of these ladies are me, nor is this my Hubs ship.*

Early this morning my Husbands ship left Bremerton for 6 months. At least 6 months. I didn't cry, I got a little grumpy toward the last day, but no tears. I'm a little bummed, but not sad. Not depressed either. I'm not feeling sorry for myself, or overwhelmed with all of our "stuff" riding on my shoulders. I'm not questioning how we'll make it, or what if this or what if that. I'm not worried, about anything.

Well I wasn't. I got a call from a wife of one of the hubs people today around noon. After answering, she immediately asked how I was doing. I told her what I always tell everyone, a habit I guess; "I'm good....How are you?" She was surprised and questioned me again. "Yes, really, I'm just fine......" Then I thought to ask why....

Apparently there is a family support group melt down in progress. Some wives are not taking this in stride. They've called an emergency "social hour" to get together and co-grieve. ugh. Really? She asked me specifically if I would go, and I agreed. blah blah buddy system, blah blah support group, blah blah blah....

I'm going, because I told her I would. BUT- I'm just not sure this is for me. I went through the Oh my God what and I going to do without you phase when I was a young new wife. I cried about everything, worried myself sick, and became depressed. I've been there, and I know for certain it's not the end of the world now.......I've got my big girl pants on.

I do not in any way mean to sound condescending. I truly know what it's like to be in that position. The question is, since I'm in "recovery", do I want to go back and help others that are not as....hum.....okay as me. I do not want to be sucked in, or drained out. And I could possibly risk sounding rude, because the fact is that they are in the Navy, which means we are too. So....deal with it.

I took a shower after I got off the phone and was questioning myself on why I wasn't more on the emotional side of this. Why am I not torn up, or mopey? Then it hit me, I've graduated. I am out of that phase for good. Doesn't mean I won't have bad days and good days. But I know it won't be anything I can't handle on my own. I'll be alright.

And really, August isn't that far away......

wish me luck!

New stuff

2008-12-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

Hi! My name is Christy and I'm addicted to Facebook, this is why I have been ignoring you. Sorry.

New stuff that has happened....

We are not going to get pregnant again. No more babies for us.
I must find a way to be "complete" without adding to the nest.
My husband leaves in early Jan for a 6 to 8 month deployment, which could possibly be followed up by a deployment to a really icky icky thought, and it starts with an I.
I voted for Obama, I'm sure you can figure that one out.
I crocheted a really cool orange and white blankie for my new neice in Texas. Why Orange? It's her Daddy's favorite color.
I can not believe Christmas is coming so fast!!! How did this happen?
I am getting a tattoo soon. Yay!
We got a new horse. His name is Jack, as in Jackpot, or in relation to the other horses, Jackass.
I am super duper frusterated with my daughters teacher. I've never been closer to homeschooling her than I was yesterday. The good news is that it seems that requesting a meeting with the Principal kinda gets the learning flowing. Please do not get me wrong, I LIKE her teacher, but there's a problem and my obligation is to my kid.
The Hubs dog, Cajun, nearly attacked him last night when I chocked on popcorn. Apparently the dog thought he had hurt me. Apparently he's more my dog than we both thought.
I have 6 chickens, and frequestly get 8 eggs a day. What's up with that?
I have a super secret girl crush on Rachel Maddow. ;)
that's enough for now I suppose. later.

LOVE THIS!!

2008-10-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Just incase you live on the North Pole and you haven't seen this; you must. Just click the link and make sure you don't have any liquids in your mouth that could possibly be projected onto the computer screen. (It was just water honey, and not very much at that)

Enjoy! and for the love of the future of America, please do whatever you can to insure she lands no where near the White House.

Alone again.....

2008-09-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

HA, well not really. The Hub left at 4am and will be gone until Tday. I am not alone however, still plenty of activity around here to keep me busy.

I've also been awake since 4am. I tried to get back to sleep to no avail so I got up and actually think I might make rising early a habit. I was sitting here at the computer when the sky started to lighten up, and went out to my new porch swing (thanks mom) and enjoyed the fresh morning air and listened to the neighbors roosters. It was rather refreshing! While out there I made a mental list of all the things I need/want to do to keep busy. And now in my normal fashion, I'll share them with you and hope you'll hold me accountable!

Figure out where to put all the new furniture from Colorado. Figure out what to do with all my furniture that is getting replaced.
Finish weeding the flower bed in front of the new swing. Flatten out dirt there and make an extended stone patio to ease swinging.
Ride My horse at least 2 times a week.
Get a new hitch installed on truck so I can haul my horse up to the barn in cruddy weather.
Plan daughters bday party. Any ideas for a scrap booking party for kids who might not like to scrapbook as much as my daughter does?
Haul bad hay mess left by a friend to compost pile. (This will be a solid days work)
Lose at least 10 pounds in 2 months. (I have no idea what is realistic in the weight loss department. Is 10 to little or to much to think I can lose in that time frame?)
Pick up Hubs truck at the base.
Buy hay. Good cheap hay and get our other horse on some sort of Senior feed.
Sell the Mini Van. Apparently these things don't sell themselves.
Get son all the way on the GFCF diet. Gotta get that in place while Hub is gone.
Possibly move all my crafting stuff to basement and arrange it all nicely. (This would free up some room for new bedroom furniture)

Anyhow, that's the tip of the iceburg. There is still a big ticket item that needs attention from my Doc and his buddies at the Army Medical Hospital. Keep all those good vibes coming, as mom would say.....:)

Babies Babies Babies

2008-09-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Seems like everyone around me is pregnant, has a new born or is expecting in one fashion or another. Everyone....with the exception of everyone, including me, that is not pregnant. (ho hum)

I am a new Auntie to a little cute as a (insert my last name) baby girl named Caroline. She's in Texas and is Hubs Bro's little baby. Maybe. Don't get confused okay?

Next, My sis is adopting little cutie patotie Ella from China in October. Can't wait to go meet her either.

Then theres a great friend from HS who just had her daughter Natalie in July. Now this kid is seriously C.U.T.E. So cute it makes me ache. (Ho hum)

Then to top it all off, I visit Yogurt and Granola almost daily to drool over baby Amelia.

Me? Seems like I want another right? Well my factory was closed down during my C Section 4 years ago. (Ho hum) (sigh) (cry) (pity party) (smacks self and says what were you thinking)

All things can change if you're in the right mindset.

I'm off to find my mindset........

OMG OMG OMG

2008-09-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

So, Big News.....

Last night for the first time in 4 years I got the go ahead from Hub to check into something MAJOR!!! To say that I am elated is a very large understatement. I'm walking on clouds.

It does come with some pre-work so to speak. I need to get back to a healthier weight. I need to stay relatively stress free and learn how to deal with stress better as a whole. I need to do some soul searching and see if really deep deep down inside this is what I want. And most importantly I need to keep my excitement in check because this is a long shot. On the good side, if plan A is impossible there are some other options.

Oh my GAWD, I'm thrilled.........

So this whole conversation started as a result of some soul searching on my part while I was away for a week. Lots of quiet and extra time really had my brain working over time. It was a great experience for me though. I came home refreshed. I had my goals at the front of my mind, and realized that they don't need to be non existent. It was a very very good, emotional week away. Plus, I gained a friend/bro in law too.

So, although I shared a bit here, this is all you get for now. MOM, don't even try. :)

LABOR day, seriously!

2008-09-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend was spent constructing our new chicken coop. I am so pleased with Hubs work I can not even put it into words! Sure it's not perfect, but for me it is! Here is a photo play by play so to speak. Enjoy...

Oh, just so you know. I spent the day wasting my time attempting to can greens via a hot water bath instead of pressure canning. Silly me.....I just wasted my whole crop and about 4 hours worth of labor. Serious bummer!

It's a Crafty Blog

2008-08-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't forgotten that this is suppose to be my crafty place. Well, maybe I did forget....

But I've created a new space for all the family fun/drama. If you dare, you can check it out here. As of this very moment it is empty though.

I have been being crafty, and to prove it to you I am prepared with proof. I have started crocheting again and can't believe that I ever stopped. Balancing this with Scrap booking will be my next challenge to navigate.

As promised here is the proof. It's a sampler 'ghan from an Easy book I bought for Grammy after she moved in. In the process of trying to talk her into giving it another go, I ended up starting one of my own, and she has given up. Ah well. At least I am rewarded with the re interest on my part.

Oye

2008-08-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Today I have learned a serious lesson in humility. I am so embarrassed. She was a bit on the bitch side though.....quite a bit actually.

But Alas, someone had to whip my ass into shape. Mine as well have been a stranger Lady that I can hate instead of a friend or family member.

Fly Lady here I come. Again.

Just a few hints

2008-08-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some helpful hints for getting along with me. They are quite simple I think, but some have issues.....no names here.....

Do not Nag me. If I tell you I will, I will. I am exactly like my son is. Tell me the plan and then leave ample time available and do not rush me. DO NOT RUSH, PUSH, OR DRIVE ME BONKERS. These things will only serve to delay whatever it is you think you need. It's just how I'm wired.

I need to plan things, P.L.A.N. I have 3 calendars going at the same time. I need my calendars. Do not spring last minute things on me unless I have told you I am bored. Please. Specifically regarding travel arrangements.... I am a cheap skate. Do not make me wait for a fly date until prices for airfare are through the roof. I will decide to drive, and you will have to wait on me. I need a date, like tomorrow, so that I can have a little pricing party and figure out all the details. This is just how I am wired.

If you board you horse here on my property and your horse busts through a gate and gorges out on 3 bales of hay they broke open don't give me attitude for asking for help cleaning it up. Just don't. I don't care that you have out of town family here to visit. They will be here 12 days. Come and help me clean it up. AND, for the love of GAWD, if we make arrangements on when we will clean it up do NOT show up when you know I will not be here and do it all yourself the wrong way. This is my place, my hay layout, my horses that you double fed while you were here......Keep your word, call and make sure I am here first. You put a HUGE gaping hole in my day.

Lastly. Beware of Churches that say "adventure" in the title. Holy crap, that was an adventure and I've had my fill!

Thanks for the vent!!

Been busy, I promise

2008-07-24T15:09:00.001-07:00

Here's proof:

*On the plane to Colorado at 5:30 am*

*It was 104 degrees on this day. I can't believe I let Hub take this picture*

*This was SO MUCH fun! Even the boy did it once!*

*Grammy on her last lunch outing with her friends* sad.

*Shucking peas fresh from the garden*

Updates

2008-06-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Look what I got yesterday......free. Free. FREE. That's my new favorite word. Well, aside from my son new trend in telling me he loves me every 2 minutes. That's really my favorite.

Here's a brief update of life in these parts.

The farrier, (the guy who trims horse hooves) went ill, and it's serious. I'm unable to find another farrier that the wild guy will tolerate, so I'm going to figure out how to do that myself. That has sparked interest from Hub on something for income after his retirement. He suggests a husband wife thing, I prefer the training side of things which leads me to the next topic...

The horse trainer had a freak horse related accident and has a major concussion and is not allowed to ride for 3 months. Concussion plus broken clavicle and a few cracked ribs. She feels like she's on hells door step, poor little thing. She's skinnier than the glass panel in my french door. :)

So this leaves me with no farrier, and no trainer. Guess who it leaves me with? ME. All me from now on. This could get very very interesting!

We have 2 out of town trips planned soon. One this weekend and the Hub gets home right in time to pack our bags and catch a plane to visit his Grandma in the scorching heat. Have I ever told you how much I hate being to hot? Anyhow, I'm excited to go see her. After that it's back home to enjoy some camping and horse time before it's back to sea for the hub.

I've also managed to get 4 pages in the scrapbook done, that's always so rewarding!

Enough blah blah....hope you are all well and enjoying Summer!

Fab new idea

2008-06-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

I have this fabulous new idea for a crafty item for kids. It would serve as a life saver for dining out. No one has thought of it, as far as I can tell. No one has one for sale on Ebay, Etsy or Craigslist. I want to make a prototype, but have no idea how to protect the idea or how to start the marketing process if it turns out well. Shoot, WHEN it turns out well. (I'm doing this whole positive thinking thing now) Can anyone point me in the right direction, at least give me a clue to the first baby step to take? I don't want anyone stealing my idea......:)

On a seperate issue. Way back when in 2002, my Cocker Spaniel was shot by a couple of kids out on a joy ride with a stolen car. They shot out some windows and decided to shoot my dog....jerks. Anyway, they went to court and were found guilty and ordered to pay restitution. One of them has paid, I thought it was paid off. Today I got another restitution check in the mail which prompted me to call and inquire. Turns out that this gal involved stopped paying and just restarted and still owes nearly 200 to me. They also mentioned that the juvenile arrested and charged with animal cruelty owes me $2000 and a warrant has been issued for non payment. Interesting. Very very interesting.

By the way, the dog lived, thanks to a nice vet and surgery. The vet bill was enormous but worth every penny.

Not sure why I am telling you all about this, but hey......

Here I sit.....alone....

