Ten Years Ago Today!!

Ten years ago today we were married. We met at the Marriott Hotel in Salt Lake City, where my husband was a Chef and I was Accounts Payable. I flirted with this boy for 6 months before I finally forced him to ask me out! He will tell you that I was the one pursuing him, but in all honesty--he was injured in a car accident and put on light duty in the kitchen. Everyday he would come up to the mailroom to gather the mail for the kitchen. This was right outside of my office--and everytime he came up for mail--he came to talk to me. During this time of 'light duty' I was sitting at the computer but talking to a lady in the office (Jenean-the taller bridesmaid) and lamenting that I turning 25 (old for a girl in Utah) and I wasn't married. Michael walked into the copy room and then came in to chat. I had just told Jenean that I would ask the next guy I saw to marry me. In he walked--and I said--"Michael Nykaza will you marry me?" His response..."Can we wait until I'm out of traction?" Thus, the endless flirtation began!

Our first date was to see Space Jam and then back to his apartment to meet the menagerie of pets he called family. He says that he knew I was the one on the first date...I have to say--I'd been flirting with this guy FOREVER...I think I knew it long before then!! So we met at the Marriott, arranged our first date at the Marriott, got engaged at the Marriott, got married at the Marriott and had our reception in the Marriott Ballroom! I guess you could say, it's a very important building in our lives!!

Our marriage has been full of fun. Yes, there were stressful times financially--but we have never had a knock down, drag out fight like you see so many couples have. He, in 10 years of marriage--10 1/2 years together (11 if you count the flirting)--he has NEVER raised his voice at me! That's pretty amazing. I was under a lot of stress during our move to Arizona, he had taken a job at the Marriott Mountain Shadows Resort and I had stayed home with our newborn to sell our home. 7 months later we were finally moving. Things were not working out, and I felt as though he just wasn't being forceful enough to get things done right now. And I yelled at home--probably more like a witchy woman screaming--and I left the room. It was March 5th, 1999 and I sat out by the swimming pool and rehashed the events of the morning in my head. It was then that I realized that he had never yelled at me before and what right did I have to yell at him! I made a vow right then and there that it would never happen again--and I've lived up to that! We don't argue, we don't fight, we do have differences of opinion--but they never get very far! We have been really lucky!

The biggest and best part of our last 10 years together are the four amazing little spirits that have joined our lives. Jacob, Grayson, Blakelynn and Barrett. Each has brought with them their own personality traits--good and bad--but all are cherished and loved beyond measure!!

Tonight we will be going out to dinner as a family. Kind of a big family celebration! I think anniversaries are far more of a family holiday, than just the couple. I was telling Grayson that one of daddy's friends likes me better than he does because he came to my wedding and Grayson didn't. He giggled hysterically and let me know that he wasn't born yet, and he would have been there if he was borned! Sadly he wouldn't be here if this day hadn't taken place--so it is definitely a family celebration!!

We really have been very blessed over the past 10 years! Here's to 60 more!!

*I do have to put out a shout! I found this dress when I was a senior in High School, I was 17. When I got married 9 years later the dress had been discontinued but along with my mom we found the exact 'Tulip' lace, and my mother made my dress. I still have it--and it is beautiful! Thanks Mom!! Whoops--and I would be remiss not to mention my fabulous photographer and sister in law Kelly Anne--you do great work, girl!!

Sick Kids And Dead Mice!!

Crazy times--I'm telling you! Nothing really happened today. I stayed up really late last night. It was the final HDTV Tuesday, and as much as I would like to say I stayed up vying for the TV--the truth is, with depression comes insomnia. I go to bed when I finally feel sleepy, and last night that was at 3:20 am. It wasn't until I woke up this morning that I found out that the TV 'op' came out just 40 minutes after I went to bed! Kind of funny in my mind, but at the same time-I've learned that when this body finally is ready for bed--you go to bed. Because you never really know just how long that feeling will hang around.

Grayson stayed home from school today. He's been sick the past couple of days, and with his fever I kept him home. He was lying on the couch next to me as I worked, and I heard a faint 'click' off to my right. I had hidden a mouse trap back there yesterday, and I was sure I had just heard it snap. But it was like 10 am, why is there a mouse brave enough to be out, in my living room at 10 in the morning. I moved everything away to reveal a little tiny mouse struggling against the bar that had snapped across the lower half of his little body.

Now, I don't like mice--but I also do not like the idea of pain and suffering...and this death was certainly not as instantaneous as I was hoping it would be. So being the bleeding heart that I am, I picked up the trap and took it out to the front porch, where I removed the bar from the poor creature. He struggled to move, his back half didn't work--and then the damage from the bar set in, and within seconds he was dead. Much quicker than just letting him struggle against the bar while death lingered on! I have to admit that I was a little sick to my stomach for some time after I put his little body in the trash can--I don't know why! They really are such cute little creatures, but I have no intention of sharing my house with them. So far we have killed 3 with traps--and hopefully countless others with poison--although those numbers will never be known!

After school we headed to the book fair. Grayson had wanted to go and was feeling a little better so off we went. He was able to turn his homework in to his teacher who has missed him the last couple of days, and then to the library where he turned in his overdue library book and found some treasures at the book sale. It was buy one get one free, and I spent $60.00, which means that I would have spent $120 at the normal sale--but each child chose 2 books-and I got one for me and one for Barrett--so not bad. Grayson kept saying all day that he was feeling good, and ready for school tomorrow but when we got to the car after the book sale--he threw up all over the grass! I'm not thinking he is going to make it to school tomorrow either. But tomorrow is the end of the year concert--and he isn't going to want to miss that at all--so we will have to play that one by ear! Poor thing!

Swimming!!

We are going to drop my three kids and two neighbor kids off with my in laws today to swim. They will be on their own while I take Grayson to the Instant Care. He is not feeling very well, and even starting to throw up. That is always something that freaks mom out. I just gave him some fever reducer to hold under his tongue before swallowing. I know--it is not a "sub-lingual", but hey, I'm up for trying anything!!

I think the kids will have a great day with their friends. With the possibility of moving in the coming weeks and months--I'm glad they have some time with their best friends. It may mean a little more noise--but with best friends...what's a little noise!

Memorial Day!!

Later today we will be cleaning the house! It will be the requirement before we head to the in laws for a day of swimming Memorial Day fun! I'm not sure the kids will be too thrilled to help, so we may have to pull out the big wall of money! I know, bribery is bad--but helping mom and clean house is good! So I will put up with paying for good habits while they are little, so that when they grow up, I can stop paying them, and simply reap the rewards of all of my years of paying for it! Of course, by then they will be ready to get married, and their wives will get to reap all of the rewards of my hard work!

We really don't have much to do. Picking up some dirty laundry, toys and taking some garbage out--we should be good! Maybe I can get Grayson to clean the bathroom for me. I'm so lucky to have a little boy who likes that so much!

My Day!!

I am so behind on my life! Everything feels like it is out of control. I get that way when it starts to get warm, and I can't get cooled down. I need to clamp down--get the house straightened, the laundry finished, and my van cleaned out. These are generally the signs that I'm out of control. Last night was the final Bulls camp of the session. Another one starts in 2 weeks for the month of June, but I think we will let it go for the summer, and pick it up again when school starts.

I do need to get the grocery shopping done as well. I haven't done that in weeks!! It's going to be a busy day!

Gene Simmons!!

