Dead Or Alive!!

On the way home from picking the boys up from school, I was listening to my new radio station and the Dead Or Alive song, You Spin Me Round, came on. You have to understand--this was about as "Goth" as it got back in the mid 80's-and this was one of my most favorite songs ever. My kids weren't big fans, but I cranked that baby up--and it was AWESOME! I love hearing music that just takes you back to when you were younger. I still feel like that gawky teenager dancing to my song--and I'm 36 years old. I still remembered every word, and even most of the arm movements from the video--OH, it was as if time had never passed--I was 15 again--and it was Awesome!

Now I'm just waiting for Frankie Goes To Hollywood's Relax--and I will be a happy woman!!

Homework Delayed!!

Due to the party running a little longer than we planned my boys got home after their bedtime. I knew they had homework and thought that they could get it finished up in the truck on the hour drive to school, but after they went to bed I wanted to double check. Turns out, there was more than I thought. So I set their alarm for 15 minutes earlier than they normally get up. They had no idea it was early--but they got up, sat at the couch and cranked out their homework. I needed to help them with it, and wouldn't have been able to help them had I sent them to school to do it. Grayson got his 16 spelling words written 3 times each, and his address written down--he did wait to draw and color the picture of the house until he was on the road. Jake had vocabulary words for health, and a few spelling sentences. The hardest thing was finding 8 words that normally end in a silent "e" that you drop to add an "ing" to the end. Mind you--I'm pretty good at this whole English language thing--but when you put me on the spot-all I could think of were words like walking and eating--writing and hiding were a little hard to come by at 6 in the morning!

RSVP's!!

I got the first "unable to go" RSVP for the party tonight. It was for one of Grayson's friends--he will be sad, but we will catch the little boy for a goodbye one day this week after school. I did get an RSVP yesterday for the girl that Jake likes as well as one of his friends--so counting my kids,hte neighbors and the RSVP's--we have a whopping total of 8! I'm hoping other kids will just show up at Chuck E. Cheese for the party--if not--I have a really inexpensive evening!!

I have a "to do" list a mile long, so I'm only allowed to be on the computer until noon--and then I HAVE to leave and start getting everything finished. I love busy days--they go so much faster than normal-and I'm trying to race to moving day!

Going Away Party!!

Tomorrow is the going away party for my kids. We have about 15 kids invited, but no one has RSVP'd! I don't mind--I'm all for showing up if you can, but I'm very happy that I opted to just go to Chuck E. Cheese with my coupons rather than booking a party not knowing who all is coming.

We are doing it on a Monday night-so I'm hoping one of the long tables is 'un-reserved', but if not-we will just get 3 booths next to each other. If a group of 15 kids is anything like my kids--they rarely eat at the same time (if at all) so who cares if we aren't all sitting in one long line.

I figure I can get out the door having spent $100 to feed and 'token' all 18 children which is shocking considering the exact same thing for a birthday party this size would have cost $187!! I'm also thinking cupcakes are a ton cheaper than a cake--so now all I need is a memory book to stick the pictures in--and I'm done!!

I Feel Organized!!

My living room is "Moving Central". I spent the morning pulling out everything along the walls and getting it vacuumed, then started placing towers of boxes along each wall. 1 week from today movers will be here and they have 2 hours of loading time--and in order to get them to take all of the heavy stuff and as many boxes as possible--I have to have everything right up close to the door--so the living room is it!! With all that is going on in this one little room--It looks great!!

My How Things Have Changed!!

I just wrote a post about shopping for an apartment online--and how amazing it is that you can do that. Then I realized--I just spent the last 6 months shopping for a home online--and even bought one that I found on a website. How amazing is that?

The internet was very, very new when I was in high school. I remember my little brother would string a phone cord to the computer (I would have to climb over or crawl under it to get to my room) and he would sit for hours. I, however, logged on to his AOL account one day--and I was off in 3 seconds. I was on--but I didn't know what to do once I got there.

How amazing it is to my brain that you can literally find anything and everything online! My 11th grade Chemistry teacher read "Twas The Night Before Christmas" that had been transposed into scientific language. I remember it was so clever and just for the heck of it one day I put the first line of the poem into the search engine. With a search like "Twas the nocturnal segment of the diurnal period" how could I possibly find it. But I did--the entire poem that I heard 20 years ago--and there it was...online! I don't think there is anything that I've gone looking for online that I haven't found.

From getting on the internet for 3 seconds and logging off 20 years ago--to buying a house online--My how things have changed!!

Shopping For An Apartment, Online!!

I have a dear friend going through the "Big D". I've told her for 18 months that she needed to do this--she's married to a complete and total 'cheating jerk'!! But a break up of a marriage is not something to enter in lightly and I don't blame her at all for not getting things started right away. Her main concern right now is trying to move out of the 'family home' and get herself and her children an apartment so that they can start the school year at the school where they will be finishing the year at. But due to her dork husband dragging his feet and playing the Control game--she's stuck at home, with him and her kids are starting school at the same school as last year, but a different school than they will be in post Christmas. So I've been looking around trying to find things that will help her get out and on her own without breaking her financially.

Roomster.net looks to be a promising start for her. This is a site that completely lets you customize what you want to see. You can look for rooms to rent, roommates and even apartments. With 2 kids she's going to want her own apartment, and she wants to stay near family--so I put in a search for 2 bedroom apartments within 10 miles of her family, with a maximum rent of $1300 per month. Now mind you, we live in the Chicago area, and $1300 per month is pretty low on the rent scale--but I got 25 hits! There are even pictures you can browse through to see if you are even interested in driving out to see the place.

She may want to pull her search in to a 5 mile radius, but I'm just amazed you can do that!

Outdoor What??

As much fun as I'm having working on getting the inside of the new house up to par--my husband is having in the garage and back yard. He's a chef--so you have to understand he wants an outdoor kitchen as well! I don't blame him--they are amazing, but honestly--the man is a work-a-holic and I can handle the outdoor temperatures only after 7 pm--so I'm not sure when we would use it. His reply--"We don't have to use it, I just want one." I guess we could have guests over and entertain back there--but it's just cute how the man can't have enough kitchens--and one is too many for me!

Nowhere To Put Them!

We have two computers and there is nowhere in the new house to put them. The new one for me needs to be somewhere central to the rooms that the family occupy most of the day. The family room, the kitchen and even the back yard. The other computer will probably end up in the master bedroom--for sheer lack of a place to put it.

Currently my computer is on a bakers rack in my living room here--and could stay that way in the new house, but I would rather look for office furniture. A nice new desk that can hide some of the paper mess associated with a computer area. Well, my biggest mess is made up of empty soda cans--but still--in the kitchen that would be bad! I want to find a something nice, as it's very nearly what you will see walking in my front door. Of course, I haven't broken this news to my husband yet--he may not like the whole "computer in the kitchen" concept!!

New Schedule...New Books!!

With the kids going back to school we sat down and worked up their new schedule. They have to get up super early this week and next in order to commute to school--but starting the Tuesday after Labor Day they will actually be in their new home and able to take the bus. This is still earlier than last year but not nearly as early as they have to get up now.

So we are going to wait to get in the new house to begin our new "Evening Routine". That is---7:00 p.m. showers, teeth brushed, jammies and a 5 minute tidy of their bedroom--then--it's pile into bed with mom time to read books. We are going to start with a book that Aunt Sherri mentioned when they were visiting. It's a nice long chapter book--something the kids can look forward too at the end of the day.

After 10 or 15 minutes of reading--it's off to bed, by 8:00 p.m. My kids are still not happy with the 8 o'clock bedtime--but I'm hoping the warm shower and reading before hand gets them to change their mind! We'll see!!

They Are Up!!!

