A Mood Enhancer??

Ok---I have found the diet product for me! See--I told you I'd keep looking around! What I found? Ephedrasil hardcore!! Not only is this a great appetite suppressant--it is also a mood enhancer. Oh---to someone suffering for depression, a mood enhancement is a lifesaver!

The only thing that could make t better? Something to help me sleep! Like most depressed people, I have a terrible case of insomnia. If I could get a good night's sleep...who knows what I could do on the diet/exercise track!!

The Basement

We have an unfinished basement, and have been having some plans to finish it up. I would like a family room, an extra bedroom or two and heck, I'd even love a home theater down there. Kind of a place to send the kids for a quiet couple of hours on the weekend to watch a movie. They would love it. It would even be a fun spot for a slumber party. Big comfy couches to watch movies and play video games---heaven knows kids stay up all night anyway!

I've always wanted to have the house with the cool basement where all the kids would want to come back to after the school dances. Silly I know, but hey...a mom can dream!

Thinking

Have you found success in the weight-loss world. I have been reading up on a few blogs, and found a Lipovox review. You know, I've never used this kind of a weight loss product, but honestly--I've never had any success losing weight! So I'm going to check into it further.

When it comes to losing weight, I think I'm just going to have to clamp down on my eating, and exercise a bit more. I would love to lose the extra pounds, and become the kind of mother I always wanted to be with my kids. Not to mention the wife for my husband!!

Makin' Bank

We are trying to scrape together everything in the house to set up an early garage sale this year. We've never lived in a house with a garage, so this will be my first one ever! Most of the kids old toys and clothes will go, and if I can make sure all of the PS2 games work--I'll sell them too. We don't have a lot of the "undesirables" that you see at some sales, but a little extra in the cash drawer would kill two birds with one stones. First off, it would help clear out some of the clutter in this house, and second, it would help get us on a fun family vacation this summer.

Getting My Boy Healthy

My oldest son has become a bit rotund. I've always chalked it up to the coming growth spurt that just hasn't seemed to come! He's an active kid--sometimes! He plays basketball and is quite good. He and his little brother are taking up hockey, and even with all of this movement, the weight doesn't seem to come off like I think it should.

I talked to my husband about possibly finding a weight training class for him. Nothing that would require the use of NO2 Black, just something to help build and tone the muscles (football season starts in March). I would love it if it helped trim him down, and I'm sure it would help his self esteem immensely--but at 11 years old, I'm just afraid he's too young for to much. Am I wrong?

Is It Really Just The Sink??

You know how it seems to be true that food cooked by someone else always tastes better? I know that's a strange thing to blog about, but over Christmas we had the opportunity to spend time at my husband's parents house. Since my mother in law cooked all of the food, I generally try to oversee the clean up. I'm going to throw out the idea that cleaning someone else's house is much more fun than cleaning my own! Kinda like the food thing, eh?

I can stand for a few minutes at my sink and wach the pots and pans by hand only to field a really sore back! But at their house, I can stand and hand wash the dishes until they are finished. The only thing different is that she has a deeper, wider seeming sink.

I guarantee you, if I had that sink, I would handle the dishes in my own sink much better. One can hope anyway, right? So I've been looking into Kohler sinks and if I can get my budget wrapped around it in the new year...that is my resolution!

New Year Headaches

My husband has been working obscene hours these past few weeks. When they first opened the restaurant they began with a "second class" POS system. It was supposed to be in sync with their bookkeeping program, but the two never seemed to match up. After 3 years of headaches, and with the new year fresh...they finally decided to switch POS systems to one that is actually integrated into their books. The problem??? My husband is the only one with the knowledge on how to migrate everything over from one system to the new one. It doesn't help that he's the head chef, and in every meeting someone decides to throw. So his hours are getting later and later every night.

Normally I don't mind, but in the next week, the boys' basketball seasons begin, and I'm just not up to handling both schedules on my own...I'm hoping for some help!

A Date With Jake!

My son has taken up the Cello, and I have to say, music is in his blood. It's amazing to listen to him play after just a couple of weeks worth of lessons. For the past month he has been begging to go see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra that was here in Chicago last week. I had no interest in seeing it, and no money or child care in order to get him there. Why is it that after I hear of something for the first time and pay no attention to it--as soon as it's gone--the interest comes! I had no idea that I knew music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Not only did I know it, I really liked it!

The orchestra will be in town next week, and I really want to get this for my son. He's one of "those" kids (in need of some diet pills), and sadly it's starting to affect his self esteem. I do think most of his problem stems from his scoliosis, and I really can't do much for that--but what a great way to take his mind off of his body image.

I will have to tell you if we make it next week or not. It's the week of Christmas, and for some reason, everything seems to get backed up into that week. But for him, it's well worth putting some things on the back burner. A night for him to relish in the possibilities of his talent!

I finished up my Christmas shopping last Thursday or Friday. I couldn't help it, I was in the mood, and I had the budget for it--so we headed to Target first. I got everything I needed for Blake, except her vanity. What made it nice was that since I had to shop for four kids with the four kids present, I sent the two older ones to a different aisle with their little sister. I then stashed all of her gifts under their coats. As I always do, I wondered just what the "camera" watching people at Target thought--would they realize that I had kids and was using my stealth mode? I got everything I needed and headed to the check out counter. I sent the three over to find a candy bar while the woman ringing everything up was just as stealth as I was. They must have special ops Christmas training.

So we headed to Meijer. I mainly needed some groceries, but decided to check out their toy section for some of the "vanity" items for Blake. Again, I sent her with her brothers to a different aisle, but this was much different than at Target. I suddenly had a Meijer employee or two all around me. Mind you, they didn't do or say anything to me--they were just suddenly needed in my aisle. I didn't mind--I was being completely on the up and up--no biggie. So we head to the grocery section and I start putting my items on top of the coats that are on top of 'the goods'. When I finished up, I head to the front to do my self checkout. I sent the kids off again to get their candy bars (that they didn't get at Target).