I was able to spend some time last night cleaning out my Tivo. Holy cow was it full! I started with the new stuff which is probably backward--but it was easier. I watched last nights Gene Simmon's Family Jewels and I have to say-I was totally impressed. I think it's funny that I'm drawn to this show because normally I would not be. I wasn't a KISS fan, couldn't even tell you a song that they did, but hey--it's a great show.

Last night Gene took his daughter down to Camp Pendleton to show her military life. It was amazing to watch just a moment of basic training. Then they went to visit a Veterans Hospital, something I really think we should all do. To give back, Gene and Tommy (guitarist) put together a tribute. It was so amazing to watch. They sang all four of the armed forces anthems, and it was so inspiring to watch. I've had a chance to sing an 'anthem' as a member of an 'army' and I have to say--there is nothing more thrilling than the opportunity to sing as part of something bigger than yourself. It was a great show--and I couldn't delete it!!

My Living Room!!

It's amazing to me how much easier a room is to keep clean when you take everything out of it! Literally--I have furniture in my living room--well and the computer I'm typing on--but all of the other "stuff" has been sorted and either put away, packed or tossed! The kids do bring a toy in every so often--but I can get those picked up pretty darn quick! It's when everything starts piling up on top of itself--that my life is out of control! I finished the windows last night, and the room this morning has a golden glow. I love it--I love the look, I love the privacy and most of all, I love that the big dog has been silent all day!

I will do a quick toy run through during nap time, and the room will be perfect once again!!

The Butterfly Museum!!

Middle Man's first grade class headed to the Nature Museum yesterday for their end of the year field trip. He loved it! Apparently they have a whole room of just Butterflies. You walk in and they are flying all around you. I guess it does sound pretty cool. They also have a theater set up and they got to watch a play. Narnia--he was so excited because he loves the movie Narnia--actually-he loves C.S. Lewis stories-but he was not happy that they cut out so much of the movie. I tried to explain it to him that the movie is over 3 hours long--and they couldn't make you sit for three hours--that would be the entire field trip--so they shortened it, so he could go see the butterflies too. Nope--he was not having it! He is a little "OCD" on these kinds of things!! So I just changed the subject back to the cool butterflies. He really wants to go back so Katerbug can see them.

I'm Gorgeous!!

I took the little ones to lunch just now. It's kind of funny--McDonalds is giving away Shrek The Third toys--and we just can't seem to get the one that the kids want! My boys want Donkey so bad, they wander the house going "I'm Gorgeous!" So now my 4 year old says it, followed immediately by the 2 year old. The statement is cute by Donkey--but he hold nothing on my baby!! It's too cute! I'll try to get it on video later, and get it up here! "I Go-gas" or something there about!!

My Presents!!

Since my birthday and Mother's Day are just days apart, everything kind of get rolled into one celebration. Our wedding anniversary is just two weeks later--I can tell you--I'm spoiled throughout the month of May! This year my in laws are taking a trip next week, so the weekend of Memorial Day my husband and I will be dropping off all 4 kids, and heading out for some very much needed "married" time! I can't wait--I haven't actually gotten some alone time with my husband in sooooo long! Definitely since the new restaurant opened!! So that will be the best birthday/Mother's Day/Anniversary present of all!!

What Would I Tell Her!!

This is my picture from my Junior Year in High School. One of my favorite pictures ever. I had braces! Oh, how I loved, Loved, LOVED my braces!! Since today is my 36 birthday--I thought I would take a minute--just for myself, and think of the 36 things that I know now--that I wish I could tell this girl!! Of course, having been that girl--I probably wouldn't have thought too much about it at the time!!

1. There's 4 months until your Grandma dies--go spend EVERY moment possible with her!!
2. Study harder-Get good grades, Stay on the High Honor Roll--you will regret that you didn't.
3. Forget about A & J & G and all of the other boys...there is plenty of time for boys LATER.
4. Learn to save your money better.
5. Be honest in all that you say and do.
6. Get the Butterscotch Colt instead of the White Nissan Sentra.
7. Don't jump into a 9-5 job when you are in College. Enjoy the kids when you are a kid.
8. Take Japan just a little more serious.
9. Develop good habits--and quit biting your nails.
10.Don't settle for anything less than a Temple Marriage.
11.Keep yourself worthy for a Temple Marriage.
12.Never Go Out With A!!!!!
13.Stick with S really hard!! Don't let your self confidence deride you--
14.Wait a little longer before you start having kids. Enjoy time with your husband
15.Kiss and snuggle Cinders just a few more minutes before you leave on your Honeymoon.
16.Be more patient with J. He's going to need you more than anyone else in the world.
17.NEVER MOVE AWAY FROM UTAH--you'll never get to go back!
18.Stay active in the church--if not for you--do it for your kids.
19.DO NOT ADOPT THE RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK FROM THE POUND!!!!!!!!!!
20.Work with J on some fundamental habits when he's little
21.Don't let your husband take the job transfer to Chicago with the franchise hotel!!
22.Wait a little longer between J & G--J is going to need it!!
23.Always listen to your mom--she is amazing and truly--knows everything!!
24.Don't spend money you don't have--always pay your bills on time!
25.Forget about S!! Just Forget about it!!
26.Remember your time with a Baby G. It goes so fast--remember him!
27.Forgive past acquaintances--you don't need to carry that with you as long as you will!
28.Keep up with the Japanese language--your kids are going to want to hear it--A LOT!!
29.Don't get caught up in stupid stuff with your sister in law, she won't be around very long.
30.Get on Anti-Depressants as early as possible--and stay on them!
31.Go on Thyroid pills right after giving birth to J--you'll regret it for the rest of your life!
32.Take care of yourself--you were pretty when your husband married you--stay that way!
33.Learn to share your time with your kids better than you do.
34.Learn to understand J when he's little--it will save heartache and stress when he's 9!
35.Love your husband. Be thankful for him everyday--and show him that!
36.Enjoy being 17 years old. You can't wait to grow up, but you'll spend your life wishing you could go back!

Delonne Anderson Invitational!!

My parents always go to a Golf Invitational every year. It's named after one of our very most favorite people in the world. His name was Delonne Anderson, and he passed away the week before I got married. He was probably the most angelic, sweet, wonderful person you could ever meet. I went through his receiving line and his wife Margaret hugged me and told me over and over that he would be at my wedding the next week, she just knew he would be. He was a sweetheart!

It's the Delonne Anderson Invitational and it's held every year at the Oakridge Country Club. When I was younger, our backyard was on this golf course. First hole, second tee--and we belonged to the Country Club--that's right--I was a member of the Country Club set!!! I don't think my dad belongs to the club anymore-so this is a nice chance for him to get to golf on the course he loves so much.

Every year after the tournament there is a beautiful luncheon and a raffle. My dad always buys 5 raffle tickets. My mom always thinks they should buy more--since it's such a lovely day, but he always just buys 5 and they have never won. Until this year that is! In fact, this year---4 out of the 5 raffle tickets won prizes!

Lucky parents!!

Mother's Day!!

Well, Mother's Day came and went--and I got diddley squat from my husband! I was a bit on the 'ticked' side because he had just spent the day making every other mother in the Chicagoland area's Mother's Day wonderful--and mine was completely ignored!!

Well, this morning (Monday) the doorbell rings, and there is a big green box from Pro-Flowers! He hadn't forgotten (well, completely anyway!!) It was a package of beautiful multi-colored roses and chocolates. The note said Happy Mother's Day and Happy Birthday! Seeing how today is the day in between both days--I guess I will take it!

