Reflections of a Noncommittal Housewife

Reasons I haven't Called....

2011-10-24T22:01:00.000-05:00

The dog ate my homework, no....sorry wrong list
I don't know what to say after "hello"
I am angry at you. wow that was hard to ~~say~~ write
You set up the rules. I was just following as "usu"
I had my own load that ~~was~~ is getting too much at times, just like you!
I don't like confrontation. I know, with all my anger issues I have anxiety over confrontation. Well only with ones close.
You get so bitchy sometimes that I end up apologizing for things that I am not even really sorry for.
I am just not ready to deal with reality of the situation because I am scared it will be the end. If you never say good-bye then it never ended.

Sweet Dreams

2011-10-03T22:33:00.000-05:00

Only my pillow knows why I cry at night
Why I toss and turn without delight

I release all my fears, guilts and tears
Hoping to release it and nobody hears

The true feelings that I have about me
The ache I feel for what I can be

The lost destination I will never know
The joys and happiness being on the go

Up the ladder, straight to the top
I would climb and nobody could stop

Me, the person I know I am
And not the skeleton I call a sham

Kristel

I never thought it would happen to me.....

2011-10-03T22:28:00.000-05:00

I have been sitting here staring looking at a blank post for roughly 30 minutes now. I have started a few different times but never found the wording that pleased me. I have only discussed this problem with my husband nobody else. I worry about it all day long, it keeps me awake at night. My daughter is having lots of trouble "adjusting" this year in school.

She is not a problem child, it is quite the opposite. She is sweet, kind, polite and funny. She has not been in trouble once this year or ever at school. I think that is why this is so hard for me to discuss. She has done everything right but almost every week there is something else that goes wrong.

It started as just simply her not really having a friend in the class. The first 2-3 weeks of school they would have inside recess. She would ask to join in on games that others were playing but was always told no sometimes nicely other times not very nicely. At first, it didn't really seem to bother her too much. We would talk about how she should just try again, try different people, sometimes it takes a while for kids to warm up, right?

Then she started getting picked on in class by a couple of different kids, well girls who she thought were her friends?! We think that they took her library books that I had to pay to replace. I am truly scared as to what is going to happen next. She started tonight asking if she can stay home from school tomorrow. I don;t have the heart to make her go. She is only in second grade.

I have discussed all these concerns with the school counselor, teacher and principal. The counselor talked with her for 10 minutes and has not followed up. The teacher had her evaluated by the speech therapist? The speech therapist called me and told me what a delight it was to speak with my daughter. There was nothing wrong with her speech, she wished there was because "L" is such a smart little girl. She would love to spend the afternoons with her. The principal suggested putting her in extra curricular activities to meet other kids?!? Really?

I don't want to send my daughter to school to be harassed, bullied and put down everyday for an education. I am truly lost as to what my next steps should be. Well besides completely ripping her out of school?!? Any suggestions....

Natural Animal Sanctuary

2011-09-23T23:17:00.000-05:00

I have decided that we live in an animal sanctuary. Our town is small but not that small, really....population 38,400. (Thanks Google) I live 4 blocks from Target, we are not that small.

Today alone I wrestled a snake from Seraphina, the cat, and I also "tried" to scare a possum off the fence. Now I did not grow up in the woods, I am a city girl. Love Love Love the city. It wasn't until I got married and then had 2 kids that we moved to the smaller suburb. Grant it, I live 20 minutes from a real mall, fancy boutiques and well the city.

Confession: under these beautiful highlights, thanks Leslie you rock, I do have some strawberry blonde roots. (Notice how I used strawberry and the smaller text to hide the truth!) It wasn't until after the "incident" when I was frantically telling my husband the recap play-by-play that I realized possums play dead when frightened. (Thanks Over the Hedge I always knew watching those kids movies over and over again would come in handy!)

Now Seraphina and I have a love-hate relationship. For some reason she loves me and well I hate her. Not because she is a bad cat, in fact she is an AWESOME cat. I can't believe she is still alive. I don't know how many times I caught the younger one, when she has 2, carrying her around by the neck. No scratches no bites, she takes it?!? Totally confused by that. I hate her not really her but her dandruff or whatever makes you allergic to cats!

We have an attached garage that has a door to the backyard. I always call her in through that door. Tonight I opened the door called for her. She didn't show after a couple of whistles so I grab my flip flops and headed out back. We have a long covered back patio and privacy fence around the yard. Seraphina loves to walk across the top of the fence posts, its a perfect walkway. So I immediately looked to my left to the fence to try and spot her. I heard some movement and low and behold it was a possum. I froze, I didn't know what to do, me Mrs. Useless Information didn't know what to do. I went into my hood-rat mode, yes I was hip at some point in life! I started talking sh*t to the possum.

Now let me reassure you sticks and stones my brake his bones but words will never hurt him, oh no. Remember I didn't realize that possums play dead until after the confrontation so I thought oh hell ya he was a tough cookie. I ran back into the garage and grabbed the shovel. It did take me a few minutes to decide between the pointed shovel or the flat shovel. I went with the flat shovel because it had a gray handle. I am wearing gray stretch pants with these cute buttons down the side but just halfway up the calf. I immediately thought "ACCESSORIZE". I don't want to be dead or have to call 911 with a shovel that doesn't match, really?!?

After the fashion crisis was adverted, I ran back out blasting. I was talking about his mama I wasn't holding back. That's when I spotted Seraphina laying on the rocking bench on the patio. She had been there the WHOLE time. She wasn't scared of the possum. She was taking a nap. The same Seraphina that likes to catch birds, snakes, mice, gophers, moles and insects didn't give a crap that there was a possum on the fence?!?

My next thoughts were of poor Seraphina. I was only trying to save her life and well that's what I yelled at her while I was chasing her. Imagine if you will me running at the cat with a shovel in my hand yelling "Seraphina come here. I am ONLY trying to save your life. Bitch, where are you going?" I am 100% positive that my neighbors think I am crazy, so be it. Don't bother me none, I am still going to yelling at the crazy cat when she runs from me.

After corralling the cat in the garage, I once again turned my attention to the possum. Which was in fact standing completely still and at the time I thought he was ready to throw down. I am not a b*tch that walks away from fight except at the end after I kicked your ass. I am not tall but I do have a "Napoleon complex", get in my space and you will see.

I started banging the shovel on the patio floor and talking more sh*t. I got really close to him. I was in a batters position ready to swing. I thought he would run off, in hind sight I should have turned the hose on him. He stood completely still that's what freaked me out the most, I couldn't figure out if he was going to attack me or just stand there. You know I did just get my hair done today. I can't afford two visits in one week. That's when I slowly walked back inside never turning my back on him. I wanted to be prepared. I called the hubby and of course he starts snickering even before I tell him the good parts.

I am so glad that I can provide some comedic relief to someone. Needless to say, I still believe that I saved Seraphina's life even if she doesn't think so which she doesn't. She is once again sound asleep and the possum is gone. My hair looks good and well now to watch Ghost Adventures...Scooby-douche!! LOL!!!

HUGE NEWS....

2011-09-21T22:00:00.000-05:00

R.E.M. has broken up after 31 years together, really no joke! They issued a statement through their website, no people it is NOT rem.com as I thought it should be but http://www.remhq.com/! (Just in case you were wondering, rem.com is not a working website! Your welcome for that useless information that I feel obligated to share.)

Excuse me for laughing but really after 31 years together you decide that well its not working so you issue a press release telling the world, which consequently is what I thought YEARS ago! It made me laugh so much that I cried! I couldn't stop laughing! So thank you R.E.M. for helping me getting my shirt wet without using a drink! Here's to you and your break-up. Like so many of us, everyone around you saw it coming but refused to tell you to your face. That's right, I have been talking sh*t about you for years. I thought you knew already, my bad.

I have PCOS & I am MAD as HELL

2011-09-20T11:23:00.000-05:00

Yes you read the title correctly, I have PCOS & I am MAD as HELL! For those of you who have never heard of it and refuse to google it, PCOS stands for poly cystic ovarian syndrome. Layman's terms: a woman trapped inside another woman's body that looks like a man!

I was first diagnosed about 18 years ago. The treatment really hasn't changed much at all. They still tell me that if I was skinny my life would be perfect. I wonder to myself sometimes if these "doctors" (I use that term loosely) even really listen to themselves. "OK, I know you are having lots of issues and I refuse to address any of them. Fat ass if you would get up off your lazy ass and worked out then maybe you would be happier with your looks. Come back in 6 months or whenever you get your self-esteem back up and functioning, we will look at the issues again and see what other creative way I can smash your self worth! Wait did I say creative, oh sorry I meant cruel and unusual. Creative would imply that I tried to help in the least little way. Don't forget to check out and give me ridiculous amounts of money to waste on my mistress and drug addiction!"

I guess I might be blowing it all out of portion because I have been known to do that a time or two. It is truly sad I think when you pray to be diagnosed with Cushing's Disease at least that way there is a cure.

So I assume you have guessed already that I had to return yesterday to the doctor for my next step in the "no where process". I do not have Cushing's yes I was very upset about that. By the way, I do not understand why a specialist for PCOS are only in fertility clinics, that should tell you exactly how they treat the disease. Let's give the woman with lots of hormone issues more hormones just so she can have a baby because really that is all they are good for any ways.

After having to wait for 30 minutes while the doctor played the Easter bunny (harvesting eggs), I was told once again if you just would lose weight you would be happier. OK I understand that people who are overweight have lots of health issues but the issue with me is that I am healthy but I keep gaining weight. After looking through my 45 day food journal (yes I was completely honest), she was actually surprised by my increase in exercise and self control over food. Yes there were days where I ate out or had chocolate but it was maybe twice over the 45 day span. I also exercise quit a bit. I do 35-45 mins on elliptical, walk to take daughter to and from school, either 30 mins Pilate or yoga and my weights (small weights with lots of reps for toning) everyday.

It sucks! But I am not giving up yet. I keep telling myself that I could just quit exercising, quit watching what I eat and just become ginormous. I just can't do that to my girls. At some point I will have to make a public appearance with them and I just don't want to be the mom that looks like she doesn't care about herself. Yes I think that people that are as big as I am just don't care about themselves. I think that is what keeps me motivated I care about ME. I like ME. I just want to like the me that is staring back in the mirror!

I'm no beauty Queen, I'm just beautiful ME!!!!!

Too Soon Anderson!!

2011-09-18T19:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday!!

Chicago

2011-09-15T11:40:00.000-05:00

Well it's official my girls are growing up. The truth does hurt especially when it has to do with me. My oldest is now 8 years old, wow, and the sassy one turned 3!

For "L's" birthday, we surprised her with a trip to Chicago! Oh Chicago, I love you! It was completely awesome. I loved every moment. I keep telling myself that if I don't unpack the suitcases then I am still on vacation! It works for me.

This was taken from the sunset boat tour of the canal. What a great view! Seriously, if you have never been to Chicago, go. We were there for 4 days and it was not enough time. I could have spent 4 days alone at the Museum of Natural History, the Shed, the Art Museum, wow I could keep going. I didn't even mention the "Magnificent Mile". Saks on one corner, Neiman Marcus on another and Bloomingdale's...American Girl, Cole Hahn, H&M, OK I am booking a return trip!

Week 3 Fitness Update

2011-06-13T21:17:00.000-05:00

I hate to disappoint but....well...umm...there was this incident with some ice cream and some other not-so-good-for-you items that has set me back to pretty much where I started. Oh, of course the Doctor's office ordeal that sent me spiraling out of control into mountains of calories didn't help! Don't worry I did not KILL or cause any bodily harm.