I spent this evening working with my little brother to get two domains up and running. One for me and one for my sister. To pass out a little link love--my site is Scale Hoppers and it is the .com for my current--yet totally neglected Scale Hopper Blogspot blog! It will hopefully have the same look---cause I love my little Froggy! Then the second one is for my sister and it is Kater-Bug Blue. I guess I technically own them both because they are under my name and under my host--but she totally paid--so I will have to call it hers!! There is nothing on them yet--new theme and posts coming later this week!! But in a day or two--check 'em out--they should be up and running!

The Wiggles Concert!!

My camera is in the car--so I will have to download the pictures tomorrow, but today was The Wiggles concert. Now I know--I'm 36 years old--and in my life I have been to a Sheena Easton concert, a U2 concert, Howard Jones concert and some freezing cold rainy concert at Park West that I can't think of at the moment (must not have been that good)!!

But in the past 10 years I have been to three Wiggles concerts. I thoroughly enjoyed them all--except for todays. No, it had nothing to do with the new Yellow Wiggle Sam--I went fully expecting to see him--and he did great. I was the most disappointed with the entire "ballet" theme. Way too heavy on the ballet. Plus, what was up with all of the nursery rhymes? I can get my child's preschool teacher to sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider for a whole lot less than $35 per ticket! I came to see my little 2 year old dance and sing along to the songs he knows.

Ok--THAT is a bold faced lie!! I came to see Anthony (Blue Wiggle) Field! YUMMY YUMMY! I've gone to all three Wiggle concerts to see him. Imagine my shock and horror when we get to the first one to find his understudy in his place because he was sick!! Soooooo NOT cool! But Murray stopped by to talk to Grayson--so I think that more than made up for it!

Yes, I know--Anthony is married with three kids--that's Ok--I'm married with 4! I really don't want anything like "that" from Anthony--I just want to take him home and stand him in the corner looking all "Hot Tamale"--and singing to me! Yeah--I'm good! Not sure what the hubby would think--but I can tell you Grayson and Barrett would LOVE it!

Ok--so enough about my daydreams---My husband took a photo of the "tot appropriate" pyrotechnics around The Wiggle's sign and made it his wallpaper on his cell phone. It made me laugh! His whole life he has been a heavy metal fan--in fact after we were married he got two tickets to Metalica when they came to Utah--he took a friend, cause I wouldn't have enjoyed it! So here is my sweetheart walking around with the Wiggles on his phone.

From Metalica to the Wiggles---we are SO getting OLD!

It's Back!!

This evening we are supposed to join my in laws at their churches fundraising "Trifesta". My husband and his brother are working a booth for the restaurant--so it will be nice to see him, but it is supposed to be a rainy evening--not that my kids care--carnival rides are the most important thing--rain just adds to the fun! So I really should be getting everyone together--yet here I sit! It's been a down day--I would like to blame it on the rain--but honestly--I think a depression is setting in. I really should get medicated--but I just hate it, so I sit in a bit of a stupor! Not too fun--but totally avoidable--so no pity here!! I think it's been coming on for a week or so, and I've felt it--I was just hoping that I would be strong enough to fight it on my own. But of course, you actually have to understand something to control it--and I don't understand depression at all--so I don't stand a chance! So much is good right now--well, let me re-phrase that--99.9% of everything is going perfectly--but I can't seem to see it. All I can see is the Scoliosis and the chaotic mess that my house is--all the work left to finish--all the money that will need to be spent to fix this house up to sell--I guess it's just a "glass half empty" kind of day! I hate those!

Vote For Me!!!! PLEASE!!

Yep, I'm back!! Begging for some Vote Love!! My little card has fallen from the Top 10 list--and it's sinking quick! If you haven't voted for today--and would love to help a blogger out--just click on my little card down below and vote!

Moving Companies!!

I have to tell you something amazing!! We have been on the phone with Moving Companies all morning--and something that I thought would be minimal help and maximum cost--is turning out to be quite the opposite. I originally was only going to call for two movers to come in after we were all out and get the heavy things. The treadmill, the piano, the armoire--you get the picture. I assumed it would be pretty expensive--but I have no way to get these things out of this house and into the new one--especially the chest freezer on the back porch.

I'm very surprised! We are getting a four man crew for 6 hours for $700! I'm sorry--but in six hours they can take all of the furniture and some of the boxes too! I'm just amazed--and honestly...really excited now too!!

Boxes!!

It feels so funny to be excited about boxes! Nothing fabulous, empty boxes!! My husband is a Chef--and the best time that this comes in handy...well, when does having a Chef for a husband NOT come in handy, eh??? Well, today was delivery day at the restaurant. I reminded him to call and tell his crew not to break down the boxes--I wanted all of them. His restaurant has the coolest boxes.

Did you know Milk is delivered in crate sized boxes? The perfect size for ANYTHING! They are too small to over-pack--so even full they aren't heavy, then they have handles on the sides, and since they normally carry 4 gallons of milk--they are very durable!

Then, you know those styro-foam take out boxes--they come in one huge box--perfect for toys and kitchen gadgets and STUFF!!

But the coolest thing we picked up tonight--the wine boxes! They have those cool dividers to keep my colored bottle collection from breaking--as well as every glass in the house!

All in all--I got about 40 boxes of all sizes--and tomorrow--I can't wait to wake up and start packing something!!

Peter Cetera!!

Peter Cetera from the band Chicago was the featured singer of the "7th Inning Stretch" at the Cubs game today against the Reds. It was kind of nice to see him, but holy cow--he's all grown up!! He now tours with different Symphonies across the country--and he looked really good. He is in town taking his daughter to see High School Musical before she goes back to school in Nashville.

It was kind of a fun "Where Are They Now" kind of a moment! Last I heard he was dating Jane Seymour--but since I knew she had married someone else and had twins--I knew they must have broken up!

Either way--it's kind of a fun catch up for someone that I used to watch when I was a teenager.

Budgeting--Again!!

I'm getting a little worried. In our ten years of marriage we have had some hard times financially. Right after we got married and bought our first home, my husband took a job transfer to Arizona. My son and I stayed in Utah to sell our home--which we did--4 times! Unfortunately, all but the last one fell through. We were finally able to sell our home after 7 months--but during that time we struggled to pay our mortgage as well as the rent on his apartment in Phoenix. It was rough!

So we sold our home, and bought a new one in Arizona--all was well, except that in the hopitality industry in Phoenix everything shuts down in the summer (honestly, it would be cooler to plan your party on the sun than in sweltering Arizona!). But then business boomed in the winter. So during the winter with all of his overtime we had not only a mortgage payment in each paycheck--but nearly half left over after the mortgage was paid. But then we'd hit the summer, and my husband would take all of his vacation time--just to get paid. Then, he took a job promotion where they left him at the same dollar amount, but put him on salary. This now meant that we had the same paycheck year-round, but one paycheck couldn't cover the mortgage amount. So we get the mortgage paid, but with no overtime--there wasn't any money for the rest of the bills. It was awful!

So then, we move here--and we live rent and mortgage free for the past 5 years, and had gotten quite used to the fact that we didn't need a budget--until my husband was injured on the job. 1 year he was unemployed with scant income coming in. Yep--we were right back in the financial pit! It's been 3 years since then, and we are doing well again--no need for a budget--until now! In two weeks we are moving into a home that does have a mortgage payment--a really, really big mortgage payment--and all of the stress I felt during the hard times is welling up in my stomach again. We are in a different place financially with this new house, but I definitely need to sit down and figure out a working budget. And if there is a budgeting software that can help me stay on track--I want it! I NEED it!!

For any of you readers out there--how do you find ways to save money and still enjoy the extras like Tivo and DSL--I'm not willing to give those up!! I guess I just need to sit down and crunch the numbers!!

