Saturday, April 28, 2007

Mixed Reviews

Today was a busy day. I had a 9am appointment at Mr. John's School of Cosmetology (they suck) to get a manicure and a pedicure. I met up with gal pal Danielle for our girl only date. Due to unforeseen circumstances, her sitter canceled. Since the lady that took my appointment asked if we were going to have kids, I figured that my change from no to yes wouldn't be a big deal. I convince Dani that it would be OK we will just take her two children.

So as we walk into Mr. Johns (they suck), I said Jamie and Danielle for our 9 am mani and pedi appointment. The lady said "umm and what are you doing with those?" I said "Excuse me? What do you mean?" She then pointed her freshly painted freakishly long BLACK nails at the girls and said "Those children, we can't have children in here unless they are getting the work done." I said in response that I have been with 5 children in here before and its never been a problem and also the lady on the phone had asked and acted like its nothing big so that's why we had decided that due to a sitter falling thru we had the girls. To this she did a sigh, roll of the eyes and said " UGH That would have been one of my LITTLE HELPERS"


She then in her disgusted sneer said "Well this is a professional establishment to cater to Adults and we can't have THOSE CHILDREN in here, we have had children put nail polish in their mouths before. "

At this point I said "Never mind we will just reschedule at a later date so as to not ruin the atmosphere of your FINE ESTABLISHMENT" Then I started walking out the door. Now during this quick exchange, poor Dani was getting her girls to the sitting area only to have me say lets go I will not Pay for a B with an itch to do my nails.
So that being said (Mr. John's sucks) I said fine we will go home get my girls out of bed and have a kid fun day. So we took all the girls to the Children's Museum (they rock) where the kids could be as hyper and obnoxious as they wanted and everyone loved it and thought they were so darned cute. (The Museum people rock)


From there we had lunch at the International House of Buffet. Where the kids got to eat 10 lbs of Ice Cream (IHB rocks) and no one cared because I was all about let the kids be kids and screw professional establishments.

Then we went our separate ways where my girls and I went to get Ashley's hair cut and donated 13 inches to Locks of Love.


Then I took her to the dollar store where she picked out $5 worth of hair clips and head bands which actually she ended up with 10 head bands, 6 clips and 5 barrettes.
Lastly to round out the day I thought I would stop at the Cedar Lake Nursery. They had Pink Dogwood trees I asked for for Mothers Day and Mark wanted to know how much. Well needless to say at $169 a tree, I knew I wasn't going to be getting one but we figured we would check out the rest of their stuff while there. Sooo instead we got these
for a mere $16.95
which is an awesome deal considering that they are HUGE.

Friday, April 27, 2007

The Internet always amazes me in what I find just aimlessly lurking around cyber world.

Here are some things that blow me away:

Ok we all knew there was Netflix and Blockbuster online movie rentals. What an awesome concept right?? well what other rental categories is there you may wonder?
Here are a few to think about
In the market to change purses alot?? Try Bag Borrow or Steal

Do you need a special occasion outfit for your child but hate to buy an $$ outfit to only wear once?

Need some Bra Bling? Check out Borrowed Bling where you can rent some bling bling for 3 small amounts per month.

Have a Special Man in your life and want to get him a nice gift? Try renting some massaging hands. (ok laughing my ass off about this one) sorry ladies this is only for the men apparently.

Want to rent a chest? Go Here.

Husband or Wife busy and you want to go out? Just rent a date for the night. Heck you can even tell them what to wear.

Have small things around the house you need help with and your kids fight you on doing it?? Just rent a kid they will love walking the dog.

Hope this helps in your search for rental items.

(** just added**) Ashley saw me looking at the rent a kid site and asked why I was looking at renting a kid when I had them. My response is you two aren't doing everything I asked. She then said OOH well, if you get a boy can you get a cute one?? Dear lord help me now.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Thoughts on Thursday

I posted recently about a Church here in town that has Quotes that really make you think. So here is the one I saw this week that really makes you think.

I believe that you don't have to change friends as long as you understand friends change.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Found!!

6lbs of chicken still frozen
where? fridge
when? Last night after Mark took milk out of back of top shelf.
who? I don't know or Not me
why? No freaking clue

What I do know is this..... After digging in the freezer 5 times, Making Mark take complete inventory of its contents with me, he was ready to send me off to the loony bin. It didn't help that I kept walking thru the house saying where is my damn chicken?
But I mean come on wouldn't you do the same? He kept telling me maybe I never bought it, maybe we ate it, maybe I threw it away.