2008-06-05T08:58:00.001-07:00

Alright Peeps. It has come to an end. Hub is on the plane to go wait for the ship. It will just be the kids and I, occasionally Grandpa, and hopefully Oma sometimes too, for the next month.

Right now, as I type this, I have no clue what to do, where to start etc. I have been out of my routine for 3+ months now and it feels really okward. At first I planned to weed outside and play with the horses a bit while the boy was at school this morning. It's raining, so that nixes that idea. Then I was going to go out and renew my Drivers License, but hey- I've got 2 more months to get that done, why rush it. Then I thought about going shopping but I don't really need anything so I decided to stay put in the house. Then I thought about cleaning, so I sat down with you instead. You'll help me ignore this mess won't you? Aww....I knew you were true friends! :)

The boy has an appt with his PCM up in Seattle today for a (waste of time) gosh, I don't know why we are going. I have no idea what I want/expect him to do. I made the appt to get a referral to explore the boy's Autism in more depth but I have a feeling I'm running myself into a medical brick wall. There ARE interventions that I want explored, but those come from "unconventional" methods, and insurance wants to know nothing about it. I'm specifically looking for a DAN doctor (Defeat Autism NOW doctor) they are hard to find, and expensive as all get out especially when insurance wants no part in it.

I did find him a doctor here locally, she's a DAN doctor and I can self pay. No referral needed. But then I think about the reassurance the PCM provides and how he made all this mush in my brain grasp the autism as a fact. He gets me. And I love him. I love him in the way that I would never dream about taking the kids or I to a military doctor ever again. Anyway- back on subject. I could go to Seattle, and have him say I can't refer you. Or he could refer me to another doctor whom I don't want my son to see and have my time wasted again. Or I could just call and say never mind, which makes me not get to see my favorite doc for awhile.

It just hit me. I'll take him to the DAN doctor first, and then I'll haul him up to Seattle to do the testing and get insurance to pay for it back door style. That sounds appealing!! I love it when I chat on here and I answer my own issues. Perfect. Let me make the call.

Calling......(I'm on hold)

Perfect! Well my schedule just busted wide open. Now what should I do.....ugh, the dishes are about to get up and walk out of here, maybe they are first on the list.

bye peeps, thanks for making it all clear!

He's still here.......

2008-06-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

Sir,

I've heard your a good guy, and therefore I feel like I can safely write this email without repercussions for my husband. I do realize that this situation is not your fault and I don't mean to project that at all.

With all due respect Sir, what the hell is going on? It seems as though no one has any regard for proper notice or has any skill what so ever to secure an airline ticket. These things should not be anywhere as difficult to accomplish as the training office is making it out to be.

While the guys on the boat are keeping my husband in limbo from hell, I am at home with 2 small kids, one who is Autistic and they have no idea if Daddy is coming or going. We have canceled major weekend plans, held an every hour email check. I mean we've essentially been held captive in our home pending an email, which doesn't come, or when it does it's not even paid for. My husband woke and drove over a hour to the airport to find that someone again has dropped the ball. Speaking of which the ticket for tomorrows travel is still not funded.

Please, find the end to this endless string along. I know that you need him back. I know that it's been a hardship having him gone for 3 months. It's been a hardship having him home 24/7 for 3 months too. LOL. This whole situation is causing undue stress for our family, and there is such a better way to handle it all.

Again sir please find this email not as a personal attack, just from a wife that has reached her max and needed to vent some steam.

Thank you for your time.

2008-05-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

Hey listen, this post is going to be horribly whiny and gross. I'm being such a wimp right now that I can barely stand it, but it's 1am. There no one else to vent too. I guess you drew the short straw.

I know that my certain little area of heartache and grief as a Military wife are not even close to the situations of others. I have always said that there are others far worse off than I, and I do remember that as I type out all my tears here tonight. I'm lucky. I know that. When stuff happens as it's never happened before and there is no rhyme or reason sometimes it just turns the knife and makes it seem unbearable for a quick cry and a brief pull your shit together talk to your inner most core. I'll get over it. I have no other option.

See, the Hub has been home with a broken leg. He's been home for 3 months. Constant contact 24/7 for 3 months. His ship is out testing for future deployments and he is not on it. He is here. We were given a date of when he would fly out to the boat. That date was a few weeks away. Today, just about 3 hours ago it was moved up to less than 48 hours and he flies out. We have out of town plans that now have to be canceled, kids hearts to break and a wife who at this very moment feels horribly unprepared.

I knew he was going to have to go, heck after all the 24/7 the last few months I was kinda looking forward to it. We had a date, a plan. We haven't breathed a word of this to the kids because it was still pretty far away. and what pisses me off the most is that he is being flown down there to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING except wait for the boat in another location away from his family. FUCKING STUPID. I'm losing all my manners and I really am sorry about all that, but I am just so sick and tired of having to hear my kids go through this grief process. and how the hell do you say in the morning that Dad has to go back to the boat tomorrow? How can I look them in the eye and give them NO WARNING? I can't do it. Except for the fact that I have to do it. I have no choice. None. zero. I have no control.

My daughter asked me the other day on the way home from school if she was going to stay in the same school this year instead of moving. She's been to 3 schools, she's in 2nd grade. It's horrible. I feel guilty that she has to wonder about those things.

4 more years, 3 if I want to distort the image a bit in my head. Sometimes that helps. Daughter will be 10, son will be 6 and I never, ever want to move again.

Military has it's perks. Good perks. I just wish the unknown was more predictable. I HATE losing control, HA like I had any in the first place........I especially hate 48 hour notices when they've had 3 fucking months to plan for this.

So anyway- I'm here crying at the computer because I can't cry up in bed, and I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway. It's gonna be an all niter with a side of crying headache in the morning. I can't talk to the hub cause that would just turn this facial facet to pour and he's got enough going on to worry about my little emotional blah. He's just happy to go back to work. I can understand that.

This post might not see the light of day. It's embarrassing. but hey, you're a good ear and a strong shoulder. Thanks.

Full speed Ah...e....a......d......

2008-05-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Can't afford gas. Can't afford to go visit/camp/travel etc. It's depressing. This is the first week it has been over $4.09 a gallon, and I just can't do it. I can't do it without vomiting, that is, so therefore I stay away.

I have a 1/3 of a tank, and it needs to last me until January. LOL. I wonder if the new guy can fix it in the first 100 days? I bet not, but anything that gets shaved off I will be grateful for.

Until then, we are home bodies. Oh well.

I'm back!

2008-05-22T17:30:00.001-07:00

This is amazing, I'm blogging 2 days in a row!

Today was a good day. I went to a nice breakfast with the Hub and we ended up solving some issues, and coming up with some plans to follow through on them. Most are not in our control however. Letting go is such a hard thing when you feel you are being taken advantage of. I hate that in the back of my head I know that this problem, this situation is permanent and I can bang my head against the wall as many times as I want but it won't make a dent. It's so frustrating. I'm a fixer, and a helper, and sometimes a push over and when I can't fix/help/or etc I seem to lose my mind. It's like Ron White says "You Can't Fix Stupid!" no matter how hard you try to force it.

I got the corn planted in the garden today. I was a bit behind on that but I hope it won't effect it much. We ate our first thinning of lettuce last night in our salad and that was delicious! I love how fresh and flavorful it was! I can't wait until the peas and tomatoes and carrots are ready! Yum...

The chick are great, they are so fun to watch. Each has their own personality. They are growing so fast though, they are out of the fur ball stage and are getting their permanent feathers now. I am surprised that they all have made it. The store suggests buying 25% more chicks than you want to raise to allow for disease and such. All of these are happy and chirping and pecking away. In case you want to know and/or participate a bit here on the mini farm, 4 of the 6 have names. We still need 2 more. So far we have a Batman, which is black and is our sons. We have Peeper which I keep thinking a dirty name and have to make sure I get it right in my head before I say it out loud. She's white and is my daughters. We also have 4 R.I. reds, and two of those are named. Henny Penny is Moms, and I named another Rosie. Truth be told you can't tell them apart but oh well. It's fun to name them anyway. I'm so glad these are egg layers and not meat birds! I'm such a sucker.

We have a coyote that is stocking our horses lately. It's very abnormal behavior for them to consider a horse for dinner but in this case I am not a sucker at all. I've been known to be a pretty decent shot and since Hub got a Ruger with the stimulus check he'll be dead as a door nail if he returns. (the coyote, not the hub) :) I once saw a bumper sticker that said "You can leave with my husband, but don't touch my horse"

Anyhow, not much else. I'll try to get a decent picture of the baby bird and the nest but I'm being very conscious not to disturb them. If I'm able I will, I promise.

Toodles

Remember Me?

2008-05-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

Remember me? I've been a stranger in these parts lately. I don't understand why I can't just sit down and blog at least twice a week. Seriously, I'm not that busy that I can't spend time with you all (or you one, LOL)

In any case, If you're here and you'd like an update continue reading. If you're new here, I am so sorry. This Blog is very boring and unless you're really bored...really really bored, you might want to continue on to somewhere else. Unless of course you like to read little tid bits of boring same ol life o mine news.

First to follow up on the last post way back when. My super duper Hubster got me a very nice saddle for Mothers Day, just as requested. What a good man I have! So good infact that when I came home with 6 new little friends (see pic#1) He scrambled to go make me one of these (see pic #2) Ain't he nice? I think so. He spent all weekend on it, and even has remodeled it since the pics were taken. I am so excited for the little buggers to learn how to use the roosts and start laying eggs!

Pic #1

Pic #2

Next item to bore you with is the fact that I got glasses. Now don't get all excited. I've had a dang gum prescription for spectacles for a long time. (ahem, bifocals) but I could never get used to wearing them so they sat in the case and never saw the light of day. These new ones are for my astigmatism, and frankly, they suck too. Well I like them and all but they make me feel like I am walking on my knees. It really screws with my eyes. I'm wearing them, off and on, but just need to buckle down and do it. I'll let you know when that ever happens.

Third. Have you ever had food poisoning? If you have then 'nuff said. If you haven't then don't join the club. Initiation is a bitch of the worst variety, adding a sunburn on top of that is worse, I don't recommend that either!

I'll leave you with a little good news. There is a birds nest out where we keep our hay. The momma bird built the nest in the plastic bag where we keep the twine.It's about at shoulder level and you can see everything going on. Today I peeked in there and the little baby is doing just fine, all you can really see is feet and beak, kinda cute.

Hope you are all doing well.

Random Thoughts

2008-04-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

It's Monday and I have a lot on my mind. I figured I'd share since I have nothing important to blog about.

- I need to go grocery shopping, we need nearly everything. I mean, Everything. With the exception of pickles. That's weird. I have plenty of pickles. Interesting.

- I left my poor tomato starts outside in the rain last night. I think I ruined them, or maybe I ruined them when I brought them in and dropped all 6 of them onto the floor spilling all the soil everywhere. Please pray for my poor poor tomatos. They deserve to live to a fruitful age.

- I'm being ridiculous. Pray for my tomatos? Gheesh, I do need to get out of my house.

- I am sick of looking at the clock every time that it is 9:11. It just happened again and I want to know why. It's been years of this stupid clock haunting me. Trust me you don't want to know.

- I am reading the book John Adams by David McCullough. I can't put it down, but the part that is blowing me away is I'm retaining history. I can tell you dates now, important dates that I'm sure I have read about many times before but never sticks. I love this book so much that I want every other history book by this author soon. Maybe I'll go treat myself at Amazon today. I dunno. If you like History and have HBO, you should really watch the Mini series based on this book. Quite interesting. For instance did you know that the Declaration of Independence was passed in Congress on July 2nd, therefore rendering the 4th, well....wrong. There was also no top secret signing all at once. Interesting stuff.

- I think I'm afraid of my horse. Either that or I'm afraid of my saddle. Probably my saddle as it's a treeless meaning that it doesn't provide for imbalance at all. I need a new saddle, but I'm cheap and will most likely never buy one. So therefore, I will not be going to the horse show in June. What was I thinking anyway?

- It's almost Mothers Day! Did I mention that I need a new saddle and I also need more books? I can't remember if I expressed interest in any of those things in this particular blog post or not. (I'm evil) Just kidding honey, but I also would totally dig those things for gifts.

- Alright, must go do some serious damage at the grocery. Pray for me.

:)

Conversations with Kids

2008-04-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Over the past week the hub and I have had some interesting conversations with our kids. Here are some blurbs from the best ones.

The boy in a conversation with Dad had us both laughing but trying as best we could to be firm. The boy is 3 1/2, and talking up a storm so it's hard not to giggle a bit. Here's how this one went down.

Boy: "Oh Damnit"
Dad: "Hey, we don't say that word around here"
Boy:"I can't say damnit anymore Daddy?"
Dad: "Right, you can't say that word."
Boy: "Okay, I won't say Damnit anymore"
Dad: " You can say oh shoot instead"
Boy: "I say shoot and no damnit anymore"
Dad laughing. "Stop saying that word son"
Boy: "Stop saying Damnit?" Okay Daddy no more Damnit I promise."
Dad still giggling: "Okay good job"
Boy: "You're right Daddy, damnit is a bad word"
Dad: SO STOP SAYING IT!!
Boy: "Okay, I won't say damnit anymore."