Rant!! But Just A Small One!!

Ok--all of you folks out there who would like traffic to your blogs--let me tell you the best way to lose it! Put up a joke post that ties up someones computer for hours on end! I was in reading some of my favorite blogs while I waited for the "Big Money" to drop--click one button--and my computer is toast! So I am a little ticked, but just turn off my computer--and restart it! Well, in the 2 minutes it takes to do that...the "Big Money" drops!! So I miss it! So now I'm not just a little ticked--I'm on full Terror Alert Red Ticked!! I'm happy to play along---I'm happy to to find funny things--but when you mess with my bottom line---Then I get mad!!

Let me just say...I won't be visiting that blog--ever again...and the link has been removed from my blog! Buh-BYE!!

The Bus!!

I went early yesterday afternoon to register my boys for their new school. They start on the 22nd, and it was kind of exciting! First off--I have to say--it was the smoothest registration I've ever been through. Tables set up in stations throughout the schools multi-purpose room--when finished up with everything, you go into the library for 'online' registration, after that--it's off to the office to sign the last few documents. It took about an hour, but went so smoothly.

Station 4 was about riding the bus. The district web page mentioned that if you life 1.5 miles from school, your kids would be bused. I knew we don't even live a mile from school, but they cross a terribly busy road, and there are no sidewalks once you cross that road. So with a hopeful curiosity--I stopped to check if my kids qualify.

Now when you are a "new" student--you just feel stupid--I know nothing of the way they do things--I don't know what questions they are going to ask--I know nothing of what forms they nned. I generally try to downplay my stupidity with a quick-"I'm new, and I have no idea what you need!" The bus lady laughed and showed me a bunch of papers and asked if any of these streets sounded familiar--yes...as a matter of fact one did. So I found out that my kids bus stop is on the corner of street A and street B--and that corner--just so happens to be owned (as of the 31st of August) by ME!! Yep, our corner--20 feet from my front door--is the bus stop!

School there starts at 8--which is the exact time my kids have gotten up to be at school here--in the new house-the bus leaves at 7:41 a.m.! Oh, my poor kids!

Going Away Party Plans!!

Well, after much planning and burning up the calculator--we've decided that it is cheaper to take the farewell party to the Chuck-Master-C! I was even looking into booking a party for 15 kids--and you know what--with their coupons--I can save about $100-so I'm game for that! We will get plenty of pizza and drinks--and tokens--the only thing different--we won't have Chuck-E there to sing to the kids--and we may have 3 different booths instead of a long birthday table. But if 15 kids in three different age groups are anything like my 3 kids--they never sit down at the same time to eat-so even that won't be a big deal. Instead of bringing gifts-we've asked that they each bring a picture of themselves for my kids Memory Books. Plus there will be tons of camera's around to capture every moment. Can you tell I feel terribly guilty about moving my kids to a new school?

Wojciech Nykaza

In my last post I talked about a wedding picture that nearly brought me to tears. This is it:

This is Helen Storc/Sztorc/Stortz and Wojciech Nykaza. His name is pronounced Voe-Check. They are both from Poland, Helen from Kozia Wola and Wojciech from Lasik. I had never heard of either one of these people until nearly 3 years ago. I had begun a search for a missing family child. No one knew anything about this child, and I was determined to find him. To my amazement, I did find him, and when I got to talking to the cemetery manager he pulled up the record and said that he was buried in the same plot as another child name Kopiech. So there began my search, and Kopiech the child turned into Wojciech the man--but not just any man--my children's Great-Great Grandfather--who nobody knew because he died when his children were really young.

So three years--3500 family tree names--and countless hours in the dark looking at microfilmed records in Latin from Polish parishes--I finally get to see what this man looks like--and he truly looks like my oldest and my youngest--and I find that tremendously fabulous!!

Abstract Emotions!! Part II

I'm on top of the world today! Joyful! I had a family reunion to go to on my husbands side, and I have been working for 3 years on his family history. I have names and dates for so many of his relatives and distant-distant relatives, but other than his immediate family up to his grandfather-I don't know what any of these people that I've been working with look like. Tonight at the reunion, someone brought out a plaque and up at the top 2 inches by 2 inches was a wedding picture of this man and this woman. They were hard to see, but I was amazed that I was seeing them. At the end of the night I asked her to make a copy of this plaque for me--as it's the only picture I'd ever see with this man in it.

A few minutes later she tapped me on the shoulder and said, "This picture?" There this picture was 16 x 20. I could see every dimension of this couple--and this man Wojiech Nykaza that died in 1929 stood before me--and you know what...he was as handsome as I'd imagined him! Of course he was, my oldest and my youngest look just like him! I got chills and a little teary as I looked into the face of this man that I have searched for--and his wife, whose family line I can take back to 1775 in Kozia Wola, Poland! It was a GREAT day!!

If you want to take part in this fun, new Meme--Our Abstract Emotions - Edition 2, head on over to Eve's blog!!

Sports Stars!!

How do you talk a 9 year old boy into sharing a room with his 7 year old brother? Well, you offer them a "Sports Memorabilia" room. We have a couple of amazing sporting pieces, some rare bobble-heads, sports posters, huge bats and a basketball autographed by Bulls players. I can't divide the sporting goods--so if they want a Sports room--they have to share. My boys get along great and really are each others best friend. They do have slightly different tastes--Jake's favorite basketball team is the Chicago Bulls, Grayson's favorite team is the Philadelphia 76'ers. Jake loves Air Jordan shoes, Grayson loves Starbury shoes. But honestly-I think it all really boils down to what dad loves--and that is all things Chicago!!

Going Away Party!!

One of the major things on my To Do list today is to finalize the plans for the Going Away party for my kids. We are hoping to have it the Saturday after they start school--which is the Saturday before their friends here start school. We are going bowling (If I can get it planned!!) or possibly Glow In The Dark Mini Golf--yes, I have it all planned--can you tell? I need to finalize it today so I can get invitations out today. The other little problem I'm facing is that both of these places offer free birthday invitations, and as nice as that is--it isn't any of my kid's birthdays! So I have to come up with an invitation of my own--also needing to be done today or tomorrow! I guess I should get busy!

Staying Cool!!

I am a person that can't stand the heat. It melts me! When we lived in Arizona we had an air conditioner that liked to choose when it would work and when it wouldn't. We learned to rely on fans in every room. It wasn't too hard because we had ceiling fans in every room. When we moved in there was an ugly one in the living room. I went out and purchased one that I thought as really pretty--and I even hung and wired it myself! Yep, I used to be pretty handy!

In this house we have 2 ceiling fans--one in the living room and one in the kitchen, but the new house has them in every room again. I've just learned that I have to have air that moves around me--nothing is hotter than stagnant air!

Last Day!!

Today is the last day of camp. That means that my kids will be home all next week, and two days the next week. Then school starts. I can't believe that the summer is over--it feels like it just started. It's been a good summer, tons of things have changed! We are moving--new house, new ward, new school, new everything. It still seems like it's forever off-but it really is only 3 weeks! We will spend the next week packing--and getting the final supplies needed for the school year as well as registering them in their new school. It's an exciting time--but sad at the same time! My kids have roots here--but they will be far happier with a bit more room in their lives--so it will be good!

Baha'i Temple!!

Today we dropped off our mortgage papers downtown, and took a little detour! It's going to be hard moving so far from downtown. We are only 10 miles from city center here, and we are moving an hour Northwest of here.

I first found this beautiful building right after we moved here 5 years ago--but had never been back since. I stumbled upon it today, and had to stop for a photo op!

Blakelynn thinks it looks like a wedding cake--I think she's right! Someday, maybe we'll go in!

The Chiropractor!!