Ok to a man that all may make sense but come on ladies. I am sure every one of us could list off exactly whats in the freezer right now. I just bought the stinking chicken Saturday morning and divided it up in the baggies I knew it was there. I know that I say and do some pretty off the wall stuff but I AM NOT CRAZY!
I mean, I was seriously thinking who came into my house and stole only my chicken? Why didn't they take my steaks too? Are they not good enough steaks?

Anyway the only thing I can come up with is tweedle dee or tweedle dumb was in the freezer for something and the chicken fell out. They couldn't figure out how to get it back in so instead of asking for help or telling someone, they shoved it in the back of the fridge. Thank goodness it was still frozen. I would have been one ticked off chick if I would have had to cook up 6 lbs of chicken today LOL

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Missing


6 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast.

Description.......4 quart sized freezer bags with 3 breast each.
Last seen Saturday April 21 approximately 11 am.

Please, if you have any information concerning the whereabouts of my future dinner, please leave a message in the comment section. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
Jamie

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Windy Day

So the weather was beautiful today but a bit windy. However, thanks to Grandma Frederick, we had a great day. The girls both received new kites for Easter so today was the perfect day to break them out. We didn't even have to run to get them going just hold out and they were off.



Budgets and other boring stuff
This week was an emotional one that's for sure.
With Monday being a half day and the tragic event that unfolded. Tuesday I had a trip all day.
Wednesday I was witness to a high speed chase and shoot out then had a trip all day.
Thursday I took a break and went to lunch with a friend.
Friday again I had a trip all day but this one was a class trip for Ashley so I also got to chaperon.
Saturday was spent grocery shopping and cleaning.
Does it ever end?

I am starting to feel the crazy tension you get before the school year is over. Trips are popping up left and right. This will be good news next year but for this year it stresses me out so. Trying to balance between wanting to make much $$ and being home in the afternoons with Hannah because of sitter issues is driving me bonkers. I just keep saying about 5 more weeks and its done for awhile.

As for home home life things are ok. It has been decided that Jamie needs to learn to live in a budget. This is very important for me to realize that I can do this. Now if I could quit having anxiety attacks before going into a store..... I actually am getting to where I don't want to go in a store because I don't want to be tempted to get off budget. The thing is everyone knows I am a bargain shopper. But I am an addictive bargain shopper. Is it really bargain shopping if you don't need it or hadn't planned on getting it?? Perfect example. Back in January I bought Hannah a beautiful burgundy velvet short sleeved jacket. I thought it would be so cute over some jeans. It was a mere $4.98 from its original price of $28. Here comes the BUT........ I have YET to find a shirt to go under it. It turns out the sleeves are so short that normal short sleeved shirts look bad with the ends of the sleeves popping out. Any shirt with a collar doesn't look right and any patterns or design in front looks bad as well. The perfect solution would be a satin cream silk tank. Anyone know where they make cami tops in satin for a 5 year old?? LMAO

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Worst Day of My Life.

OK beginning to question my career. I don't want to say what all I witnessed today but...... Lets just say I had the closest seat in the house for 10 minutes of this event and I didn't know that when guns went off the puff of dust you see on tv is the real deal. sigh........

Here are the stories to fill in the blanks
Story one
Story two

Sunday, April 15, 2007


Hopes for the Future...........
Yes, ok I am going to whine.......
I want some freaking warm weather NOW!!!!!

Thursday, April 12, 2007



Cat on the Hat. Corny I know. Pebbles loves to read.

OK Hannah went to the bookcase to pick out a book and before she could look her buddy pebbles jumped up to give his opinion. Just yet more proof we are a household FULL of avid readers!

From the mouth's of babes.

From time to time Hannah says something that just makes me laugh and say "wow I am so lucky to be her mom"


Example

The other night Mark and I were lying in bed watching TV (shocker!). He had something Hannah wanted and he said to her I will give it to you if you give me something that goes here (insert him pointing to his cheek)
She said "hmmm" he said "Hannah what can you give me that goes here?" (again insert him pointing to his cheek)
With a big jump up in the air and her eyes all aglow she said................... "SHAVING CREAM??".
I thought I was going to die.
He said "no Hannah I meant a kiss." She then said "Oh well can I give you money instead?"

Boy I love that girl.
Quotes. I don't usually post quotes but I saw one today that really made me think and I wanted to share


Don't let yesterday use up today.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Girls Magazines ........ Who knew what a horrible journey it would be to find a decent magazine for your pre-teen daughter.

The idea was simple.

For the Easter Baskets this year, I would pick out a few appropriate magazines and let the girls spend some time looking, reading, and enjoying then pick one they would like to have a subscription to.

However, things don't go as planned. So here is a break down of the current girls magazines and my likes, dislikes of how or why they did or did not make the cut.