Now here is where the problem began. The kids are away for a quick moment-so I should start with Christmas---except that I buried Christmas under the groceries. The groceries go on the debit card and come out of my budget, while Christmas is only paid for with cash. So I need to do two different check outs. So I do the groceries and click the button that I'm finished. Start the card swiping--and literally there was a SWARM of 8-10 Meijer employees around me. Again, not on me--but suddenly there. Again, I don't care--but I keep having to wave my kids back to the candy bar section to stay away from the Christmas stuff. You'd think the employee's would catch on, but they didn't. I finished paying for the groceries--and I had to put the bags on the floor--there was no room in the cart, and you can't leave them on the scaled counter. As soon as I finished and lifted the first coat to begin the Christmas portion--suddenly, one by one the employees started to dissipate. Except for one, he came over to help me get the items in different, non-see through bags. I made the comment about how hard it is to shop for Christmas for kids when they have to be with you, and he says, "Oh, don't worry about it, we get this all the time!" Yeah, well, you all certainly didn't act like it 5 minutes ago!!

So I am all done--everything is wrapped and under the tree. Now I'm just waiting for my husband to find the items from him, and I'll get those wrapped and under the tree as well.

On tap for tomorrow...the box for my parents in Utah!! It would be nice to be able to get their box put together and to their house before Christmas day. They leave for Yuma two days after Christmas--and if I miss them my package will sit out in front of their house for months!!

Little Man's Eyes

I'm thinking my eight year old may just need eyeglasses! I've had my glasses for years, and have always sworn I'd get laser surgery, but I have yet to do it. If he does in fact need glasses, I will be finding the age requirements, because that beautiful little face will not be hidden behind glasses! He will have his eyes fixed even before me!

Isn't it amazing how our kids needs come before our own? I should look into new glasses as well. I'm sure my prescription has changed, but I want to wait and find out if he really needs them--maybe we can get a two for one!!!

Fresh Popped Popcorn

I was looking through some of the Black Friday ads after dinner last night, and there were a couple of sales on for those cute little old fashioned popcorn machines. I've always wanted one of the full size ones--but they have them now that fit on your counter. I don't know if the popcorn is quite as yummy as the full size, but I'm willing to give it a try.

The other night we went to see Twilight, and I have to say--I'm sick of the theaters dishing out the popcorn and then setting them under heat lamps. There is nothing more fabulous than fresh popcorn...and it's been so long since I've had it!

Planning A Getaway!

I can't believe it's been a little over a year since the hubs and I got home from our vegas trip. We were just gone the weekend, but it was heaven. We had never actually dropped of the kids and flown off somewhere, and I must admit, I was a little nervous about it. But it was great.

Then to have a weekend with just my man. Holding hands as we walked the strip, stopping to shop and browse and eat. It was amazing. We stayed at Circus Circus, but got to go through many beautiful hotels including the Wynn, and we were even at Tao at the Venetian for it's 2nd Birthday party...how many average Joe's can say that??

Anyway, with Christmas upon us, I'm trying to think of something special to do with my man this year!! Any ideas??

Future Finances

I have a friend who has been looking into term life insurance quotes recently. We are in about the same stage of life, so I'm wondering if I should follow her example. All of the commercials I hear on the radio talk about being closer to 50 years old. My husband and I are nearing 40, so I really haven't looked into it.

With four kids, and with me being a stay at home mom, we would be devastated if something happened to my husband. That alone scares me to death! If something happened to me, I think he would get along pretty well, he would just need some child care. How much easier would it be to just start preparing for it now. Heaven forbid something terrible happens that we are completely unprepared for!

More Woes

So, how many times have you heard me complain about my face?? I was watching Extreme Makeover last night, and this woman was going in for some laser treatments on her face. When she was finished the doctor set her up with a daily cleansing regimen an order of acne pills.

Now, I'm 37! I should be long past the need for such things, but even today I have three huge mountains growing out the side of my cheeks. What is up with that? I don't think I can afford the laser treatment...but I'm in for the pills?

Did You Hear??

Did you read the newspaper article about the bearings company here in Chicago that gave their employees plump, juicy turkeys for Thanksgiving as well as plump, juicy bonus checks? One man that was interviewed received $33,000 while his wife's check was for a smaller amount. Holy cow...how would it be? Not only to receive that check, but in these economic times for a company to be able to give that check!

Bravo to all involved! I wish I worked for ya, but hey...you did good!

Technical Storage

Have you heard the radio commercials talking about backing up your hard drive using an online service? What are your thoughts on that? I've been a bit wary about some online services, and other than this blog, I really don't want any of my pictures online. I'm more of a fan of tape drives and CD's, but that may just be me bein' 'old school'!

I would love to find something. Every picture I've taken since my daughter was born is on this computer, and I would be SICK to lose even one!

What are some of the services you use??? Any ideas?

20 Year Reunion

Is it too early for New Year's Resolutions? I know, it probably is, but I have to say...I'm gonna do it this year! My high school reunion is coming up, 20 years, and if I have to take Decaslim twice a day to get skinny and beautiful....then that is what I am going to do!

Twenty years! I can't imagine. I walk my 4 year old into the high school for his pre-school program, and I still feel as gawky and strange as I did all those years ago. I was not one of those girls that just magically floated through the hallways. How I wanted to be! Now with the creation of online social networking, I've had the chance to take a look at some of these girls. Time has not been too kind to many of them! Now, I'm just a few pounds away from MY TURN!

Strange Little Quirks!!

I was talking to my mom last night about something silly. Street names! I find it kind of strange that I have such a drastic opinion on something so trivial, but there you have it. Down the street from me there is a street named "Kaskaskia". I'm sorry, but that is HORRID, and it's not even the worst I've ever heard!

When we first bought our house I was so happy to have the street name "Devonshire". To me it sounds so quaint and rustic. I almost expect to find a courtyard out front with a sconce or two on the brick. I love, love, love the sound of it.

Growing up the East side of Salt Lake City was considered higher 'class' than the west side. Our little 'village' was on the west side Farmington (suburb) and honestly, I hated that. But it was a beautiful area...how strange to hate it just because it was West. But even today the West is nowhere near as 'cool' as the East side. BUT, we lived in Oakridge Village which was next to Oakridge Farms and I have to say I MUCH preferred living in a Village rather than a Farm...silly huh!

Do you have any strange little quirks about your likes and dislikes?

When Mean Shows On Your Face!!