Well, I found out today that I am a SMART mom! I've been worried about my 9 year old's development for the past few months, but I've put it off forever. Last week I noticed his right leg is shorter than his left leg by 1 inch. So I bit the bullet and made him an appointment with a Chiropractor.

That appointment was today, and it turns out--it's far more than just his leg! Every joint up and down his body is off. For some reason he's growing in wrong--and the left side is higher than the right. I'm not sure what the prognosis will end up being. We have his follow-up appointment next Tuesday, he's going to send the x-rays to a specialist just in case Jake needs a little bit more care. I'm hoping it isn't anything horrible. Just an adjustment or two, but I've got scoliosis running through my brain--and it's hard to get that out!

I'm hoping when we get him all worked out, he will get to be a normal little kid again. As it is, he hates to run--lots of activities are not fun for him, and if heare pain or discomfort--who can blame him? So I'm hoping once he's finished--he'll love basketball again!

Emergency Preparedness Made Easy!!

I am a worry wart. I always have been, but it's gotten much worse since I had kids. There are times when life is going so well, that you know something bad is going to happen. We haven't hit anything really terrible yet--like losing everything in a natural disaster, but a work injury was pretty bad.

I've been watching the mine disaster in Utah, and although no one I know was affected--it's got me thinking, what if something bad did happen. Whether it was the death of my husband or natural disasters that wipe us out completely. Would I know where all of our information is? Insurance policies, bank account numbers, identity certificates, medical information? There is a ton of "STUFF" that we deal with day to day--but if my house was destroyed by fire--all of my documentation would be gone.

When we lived in Arizona, I had an insurance program that held a lot of that kind of information. At the time I mainly used it to keep my kids up to date on their immunizations--but now that we are buying a house, I really am thinking it's time to look into AxcessPoints.com. It works almost like an online safe deposit box, where you can upload all of your documents that you will need in time of disaster. Then it is retrievable from any computer available. On top of that, there is also an Emergency Toolkit. It's an interactive calculator that lets families customize their own personalized emergency preparedness kit with the right level of supplies and other necessary items that their family (including pets) will need.

While I'm packing to move-I think I will set aside one box for just paperwork and documentation. That way, when we are finally settled in the new house, I can just take my box and get everything uploaded. I think this is a great site for everyone. Especially after the recent disasters we've seen not only in our country but around the world. As the saying goes, "If you are prepared, you shall not fear!!"

Everything Costs Money!!

I sat down and made a list of the home furnishings that I would like. Even if I do shop at the Hotel Liquidation store for major bargains, I'm not sure I can afford it all just yet! Some pieces like the living room furniture I will need pretty quick, but others like my King George and the home theater seating may have to wait for a couple of paychecks! I think the ride on lawn mower can wait until next spring--since we only have a month or two where we will need to cut the lawn before winter sets in--so maybe the boys can get their dressers now!!

Oh the joys of moving! I wish you could move into a beautiful new house--and magically have all of the beautiful home furnishings you need for free!!

My Fish!!

One of the most exciting parts of our weekend North was to watch my two littlest become fish. Now I have to say, they swim every weekend at their grandparents house, so they have been "Fish" for awhile. But up in Jellystone they actually gained some confidence and were even a little brave. We are having a hard time keeping Blakelynn above water--she loves to swim under it--like a 'mermaid' according to her. With Barrett it was just fun to see him out exploring the pool, and laying on his tummy in the water--This is his last year with the floaty suit--next year it's just floaties like Blake has.

The World Series Champs Are Following Us!!

It's the last half of the baseball season, and for a quick heartbeat over the weekend--the Cubbies were in first place-and tied for the wild card. Totally cool--although we seem to get just close enough to the playoffs without actually making it. The year they finally made it to the playoffs we were lucky to score 4 tickets at box office prices and then turn that into an auction sale for close to $700! It was amazing, and I'm praying the Cubs do it again this year--cause mommas got a mortgage now!

We have been amazingly lucky when it comes to the baseball world. We lived in Phoenix and I was (still am) a HUGE Arizona Diamondback fan the year they won the world series. I was excited at the prospect of going downtown for the parade, but due to other obligations, I was relegated to my couch at home. The opportunity for a victory parade followed us once again after our move to Chicago. The White Sox won the World Series shortly after we moved here, and then the Bears made it to the Super Bowl just last year.

My dream of being in the thick of the action of a victory parade are thus far un-experienced--but I'm young--and at this rate--we may have a great playoff season coming up in baseball-and the Bears are looking stronger than ever! Now I just need to find me some tickets!!

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde!!

Today has been a rough day with my 9 year old. I love him dearly, but he has this attitude problem that resurfaces every so often. He literally changes into Mr. Hyde--and there is no warning. Today at the zoo it popped up in regards to the fact that he wasn't going to get to ride the paddle boats. Had there been things around he would have thrown them. But also during these moments, he's very sassy and rude and obstinate--and it's horrid. Usually I attribute it to low blood sugar, and so today we headed off to lunch in the cafeteria.

Well, tonight it happened again. He kicked his little sister pretty hard and for no reason. So I took the opportunity to go to dinner with us away, with no chance to earn it back. You know, trying the opposite of what didn't work at the zoo.

Well, he was hyperventilating and in tears and it was awful. So it was finally agreed that he could come to dinner with us, but he would not be eating. Yes, I'm sure our waitress thought we were horrible parents--but that is what we did. He begged nearly all of dinner. Not so much vocally, but through his heavy sighs and lingering stares. It was pathetic--but when we got home he went in and made himself some dinner.

I'm not saying things will immediately change--but this type of behavior has to stop--and if I have to be the worlds worst mother to get it to change--I will do it!

My New Goal Program!!

If you've been reading this blog over the past month--you've probably realized that I have a TON of things to get started on doing. First, there is the big thing---called moving. How can one person not be motivated enough to start packing to move to a new home? That one isn't my big worry, as it will happen--but then what happens to everything else from my day?

I've always been a goal setter-I just rarely see the accomplishment of said goal. It just sort of gets lost in the day to day shuffle of mom-hood. Currently there are about 4 different schedules running through my head, none of which have been taken out of my head and put down on something tangible. If it isn't tangible, how can I be held to it, right?

Well, now there is GoalEnforcer. This is a visual goal planning software that can help ME make my plan, get focused and accomplish (for the first time) all of my goals. You can easily set and rearrange the plan by dragging and dropping virtual objects--and can color code, print progress charts and status reports. The calendar will remind you of important due dates. Can you imagine how great this would be for home projects, school assignments all things a busy stay at home mom needs? Ok, so it's far bigger than just little old me! Business managers--working moms and dads--of course, no one is more on top of goals and scheduling than a working mom--but truly---I can't think of one person that couldn't be helped by this!

I plan on looking into this innovative new program, and getting it setup and started just as soon as possible!

Bless The Realtor!!

We are slowly but surely inching closer to our closing date! We got all of our loan documents from the mortgage company-but they just looked wrong. They have us down for a one year loan, with a balloon payment due on the 13th month. What?? That is nuts? Yes, we wanted to re-finance within a year, but still--where is the normal mortgage stuff? The APR was slightly off, the taxes and insurance were wrong...it was just really crazy to me.

My husband sat down with our realtor, and surprisingly he was able to explain everything just perfectly. I'm still not thrilled about the balloon payment, and I really don't get the .4% added to the interest rate--but everything seems to be in order. So with everything still a go--we should be closing in 3 short weeks!!

Prepare To Be Amazed!!

I just watched the most amazing thing ever--and I wanted to share it. I found it over at Link The Planet and it's one of those moments that make my head hurt trying to figure out how they did that!

Enjoy!

But He's Only 9!!