American Girl : This magazine is a bit more geared to the younger set. I did get an issue of this however just to let her check it out. I would say 7-10 would be a decent age group for this. I did however like its simplicity.
So Pros: NO SEXUAL Content
Cons: A bit pricey at 6 issues for $23 for not many pages.

CosmoGirl : OOH MY ok my mom said if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all. OK well we know I don't always listen to my mom. So this magazine is perfect for training your daughter to be a hooker, or slut.
Pros: Cheap 8 issues for $10
Cons: Topics such as The New Dating Rules where they talk about how its not called "going out" anymore but you hookup. Oh and 5 Hot New Kisses and Be a Model where they go into the pros and cons of Modeling. Such as Pros traveling, Cons someone saying your nose is too big. Not Con you have to starve to death to fit in the sample sizes.

Discovery Girl : They didn't have this one in the store. I looked online and will be checking this out. So I can't really push this as to good or bad not being totally informed so I will go for pros for me wanting to check this out:
Clothes not slutty
Articles genuine such as are brand labels important, embarrassing moments such as not getting locker opened and a boy helping only to find once it opened she had picts of him with hearts all over it (ahh I remember those days) and hiding candy wrappers in room only to had dad find out.

Girls Life : The Cover was cute. But looks can be deceiving. This one almost passed but upon very close inspection this was bad
Articles such as Dangerous Liaison's teens tell real stories of dating violence. umm no
Get Fit workouts to tighten your bum. um no
Pros: Again Liked the Cover and loved the famous people they were featuring
Cons: Content not age appropriate.

New Moon : OK again found this one online so can't diss this too much with out actually seeing it but from the issue they had online I have 3 words to say will come from possibly getting this for my child. FUTURE FEMINIST LESBIAN.

Six, 7,8 : Purchased this one, love this on. It is geared to ... you guessed it 6, 7, and 8th graders. Articles such as How to Survive a New School, How to Get Organized, Consequences of Gossiping.
Pros: nice , clean , age appropriate magazine
Cons: Didn't see any!!

Teen : I used to LIVE AND BREATH this magazine. I loved it. And so many stars of now started in Teen! But oh my the content is different today. Would be ok for over the age of 15 year olds I suppose. Not the middle school girl as it was in our day.
Pros: Not the worst on the block
Cons: Boys, Boys, Boys is that really really the only thing on teen girls minds?

Seventeen: I remember this as the BAD magazine. Its appropriate for girls at the age of ... 17 haha no younger. Because its very open about sex and no child of mine is going to think about the S word until after the age of 17! haha right?

Ok now in no way is any of this to be held against the magazines this is MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION

Thursday, April 5, 2007


Day of fun. Our Friends Val, Noah, and Maia came over to play today. We colored Easter eggs, and decorated cookies. It was such and nice, fun , much needed day. I love watching the joy shining from the children's eyes. It went to fast. But here are some vibrant, colorful, beautiful pictures to share and remember by.




Tuesday was Hannah's Easter Party.
In general she had a great time. Mark and I were the lucky suckers who volunteered to help set it all up. Hide over 100 eggs yep that's our favorite thing to do haha. Oh no wait Marks favorite was Bible Bingo my bad haha. Or mostly the flutes they received when they won bingo.

Anyway on the way home MOM realized that this will be her last school party she can attend due to the fact that all parties in regular school are during my pm routes. Sniff Sniff as pathetic as I am I actually enjoy the kids during their sugar fests.



















This is the Spring Tree scene that Hannah's class has worked on for the last month. It is so pretty.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Happy April Fools Day!!!

Where have I been? I got a new puppy and have been playing mommy!!

ok April Fools we know I am not THAT CRAZY!! 2 dogs, and 2 cats, and 2 kids is enough for me haha

I have no clue where I have been. Just yesterday I realized I haven't been to Target in 2 weeks!!! I hope they didn't go under w/out me!!

I guess just working, cleaning, keeping up with kids, the usual has kept me so busy I haven't been getting on the computer.

Last weekend we did a clean house on Saturday, and yard work Sunday. Then for about 3 days when I was home we were outside not doing much of anything enjoying the BEAUTIFUL weather we had.

Friday, I took a just for me day and went to Springfield for my Book sale (it was a dud this year) and then off to the Mall where I proceeded to lock myself out of my car and had to wait 2 hours for Mark to make it over to let me in van. Then by the time we got home I was so exhausted from shopping while waiting, and stress that was it for me.

Saturday we had my Great Grandma's 90th! Birthday Party. Shockingly almost all the family came. This means people who didn't talk to each other for a year got to spend time together it was nice.

Then today I have been Betty Home Maker. I made cupcakes for the girls to decorate to celebrate Spring, then I made up 4 loaves of homemade bread, to have with dinner and freeze to make up for my lack of cooking for the past 3 days haha.