I marveled that it took 10 years for him to ignore his wife! When we were first married-I forbade him sending me flowers. It costs a fortune and they just die. Well, I must say--they cost a fortune--but they certainly are fun to get!! I'm glad he's finally learned not to always listen to his wife!!

Breaking The Habit!!

I am really an easy going wife! Not much that my husband does warrants getting on him about. Do somethings drive me crazy? Oh sure, but it's just not worth any sort of hurt feelings or problems that might arise by mentioning them. Plus, I have about 110 more things that drive him crazy I'm sure, so if I don't want to open that can of worms--I have to keep my mouth shut!!

This being said, there are a couple of rules that I do have--and honestly, he's abided by all of them--and you know, he really doesn't have too. He's a grown man--he could rebel! One of my big rules--he used to smoke--but has since quit. He couldn't smoke in the house or in the cars. He smoked in his car, but never mine, and never in the house. Rule two: If he goes out drinking with his friends, he is required to call me to pick him up. I don't care if he's had 1 drink 10 hours earlier or 15 drinks 10 minutes ago--if you put alcohol in your body--you call me. This is my own life insurance policy. I am happy to be the designated driver--I'm always sober! He used to call, but then having to have me pull sleeping kids into the car to drive across town to pick him up started to make him feel guilty. So instead of drinking and calling me--he just doesn't drink! How easy is that! He is the only one out of all 12 of his high school gang that doesn't have a DUI, and everyone else has 2 or more!!

Yesterday--I had to cut him off! He is addicted--and I had to put my foot down! He and my sons are addicted to collecting trading cards! I'm all for this--really I am. But honestly, we are getting into some addiction patters, and a TON of money has been spent on Basketball cards! So I told him yesterday that he can't buy Basketball cards for 1 month. Now yes, he's a grown man, he works hard for his family--he is ok to purchase cards--but I told him--you will know it's an addiction when he's buying his cards on the sly and not telling his wife about it! I could so totally see the sly guilty look in his eyes knowing full well that was exactly what he was going to do!! Sadly, my boys are addicted too! So we are card free for 30 days! Wish us luck!!

My Mother's Day!!

This is how my kids spent their day! Well, three out of the four anyway. B-man wasn't too thrilled about not being allowed to swim--but it was nap time, and I wasn't going to let him miss it. He ended up sleeping until dinner time, and then spent the remainder of the evening running around the yard and playing in the cars. This was Mother's Day at my in laws house. We got there around three in the afternoon. We brought my mother in law a beautiful hot pink flowering plant and a gift card to the Red Lobster. She and my father in law love having the freedom to go out to eat together without having to worry too much about the budget.

For my Mother's Day, the kids gave me all of the projects that they made at school. It was absolutely adorable! Mother's Day isn't necessarily a fabulous day for me. Instead of finding all of the joy that most people find in their families--I feel like a failure. I love my kids--I adore my kids--I don't enjoy my life--and that is the worst feeling of all! I should put in here--I do suffer from depression--and that has a lot to do with my feelings--in fact, I would say--it has everything to do with my feelings. I just remembered back to when I was little and would bring home my projects from school for my mom--and recaptured that excitement that my kids had.

The boys forbade me looking at the couch before they got up. They wanted it to be like Christmas and Easter for them, but for me. How cute is that? It was a really good day--I do have the best kids around--I just wish my brain could see that through the fuzz of depression!

Pulling Down The Drapes!

We are still moving-but maybe not as quickly as I'm hoping. There are a few things I really want to do in this house whether we are staying or going. We still have an "Italian" style valance above the living room windows and in the dining room. The draperies were really expensive when originally hung, and they are getting destroyed by my children--plus they are kind of out dated. We have natural wood casings all around the windows and I think it would be so much prettier with the faux wood window blinds that match the wood! There are a total of 10 windows 24x60, so it won't be the cheapest endeavor--but I think it will look the prettiest and really show off the architecture around the windows. Plus--I can pull the blinds up everyday, and safely away from the hands of the 2 year old!!

Wisconsin Wedding!!

Well, the drive to Wisconsin from Chicago isn't usually very long. But yesterday, due to construction and Rush Hour--it took about 2 hours to get where we were going. We stopped at Target to "dress" the kids, and then we were off. We found the church quickly, and got everyone changed. It was so surreal walking in and seeing my nephew standing next to a girl in a wedding dress. Truly--he's the fourth grandchild in my family to get married--but the first one that I've actually been to a reception for.

It was so fun to get to spend the evening with my sister. I never really get a chance to just sit and talk to her. Rick was my kids favorites, of course! It was just really fun to have members of my family around. Everyone thanked me for coming so far to see them--I thought it was funny because they all traveled a heck of a lot farther than me!! They came from Utah--their flight was longer than my drive!

Robyn and Rick fly out this evening--and are planning to be in Chicago only an hour or two before they have to be at Midway. I was hoping they flew home tomorrow night! I would have taken them to dinner at my husbands restaurant! But oh well, maybe next time!

Wisconsin Bound!!

Yep! As soon as I pick the boys up from school we are heading north to the great state of Wisconsin! My sister Robyn (yes, same name as me--and yes--she's really my sister) and her husband Rick will be there tonight for their son's (my Nephew) wedding reception. He and his wife were married on the 11th of May in Utah, but are coming to have the reception for her family and friends tonight. I just put the address in on Mapquest, and it's about a 2 hour drive. The reception starts at 6 and ends at 8, so we will try to leave around 3:30 just to try avoid some of the rush hour traffic on the Interstate 294 here, and we will probably hit the Milwaukee rush hour-but I think we will be heading the opposite way. I hope anyway!

When you've lived apart from family for so long--you are willing, almost giddy in fact, to make the long drive to see a familiar face. In my head, I have a picture of a little Brian (nephew) just 2 years old or even younger riding the baby boats with his big sister Steph at Lagoon. It's been imprinted on my brain for 20 years now-since he's now 22! Last year he was still on his mission in the West Indies, and now he's married! That's amazing!

My sister Robyn has always been called Big Bird, and I have always been Little Bird. She married Rick in 1982-possibly 1981--I remember their wedding like it was yesterday-and yet--here I am going to their youngest child's wedding. Uncle Rick has always been my favorite--I was really little when they got married, and he would always play with the three of us younger kids. Tickling, wrestling--he was the most fun. Last summer all of us had a family reunion up in Jackson Hole and it was amazing to see our kids being wrestled and tickled by Uncle Rick. He's always been the hit with the kids-I'm just amazed that it's now my kids that adore him! I told my kids that we would be seeing them tonight--and they kept asking--Is Uncle Rick the one that pretended to be the bear? Yep--totally him! We were all in our cabins getting our kids down for the night--and all of the sudden there is growling and tapping at the windows. Scared my kids--till they realized it was Rick! Man--we love that guy!! I was 10 or 11 when they got married--so I've grown up with Rick around--he's pretty much more of a brother than a brother in law!

Robyn has always been Drop Dead Gorgeous! She is in her 40's and honestly she doesn't look a day over 21! I'm 7 years younger, and I think I probably look older than she does! Don't you hate having beautiful older sisters??

I will take some pictures when we get up there! I need to go get ready to go!! I'm so excited!!

The Wiggles!!