I made an appointment for my son Jake with a chiropractor today. I know, he seems really young for it-but in our family we have a problem of having our 'atlas' out. That's the top vertebrae in your neck. When it is out--one leg is shorter than the other. I've noticed that Jake sort of "galumps" along when he walks -- or shuffles his feet, and I'm constantly asking him to pick up his feet. I always considered it more of a laziness thing rather than a sign that something was really misaligned. Then the other day I was putting away his shoes and his sandals are wedged. They are worn out so badly on the outside of his left shoe--yet the tread is fully intact and near new on the inside of his left shoe. I remembered my mother had this problem when she was younger so I called her to find out what caused it. One of her legs was longer than the other.

Well, that made me remember that she's been going to the Chiropractor the last couple of years to get her Atlas put in and it makes both of her legs normal. Sooooooooo, I did the test! You lay on your back--give your body a little 'alignment' shake, and then you pull your feet in toward your body with your knees up. Then someone looks at your feet to see if they are aligned correctly. Well, Jake's feet were off by 1 inch--which is HUGE! I did it to myself and my feet are off by about half of that. So I called today to get him in with the Chiropractor next week to get his x-rays done to see if it really is his atlas.

Now rest assured they don't pop and jerk you to get the atlas in--apparently it's a little clicky gun type of thing that just pokes you ever so slightly to turn that vertebrae-my husband is against anything with the term chiropractic around it--so we aren't going to mention this just yet! Of course, his thoughts of Chiropractors are the popping and jerking--so I really don't blame him. There is no way I would let this Chiropractor pop and jerk my 9 year old!!

I just really have so many hopes for him once we get this taken care of. He doesn't enjoy running or too much walking even--I'm suffering from the same kind of thing with my legs-and I don't want to walk or run either. I'm hoping when we get his legs fixed--he'll be able to be a kid again! Here's to hoping!!

They Popped!!

I have to tell you...Today after over a week of waiting--my ears finally popped! It has been the weirdest sensation because once they pop, they sound like rushing water at first, then I sound like I'm speaking into a microphone. Very cool karaoke with the radio! Then they plugged back up, and I suffer with the feelings of having just about drowned in the swimming pool--then a little later they start to pop all over again.

Due to all of the funky noise in my head--it feels as though it's about to burst--I'll be sleeping with the heating pad wrapped around my head--I'm hoping this stuff is really on the way out-because it's starting to drive me batty!!

I Can't Believe I Actually Went!!

I'm trying to get back into my "Blog Groove"! I've been sick for the past several weeks, as well as all of the crazy stuff that goes on with life in the summer. Four kids home all day, buying a house, vacationing--you name it--it all happened during the month of July! So I'm going to work really hard to get back into it all!

Finally, after 3 weeks of being sick--and a week of being deaf in my right ear and a day of being deaf in both--I finally went into the urgent care center. Turns out--I have Bronchitis! Both of my ear drums are sucked in (yeah, I could have told you that!!) So I left with a prescription for an antibiotic and a nasal spray.

The doctor gave me a nasal spray with a steroid in it, and then told me that it won't work as quickly as over the counter Afrin, but my nose won't get addicted to it. Now I'm sorry--did I mention I've been deaf for a week? If there is something to get this cleared up fast--I'm going to use it! Afrin here I come!

After using the steroid spray, 2 hours later in the grocery store--I finally got my right ear to pop. It was awesome--except that instead of the congested fuzz I'd been hearing for a week--I heard the sound of rushing water. It didn't last. Soon both ears were funky and it literally sounded like I was speaking through a microphone. And now...I'm deaf again! I will try the Afrin again before I go to bed--and hope to get this ear thing cleared up.

My Morning Protein Drink!!

Every morning I start my day with a powdered protein drink. I mix mine with yogurt and frozen berries, and even though I'm not a huge fan of the powder flavor-I have managed to camouflage the flavor better than most. I really can feel the difference in my day if I make my drink and if I don't. There are many different flavors and brands in these powders and a new one out claiming to be muscle milk. I would be interested in finding what other benefits this powder may offer. Since I'm working to lose weight and gain energy--Muscle Milk may be just what I need! If it is something more than just protein powder-I really wouldn't want to give it to my kids, I'm not sure what hormones or enzymes they might use in them--but for me...I'm game for anything!

Without Further Ado!!

After the trauma of last Friday afternoon, I have been terribly remiss in my promise to acknowledge all of my recent voters with some "Link Love"! Google-bots are coming--so in an effort to get them up in time for the update--I'm going to be sure to get the links in first! Then, after they are on all blogs--I will try to make it back for your write up--because that is the fun part!!

Head In Knots
Mad Doll Doctor
Romperz
Geeky Housewife
A Little Bit Of Everything
Ambitious
Konk.TV
Investing Adventures
BeccA's Buzz
Key West Or Bust
Eternal Flux
CyberPartyGal

I will try to get back and get the write up written--but if anyone else would like the share in the "Link Love" just click on the card below and vote!! Once a day----that's all we ask!! ;)

A Quick Update!!

It's been nearly a week, and I'm feeling a little better after having put our puppy down. There are still some really bad moments here and there, but I think that is to be expected. Brownie is still not happy with me. I have actually gotten a few kisses from her over the past few days--but for the most part, she's still ignoring me.

We are not looking at new puppies right now--but I have decided (I don't know why) our next puppy will be named "Chutney". I guess I have this thing about naming dogs after food. Brownie, Beans, and Chutney. Mojo is still Grayson's favorite name--so we will have to see.

Our house passed it's inspection with flying colors, and according to the home inspector guy...we are getting one beautiful home. Yeah, I knew that! But it's nice to hear. There are a couple of issues with front pavers and back pavers--a couple are settling while the others aren't. The attorney is bringing it up to the sellers, but honestly if they don't do anything about it--I'll go lift the settling ones out and add a bit of dirt under them to level them off. The front set are in the flower garden, and I probably won't even be out in the flower garden until "bulb" season.

As for the flower garden, I have mapped out the arrangements I want. Using only those flowers that are indigenous to Illinois, and sprinkling the colors and months of bloom throughout, I can have flowers in bloom from early March through the end of October. Plus, since they indigenous to this area--they should require minimum amounts of labor from me! Yeah, I know--I sound like a pro! Soooo totally not--but with a semi-shaded yard, it will be easier for me to stand the heat of being outdoors more than usual.

I guess that is about it! I've started packing. We are still kind of far out, so I'm kind of in a quandary about what exactly to pack! We get home from Wisconsin right at our 30 day mark--and then my schedules, lists and calendars kick in! I can't wait!!

Text Me!! Text Me!!

Over the weekend we were over at my in laws house--and I ran to the store with my niece to pick up some supplies for dinner. I was amazed as I drove with this young woman--she was text messaging while she drove. Now--I am basically pretty inept when it comes to that type of thing. I've sent a couple of text messages-I've received a couple of text messages-but to live in a world of 'texting'? I just don't get it!

Apparently everything is text messaged to her. I didn't know this, but there are sites where you can Get alerts to your cell phone now! Texts about anything! Stock quotes, job postings, Craigslist--anything you need or want to stay up with everything around you during your day! What makes this site even better--it's totally free!

I'm going to have to check into it and see if there is anything available to keep this 'old broad' ahead of the game!!

I'm Finished!!

I told you I was going to be gone for two days! I was finishing my new Harry Potter book. I purchased it on Saturday--and a mere 36 hours later--I said my final goodbyes to the "Boy Who Lived". I had originally planned to read one chapter a day--you know, extend the process--but honestly--is there a "Potter-head" among us who can truly read just one chapter??

I found the book to be slightly predictable at times, gripping, exciting and all around a great read. I however, did not like the very last "chapter" (epilogue)--lame, lame, lame!! Not to worry--there will be no spoilers in this post--but lame all the same!