Have you been watching "The Biggest Loser"? OH MY GOSH!! Vicki is such a Troll! Normally people become prettier the thinner they get, but her mean little inside person is starting to show on her face...and she is an ugly little troll!

I haven't been watching much this season because of her, well, that and the fact that I have the time for alli rather than 8 weeks in a gym...but it is inspiring at times to watch some of these people, who remind me somewhat of me, push themselves just a little farther each week.

I couldn't take 3 months away from my kids, but it would be awesome to actually start seeing a change in myself as much as these people on the show. Well, other than Vicky and Brady!!

Starting Anew!!

One of the chefs at the restaurant is looking into opening his own little place closer to home. It makes sense due to the fact that he spends nearly 3 hours a day just in his commute. On top of that, if you have a little extra in the slush fund, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the economy. Yeah, it may be worrisome as to your clientele, but with the availability of real estate, full kitchens already in, used cisco and some really promising locations...now is definitely the time to make that jump!

I know my husband would love to have the same opportunity, but with our kids as little as they are, now is just not his time. We are hoping to get a little nest egg in place so that when things start picking back up and our kids are a bit older, he can make that same move. Here's to hoping!

Weekly Sales Rock!!

Have you started thinking about Christmas yet? That is absolutely AMAZING to my mind! But ready or not...it's time to start planning. This time of year is a budget killer for us. With three kid's birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas...YOWZA!! So searching for bargains is a must. The kids have their wish lists finished already, and I'm just trying to think of something nice for my husband. I've been looking a couple of things. The Magellan Maestro would be perfect. He's always getting lost and with the catering portion of the restaurant picking up...he would definitely get some great use out of it. But I can't help looking at the external hard drive. This would be more of a "family" gift...and it is needed, but it's just not as fun as giving him his own special gift.

Both of these items are on sale this week, which helps immensely, I just have to figure out which one he would love/use more. Ok, LOVE nothing...he may actually make it home a couple of hours earlier if he has a little box on his dash telling him where to turn!!

You definitely don't want to miss this sale!!

What Would You Do??

My husband's best friend Chris has offered him a little mini scooter/motorcycle for the kids to ride on. Now I know we aren't talking used Harleys or anything, but it seems like a really nice gift.

I remember back in 7th grade, my little brothers friend had a mini motorcycle. He let my friend and I take it for a ride. 1 hour/1 minor crash/1 visit to the "crushes" house later...he got his bike back! Here we are 25 years later, and I still remember that little ride of ours.

I want my kids to have memories like that for their lives. Minus the crash of course! I think we'll talk a little more about it with Chris and see if it will make a nice Christmas gift for the kids!

Toot Toot Chugga Chugga!!

Image via WikipediaWell, Barrett has changed his mind again! Originally he wanted me to sculpt his birthday cake into a monster truck. I was all for it, I think it sounds great...but now he'd like a "Toot Toot Chugga Chugga" car from the Wiggles. That's actually a little easier for me, because it's just a VW Bug and Wilton has a cake pan shaped just like that.

I was going to make little fondant Wiggles to put inside the cake, but I've changed my mind. B has a big red car toy with all of the Wiggles already in it--so I'm just taking them off of the toy, washing them in bleach, touching up the paint and sticking them in the car. So much easier than sculpting people!

We are just going to have dinner at home with some family and friends and call it good! I'll post pictures when I get them!

Food Kiosk Ideas!!

My husband's restaurant is looking into opening some shops at the mall, kind of like a Subway franchise. This would be BBQ of course, and they wouldn't do any cooking on site. They would have everything prepared at one of the restaurants and brought in every day. I might be a little partial, but they have the best pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches--add that to their yummy sides (like green chili mac and cheese) and I'm set!

With the economy slowing a bit, I'm not sure they'll go much farther with their plans just yet, but it sounds like a really good idea to me. Any reason to hit the mall is a good one in my book, especially if it involves a great sandwich at the food court!

Weightloss Woes!!

I have been looking or thebest diet pill on the market for quite a long time, but I have to say...I'm putting it on hold. I suffer from aspartame poisoning and the worst thing you can do with that is drop a lot of weight quickly. So I have to go at it at a much slower pace than I really want to, which is sad! Instead of hoping for some quick results, I'm giving myself an entire year to meet my goal. Just in time for my 20th high school reunion.

And can I just sadly point out, I was looking at pictures from the 20th reunion for the class in front of mine. All of the men were bald. It was amazing to see. Many of the beautiful girls had aged terribly and some of those gawky girls in high school were down right gorgeous! It was a jolt to the system to see. I'm hoping I can lose a little of the weight to look just a bit better than I do now...at least minus one of the chins!! ;)

It's Gotta Be Cool!!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. It is really hard living in a house with far more potential than I know what to do with. No, not square footage or even upgrades...but everywhere I look there are cords and sockets, plug ins and HDMI wall plates. I don't know if it has to do with cable TV, surround sound or internet but with the number of bundles we have, it has to be something amazing!

We've lived here over a year and when you walk to the bottom of the stairs in the basement and look up, all you see are cords. Bundles and bundles of them crisscrossing the ceiling. One pokes up from the family room carpet, one or two from the wall in the master bedroom. Each of the kids rooms have two or three of their own. My husband and I are clueless--and thought the brother in law would know, but honestly, he's no help either! I think I'm going to need to pick up a book from the library, "Electronic Wiring For Dummies"...wish me luck!

Birthday Time

My mom and dad have been in town this past week, and will be going home early next week. So we've decided to have Barrett's 4th birthday party 2 weeks early so that they can be here for it. We'll have the normal things that birthday parties have, but since my mom is here, I think we'll have her amazing sweet potato pie! It's light and fluffy heaven! I don't need her to make it--that would be poor of me, but to have her here with me telling me her secrets...I'm all set!

Great Parents!!

We had my parents and my in laws in for dinner tonight. It was really nice having everybody around. I would have loved to have done some healthy grilling, but it was a rainy, chilly day. So my husband whipped up some fabulous Japanese food. My mom didn't get to stay very long, but we made it through dessert so that was nice. My kids were absolutely spastic. it's not often they get two sets of grandparents in the same room!

Lovin' Technology!!