We have Wiggles Tickets! That's right--it's the two B & B's turn to have a night out with mom and dad. I am loving this idea! It gives us a chance to just get away and enjoy an evening out with our kids in an environment that they love. The boys go to Bulls games, the little ones are going to the Wiggles. The show isn't until August--a lot can happen by then, but hey, we have the tickets!

I'm not sure the Bulls will win a game in this particular round--so the tickets for the finals will be out for them! Too bad, the boys were really looking forward to it! But it is baseball season--so we will find some tickets for the Cubbies!!

Preschool Graduation!!

Preschool graduation was today! It was really cute, and kind of sad! My baby girl is growing up-and that isn't a very fun thing for me. Don't get me wrong-I've enjoyed every stage I've had with her (actually, she's into whining all of the sudden--so totally don't enjoy this part), but I hate to see her growing up so fast. She tells me everyday that someday she's going to get married and have babies. That is a lifetime in the future for her, but it is just around the corner in my mind!

The Job For Today!!

Yesterday was my husbands day off. Not much gets accomplished usually, and yesterday was no different. It's hard to get into work mode when he's home. So my whole groove is thrown off! He did get the lawn mowed-which is a huge job-and I'm so glad he does it-cause I wouldn't be able too! I on the other hand-got nothing done. I did help my Aunt Peggy get set up with Yahoo Messenger--so much easier than the MSN one, and now I get to talk to her everyday. It's been over a month-so that was nice.

Today we are moving all of the kids to one bedroom. We only have 1 bedroom with air conditioning, and our wiring just can't handle a second one. So we will have 4 beds in one room, and all of their clothes and toys in the other room. The boys will help me after school today--they would like to play PS2, so that is the job to do to earn it!! hmmmmm, I hope it gets finished!!

Angry Rant Is Over!!

Ok, I figured since I was ranting earlier about the list of things that needed to get done today--I thought I would update and give some "Kuddos To The Man"!! No fridge shopping took place--although it was offered. We took the van over this morning, stopped at Walmart for the popcorn for Little Lady's pajama party at preschool and got her to school just a little late. We came home--Hubby took a nap and I chilled until it was time to go get the kids. After school, we all piled in to the truck and headed to pick up my van. After we got the van--new brakes, new key and all recalls cleared--we headed to Bulls Camp.

After that we headed to the Riverside Mall and I was able to buy my new Starbury tennis shoes. They are a little tight--but awesome, can't wait to break them in! We had dinner at the food court--and amazingly enough--spent as much money as we would have had we gone to a sit down restaurant like the Olive Garden or The Outback!! Then we headed home--got the boys to bed--they have to get up early to finish their homework--and here I sit! But I must say--much more was finished than I ever thought possible! Mortgage application didn't happen--and it won't happen tomorrow--so I'm thinking either next week--or never!!

Angry Rant!!

Well, my brakes went out yesterday! For this, I blame my husband. Why? Because as a "man" he is in charge of all things mechanical. The brake light has been coming on for months--I've asked him to take care of it for months--and here we sit! Even now, he's sleeping--instead of taking it in to the dealership to get the brakes fixed, the recalls taken care of and the key fixed. It's the only car the entire family fits in--so if it has to stay over night--then we will need a rental on a mini van. Tonight is Bulls camp--and if we don't have it back by then, then he has to take the boys in his truck, and the remaining three of us will be stranded at home! We were also going to go buy a new fridge today--and he was supposed to go apply for a mortgage loan! Yet--he's asleep! Having a work-a-holic husband SUCKS!! He will always tell you that his family comes first--but that would be a LOAD OF BUNK!! Work comes first--we are just a side mention! I was ready to call work the other night to tell him it was time to come home. He had been at work for 14 hours everyday last week--and if they can't run a restaurant with him not working so much--they shouldn't have opened a restaurant!! I'll let you know what actually gets done today! If you want my bet--Bulls camp will be the only thing done!! I'd lay a C-note on it!!

Friday Is Milwaukee Time!!

I'm not sure I mentioned before--but I get to go to Milwaukee on Friday. To some that may not sound like much--but to me it is thrilling!! My nephew from Utah got married 2 weeks ago to a young lady from the Milwaukee area. They had the wedding and reception in Utah earlier, but this Friday is the reception for the Bride's friends and family. Now, I've never met the girl--but I'm dressing up the kids and heading to the reception--I've got family to see!! My older sister Robyn (yes, we have the same name) and her husband Rick are hoping to be there--I'm crossing my fingers!! If not--I will get to see my nephew Brian--meet his wife (that's weird) and just have a chance to see a familiar face here in this 'little' area of my world where it's just me!! So I'm excited! I was going to try to get a hotel room--but it's not that far away-I think I'll swing it all in one fail swoop--if it gets too late-we'll catch one then-but the plan is not to get one--unless they have an indoor pool for the kids-hmmmmm, maybe I better check into it!

My Saturday!!

I mentioned my morbid thought about my two important projects before--and have decided that Saturday and Sunday would be my days to start clearing away these projects-or at least getting them to an organized stopping point.

I spent all of last week going around the house and putting everything that has to do with scrapbooking in 1 of 2 kinds of boxes. The first four boxes are directly related to the kids-they each have their own. Their completed scrapbooks go into this box-their box of keepsakes goes into this box, and all of the things that need to eventually go into their scrapbook go into this one box. Yep-it's a huge box! The remaining two boxes are for equipment. Every year for Christmas I paint each of my children a matching ornament--so the ornaments for the coming years and the paint for them probably shouldn't go in here-but for now--it is. All of my paper, stickers, embellishments, scissors--everything--goes into these boxes. I'm also really ANAL about my negatives. Before I got my digital camera in 2002, I have hundreds of rolls of film. Each are cataloged. One sheet per roll of film. There is a grid that has the scrapbook page that the picture is on, the date of the picture, the shutter number, a quick explanation of what the picture is--and then what kids scrapbooks contain the picture. And I have one of these for every picture I have taken in the lives of my children! I told you I was anal about it!! Anyway--the catalog with the negatives will be going into a fireproof safe as soon as I get one--but until then-they are in the box!!

I also have two big boxes of the "other" double print when only one child was in the picture. So those were separated and put in each individual box. I spent the day yesterday on Jake and his 6 scrapbooks. Found every picture that hasn't been put in yet--and banded all of the pictures that have been used! Jake's box is done!! After Jake--it was Barrett's box and his lowly ONE scrapbook-I'm so behind!! His 'stuff' is all put together and ready to be stored till I'm ready for them again!! Today is Grayson and Blake's box! You would not believe how much clutter has been cleared simply by creating a specific place to keep it organized!!

My Hubby Has A New Addiction!!

My husband has found as much love in collecting baseball and basketball cards as the boys. What's funny is-I don't think he ever didn't love it. From the time he was really young until now at 36, the only difference that he's noticed is that he can now afford to buy more than one pack at a time! I thought that was funny and so true. We will buy the boys a pack or two at a time--or we'll buy the big box and let them earn a pack as they go. But not my husband! He'll come home with two boxes, just trying for the Derek Jeter joke card. He was so worried he wouldn't get one--and he is now the proud owner three Jeter/Mantle/Bush cards! Gotta love him!!

Summer!

Katerbug is going into her last week of school. Tuesday she has a pajama party with a movie and popcorn--and Thursday is her last day of school. It's going to break her heart! I'm so glad that she loves school as much as she does-though--and she is going to go to Score Learning Center this summer to learn how to read. She will love that! After next week she will still have one more week with Miss Linda--and then she's done there too! I can't believe the summer is here! There is so much to do--I'm not sure we'll ever get it done!