What is up with asshole doctors? Really? Now I guess I have had a closer view being a "nurse" on how they really act but still I don't get their reasoning on why they need to belittle people. I know you get paid lots of money to send me on a death spiral into chips and candy (BTW big props to both my kids who do it daily, free-of-charge but at least I can threaten my kids, I cant a doctor, not legally). Did you not pay attention in that high dollar school on the day they were talking about bedside manners. I guess that was the day you were out shopping for your trophy wife?!?

Well anyways, I went to the doctor because for some reasons it was my week to have a migraine. I don't have them but maybe once a year so they are usually not that serious. It was Wednesday afternoon when I started seeing tracers which means here comes the pain. My usual method for treating is Excedrin Migraine, alone time in the closet with wash clothe. It has worked before I thought it would work again. By Thursday, it was just a dull throbbing, I thought great its on its way out, awesome. Well Friday morning at 3 am I woke up to the most horrific pain that started in my neck and went down my back across my shoulder blade. It was so bad I couldn't move. I laid there not moving, breathing very little and waited for 3 hours until my hubby came home from work. He got the heating pad and Advil. That eased the pain some at least long enough for the doctor's office to open. I got my appointment 9am not bad. My hubby and girls dropped me off at the door, my wait was very little, I thought awesome this is going to be a breeze. Until...in walks my mercenary coming to kill my dreams of being able to fit into my clothes once again or maybe a summer dress in time for my "BIG TRIP TO CHICAGO" in 3 months!

I guess in summary the one key thing he said that really struck with me was and I quote "If you were SKINNY your life would be PERFECT". AWESOME...do I really look like a woman that wants to hear that you have a metabolic disease so it is twice as hard for you to lose weight and keep it off but you know your life would just be perfect if only you were skinny. Really...perfect?!? I don't think so plus I really don't like to be told that I must be "crazy to want to have a period after 3 years. There are lots of women who wish they didn't". To which I replied "Really? There are not a lot of women out there sleeping around married and unmarried that don't hope for their periods every month. Hummm...I must be crazy! He didn't like the sass. Sorry neither did my mother but I still did it!!

It took a long weekend of muscle relaxers and pain medicine (which made me one grumpy mother bear) to get back where I could move my neck without pain. I also managed to work out on the elliptical machine for 20 minutes today, I took my "fat disease" meds today both times too. I ate healthy and didn't yell except at bedtime which always happens so today was....perfect!

Good-bye Oprah

2011-06-07T22:46:00.000-05:00

I can't seem to bring myself to watch the last 4 episodes of the Oprah show. I know it is because sadly I don't want it to end, really. I LOVE OPRAH. I miss her so much! Its pathetic I know. I just want to call her up and hear about her new favorite things or what next injustice do i need to worry about? Whats the new black? What about my reading, how will I ever come up the next bestseller? Seriously I cant pick good books on my own!

I can't live if living is without her....

I guess I will sit her with some of the favorite things I was able to afford, my Moscow Mule and watch the end of one of my longest friendships. Oprah call me gurl! I miss you!

Desires

2011-05-27T18:03:00.002-05:00

I want to be famous and have lots of money
And have many friends who think I am funny!

I want a big house with lots of cars
I want lots of jewelry and be friends with stars

I want to be skinny and walk the runway
I want people to listen to what I say

I want the freedom that money can buy
Freedom from debt, freedom from lies

I want lots of horses and lots of land
I want to influence others & give them a hand

I want to see the world and travel afar
I want to go to big parties and end up at bars

I want to be waited on by butlers and maids
I want a big title and not be an aide

I want something precious, I want something true
I guess that is why I ended up with you!!

By Kristel

Thanks Subaru!!

2011-05-25T19:46:00.000-05:00

Thanks Subaru for helping me find my new favorite song!! Now I think I am going to have to teach myself to play the guitar so I sing it!!!

Health Tip

2011-05-24T10:34:00.000-05:00

Today's Health Tip:

An invigorating walk can provide as many benefits as a slightly shorter run - and far more than doing nothing at all. For better health and to avoid weight gain, take your pick (because frankly we all love options):

RUN ~~ at least 20 minutes only 3 times a week

WALK~ at least 30 minutes 5 times a week

Enjoy your day and BREATHE!!!

Week 1 ~ DONE

2011-05-24T09:20:00.000-05:00

Well I made it through week 1 of my new ~~diet~~ "lifestyle change"! Because we all need lists in our lives, here is a list of things that impressed me about myself this past week:

I didn't kill anyone although I did needlessly yell at about both my kids & husband for reasons that really should not be reasons!
It has been a whole week without my life line ~~ Dr. Pepper and well frankly I am still alive just not awake most days!
I have seriously cut back on sugar and don't miss it one little bit.
I have eaten more vegetables this week than I ate all last month (3 heads of lettuce consumed by me and me alone, thank you very much).
I have exercised regularly and now my body is really starting to like it, which confuses me?!? Really body you enjoy sweating it out until all your muscles ache, really?!? Because I could have sworn you were the same body that LOVED lounging on the couch~just sayin!
I have cooked 3 meals a day for the last week without eating out ONCE?!? I had no idea that I was related to Betty F*ing Crocker!

I would give you some elaborate breakdown of what my weight has done this week BUT...I haven't weighted myself and I don't plan to for at least 2-3 more weeks. Truthfully it is not about the weight, I just want to be able to live a normal life without medication and without huffing and puffing everywhere I go. This Big Bad Wolf doesn't want to chase piggies anymore, I would rather kiss a frog and marry my prince.....wait I already did!! Now I just want to enjoy it!!!

Creativity

2011-05-21T09:37:00.000-05:00

Man, I have just been in right alignment or something these last couple of days! I have been so inspired I have written more than normal, a lot more than normal.

Here's a little bit of info about me I have never shared....I love poetry. Not only do I love poetry but I love to write poems. I don't ever share any of my poetry not even with my husband but I am feeling so confident, that I have to share. I would love input (disclaimer: if you are rude or hurt my feelings in anyway I will delete your post...just sayin).

Marriage
by ME

I just want you to love me
     that's all you say
I just want you to love me
     and bare my name
I just want you to love me
     and fine tune your dreams
I just want you to love me
     with all my crooked seams
I just want you to love me
     and carry my cross
I just want you to love me
     thru a gain & a loss
I just want you to love me
     Why can't you see?
I just want you to love me
     and I am all you need.

This poem was inspired by my husband. When we are not getting along perfectly, "I just want you to love me" is the phrase that I hear during our discussions. At first I thought this poem would portray my negative thoughts when I hear that phrase because after 13 years of hearing it, I do have rather nasty feelings towards "I just want you to love me". I was quite surprised when I realized that it had more love behind the words instead of disgust. I hope you enjoy and leave a comment!

Day 3

2011-05-19T20:14:00.000-05:00

So today was day 3 or 2, idk, I think i am having sugar withdraws. I have no energy and my brain is foggy to say the least but that's OK because I have had no headaches. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I did a lot better today with my exercising. I made it another 5 minutes on "the machine" plus we went downtown to May fest this afternoon. That was a lot of walking but I really enjoyed the time with the family. I also managed to keep in my basic Pilate's ab exercises that I used to live and die by so kudos in that department.

As far as food, I didn't do so well in that department at May fest. I did manage to restraint myself a whole bunch. I only had 3 bites of polish sausage, 1 bite of cheese-on-a-stick, 2 bites of corn dog and 2 bites of funnel cake. I know too much but you should have seen what everybody else ate...just say in. Besides May fest I stayed on my meal plan of breakfast, snack, huge lunch, and only a salad for dinner so I could take my meds. I do need a pat on the back because I am drinking lots and lots more water!!

Now just have to get the kids to bed, take a shower because frankly I stink then off to bed to watch t.v....Here's to a better day tomorrow!!

Wake-up Call

2011-05-18T20:24:00.000-05:00

So I have been receiving a HUGE wake-up call for the last two weeks. Let's just say that it took a bad test result to shake me to my core about my health. I am embarrassed to say that I am a nurse and yet I can not seem to take very good care of myself.

Today was Day 1 of new meds and new diet. I made it through without killing anyone and didn't have any headaches. I made it a point to eat breakfast which is big for me because well let's just face it, I am too tired to make breakfast in the morning plus I am never hungry until 3 o'clock! Hopefully tomorrow will go better!

I did manage some exercise today! Yeah for me! I made it 5 minutes on the elliptical machine. Pretty sad considering that about 6-8 weeks ago I was exercising 5-7 times a week @ 20-30 minute intervals! So what happened? Why did I balloon in two months time close to the amount I weight when I went into the hospital to give birth to my first born? (I gained 70 pounds in that pregnancy?!?) PCOS....what does that stand for you may ask? It stands for the reason that I have very low self-esteem. It stands for the reason why I can't just decide one day to have a baby on my own. It stands for the reason that I have to shave in lots of places that I KNOW I am not suppose to shave. It stands for every reason why I don't feel that I in anyway shape form or fashion add-up to being a woman. A woman with soft subtle skin, a perfect figure and can have a baby. A woman I am not....

I have decided that now is the time to act. Now is the time to change what can be changed and to renovate those that can't be changed. I have decided that I have but one life to live and I know that I deserve to have a long and meaningful live. The only way for any of that to happen is for me to take back control of my health.

As of today, I have given up Dr. Pepper *sniff, sniff* , I have given up sugar and anything white. I am strictly vegetarian based with even amounts of protein and carbs for balance. I eat more often and less amounts. Honestly I think I ate more today than I ate yesterday only difference was the quality.

I know this time will be different and that this is a lifestyle change not a diet. My goal is to lose 60 pounds in the next year. My RN program starts in August 2012 and I want to not be the one in the class that is made an example out of because of high blood pressure. I want to be made an example of the good healthy student. I can do this....

I have done it, I hold the answer to many questions...

2011-05-15T11:56:00.002-05:00

men are retarded...my new answer to everything...men are retarded...the price of gas is high bc men are retarded...i am expected to give up my careeer for children bc men are retarded....i am in a bad mood why you ask bc MEN ARE RETARDED...just sayin

You can't always get what you want....

2011-05-11T21:19:00.000-05:00

I have the problem i have had with my husband regarding church. We have started attending a local Catholic church with my in-laws. Now before you judge me too much, I riddle you this: Is it better that I attend a church that I don't believe or to not attend at all? Don't get me wrong I believe in most of the same doctrines as the Catholic Church but there are still a few that I do NOT!

I still have not worked up enough courage to tell anyone in my family. I know a little strange since their opinions should have no bearings over me. I said should not, right? I don't know what worries me more the quilt that my mom will lay on me. You know the whole...you could go to church with me? (I think you have to be sober more than 1week out of the month to attend regularly, so she is definitely out). Or the silly nonsense remarks from my sisters. They always have better ideas on how my life should be going!! Either way I am not ready for that, so until hell freezes over I will continue to go to the Catholic Church and figure out someway I can join without stepping too much on my religions up bringing. This should be a breeze!!

New Project

2011-05-11T21:09:00.000-05:00

SHOW-UP

is on its way. So watch out people I just might show-up when needed or even when not needed. Maybe I will just start showing up at people's house about...i don't know....maybe dinner time!! Maybe lunch, if you are lucky!!