So that pretty much sums it up!
Hopefully I will be better next week. Will keep everyone updated and have a great week!

Sunday, March 18, 2007

I realize I haven't been posting much lately. I feel as though I am living in a big fog. I am so exhausted by life's daily day to day I have felt that I can't get ahead. But today I am feeling better. So far no drama.

Between getting the house back in order with the bathroom ordeal, home life issues, and work drama ( dang them) it was so overwhelming.

But today is a new day and the beginning of a new week so watch out here I come. My goal for today is to finish getting the house put together (all I really need to do is sweep, mop and get all laundry put away) sit down and watch the pile of movies I have had for about 2 weeks now, and finish my book! I am so behind on my reading.

Happy Sunday everyone and have a great week!

Ok so I have people wondering why candles are not to go into the new bathroom. Here is a picture reminder haha.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Burning Bathroom Questions Answered

Mark did all the work. He is getting a Good Boy Award. He even GASP
painted!!!! And Mark Does Not Paint. Granted he didn't do the color wash part or trim but he did help roll the base coat.

The trim is painted and going down right this second as I type this. (this means that Teddy is barking and attacking the nail gun hose haha) All Mark need to do when done with that is swap out the outlets. The reason we do this is because all the outlets are messed up (you have to leave things unplugged 1/2 way for them to work).

The reason I ended up taking back the first set of towels is because believe it or not it didn't match. The green/blue color went perfectly. However the moss green and the cream color didn't go. Now when I purchased those it was taking into mind that I would be getting a bone colored toilet and sink and oak vanity and medicine cabinet. Since we ended up doing the white with the shiny chrome and white porcelain accents on the towel racks, toilet paper roller, shower rod, and sink handles, the cream color wasn't going to well. My neighbors all agreed that it wasn't so good. And the walls ended up looking more teal than a dusty shade. BUT, I like this stuff much much more. I feel very relaxed and it gives it more of a CLEAN modern spa feel to it.

As for Candles, umm well I said to Mark the other day I wonder what scent Yankee Candle would go in there with those colors. I was threatened within an inch of my life haha. No candles, no way , no how are allowed in the bathroom EVER. so of course I asked about a potpourri burner hehe

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Newest Update!

No I haven't fallen off the planet. We are here being busy bee's but alas, the job is almost complete. We had our typical share of drama's such as, not being able to get the sink/vanity set I wanted due to our plumbing is done ass backwards and the first toilet we put in having a crack in it. And then when I finished painting, realizing that the 9 complete sets of towels in 3 different colors no longer worked in the bathroom haha!



But I made the 6 30 pm Sunday night mad dash to target and its Done!!

Prepare yourself to be overwhelmed in its beauty!!



I proudly give you my new bathroom






















Now of course the colors aren't true in the pictures. The toilet is white as is the floor. All that we have left to do is touch up a couple ceiling spots, paint and put down new trim, and change out the electrical outlets and put on the new face plates. Oh and buy more towels since the new set I liked is $9.99 a towel. I got one set so far haha Ummm a bit pricey for my budget But... I am so in love with my bathroom. Its insane haha. Now if only I can find an elf to do my hall and living room.....

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Bathroom Update

So I haven't updated in awhile about the bathroom. In fact once I decided that I HATE oil based paint, I never got any farther than the edge work on the primer. Now I told myself that I wasn't in fact lazy but that it didn't make sense to prime when I would have to touch up so much after we got the new toilet, sink, vanity, mirror, and lights since they would all be different sizes or shapes right??

Ok sooo.... Mark is on vacation this week and decided to actually do something with this project.

I came home to this

Now in case your wondering, this is my bathroom floor. He has pulled up my vinyl and underneath was a fabulous press board sub floor. And alas under the 12 or more year decayed press board is an equally wet Plywood. It is totally saturated and WET (yes its so dark because the wood is soo wet that it instantly makes anything that touches it SOAKED)

Now all this would be ok to live with if I knew that tomorrow he would be fixing this but no.....no, no, no. His dad will be here on Friday or Saturday to help on this project. Someone please, PLEASE tell me what to do for the next 3 days. How am I going to shower or pee w/o getting particle board splinters?

Monday, March 5, 2007

Ultimate Blog Party

So its time!! At 5 minutes for mom, they are hosting a BLOG PARTY!!

What's my favorite thing to do? Read BLOGS!! So go check them out, sign up to share your blog and read up on what everyone else is doing. And the best part, Prizes will be given away.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Professional Photographer

For Christmas, Hannah got the Fisher Price Digital Camera.I think she is trying to be like our friend Val who takes the most amazing pictures. Most of the pictures Hannah takes are total crap (shhh don't tell her I said this) and the quality of the pictures are of course that of a kids camera but we laugh hysterically at most such as ................ this


she takes pictures of her messy room then brings the camera to me to tell her what to pick up first








these obviously Ashley took,





this must be something about her room she loves,
and then you have ones like this...........your guess is as good as mine as to what the subject is. I will tell you the pink in the background is a purse so it can't be her ass.........