We are going back to Utah this summer, so I'm hoping that Bug has grown up a little in the last year and won't kill me like he did last year! He's a wanderer!

Bad Night!!

I got ZERO sleep last night! Whenever the body feels it should be asleep and it isn't, I get a terrible headache. It only goes away after the proper number of hours have been slept. Since that will be impossible today--I think I'll just have to live with it.

Bug fell asleep on his own around 7:30 last night. I was really worried about this because he'd had a really long nap not that much earlier-he shouldn't have been tired! I checked, and there was no fever but I still didn't think he felt well. Around 10:00 pm he rolled off of my bed-what a rude awakening! He fell back to sleep pretty quickly and I moved him to his bed. He was out 15 minutes later. Fell asleep on me, so I moved him back to his bed--he was out 15 minutes later. So this time I just kept him on me to sleep-I was just blogging so it wasn't a big deal-but the headache started to kick in, so I finished up to go to bed. Put Bug back in his bed, and went to bed myself. He was at my feet 15 minutes later. So I pulled him up to sleep next to me--but now--he was awake and jabbering.

I got up and got a melatonin and broke it up inside his bottle--and he finally went to sleep at 4 am. I moved to the recliner to get some sleep--and got up about 7 after hubby left and I took his spot on the bed until 8! I was hoping to get back to bed after the boys left for school--but now Katerbug is awake!! Darn!

Starbury Shoes!!

Well, it was my husbands last day off for the week! It was nice! I got some blogging done--I got some cleaning done. When the kids got home we headed out to a card shop for Basketball cards for the boys. We were going to head to Steve and Barry's for a pair of Starbury shoes for me! Have you heard about these shoes?? They are made by Stephan Marbury of the New York Knicks. He was raised by a single mother and always wanted the coolest, new, expensive sports shoes--but absolutely could not afford it. So now as an NBA multi-millionaire--he's giving back--and he's gone back to his roots to do it! He has created a line of basketball shoes. If you cut them down the middle and compare them to the $125 basketball shoes--they are identical. The only difference? Starbury shoes sell for $14.99! How amazing is that! My boys will be living in these shoes. What a great idea, and honestly there are a large number of styles and colors to choose from. DG already has his dream pair picked out! If you want to see what these great shoes look like--check them out at www.starbury.com!!

Bulls Camp!!

Tonight the boys have Bulls Basketball Camp. I don't know if I wrote about Bulls Camp last week--but it was amazing. The whole facility is huge--there are three basketball gyms all have the Chicago Bull in the middle of the court and at either end under the baskets. Just like the floor at the United Center. My kids LOVED this particular feature because they felt like they were actually playing on the Bulls floor. We sat on the puffy folding chairs like the ones the players do. It was very well done. There were 10 kids total in camp--2 were mine--and there were two coaches. They ran the kids through their stretches and then started right in on the fundamentals. They went through 3 or 4 passing techniques. Dribbling. Ball Handling. Shooting. For an hour and a half my boys were in heaven. For a base price of $25.00 each--I was very happy with the evening. We'll be doing it again tonight-and for 2 more weeks after. Then we will sign them up for the May session. Well worth $200 per month!!

Home Safe!!

Yesterday morning I headed over to my husband's Aunt and Uncle's house. I was going over to help another Uncle (Hi, Uncle Rich!!). I had told my boys that if during the school day they needed me, they would need to call their dad's cell phone. The younger kids and I got to the school to pick the boys 15 minutes before school got out. When it did let out-I got out of my car to wave the boys over. I saw them both--called both of their names, but they didn't hear me. Bug had fallen asleep on the way home, and I didn't want to wake him up--but I had to in order to walk and get the boys. From the moment that I got into the car to get the kids out to the moment we started walking to the school--1 1/2 minutes--TOPS! Well, that was just enough. Both of my boys vanished in those 90 seconds! I saw DG turn and head toward the school, so I figured they'd gone inside to wait. Nope--they weren't there. I had them paged to the office. Nope--they didn't come. They weren't on the playground--they were gone!

I was getting worried-but the fact that both were missing meant that they were together--I would have been a MESS if I was only missing one of them. I called my neighbor to see if she had taken them home--but she didn't answer her phone-so it was time to head home to see if she had in fact taken them.

I have to tell you in that instant--I finally understood the crosses on the side of the road where someone has passed away in a car accident. It was so hard to leave that school. I had just seen the boys there, and so they had to be there. I couldn't leave the last place I saw them!

When I pulled up in front I ran in the house calling their names--nothing--they weren't there. I grabbed the phone and kept trying to call my neighbor--she wasn't home yet. Her daughter has gymnastics on Mondays so I was going to head over there--but honestly--at what point am I supposed to call the police? I'm wasting valuable time here!! As I came out the door-I saw that her husband was home. So I ran over there to see if he had heard from her. I knocked on the door, and the blinds in the side window pulled back--and there was DG!

Relief...Tears...Anger...Tears!!! The neighbor can see I'm upset and goes into explanation mode--honestly--I don't give a darn about how it happened--just give me my boys so I can take them home and love and snuggle and BEAT them!!! We got home, and I'm just sobbing--the boys are scared that they are in trouble and I go and sit on my bed. Nothing!! So I call into the living room, "Well, get in here and hug me!!!" Both boys came and melted into tears and hugs and apologies. They had thought that I would still be at the Aunt's house...so they told the son of the neighbors that they were supposed to be going home with him. My neighbor who normally picks her kids up--was at the E.R. and her husband had picked them all up. He wouldn't have taken my kids except that they had informed him that he was supposed to!

Whew!! Moments away from an Amber Alert there!! Oh--and they did bring me a huge bunch of "Sorry Mom" dandelions, hand picked from the back yard! Yep--they've been well taught!!

Jazz Tied, Bulls Set To Sweep!!

I've missed a day! MJ just asked about the Jazz/Rockets series. I remembered that they played last night-so we got on to check to see if the Jazz had been able to hold on to the lead. They had, and I announced to MJ that the series was now 2/1, but wait--last night was game 4 not game 3...and the series was tied 2/2. When did the Jazz win game 3? I really have just missed a day. That is never a good sign-but I will either blame it on being the same night as the Bulls game 3 (which they took as well, and are leading their series, 3/0!!!), or on getting the new computer up and running. Either way---Go Jazz! Of course, I never thought I would say that. Even living in Utah, I was not a Jazz fan. We only went to Jazz games when they were playing the Suns, and I was a Sun Fan-mmmmm, Tom Chambers!!! When we moved to Phoenix-I would finally be able to cheer "with the crowd" and we never went to a Suns game!!

The Bulls game 4 starts in 53 minutes according to my little Bulls fan-so we will be cheering for them to "Sweep The Heat"!! If they win--I will be jumping online to try to get my kids tickets for the next series. They are playing the Pistons--and they don't play well against the Pistons-so we will have to hold off on the "Finals" tickets just yet!

Just Look What My Job Paid For!!