Boy to himself a few minutes later "Remember no more damnit, only shoot not damnit. Damnit is a bad word, I go to naughty chair if I say damnit again. Yep. no more damnit"

Seriously funny, especially when he reminds himself under his breath. He's cute (damnit)

The gal and I went and had dinner together last night. Mental note to myself, when the gal wants to have dinner just me and her bring pen and paper and a voice recorder cause she is about to spill everything on her mind. This is the second or third time this has happened at dinner!

The gal was worried about one of her best friends at school. Apparently this friends never does her homework and isn't turning in class work either. Here's how she told me the story...

Gal: "Mom I am rally worried about ****, she's not doing her homework and she keeps crying in class.

Me: "Really, I wonder what is wrong, have you asked her?"

Gal: "She goes straight out to the barn to play with her horse after school and never does her homework. So I (daughter) said (friends name) you need to get your priorities figured out. Is a horse more 'importer' than homework?

Friend: "Duh, yes"

Gal: No, homework is more 'importender' than your horse, otherwise you'll be in second grade forever."

Me: (Pats self on back) "You're right gal, homework is important. I'm proud of you."

Gal goes on to say

"Mom, everyone at school is freaked out about the WASL. The teachers are grumpy and we can only whisper. One of my 3rd grade friends says that you have to do well on the test or you can't go to college. That freaks me out."

Me: " How in the world do you know about the WASL?"

Gal: "Cause it's been going on all week and I can't take the stress anymore."

I thought to myself, YOU'RE NOT EVEN TAKING THE DARN TEST!!!

I went on to explain that there is nothing to worry about and that when she is in 3rd grade and takes the test for the first time she will do just fine. I also mentioned that she is a LONG way away from worrying about going to college.

Ghesh, obviously there is something seriously wrong with this picture. I'd prefer that she know nothing about the WASL, which is the states "No child left behind" crappy attempt at measuring progress. But alas, she knows and is freaked out one full year before she will be required to take it. Sigh, a call to her teacher is in order as this test runs until mid May. ugh.

LOVE whatever day it is.....

2008-04-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

LOVE that the gal and I got to play in the rain, even if it was totally unplanned. Running through a flooded parking lot with a cart full of groceries and having to drive home soaking wet, was actually fun!!

LOVE that I sat down and caught up with old friends via email.

LOVE that I harvested some of the compost from the manure pile.

LOVE working up a sweat from doing chores I LOVE doing!

LOVE getting 2 more scrapbook pages done today!

LOVE my new haircut, even though it isn't what I wanted at all.

LOVE the gal asking so many questions about our garden and the poo pile.

LOVE that the gal likes horse chores too.

LOVE that we are *probably* getting chicks this Friday, if not then next Friday. Especially LOVE that Hubby sounds interested in it!

LOVE that things are finally starting to fall into place!

LOVE that I stumbled on a terrific article at the hair place today. Don't love that I can't link to it because they want you to buy the mag. Figures. If you're interested, Ladies Home Journal, May 2008, Let the Joy Shine Through. It's an amazing article.

So there's the list. I am sure there is much more I love that I can't think of off the top of my head.

Cease and Desist Letter

2008-04-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Body,

This public letter is to inform you that your recent uninvited assault on my body is neither appreciated or welcome. You are now hereby given the next 2 minutes 30 seconds to cease and desist or you will be thwarted with any kind of severe PMS drugs I can get my hands on including but not limited to, vitamin M (motrin) Pamprin, and most likely a nice tall and cold Margarita. Seriously, it's only 12:30, clearly if I need a drink this early we have a problem!!

Okay, so in your defense, I will acknowledge the fact that I have not taken the medicine that is suppose to keep you in check. So sue me. I hate taking pills of any kind and I find it so ironic that I got my factory shut down so I wouldn't need your prevention skills any longer,and I STILL have to take BCPs. What a load of ~~cramps~~ crap!

In summary: Please go away, I'll start the meds again as soon as you leave me alone. I promise. Deal?

Also, should I ever need to be reminded in such a drastic way again please choose a dreary day when I'd like to stay in bed anyway. Today it's 60 degrees and sunny, and I want to be outside.

YAY a tag!

2008-04-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Sue, so now I guess it's my turn. U haz da rulez:

1. When tagged, place the name of the person and URL on your blog.

2. Post the rules on your blog.

3. Write 7 things about yourself.

4. Name 7 of your favorite blogs.

5. Send an e-mail letting those bloggers know they have been tagged.

In random order, here are my quirks.

1. I love animals, especially horses. I want to love them and rescue all that need me. Someday I want to enter the Extreme Mustang Makeover and prove to some people that I could do it if given the chance. I want horses to be in my life for the rest of my days and sharing this love with my daughter is icing on the cake. Now if I could only get the hubby on board....

2. I am a starter of many things, finisher of few. This little tick about me makes me so frustrated with myself and causes much self doubt. It's on top of the Must Fix List. I must fix this to excel at #1!!

3. I want badly to become a foster parent some day. As long as I can remember I've wanted a large family (4ish kids) however my body said no more after 2 kids. I want to add to the roost, and fostering children who other wise would have no where to call home, or parents to love them seems like the way to go. Unfortunately, being a military family doesn't really make this ideal right now, but I hope to pursue it in the future.

4. I'm weird. Have you noticed? I have an odd sense of humor and most don't "get me" until months have gone by. My Sis mentioned that she laughs at my blogs which is a huge compliment. But I don't think most get it. Oh well, I often laugh at myself, and that counts for something too!! :)

5. My son is Autistic and I have plunged myself into researching alternative forms of therapy for him. One is dietary and he has made huge progress. HUGE progress. It's so amazing that the school district has decided that he was mis diagnosed. They are wrong, but it is kind of a pat on the bat. It's a struggle, but the rewards are so magnificent. As a mother one of my greatest joys is watching my kids grow in every way. Being able to alter something as simple yet drastic as his diet and having a hand at improving their lives is more joyous than I have words to express.

6. I love Scrapbooking! I love scrapbooking with my sis too. I love everything about it. Well, except that it's so darn expensive. I don't love that part.

7. I am cheap. I get nausious when buying anything. Errands are torture for me. This is a huge accomplishment for me because a few years ago I was a bona fide shop a holic. Although being on the other end of the problem is still a problem. Now I find it next to impossible to relax when it comes to spending money.

And now to pass the torch....
Mom
Andrea
Kare
Jerrilea
Aunt Jenny
Catherine
Hub (start a blog honey, it will help I promise)

So there it is in all it's quirkiness. I can't wait to see what you list!!

Movie Meme

2008-03-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

I saw this one at Sues, and it's popular on some other blogs I read too. I figured it might be something fun to break up the monotony, and also get you to comment!! :)

Here the rules. (Mom there is even 1 or 2 that you should be able to guess!) and Hub you are limited to guessing 3. :)

Pick 10 of your favorite movies. Then go to IMDB.com and find a quote from each movie. List those on your blog and then cross them out as people guess the movie they are from.

1."That's a negative Ghost Rider, the pattern is full"

2."Did you guys see the size of that chicken?"

3. "Whatcha got ain't nothin new. This country's hard on people, you can't stop what's coming, it ain't waiting on you, that's vanity."

4. ~~"Do you wanna hear about the time Jesus saved us from the tornado?"~~ RV, Hub.

5. ~~"Listen Mr. Kansas law dog. Law don't go around here. Savvy?"~~ Tombstone, Hub

6. "I'd offer you a beer but it seems you've blown up my bar"

7. "They are saying goodbye in their own way. Playing outlawed tunes on outlawed pipes"

8. ~~"Dunbar, not Dumb Bear"~~ Dances with Wolves, Mom

9. "They're called Boobs Ed"

10. "This dock is off limits to civilians" " I'm terribly sorry, I didn't know. If I see one, I shall inform you immediately."

Leave the answers in the comments section, and remember no cheating!!

Callin BS!

2008-03-11T17:46:00.001-07:00

I'm offically calling Bull S**t on my darling 7 year old daughter!! BULLogna. She must have been plotting quite awhile with Oma, working on her acting skills. Oh, the screams of terror, and the "I'm gonna throw up" and don't forget the "That guys the devil". All in an evil plot to get me into a swim suit....wait for it......IN PUBLIC!

The gall of these two is really pushing all my too fat for a swimsuit buttons. Seriously. I used to swim, I was kinda good back in my skinny days. I could hold my own in a speedo. Now? They want me in a suit after 2 kids and lottsa twinkies 10 years later??? Goff, I think not!

Except in this house, given our family history it is absolutely not acceptable to be afraid to swim. It won't float around here (arr harr harr, that's funny right there) So I must suck it up, and for that matter suck it in, and drag myself from the locker room to the pool in some sort of potato sack contraption and show her how it's done.

Must find a way to do this.....must find the desire to swim, er, teach her to swim. I must cause that's part of the job description. And the fact that in this house, you must know how to swim.

I should plot against Oma, and make her attend these lessons too!!! Hum, now there's a novel idea!!!! snerk.

PS, I'm sparing you the pics, one because she's terrified, and two because they make me cry. So there.

Beautiful Day!

2008-03-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

Not gorgeous, but perfect for avoiding indoor chores! I am very happy to report that I have spent nearly the entire day outside preparing to build and plant my new Lasagna Garden. No I'm not growing Lasagna, silly. I am however organically filling my raised garden boxes with layers of paper, manure and other organic matter at my disposal. It's fun, and Earth friendly. You should try it!

The not so useless Father in Law built me these recycled garden boxes after Hub broke his leg. I didn't even have to ask, so he can be known now as the Father in Law formerly known as Useless, or FILFKAU, which ever you choose. I'm just extremely glad that I didn't A) Have to make them myself or B) Have to beg and beg him to do it.

It's hard work. You don't have to til up the ground, but you do have to gather all your organic matter. For me, that means I am out in the field filling up the rather small wheel barrow just shy of a thousand times (ok, so that figure is a bit inflated) and wheeling it an inch short of a mile (again, inflated) and shoveling it back out. Gimme some credit. It's hard work.

Here are some photos of the work in progress:

Here is a great picture of the layers. It all starts with brown paper bags over the grass, or in my case weeds. It helps kill the weeds and prevent them from intruding into my future garden.

It's followed by a thin layer of dirt that the moles were nice enough to supply me with. They are every where lately. They must know that I needed a lot of dirt!! Next is a layer of composted poo, followed by peat moss. Mental note: Must buy more Peat Moss!

Below was my view while working, I just can't tell you how much I love watching these beasts.

Every now and again he would look up from his snack and make sure that I was still earning my keep. Oh wait, that was this fellows job

And providing the entertainment for the action packed day was Mr Spice himself, Cajun.

Now I must leave you and go clean out the cat litter. Poor me.

This just in

2008-03-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Note to self:

Must not dream. Must not want things, Must not express dreams out loud. Must not expect anything more than I am capable of right this very moment.

Must continue this feeling forever. and ever.

Amen.

Stay tuned

2008-02-28T13:20:00.001-08:00

For now let me just say this.

I love my Mom, and I teared up when she went back home today.

It's amazing how when you're all stressed out and nothing is going right, your mom can swoop in and make it more manageable.

Fading lower and l.o.w.e.r...... ugly pic alert

2008-02-20T19:48:00.000-08:00

I'm seriously overwhelmed. It's hard for me to say that, but stuff is happening here that I would have never expected....things I'm banned from mentioning as a Male Ego is involved. The overwhelming feeling is not as a result of Hub. He got in trouble for getting out of bed and is now on strict bed rest until surgery, I don't expect him to help out, but he wants too and it's hard for him to digest. I'm overwhelmed because there is a new puppy and 2 kids and a useless Father In Law that I am starting to seriously consider sending packing. Not to mention the fencing issue with the horse, the son with a slip on the no dairy diet (causes massive stomach issues now) and the fact that I just want to scream. SSSCCCCRREEEAAAMMMM!!!!

Geez, I'm in a self pity funk I suppose. I need to snap out of it somehow. Any one have ideas on how to kick the injured Husband blues?

Here are some pictures of Cajun enjoying his first few days at home. This kinda cheers me up.

Ick

2008-02-20T14:37:00.000-08:00

Out of the Doctors mouth this morning....

"Oh my Chief, we can't operate on that until the swelling goes down quite a bit."

It was so swollen that blisters were forming so that the liquid had somewhere to go. eeewwww. Plus if he had the surgery now there would be no skin to sew back together, it's just not a pretty sight. Not at all.

I'm sure it doesn't feel to pretty either, sorry honey.

Doc said he was on strict bed rest until Wednesday when the surgery is scheduled. No moving except quick trips to the loo. This next week is going to make him go insane, and quite frankly I might just go there with him!