Friday, March 2, 2007

My Getting to know me post. (for new visitors)

I am a mother of 2 beautiful girls. My oldest is 11 and my youngest is 5.

We live in Central Illinois.

I work part time in the "precious cargo transportation industry"
(hint I work same hours my children have school haha)
My husband of 12 years works long hours so I do most of the child rearing. And what a fabulous job I do at it.

My blog is a summary of the daily in's and out's of my motherhood/adulthood experiences.

Hope you enjoy the journey with me!

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Funny story's of the day

I have been (trying) to go to Ashley's classroom and helping while nan's at school. Currently they are working on the dreaded Country Reports.

Ashley is doing Japan as her country. Today they were working on researching Famous People. They need 3 famous people from that country. Pictures and a Paragraph. As I walked around the computer lab, I stopped at Ash's and said let me see yours quick so I don't have to check tonight at home. OMG OMG OMG

She has decided to do Famous Women of Japan. Squeezed between a political lady and a famous writer is a ...............FAMOUS PORN STAR. Now let me back up to the first moments of realization. I see the picture of a Asian woman in a tiny pink top and skirt with thigh highs and think hmm must be a singer .
Then I start reading and my eyes zero in on "rocked the porn industry on its heels" WHAT?? COME AGAIN?? so I say Ash, you need to delete this you can't have this. She said why not, my teacher saw it and said it was ok.
Now if you know my daughter she is like I was at that age and very innocent. She doesn't know about sex really aside from that's how babies are made. She doesn't know any of the perverted stuff associated or any of the other details. She doesn't know about prostitutes, strippers, escorts, massages, or porn. Why would she?

OK so back to story, I am trying to explain why it needs removed, while she is getting more upset with me and not understanding why her teacher said it was ok and I am saying remove it. Now the teacher is coming over to see whats going on , I said did you say this was ok? She said yeah I said "Did you actually read it??" She said no not really so I put my finger on the P word and she freaked out. Now of course the children are dying of curiosity to see what "goodie 2 shoes Ashley" has done to cause a commotion. LMFAO Then the teacher goes into a lecture of how they need to make sure the Famous person is someone who is famous for doing something GOOD not someone who is famous for inappropriate things.

Only my child

2nd story
Picking up Hannah from school. Yesterday they painted brown paper. Not very pretty. However today they had been cut into adorable bunnies complete with cotton ball tails. One of the Grandma's commented that Hannie's was the only bunny with cotton ball hair between its ears.
So when they came out I asked the inevitable. "Hannah, why does your Bunnie have hair?" her simple response.........."I don't want her to bald like Brittney Spears, cause that looks ugly and scary"
Nice......... Thank you so much Us, Star, and all other tabloid magazines on the shelves of walmart with that damn nasty 1/2 bald picture on the front that has now traumatized my child.

Saturday, February 24, 2007



Sometimes when there is nothing crazy going on I sit and think about where my children's lives are headed. I wonder what great things are in store for them. I wonder how to teach them how to incorporate their dreams into a viable reality for the future.
And at the same time not crushing their dreams. Have I become the negative person I am said to be. Is it wrong that my first thoughts when my child tells me they want to be a famous singer, that I think oh dear, you love BSpears, does that mean your going to marry a loser, get knocked up a time or two then go crazy and shave your head. Or I want to be a Supermodel, I think omg my child is going to become anorexic. I realize not all famous people crash and burn but I think about all the hardships of people trying to reach the almost impossible.
I think about the amazing differences between them and wonder how can two children, with the same parents and the same upbringing, can be so different and yet so alike. They both are very caring, loving , nurturing girls. They are both blonde, and very petite. But where one Loves being in the light and talking to everyone, the other shys away and is extra sensitive. One could care less about appearance and whats in or what everyone thinks about her, where the other loves shopping, checking out what matches, doing her nails and hair and gets very upset if someone isn't instantly pleased by what she does. I hope that over the years they learn to share and love each other for who and what they are. Take each others different perspectives to make up wonderful lives.



They are like night and day and yet they make up entire day.






Friday, February 23, 2007


I just wanted to share a picture of our princess
I don't know what it is about this picture I just think is so beautiful.
So here is Ki-Ki.


Wednesday, February 21, 2007

We are back

So lessons learned while going to a John Mayer concert

  1. Anything and everything is in.

Examples : Potato sack dresses IN

Messy sloppy pony tails IN as in the more jacked up it looks, the better.