Last Sunday at the end of the birthday party we were at, I was able to my cousins micro sd and completely upload pictures from our trip to Wisconsin. I remember in the olden days of digital cameras you had to have all of your cords to connect your camera to your computer...and now, you just pull the card out and insert it into your computer all by itself. I love that it's becoming so much easier to save all of our family pictures!

Boys Will Be Boys!!

I took the boys over to the village hall to sign them up for basketball. I'd never been there before, and I have to say, it was impressive. Not only is there an indoor swimming pool with a water slide, there was a huge climbing wall. I could tell that my boys were eying that puppy with some intent of conquering it. All I saw were the hooks and grips, you know the industrial kind you see for material handling. I'm not sure this momma is quite ready to send them up the wall...but someday, they are going to LOVE it!

Gettin' My Walk On!!

I may not be getting a pair of Asgi shoes, but I do need to find a good pair walking shoes. I have set up a meeting schedule with my treadmill! I am bound and determined to cut some of myself in half, and this seems like the easiest way to do it. I even Tivo'd a cute drill sergeant doing cardio, I can't wait to work out with him! Next time you see me (ok, in 6 months or so!!) I'm going to be trim and healthy--woo!

Peach Fuzz!!

I have talked about acne treatments so many times in the past, that I'm sure you all know exactly what I'm going to say! BUT...you so don't! I have been enjoying a great respite from my horrible skin recently. I do wish I could tell you why, but the truth is, I have no idea...but I'm lovin' it!! I do have little peach fuzz all over my face, strange-I know, but true. I used my husbands electric razor the other day to just clear off the skin, and then scrubbed my face, applied my mud mask followed by my Oil of Olay...and my skin looks AMAZING! Like I said, I'm not too sure this is really what's going on...but hey, I'll try it again as long as it keeps working!

Starting Again!

Aside from walking, I'm also working on my eating habits. At the end of last school year I blogged about orovo. I purchased some and was gung ho to get started. I did really good while I was still getting up at 7 a.m. to get the boys to school, but once summer hit--I failed miserably! My problem? There is a bit of caffeine in the pill and you take 4 in the morning and 4 around noon. During the summer we would get up later which would move my morning pills back a couple of hours, which would move my afternoon pills back as well. So by the time it was time for bed I would be sitting there staring at the ceiling! I gave up for the summer, but still have most of my bottle left. And since my boys are back to getting up early, I think I'll be even better this time! I'll have to let you know!

I Was Mistaken!!

A few years ago we went to Jackson Hole for a family reunion. We stayed in cabins up at Coulter's Bay, and although it was "foresty" it really wasn't to mountainous. But several weeks before our trip there were a couple of boy scouts that got lost in the mountains, and as a way to keep her grandchildren safe, my mother bought them each a camping whistle that came with a compass and little binoculars. It was a cute little set, inexpensive, but cute.

The last couple of weeks my kids have been running around the house with these binoculars, holding them backward so that it looked like you were really far away instead of just a couple of feet. I was surprised to see that they still had these binoculars (we aren't known for knowing where items are at any particular time) and I had no problem letting them continue to play with them.

They wanted me to look through them to play along and as I took them in my hands I thought they seemed nicer now than they did 2 years ago. Well....they were! These were Nikon binoculars that my husband had won at a golf tournament, worth about $200!! Needless to say...they aren't playing with them anymore!

Pre-School...Finally!

What a crazy last couple of weeks it's been. Getting home from Wisconsin, getting the kids ready for and into school to being able to relax by the pool for Labor Day. With three kids gone during the day, and only the Demon child home...it really is becoming really quiet around here. He will start school the first week of October. I'm so excited we found him a Pre-School that only costs $170 for the entire year. It's through the high school, so I'm sure it's getting funding from somewhere else as well. I've been looking around for Pre-Schools the last few months, and let me tell you they are deathly expensive! I wouldn't be able to afford school and the Harley parts my husband keeps purchasing! Ok, so he's not that bad!

When Grayson started pre-school I paid $120 to sign him up and $120 per month. It was out of control, and during a time we really couldn't afford it. But with his shyness, he needed it--so we worked it into the budget and he has thrived because of it. Barrett has the same personality, and I'm hoping it will help him get over his shyness as well!

Finally Some Help!!

It looks like we finally have some safety from the headache of the past few months. The in laws have been in dire straits financially and have made irresponsible choice after irresponsible choice! Now we have someone coming in to truly help them out. There will be enough money to take care of their bills that haven't been paid since January, and still have enough to take care of some of the problems that need to be fixed in order to sell their house. They have to redo the indoor lighting as well as the electrical system. It shouldn't be too much, but it's just one more thing adding on to the time before this house sells. We've been out of it for one year this coming Sunday...and there is no reason for it not to be on the market yet!

Real Estate Problems!!

It's been almost a year since we moved to this house, and nearly 9 months since we hired some moving services to come to the old house and finish moving us out. Yet, as of today...there is still not a for sale sign on the old house. It's not our house or it would have been up by now, but honestly! It's a terrible economy to sell a house, shouldn't it have been listed immediately? It would maybe have sold by now, but starting now, it could easily take over a year to sell it! It's just pathetic, and I can't get stressed about it anymore!

Modern Technology!

Have you heard of "unlocked cell phones"? I hadn't until last week when we were sitting around a campfire and my 21 year old niece was talking about them. I sounded very old and out of touch as I was told all about them...I didn't dare tell anyone I had no idea what an Ipod was useful for, yep...technologically out of touch at 37! How pathetic is that? What ever happened to the disk man? I was in that era, when that was what everyone wanted. An MP3 player? Ipod? Unlocked cell phone? I think I'll have to wait until my kids get older and start asking about these things before I try to figure them out!

Party

 

Vacations!!

Well, we are leaving for Jellystone's Three Bears Lodge in Wisconsin in an hour or two! It's not like we are taking cruises, but for a family of six, a 2 1/2 hour drive north is a little more economical right now! We will be gone for 4 days and we have a house sitter coming to stay with the pups. I'm a little worried about Wasatch. We got him from his previous owner when he was about 6 months old, and he went through an "abandoned" feeling for a while. When the previous owners came for a visit to help me finish moving our stuff, the puppy was so excited to see them. After they left he searched the house for an hour looking for them. So I'm nervous about his depression...but I will let you know how he does once we get home. For now, I'm off to ride my golf cart!!