He'll have 2 rods and some pins in his leg forever, but hopefully by doing that the ligament will fix it's self so that Hub won't need a round two with the surgeon.

Best case scenario after surgery is 6 weeks in a cast and then gradually walking on it again, with lots of Physical Therapy.

The pictures really don't do this justice. It's hard to get a good view of the bruising, plus he was trying to swat the camera from my hand the whole time. He banned the Flip video camera before we even left the house, but he forgot about the "real" camera!

**eta, the silly pictures won't upload so I'll have to share those with you later.**

Well Crap!

2008-02-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

It's really really bad. Complete Spiral Fracture of his Fibula, and a tore up ankle with likely ligament and tendon damage. Right now it's too swollen to tell, his ankle resembles a small cantaloupe. Pray that the drugs can carry him until at least Tuesday when all the military docs are back from celebrating the holiday.

It's gonna be a LONG LONG 12 weeks!

Til later, amigos.

A Funny, and the Pup

2008-02-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

I wish I could claim this funny little story, but I found it online at one of the Autism websites I frequent. It's too cute (and true) not to pass on.

Mom Test

I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She
picked up something off
the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took
the item away from her
and I asked her not to do that.

"Why?" my daughter asked.

"Because it's been on the ground, you don't know
where it's been, it's
dirty, and probably has germs," I replied.

;At t his point, my daughter looked at me with total
admiration and asked,

"Momma, how do you know all this stuff, you are so
smart."

I was thinking quickly.

"All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mom Test. You
have to know it, or
they don't let you be a Mom."

We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but
she was evidently pondering this new information.

"OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the
test you have to be the dad."

''Exactly," I replied back with a big smile on my
face.

*****************************
Cajun the pup arrived for good yesterday around noon. He is finally starting to settle in to the house and not whining and looking for his Mom and brothers anymore. That was kind of heartbreaking last night. Poor guy was probably scared! Anyhow, today he is content to be at my side and rest while I am busy trying to remember how to puppy proof the house. I am thankful that he's here, and glad that we have a pup to cure my baby blues instead of a human baby!

Our New Flip video camera

2008-02-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

You really, really, need to get one of these. They are so fun and so incredibly simple to use. I carried mine around in my pocket all day yesterday and got some great little videos. Here is my favorite.

More coming soon, I can't hardly put this thing down!

Really??

2008-02-11T13:25:00.001-08:00

First things first folks. This is probably the coolest, most exciting thing Ever! (okay, well in a long time) It's finally happening. I tried to explain the plight of a 6th grader back in the day to the hub. A 6th grader of a single Mom who couldn't afford to take her to a concert. I tried to explain all the bs that came with being a proud fan, the teasing, mocking etc. Still to this day Hub likes to tease me about it. The really funny thing is that he knows the words when he's mocking me!!

This time around, I'm gonna go to a concert. I'm gonna go just to say that I went, that I fulfilled a 6th grade dream. Just so I don't feel like I'll die all over again if I don't go. And if the dates align correctly (please align correctly) I'm dragging his sorry closeted NKOTB fan behind with me.

Oh for the love of Joey McIntyre..........

Okay, moving on to my adult life. There is some more great news to report. First is that I cocussed (um, how do you spell that word without spelling that word? Yikes) Anyway, I went and had fun. I am now a proud delegate for Mr. Fired up himself, Barack Obama. That means that I get to go to the county convention and try my hand at making it to the state convention. If you don't know much about me, you should know my love for animals and my family, and my lust for politics. I mentioned eons ago that I wanted to be involved this time around, and here I am doing it. I just love it when I follow through! :)

The list goes on....Cajun will be here Wednesday. YAY! He came for another visit on Friday and it was so hard to give him back! I'm excited that he can be part of our family. There is just something about that puppy smell!

Also, my super smart, abnormally coordinated daughter learned how to crochet last night. I keep telling you she's to smart for her own good!! Pics of this event coming soon.

Hope y'all are as good as we are!!

Inspirations

2008-02-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

Living out in the boonies there are mornings when I have to travel about 20 miles down the road to get to the places I need to go. I know, that pales in comparison to some peoples definition of the boonies but work with me here will ya.

I usually venture out at least 3 mornings a week while the kiddos are in school. Sometimes I have places to be, sometimes I just need to be out of the house. No matter what my reason or escuse is for being out on the road one thing remains the same.

Her.

She wears a bright pink zip up jacket, an ear warmer of the same color and she usually has on gray pants. She has red hair and is a tiny little thing of a gal.

Every time I go out I see her, it doesn't matter what the weather is doing, it doesn't matter if I get a later start than normal, it doesn't matter what time I start back home. She is always there.

Running.

I want so badly to stop and talk to her. Find out who she is, why she runs. What she is running from. How she finds it possible to have a smile on her face in the pouring rain. And I also would like to know why she seems to look me directly in the eye every time I pass.

I want to know her, just because she has something that inspires me. Now, it hasn't inspired me to go join her yet, and truthfully it never will. But I have thought about the possibilities of me being able to run. Of course there is no possible way I would run somewhere that some one could witness the event, but I do have a fairly long winding driveway.

First things first though. I must find supportive shoes for my weak ankles. They roll so easily, often times while I am just walking along doing something totally different.

But there was that one time in Basic Training in the Air Force that I didn't have a chance to make excuses. I had to run to stay away from the meanies that liked to make an example of you. I'm so happy that I learned how to fake run in a crowd. That's a must have skill for one with weak ankles in the AF! I did however learn to run, and as much as I despised it, I loved it too.

Maybe I'll go for a walk like this guy did. He's full of inspiration too!

Puppy Playdate

2008-01-31T15:19:00.000-08:00

Cajun, meet the peeps.

Peeps, meet Cajun.

Ain't he cute? He is the Aussie for Hub who came for a playdate today. Unfortunately he's not old enough to stay yet, but in 2 weeks or so he's ours.

So he came over for an hour and a half, pooped and peed on the floor, cuddled and met the cats. After all that he fell fast asleep in my arms....and at that moment....

He had to go back home.

bummer.

Man O' Man!

2008-01-22T16:50:00.000-08:00

Bye Bye Heath.

Poo woes

2008-01-22T09:07:00.001-08:00

Please help me figure out how to get my boy to poo in the toilet. Please help me figure out what to say/do before he explodes. That would suck, bad.

And by explode, I mean literally. explode.

As in crap all over the walls, etc. Explode.

Happy visual! :)

Busy Busy as always

2008-01-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hi there.

I have fantastic news today.

Yesterday I rode my horse for the first time. My wild horse, people...I rode him, and it was fantastic! I was on top of the world, and I am so stoked for being so close to hitting the trails with him! He's my best horsey pal, and I love him a lot. So much so in fact that he has his own blog. You should check it out.

Also in other news. This. Everyone on cue now....awwww.

Hope all is as good for you as it is for me right now.

Hard labor

2008-01-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday was B-E-A-utiful! The sun was out and it was rather warm! When better to go out and shovel horse poo?

Unfortunately being a member of this family, you must pull your weight, even if you are only 3.

(Pic above is not poo. Just the masses of mud that lives here too. )

Or 34 , in the other case.

As much as we complain about the work involved with having horses, I LOVE being out there and doing chores. Especially when it's all of us out together.

**He's looking right at the camera AND smiling. Told ya the diet works!!**

My dreams of a ranch, lots of chores and lots of kids are obviously not possible anymore, but on a much smaller scale, this is perfect.

Good News

2008-01-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

Lots to report today. Go get your coffee and meet me back here in 5.

Alright, glad you made it. I have some fantastic news. Actually a few fantastic things to share.

1. I'm getting a new niece, from China, How cool is that? I have the shopping urge something HUGE, but can't justify it since we (meaning my sis) don't know what size of clothing she's wearing. As soon as I get the word pray for me and for the thrift store. There's nothing better than shopping for little girls!! Oh, and I know her name. Ms. Ella Beth Crawford. Awww......that makes her double cute already. Maybe I'll go swipe her pic off Sis's blog for you. Hold one.
See, I wasn't kidding! She's too cute. Makes my uterus ache. I want another. Well I wanted another. Now I'm content to live my dreams through my Sis. :)

On to the big news of the day. The Boy, MY BOY! is nearly potty trained. Yeah I know that might not be big news to you. In fact you might giggle or roll your eyes. Before you do that remember that he has a "diagnoses" and that he was absolutely petrified of the toilet before we went dairy free. Now you have a glimpse of how over joyed we are that he's decided that it's alright and that there is nothing to be afraid of. He also is more confident in public, he says "Hey! Who's that guy?" when he sees someone new now instead of trembling and staring at his feet. It's amazing, and we are so encouraged that we are on the right track. YEA BOY!!! GREAT JOB!!

In other news.....I resisted the urge to crawl in bed after the bus left this morning. Last time I sat on the bed to watch the Today Show I woke up 15 minutes before the boys bus got here. Yikes! That was a 3 hour nap! I compromised with myself and instead of getting in bed and the alternative of getting dressed and makeup on, I ran my errands in my sweats and crocks, make up free. Yep, I did it and it was so nice!!

Hope y'all have a great Monday!!

Maybe it's interesting, maybe it's not

2008-01-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

Just stopping by to drop off some stuff on the blog. It might not be worth your time to read it, but here it is anyhow.

Come tax return time I am donating my totally out of date wardrobe which consists of solid colored tees and jeans to a thrift store. I'll be replacing it with 21st century fashions including pants which are not denim and shirts with some sort of "flair". Maybe I'll go with some stripes....maybe not. What's in anyway?
We had the flu over Christmas. That was God awful, as you can imagine. We passed it around the family once, twice for my son. Oh, by the way, we have learned he's on the spectrum, as in the Autistic Spectrum. Lots to learn in between visits to the....well you get it I'm sure.
So yeah, he's very mildly autistic. PDD NOS to be specific. We are going Dairy free, which is the first step in a new diet that is very highly recommended by Moms in my shoes. After a month or so of non dairy, progress will be noted and we will be eliminating wheat also. Pray that we get a good enough change with Dairy cause I really love my bread!
I think I'm supporting Ron Paul for prez. None of the dems are doing it for me so far. I thought I'd like Hilary, but turns out not so much. Ron's got some interesting stuff/views on his site. But that 's all I'm gonna say about that. Well except that I'd be voting Republican. God, please let him be a 3rd party candidate so I don't gag after casting my vote.

In between me and the kids and Hub being sick I was snapping pics like crazy. Here are few for you.

Grammy and the girl.

Grammy and the boy.
Santa hit the jackpot this year, a bike and a scooter!
Here is my Baby demanding food. Isn't he cute?

So there it is in all it's boring entirety. You asleep? Or maybe you clicked away long ago.....no one can be sure.

Falling apart

2007-12-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

Good Grief........

Everything is just falling apart around me. I just need to vent.

The defrost in the van isn't working, along with the brakes needing fixed. The carpet shampooer sounds like a jet engine. You can't live in a house with 3 cats, 2 kids and a husband with out a properly working carpet shampooer. My computer has some sort of virus (I'm on Hubs laptop) it says I need the Windows install CD, which I can't find anywhere.....The stupid cat had to go to the vet with my sewing needle in her throat, that was a nice happy check I had to write them. ugh.

How come all this stuff just piles on and on and on? Can't a gal catch a break?

Add the stress of flying to get Hubs Grammy on Friday, a bus trip across state that I really want to happen, that might not work out for my Grammy's 80th, I'm just STRESSED!!!!!

AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Love Saturday

2007-12-08T16:52:00.001-08:00

I'm jumping on the Love Saturday wagon. Wanna jump too?

Love that the cat's life was saved, I guess I love the cat.
Love that my little man is such a musician at only 3.

Love that today I had more done by noon, than in most days period.
Love that we are on the verge of a breakthrough with our son.
Love that I am confident I can help him, more than a diagnosis can.
Love that the gal had time to spend with her horse today.
Love that my horse let me pull his tooth out. How cool is that?!?
Love that 2 people have requested that I update Henry's Blog.
Love that Mom has helped with the start of the boys new diet. Thanks Mom!
Love that I had a chance to scrapbook today!
Love my new banner that I designed myself!

Just tons to be grateful for! What do you Love today?

No words

2007-11-26T08:53:00.000-08:00

Kanji: Sadness, Sorrow, Grief

Yesterday one of Robs best "kids" from work was killed as a result of a horrible motorcycle accident. He leaves behind a wife, who watched it all from the car behind him.

There just aren't words. I can not imagine being in her position. I don't have any idea what to do/say. I just want to be there for her in some way. That might be intrusive. My thoughts and prayers are definately with her today and for many more days in the future. Thankfully her parents live close and were there almost immediately.

Makes me stop and be truly grateful for all the blessings I have in my life right now. I am one lucky gal, and I need to remember that more often.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving y'all.

I hope that you are all able to count your blessings and enjoy the special time with friends and family.