Dear Food

2011-05-11T21:08:00.000-05:00

Dear Food,

I have really had it with you this time!! No more late night meet-ups or whatever you are calling it these days. I can't bear all the weight you are putting me under, please my body aches. So from now on, we can only meet when necessary. Even then you better take it easy. I am watching you!!!

Love

Lard Ass

French Fry Deluxe Salad

2011-05-11T20:51:00.000-05:00

I ~~stole~~ borrowed this recipe from the Food Network Magazine (my new fav)!

Ingredients

•3 cups frozen curly french fries (about 9 ounces)
•4 strips bacon
•1 tablespoon yellow mustard
•3 tablespoons chopped dill pickle, plus a splash of pickle juice from the jar
•1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
•3 tablespoons mayonnaise
•1 1/2 tablespoons malt vinegar
•1/4 teaspoon sugar
•Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
•1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
•1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
•2 romaine hearts, torn
•1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
•Toasted sesame seeds, for topping (optional)

Directions:
Bake the french fries as the label directs until crisp. Let cool.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 4 minutes per side; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Cool slightly, then break the bacon into pieces.

Make the dressing: Whisk the mustard, pickle, pickle juice, ketchup, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a large bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste.

Add the french fries, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, romaine and cheddar cheese to the bowl with the dressing and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the salad among bowls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.

Conversations in Passing...

2011-03-07T10:03:00.000-06:00

We have been having trouble with Little Sister (2.5 yrs old) saying "dang it". I know that it could be a lot worse but none the less I don't like her saying it. She picked it up from her Dad! He constantly says it but doesn't even realize how much he says it.

Sitting at the dinner table waiting for food, Little Sister starts eating food out of the serving bowls...

Me: "Sister stop eating that food! Dinner is almost ready when we sit down we can all eat together"

Little Sister: Lays her head down on the table and with as much angry as she can muster "DANG IT!" and slaps the table!

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

Few hours later, I am working on my "project", everyone else is playing Donkey Kong on the Wii...

Me: I say to my husband "You know Little Sister is saying your favorite word a lot these days. Do you think you can not say it for a while?!"

Husband: "What is my favorite word?"

Me: "D-A-N-G it!"

Husband: "I really don't say it that much, maybe every once in a while but I will make an effort to not say it" still playing the video game not taking his eyes off the TV for anything!

Me: "Thank you"

Husband: "Dang it, dang it, dang it, dang it, dang it, dang it, dang it...why can't that monkey just hold on to the rope!!"

Me: "You never say it, right?!?!"

Happy Monday!!!

Weekend Blog Hop

2011-03-05T09:36:00.000-06:00

Farfalle with Carbonara & Spring Peas ~~~ Yummy!

2011-03-04T13:53:00.000-06:00

I love the idea behind Jamie Oliver - homemade & organic. I got this great recipe from "Jamie's Dinners: The Essential Family Cookbook". The whole family feel in love with this recipe! Try it, spice it and share with others!!

1 lb Farfalle (Farfalle is a bow-tie want-to-be)
1 egg
7 tablespoons heavy cream
sea salt & black pepper
12 slices of bacon (I only use 6)
3 handfuls of fresh or frozen peas
2 sprigs of fresh mint, leaves picked
2 handfuls of parmesan cheese

Bring large pan of salted water to boil, add farfalle & cook according to package
Whisk egg in a bowl with cream, salt & pepper
Put your bacon into a second pan & cook until crispy
When the farfalle is nearly cooked, add the peas for the last minute & a half
When cooked, drain & save a little of the cooking water
Add pasta to the bacon and stir in most of the mint, finely sliced
Now you need to add the egg & cream mix to the pasta. Add while the pasta is still hot so to cook the eggs enough to give you a silky smooth sauce
Toss together & loosen with a little of the reserved pasta water if necessary
Season with salt & pepper, sprinkle with parmesan & rest of the mint leaves

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-04T13:39:00.000-06:00

PS I am fully aware of the fact that today is Friday!

March Read Along

2011-02-28T10:54:00.000-06:00

Tumbled across this FABULOUS idea this morning!

Head over to Helping Little Hands to read more about it!

Mom Blog Monday!

2011-02-28T09:48:00.000-06:00

I have I told you how much I love hops!!

Well here one that I couldn't miss joining its with "like minded people" ! It's an awesome hop for Moms, duh!

This blog hop is hosted by Sippy Cups and Cloth Bums, The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a First Time Mom , and Luxury Living Frugal Style !

Rules?

Simply follow Sippy Cups and Cloth Bums, The Not- So- Secret Confessions of a First Time Mom, and Luxury Living Frugal Style. Be sure to leave a comment so they can follow you back!

Please link directly to your blog ONLY! Please do not link up your giveaways.

So HOP on over & link up!! Be sure and read about the featured blogger, too!!

Weekend Blog Hop

2011-02-26T15:37:00.001-06:00

Mother of 3

2011-02-26T15:10:00.000-06:00

I am not always up to date on all things Hollywood. So when I saw David Arquette on Oprah talking about his breakup with Courtney Cox, I was shocked, well sort of shocked and sort of par for the course! What shocked me was his reasoning for their break-up. She no longer wanted to be his Mom! After I heard that I was scared that they had been bugging my house. I am not always ready to share all things personal on here but I knew when I heard his story that it happens to lots of marriages.

I too no longer want to be my husband's Mom. It is not that I want my husband to move out I just don't want to be his MOM. I love my husband and I plan on being married to him until death do us part but I DON'T WANT TO BE HIS MOM!!

We have been married for 12 years and together for closer to 14 years. We have been a lot of things to each other through the years; best friends, lovers, nurses, maids, financial planners, enemies, maintenance workers, painters, movers, grief counselors, students, teachers, but vast majority only for small periods of time. There are a few that have last longer like lovers and best friends but they go both ways!

It hasn't been until recently that I have had a real issue with being his Mom. Don't get me wrong, I do like taking care of my husband. I get joy out of knowing that I take care of him but somethings are just really pushing the limits with me. Without revealing too much, I will give you an example: I am not the only person in the household that can remember and pay the water bill!! Just sayin....

Just like I get joy out of knowing that my husband is feed and will have clean clothes the next day, I wish my husband would get joy out of knowing that his wife can relax one maybe two days out of the month where I don't have to worry about what he didn't pay or get done on time!

I love him I truly do but I don't want to be his MOM!!!

Break from Reality

2011-02-25T10:35:00.000-06:00

New App

2011-02-22T17:05:00.000-06:00

I LOVE my new app...Hipstamatic!! So much that I called in sick to my job and went to the zoo!! Hahahaha...just kidding...well, maybe...I'll never tell!! Here are some of my favorite pics

Like Mother Like Daughter

2011-02-21T14:16:00.000-06:00

I have been having trouble sleeping lately, you would think with all the extra time I could update my blog or catch up on all the blogs I love! I have had a lot of very vivid and sometimes frightening dreams. It has become a regular conversation piece at the dinner table. Actual conversation from lunch today:

Big Sister: "Mom, did you have any weird dreams last night?"

Me: "Yeah, I dreamed I was being chased by this man. It was a little unnerving."

Big Sister: "Was he hot?!"

Like mother, like daughter! The only thing that mattered was what he looked like...just sayin!!!!

Funkenstein

2011-02-21T10:27:00.000-06:00

I have been in such a funk lately that I am leaving an odor trail! Maybe it has something to do with another birthday or the lack of direction in my life, either way I HATE IT!! Lots of things have been going on in my life that I have no control over maybe that's it. Yes I have control issues, AND?!? Let's recap....

I am one year closer to death
I have lost control of my weight
I was dumped by a friend using Jesus..."We want to be with people that are like minded?!?"
I can't seem to get fired from my job from hell
Homeschooling...I am a failure
Taxes...ugh
Do I REALLY want to be a nurse?
I found sunspots on my hands...REALLY?
I lost the dog
I quit blogging
Only 5 people wished me Happy Birthday on FB...I have over 200 friends?

I guess to sum it up....I am down in the mully-grubs!

Inspiration from Halls...

2011-01-28T12:19:00.000-06:00

I don't know if any of you have been sick lately...but Halls has a new inspiration campaign! On each Halls wrapper is different catch phrases to help inspire you to achieve your best potential! So today I am passing on the inspiration. Here are a few that I have stared at lately in the midst of the cold/flu from hell..just sayin ;)....

"Don't wait to get started"
"Dust off and get up" (Not really I wanted to read while I was sick!)
"Get back in the game"
"Hi-five yourself" (My personal favorite, I got a lot of laughs out of picturing myself hi-fiving my self and missing! LOL)
"Fire up those engines"
"You've survived tougher"
"Don't waste a precious moment"
"Get through it"
"Be unstoppable"
"Go for it"
"Seize the day."
"Put your game face on"
"The show must go on. Or work."

So remember...You've survived tougher so don't waste a precious moment, seize the day. The show must go on or work so fire up those engines, get through it and be unstoppable. Put your game face on, hi-five yourself, dust off & get up. Remember GO FOR IT!! LOL

*I was no way compensated for this post from Halls!

Happy Birthday Dad

2011-01-16T10:51:00.000-06:00

Today is my Dad's birthday. He would have been 59 today. I really hate this day more than any other day out of the year including my own birthday. It is the one day out of the year that I purposefully do not plan anything because chances are I will be in the bed all day crying. I miss him so much.

Quiche Recipe - Quick & Easy

2011-01-14T13:25:00.000-06:00

Quiche

4 oz cheese - I like sharp cheddar but any kind will work
2 tablespoon of butter melted
4 eggs
1/4 cup onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup of flour - I used oat flour bc of allergy to wheat
1 1/2 cup milk - I used rice milk bc of allergy to milk

Suggested toppings:
fresh spinach chopped finely so kids can't find
sausage
bacon
sun dried tomatoes & feta cheese (I tried & it is VERY good)
any vegetable that sounds good to you

Pre heat oven to 350
Grease pie pan
Line bottom of pan with cheese & heavier ingredients
Whisk all other ingredients together in bowl *Do not over stir
Pour bowl contents into pie pan
Bake for 30 minutes or until firm in middle

Privacy Notice

2011-01-13T10:03:00.000-06:00

I know all of my many followers have been wondering what happened to my blog? Well I set it to private because I was getting hits on my blog from the city where I live which probably should not be that big of a deal. For me it was because I like my surreptitious blog! I like the freedom I get from not having to hold back my feelings about anyone. It makes me feel free!

After many days of worrying about whose feelings I hurt this time, I have decided that I don't really care! I know, I am such a horrible person. Well this horrible person doesn't really care anymore. This horrible person likes having her freedom. She likes having a place to let her true feelings be heard and felt. She is no longer allowing anything to hold me back.

So if you read something here and it offends you, leave! If you think or even know for a fact that one or more of these posts are about you and you don't like it then once again hit the road Jack! This is my blog, these are my feelings. If it bothers you at all then this is not the place for you!

Conversations in Passing...

2011-01-09T17:43:00.000-06:00

Heard in passing while putting up many loads of laundry...

Big Sister: "What stinks?"
Little Sister: "That's ME!! I pooped! You want some?!?"

I immediate pick her up and take her to the changing table...

Little Sister: "I pooped! It stinks! You want some?"
Me trying not to laugh: "No thank you but I do want to change your diaper"
Little Sister: "Oookkk. Here I hold this leg. That diaper is for me."
Me: "Thanks"

After finishing changing the stinkalicious diaper and redressing her...