Running Online Stores!

I've just built three stores, one for each of my older kids. They are online, and they are fun. I don't think they will pay for college or anything, but I wanted to try something to get their brains engaged and their blood pumping to sale things! Blake runs a "Tween" store. Anything you want "From the Tween Scene" can be purchased at her shop. Jake runs his own Sports Card Shop, and for those of you who know Grayson, won't be surprised to find that he runs a Monster Truck Thunder store! They are having a blast, and have even made a few sales--so that is always fun!

Still Workin'!

Diet pills, diet pills, diet pills! All you see on TV today are ads for diet pills. We really do seem to be obsessed by weight--and yes, it is healthier to be less obese, but what I really want is help finding a diet pill that will actually work. So many claim to offer something better than any other pill, but then at the bottom in fine print it always says "Results not typical"! Well, thank you---I'd like to see what your typical results are, since I would most likely fall under that category rather than the woman that dropped 50 pounds in a week!! Just sayin!

Time Again

The time has come to renew my passport! I got mine originally when I moved to Japan back in 1992. But 10 years later it expired, and I've never had the need to get a new one. Now my husband and I are making some plans, and both of us are going to need one...more on the plans at a later date!! I hate anything with a picture of me on it...but I'll gladly trade that in for some sand in my toes as we walk on the beach!

I Heart Technology!!

I love these new compact flash cards for digital cameras! Today was the baby shower for our nephew who lives in California. They weren't there but we had a ton of people taking video and still photo's with many different digital cameras. Before everyone left at the end of the day we took each of their memory cards and uploaded them to the photobucket account of the new mom and dad. Even though this new little family couldn't make the trip here for the shower, they got to take a look at everyone's pictures at the end of the evening. Technology is just amazing! When I had my first baby there was no such thing as digital cameras and we had to wait not only for the shipping but for the processing---this was so much faster!

Trying To Look Good

I have been debating on whether or not I should just cave in and purchase Phentermine! I know, it's a bit drastic...but nothing else is working. Probably because I haven't really put my heart and soul into a weight-loss plan. I just have so much going on in life, that it seems like it should just fall off of me on it's own. Sadly, due to my first born, I have a dead thyroid so nothing really works for me. The closer I get to my 20 year high school reunion next year, I think I may get a little more enthused about it.

Motorcycles!!

My husband had been looking into used Harleys recently. We were supposed to head up to Biker Week for him to cook ribs and he wanted to look the part. Sadly, he's broken and leaning over that much just to drive would kill his neck and back, let alone his right arm. I have no problem with him not getting a motorcycle. I have lingering memories of being 8 years old in a hospital room after surgery and hearing a teenager down the hall moaning and screaming in pain for hours after a motorcycle crash. If you do drive a motorcycle...please be smart, and careful!

Walkin'!!

Have you ever noticed the tons of exercise equipment you find at garage sales? We buy these things with the greatest ideas and intentions, only to sell them as cheap scrap several years and layers of dust later! When we bought the treadmill my husbands work associates kept asking him about the towel rack. I am happy to report that although it isn't used as often as I hoped it would be...it has NEVER been a towel rack!

Getting Fit!!

I have been looking around for trampolines for the kids. I have a little boy who is slightly round and I thought it would be a great way to sneak some fun exercise into his daily life. Sadly, my husband doesn't want one...so I have been looking for other 'fun' alternatives. The best buy I've found is Wii Fit. It will actually come in about $150 less than the trampoline with the netting, and my kids love it. Friday alone Jake spent an hour and a half on it. He played the hula hoop game and the ski slalom course. So now, I just have to find one...and call it good!

Growing Up!!

We've lived in this house almost a year. I can't believe it's gone by as fast as it has. In that time we got a puppy--and he has decided that there is something in the couch that must be eaten! I don't know why...but he has destroyed the poor thing! I would love to look for some modern furniture for the family room, but with the kids still so young, I think I will be required to live with this couch as long as I can! I could go out and buy a new one today, but if the puppy doesn't wreck it...my 3 year old will! As much as I will miss having babies around...I do have to admit, I'm kind of excited for the 'less destruction' stage that will come along with older kids!

A New Home!!

The boys at my husband's work have been busy! They are opening the new catering kitchen as well as expanding restaurant number one from a 36 seat 'lunch' establishment, to a huge fine dining restaurant with a massive patio! They will definitely need a cell phone repeater for a space that size! The catering offices are open for business, and the construction on the rest should be starting any day! When it's all said and done, I think my husband will be moving from the restaurant he's in now, and taking over the catering kitchen. As long as he's happy doing what he does...I don't care where he does it!

Father's Day Weekend!!

How was your Father's Day weekend? We had a really nice one. We spent the day at my inlaw's house, without my husband--so I got to wish his dad a Happy Father's Day, and he didn't. What's wrong with that picture! The kids love going over there because they get to spend the afternoon swimming and playing Guitar Hero on Wii...what could be more fun?

We actually had the kids make most of Grandpa's gift. Chocolate covered pretzels, chocolate peanut butter bars and no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies...yes, chocolate was the theme! Grayson also picked out the Bee Movie and pool floats for each grandchild in their favorite color. That way there is no fighting, everyone knows which one is theirs! I'm not sure if this gift was for him or more for me!!

Traveling In Style!!

I figured if we were driving to Utah, we would take the middle row out of the van, and just have a huge space between the front seat and the back seat. Kind of giving the kids a place to stretch out their legs instead of sitting so cramped with the extra row. We do have the stow and go seats in the back and the under storage under the middle seats. It's not like we would put the Delsey luggage under there, but the kids backpacks and things would fit nicely! It sounds like fun to try out, even if we don't make it across the country!

Summer Plans!!

With gas prices sitting where they are, we've made and canceled many plans for the summer. I had wanted to head home to Utah, or go with the husband to Biker Week, even hit the streets of New York looking for Guess watches or designer purses! But for now, it looks like we will be sticking around the home front for the time being. If prices loosen up a bit, we may look at doing something later!

Getting Situated!!