This is my new purchase today! I can't believe I bought the whole thing!! I was going to go for a laptop--but honestly-we've never had a new computer-so I thought--What the heck!! It took a little bit of time this morning to get set up--but by the time the kids got home from school--she was purring like a kitten! I am going to have to get used to the keyboard though. I used to do data entry from home when we lived in Arizona--and you had to go in to the company office to take a typing test before you could be hired and trained in order to work at home. I took the practice tests at home and I passed them all with amazingly good times and 100% accuracy. So I went into the office to take the official test. I passed the Alpha-Numeric test on the first shot-but didn't pass the 10 Key. This was strange to me, because I'm a flipping legend on the 10 key. Since I had passed one of the tests I could come back in two days to take it again. So I went home, and aced every test with incredible numbers. Went back to the company to take the test--and failed the 10 Key AGAIN! I was talking to the lady administering the test afterwards and mentioned that I just didn't get it--I was rockin' at home. So she told me to bring in my keyboard two days later and test on it. So I did, and I rocked! So I do understand the intricacies of having the keyboard that my fingers are used too--and so far today-this keyboard isn't it. But it is a cool keyboard--so I will get used to it!

Another Sick Day!!

MJ is home from school again today. That's twice this week. hmmmmmm, I would worry, except that Monday he stayed home because our power went out and he would have been very late for school anyway. DG was staying home sick-so I gave MJ the offer-and honestly, what 3rd grader would turn down the opportunity to stay home with mom?? Today he has a headache. MJ is a very good student. Straight A's and ZERO problems at school-so what is an absence every once in a while.

I hope he isn't expecting Play Station time today--'cause it ain't happenin'! We are going to go tonight and make a video--so check back later to see our goofiness!

Bulls Playoff Game 2!!

These are the pictures from our evening out with the boys! I have to say--it was worth every penny. We had so much fun, it was such a good game, and it was really cool to see my boys in their element. Throughout the game they did several photo collages of the Bulls of Yesterday. They started with Jerry Sloan--who I knew-because he's been the coach of the Utah Jazz as long as I can remember. After him I was clueless-yet my 7 year old next to me just rolled out with the names of the players. As soon as he would say the name the name would come up on the screen--and he was 100% correct! I was amazed. They got up to the Michael Jordan years-and I knew many more-but as soon as Jordan was gone, I was lost again. But not DG--he kept right on going. We got to the team this year-and again, I knew a couple mainly because of the boys and their interest in the game. We got to see the 6 World Champion Trophies (Golden Globes as they are called!) The boys wanted their picture with the Michael Jordan statue out in front of the United Center. Next time we are in Utah-we are going to have to get the boys picture under the Karl Malone and John Stockton statues. It was fun to be a part of a playoff NBA game.

I've gotten to see many NBA games and many hockey games--but the hockey playoffs (White Out-with the Phoenix Coyotes) and the NBA playoff games have been the most exciting. The Bulls got the original jump ball-but because the ref under threw it, they had to do it again. The Heat got the second jump (just as awful of a toss) and the game started. The Heat took the lead first off of free throws by Shaq-he made them both, in fact the first 5 point for the Heat were made from Shaq and his free throws. After the very beginning the Heat never led again. They tied the score twice at 15 and again 38, but the Bulls who had leads as much as 20 points would take the lead after the tie and steadily climb back to 15 points up. They ended up by 17 or 18, it would have been 20 except for the last second basket by the Heat. I don't know if that was a 2 or a 3 pointer--all I know--the Heat was down by 20 with 2 minutes left when Pat Riley conceded the game and pulled all of his starters. Scott Skiles did the same thing and every starter got a cheer and chant as they were seated to finish the game on the bench.

I went into the game with Ben Gordon and Chris Duhon as my favorites. They are the two we stood in line to see and get autographs. But after watching this game and the first playoff game--I have to say, Nocconi and Deng are my favorites by far!!

GOD Bless America!!

I have to tell you--I was near tears with pride last night. NBA fans are 150% more patriotic than hockey fans. I used to go to hockey games with my husband, and yes the men in the audience would take their caps off (if they remembered)--but absolutely less than 10% of the crowd put their hands on their hearts as they sang the National Anthem. Last night as soon as the flags lit up on the floor and the Naval Officers began their march--cheers began. Hat's were off, hands were on hearts--and people were singing along with the man with the microphone. At all of the fabulous points of the song the entire building would erupt into cheers, and at the end there was a pyro-technics moment. It was amazing! How proud I am to be a citizen of this country. How proud I am of this country. How proud and amazed I am at the amazing spirit of our young men and women who serve or have served in the armed forces to protect our country. They fought, bled and died so that we have every freedom we enjoy. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Elijah Day!!

Katerbug wanted to look really cute for Pre-school today because Elijah is in her class today. So she chose her favorite t-shirt and shorts. I painted her fingernails and toes and french braided her hair. She wanted a little blush and some lip gloss. When she was done she turned to me and asked, "Mom, Do I look stylish?" She's 4! I had no idea about fingernail polish and blush at 4--I can't imagine what I'm in for when she is a teenager!!

The Rest Of The Day!!

Today turned out to be a fun day! The boys both stayed home---MJ late-DG sick. Grayson seemed to be feeling better but took a turn for the worse when I found him fast asleep on his bed in the middle of the day--that is a guarantee that he doesn't feel good. I went after school and picked up all of their homework and they both got it completely finished with no pushing from me! I LOVE days like this!

We had steak sandwiches with Mozza cheese and grilled onions on them--Yummo!! It's MJ favorite dinner, so he was thrilled with the idea. We didn't do dessert tonight--and everyone headed to bed on time. DG seems to be feeling better--but is having a hard time falling asleep because of his nap. So even though he is healthy enough to go to school tomorrow--I'm thinking he may need to sleep in a bit to catch up for his late night!

Oh My Heavens--How Scary!!

Some of you have read a post I put on my Aunt Peggy's blog this past week. I hadn't heard from her in awhile and I was starting to get worried. I knew she was busy getting settled in her new home-so I didn't worry too badly! I guess I should have! Read about her brush with death over on her blog! Oh my heavens! I immediately called my mom to see if she had talked to my Aunt. She hadn't--so I made her. Peggy was still at the doctor so my mom got to talk to my Uncle Mike--and apparently she is doing better--but oh my gosh--how scary!!

Spring Cleaning!!

This morning is "Spring Cleaning" garbage day. It's the one day of the year when you can put anything out on the curb and it will be picked up and taken away. Every year that we've lived here--this has been a huge family event. My in laws have come over to help and we've had a BBQ after it all was finished. This year--not so much. We got all of the trash out--broken chairs and old yard toys that the kids have grown out of--but nothing else. We are looking at moving and after we are out we will be ripping out carpet and we'll need a dumpster--so why not save all of the heavy stuff until we have people to help!

Total Hijack!!

Yesterday I got onto my Aunt Peggy's Blog looking for her. She's literally dropped off of the face of the earth! Turns out after they moved to Arizona-and got their entire house painted and re-carpeted--they headed back to Utah for the summer and had to paint and recarpet their condo there. So they are currently living with their daughter while everything gets finished up at their place! I guess that's why she hasn't been blogging lately!

So I took my snooping one step further! I totally hijacked her blog--and completely tweaked out her template! Guaranteed she won't even recognize the place when she settles back into normal life!! I hope she likes it--if not--I'll move her back to her boring green Blogger template---hee hee hee!!

I'm Awake!!

I find it strange that the mornings when it is hardest to get out of bed--I get the most done! I honestly could not wake up--I would roll over and think, "5 more minutes" and I would fall back into a deep sleep for another hour. Then wake up and do it again--4 hours later--I finally pull myself out of bed! I got the kitchen scoured Roomba and Scooba have both finished their jobs and the dishwasher is running one last time before dinner is ready! The kids helped out with the living space while watching their hockey game! Jake is ecstatic because his Devils beat his little brothers Lightenings! Kind of a funny day!