Little Sister: "My poop stinks! Can I take it to the trash?"
Me: "Yes. Then we need to wash our hands"
Little Sister: "Ok. Can I get a ride with you?"

Me vs Elliptical Machine

2011-01-09T15:23:00.000-06:00

Well the elliptical machine kicked my large bum! Don't worry there WILL be a rematch tomorrow.

Sitting here now after only getting to second base with a machine(I made it halfway), I really think I need a shower! Maybe some oxygen, a massage, babysitter and a chef would also help. Oh don't forget maid because I really don't think I will be able to pick up all those toys.

Before you get too jealous, it ain't happening sista! Only in my dreams...it's more like this....

Benefits of Unplugging & Recharging?

2011-01-07T14:28:00.001-06:00

Yes as you my very well know, I have had a really hard time blogging as of lately. Well, technically the last 6-9 months but who is counting? I can't tell you how many times I have woken up in the morning telling myself that I was going to blog and reconnect with all my lovelies, just to find myself sitting in front of a blank "new post" screen. It is not because I have nothing to say or no new stories, I just simply can't find the words.

I have thought and thought about this for such a long time that I literally explored every possible reason or explanation for what is wrong with me. I can't even watch TV anymore with being constantly reminded that I am mentally blocked (probably emotionally too).

It is not just blogging but exercising, calling back friends (well friend but again WHO exactly is counting), cleaning, reading and pretty much anything that I get joy from doing. The TV commericals tells me I am depressed or fat I can't seem to figure out which one is winning, probable both.

So what is it exactly about unplugging, recharging, disconnecting, re-evaluating, whatever you want to call, that makes SO many people want to do it? How exactly is it a benefit for them and not me? And where are the instructions on how to plug back in? Or how do you know that your battery is fully charged again? If I don't wake up tomorrow and have energy to make my bed, does that mean that my battery is fried? And if so, where exactly do I buy a new one? Do they come in XL? These are questions that I have not found the answers to yet! I guess maybe it is a wiring problem!

True Friendship

2011-01-06T19:46:00.000-06:00

After not hearing from my "best friend" for more than 2 weeks, I sent her a text asking what she was up to these days. Her reply "Still on vacation and potty training". This is the actual text message I sent back "I am sorry I think you were misinformed, we do not offer vacation time or a health care plan with this friendship. I don't care if your grandmother died, you have a job to do. I was also told that you were potty trained when you were brought on"

New Year, New Schedule

2011-01-03T13:44:00.000-06:00

I am still working on the "New Year's Resolution - Bucket List 2011" so until then I will share what the new year has brought so far. Today we started a new rewards system for the girls. Now my 7 year old is very excited about the whole thing but of course my 2 year old has not idea what I am talking about, imagine that!

I mainly wanted to use it to help with potty training. I am sick of wasting money just because I am too lazy to take her to the bathroom every 20 minutes! Big sister is really excited because it gives her the opportunity to earn extra time on the Wii and staying up late.

So Day 1, we woke up late, thanks Dad! (He forgot to reset the alarm!) Big sister is sick and has laid in bed most of the day! Little sister is a character today! Some days I laugh more than I yell, thank goodness! I did get Big Sister to brush her teeth, brush her hair, wash her face and get dressed all by herself!! That is HUGE for us! Day 1 - Success!

Tomorrow is a new day!!

New Year, New Me?

2011-01-03T13:34:00.000-06:00

After taking another month off from blogging to spend extra time in the Mully-grubs (conveniently located in my bed), I am back, again! So my lovelies, what is your New Year's resolutions? I myself am still trying to figure that one out. I think I might this year instead create more of a bucket list of things I want to accomplish in 2011 then resolutions! That way I don't feel like such a failure in February when I have not stuck to my resolutions!

Wheat & Corn Free - Apple & Pear Cobbler ~~ Yummy

2010-11-29T15:08:00.000-06:00

Apple & Pear Cobbler

2 cored, sliced & peeled Granny Smith apples

2 cored, sliced & peeled Bosc pears

2 cups sugar divided

1/2 cup water

8 tablespoon butter*

1 1/2 cup barley flour

1 3/4 teaspoons of gluten free baking powder

3/4 teaspoons of salt ~ (baking powder & salt turns the flour into self rising)

1 1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of all spice

1/4 teaspoon salt

-Preheat oven to 350

-Combine apples, pears, 1 cup of sugar, cinnamon, all spice & water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes; remove from heat.

-Put the butter in 3 quart baking dish & place in the oven to melt

-Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour (personally I used barley flour since we are allergic to wheat ~ Barley only contains a small amount of gluten, so is rarely used to make bread, with the exception of unleavened bread. It has a slightly nutty flavour, and can be used to thicken or flavour soups or stews. Blended with other alternative flours it is also fairly versatile for cakes, biscuits, pastry, dumplings etc) & baking powder & 3/4 teaspoons of salt & milk (for this recipe I used plain soy milk) mix slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. DO NOT MIX

-Spoon fruit on top gently pouring in the syrup. Batter will rise during baking

-Bake 30 -45 minutes

*Daughter seems to be ok with butter so we still use it

Don't Give Up....

2010-11-28T09:28:00.001-06:00

“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”~Dr. Seuss~

Dear God, It's Me....

2010-11-20T13:13:00.000-06:00

It is so dark these days. I find it harder and harder to push back the darkness. I wonder sometimes if I just let it seep back in just for a while maybe I could get some rest. But it scares me because I have let it take over before. I have let it wreck havoc on my life before 9 years ago. Maybe that is why this feels so familiar. Maybe that is why I can't seem to find the energy to fight it anymore. God please give me the strength to make it one more day.

The Season of Giving - Aiden's Monsters

2010-11-11T16:34:00.001-06:00

With the holidays being just around the corner, I have been trying to come up with ideas for gift giving. I happened upon this news story yesterday that left me in tears and the answer to my gift giving problem.

Aiden Reed, 5 years old is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. To say the least the family is struggling in this already hard economy to pay for the chemo treatments that he badly needs. So his Aunt decided to use what makes Aiden happy and use it to pay for his treatments. They are selling copies of his monster pictures! He loves to draw monsters. I really hope that you will check out their Etsy store and buy a $12 monster picture. This is a great Christmas present! Pay it forward!!

Feelings, Nothing More than Feelings...

2010-11-07T10:11:00.000-06:00

*Please be advised, I am writing while intoxicated with brain fog

I am feeling so many things today, this week, that I had to blog just so I could clear my head. Please excuse the flighty way I blog today for some reason I cannot think straight!

What Am I Feeling?

Mad...I am ANGRY at what I used to like to call my best friend. Here in the last couple of weeks I have realized that it is not a friendship as much as a therapy session for HER. Example: I was accepted to the local LPN program. I know that it is not a RN program but it is the program that will work for me. I am a SAHM, a homeschooler and a social worker for my mom. I don't have the time or the money to go back to school full-time for 2 years. I do think with lots of sacrificing, I can probably pull off 9 months of school. Well after doing the many steps necessary to complete my application, I was accepted and quite thrilled with myself. I turned to my BFF and well guess what kind of reaction I got....guess I dare you....a big fat NOTHING. She didn't say a word about it?

Confused...I am so scared about going back to school. I know in the long run it will be great for my family but I am just one of those people that believe it is all about the small details. I am scared that my girls will miss me. I am scared about sending Big Sister back to school in the middle of the year. I am just scared that my husband will not be able to pick up the slack that I have been hulling around for about 7 years now. Plus nobody can take better care of MY kids then me!

Hurt...Once again, it is about my in-laws. Surprise!! Why don't they want anything to do with my kids?

Sad...I have roughly 6.5 nephews (another is due on 12/18/10). One of them, Ethan's football team is headed to the semi-finals. It is a HUGE deal. What makes me so sad is that my Dad is not here to see it. Sports was my father's life and this is one of the many things that I know would make him SOOOO happy. It is just makes me sad that he is gone....

Proud...I am proud of myself. Even typing those words was really hard for me. I have a hard time saying, thinking or even writing nice positive things about myself. I know it all stems from my lack of self-esteem. Besides my husband, not one other person has told me how proud they are of me for going back to school in my mid-thirties with 2 young children, one of whom has special dietary needs. No I am not looking for others approval but it sure would be nice to have a pat on the back every once in a while. You know the sun does shine on a dog's ass every once in awhile!!!

Disappointed...Yes it is possible to be proud yet disappointed in yourself at the same time. I am disappointed in the way that I am handling my 2 year olds bad eating habits. She is 2 and has decided that she no longer will eat unless it is chips or goldfish? She does take vitamins and the only juice we have in our house are the ones with a serving of fruits & vegetables in every glass. But how long will she refuse to eat?? It really just makes me so angry after cooking usually 2 different meals for lunch and 2 different meals for dinner for her to pick up her plate move it from in front of her while she is constantly repeating "No". I just want to scream, throw something, hit someone and run from this mad house pulling my hair! (Awesome sight, I know. Sadly, I can think of at least a hand full of people who would get joy from seeing me like that, none of which I call in times of trouble. Oddly, now that I write this, I can't think of one person other than my husband who I would call.) I just want her to eat. I just want to make one meal for lunch, one meal for dinner and people eat it. Really is it too much trouble for my kids to be grateful for their food?

Convicted...If you have read my blog at all you would know that I am religious. Not in the Catholic or Methodist or Baptist sense but in the sense that I love God and I worship him according to the Bible not how man wants me to worship him. (As you can tell I have HUGE issues with the "church" what it stands for and BS that they try and control people's lives with..don't get me started). There is a little mission here, I drive by it quite frequently. I never really noticed it until about 6 months ago. For some reason, I noticed it and it just drew me in. About 2 weeks ago, I finally listen to what God was telling me and called about volunteering my time. I believe STRONGLY, that if you have the time and the means you need to be giving back to society in some way. I found out that this mission has had to close it's doors on Wednesday and Thursday because it does not have enough volunteers, which is the two days that I can volunteer. When I spoke with the coordinator, she told me that they were having a meeting that very night and she really wanted me to attend. Of course I said I would be there and I didn't show. I can give you a wonderful reason or excuse why I wasn't there but it doesn't matter. What I can tell you, is that I can't stop thinking about that mission. I can't stop thinking about the people that are turned away from food or clothing because nobody wanted to donation just a couple of hours. I need to call the coordinator back and tell how sorry I am but I can't seem to find the words....

Grateful...I have to be grateful. I am grateful. I need to be grateful. I have so much compared to some and so little compared to others. There have been times when I, we, have gone without. Times when we were on government assistance, times that I just never thought I would see the end of but I did. I am so grateful that I have had the time with my kids. I am grateful that we have food on our table. I am grateful that we have a house, perfect for us. Yes it may have funky carpet, the wind may blow a little through the windows, the doors may not shut perfectly, the bathroom may have a brown (horrible brown) toilet and matching bathtub but it is warm, cozy and the place that I long to be, the place we call Home!

Thanks blogging world, for being my shoulder to cry on today. Somedays I just need to get it all off my chest.

Married to the Mob

2010-10-23T14:43:00.000-05:00

I was wondering to myself today when exactly that I became a member of the mob? At what point exactly did I feel that it was necessary to go the extreme of threatening my children with bodily harm or bribing them just so they will behave in public? Do I really need to be happy with the fact that my kids are rich and scared because of me? I don't the answer just yet. I can tell you I sure like the nods from the adoring public because my kids did not throw temper tantrums in the middle of the cookies aisle or the smiles from the older generations thanking me for being more like June Cleaver with my precious well dressed angels. So until I no longer have money or threats that make my kids cower in submission, I will continue with my mobster ways!!