I would like to point out that ALL of my predictions about the final book were true! Vindication, 7th Horcrux, the Victor--and I must say--I got all of my Dead People wrong!! I think Jo mentioned that only 2 main characters die--HA!! Not according to my count! I guess her definition of "Main" is slightly different than mine!

All in all--I'm going to miss the Boy Wizard and honestly--just looking forward to a good book to read.

Can Anyone Tell Me...

Yesterday I had to take our dog Bear in to be put down. It was a very hard decision that even 24 hours later--I'm regretting. Here's my problem...We had two dogs, Bear and Brownie. Bear was 3 when we brought Brownie home as a puppy, and she grew up with him as a constant companion. Yesterday she was asleep in the playroom and I told her to go say goodbye to Bear Bear--which amazingly enough--she did. Shortly thereafter I took Bear to the vet. When I came home Brownie was very different! She didn't greet me at the door, she just lay on my bed. So I went to greet her and get some comfort "lovin' on her". As soon as I was finished petting and snuggling her-she jumped down and went back to lay down in the toy room. She never came back out to greet me. We left to a Harry Potter party for a few hours and again, there was no greeting when we got home--for me. The kids got the tail wagging and interest, but she turned back around when she saw me and headed back to the toy room. When my husband came home, she was thrilled. Jumping up on him, tail wagging--the normal Brownie. Last night she snuggled up next to him (usually it's me) and this morning I went into the kids room where she was, and sat down on the bed--she hopped down and went and laid at the door with her back to me!

So here is my question...

Has anyone had this happen to them? She's obviously not happy with me at the moment, probably lonely---but holy cow--she's literally showing signs that she's very aware of what I did, and she's mad at me! But she's a dog--is this possible? According to the Dog Whisperer--Caesar says they live in the moment without too much thought of the past--I'm not so sure at this moment in time. I've decided to give her her space until she wants to be friends again--but now it's like I've lost two dogs instead of just the one that I really am mourning over!!

Bear!!

This is my Bear! Some of you may recognize the picture from the video just below this post. I made it yesterday of him eating a cell phone. Before I started the video, I took this picture to use as his introduction. After the movie was finished, every time this picture would pop up it made us all giggle. But now--24 hours later--it makes me sob!

I took Bear Bear in this afternoon to have him put down. I feel tremendous guilt over this but it needed to be done. He was getting older and starting to get aggressive. He is a Rhodesian Ridgeback--and they are known as African Lion Hunters--and let me tell you--I could totally see my Bear taking down a Lion. That's why his aggression started to worry me. I currently have a 6 inch bruise on my leg where he bit me--and I have 4 kids. So it really had to be done, he was losing bladder control, bowel control, he had cataracts and I think he was starting into arthritis which was making him a grouchy dog.

As much as I keep saying this--it is still the hardest thing I've ever done. He died in my arms--and honestly--I know where he is, I know he is happier there, free and finally getting to run.

I just read over at Amy's blog about her having to do this very thing today, and she wrote such an amazing tribute. I'm not able to write that yet--I'm still feeling tremendous guilt. But hopefully soon, I will be able to sit and pour out my heart about what a wonderful, sweet pet he was--because as hard as he was--he was loved. And best of all--he had people who will cry over his loss and will miss him!

What Good Is Your Old Phone??

Have you seen the new iPhone Review and Video going out recognizing the release of the new iPhone?? I have--and I have to say...they are GREAT!! This one is my favorite-although they are all good.



I can't wait to see the new iPhone personally--we are desperately in need of a new cell phone--here's why!!




An iPhone?? Oh yeah, that one would be safe for many years to come!!

Craziness!!

It is a bad day! My brain is just not functioning very well! I'm in a funk--and everything is swirling around my head in utter confusion! I've tried to help a couple of people--but honestly---I have to say...I'm lost!

My kids are driving me crazy, and it's raining outside and they can't go out-so although they do not deserve something special...we will be heading to the movie theater to see Harry Potter. Grayson and I saw it opening night--but the others haven't--so I thought it would be a nice way to spend a rainy--confused day!!

I'll let you know how it goes!!

The Queen!!

Last night, well, early this morning I watched the movie "The Queen". Starring Helen Mirren as the Monarch. First off, I have to say they did a remarkable job with Mirren's makeup to look like Elizabeth II, and James Cromwell as Prince Phillip was a very good shot. Even Michael Sheen as Tony Blair turned out to be a great choice--although he took a while to grow into the role--by the end he really was a very good Tony Blair look alike. That being said...Who in the world would think of Alex Jennings for Prince Charles? I mean, in Alex Jennings looks the part of the Crown Prince of England--but Puh-Lease!!! He's far more handsome than the real Prince--I absolutely could not go with them there--every time he was on screen--the movie lost me. Another distraction was Sylvia Syms as the Queen Mother. It was actually a rude way to have the Queen Mum portrayed--this character was aloof and 'dumb', yet every account you read of the real Queen Mum--she was smart as a tack with a quick humor. This was just some dumb, aloof old lady nearing senility--and that was wrong.

I thought this whole movie was a slam on the Monarchy, and then to find out that Helen Mirren was unable to re-arrange her schedule to have dinner with the Queen--let just say--had I just played her in a movie where she came off looking more sympathetic to a dead deer than she did her former daughter in law---I think I would be uncomfortable sitting in the same room with her either--the Queen is very gifted with a shotgun after all!!

After everything going on in my family with a Soon2BX sister in law--I can understand a little more of the situation that the royal family was thrown into--and there was a quote in the movie given by Tony Blair that summed it up perfectly.

You know, when you get it wrong, you really get it wrong! That woman has given her whole life in service to her people. Fifty years doing a job SHE never wanted! A job she watched kill her father. She's executed it with honor, dignity, and, as far as I can tell, without a single blemish, and now we're all baying for her blood! All because she's struggling to lead the world in mourning for someone who... who threw everything she offered back in her face. And who, for the last few years, seemed committed 24/7 to destroying everything she holds most dear!

Now, if this was your daughter in law--tell me...would you be jumping through hoops to throw her a State Funeral either? I think this movie, which was all around Diana and rarely anything to do with the Queen herself was defamatory and very insulting to people that no one really knows. I'm not sure it will be watched again--but I honestly think the Oscar belonged to the make up person who could turn Helen Mirren into Elizabeth--it was an amazing likeness.

Movin' On Up!!

My second day of voters find me in third place! That is so amazing to me! With all the comments I get about getting votes--I'm curious about just how many votes the first and second one have! But I shall persevere! Here are my new voters--head on over to their blogs and check them out!!

Up first is my friend Julie! She lives in the Chicagoland area part of the year, and Japan during the school year portion of the year. One of her blogs is The Chronic Consumer. It's a great site that helps spread the word on neat products and finds--that I would never come across myself! There is a "House" t-shirt on her site that says "Everybody Lies"--I have to tell you---I WANT IT SOOOOOOOO BAD!! If you've been keeping up with the drama on my other "Genki" blog--you'll know just who I want to give this shirt too!! There are a ton of other blogs that she writes--I will add them in over on the sidebar under 'Friends Links'!

You know how you have those bloggers that you are just drawn too--whether it's similar things going on in their life that parallel your own or just a kinship of sorts. To me, that has always been Lisa. She is a fellow Chicagoan with a little girl the same age as my little girl--and a brand new baby boy. I think we got to follow her entire pregnancy online-how fun is that! She has a new site chock full of great product reviews--it's over at Lisa Reviews. Busy Lady!

Elizabeth is a bloggin' machine! She is one of my newer finds--but I enjoy all of her blogs on a daily basis! Mom Cooks, Table 4 Five, Mom Reviews and
Getting My Blog On. On her Mom Reviews Blog-she actually gets to "test drive" a new touch screen computer! How in the world do I sign up for that job????