Dorky guys are IN I couldn't get over the amount of NERDY DORKY GUYS with pretty cute hot chicks on their arms..........

Contrary to my feelings on it, the fuzzy Alaskan boots with the huge furry balls are IN.

Wearing the leggings with the lace at the bottom as your only bottoms, (no matter WHAT YOUR SIZE) is IN *shudder in memory*

Flip-Flops even though there is still 8 inches of snow (albeit melting) on the ground is IN

2. If your under the age of 25, its ok to take in your camera to a concert even thought it is printed on the tickets NO CAMERA'S allowed, There is posters on the doors stating NO CAMERA's, and people at checkpoints saying NO CAMERA's allowed. Now I know from now on to hide it in my bra. They wouldn't notice the large bulge. The reason I didn't attempt any crime is because of my flash back to the Dora Show I took Hannah to where the security guard threatened to take my camera away while trying to get illegal pictures of DORA!!

3. I am old. Now granted we weren't the only "old" people there but it was most definitely dominated crowd with the typical age range between 12 and 25. Example: we were in the front row of the "upper section" a group of 7 late high school- early college girls were next to us on Mark's side. When Mr. Mayer took the stage, the girls all stood up. Ok fine, but they were taking pictures (with the illegal camera) of themselves causing the flash to go off in an "older couples" faces (late 30's early 40's) The couple (who couldn't see because girls were standing up) ((let me also point out no one in upper seats were standing up but said girls because we could all see fine haha) asked them to please sit down they couldn't see and if they stood up then people behind them wouldn't be able to see and to please stop flashing the camera in their faces. On of the girls went and got a security guard and said the people sitting behind them were being Rude and Mean to them!!!! The reason this made me feel old is because I found myself cheering on the couple and not the girls who were just out to have a good time.

But aside from that haha the concert was great, no I don't have any pictures, my camera phone made everything look green.

We had a good time and I have to say the best part of the entire get away (and this is so pathetic) was waking up this morning lazily and enjoying the quiet moment I can't remember having in the morning for the longest time. No dogs barking, no cats meowing or walking on me, no kids fighting or crying or yelling. It was a 30 min of heaven.

Monday, February 19, 2007

John Mayer!!




Tomorrow is the day I can't wait. For Christmas Mark got me tickets to the DeKalb show. Mat Kearney will be the first show. I am finding I like him alot as well. It will be so fun to get away from the kids to enjoy a kid free day, dinner (with a few drinks), awesome music and overnight stay! (sorry Val, I tried to talk him into you going instead but he said time with out the kids no way haha)

So until we get back on Wed. have fun everyone, we know we will.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Snow days

Glorious Snow Days.
Yes it snowed another 4 inches on Saturday. Joy Joy
OK its not really that bad I know I am nuts. It gives me a reason to not go anywhere or have to do anything. I can lay around, be lazy and watch non-stop movies and read. (my favorites)
However, as you can tell I did get talked into a sledding adventure.


What was the best was how the snow was so deep someone grooved out a path so the kids would only go thru a certain way so there wasn't kids every which way with potential to get hit.




Afterwards, I drove by CAT to get some picts of the always giant snow piles from plowing the parking lots.
A, these picts are just for you. To grasp the size, check out the light pole buried on the right haha.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Did everyone hear my cries of joy??

We got in!!!
we got in, we got in, we got IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Into what you may ask......... Both of my children yes I said both not one not the other but both of my children were accepted into JOHNS HILL

Do you know what that means?
1. it means that the kids will be going to the same school.
2. it means that Ashley won't be going to TJ
3. it means we don't have to worry about what to do with Hannah before and after school when we aren't home yet
4. it means I will be able to see them since I transport cargo for this school so I will be more aware of whats going on.
5. NO MORE UNIFORMS!!!!

WOOOOOHOOOO

I should also add here that Hannah got into French as well but gee wonder which way we will go on that one. (Not that I don't love French)

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Weather Update PM Edition







6:00 pm It's still snowing and blowing.
Reporter Hannah is out on the scene where there is gusting winds of 40 mph and the average NON DRIFT is 12 inches.
Here is a drift that lifts her up to the level of the numbers on the house however.




to get a better idea of where she is in above picture, the numbers on the house are to the left of the front door.
And here is good old mom up to her knee's in the front yard. Of course the boys are right behind me . I am thinking with the blowing gust that came as Ash took picture it was a perfect example of when it WOULD BE GOOD TO WEAR GLASSES.




9:30 Update

You guessed it! Its still snowing!!

This is looking across front yard at Nancy's house. Look some bare spots!!








Our mail box buried under some blowing snow. Think our mail will get wet?