Fall....

2010-10-21T12:50:00.001-05:00

Conversation between sisters:

Little Sister starts whining.
Big Sister says "Why you crying?"
Little Sister "I lost my cookie"
Big Sister "You didn't lose your cookie. It's in your tummy!"

Last night we went to a corn maize. Man, it was a lot of fun! They had both a haunted maize and a regular maize. Big sister thought she was old enough so hubby took her through and to my amazement she came back all smiles. It was not scary at least to her!! LOL!!

Wordless Wednesday - Best Friends

2010-10-20T13:58:00.000-05:00

It has been a long time since I have posted a Wordless Wednesday but I thought this was great picture. We have to drive about 5 miles out of town to get to my husband's work and on the way is this pasture with cows and these two. My daughter loves them not only because one is a horse (appaloosa horse, if you ask her) and one is a donkey but they are always together. So we call them best friends!

Blah, blah, blah

2010-10-13T14:06:00.001-05:00

So I guess I have a case of the "mondays". I am fully aware of the fact that it is Wednesday. Everything is just blah around here. I was doing so great on my diet and exercise but this week, I am not doing so good. Not only am I not motivated to clean and exercise but I am even having trouble killing a mosquito today. I think I have swatted at the pesky little thing at least 4 times and yet it manages to get away. The whole time thinking of ways to suck my blood! Yuck! It sure is one lucky little buggy today. Now off to find new ways to lay around and NOT interact with my children. Man I am AWESOME today!

Hey Baby, Let's go to Vegas!!!

2010-10-10T08:39:00.002-05:00

Today is our 12th wedding Anniversary!! I can't believe that we have made it 12 years!! WOW!! That's a big deal for someone who has commitment issues. I love you, Big Daddy!! Thank you for 12 wonderful, eventful years, 2 beautiful children and life full of laughs, love and fun adventures. I still can't believe that we just got on a plane, flew to Vegas, got married and then told our moms!! LOL!! I wouldn't change it for anything. You are my ace in the hole and I'm your lady luck. Bet on love and let it ride!!!! 10.10.10

First Time for Everything

2010-10-06T09:18:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was truly a wonderful day!! After acing my entrance exams to the nursing program, we went to the fair. It was such a beautiful day, not too hot and not a cloud in the sky. It was little sister's first time at the fair but Little Bell had been before. She was not tall enough to really ride anything super fun but this year she got to ride the tilt-a-whirl twice and her very first ROLLER COASTER!! She is addicted just like her mom! I tried really hard to get a picture but just got blurs. It is OK because I will never forget what I saw. As they were coming down the first steep drop, just like her mom, she buried her head in her dad's arm and held tight! I really don't know if she even opened her eyes again. Guess what her first words were after they got off....Let's go again!!!

I am truly blessed and thankful for days like these, they make the rest of the stressful, emotional, long days worth it.

Dear World....

2010-10-05T10:50:00.001-05:00

Just in case you forgot...I am AWESOME!!!

Month in Review

2010-10-03T09:43:00.000-05:00

So I am going to try and catch you up, hopefully it will be painless. I went back to school and picked up more letters to add after my name. I applied for the nursing program, waiting to hear is the hardest part.

We made a choice to homeschool our 1st grader. She woke up the day before school was set to start with hives all over her face. Looking back now, I realize that we made the right decision. Don't get me wrong for the last few months all I have been telling myself was I made the wrong choice. It was been soooo hard. I thought when we made the choice to homeschool her it was a mutual effort, everyone would do their part. Man was I WRONG, but last night before bed I was talking with Sister about really nothing much just small chit chat. She looked at me and said something that blew me away. She told me that when she was 5 & 6 (just turned 7 in Sept), that she would look at herself in the mirror and think that she looked weird? You have to understand something, she is BEAUTIFUL. I know all moms think that their children are beautiful but she really is gorgeous. I cannot tell you how many times people have stopped us from birth even until last week and tell us how beautiful she is (doesn't happen for little sister). I know this sounds strange but in that instance I had the assurance I needed that we made the right choice about homeschooling. Now it kind of makes all the nights I stayed up late getting homeschooling projects ready for the next day, or studying for my exams, or doing housework because there is not even time in the day just seem justified. I hope this year at home we can work on her self image and make her more confident in herself.

So here we go...Month in Review...

Watching - Young & the Restless - It is the only show that I get to watch by myself. Most week nights you will find me snuggled on the couch at midnight yelling at Victor Newman...their your daughters!!
Reading - The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama and the Bible...I know odd combination but I really find it alot easier to read the Bible and understand it with the methods I learn from the Dalai Lama!
Making - A better life...I went back to school to add more letters to end of my name.
Eating - RIBS!! Our local grocery store had a big sale on ribs a couple of weeks ago. I bought some because of the great deal and plus we had never tried cooking them at home. Needless to say, it is required at our house once a week by everyone.
Feeling - Stressed and lonely. All the extra work I created for myself with homeschooling, returning to school myself, making sure my husband works as many hours as possible, and the normal keeping up with all things household..I have been a little stressed then add to the fact that my in-laws still have nothing to do with my kids (going on 5 months)..I am a walking time bomb waiting to explode.
Wondering - If I made the right decision about returning to school and homeschooling. Wondering why my in-laws hate me sooo much, other people like me, I think.
Hearing - "Oh my gosh, Mommie" my 2 year old new favorite saying about everything.
Liking - My new elliptical machine. Yes I choose the machine over Wii fit. Man am I glad I did, I have been working out for about 2 weeks now, everyday 30 mins a day and well I have more energy. I don't know about weight because I refuse to own a scale but nobody asked when my baby was due this week. (Yes I get that ALOT from people...Word of advice if you see someone and you think that they look pregnant but are not completely confident about it, don't say anything. I don't go around asking people about the freak accident they were in and how it disfigured their face. Nor do I ask people when they are going to get their noses fixed. I can diet and loose weight without major surgery ugly people cant change their appearance!)
Wanting - A real Date Night with my husband...or maybe 1 hour with nobody asking questions, or screaming, or fighting, or cooking, or cleaning...
Playing - Lots of music..keeps me sane and happy
Wishing - I was more organized and had more time
Enjoying - The cool mornings and beautiful temps in the afternoon. I love FALL!!!

I am making a commitment to keep up this blog not for free stuff, promotions and give aways but for a record of how my life is changing and a place to vent!

The Art of Happiness

2010-09-19T16:49:00.000-05:00

I have been reading "The Art of Happiness" by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I am actually quite enjoying the book. This is the second one of his books that I have read. The first one I read was "Becoming Enlightened". I highly recommend these books no matter what religion you claim. The Dalai Lama's view is that he does not want you to become a Buddhist, he wants you to take the simple information about inner happiness and peace, then apply it to your religion. Which I think is awesome, especially since you really NEVER hear that from christian authors. They just want to convert you!

What I have gotten from this book so far is to just be happy with what you have right now. Don't go looking for things or people that you hope will make you happy because "we don't need more money, we don't need greater success or fame, we don't need the perfect body or even the perfect mate - right now, at this very moment, we have a mind, which is all the basic equipment we need to achieve complete happiness." So today on Sunday the start of another week, don't go look for happiness in others or material things this week, be happy with yourself. If you find yourself where you are confused about whether something will make you happy, ask yourself...Will it bring me happiness? Seek happiness inside yourself!!!

Wii Fit Plus versus Treadmill

2010-09-17T12:10:00.003-05:00

So I am FAT!! You can laugh, it's ok! I am trying to figure out if I should invest in a treadmill or get the Wii Fit Plus. Any recommendations?

I'm Baaccckkk!!!!

2010-09-14T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hello World

I hope you didn't miss me too much!! I did not fall of the face of the Earth, although I have had a couple of moments where I sure wish I could. Like everyone else in this bloggy world, I have been super busy!

I took my next course in nursing to help move myself up the ladder just a little bit. I decided to home school my first grader, still don't know if that was a good idea yet. I started applying to nursing schools and updated all of my shots. I managed to throw one heck of an awesome birthday party for my 7 year old with a super surprise of horse riding lessons! I managed to piss my in-laws off and they still are not talking to us 4 months later (email if you need a good idea to get rid of your in-laws for a couple of months). I still have not lost any weight though!!

I hope to get back in the swing of things and started contributing my two cents to world on a regular basis again!! I know you all have been jonesing for me, so your dreams are coming true! I'M BACK!!

Here's picture of my 7 year old having her dream for 5 years coming true, riding a horse!!

And the Winner is....

2010-08-08T09:29:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to all that entered! This was truly a great first giveaway! So I used random.org and the winner of the $50 CSN gift card is.....

Jennifer said...

Kristel, I am an avid follower of your blog. I feel like I know you. And I would buy some bread pans to make my sourdough bread in and I would think of you each time I made bread, which is twice a week.

9:46 PM, August 03, 2010

Thanks Jennifer, I will be contacting you. I love that you would think of me twice a week and I expect to hear from you on those 2 days!!!

Be sure and come back I have lots more giveaways headed your way!! Have a great Sunday!!!

Six Word Saturday..

2010-08-06T23:16:00.000-05:00

Hosted by Showmy Face

Just remember, it could be worse!!

Award, Coupons & Dora....

2010-08-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

So once again I went MIA for a couple of days. I was busy registering my 6yr old for 1st grade (sniffle, sniffle), trying to get a grasp on wheat and dairy free life, and buying school supplies.

As far as the ~~diet~~ lifestyle change, I am doing better but I still have a hard time planning for more than one day at a time! I won a new cookbook over at All About...Vegan Food, it's called Mission: Impossible Pies by Hannah Kaminsky. Which is great because we are missing sweets bad! I am sure I will have lots of recipes to share don't worry!

I also got my FIRST AWARD!!

I am completely honored. I got it from The Truth About Motherhood

which I completely love. She was one of my first blogs that I followed!!

Other things random things I came across this week:

Arm & Hammer Coupons
Dora the Explorer Birthday Party @ Walmart - August 14 free cupcakes and photos!
Awesome teacher present - which by the way are you suppose to give the teacher a present on the first day? Is that considered kissing up?
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/ - It features a huge selection of artwork, decor items and housewares for just a few bucks!

Wheat & Dairy Free Recipe

2010-08-04T11:52:00.000-05:00

Here is a great recipe for those of us who have food allergies or know someone with food allergies!

Banana Bread:

2/3 cup of oil
1 cup of sugar
2 eggs or egg replacement
1 1/2 cups ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups of barley flour
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup of walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 325. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In large bowl, mix the oil and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the bananas and vanilla. Mix together the flour, salt and baking soda and stir into the banana mixture. Add the nuts if desired. Pour into a loaf pan and bake for about 1 hour or until done. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

GIVE AWAY CSN Gift Certificate!!!

2010-08-03T13:17:00.000-05:00

I am sooo excited!! I have been bouncing off the walls all week long because I was contacted by CSN Stores about hosting my First Ever GIVEAWAY!!! Which is completely awesome because I love CSN Stores. You can find almost anything on over 200 online stores from dinnerware to dog beds to sofas and suitcases!!

It is your lucky day because CSN Stores wants to give you a $50 gift certificate! You can buy replacements for the plates that were broken, like me,

or maybe you need this...

Whatever it is, CSN Stores has it!!