Out of Surgery

2007-11-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

We are back at home now from the gals oral surgery. Ghesh, nothing easy about that this morning. I am a planner, and when things vary from the plan I start to get a bit freaky. The plan A anesthesia did not work because the nurse could not get an IV started. So plan B was a shot, different drug and I definately prefer not to use that one ever again!

See, it causes comatose. Her eyes are acting weird, she has no bodily control and can not talk. Not what I was prepared for at all, not to mention the gal!! Complicate that by the surgeon wanting me to take her home like that and, well, just not good....

We've been home about an hour and a half and she is coming around. Some nausea but I had expected that. She is talking and moving which is a relief to say the least. She sure is a trooper and will be getting a very special trip to the Build-A-Bear workshop tomorrow after school.

Right now she is up in bed with Dad who decided to stay home and help me after he realized she was in no condition to be left alone for even a moment. Thanks sweetie pie!

I can't bring myself to take pictures, it just doesn't seem right. Here they are together on Vets day after her school assembly. Aren't they cuties!!??

Kitty to the grindstone

2007-11-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

What would one do without kitty supervision? Chip, one of the 2 kitties we kept, was all about keeping me on task while working on the new place mats for Thanksgiving. I'd pull out the project and poof, there he was like magic or something! Maybe chip should be on Phenomenon
(It couldn't make that show any worse)

Speaking of that show...Did you see that trick with Ross's credit card? OMG, not that I watch that show or anything but that was WAY cool!

Anyway- the place mats were started on Sunday during football and they got nearly completed today. I still have to stitch closed the opening used to pull the fabric through. Isn't there are name for that hole? Interesting...I can't think of it.

Enjoy the pictures. I'll be moving on to Christmas place mats after I rebound with some scrap booking.

ETA: What in Sam Hill is up with the font in this post? It won't change to all be the same. Arg.....drives my perfectionist side CRAZY.

Carving Smiles

2007-10-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

Last night was the boys pumpkin carving night at his new pre school. They got to dress up in their costumes and go make a filthy mess. It was great fun. I caught myself smiling a lot, which I might have forgotten how to do for awhile. Did I mention it was FUN!?

Yes, the boy has no hair after a nightmare haircut. Poor kid!
Mums the word, he doesn't know anythings different!

The boy, aka Murray Wiggle, wanted nothing to do with the goo inside the pumpkin. Eventually we got him to take some out with a spoon, and then what do ya know? The goo wasn't so bad after all and he was a sloppy mess like his sister, aka Ms. Veterinarian.

My gal is cute, but check out the cutie behind her!

In other great news, I am proud to announce that I have finished the Felt Stocking I was working on! I really like it, but have not decided who's it is yet. Since that was finished I have been working away on scrapbooking for the kiddos. I seem to binge every now and then and get quite a few pages done in a shorter amount of time.

I'd also like to take a minute the thank those of you who offered advice on the FIL situation. It really takes a lot to get comments when the post isn't cheery and happy, but you all came through for me and I appreciate that more than ya know! As of right now, it's a bit better and that is good enough for me. [hugs]

Hormones start at 7

2007-10-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

Today was the gals 7th Birthday party. We were ready, had invited 5 girls, and thought that this was the year everything would go smoothly. Afraid not, someone always get left out. In this case it was the poor sport of the party that ended up in the corner crying and milking me for all I was worth. I'm exhausted. But what can you do?

I've decided I'm done planning parties. I'll throw a few for my son to make it even, then we are off to BK or Chuck-E-Cheese, or somewhere other than my home.

Here are some pictures of the good times.

There was also a Pinata, pin the tail on the Donkey and bracelet making. I have no pictures of those events though. Oh well.

Dear Abby

2007-10-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

I really need some advice here folks, I'm at my whits end and feel like I am about to boil over. Advice is appreciated. Just a heads up, it's gonna be long and whiny.

Most of you know that my Father in Law lives with us. He moved in last November after being evicted from his Tucson AZ apartment. He called and beat around the bush about the problems, and I ended up telling him to come here and stay with us. The other option was to put him out on the street, not an option at all.

We sent him some gas money and he started the drive up after putting a few belongings in storage. After settling in and transferring his job we depleted our savings account, bought airfare and all the other expenses associated with moving. Add on several huge money surprises and we were broke. Anyway- he's been here for a year.

He's been working, and paying rent with just a little nudge until we moved. He and I talked about this move before hand. We discussed that this house was quite a bit more expensive and that this rent would go up quite a bit. We discussed transferring his job locally and after some conversations and meetings with the boss he said that it would all be fine.

Except it's not.

The transfer did not go through for whatever reason. We've been here 2, nearly 3 months and he has not paid rent. He does misc work for the landlords, but has never offered to work in exchange for rent, or a credit to our rent. He offers no money, blows all his money and then has the nerve to say that he is going to buy and Xbox for himself. In the next breath he mentions that he needs gas money to get to the $8 an hour job that he managed to get. ($8 part time doesn't even come close to his rent) Add to that the $300 hole he is in at the bank because he is writing rubber checks and you can see where the frustration is coming from I assume.

So that brings me to what to do about it....

I have no freaking clue what to do about it. The stress level is astronomically high here. Things between the Hub and I don't need to take another blow for another 7 or so years. We are already arguing about how to handle this situation. We both have no idea what to do. I can't put him out on the street, gosh sometimes I want to, but as a human, I can't. There is no where else for him to go. All the other family have "reasons" they can't help him.

Because of this we are dead broke. Stressful ass dead broke and he either doesn't get it or doesn't give a shit. We are at the point where I'm going to have to go back to work, which I don't want to do. I love being an at home Mom. I shouldn't have to be the one who has to make a sacrifice....at least I don't think so. I've made enough sacrifices turning our lives upside down trying to rescue him. It should be him that gives a shit enough to make sure he doesn't run his kid into the financial grave. ugh.

So I can talk to him about it, but I have no idea how I am going to stay ahead of my pissed off mouth. It can tend to get away from me at times. So yeah, I can talk to him and vent. He'll act like a teenager, not look at me and sulk. Worst case scenario is that he gets so stressed about it that he decides to do something that scares me to death to even think about....

I just don't know what to do about him anymore. We are definately between a rock and a hard place. I need your advice!!!

I'm tired of being his 5 star hotel, but there is no where else for him to go.....

What would you do?

It's 5:50 am, where are you?

2007-10-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

I've been out chasing my naughty naughty horses since 4:45am.

Thank GOD Hub had to go into work very early this am.
Thank GOD that the knuckleheads hadn't made it to the road yet.
Thank GOD that they didn't bust the fence, just went through an "open" gate.
Thank GOD that they are both back where they belong.

I really need to learn how to rope. Watching Henry run and buck through the front yard was beautiful, but really at 5 am I'd rather rope you and go back to bed.

That's where I'm headed now.

Whew

First Day of Preschool

2007-10-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

It is so quiet in this house right now. I can actually hear myself think, I can hear the heater blowing in the background. I can hear every key that I press on this key board....wow.

I walked in the door about 5 minutes ago from dropping little man off at his first day of preschool. What a big boy he is! No fear about it, just total excitement. As soon as I opened the van door to let him out of his car seat he said, "Okay, bye Mommy"

This is moving so fast. How do you be a stay at home Mom when there is no one here to "Mom" around?

Hum, I'll need a list, a to-do list to help me pass time.

1. Stitch the horse costume.
2. Create the Wiggles logo for halloween
3. Watch the horses. (Yes, I just like to watch them sometimes too)
4. Pick up boy for Lunch.

Alright, that should do it. Enjoy the picture of the proud Big Boy and his very cool Diego backpack! (argh, blogger is being grumpy, I'll post the pic later)

The Crafty side

2007-10-09T10:31:00.001-07:00

Hi guys! I've been busy again. busy busy busy. But I have been bitten by the holiday craft bug and am well on my way to a handmade Christmas. (Gosh, I say that every year, but I still think it would be great!!)

First on the Craft list is a felt stocking for ME this year! Finally! I've been making these things for years now and every time I think that I can stitch my name up there someone else needs one. I love giving them though and there will be a need for an additional stocking this year as Hubs Grand mother will be joining us from Colorado. Alright, so maybe it's hers, dang nabbit.

Next on the list are some beautiful snow flakes found in this magazine. Many thanks to Sue for blogging about it! It's a must have this year for me as there are several projects that I just must make!

After that, I have an idea in mind for a quilted gift. My sewing machine and I have been on the outs and I'll need to see if it's willing to cooperate this time or not. A sewing machine that jams all the time is enough to send me to the sewing nut house!

There's just nothing like Holiday crafting for me, I love it and find it so relaxing to just sit and stitch or whatever.

You offer me a trail ride however, and I am out the door. No contest!

He's making progress, you should go check him out!

Henry's Home

Some funnies

2007-10-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd do something quick today. Here are a couple things that have struck me funny in the last few days.

I can't get it any bigger, sorry.

**********************************************

Last night while in the living room watching TV, out of the blue I asked DD what she would think about moving to Texas after her Daddy retires from the Navy. She very calmly replied.

"No, cause we speak English Mom."

LOL

Another Meme

2007-09-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

I found this Meme over at A Good Cup of Coffee which I found through Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. The Meme I did yesterday was fun so I thought I'd get this one out there too.

I tag Sue and Lucy. Have Fun!

Soup
Name 3 television shows you watch on a regular basis.

1. One Life to Live

2. Grey's Anatomy

3. Sunday Football

Salad
What’s the scariest weather situation you’ve experienced?

When I was stationed in Oklahoma there was a huge tornado that came through when I was on leave. I got called back to find virtually nothing left. On the medic side of it there were 2x4's in peoples legs, we gave tetanus shots out like crazy. Life wasn't the same for a long long time.

Main Course
If you could wake up tomorrow morning in another country, where would you want to be?

Ireland...I have always wanted to go there.

Dessert
What do you usually wear to sleep?

Lately sweats and a t shirt. It's getting cold here at night!!

el numero dos

2007-09-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

Sue, over at Good Yarns mentioned I might do this Meme. Guess what? She knows me pretty well!! Thanks for remembering me Sue, it would have been a very boring night with out a Meme!

JUST TWO THINGS

Two Names You Go By:
1. Christy
2. Baby

Two Things you are wearing right now:
1. Sweats
2. band-aid

Two Things you would want (or have) in a relationship:
1. soul mate
2. humor

Two Things you like to do:
1. Bake
2. Play with the horses

Two Things you want very badly at this moment:
1. Van repairs, for free. :)
2. water...I'll be right back.

Two Things you did last night:
1. Made a meatloaf from a new yummy recipe.
2. Watched Grey's Anatomy

Two Things you ate today:
1. Chicken
2. 3 Milano cookies. YUM!

Two People you spoke last to:
1. The Hub
2. The Boy

Two Things you're doing tomorrow:
1. Working on the current craft
2. Hanging out with the horses.

Two Longest car rides:
1.Virginia to Washington
2. Washington to Virginia (done it 3 times!!)

Two Favorite holidays:
1. Christmas
2. Turkey Day!

Two Favorite beverages:
1. Mocha no whip
2. Water

Two Jobs I have had in my life:
1. Medic, USAF
2. Wife/Mom

Two Movies I would watch over and over:
1. Ever After
2. Open Range, Young Guns. Westerns.

Two Places I have lived:
1. Washington
2. Texas

Two of My Favorite foods:
1. Doritos
2. Mexican rice

Two Places I'd rather be right now:
1. That spa Hub took me too.
2. On a trail ride.

Two People I think will do this meme:
1.Mom
2.Tracey

Car trouble and a handy helper

2007-09-27T09:24:00.001-07:00

So we headed out to leave for little mans testing yesterday afternoon and guess what happened? The MFing car wouldn't start. How can that happen on such an important day?? It's just my luck I suppose.

The battery has been dying regularly recently and it's caused all kinds of problems for us. We need a new one obviously, but the timing for that is horrible.

I popped the hood and went inside to call Hub and the appointment to let them know. I came back outside to find this.

Little man trying to jump the van with his big boy bike. HOW CUTE!!!

I had placed the jumper cables there before I went in, but still. Way to precious! He was saying "I fix cah mommy"

This kid just surprises me everyday!

We made the appointment, we were late, but we made it. I'm glad I stuck with it, I was ready to reschedule and not deal with it but it turned out alright.

Little man had fun playing with the teacher while I talked to the Lady in the other room. When the speech therapist emerged my kid was glued to her and she was obviously fond of him too. She mentioned that she understood next to nothing of what he was saying but that his personality was so great. That's my boy!!!

We know he qualifies for the speech, I knew that all along. I suspect he will get other services also that will help him with the everyday aspects of life. I'm so proud of him!! And proud of me for not being reduced to a pile of tears on a particularly hard day.

Testing 1...2...

2007-09-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

This morning is a huge day for us. Little man goes in for the school districts version of all the testing required to get him into speech therapy again and all the other services he needs.

The testing is BS. He was tested in July back before we moved. This is just their attempt to try and not qualify him so that they don't have to make room for him.