We spent the evening last Thursday with our friends from the old neighborhood. After a divorce, she and her kids have moved into a really cute little apartment. So we headed over to check it out. Aside from needing a couch, love seat, audio racks and some book shelves--it's got a lot of potential. The best part is that the apartment is upstairs from her mom and the kids grandma. That would be the coolest thing for my kids and I!

New Job!!

Last week I had a meeting with my husbands boss. It was to determine if what I did could help what he did. I walked in thinking there wasn't much need for the meeting and walked out with a job. I was kind of surprised by that, but am now on their Public Relations team. They meet every Friday at the first restaurant, so I need to stalk up on my laptop memory, in order to keep it with me during the meetings!

Allergy Season!!

It's definitely turned into allergy time! Friday night the kids and I tore the family room apart and took everything out of it that didn't belong there. Then we vacuumed and cleaned the carpet. Let me tell you, it looks great! The only problem was after the vacuuming Grayson and I got all puffy eyed, runny nosed and sneezy. It was terrible! I need to look into a Blueair air purifier for the house--living in the suburbs has brought far more flowers and trees into our world, and sadly, Gray and I aren't really good with those!

The Man!!

My month of gifts is over! May is better than Christmas for me. It has my birthday, Mother's Day, and our anniversary in it. Mind you, it's about as expensive as Christmas too! June is a slow month with just Father's Day and we have time for the budget to rebound before July hits with my hubby's birthday. I'm always looking for something amazing for him! This year he needs a watch. I'm not too particularly picky, whether it's a Lange Sohne or a Timex...I'm up for just about anything. The only requirement...it has to be dressy enough for Sunday best, and casual enough for everyday! Other than that, anything works!

Maybe This Time!!

If you have been keeping up with my blog at all, you will know that I've just found a great new acne treatment. It wasn't the cheapest in the world, but I'm so hopeful that it will finally get rid of my skin problems once and for all. I've been on it for two days, and I've already noticed that the redness has diminished amazingly well--I still have a hundred little bumps, but so far, they are far less noticeable. I'm thrilled so far, and so hopeful that I've finally found something that works! Before and after pictures coming later!

Pizza Movie Night!!

Every Friday in our house it's Pizza/Movie night. It helps that you can get a pizza for $5 bucks--and it feeds the five of us just fine, but there are times when the video rental costs even more. By the time we find a movie for the kids and one for me and then forget to return them on time, I could have purchased one of them for the amount that I pay. But now online you can get Blockbuster coupons which will help cut the cost of movie rental in half, as well as late fees! At this rate, I can afford two pizzas instead of just one!

Our Retreat!!

I'm starting to think about our "Marriage Retreat" coming up this Fall. OK, so it's just a weekend away together...not really heading out for some fresh air, counseling and anything else that comes to mind when you hear the word 'retreat'. But hey, that's what I call it! It's our time away together to rejuvenate the LOVE! This year we are heading East instead of West! New York City travel is so fun and exciting, and I would love to have the opportunity to share that little piece of the world with my husband. I've been there four or five times, but it's still my favorite place! He's thinking more along the lines of Boston and New England, and you know what...I'm up for that too! I'm just excited that he's excited about the trip. It means a lot!

I'm Taking The Plunge!!

I have been blogging recently about my need to change the things about myself that make me unhappy, and find a way to be happy not only in the skin I'm in, but the city, the area, the everything! You've probably read by now that one of the things I hate the most is the fact that at 37 years old I still have problematic skin. I eat good things, I cleanse and moisturize, there is nothing I haven't tried (other than hormone therapy) that has helped. So I'm going to be looking into a natural acne treatment this week, and hopefully soon, this will be one more thing that makes me sad that will be washed away. Waking up everyday with clear skin...I can't even imagine!

Finding A Good One!!

Do you love to read? I was an English Lit major in college, and the best part was the opportunity to read all of the books. I loved the old classics, as well as finding some of the ones from today. I'm not sure they would call some of today's favorites "classics", but man...there are some good ones out there. With the news of today, sometimes you just have to get yourself lost in a good book for awhile to escape it all. That's what we do in this house anyway.

Starting Again!!

I am taking the bull by the horns! I've started eating better, and I'm even starting a new workout routine...it's about time to drop these "extra pounds" once and for all. I would love something easier, like Orovo detox. Have you heard of this thing? It's been on Oprah and everything, but you can lose 7 lbs in 7 days. Yes, it's sounding a bit to easy, but at $40.00 a bottle, I think it's worth a shot! Anything to get a little boost. I just hope to steer clear of the jitters you get from so many other weight loss products!

H.E.L.P.!!

I have been thinking about losing weight for a long time. It's not completely thought consuming, but it might be a tad on the festerage side! I even tried those non-prescription weight loss pills with that obnoxious commercial. I was hoping for something great, but ended up feeling jittery, nauseous and head ache ridden. I have had to give them up. I am always open to finding something new to make the job easy. You know, they always say it isn't easy to lose the weight, but for most of us, it was really easy to put it on. So why not easy to lose??

Fitness Blogging!!

I have found something fabulous for me and my health. I've worked it out so that my laptop connects to the top of my fitness equipment. That way, while I walk on my treadmill I can either blog or drop my Entrecards. Either way, I'm multitasking, and that is darn cool! There just doesn't seem to be time during the day to get both things done on their own, but to combine them both...I'm pretty stoked!!

Planning Our Summer!!

Have you ever taken out a travel health insurance policy? Many members of my family have, and some didn't end up needing it, and some were lucky enough to avoid disaster. We are planning a trip to Utah this summer but with gas prices as high as they are, it may not happen. I'm not sure trip insurance would help in that case, but if the gas is high, we may have to fly--then the insurance will be handy!

A Last Chance!!

I wrote a a day or so ago about our nephew currently in jail. He's awaiting word on one of two drug treatment centers in the area. I really liked the last one he was in because not only were they working with him on his usage, he was also in grief counseling which in my humble opinion has a lot to do with his recurring problem.

I don't know what the future holds, but at 22 I really hope he can get his life turned around, because the end of the path that he is currently on is prison, and that would be heartbreaking for all of us!

Rock My World!!