So leave me a comment, with your email address, telling me what you would love to own from CSN Stores! Hurry contest ends August 7, 2010 @ midnight! Only open to US & Canadian readers only!

Additional Entries:

Follow me - 1 entry
Blog at this giveaway - 3 entries

Good Luck!!!

To the Top Tuesday Blog Hop

2010-08-03T12:28:00.000-05:00

I know you can't believe it, I found another blog hop! This one is hosted by One Little Mister & Mommy is Crafty! The rules:

Follow both hosts!
Follow featured blog - The Baby Store Plus
Link your Blog
Find 4-5 new blogs, tell them how you found them!

So link up and go explore. Find someone new today! Don't forget to come back. I will be having my FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY!! I know you need a gift certificate to CSN.com!!! Who doesn't want free money?!?

Follow Me Back Tuesday...Giveaway coming

2010-08-03T09:49:00.000-05:00

It's Follow Me Back Tuesday. Hosted by Survey Junkie, Little Yaya's, Review Retreat , Boobies, Babies & A Blog & our special guest co-host for the week Shanna from Mommy Of One...And Counting!

If you are new and stopping by Welcome! Remember come back later today I will be posting my FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY!!! YEAH!! If you love CSN.com, come back and enter the giveaway!! Who doesn't need a gift certificate? Also I am shopping for a button! Who designed yours?

First Giveaway...Coming Soon!!!

2010-08-02T13:49:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how excited I am about my FIRST EVER GIVEAWAY!!!!! It will also be my first blog anniversary!! WOW, 2 cherry poppings in one day!!! Now I need your help, BUTTONS! Where do I get one? Let your recommendations in the comments, please!! Don't forget come back for my BIG GIVEAWAY!!!

Monday Minute

2010-08-02T13:16:00.000-05:00

Hosted by Daily Dose of Reality, which I always need!

Co-hosted this week by Brown Eyed Girl Jenn

Describe your life in one word

Promising - likely to turn out well

Is there something you wish you had learned how to do as a child?
Yes, playing the piano and baton twirling lessons!

Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
God, I have always wanted to be enlightened!

What is your greatest dream/hope/aspiration?
To finish nursing school, completely, then go on to become a CRNA. Of course, that my girls are healthy, happy and loved, too!

Do you believe you have reached your potential? Why/why not?
No. I have sooo much more to offer this world!

Now that I have disclosed my life to you, join in! Answer the questions and Link up!

Week in Review...Blogs I Love

2010-08-01T11:29:00.000-05:00

I have found sooo many new blogs! I must share, I can't hold it in anymore!!!! So go explore and tell me what you find!!

Getting to Know You...

2010-08-01T11:06:00.000-05:00

Hosted by Mannland5

The Q's..

1. If you were to win an award today, what would it be for?
I don't know why this is such a hard question....ummm...I guess hottest! It is sooo hot here today. We will be reaching actual temperatures around 105 and humid! I feel titty sweat coming already and its not even noon!

2. What is your shoe style?
Shoe style sadly is flip flops for warm weather and Uggs for cold! Easy, like me, hahaha!

3 Does your car reflect your personality?
Nooooo! I drive a Camry, not by choice. I really see myself as a VW kind of gal! On the outside its sleek and contemporary, on the inside a race car!!

4. If you could take over someones body for a day..whose would you choose?
I would choose Jennifer Aniston. I love her. She has a great body, and I think beautiful!

5. Love or be loved?
Be Loved!!! We always want what we can't have, right?

6. If you were on death row, what last meal would you choose?
A big juicy steak and potato. Maybe chocolate cake for dessert!

7. Have you been on vacation this Summer, if so where?
We decided this year instead of going just going to one place, we made lots of little visits in neighboring cities. The rules were, we had to go at least 1 hour out of town! We have been to 3 different lakes, 4 museums, 2 zoos and 1 water park. It was lots of fun and didn't realize how much we had right around us!

8. What is your favorite food related guilty pleasure?
Dr. Pepper and peanut butter cups!!

Now that you have seen more of me than you wanted to, answer the questions and link up with MannLand5!! Have a great Sunday!!

Action Plan

2010-07-31T21:13:00.000-05:00

We had our consultation with Little Bell's allergist yesterday and well all I can say is...that's it? Short medical background on Little Bell: She was always a healthy child until last Sept. She started kindergarten but it was not her first exposure to school. She also attended a daycare at 3 then pre-school at 4, so she has been exposed to lots of germs! Since Sept of last year, she has had 6 sinus infections, 4 strep throats, 3 ear infections, 1 regular flu, 1 "piggy" flu and lots of "viruses". We finally took her to the allergist. So here's what we found out, she has asthma - not severe but enough that we have to an inhaler on hand. She is not allergic to any, you heard not one, environmental element. Now food is a WHOLE different subject. I know you saw my post of going dairy-free. Well needless to say, we are still on day 1! So here are her know food allergies, list from greatest to least: Wheat, corn, milk/casein, egg whites, oats, rice, peanuts, chocolate and soy bean.

For some reason, maybe denial, I am having a hard time grasping the concept of having to find all new things to cook. Like lots of people, I have 3 very picky eaters. Hubby and Little Bell, I can pretty much talk them into "trying" new things but baby sister, I will use her favorite quote "No way!".

I found myself on the computer for 2 hours trying to decide what to feed my kids for lunch and then when my husband nor the kids could take it anymore, he brings home hot dogs and burgers! Really?

I am very frustrated with the concept of change. I like cheese, I like bread, I like corn!! Don't give me crap for wanting Reese's peanut butter cups! I am not a bad person!! Sorry I forgot this isn't Free Therapy Day!!

On top of that, baby sister is really showing her age! She is 2! She is the most stubborn little thing. I get so frustrated with her tantrums. Tonight's episode ended with mac'n'cheese on the fridge and her red bum in the "no-no" chair!

I am so pissed off at the allergist doctor. I very clearly remember her telling us that she would set us up with an action plan. I remember feeling so relieved knowing that at the end of all the tests, we would have a precise "action plan". She had a ton of information on environmental, nothing on food!

New action plan????

Thank You Very Much

2010-07-28T21:55:00.000-05:00

It's Free Therapy Day! That's right, you heard me! No more excuses as to why you can't figure out why all your relationships SUCK! Visit Daily Dribbles and grab the button and let it all hang out! The way it works is that you take out all your frustrations on people/things that peeved you off during the week and thank them in a very sarcastic way, for being who or what they are/doing what they did. So hold on your panties, girls, I am getting me some FREE THERAPY!!

Thank you very much, my precious little 2 yr old for making me hate the phrase "No way". I remember, not that long ago, using it in sentences and thinking to myself, Man I am REALLY Cool. Now after hearing it repeatedly day and night, I know I can live the rest of my life not hearing it again! So thank you for making me realize that I am annoying, not cool.
Thank you very much squash bugs. Without your need to kill my plant, I would have never known, truly what a terrible farmer I really am.
Thank you very much my beautiful little girls, without you I would be such a stuck up mom. Just when I start to get a little bit of a big head about what angels I have raised, you pop that bubble with a simple, "Mom why is sister taking her diaper off?" Of course, we are in the middle of Target! How, why and exactly when I have no answer to but I can tell you, she at least had enough decency to wait until the parking lot to pee!
Thank you very much soccer. Don't get me wrong, I can go all day with David B. and no shirt but really you need to be that interesting? Can you at least have shorter innings or whatever you call it, 45 minutes, really? By the time the game is over, I am too tired and have done forgot what in the world I was mad about, really?

So now it's your turn to let it out! Grab the button & link up.

Welcome Wednesday

2010-07-28T12:15:00.005-05:00

Here I go again, off to find great new blogs!

If you want to be a part of Welcome Wednesday, just follow these 5 simple steps:

1. Follow the Welcome Wednesday Host (Take It From Me) as well as the 2 Spotlighted Blogs of the Week. (These will make up the top three slots on the Linky)
2. Link up your blog name and URL with our Linky. (You only need to add your info once for it to be seen on all the blog hops)
3. Grab our Welcome Wednesday button and include it in a post about the event on your blog.
4. Go to as many blogs on the MckLinky as you want and Follow them. Be sure to tell them you are from Welcome Wednesday!
5. Be sure to Follow back any followers you have gained from our Welcome Wednesday event!

So if you are stopping by for the first time, Welcome! I love new followers and always follow back. Be sure and check out my first ever GIVEAWAY!!

I Know You Are But What Am I?

2010-07-27T17:26:00.001-05:00

For the longest time, I believed that I was the only sane person that I knew. Seriously! After catching a scary glimpse in the mirror this morning, I starting thinking about all of my so-called "relationships". Sadly, I don't think I have ONE healthy relationship. Mother, Sisters, Brother, Aunts, Uncles, Grandmothers, Cousins and including all in-law versions. After taking a lot of brain power I realize the only common denominator was ME! I went into full on panic fetal position mode. What the hell? I AM CRAZY!! After a long period of staring at my long, badly in need of a pedicure, toenails. I slowly released my tight grip. In my mind I thought I was like Mr. Bill and I would spring back to my normal position but it didn't happen like that. After rolling around like a big beach ball, I slowly relaxed back to my normal position. Much to my embarrassment, I realize that my husband has been watching this whole time! Not cracking a smile, he asks if I am OK. I reveal my discovery of ME being the crazy one. His reply, "Yeah, I knew that already."

Follow Me Back Tuesday

2010-07-27T09:24:00.000-05:00

Hosted by Survey Junkie, Little Yaya's, Review Retreat , Boobies, Babies & A Blog and our special guest co-host for the week Dave from Musings Of Life!

Link up!!

You Got This...

2010-07-26T12:46:00.000-05:00

I love my husband but really? So yesterday was a loonngg day. My 6 yr old woke everyone up at 5 am with a scream that would wake the dead. She had a bad dream :( The day got progressively worse. I am not one to complain much, I said MUCH OK!

Sister, 2 yr old, is now refusing to take naps, WTF? Little Bell, 6 yr old, was in a bad mood which I can't blame her, nobody likes being woken up after being chased by GIANT CATS!? Jack*ss (the loving nickname I am using for my husband today! DON'T JUDGE ME!) works 12 hour shifts on Sat and Sun so needless to say I HATE WEEKENDS!

Within 10 minutes of ~~my husband~~ Jack*ss returning to work after lunch, my door bell rings. It's my sister, she never ever comes to my house so I knew it was serious. She has a 7 yr old little girl so the 3 cousins happily played together while my sister (who is not in the blogging world) proceeds to lay it all out there. Let me just say without giving too many juicy details, it entails another recently separated man. So I find myself watching not only my house fall apart but my sister, too. I have such mixed feelings so I won't even began trying to explain!

Luckily, I had to pick up my husband from work (he drives work truck on the weekends). Otherwise I think she would have stayed all night! I was 10 minutes late picking up Jack*ss which of course I have to hear all the way home! We had not even pulled into the driveway when he gets a call from work. (He works for a data center, don't ask me, I am just pretty) If you don't know, we have our beloved cat, Seraphina, and our ~~not so much~~ beloved dog, SeeSee (my 6 yr olds version of CeCe). The cat gets to come inside not the dog, sorry.

On the weekends, I feed the girls their dinner before my husband gets home then we eat together later. We walk in the door from picking up Jack*ss, I immediately head to the bathroom for baths because I am always trying, hardly ever achieving, bedtime at 8:30. My kids are sleepers, big shout-out to Jesus! Water running, check. Kids in bath, check. Dirty dishes still on table, check. Remainders of tornado that ran through my house, check.