I just pray I have the right words to stand up to them, to tell them that they are wrong. I need the courage to stand my ground and demand the services that I know as his mother he needs.

I just don't want to wade through all the bull shit to get there.

I better go get my mud boots on.

Wish us luck!

Kitties

2007-09-25T10:34:00.001-07:00

Remember when I posted about Fostering the Kitties? Remember how I said it was their policy that you could not adopt one, or um, 2? I swear I was telling the truth. Those softies changed the rules on me and now look what happened....

We are now a home to 5 humans, 2 horses, 1 dog and 3 CATS.

Holy crap!

But they sure are cute, and the kids love em. And they make Hub and I laugh hysterically with all the kitten stuff they do. Serves me right. No more fostering animals. period.

Unless however you have a horse that needs me......

nope, nope, can't do that either......

bummer.

Bored

2007-09-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

I'm bored. b.o.r.e.d

Hubby has duty tonight, he won't be home until tomorrow.

The kids are playing nicely together (wow) I don't want to go in there and jinx that.

I can't find the card reader for the computer to share new pics with you, that has really bummed me out.

I think I've reached the end of the internet. It's all blah now.

I might just have to go clean something. That's a drag.

Hum maybe I'll blast some Keith Urban from the computer and clean while I drink a nice cold beer....

Cleaning it is.

Cya!

Keith, sexy sexy Keith!!

2007-09-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Oh wow! I am reaping in the after glow of a fabulous concert we attended on Saturday night. Keith Urban was in town, and I thought it might be something fun for the Hub and I to do. I got the tickets off of Ebay about a month ago, the tickets had been sold out for quite awhile so I was lucky to find some that were reasonably priced. We had Mom come over for the weekend to watch the kiddos and allow us to be comfortable enough to travel up to Seattle and not worry our brains out. Thanks Mom!

We stopped in for dinner on the way up and had a nice chat. It's amazing what you have stock piled up in your brain to talk about but can't for one reason or another. You sit down and it's quiet and you (well, I) just start flapping my gums with all the crap I have been thinking/pondering/wondering etc. Poor guy. We had some great conversation. I just can't tell you how happy I am to have the love of my life back with me. I am feeling pretty whole again.

So from dinner we headed up to the Seattle Center and after a minor parking snafu we found a place that was free. Free is good! The walk was not bad either. How is it that we lived in Seattle for nearly 2 years and we didn't know all the fun stuff that Seattle Center had to offer? There is a carnival that is there permanently I think. There is also this fabulous fountain that you MUST come see if you are in the area! It's so nice to watch and it likes to play tricks on the kids who run up to it. We sat and watched with the crowd and oohed and aahed with each change in the pattern.

Anyway- We made our way in and found our seats. PERFECT SEATS!! I can't believe how lucky we got! We were in the first level off the ground, dead center, and could see everything! Well we could see everything when the ladies in front of us weren't standing....

Here's an interesting experience. Our seats were right next to a pair of women who were, hum, overflowing....lets leave it at that. I took the seat next to them to avoid making Hub uncomfortable. While waiting through the opening act I thought I was being, um you know, rubbed on my shoulder, by her....I'm sure the look on my face was priceless when I turned to Hub and asked "Please tell me that's you" Thank Goodness!

So I told you that one to set you up for this one. Looking back it's rather funny. Right before Keith started, the lights were off etc, A man and wife were entering the aisle. The man trying to maneuver his way around the overflowing lady nearly lost his balance. Somehow in order to regain his balance and avoid falling backwards into the stands below he reached out and grabbed his only life line, my left tit. Yes folks, I was molested at the Keith Urban concert. It wasn't just a quick grab either. He held on until he had regained his balance and started moving once again toward his seat. I was in shock, and I am sure that he realized where his hand was as he was moving past and releasing his grasp he whispered an "I'm sorry". EEEEWWWWW. I had to have the Hub give me a squeeze so that I wasn't feeling the mystery mans grope the whole night..

Gosh, this is long. I hope you are still reading. I'll just end with this. The concert was amazing. Keith plays an awesome electric guitar and just goes to town between songs. He also is astoundingly HOT!!!

Sorry to keep you. I make sure the next one is short to make it up.

I told ya so

2007-09-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

I said I would, so here I am. I'm blogging. Imagine that! Let me first tell you that the Hub is home safe and sound from the ship. It was so nice to see him and know that most of this stress is over. We are so glad to have him back!

Secondly, we have gone through some MAJOR changes recently. Huge, major changes. Changes that have kept me away from my computer at night. Things that have boggled my brain and stressed me out, tested me on all sorts of levels. I made it. We made it and we are alive and breathing. Thank the good Lord for that!

This biggest change is that we have moved. I happened upon a rental ad on Craigslist and called. No particular reason to call, but the thought of moving had been on my mind to get closer to Hubs new job. Everything about this home turned out to be perfect. You know when it's meant to be all the energy just lines up and falls right into place? (Mom will love that line!) Everything went fairly smoothly, if I do say so myself. I'm pretty proud of me that I made it through!

This house is our dream home. It is like going from the Motel 6 to a 5 star luxury hotel. We are about 1/4 mile from the road on a beautiful winding driveway, there is aprox 15 acres of quietness, room for the horses, it just goes on and on. The house is huge, it looks rather empty right now. I am so happy here! There is a HUGE jetted tub in the master bath that I swear I could live in. Luxury.....yum.

So anyway- we moved before Hub returned from deployment, and in hindsight I am glad we did. He didn't need to return home too all that stress. Living here means actually getting to see him on weekdays and no long lingering trips to the barn. We are the barn right here, and that is super! The little gal will miss her horse lessons there but I hope to hire someone to coach her along once we are a little more settled.

So we are here and getting settled. Life is starting to calm back down and I am really missing my connection with my bloggy friends. I miss the crochet group and hope to be back involved with that again soon, but I miss reading and commenting and sharing the laughs with all of you.

Drop a line, say Hi. I'll be back with the rest of the news soon. I hope soon means tomorrow, but ya never know. Here are some pictures of us at the local carnival recently. We all had a blast!!

*Everyone wave at the camera*

*The bouncy cars were a big hit!*
*This little lady is a dare devil!*

Gonna Do it......

2007-09-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

I really am. I'm gonna blog tonight after the kids are asleep. Aren't you so excited?!?

Now I need to go figure out where to start. Hum...

Signs of Life

2007-07-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

I am still here, I promise. I am swamped with stress and stuff that consumes my day and leaves no time for chit chat. I seriously need a vacation when Hubby gets home!! Here are some pics to get you through to the next post, which I hope won't be longer than a month away!!!

Hope you are all well!!!
Here are the kiddos at the local park.

Look at this cutie pie and her horse!!
4 Blue ribbons after the show was done!!!

Henry and I, bonding?

Here is the view we had for fireworks!! It was spectacular!!!

Catching up

2007-06-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hey peeps! I'm back and with some MAJOR updates!! Grab a cup of brew and join my for the recap will ya?

Arn't these little fur balls the cutest thing? The gal and I are fostering a litter of kittens for a local rescue group. I knew that this was going to be a great distraction for her, but I had no idea how much I would enjoy these little monsters! We have the Momma cat, whom is only 1 year old (poor thing) and her 4 babies. We have had them for 1 week today, and they have truly blossomed. Their personalities are so vivid now! We have a trouble maker, a scardy cat, an a cuddle bunny. The last one just seems to sit back and watch the fun. This is such a rewarding thing to do! Thank goodness the rescue group has a firm policy of foster homes not adopting, cause then we'd be in trouble! It will be hard to say goodbye, but I'm sure we enjoy the next litter we get to help with too. And if your complaining about the pics, you try to get 4 hyper kitties to wait for you to push the button on the camera. It's impossible!!!

Speaking of adopting. We, well I, well, um. Meet Henry.

Henry is a Wild Mustang I, or we, depending on how you look at it, adopted from the auction last Sunday. He is 4 years old has had next to no contact with humans. I am so excited to work with him this Summer! We can already tell that he is very intelligent, and he is catching on to things much faster than his Mustang mates. I have had him at the barn for 3 days and he has gotten so many great compliments from smart horse people. I am very happy to have Henry join our clan!

More on adoptions. My Sis is expecting a new little daughter in the next 18 months. I am thrilled for her and I can't wait to start on a baby blanket. Every child deserves a crochet blankie of their own. I also have a great friend who is expecting a little girl in October, so I really need two blankies!! Do any of you have a favorite blankie pattern?

Well that is the big news, I don't think I forgot anything, but you never know!!!

WTF???

2007-05-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

This is NOT what I wanted to wake up to this morning!!! Prayers please........

I can only imagine what you can do under the code "training"......training my ass.

Stuff.....lots of it!

2007-05-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Good Monday Morning! Hope y'all survived the weekend in one piece. I made it, thank goodness! The weekends are the hardest part so far!

I have several things to say today, and several questions to ask, PLUS a to do list a mile long...please bear with me.

First, Lets all get together and convince my Sis that Blogger is a cool place to be. That lots of people blog and it's a good place to share news. Her name on here will remain Sis, so HEY SIS! JOIN THE FUN!!!

On to serious business now folks, and this is disgusting to the 100th degree! There are gnats in my kitchen and no matter what I do they are still there. I have polished the entire freaking kitchen, checked for bad food in the pantry, I have also put a glass of vinegar on the counter over night like a friend suggested. Nothing has helped. I am losing my mind here folks....I don't know what to do. Today I am going to run some bleach through the pipes in the sink to see if I can get some hiding in there. Otherwise my handy dandy bottle of Windex has been alright at killing them mid air. Any other ideas??

So now that you think my kitchen is disgusting. Lets move on. I am alive!! I am making it as a "one parent show" granted it's still hard, but I'm adapting. My daughter has taken to pushing every single button to get what she wants, and that is no easy fix. I have to figure that out too. She's not a bad kid by any means, but there are times I don't even recognize her any more. Any ideas on 6 year old attitude problems?

Hub made it to the boat safely and in one piece. Whew! His stay in No no land was a lot shorter than I expected. Thank the good Lord for that!! Now we start crossing off days til he gets home. Gosh I hope that flies by!

So minus the gnat problem and the single mother lack of time syndrome I have a to do list a mile long. Stuff that I will just forget if not listed somewhere to keep me on task. Here is what I can think of right now.

Clean cat litter
sweep and mop
laundry
drive Hubs car, ugh
Clean off computer desk.
Finish wool rug
Make Fathers day crafts to mail to Hub.
Mail first box out to Hub.
Pack for weekend away
Make arrangements for horse care while we are gone.

Lets just stop there for now. k? If I get overwhelmed, nothing will get done, and that can not happen!

2 more quick things- Sue??? I miss you!! Come back!!! and last but not least. .... I am not losing weight, but my clothes are to big......very interesting!! Either way, I am excited and proud of myself!!

Have a great Monday!

Love Friday

2007-05-18T21:13:00.000-07:00

I guess I have time to squeeze this in today! It's the first time I've joined in!!

1. Love the fact that Hub joined this deployment half way through!!

2. Love that I can call my Mom when I'm lonely!

3. Love that I have my daughter to cry with!!

4. Love that I am meeting other military wives in Blog land that have been there before too!

5. Love that my daughter is reading this over my shoulder!

6. LOVE LOVE LOVE my brave military man!!!

Whoa!!

2007-05-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

I am so shocked! Peeps!! I have lost 8 pounds!! Yea! I must give credit to a new medicine I am on to balance out the hormones, but I am still quite proud of myself! I haven't been snacking between meals and I am eating less at meal time too! Good for me! I'll keep you posted on the subject, the road to 20 doesn't seem so far away now!

On another note. I was so surprised to know that Hubs cell phone works in no-no land. We had a nice talk today which was nice! After we got off the phone I decided to call the carrier and make sure we weren't paying an outrageous amount each call. Um, yeah....it's $2.50 a minute!! Can you believe that. I called him back quickly and let him know I'd be mailing out an international phone card as soon as he got his address. YIKES!! It was worth it for the surprise phone call though. No doubt about that!!

Today has been an easier day so far. The normal week routine is helping quite a bit I suspect. Maybe I just need to schedule the weekends full of fun stuff to keep those moving! When school gets out I am sure it will be another story. Everyday closer to second grade is a day closer to him returning!

I did a bit of crocheting today. The wool rug seems to be taking forever. I do have more time during the week when little man naps so maybe progress will pick up. I'd like to get involved with CAL Pals or something again, now that I have some free time to crochet. Is CAL Pals still around?

Alright- well there is my day so far. Not to shabby. I am hanging in there and staying strong. This gorgeous weather is a great pick me up too!!

Twitter help....please....

2007-05-14T10:35:00.000-07:00

Who can help with this Twitter thing? I update on the page but it doesn't show on my Blog. I'm stumped!

Help is appreciated!