Bulls Win!! Bulls Win!!

This house is in shock! The Bulls actually won their first playoff game against the Heat. My oldest Jake just didn't think it was possible. We have tickets to the next playoff game next Tuesday-and when the last game of the season ended and the Bulls lost to the New Jersey Nets--my Jake was in tears. He really had wanted the Bulls to win because then we would have played the Nets in the first round. We tried using logic to let him know that we just lost to the Nets--we stand a better chance of beating the Heat. Not to believable with Shaq and Wade--but hey, in my logic--I would much rather go and sit in an arena with Shaq, Wade and Pat Riley--than some of the no names on the Nets. Oh--sorry--Jason "I Beat My Wife Up" Kidd is on the Nets--but I watched him play at Phoenix! I want me a basketball game with some stars!!

This is a picture of Ben Wallace. Center for the Bulls. He made some great plays during the game--but I'm sorry--he just always looks like he rolled out of bed! I HATE his hair!!!!

I Am But A Sheep!

Yep!! Baaaahhhh!! I copy anything I find online that I think is cool! Well, here is another one for you! Stolen from Skeet!! This is a quick list of the 8 blogs that I frequent at least everyday!! It doesn't come with links--but guaranteed you can find all of these links somewhere on my blog!! If you would like to make up your own list--click here!!

There Is Sunshine In My Soul Today!

That's how it is when your best friend is around. You see--I'm totally chatty!! I finish one post--and immediately start a new one on a different subject. I haven't felt like blogging all week, but then mom comes home and the flood gates have opened! She mentioned that on the cruise ship she was able to see a couple of good movies. She doesn't have good health--so I'm glad there were decent movies on for her. She watched Night At The Museum with Ben Stiller and Robin Williams. They are two of my boys favorite actors--throw Jack Black in there and you have a trifecta!! So tonight we are going to have my Pizza Bread, homemade popcorn--and we are going to "hope" that Night At The Museum is on DVD already! We will be heading to the grocery store to check out one of those DVD Rental boxes--who knows--a video may just be made!! Keep your eyes open! After the movie I promised Blake we can make cupcakes again. She loved it last time, and my husband loved the cupcakes--so I think we are up for a repeat!!

The Plan!!

We are really lucky on the possible move this time around. We don't need to sell our home in order to buy the next one. Why is that nice, you ask??? Well, for one--we can have a slow move. Box up what we need everyday and get that moved first. Then when just the heavy stuff is left we can hire a couple of movers for a few hours to get that moved. With a partially paralyzed husband I can guarantee we are going to need them. Then when everything is out we will go in and rip out the carpet--paint the walls--re-lay carpet--and then we will have the kitchen tiled. And then when it is all beautiful--we can look at putting it on the market! So that is the plan! I'm getting excited!!

Life With Barrett!!

You may find yourself asking--Why I put this picture up on the blog-it really is of little significance when there are a ton of cute pictures that would actually merit the placing! Well, this is here--because it so vividly portrays my life with Barrett! He's 2 but is so thrilled with this opportunity to be alive that he lives his life at 150 miles per hour. Tasmanian Devil is the perfect nickname for him--I have the messes to prove it! Barrett was so excited to be on an Easter Egg Hunt--that he literally left his basket in one central location and then would bring the eggs to it. I tried to capture the moment he put the eggs in the basket--but as you can see--he's much quicker than I am. The little blur in the bottom left corner is the "B" man off to find more treasures! The feet in the picture belong to all of us adults who stood there in amazment as this boy ran from egg to basket to egg to basket!! He really is a whiz!!!

Barrett's First Real Hunt!!

I had to wake Barrett up from a dead sleep to get him to Easter dinner on time. So he came in his jammies with his play clothes packed and waiting. Well, when you get to Gramma Jo's house and there are Eggs to find--forget fashion! Barrett did his hunt in his Footie Football Jammies!!

Blakelynn Kate!!

Here is my Blake during her Easter Egg hunt! She looked so pretty in her dress! She wore it all day, even though I had play clothes in case she asked to change. She loved her pretty dress, so on it stayed! We don't do the public Egg Hunts--but Grandpa & Gramma Jo have a private hunt in their yard, & their eggs are the best, they have dollars in them!!

My Boys!

These are my boys! They are 9 and 7 and they can duke it out with the best of 'em-but what is also amazing to me is that they are also the very best of friends. They play together most of the day everyday. They have the same likes and dislikes-and yes, competition does set in-usually ending with the younger one in tears-but as quickly as it starts--it stops and all is forgiven and they are back together whispering and goofing around! This is them at my in laws house on Easter. Everyone was mentioning how even at 9 I still insist on dressing them the same. It was amusing! Jake didn't want to go to Target with us--so he stayed home. At Target we found each boy a new pair of levi's, a t-shirt and a "dress shirt" to layer over the top. Jake's t-shirt fit his personality and sass--It said, "I see your lips moving, but all I hear is Blah-Blah-Blah!!" So totally my Jake! Grayson's t-shirt was the same way for him. The front is a little boy and it reads, "I swear, I have no idea where my little sister is!!" Then as Grayson turns around--the little sister is bound and gagged on the back shoulder. So great--because Grayson really struggles with his little sister. After the t-shirts we got to the dressy over shirt. I had two picked out, one for Grayson and one for Jake--it was Grayson who asked if he could have the same one as Jake--I thought it was sweet--so I let him!

Legs!!

Do you want to hear something crazy? I think one of my legs is shorter than the other! Oh that would explain so much!! Not really like it grew that way--my mom has had to go to a chiropractor quite often to get her "axis" put back in. When it is out--one leg is shorter than the other! I'm wondering if I should get in with said chiropractor and find out what is up.

What makes me think this? Well, I kind of 'galump' when I walk--and there is a bit of pain in my left hip joint. I really don't know if this is what it is--maybe I just slept wrong--but it would explain alot. I do not enjoy walking--I get back pain if I walk too long. I shouldn't say I don't like to walk--I want to buy a treadmill-I love to walk--but I'm in pain when I walk. My mom will take a walk to remove the pain in her back--so me thinks something is up! I will have to let you know!!

Black Day!!

Do you have those days when you just need your mom?? Ok--I have them more often than most--but today has been positively the blackest day in a very long time! Scary Black--and I hate that! Everything is good--everything is fine--everything is perfect--except me! It's as though all of the joy in me somehow got flushed out my toes!! I've been sitting here thinking about finding a new doctor to get onto new anti-depressants because these ones are obviously failing miserably--and then I realized...I haven't talked to my mom in 4 days! Now--that isn't a long time to some--but what is different with me--my spirit seems to be intertwined with hers--and when I don't get that interaction in awhile--the spirit seems to wither and die!! Pretty strange I guess--but that's just me! Honestly--we could win the Lotto--and I'm not sure there would be too much jumping around and whooping and hollering! Yep--I told you it was dark! I think I'm heading to bed and hoping that her cruise ship is in dock tomorrow so she can call me!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Today was my Sweet Daddy's birthday! It's his Diamond Birthday--kind of perfect since he spent his life working in the diamond industry! You've heard me "GUSH" about my dad on this blog before--and I really, really, REALLY want to again on this post--but I'm not feeling my best--and should be heading to bed, so let me just leave him a little note!!

To My Sweet Daddy!!