For some reason, I still do not know why, Jack*ss let the dog in the house then abruptly heads to the front door. This is what I hear "I am headed back to work. I let SeeSee in and she is chasing the cat! Uh Oh Seraphina is on the table! Yup, there goes SeeSee after her! Well I gotta go. You got this!" The door shuts. CRASH!

Morning after, we still have a dog and a cat. We no longer own a complete set of dishes, excuse to spend money. Both kids did not drown. One husband who is very sorry or least that is what he said. And a very BIG hangover! Thanks Hornsby! Yes this all happened on a Sun. Don't even get me started on my conspiracy theory about how God has it out for me! He has been on my butt for years to go to church on Sundays!

Monday Minute

2010-07-26T00:20:00.003-05:00

I love exploring new blogs. Once again I have found a great new blog Kmama! I think I will give myself a pat on the back, I deserve it! So here's what I found, Kmama is co-hosting a great Q&A.

So link up with Kmama @ The Daily Dribbles!

So here we go:

1. Who is your "what-if" person?
Weelll, if I must....thank gawd my mama does not know how to turn on a computer (much less a man, sorry I couldn't resist)! The last I heard of him (thanks fb), he was married to the ~~slut~~ girl he left me for with 2 very beautiful kids. He is a "musician" and manages a website that sells silver pendents. I think I traded up! (No offense to musicians, I wish I was talented enough or silver pendent website managers. I'm just saying.)

2. What is your nickname?
Depends, if it is my husband...darling. My bestie...whore, slut, Kris you know anything affectionate. My sisters...babysitter, dog babysitter. The people that I very kindly ~~yell~~ ask to move out of the way whether it be grocery store, post office, any place that large crowds of idiots gather...b*tch!

3. If you could choose how you died, how would you like to die?
WOW! What a question...I know how I don't want to die. Young, I don't want to drown. I don't want to burn or be murdered. Crap I could go on and on and on. So I'll ask someone with a ~~slower~~ less complicated brain, no the kids are asleep. My husbands reply "The best you can hope for is to die in your sleep. You got to know when to hold'em. Know when to fold'em. Know when to walk away. Know when to run!" Awesome, now I will have to hear him sing that stupid song for the rest of the night.

4. If you could have named yourself, which name would you have picked?

You do not know how many nights I laid awake at night thinking about this question. You see, I do not like my name, Kristel (pronounced Krystal or however to want to spell it). It is a common name with a uncommon spelling! Actually, my parents claim that someone in the hospital changed the spelling on my name, really. Until I was in the 7th grade, myself and my parents spelled my name Krystal. That is how my name is spelled on all report cards until the 7th grade. We moved the summer between 6th & 7th grade. At the new school, they required a birth certificate (apparently my parents did not need one when I enrolled in Kindergartner). On my birth certificate my name is spelled Kristel. So to answer the question, I always wanted a different name until 7th grade!

5. Who were you named after or for what reason did your parents choose your name?
I am not named after anyone. It just fit the rhyme. I have 3 older sisters Amy, Angela, Kristin and me Kristel or Krystal depending on when you knew me! Yes all of our middle name rhyme, too. I can't wait until Fawk You, Friday!

Backpacks

2010-07-25T10:55:00.001-05:00

So here we go again...School is almost upon us and I am feeling the need to shop for backpacks, shoes and school supplies. (Am I the only one that gets that sick feeling in the pit of their stomach when they smell Elmer's Glue. You know that feeling of OMG I didn't do my homework and the teacher just called on me!)

I have a 1st grader this year and I am super nervous. You see I am a worrier. I worry about EVERYTHING, which is a great post for another day. Today I am worrying about backpacks. Last year, I bought 3 different ones, all of which didn't suit my kid's ridiculous needs. So this year, I have decided to shop online and include her the entire way. I have been doing my research and have come up with some great choices. Here is what I found (BTW these are all eco-friendly aka PVC free):

Rawganique - They are a company that sells hemp made clothing, food, pretty much anything. After we found out my daughter was allergic to milk, casein, wheat and corn, hemp seems to be one of the only alternatives.
Timbuk - This one lets you design your own backpack.
SealLine - I am not really sure about this one but at least it is an option.
Patagonia

Well I have 4 options for her maybe we can find one that we both like? Probably not but since Mommy has Daddy's credit card, I have the final say! Right Daddy!!

Eat Pray Love

2010-07-24T15:39:00.000-05:00

I recently started reading the book Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I know it is about time, the movie is coming out in a couple of weeks! What can I say, I am a late bloomer!

Well, needless to say I am really enjoying the book. It is a great book for anyone who is confused as to where their life is leading them and needs a little push in the right direction.

I am not very far into the book and I won't share too much so not to ruin it for anyone wanting to read the book or watch the movie but there was a part that struck a cord with me. Elizabeth Gilbert wrote it best "The great Sufi poet and philosopher Rumi once advised his students to write down the three things they most wanted in life. If any item on the list clashes with any other item, Rumi warned, you are destined for unhappiness."

That's where I am, trying to figure out the 3 things I want most in life. That is my assignment for the weekend. So how about you? What are the 3 things you want most in life?

Vacation

2010-07-23T09:59:00.003-05:00

So my husband's vacation is over. He had 10 whole days off with us, his adoring family! I know that doesnt seem like a long time but for someone who hasnt had a weekend off in 2 years it was a blessing. Last night while we were laying in bed, I asked him what he was going to tell his co-workers what he did on his vacation. His reply "Nothing but relax with the family"! Which is completely true! I had a very long honey-do list and it is still very long. I think we got one project done, the rest is still a work in progress.

I enjoyed every moment we had together and cant wait for the next one. Some of the highlights were going to the river, the aquarium and of course our little sister's 2nd birthday!!

Carbon Neutral Blog...

2010-07-23T09:41:00.003-05:00

I found this great new blog! Which lead me to yet another great cause, reducing my carbon footprint. There was a program that was started in Germany, that has a goal of trying to reduce carbon emissions. They plant a tree in honor of your blog and help reduce your carbon footprint for the next 50 years. It is real easy, check out the original post.

Day 1 - Dairy Free

2010-07-14T10:45:00.003-05:00

Well we officially have gone dairy free at our house!! After my 6 yr old's allergy test, we decided the best thing to do was start with dairy and see how the changes affect everyone. I can pleasantly say that nobody at our house really missed it! It is just day 1.

After my overwhelming experience on Monday with the grocery store, I pleasantly returned on Tuesday morning. I am happy to report the outcome was different this time. Instead of leaving with nothing but a big headache this time I returned home with lots of fruits, veggies and lots less money. I did realize that it would be a lot cheaper and smarter to learn to cook the basic things from scratch, like spaghetti sauce. I am nervous and excited about learning to cook again.

So for breakfast yesterday we had blueberry pancakes with soy milk, lunch we had peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and for dinner we had stir fry over rice with watermelon. The kids loved the veggies in the stir fry quite to my surprise. I do have to say that the gluten free dairy free bread was quite chewy. Thank goodness we only used bread on one side, it was more for dipping. I am looking for ideas of better gluten and dairy free bread, if anyone has any!

HookableDesigns Giveaway...

2010-07-14T10:29:00.007-05:00

Courageous Mother is having an awesome giveaway that ends today!! She is featuring HookableDesigns on Etsy. The jewelry is beautiful...

The giveaway is from the I Am Wonderful collection. It is for your choice of headbands so link up and enter to win!

WOW..

2010-07-13T13:49:00.002-05:00

So my 6 yr old had her first allergy test done yesterday and well it wasn't what I was expecting at all. Even now all I can think is...wow! She is allergic to milk, casein (the protein used to make cheese), wheat and corn. Thank God she is not allergic to peanuts, chocolate or eggs.

So if you don't know much about casein (which I didn't until a lot of questions and research) it is in all dairy products. Not only will we become gluten free but dairy free also. WOW. I cant even began to explain our love for dairy products at this house.

I made my first visit to the grocery store to find something for us to eat. It is all so overwhelming for me at this point. We still have one more allergy test before our "action plan" visit with the doctor so I have plenty of time before totally freaking out. But still even now, when I really starting thinking about meals my mind just shuts down and all I can think is...WOW!

Funny...

2010-07-10T14:20:00.003-05:00

I got this email today and I had to share...

Friendship ~ None of that Sissy Sh*t

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship You will see no cute little smiley faces on this ~ Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad ~ I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.
2. When you are blue ~ I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile ~ I will know you are thinking of something that I would probably want to be involved in.
4. When you are scared ~ I will rag on you about it every chance I get until you're NOT.
5. When you are worried ~ I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6.. When you are confused ~ I will try to use only little words.
7.. When you are sick ~ Stay the hell away from me until you are well again.. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall ~ I will laugh at your clumsy ass, but I'll help you up.
9. This is my oath .... I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask ~ because you are my friend.

Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

2nd Look Saturday..These are My Words

2010-07-10T10:17:00.004-05:00

So here is a great new blog hop that I found today! The rules are simple. Re post a blog of your own that you think deserves a second look! Post the button and link up!

So here is a post from June 24 not that long ago!!

_________________________________________________

So where have I been? I could tell you some BIG lie about being so busy that I just haven't had a chance!!! Well I haven't been busy at all. I could tell you that I decided to DISCONNECT from technology for a while but if you really knew me, you would know that was simply untrue!! I would sleep with my iPhone if it didn't bother my husband. I really do not have one good reason why I haven't been on my OWN website. I even got an award!?! (BTW..that was completely AWESOME!!)Well, I sure hope that you will forgive me for being away cause I AM BACK, BABY!!

So what now? I have a serious question that needs an open and honest response. How many true friends do you have in your life? By true friends I mean the ones that you can honestly rely on for anything, not the ones that you think will be there for you only to disappoint you. I can honestly say that I have 2 true friends in my life. One of course is my husband and the other is my high school bff. She lives 4 hours away but is always with me in spirit. (Notice I didn't mention family members outside my home!)

So throw a dog a bone and leave a response! I don't think you can write it off your taxes but you can have a nice feeling knowing that you helped a lost soul in search of some answers!!! Oh, and don't forget...SMILE, someone needs it today!!!!

Reconnection with my Former Self...

2010-07-10T09:40:00.005-05:00

I found a new blog today, that I simply adore. Now I have to warn you that this is not the typical blog that I read or follow. I pretty much stay in my comfort zone of mommy blogs, which I love but this blog connected with my former self. You know the one that was younger, hotter, less gray hair, and wasn't completely involved in other people's bodily functions! The one before kids! Check her out! I have to warn you there is explicit language, which secretly I love! Sometimes I even go in my closet, put a pillow over my face and release all the nasty, ugly phrases that I have been fighting back all day!!

Follow Me, Chickadee...

2010-07-09T09:17:00.002-05:00

Once again I have not been around lately due to "bad weather"?!? No really I just haven't been into much lately but it is slowly changing! I found this great HOP from MannLand5 and cant wait to see what new and exciting posts I come across today!! Check out here for rules!!

I am so thankful this Friday for love, luck and everything in between!! So here's to a nice working weekend. May all your chores get done and maybe even get some extra sleep this weekend!!