Weather dog Teddy standing tall in the 10 inch drift leading to the front door. Now I say drift because I measured 10 inches but since we saw bare patches in Nancy's yard I don't want to say 10 full inches of snow.
Winter Blizzard Alert

This just in Look out Decatur its going to snow. Will keep you posted as events happen.

2-12-07 9pm (during white rapper show) snow begins. OH DEAR WHAT WILL WE DO

2-13-07 2:15 pm cats woke me up fighting. Snow continues. Its blowing ... A LOT crap what ever will we do??

5:05 BREAKING NEWS ALL DECATUR SCHOOLS CANCELED!! Its the end of the world!! what will we do?

5:15 Its still snowing and blowing. The Local News channel has alerted us that the roads will be snowy and blowy. There will be snow plows out be aware!

6:00 am News reporter in Springfield inserted a ruler in snow to gage amount so far and I quote " Well it looks like..... (insert ruler here) oooh 3 inches so far but keep in mind the day has just begun! "

6:17 am ...... The challenge is on I will keep all updated to progress of snow be prepared first update to be at 6:30 am












UPDATE 6:45 AM (yes I am late)

Weatherman Woody said its Blizzardish conditions, with snow drifts around the car of 6 inches

Monday, February 12, 2007

Work

I have yet to talk about work on my blog. I feel like I would be committing a major crime. Something about disclosing information and such. Now let me think about this............... if I don't give locations, numbers, names, or any other identifiable information will I be committing any crime??

I think not so here goes.

First I work in "Cargo Transportation" that's all I will say you can figure it out by reading haha

Ok so I have decided to take some of my funniest incidents and share from time to time. Now I will refer to what we transport as cargo.

So Highlights from today

this came over the "speaking machine" ummm someone, I need help. The *cargo* has opened the back door and they are jumping out down the road.
(at this point another *transporter* gets on the "speaking machine" and verifies that yes indeed there is *cargo* running down the road.)
This makes me look at my own *cargo* and thank my lucky stars they haven't done this and pray that they don't hear about this over the "speaking machine" and think to try sometime.

Another *transporter* gets on the "speaking machine" and says that when they did a walk around their *transporting capsule* they didn't notice major damage. However, there is now lots of MAJOR DAMAGE on the side of their *transporting capsule*
(again another *transporter* verifies that yes there is MAJOR DAMAGE)
I am laughing so hard at this point that my *cargo* is in fear that I may drive off the road. What is so funny they ask. Well how about the fact that just last week that *transporting capsule* was HIT BY A CAR.
Since it hasn't made it in the shop yet, I suppose that yes there would be major damage. Esp since they had to raise transporter up by crane to remove car!!!!
Now of course the best part is...........HOW DID THE DRIVER MISS THIS!!!!! HOW DO YOU WALK AROUND YOUR *TRANSPORTING CAPSULE* AND NOT NOTICE A DENT THE SIZE OF A CAR IN THE SIDE OF IT???????

Ok that's all I will share for today but since we are getting a big snow storm tonight I am sure there will be some good stories for tomorrow!!
Dinner Day 1

Ok It was a long day and I got home late so since I didn't get anything out today since I never made it home this afternoon we had.......drum roll please.....................

Hamburgers and Cheese Fries
family response:

Ashley. It was excellent (cleaned plate)
Hannah. Fine brlllll (funny mouth noise) {she only ate one bite of her burger and 2 fries}
Mark. What ever leave me alone

Yes It makes me want to cook again!!

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Feeding my family

OK I love LOVE to cook. Unfortunately my family is the most annoying bunch of picky eaters they drive me nuts. In their dream worlds their weekly menu would be made up of

Day 1 hamburgers and fries (girls minus the buns at some point)
Day 2 Pizza
Day 3 Hot Dogs and chips (girls again minus buns at some point)
Day 4 Taco's (of course the girls won't eat shells of any type)
Day 5 Chicken nuggets and fries
Day 6 Hamburger helper (only the cheesy hashbrown or au gratin potato varieties)
Day 7 Steak and baked potatoes (can only be fillet Mignon for mark to eat)

Now granted these are all fine meal choices but please....... what does a food loving gal like me take away from these delicious items.....nothing

Please, let me make some pasta dishes, casseroles, pork! anything pork (except hot dogs) would be nice from time to time. Fresh veggies those are nice to have too!! Who doesn't eat Corn on the Cobb, peas, green beans , sweet potatoes, (OK well actually I am not a BIG fresh veggie fan but still willing to try)

And deserts omg if its not a cookie, brownie, or apple pie, they won't eat it. Who doesn't like home made ice cream for crying out loud!! Mark that's who. Nor Chocolate, or fruit crisps, no lemon meringue pie, cake, nope just give him a bag of twizzlers, or starburst, skittles, or laffy taffy and he is a happy camper.