Day #2

2007-05-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Kinda sucks that Hub had to deploy the day before Mothers Day! That put a damper on my mood a bit in the morning I think. The kiddos surprised me with cards that he had helped them make on Friday. That was so sweet! I sang myself the "Happy Mothers Day to me" song (sung to the birthday song tune) and made my way through a difficult day.

He did call before he got onto the never ending flight to no-no land. I was very grateful for that, but knowing it was the last time I could hear his voice for quite awhile was torture. I didn't have anything specific to say, besides I miss you and love you, so there was a lot of empty space in the conversation. I just couldn't put the phone down and then I was in tears when boarding started.

I've been fine today as long as I was not at home. The moment I walked in the door from the barn I was in tears. I'm such a weenie! It's the silly little things that are making it hard. The laundry that had to be folded and put into his dresser. The after shave left on the counter in the bathroom. Silly things. ya know? Surely I have to toughen up at some point.

What makes me feel worse/guilty is the fact that we spent so much time fighting recently. Granted there were major things happening, but right now all those things seem so small compared to him being gone. Yep........this is crazy.

Alright......I hope you all had a great Mothers Day! Stay in touch ya hear?

Bye Bye Baby......

2007-05-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today was the dreaded day peeps. The Hub is on his way to the ship which is in well....(insert one top secret location here). He travels commercial to DC and then on to Norfolk for the night. Tomorrow he gets on a military flight headed for "not safe" land for an undisclosed amount of time before they fly him out to the ship. It's this leg of the trip that scares the bejesus outta me. A possible hotel stay out in town is enough to stock me up with anxiety attacks to last a life time!

Yesterday everything hit me. I know that the kids reactions are going to play off of my reaction to him being gone. I *tried* so hard to hold in all the tears. A few times I just couldn't pull them in fast enough and had to run for cover. I hope that Hub knows that the distance I unintentionally put between us was not his fault, I just couldn't look at him and hold it together.

So it's the kiddos and I, plus one Dad in law for the next several months. We can make it work. I know that I am a stronger person than I was the last time he deployed. I feel like a bit of a veteran now. I still wonder if this gets any easier though. I can't imagine electing to stay in another 15 years, to retire at 30 years total, and keep doing this and putting the kids through this...... It must get easier right??

One thing I know for sure is Hub loves serving his country! No matter what our personal views are about the direction right now. I know that he takes pride in doing his part. I am so amazingly proud of him, and I know that the kids will understand someday.

I have a personal list of things to do while he is gone. I'd like to loose at least 20 pounds, which is only the tip of the ice burg! I'd also like to finish up the wool rug I started forever ago. I have planned on keeping a "normal" summer schedule for the kids too. A few trips to Omas, and maybe 2 camping trips with some friends. One thing that helped so much last deployment was my personal journal which will be started tonight. I find it amazing how much writing can take all the stress away.

And another thing.....All these problems that Hub and I have had lately. Gone. I was releaved the other night when I was chit chatting with him and it hit me. I hadn't thought about the hurt in several weeks. I think that now that we are away from the situation, and we were able to have so many weeks together it really put it into perspective. I'm very thankful for that!

So there ya have it. I hope that you're up to hearing more from me cause I know that I'll need the Bloggerville support too! You all rock!

A date

2007-05-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hubby got a date for his departure today from the ship. He is flying out Saturday and will be on the ship no later than mid week. I'm sad to know that it is so soon but I am incredibly grateful to have him home the rest of the week. We will miss him terribly, but God willing, come September he will be home.

I've not been ignoring you all, but supremely busy getting physically and mentally prepared. There was a chore list a mile long to get done, and errands to run etc. Plus, it's hard to sit at the computer when you'd rather be in the arms of your man!

So- I'll be back soon. I'll be doing a tag from Sue, and I will also fill you in on all the happenings around here!!

Menu Plan Monday #2

2007-04-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here we go again Peeps! I managed to *mostly* stick to the menu last week. Wonderful Hub pitched in when he was needed in the kitchen too! Thanks!

This weeks menu is as follows:

Monday: BLT's with couscous.
Tuesday: Spaghetti, salad and Texas Toast!
Wednesday: Chicken Viola! (My easy day!)
Thursday: Tuna casserole
Friday: Left overs
Saturday: Grilled Pork chops, mashed potatoes and corn.
Sunday: Mom's day off!

So there ya have it!

Just so you're not all worried about me......I have been being a bit crafty. I have been making some slow progress in my scrapbooks and in the wool rug I am working on. We have been super busy outside enjoying the weather and getting quite a bit of yard stuff done. It feels good to be out all day, but when I come in I am exhausted!! The inside of the house sure looks like it too! I'll have to spend some time inside soon to play catch up!!

Hope you are all having a Happy Monday!

My dog hates.....

2007-04-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

The camera!

How hard can it be to get a good pic of this silly dog? Here's what I was able to get......

Jeez Jackson, I love ya but sit freaking still!! Oh well......

If Jax were to talk like Sue's dog, Happy, he would say "Oh S#&t! The camera! My least favorite!"

Real men build things........

2007-04-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

Whew......here's a quick idea of what we have been up to the last few days. I'll go into more detail later~
*Building new play set!*

*The finished Play Set!!! YAY!!!*

*Unintentional hind end shot, sorry Hub!
Here's where my new garden will be!!*

Menu Plan Monday

2007-04-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Where have I been you ask? Well don't ask.... It's been hugely stressful and I've promised myself that I am going to make 100% effort to get over it. Here I am, getting over it :)

Here is a new thing I've decided to try. Menu Plan Monday. I need to be more organized and budget minded. I thought this would be a great way to start, and also a great way to start a grocery list! If you'd like to join in please do. I'd love to see what is cooking in your kitchen!

Monday: Tacos with Spanish rice.
Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie
Wednesday: Crock Pot Southwestern Pork. Recipe from Sue**
Thursday:Left overs
Friday: Grilled steaks with baked potatoes and salad. (weather permitting!)
Saturday: BLT's
Sunday: Hubby cooks!! ( hope you don't mind, dear!)

** Um, Sue? Would you mind re-emailing the South western pork recipe? I thought I still had it in my email, but I was sadly mistaken. Thanks so much!

On to other Junk. I had not picked up the hook in several weeks and my wool rug was starting to get offended. I decided "what the heck" and remembered that crocheting was what kept my little fingers busy and away from the cigs. I guess since that old habit has reared it's ugly head again I need pay more attention to crocheting!! The astronomical stress level hasn't helped in that department either.

Mental notes to self:
1. All I can be is the best me I can be.
2. Must make time to crochet.
3. Stress causes ulcers and mental breakdowns. We don't need to go there.
4. Keep looking forward.
5. Hug hubby. He deserves it!!

Spring?

2007-03-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

Geez, folks. Yesterday it was snowing and today it looks like the middle of Spring! I think someone is confused!

I am welcoming the weather with a big wide smile and some internet research. You see, a nice sunny day is a great chance to give your horse her first bath; even if that thought scares the bajesus out of you.

You see, Sara, is scared of the hose. We have worked on this fear a bit trying to convince her that it is not the snake that it appears to be. She has a mind of her own however and now we must get more creative.

We have a bath stall at the barn that you can bathe in, well your horse can bathe in LOL. There is an issue with that too, which adds to the first bath anxiety. Confined spaces make it easy for her to smash me and create havoc, though I'm not as worried about that as I am in looking like a fool.

I've done some research. I found this very helpful information. I think that I will just see what she lets me do, and maybe push just a bit farther. She is ridiculously caked in mud, and sure could use a full bath though.

Maybe that little sweetheart will just let me do it. We'll see. I'll try to take some pics of myself for you. You should get a good laugh from them later!!

Wish me luck!!

Top of the morning to ya

2007-03-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

**Cute pictures make to do lists easier on the eyes**

Not that I am over whelmed or anything but here is what my to-do list says. Oye.....

1.Cut dogs hair/bath
2. Cut Sons hair
3. ~~Dishes~~
4. ~~Laundry~~
5. ~~Vacuum~~
6. ~~Send deposits for gals summer camps.~~
7. Bring all books up and organize on book shelfs
8. ~~Figure out something for din din.~~
9. Sit down with calendar and figure out next few months plans.
10. Buy or create plans for outdoor play structure.
11. Finish painting hall way.
12. Organize scrap booking stuff for trip.
13. Make Hay plans (as of noon they are half way made)

So the list goes on, but I'll leave it there for now.

I'll start with the regular house tending things and see what "flows" after that. I might just "flow" "myself right into my favorite crochet spot......

Happy Tuesday to you all!!

Lots-o-good News!

2007-03-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Peeps! First, I extend my arms out for a huge group hug with all of you well wishers out there. I greatly appreciate all your kind words and encouragement. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Next, I am so happy to report that I am feeling better. I would even stretch to say that We are feeling better. Everyone take a big sigh of relief at once. W...H...E...W! I don't know what I was thinking to think that life was a cake walk.(JK I've never thought that) It is true that the tough times make the good ones better.

We had a serious family weekend. No one-on-one dates or time away. We just chilled out as a family. I even caught a glimpse of Hubs fantastic sense of humor on the way to the barn yesterday. That was priceless to me. We have a great little clan and I am so grateful that we can get through the mud and gunk together!

Here is a picture of us taken 3 years ago when Hubby was getting ready to deploy. Aren't we cute?!?

Next on the good news list is that I finally bit the bullet and brought all my scrap booking stuff upstairs and actually got some serious repair/redo's done. That's a huge relief too! I lost my sacred scrapping spot down stairs when the FIL moved here in November and I have been missing it terribly. Thankfully, after about 5 or 7 trips up and down the stairs I had it all (well, the necessary) stuff up. Now I just need an out of the way place to store it up here so the kiddos don't become curious.

Hum what else? Guess that's all for now. Hope y'all had a good weekend too!

Successful

2007-03-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Merriam-Websters Dictionary defines Successful in the following way:

Main Entry:: suc·cess·ful
Pronunciation:: \-fəl\
Function:: adjective
Date:: 1588

1 : resulting or terminating in success successful attempt>
2 : gaining or having gained success successful investor>

— suc·cess·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— suc·cess·ful·ness noun

Today, I can only define success as something I am not. Isn't that crappy? It's a shame really. Previously in my life I have had some success. I graduated from Basic Training in the Air Force, which no one expected I could, or would do. I graduated from Tech school for the Air Force at nearly the top of my class. Both of these accomplishments are and were great emotional highs for me. I was able to prove a lot of nay sayers (including myself) wrong. I was good at something.

In a way I miss those days. I miss being requested by doctors to assist in surgeries, requested before higher ranking medics. The docs all recognized a success in me somewhere. They asked for me by name, a little E-3 pee-on over an E-5or E-7. That's huge in the military. I'm really proud of that.

I chose a relationship over those feelings because at the time the relationship felt incredibly successful. I had other goals I wanted to reach too. I wanted to be a mom and a wife and have a nice cozy family to call my own. I left the Air Force to be able to stay with my family. At the time it was a great decision. I still feel like it was the right decision. However, now I do not feel successful.

When I look closely at who I am, I can not over look the fact that I am a mess. I am an emotional mess, a physical mess, and in general just a messy person. None of these are purposeful qualities obviously. They are within me and they project into everything I touch.

Presently I am in the relationship I left the military for. Success? After 8 years I would say so. I am a Mom to the worlds cutest 2 kiddos. A success? For sure! Put them all together and call it a success? I'm not so sure.

I don't juggle well, and that is an understatement. I can not seem to hold onto two things at once and make them both reach their maximum potential at the same time. I try like hell, but always end up dropping one. This is why I bounce around so much. I get tired of playing Mommy all day (not being a Mom, just the variety that stay home all day) so I get a job. I do great at the job for awhile and then start missing being a home Mommy so I quit and return to the nest. This pattern has repeated it's self several times, over and over. The solution obviously is to pick one and stick with it. Well, I've done that. Which brings me to the next issue on success.

I've chosen to be an at home Mom. I do love it, and I cherish the time and opportunities that my Mom didn't have. I love being able to go on field trips with my daughters class. I am very fortunate to be able to be here for the Speech therapist when she comes to work with my son.
One hard fact is that this job I have does not project success. No matter what you do, how you do it, or the quality you feel about the job, it doesn't scream success.

In a way I feel success through my husband. He is a top notch, go to guy at work. If it needs to be done, he's there and accomplishes his missions with incredible success. He has the respect of nearly everyone in his division and he knows he is the thread that holds it all together. That is incredibly attractive to me. I live a career womans life through his eyes. Only he is the one really making it happen.

So what is a hard working, incredibly successful guy attracted to? Surely not the woman he returns home too who is exhausted after cleaning up the same mess every ten minutes, or the woman who has been so busy that day that she hasn't had time for a shower (sometimes in more than 2 days, eeewww, I know!) He returns home to a mess. Me. This house. This relationship. All of it messy.