Asthma

2010-07-09T08:36:00.002-05:00

I think I finally had a victory yesterday! We have been struggling since September of last year to figure out what was going on with our 6 yr old. She has been constantly sick. I can not tell you how upsetting it is to hear your daughter wake up almost everyday and tell you that her head, stomach and throat hurt. Not just because that she is sick but because I had no way of helping her. We have spent so much money on co-pays, deductibles, medicine and anything else that was suggested to us to buy to help her. Now 10 months later, I realize that her Dr. is a moron, that has been taking us to the cleaners. It seems to me now that she never even tried to help us. She would merely classify all of her illnesses under a "virus" and tell us that all little kids have a bad year when starting school. All kids miss over 40 days of school? Really? I can tell you for a fact that we will NEVER return to her practice.

So my 6 year old has been diagnosed with asthma & severe eczema. We have to go back 2 times next week for skin allergy testing. The Allergist says she is more than positive that she also has some kind of food allergy. Which is no surprise to me because I asked her regular Dr. to test her for gluten allergy. She refused because she didn't think that had anything to do with her "viruses".

I feel vindicated but extremely upset and sad. I didn't want to be right, I just wanted my daughter to feel good and be able to go to school like all other little kids. I guess the moral of my story is that even though they may be doctors or lawyers or rocket scientists, they are still human. I am the only advocate that my kids have and I will never stop yelling, screaming or fighting just because someone with a degree tells me I am wrong.

Happy Sunday..

2010-06-27T13:09:00.001-05:00

Down in the Mulley Grubs...

2010-06-25T14:54:00.004-05:00

* This post was completely inspired by EOS Mom

So yes I have been down in the mulley grubs here lately and as many other people do I started questioning my existence and reasoning's behind many things in my life. I started knit-picking at all of my insecurities and faults, which really doesn't help when you are already low. It is just like the ceiling fan from way down here it doesn't look that dirty but once you getting all up in it's business you can find a lot to clean!!

While going through all the new posts today I came across one that woke me up! The post is just 5 simple questions about yourself, nothing too life changing but it was the remembrance of a song that clicked with me.

Of course most people have heard this song and probably know that it was taken from The Bible, Ecclesiastes 3. After I heard the song, it reminded me of a Bible study that I had attended on the Book of Ecclesiastes. One of the things I remember most about the class was chapter 3 not only because of the song but because for me it had the best life lesson. You have no idea what God's time schedule is so the best thing to do is just rejoice, do good in your life, eat, drink, and enjoy all the good that comes from your labor because it is a gift from God! (3:24-26)

2010-06-24T15:29:00.002-05:00

It's time for a little Thursday Five action..
To play..Just post 5 things that have made you..
Happy
Delighted
Grateful
Totally Stoked
or
Thankful

Then link back up with MannLand5

My 5

I am sooo thankful for an air conditioner!! We have been in an excessive heat warning for over a week now. Thank you, thank you Lennox for making my life savior or maybe sweat saver!!
I am totally stoked about planning our summer vacation!! We have narrowed down the options, no definite plans yet but I cant wait to have 12 whole days with my husband and girls!! Yeah!!
I am grateful for all the hard work that my husband has done this week on the yard!! It totally needed it.
Nothing delights me more than when my two little girls (6 & 2) play happily together!!
I am happy to be one day closer to find out who I really am!!

These are MY words...

2010-06-24T14:37:00.002-05:00

So where have I been? I could tell you some BIG lie about being so busy that I just haven't had a chance!!! Well I haven't been busy at all. I could tell you that I decided to DISCONNECT from technology for a while but if you really knew me, you would know that was simply untrue!! I would sleep with my iPhone if it didn't bother my husband. I really do not have one good reason why I haven't been on my OWN website. I even got an award!?! (BTW..that was completely AWESOME!!)

Well, I sure hope that you will forgive me for being away cause I AM BACK, BABY!!

So what now? I have a serious question that needs an open and honest response. How many true friends do you have in your life? By true friends I mean the ones that you can honestly rely on for anything, not the ones that you think will be there for you only to disappoint you. I can honestly say that I have 2 true friends in my life. One of course is my husband and the other is my high school bff. She lives 4 hours away but is always with me in spirit. (Notice I didn't mention family members outside my home!)

So throw a dog a bone and leave a response! I don't think you can write it off your taxes but you can have a nice feeling knowing that you helped a lost soul in search of some answers!!! Oh, and don't forget...SMILE, someone needs it today!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T13:33:00.002-05:00

Dear Food...

2010-04-24T15:00:00.002-05:00

This letter has been a long time coming. You and I have been on a roller coaster of a ride here lately and I just can't seem to want to hang on anymore. You have been my comforter, rock, shelter from the storm for the last time. I am no longer running to you to fill some void. Instead I choice to live another day free from pain and misery. I choice to live my life for love, happiness and yes maybe some money but not for food. Not anymore!!

America's Most Wanted...

2010-04-15T11:39:00.005-05:00

Well today has already been one humdinger of a day! Let's see I have already yelled at my daughter's school, finished a project I have been thinking about for 2 weeks and I was almost arrested, no joke! I will start with the school.

So yesterday at the end of school my kindergartner was called to the office for a note to be sent home. Now in general this is not that big of a deal. Instead the thoughtless, often rude and unhelpful office people called my daughter to the office just as the class was lining up to go home. In our school, kindergartners are all taken out of a specific door by their teacher and only released to a parent. Well my husband watched as the teacher lead out her class and all the other children were released but not my child. He walked up to the teacher and asked "Where is Lillian?". The teacher, shocked and scared, looked around and said "Oh, she was called to the office. Let's go find her." They both frantically started towards the office when they saw my scared little girl crying in the hall. She had no idea where to go. She had gone back to the classroom but her class was gone. The teacher very kindly hugged her and told her it was alright. Now I was not there when this happened or I would have marched right into the office and yelled at some b*tches (excuse the language). Instead I got the blessed opportunity to be rude this morning!

I waited until after school was in session this morning and marched my pretty little self right into the office. The first words out of my mouth were "Who called my child to the office yesterday for this note? I need to speak to them and make them cry like you made my daughter cry yesterday!" As you can only imagine, there was a scared looked on all of their faces! Luckily the principal was in the office. I clearly stated how angry I was and that I am not passive like my husband and daughter. That I was there for blood. Needless to say I think that they will never forget me and I got an apology. As I told them, an apology will never take back the traumatic experience that they just put my child through.

From there the day got worse. On Thursday, I normally do all of my grocery shopping. My husband is off and we make a morning out of running errands. I went home and picked up my husband and 2 year old. Now I have to tell that about 6 weeks ago I was going to the thrift store by myself and I got pulled over for no seat belt and a 2 inch crack in the windshield. This crack does not affect my ability to see out the window. The officer was rude but I took it politely and minded my manners. After doing some research online, I realized that the officer had given the ticket for the crack in the windshield I guess just to be a d*ck. (I really don't cuss this much in real life, I am just having a really bad day!) I paid the seat belt ticket but told them that I wanted to protest the windshield ticket. They told me the steps that I needed to take and I started towards it. Well on Tuesday of this week, I got a letter in the mail saying there was a bench warrant for my arrest for failure to pay the ticket! I immediately started calling to get it figured out. I am still waiting for a call back.

So we were on our way to the grocery store and my husband got pulled over for me (who was in the passenger seat) not wearing my seat belt. Needless to say I immediately started crying because I knew I was going to be arrested for the warrant. I was completely honest with the officer told him my whole story. He was actually pretty nice about it. He just gave me another ticket and told me to take care of the warrant today. I know I need to wear my seat belt believe me, I will never forget it again! So if you see this woman....

don't call the cops, I have a warrant out for my arrest!!

I do have to share my project I started yesterday. Here is the before....

And after some TLC...

The chalk board and cork board were both from my in-laws. They are big eBay people so they go to auctions and ended up with lots of stuff! Everything else that I used on both boards I already had at home. So this big make-over cost me...$0. That makes me happy!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-14T08:43:00.003-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

You did WHAT?!?

2010-04-13T17:24:00.005-05:00

I have finally did it and I am not talking about "it"! I shaved my legs! he he

Yes I am one of those kind of moms. I don't regularly shave my legs! I feel that it is really unnecessary at least for me. I don't wear shorts in the winter or dresses. I pretty much stay with my SAHM uniform, sweats and t-shirts. I know my poor husband, right! Seriously he doesn't mind at all.

I do have to tell you that I am now hooked on VEET! Before I used razors and I think maybe twice I tried Nair. I have to tell you this experience with Veet was great! It smells good and makes my legs feel so much smoother than razors and lotion so much so that I had to share! Even if it risks exposing my hairy legs to the blogosphere!

Here is link to a coupon for $3 off!

So my question to you is how long to do you go before you shave your legs?

Maniac Monday

2010-04-12T08:54:00.005-05:00

Well Happy Monday! I am having a hard time waking up this morning although that is really not new around here. I am a little more grumpy than usual because I have given up Dr.Pepper. Too much sugar and lots of empty calories!

I am having a problem that I would love some input from others. This is what I find every morning when I wake my 20 month old.

She is always naked! I have tried everything from turning her sleepers backwards, onsies, I even tried duck tape around the diaper how she got out I have no idea! So if anyone has any new suggestions of how to keep her clothed or at least the diaper on so I don't have another load of laundry everyday, I would be so happy! I might even smile before 10 am! I am open for business let me know what you think!

Reflections of a Noncommittal Housewife

Reasons I haven't Called....

Sweet Dreams

I never thought it would happen to me.....

Natural Animal Sanctuary

HUGE NEWS....

I have PCOS & I am MAD as HELL

Too Soon Anderson!!

Chicago

Week 3 Fitness Update

Good-bye Oprah

Desires

Thanks Subaru!!

Health Tip

Week 1 ~ DONE

Creativity

Day 3

Wake-up Call

I have done it, I hold the answer to many questions...

You can't always get what you want....

New Project

Dear Food

French Fry Deluxe Salad

Conversations in Passing...

Weekend Blog Hop

Farfalle with Carbonara & Spring Peas ~~~ Yummy!

Wordless Wednesday

March Read Along

Mom Blog Monday!

Weekend Blog Hop

Mother of 3

Break from Reality

New App

Like Mother Like Daughter

Funkenstein

Inspiration from Halls...

Happy Birthday Dad

Quiche Recipe - Quick & Easy

Privacy Notice

Conversations in Passing...

Me vs Elliptical Machine

Benefits of Unplugging & Recharging?

True Friendship

New Year, New Schedule

New Year, New Me?

Wheat & Corn Free - Apple & Pear Cobbler ~~ Yummy

Don't Give Up....

Dear God, It's Me....

The Season of Giving - Aiden's Monsters

Feelings, Nothing More than Feelings...

Married to the Mob

Fall....

Wordless Wednesday - Best Friends

Blah, blah, blah

Hey Baby, Let's go to Vegas!!!

First Time for Everything

Dear World....

Month in Review

The Art of Happiness

Wii Fit Plus versus Treadmill

I'm Baaccckkk!!!!

And the Winner is....

Six Word Saturday..

Award, Coupons & Dora....

Wheat & Dairy Free Recipe

**GIVE AWAY** CSN Gift Certificate!!!

To the Top Tuesday Blog Hop

Follow Me Back Tuesday...Giveaway coming

First Giveaway...Coming Soon!!!

Monday Minute

Week in Review...Blogs I Love

Getting to Know You...

Action Plan

Thank You Very Much

Welcome Wednesday

I Know You Are But What Am I?

Follow Me Back Tuesday

You Got This...

Monday Minute

Backpacks

GIVE AWAY CSN Gift Certificate!!!