Last week I had kind of a shock hit me. It wasn't cool, or fun at all and I'm just starting to get over it. But it's hard! When it first happened, my initial response was to run! I don't know where...New York, Washington D.C., home to Utah, or even a Hilton Head rental! But with four kids that played no part in this shock, it really isn't fair for me to just drop everything and disappear. Darn Kids! No really, I'm doing much better! I'm fully medicated. And life is slowly but surely getting back to normal!

Finding A New Me!!

I have taken on a new health initiative! I signed up for an online health program I found on the Discovery channel and on top of my treadmill workout they want me working with ellipticals. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by life in and of itself without trying to add another facet to my workout. But truly, the time is now to lose weight. Did you see the woman that won the Biggest Loser---she is totally me! I want to look like she looks now! So I have to bite the bullet and start taking care of myself!

Finding The Right Promotion!!

I have been looking at different promotional products for my husbands restaurant. It's a BBQ joint and most of what they have now are little pink pigs wearing their brand name on their t-shirts. Cute, but my favorite are the coffee mugs. However, I'm looking at something more like the t-shirts you find where the logo's are all the same, but the name of the city is different. With three restaurants underway in three different cities, I really love this idea, and would own one of all three!

Grayson's Baptism!!

I spent the better part of March getting ready for Grayson's baptism. I even made homemade party invitations that were to die for. It was an age progression in pictures in a grid. It was really fun to see how much that boy has grown up in just 8 years.

I do have to say that the baptism went amazingly well, and the dinner afterward was yummy as well. I had spent hours cooking a million desserts to take, and I was happy with how all of them turned out. Especially my maiden attempt at a Pineapple Upside Down cake. Everything was so good!

Golf Dreams!!

My birthday is coming up in just a months time. I'm asking for concert tickets. My husbands birthday is just 2 months after mine, and I'm starting now to try to think of something extraordinary for him. I would normally get him a set of Calloway golf clubs or something golf related. But due to his accident a few years ago, he hasn't been able to play. Right now it's mostly being worried about the residual pain that will come from a day on the links, but I would really like to see him try. You never know he may be able to golf, and wouldn't it be nice if he had the opportunity to enjoy something that he's missed out on all these years!

2 More Weeks!!

I have often wrote about our nephew and the trouble he has had keeping himself clean and sober. He's only 22, and still doing time for drug offenses he created when he was just a young teenager. He is currently in jail until the end of this month when he will be place in a rehab center. Currently they are looking at two different drug rehabs, hopefully both a little stricter than the last ones he's been in. After rehab he will be back in a half way house and then hopefully he will be able to stand on his own. Pretty scary stuff!

Neighborhood Cleanup!!

Tomorrow we will be spending the day at the old house. This weekend is the 'clean up' weekend for the neighborhood, and you get to throw everything you want to away without having to pay extra for it. How great is that? Last year we started going through all of my husbands grandmothers things and found 10 coffee makers! Honestly, I kid you not! I don't know how many of them were still working, but these people were the type that if something broke they put it in the basement, because someday they may be able to use it for parts or fix it! Mind you, they've been dead several years and all of those wasted coffee machines and other such memorabilia is just sitting gathering dust in a basement! I can't wait to see what we find tomorrow!

Housewives!!

I have been watching "The Real Housewives Of New York" and I have to tell you...it's like watching a train wreck. In fact, it's so hard to look away, that I actually Tivo it! It's AWFUL! Let's see, there is a wannabee couple that I would just love to slap. You can see they possess a huge power of "using" people to get what they want. They put off this air like they belong with the in crowd, but then they go back to their shanty house in Brooklynn and plan yet another way to "look good" to the socialites! What's even more funny is the fact that I would get along better in the group of ladies than they do, and I don't have an etiquette bone in my body. But I know better than to make many of the mistakes that this couple make.

Last week the rest of the crowd headed up to the Hamptons for the summer, but these two headed to St. Bart's. Most of the 'in crowd' brag that they go to St. Barts at Christmas and pay 6 times what these two paid in August. Then the wannabee's liken going to the Hamptons to going to work. I think they protest too much. My bet is the contract on their rental fell through and they couldn't show their faces! As for me...I'd take St. Thomas villa rentals any day over having to go and put on a show with these phony folk!!

Fighting The Zits!!

Yesterday I finally sat down and ordered some of those acne treatments. I'm sorry--but after 20+ years with it, I'm finally sick of it! I'm not sure how it will work, but honestly...to go a day without a bumpy face would be awesome! I never had really bad acne, but the flair ups continue many years after it should long have subsided, and I'm hating it! I will keep you updated as to the progress. I'm hoping I can give it a huge THUMBS UP!!

Learning To Ski!!

Having grown up in Utah it's pretty fair to say we learned how to ski. I didn't do as much as many of my friends but just before I got married I discovered it again. Bought my own ski stuff, and I looked darn good! I think I only actually used everything once---but after 11 years together, moving across the country, I still have those skis. Not that there is much to do with them here. We do have a little (I can't even call it a ski resort)"HILL" here that all of the kids rush to to ski and snowboard, it's not like Winter Park real estate but when it's all you have, you'll take it.

My kids keep begging us to take them and I really don't want to! You have to realize, my temperature range for happiness is from 68 to 72 degrees. No more! No less! My body actually functions perfectly for only a few short weeks a year--and if you think we are subjecting the body to 32 degrees while they learn to hurl themselves down the mountain...think again!!

I Missed The Sales!!

We bought our house last September. I had wanted to head out immediately and buy new patio furniture. Since it was the end of the season, we should be able to get a great deal. Or so I thought! There was nothing out there. We were too late. Now we are hitting the season for wanting to use the patio, and I have nothing--but I'm not deterred! I will either find a great sale now or I will wait until the early end of the season and snag me something awesome!!

What A Week!!

Life has been crazy these past couple of days. Saturday, the day before Easter I actually had to bake 12 cakes for different people! It was NUTS! I ate, drank and slept cake! I felt really bad, we had a couple of people drop in to chat for an hour or so, so I actually missed my deadline by about 30 minutes--but it was OK in the end. Still--I'm just amazed I got them all out. Now I just need to find time on my elliptical in order to work off all of the frosting tasting that took place!

Needing New Furniture!!