What is the point of my blog you may be asking your screen. Well I am going to post for the next two weeks Items I have made and my family's response to the delicious offerings I lay before them.

And I challenge everyone who reads this to do the same.

Friday, February 9, 2007

If you send a mother to the store

You may have wondered why that is the title of my blog.
First I have to say that I love the books "If you give a Pig a Pancake"," If you give a moose a muffin", "If you take a Mouse to School" you know the ones.

I can really relate to them. You have surely also seen the mass email that goes around about "If you give a Mom a Muffin". So if you know me, you know that this is how my day is every day.

Let me give you an example. Lets take today for starters
5 30 time to get up
Let dogs out, feed dogs and cats, get dressed and ready for work , get Hannah's clothes together for the day, get movies together to go back to blockbuster so I don't have to come home after work to do it. OOH no 10 min. before time to leave (must leave house by 6 am to get nan to grannies and get to work on time) must start car...... oh crap there are the dogs forgot to get them back in house. OK ...... back on track...... ooh yeah check to see if check was deposited and for how much so can pay bills while at work.......... ooh while I am online, better print out blockbuster coupon since going so kids can pick out movie......... ooh well better check queues on netflix and bb to make sure don't duplicate movies...... oops forgot to check bank balance.....oops its 6 05... guess I better go.

ok now this is just a minor one here is what happens when I got to a store say target enter store at 9:25
OK must get dog food. Oh wait lets get Starbucks first. OK on to shopping...... Lets see if the boot socks were still marked down I really liked the ones I bought last time ...... good they had a couple... oh look they have long underwear on clearance I should try a pair since its so cold. Oh since on this side of store lets see what they marked down in kids clothes.....oh wait ...... can't buy these cute pants Hannah wears a 5 t now....they would be to little for later and she has so many for now ok never mind.... ok lets jog thru the linen aisle to see if they got in the wash rags for the bathroom yet (even though bathroom is no where near being done or done over for that matter) OOH wait all the sheets and such are marked down lets look and see what they have...... ok resisted that good job Jamie ooh yeah dog food ok back on track. OK good dog food marked down better get cat food while here. OK got cat food ooh yeah I need laundry soap. so head that way.... oh wait I need a new toilet brush. Ok found one on clearance. on on to the laundry soap. ok on sale good deal good deal. Oh yeah I need deodorant, oh and toothpaste, oh and mark needs shampoo. ok now I have everything but since I am right here I should check out the girls clothes. OOh this a cute shirt. I should see if I can find a skirt to go with it..... ooh this is cute i should see if i can find a pair of shoes to go with it oooh lets try it on Hannah. OOH this is so cute where did you find those sunglasses they go perfectly. Ok let go
Total for mass confusion shopping for dog food $84.93
Time we leave Target......... 10:50
do you see!!!

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Snow Dogs

It snowed a little bit today. What does one do while kids are at school and its snowing?? You play in the snow with the dogs of course haha.

Here is the "Boys" This is Woody after a few fly snowballs.
Here is Teddy after a few rolls in the snow.


And of course Sharron had to come over with Ricki and Honey to get in on the action.

Sunday, February 4, 2007

The $1000 Brownie

My anniversary is today. I am a simple girl I suppose. There is nothing I want or thing hmm that might be fun.

However I have decided that if Mark is in the mood to blow money, I think I will take this $1000 brownie.

OK who am I kidding no I wouldn't. The thought of eating Gold Dust is a bit unsettling.

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Getting Ready to Leave

TO GO PICK UP ALEXIS!!! I am so excited that the time has finally come for her visit. I can't wait.

I am going to pick up Val, stopping at Starbucks where I will have to get my last very last maple latte (hehe) then off to Bloomington. After we collect our precious cargo we are off for a girls only day of movie, dinner, drinking, and shopping.

We all 3 sooo deserve it!! I think we are all bursting at the seams with excitement.

The only crappy part is the weather. Poor A is going to freeze to death not being used to the cold anymore. She is going to be treated to a whopping 6 degree's in Bloomington when she lands with wind chill of -15.
Oh well a little coffee and bailey's will warm her up quick haha

Friday, February 2, 2007

Ode to the Maple Latte

It's a sad sad week. I found out that my beloved Maple Latte is going to be discontinued. It didn't catch on so they won't be bringing it back. Boooo HOOOOO.

It was my favorite of all time. I guess I will have to enjoy the Cinnamon Dolce Latte more now.

I did however find out that you can buy the syrups from Starbucks for around $6. Unfortunately they can't sell the Maple WAAAAAAAA.

Guess I need to go get a last one before kids go to the dentist this morning.