Add to the mix a very successful woman at the same job. She must be a professional juggler. She is a single mom, a go to gal herself. She has her shit together. She has lost weight he says. She is his friend. She is the package deal. He would rather have a conversation with her. Would rather hear about her day. In the back of his mind I wouldn't doubt that somedays he wishes she was the one to return home too.

Guess what that does to the the fire at home? Picture sitting by a camp fire that is burning strong, you feel worm and peaceful. Now dump a pail of water over it and stir it up. What do ya have now? A big pile of what used to be something beautiful. Then decide you want to rebuild the fire because you miss it terribly. Except, you just drowned it, everything is wet, nothing will burn. You have no fire, and nothing to rebuild with.

Thats how I feel. I feel like the under dog to a situation that I have had a hand in creating. I am a smothered fire, sometimes you see a spark, but it's not enough. And what's worse is the fact that I can't blame her. (GOD I hate that) because she is everything I am not.....

She is successful.

A completion, and progress

2007-03-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

Ahem....

Crafty Christy Proudly Presents......

A completed Item.

No kidding!

Okay- seriously, here it is. I finished something. (Thanks for the applause!)

The other day Son and I were in the craft store looking at yarn. He was being a great boy, staying right by my side until out of the corner of his eye he saw a Diego fabric. A Diego fabric with a ball on it to boot! He asked in his own little way for the fabric and since I am always adding to the pile o fabric I have I said sure.

Fast forward to last week when a friend and I made a day of thrift shopping. I found a great flat sheet with dinos on it. I knew it would be perfect for something, but I wasn't sure what. Then it hit me.

A blanket!

It's reversible, and instead of using binding, I just turned the edges under. I tied it with Red yarn and viola! It's done. Now that it's done, of course, son wants nothing to do with it. Figures.

In the progress made category we have the wool rug I mentioned in an earlier post. It's coming along nicely. I did make a boo- boo somewhere though. I can't figure it out, and I don't feel like pulling it out to an unknown point. It's just going to get walked on in the kitchen anyway. It doesn't need to be perfect. (Did I just say that?!?)

So there ya have it. Progress. Whew!

More Ink....

2007-03-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

My hub is addicted to ink lately. When I met him he had 5 tattoos. 2 months ago he had 5 tattoos. Last month he got another, and today he came home with this.......

In the old Navy sailors got tattoos of swallows because when they returned from Sea seeing a swallow was a sign that land was near. The swallow signifies a homecoming. Sailors would get one tat of a swallow for 5,000 miles at sea and 2 tats for 10,000 miles. The nautical star represents the guiding star that led them home, because in the days of sailing ships sailors navigated by the stars.

*dictated to me by my inked up hub.*

Shucks

2007-03-06T21:29:00.000-08:00

I thought for sure I'd win......

2007-03-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

I might change my mind, but for now I need to blog about this to get it out of my head.

Horse boarding drama 101.

First I should state that I am experienced in this area, and I mean no judgments upon anyone. I know times get hard. I've been in the bottom of the barrel so to speak. Thank God we are beyond that point in our lives.

Here's the problem.

A couple weeks ago the Horse dentist was out to the barn. One particular Lady whom I know from past conversations isn't financially "available" wrote out a $600 plus check for her 3 horses. Today, 2 weeks+ later I get a call from the Dr's receptionist wanting me to contact her for them as her check has bounced and she won't return calls. Apparently I am not the first person they have called for help either.

Since it's been 2 weeks, the receptionist/bill collector wants me to pass along the message that she needs to call and pay or the check will be turned over to the police and they will put a lean on her horses.

I don't want to be involved. I don't want to have to tell her. I don't want her to loose her horses or go to jail either. Add the fact that she is a military wife which makes me want to help her more (by help I DO NOT mean financially) but also in the back of my mind I know how much her husband makes. It's easily double what Hub brings home. (gosh, thats sad)

I have a past very bad habit of taking on peoples problems as my own. I'll run myself off in a ditch trying to help someone whom would not blink an eye if it was me in trouble. (FIL for example). It's a horrible problem. In a way- I am feeling good about this situation right now because I have no desire to whip out my check book for her. I do however wish to beat her over the head with it and try to knock some sense into her.

Must separate myself from the problem and hopefully not the friend. Is that even possible? Probably not. Oye.

So there it is. The receptionist has called other women out there and left messages. I know others know what the problem is. I however, have no idea what they're talking about........right?

Saturday

2007-03-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready for a breakfast date with the gal, Denny's and then a haircut for both of us. I thought I'd post before I forget and the next thing I know it's Monday.

Here is one instance that the camera actually cooperated. Or maybe it was my son that cooperated finally. Which ever, THANK YOU. I snap a lot of pictures of him and none really stand out to me. I really like this one!

Blizzard?

2007-02-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

Where the heck did this come from all of a sudden? You can't see it in this pic, but it's coming down hard!

I hope it doesn't effect our horse time later!! That would be miserable!

Projects, Projects Everywhere!

2007-02-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

As promised here is the current project on the hook so to speak. It is a Zippered Rug, pattern kindly mailed to me by Sue. Thanks Sue!

I am quite pleased with this so far. I chose the brown to compliment my newly painted kitchen and the blue to bring out the blues in all of the decorations. I never realized that there was so much blue, but I guess when you pull everything down to dust and clean you learn quite a bit!

I have never felted anything before, so if you have pointers please don't be shy. I understand that you wash it a bunch, but blocking has me confused.

Speaking of my newly painted kitchen, here are some pictures. Don't look at the smudges where the ceiling meets the wall, okay? It's already driving me nuts. I just have to see if it's livable or not. The perfectionist in me is screaming!

*Here is hub doing some touch ups for me, thanks Babe*

Also, here are pics of the decorations. Just in case you wanted to see.

*I made both the valance and the swag back when I got along with the sewing machine*

*The pic above is the one that is bugging me. Can you see why?*

*This is one of my favorite decorations. It's often ignored. *

So there ya have it! A newly painted Kitchen and a happy Crochet project on the hook.

Pic to Share

2007-02-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

I have a post coming about my current project, but I have no pics of it yet. Check back in a few hours if you would like to see it.

Until then, here is a picture of me as a 1 week old Mommy.

Busy Busy

2007-02-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

No time to chat peeps! I have a TON and a half of crud to clean in this house. Clean Clean Clean.....no matter how much you clean there is always more to clean. Ugh.....

Plus, I have finished painting my kitchen and need to get the curtains and decorations back up. Plus, I'll probably rearrange to make myself have more to do.....haha.

Laundry is going, dishwasher just quit and hubby is outside fixing his car. Well, instead of fixing he is upgrading.

Gal wants to have a friend over, the horse needs the rest of her hair braided. I haven't even brushed my teeth or gotten dressed yet. The Boy is trying so hard to be potty trained all on his own. It came out of nowhere while my Mom was here. Just another thing to add to the pile. I am so proud of him though.

Gotta call the gals school on Monday. She is not being challenged enough in reading. They keep bumping her up a level and she keeps on plowing right through them. If there is such a thing as being to smart for your own good she is definitely that. I'm not sure what to do. Hopefully they will have some great ideas up their sleeves.

See there, I said I had no time to chat and.....I chatted away anyway.....sheesh. Off to clean clean clean.

Do I need to say more?

2007-02-22T08:28:00.001-08:00

Ladies and Gents, meet the next American Idol....

Lakisha Jones!!

To good for words!

2007-02-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

I won't be able to adequately describe my weekend, I don't have the words and I doubt there are any out there that would project the feelings I have.

All of the planning credit goes to the worlds best Hubby. He researched, he did his homework and he pulled this heavenly weekend off without a glitch. I was so happy to share this experience with him, and am grateful that he would go to such lengths to prepare such a wonderful relaxing experience. A million "Thank yous" to him!

You need to take notes, or book mark or just spread the word. Do something. Everyone should live this experience once in a life time. I'm planning a return next year. For sure. I'll remind you to get your pencils ready when the don't miss activity starts. But lets start at the beginning.

The trip started Friday late afternoon/evening. We left our house and headed for Seattle to enjoy a nice room at the Hyatt. The bathroom was beautiful with a separate soaking tub, and a standing glass shower. The bed was down and super comfy and it was right next to a huge picture window looking out on the busy streets below. We were on the 14th floor which wasn't an issue til I looked below. Yikes.

We got all made up and went to Pacific Place for a very nice Italian dinner. We arrived just in time to miss the late dinner rush and we were seated immediately. Our server selected the very best red wine I had ever tasted and the salad was a perfect mixture of herbs and misc greens. Perfect start to a mini vacation that only got better from there. Our main dishes were delicious too, there just are not enough words!

From there we went back to the room and realized that it was only 8:30pm, so we decided to catch a movie. We called for the car (from valet, WOW, we used valet!) and were soon in the theater watching Breach.

I think I'll do a movie review in the next few posts or so. Trust me, you can wait til then!

The best part of the weekend took place the next day starting at Noonish. We drove from Seattle to Snoqualmie where we pulled into the Salish Lodge and Spa. (Bookmark this page!)

Hubby had instructed me to bring along a swim suit. (By the way- I didn't know exactly what he had planned) We walked up to the Spa on the 4th floor and checked in. We were split up to go change and then we met back up here:

There were two hot pools to enjoy plus a steam room and a sauna. They were all beautifully done and the scenery out the window was amazing. Soon we were met by our scheduled hosts. We were taken in to a room with a gorgeous wood fire burning and two massage tables set up side by side. Our feet were massaged in a soapy foot heaven and then we were instructed to un-robe (in private, of course) and lie face down on the tables. I wasn't sure what was coming. I figured a massage was in the works but I was so surprised when the Earth Cocoon started. Here is their description:

**Soothing purification treatment in the hydrotherapy rain room where warm mineral-rich mud is applied from neck to toe and your body is gently wrapped for detoxification and nutrient absorption.**

WOW! It was so refreshing! The mud/mineral mixture was so warm and smelled so great. After they cover you they wrap you up and you soak. It was perfect! Heavenly. We also got a scalp massage while we were wrapped. I think this was the highlight for me. I couldn't believe that felt so good. Whatever it was that she used in my hair left it feeling soft and smelling like peppermint. I really need to figure out what that was so I can stock up.

Next we were unwrapped and were shown to the shower to rinse off the mud. We dried off and returned to our tables for a River Rock massage. I had never had one of these either but I wasn't shocked when it was so good. The warm rocks massaged all the kinks out and then they were set on certain spots along our backs. Total relaxation!

After it was all done Hub and I looked at each other and just said WOW! The whole experience when the foot massage started was 100 minutes. 100 Minutes of total mind relaxing goodness!!

So peeps. If you know ANYONE, who needs a great weekend away. Send them here. They are ranked #19 overall in the States, and they also have specific ratings in the top 10's. It's worth every dollar, and worth the travel to get there. It's just amazing!

The post would not be complete without thanking my Mom. She came over to watch the kiddos so that this weekend could happen. Thanks a bundle!!

I'm a....

2007-02-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

Devil of a wife.

I just like having fun. This year I had to step it up a notch to make it memorable. Hubby and I have a very nice ultra special weekend getaway planned so we are not doing the Vday thing today. He did give me a card, so I thought I'd return the favor in a bigger.....louder way today.

I stumbled on a huge balloon at the market today. It was shaped in a heart and said "I'm wild about you" The best part is that it has a music button, when pressed it sings:

Wild thing
You make me heart sing
You make everything
GROOVY...

You know that song? It makes me think of the movie Major League. Anyway- it sings it loud. LOUD!

Of course I bought it, and Duh- I brought it to him at work. Yep- his office was crowded, and do you really need to ask if I made it play? Common......... I think he'll remember this Valentines Day for awhile!!

I love ya bunches Hubby!!

Look out, I'm.....

2007-02-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

Switching templates to *try* and put Bloggers cool new tricks to good use. Wish me Luck!!

Monday, Monday......

2007-02-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

You know, the song.....

Monday Monday.......

Okay- nuff of that.

Today, I am supposed to be busy. I have much to do. Instead I sit here chatting with all of you. I am avoiding the list. Procrastination is inherited from my Dad. It's not fun, but alas, here I sit.

Here's the run down on the day today.

9am:Sons speech therapy. (done now, and it was good)

10:30am: Son is ready for a super early nap. Weird! I hope he's not getting sick.

10:36am Sitting here typing to you. Putting off the following:

Pick and buy new color for Kitchen
Pick and cut new quilt pattern.
Finish fixing the quilt redo.
Laundry.
Buy wool for rug project. (Thanks Sue)
Go to bank.
Organize scrapbooking projects for weekend getaway with Sis. ( I am so excited)

3pm: Sara is getting her teeth floated. It's like the horsey dentist. They sedate her, it should be interesting.

So clearly, not all of these things need to be done today. I am overwhelmed with possible projects, yet nothing in the works. Maybe (AHA) thats why I am feeling overwhelmed. I'm not currently working on any projects. WOW. We might just have a break through here folks.

Oh- and listen there....it's my son. He didn't go to sleep after all. Time to run errands.

Have a great Monday Monday