Justin's Weblog is up next. I am a big fan of riddles and am racking my brain trying to figure the latest one out!! Four Brothers and all!! I've missed every one that I've tried so far on his blog. Plus, there is even a video of a gruesome find in a box of McDonald's chicken! Buyer beware--yikes!!

The Milk Bar is chock full of cute babiness! Aaron is her sons name and he is a cutie. Learning to talk and probably growing up too fast in his momma's eyes!! It's really nice to read blogs from far off countries--kind of like a quick day trip--this one to Malaysia!

Jade over at Sweet Catastrophe is up next! Like me--she's a momma's girl who is addicted to Coke! Diet Coke for me, but Coke none the less! She also seems to be a Harry Potter fan--Did you like the Order of the Phoenix movie as much as the book? Just curious!!

Dragonfly is up next-and she is a self described Pagan and practicing witch! How cool is that? So many questions are now flooding my mind-intrigued I must say!! She is a multiple blog blogger--and I do believe even her husband authors one. Very cool!! You can find her over at Quietly Into The Night, The Crazy Cat Woman, The Traveling Man and Witch On White Mountain. I do just have one question...what is an "Earthbag" house?? I will definitely be reading more!

Another multi-blogger is up next--I have to tell you--I have multiple blogs--but one definitely lags behind when I'm posting on another--but you guys are posting regularly--and about cool and interesting things--I'm just amazed--Keep it up!

Stitch-n-Stuff's own Kim is up next-and after I write this post--I'm heading over to the BCA's to vote for her blogs. She's got two blogs in the running--this one and Thinking Outloud have both been nominated for Best Blog About Stuff! That leaves her Life's Like That out in the cold! Maybe while I'm there voting--We'll nominate this little blog for something too!! Poor little left out blog!

I love anything that will show me how to make money while sitting on my tush--so the aptly named Making Easy Money Online looks like a winner to me. Best Webmaster Tools is another needed lesson--I still have to figure out how to create my own template from start to finish--and that isn't happening soon!! There are also CWhyte For President and Funny Poster.com in his arsenal--all really great sites!

Another of my long time reads are La Vie de Laurie and Laurigami. I love that her husband wrote her a song--I love that she is a 'Coach' purse addict (and not even trying to quit!!) and I can't wait to see what the studs will become as her new house is completed!! All in all--a very good read!

Ok--I think I just mentioned the fact that I want to figure out how to put together a template all my own--well, I just found a site to walk me through it!! Hidden Council looks to offer just the info I need--I can't wait to dig in more!! It goes through style sheets and all! And if you head on over to Rogue Idea there's a recipe for a Jamba Juice Orange Dream Machine--and I can tell you--my husband would LOVE it!!

The last few votes I've gotten were from my Sister Steph over at Mustard and Catsup and Savvy Mom, and my Aunt Peggy-- Peg's AZ Life and Enuf Kids 10. Then there is always my mom--but she isn't a blogger--so I just have to send out a special --Thanks and Loves to her!!

Thanks again everyone--I couldn't have gotten into second place without you all!!

You Voted!!

If you look over there in my right sidebar, you will see the cutesy "Diva" credit card. I designed that for a competition over at the Pay Jr. website.

I'm offering a post link as well as a link in my sidebar under "Friends Links" on this blog (PR3), my Genki blog (also a PR3), Cheffin' It (PR2), and even a commandeered post on Wild N' Crazy (PR3). That's hopefully a lot of bang for your vote!!

I'm currently in 5th place--and you can vote everyday!! You can click on the sidebar picture or below!!

Vote For Me!!!! PLEASE!!

A few days ago I took the opportunity to design a credit card for a company that I think has a really great idea. It's a way to help 'tweens' and teens learn about credit cards, savings and basically--how to spend smartly!! Anyway, the winner of the design contest wins a laptop--yes, I'm drooling!!



If you could take a moment to click on the picture of the card or click here and vote for me--you can vote once per day--I would ever appreciate it!

If you do place a vote and would like some link lovin'--I've got 4 blogs I can hook you up on!! So leave me a comment--and I'll get you your link!!

Score Reading!!

I keep forgetting to update everyone on Blake and her reading camp. I signed her up with Score Learning Center clear back in May--and she's been going to summer camp. She is amazing! They are currently using a mixture of phonics and sight words--which makes me happy. I've found and have heard that pure phonics instruction isn't nearly as good--kids will read a book with just phonics, but not have the ability to decipher what they've just read. As reading comprehension is just as important as the ability to read--that doesn't fare well later on. But with her sight words and phonics instruction and with the help of Score's reading tutors she is really progressing well! She will be in Pre-K this school year-and will most likely be checking her own books out of the library. We are very proud of her!!

Cleaning And Packing!!

The plan on tap for today?? Cleaning! I now--when is it not the plan for the day! I really do need to get going and really just thin out. I don't want to be packing and moving the junk that we have coming out our ears! I have to go sign the contract at 10:45 am, and then I will bring boxes home from the restaurant and start getting things that aren't in use packed up. Hopefully then things will start to stay put and stay tidy. It really is hard to keep house when everyone lives on top of each other and out of 6 people--only one person is doing all of the cooking, cleaning and laundry. Yes--It is what I signed up for as a stay at home mom--but my kids really do need to be taking up some of the slack--and they are totally digging in their heels!

Little do they know that when they have their own room--they will be required to keep it neat and tidy. That will be a shocker-they've never had their own room-and have never tried to keep it clean. That's always been my job!! Jake and Grayson will even be responsible for their own laundry (Jake is now) and vacuuming their own rooms once a week. I think they will do great!

Gettin' Down!!

Who knew life could be so crazy??? I have gone into great details on other blogs--and I really am soooo not in the mood to rehash the entire 'sordid affair' other than to say--I'm amazed at how homesick I get for my family in Utah when things with my husbands family get so dysfunctional!! I've been in a bit of a stupor/depression over the past couple of days. Good news all around me--new house, new beginnings, vacation coming in 2 weeks--but all in all--I'm just down!

I'm hoping to get everything moved in and settled really quickly so that we can plan a quick trip to Utah to see my parents! All of my life I've been cheered up just by hearing my mom's voice! So how much better is a hug!!

Relocation!!

Well--it is officially time to start packing! This is going to be a "new" kind of move for us and one that I'm kind of struggling a little with. You will never find anyone as "nostalgic" or sentimental as me--trust me--it isn't possible--this will be the first time in our married life that we are moving but staying in the area. Our first move was from Utah to Arizona--then from Arizona to Chicago. Now we are moving from the Chicagoland area to the Chicagoland area! I've never done that--if I want to visit one of our old homes-I have to take an airplane. This one--I just have to drive up the street! The hardest part of any of our moves was getting the extra car here. The company that we were using didn't offer auto transport and with a two car family and a moving van--we weren't quite sure what we were going to do! We have had it pretty easy though, friends of ours from the Hotel have moved to Germany for two years--can you imagine having to set up international shipping? Customs and documentation has got to be crazy with that!

With this move we are looking to do most of it ourselves--and then find moving companies that we can hire movers for just the day to come and move all of the heavy stuff. My poor husband certainly can't do that--and there isn't anyway that I could do it either!

We do have to talk to the bank today about the mortgage application that we've turned in. We should be able to get the pre-approved letter tomorrow--and we will turn our offer in tomorrow after we see the house we want to buy tomorrow morning. Then all of the fun starts! Now that we will have a contract and and address, I can start looking into home owners insurance. I've been pricing some--but with no home to really insure--it was kind of a waste of time!

As things pan out more this week--I will fill you all in on what is going on! Oh--and I'll put pictures up too!!