Happy 75th Birthday to the man who raised me. Fed me. Loved me. Bought my first car. Put braces on my teeth. Worried on my first date. Paid for college. Cried when I went to Japan. Cried when I got home from Japan. Walked me down the aisle at my wedding. Came to the birth of all of my children. Provided a home, a family, a mom to me. Loved me unconditionally.

You are my hero! You are the very essence of what I want my children to become. You are honest, trustworthy, patient, virtuous, faithful, loving, kind--and honestly--best of all--You are MY DAD!!

I love you Dad!! More than you will ever know! You have changed our lives for the better, from the moment you stepped into it. We would truly be nothing without you--and I know that because we were weren't so great before we got you! I'm not sure how we convinced you to take us on--but 27 years of blissful marriage later--I'm so glad you did! It is an honor to call you Dad--and I'm so glad that you found us!

Ok, gushing to be continued at another date!

Chores...Postie Style!!

I have got to tell you!! We are on Spring Break this week--and it's always a hassle to find activities to keep the kids occupied for the week--let alone the nightmare of actually getting them to help me with the housework!! But I devised a plan!!

When they woke up Monday morning there was a huge cork board on the wall. There were white envelopes covering the board. Each envelope had a yellow sticky note attached--and a dollar amount written on them. Inside the envelope--the cold hard cash that was written on the envelope. On the sticky note--the job that must be accomplished in order to remove the money from the envelope. There were the regular $1.00 Ops as well as a couple of "big money" Ops of $5.00 available!

The mission: Each child could only take one "Op" at a time--remove the yellow sticky note to 'reserve' it for themselves, and when they finished the "Op" they could remove the money and choose a second one! I also threw in a few "postie patrol" quick money jobs!! For example--2 minutes to gather all of the shoes strewn about the house and put by the front door--$1.00. All of the video games and DVD's picked up and put in their cabinet in 2 minutes--$1.00, etc!!

I have to say--I had my Jake, who has proclaimed himself "Not the chore type" running around the house earning money! Each child (3) earned $5.00. I got 2 bedrooms cleaned--the living room and family room picked up, the bathroom clean--and the vacuuming done!! For $15.00---I think I made out like a bandit!! We are going to try it again today--although, I don't have much left to do!! I guess it will be $1.00 per load of laundry that gets done!! Wow, with just that--it will be another $15.00 day!!

If you have kids who don't help out--give this "immediate gratification" route a try--it was amazing!! Let me know how it works for you!!

"Keep Moving Forward"!!

Last week, we took the four kids to see Meet The Robinson's. It was the one movie that both of the older boys could agree on. Me--well, I wasn't too sure about it! It's not really my type of movie at all--but as any good mom does--I did what my kids wanted to do! Holy Cow did it take forever for the movie to start! Not a good situation when you have a 2 year old sitting next to you, strapped into his car seat--with a very LIMITED attention span!! He was just about ready to leave by the time the show actually started! I should mention that Blakelynn found the original Mickey Mouse cartoon fantastically fabulous!!

The movie finally started and moved steadily along, until I turned to my husband and said--"What's going on? Who are these people? and Why are we meeting them? Not that they were amusing folks--just highly confusing--how a man married to a hand puppet can have 2 kids--to having just met a family of people who are willing to risk life and limb to save a kid they just met--and a kid rude enough to keep his baseball hat on at the dinner table!! But after time--the story did "slow down" and let me catch up! I pretty much knew who "Louis" was the whole time--and even recognized the old lady makin' cookies--as being the over caffeinated science fair lady--but I was pleasantly surprised at the end to see that they were his parents! Now yes--they adopted him--but like any adopted parent will tell you--they were his parents!!
I thought the ending was cute--much more under control than the beginning--but it wasn't until the screen went black and this quote came up:

“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” - Walt Disney

That I truly got chills. Walt Disney didn't change the world like Louis/Cornelius did--but you have to admit--that man single handedly changed the world!! All in all, it was a great kids movie--my 4 sat contentedly through the entire (and I mean ENTIRE) thing--and even would like to see it again! That's a winner in my book--even if I didn't find it nearly as enjoyable as they did!!

Report Cards--3rd Quarter!!

Today was Report Card day! A day that rivals any holiday--including birthday's and Christmas. You see--we pay for good grades! I'm not ashamed to say it--I have no problem with it--and honestly--you get what you pay for!

We pay $1 per year per A and $.50 per year per B. If it's a plus--you get half of what the dollar amount is.

Grayson is in 1st Grade--so all of his A's are worth $1.00, $1.50 for A+, and $.75 for an A-. Today he brought home 3 A+'s and 1 A...so he made a total of: $5.50 for his report card. He then pays 10% as tithing--10% to his mission fund--10% to his savings--leaving him a whopping $4.00 to add to his birthday money! Man that boy is rolling in it!

Jacob is in third grade--so his A's are worth $3.00! He came out with 2 A+'s, 1 A, and 1 B+. So he's taking me for: $14.25. After his tithing/mission/savings--he's escaping with $10.00.

Some people wouldn't think it's fair--Grayson came out with straight A's but is getting less than Jake--but it's because Jake has so much more homework to do to maintain the same grades that Grayson does.

We started the "paying" for report cards because I am a firm believer that their education is their career. When they are in High School--they are welcome to work summer jobs--but during the school year--you need to concentrate on your studies--and so I need to make up for their lack of income--since I'm the one not letting them have a job! Again--I have no problem with this--when they get to Jr. High the amount doubles--and when they are in High School, it triples! So you have to realize--by the time they get to be Seniors in High School--they will make $36.00 per A--and there will be 8 classes--that is a quarterly possiblility of over $300.00 by the time you throw in the addition of the "plus" and the citizenship grades! Basically, the thought behind it is--if you want to pay for your car insurance, and Prom--you better keep your grades up!!

The lowest grade ever brought home--was Jake's B+ this quarter! I'm very proud of my straight A kids!!

Photo Contest Winner!!

Today someone asked about contest winnings in our history! I have never won much--just not that lucky. I did win the Postie Patrol here in Chicago just before Christmas--but couldn't remember anything before that! But then I remembered, I won a photography contest put on by Better Homes and Gardens. It was for Halloween--and I entered this picture in the contest--although it was the Father's Day gift for my husband. The boys are wearing his chef jackets from work--and Blakelynn is in the pot! Since we had Barrett after this photo was taken--we had to take him in for his own "Chef" picture!!

My New Flowers!!

After taking pictures of the neighborhood the other day--I thought I would spend some time getting our yard in order. I HATE yardwork. Everything about it--dirt is NOT my friend!! But I thought it would be nice to get rid of the weeds in the flower box and plant some Pansies. The Tulips are just starting to peek over the soil--but are completely camouflaged by all of the thick green weeds around them. You can see the flowerpot filled with cement buried--I always see it and wondered why we leave it there--it's obviously trash. Well, today--I went in to take it out-and it's covering a hole. You know-like the one Baby Jessica fell down. So I put it back in place and buried it. I also removed the block under the rain gutter, so that the water could actually exit the spout!



The kids all helped. The boys helped me pull all of the weeds, and then enjoyed digging for bugs. Blakelynn had fun digging the holes for the new flowers. We were filthy--and hungry--but it looks so much nicer now! I put in two Boxelder bushes, and lots of multi colored pansies. There are even 2 new baskets in pedastools on either side of the front steps! It's so much more fun to come home and see them all!