Homes!!

I think it's so funny how everything can change so quickly when you are looking to buy a new home. We have been in the "looking" field for 3 weeks--and have found so many beautiful homes--anyone of them would be a great place to raise a family. Last week I had my heart set on one home--and we found out that it was under contract already. I was heartsick, and spent the week trying to find a way to get it back! Well, here we are at the end of the week and we have decided to let that house go-and my heart is now set on the first house we saw! It's only $2,000 more than the one I had wanted--same basic floor plan--but really--so much better! We are going to go see it--and put an offer on it--I'll let 'cha know!

My Canvas On Demand Portrait Came!!

I dropped the kids off at camp and when I came home my front door had been left open--Whoops!! As I was walking into the house a little miffed at my children-I noticed a box had been delivered and placed just inside the door. I have been excitedly awaiting this box for several days--and I was so giddy to see it. I ripped it open--and here is what I found!!

Now you have to understand--it's hanging on the wall (already) and with the black background it's really hard to avoid the glar from the flash--so this is my best shot--but I have to tell you ... IT'S PERFECT!!

You may remember when I posted originally about this on June 25, and it's here--and hanging on my wall already! Really--my picture of my picture just doesn't do it justice--maybe I'll take it outside for a show with natural lighting!!

My parents anniversary is coming up on the 15th of this month, and I'm thinking something like this--a work of art with their grandbabies on it, would be a perfect anniversary gift!

This beautiful portrait turned out so perfectly, that I think I will find some of my favorites and have them done for my new house--what better way to decorate!! My sister has always loved my portrait of my kids dressed up in their dad's chef jackets with Blake in the pot--so she had that one made for her kitchen--I think I'm going to have to follow suit!!

Piggy

Miss Utah Is A Medic In The National Guard!!

I just read about a little girl from my hometown--mind you--she's 24 and could kick my butt-literally!! I say little because she's a lot younger than me! She graduated from my high school -- and is in the National Guard. Earlier she spent a year in Afghanistan as a Medic--and last week she was crowned Miss Utah! In the newspaper article she talks about feeling so strange having to wear a swimsuit as a sign of fitness--with all of the troop love going out--it might have been fun to have her come out in her fatigues during that portion--I don't think there would have been a girl there who could compete physically with her!

Apparently Rosie's video has it backwards---Soldier first--Princess second! ;)

Templates!!

I don't know if I've mentioned it lately--but I LOVE redesigning templates on blogs! I have done all of mine--and my sisters--my aunts--and you know--it never gets old! It's like redecorating with no money! My favorite is my Scale Hopper blog--but I get to redesign another over the weekend--so it may not last! I'll check back in and let you know the link to the new template--if I like it!!

No Summer Camp Blues!!

Ok--chalk this one up to a "Bad Mom" moment!! The last three weeks--my kids have been signed up for 5 day summer camp! It cost $800 for 3 kids to go to camp all day for three weeks! Well, yesterday was the first day of session 2--and I have to say--I wanted to save some money--and maybe sleep in a couple of days a week-so I only signed them up for 3 days. This cost $555 for three kids to go to summer camp 3 days a week for 3 weeks.

Today was day 1 with no camp--and, erm...I'm DYING!! All I've had today is: I'm hungry! I'm bored! Can I play playstation? Can I play on computer? I don't want to do my chores! Oh my heavens!! They don't have camp tomorrow because of the fourth of July--but I'm thinking come Thursday morning--I will be heading to the community center to pay the difference between what I paid for 3 day to move them back to 5 day!

I know--bad mom! But at least with 5 day--their day's are filled with fun--and they come home exhausted from all of the adventures they had that day! Here--they are just bored and driving me crazy!!

My Big Man!!

Can you believe this!! This is my little man--my 7 year old Grayson decided a 2 weeks ago that he was big enough to jump off of the diving board. Grayson has always been really special to me--not because he's my son (that too) but because we almost lost him when he was born. I always use the word "almost" and that probably isn't correct. Because of a few incredibly LUCKY happenings after he was born--we weren't close to losing him--had we not been so lucky-he would have passed away. 7 1/2 years later--and that statement and the memories of that night bring me chills and make me very teary.

If you want the full story--you'll have to go back to the Grayson's Birthday post--but long story short--before anything critical was found-we were told he had a heart murmur. Now the only thing I knew of a heart murmur was that my mom had one and had to take antibiotics before she goes to the dentist, and a girl in my 7th grade class. She got out of gym class because of it. I remember sitting in the hospital so sad for this new little boy because his big brother was Mr. Sportsman--and I knew it would be a heartbreak for him to watch his older brother play sports and not be able to participate.

After everything critical was healed-Grayson's heart is 100% perfect and sports are his mission in life. So today as I watched him--looking so little on the diving board--my mind flashed back to the thoughts of him never being able to do things like this--and a huge sense of relief and peace passed over me. Grayson is perfect--and sadly---growing up really fast!

Family!!

This signals the last weekend that my kids will be without their best friends-well, for a little while anyway. When we move they will without them for much longer! Currently our neighbors are on vacation in Florida, but they will be back on Monday. It's a little too hot for me in Florida, but they have a Orlando vacation rental with full air conditioning and their own pool--good ways to keep cool. They do this every year and normally spend time at Disney, but Lo's dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer this past April, so they were thrilled to have a rental to go to in order to be close to him as his health declined. I'm sure they will be back in Florida in the near future for less happy events, but to have the opportunity to spend some time to say goodbye is priceless.

Summer Dressings!!

Here is a picture of my little princess in her new summer dress. Doesn't she look so sweet and feminine?? She won't take it off--and even went and put tights and church shoes! I think she'll sleep in it! I definitely smell new portraits!!

Spring Pictures!!

Here are the boys school pictures for the year! The blue backed photo's were their school pictures from last fall. The floral shot is the Spring Photo they just took. I think Gray looks a lot more grown up and a lot more confident in Spring photo--than the earlier one! But maybe that's just mom talking!

Paris!!

Normally I am not a Paris Hilton fan-but I have to say--after watching her come out of jail--I have to say--I've never seen her look prettier, happier--all around--I liked this girl! So different than the stupid glamo-girl garbage you normally get with her. We were watching her Carls Jr. ad on TV today--and honestly--it was not only tasteless and disgusting--she looks TERRIBLE!! I hate it when she strikes her 'sexy' little pose--it isn't pretty, and I wish she could see it through the publics eyes--I guarantee she'd never strike that pose again!

I hope her 3 weeks in jail will help tone her down. Really, it's just the package that she has created and marketed for herself--I'm hoping she really will drop some of the facade that is Paris, and let us get to know the real girl--minus the 'Hot'!!

Flower Meanings!!

Over on my Genki blog--I just posted about flowers and their meanings. It was amazing to see just what each flower meant--and how they tied into my life so perfectly. If you would like to see the meanings of your favorite flowers--or even to find out what your 'birthday' flower is--go on over to Proflowers.com and look up their Florapedia-if you do--please come back and let us know what your favorite flowers are--and what they mean!

Guess What I'll Be Doing Next Weekend???

Oh--you'll never guess! Why?? Because it involves a movie that isn't supposed to be released for over a month--and a bootleg copy! That's right! By this time next week---I will have seen the movie--Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix! Yep! I'm bad! I don't have access to the movie on my own--but a 'relative' has a huge stash of bootlegs--we watched Shrek 3, Surf's Up and Knocked up--all from the luxury of a living room couch and microwave popcorn! Yes, movie theater popcorn is better--but hey--To watch 3 new releases with 6 of us--I would be paying $150 for all three movies--and popcorn--so bad as I am--it was a great weekend! But next weekend will be Harry Potter--I CAN'T wait!!