Have you ever had a puppy that eats furniture? Well, my dog does! In fact, my poor couch cushion has about had it. Kind of amazing how it's lasted through four kids and 2 previous dogs--but has finally met it's match with Wasatch. I'm not too concerned for the moment, simply because I have my eyes on something better. Newer and better. Have you seen furniture made with Kravet fabrics? It's beautiful--and I'm hoping to get something for the living room with it, and move the living room furniture into the family room to replace the "Wasatched" couch!

Laptop Rental

My sister has been traveling a lot lately. She's been to Vegas a couple of times, East Coast, West Coast and destinations in between. What's funny is she's always in need of a computer and has found it convenient to use a laptop rental since the fees are cheaper upfront rather than purchasing her own. However, by the time the last trip came around I reminded her that she probably could have purchased her own by now! As nice as it would be to have the funds upfront to purchase, she's just happy to have found a way to get a laptop for her needs.

Hubby Gifts!!

April is a big month for us. It's both mom's birthdays and then my dad's birthday just a few days later. Throw the Lizzie puppy into that mix, and well--it's a busy month! My dad worked most of his life in the jewelry field, and my mom has gotten beautiful pieces of designer jewelry in her life. Since he retired he still finds a way to surprise her with really beautiful pieces. I've always thought it was funny how a husbands job influences the gifts or products their wives use. My husband is a chef, and as much as I would love fancy jewelry, I have pots, pans and knives that would rival any professional!

They're Coming!!

My mom is coming! I know, I always get really excited about that. She and my dad were able to find some cheap flights, and they will be here in just 2 1/2 short weeks! Just in time for Grayson's big day. I'm so excited. I know it's bad to expect the elders (sorry mom) to make the trip themselves...but with four kids it's honestly a lot easier for them to come here than it is for us to all make it home. We will be looking for flights for the summer, but for right now, I'm just happy I get to see her so soon!

Spinners, Spoilers & Derby Cars!!

My two older boys love everything having to do with cars. Their favorite thing to see and point out are "Spinners". I personally hate them, but hey, I'm a cool mom, they are boys--I totally get it! The other thing that my 8 year old loves...rear spoilers! He loves them so much that he is begging for one on his Pine Wood Derby car. Now--being the master car maker that I am---I will do my best to live up to this request--I'm just happy they aren't asking for Spinners as well! I'm almost sure they would be disqualified!

Insurance Time Again!

It's that time of the year again! Time to reup the car insurance. Did you know that when we moved last year our insurance dropped from $600 every 6 months down to $350? Just for the change in zip code! I was amazed--we had nothing different coverage wise. We'd never had a traffic violations. But because we moved from the City of Chicago to the suburbs, suddenly we get a huge break on insurance. Had I known that, we would have moved years ago!

Getting Away!!

I mentioned not to far back that my sister in laws sister moved to New York City. I can't tell you how much fun that sounds! What an adventure. There are times that I honestly look at the lives of single people, or married people without kids and have a moment of envy. Isn't that terrible? I love my kids, I really do--but there just has to be an easier way at times! My mom always tells me that your payment for having and raising kids are you grandkids--that's a heckuva long time to wait! When the kids are good--I thoroughly enjoy them, but when they get in their thick headed moments, I just want to hire a mover NYC and move in with Emily!

I'm Getting Old!!

In just a few months I will be 37 years old. Now I have to say, that doesn't bother me at all. It's the sprinkling of gray hairs throughout my hairline that has me worried. I still have all the same thoughts of losing weight, but I'm afraid if I do it too much later I will be left with the excess skin and needing to read up on some wrinkle cream reviews.

The one part of my life that doesn't make sense...I would love to lose weight, yet I just started a Cake blog, requiring much more cake in my life than normal! hmmmmmmmmmm

Moving Home!!

When I first married my husband we both worked for a huge hotel chain. This offered us the opportunity to move anywhere we wanted to for a short period of time. We had grandiose dreams, I wanted to start looking for Tennessee land for sale, he wanted Kentucky. We both wanted New England for one year to truly enjoy the seasons. But alas, we had kids and all of the fun thoughts of moving turned into the grim reality of just how hard it is to move! We did make a move from Utah to Arizona, and from Arizona to Chicago with this same hotel chain--so I guess we did pretty good! After being away from home for so long, my only dream is to head back to Utah. But then I realized, my going home, is taking my kids away from the only 'home' they've ever known, and I find myself wondering if that is really fair!

Kids/Life/Whatnot!!

Life has been outta control lately! Really, for most people it hasn't been so bad, but for some reason my son has a melt down every day that there isn't school. Talk about a kid heavily relying on a set schedule. I think it's because we get so used to 'helping' him at breakfast, and if it's a day off of school, breakfast is delayed. By the time lunch rolls around, I have kids swinging from the light fixtures.

Today in many parts of the area it's Casimir Pulaski Day--but not where we live now. The kids had Friday off, and I must say...no one was happier to see that school bus this morning than I was!

Yep...I'm a terrible mom!

Backsplash Tile!!

I have spent hours looking over internet sites for the glass tiles I would like to make the back splash with. There are so many beautiful choices out there and part of me wonders if I really want tile or the glass tile. You have to remember, I will be laying this myself, so I do have to find something that I not only love, but am able to work with. I love the look of tile on the back walls of kitchens. In fact, when we lived in Arizona, I actually masked and painted the walls so it looked like it had tile. It was gorgeous! This time, I would like to put my tile saw to work, and actually hang real tile. That's most of the fun of the redo!!

Remodel!!

I am starting the redo on the kitchen. Nothing major, just taking down the old wallpaper, painting and putting up the little glass tile back splash. There isn't a ton of stuff to get done, but getting started is taking me awhile. I wish there was some sort of performance management software I could plug in to keep me up to date and motivated. My hope is to have the whole thing done by the time we have a party here the end of March. Wish me luck!!

Life, Life, Life!!

I have been working hard recently to get some things up and running in my life. The one that still lags behind, exercise. Being a mom of four kids, there just doesn't seem like there is enough time in the day to get it all in. I am still looking for healthy ways to lose weight, and wouldn't mind finding diet pills that don't make me shaky. I'm assuming as the Barrett finally starts to get older, I will be able to fit my life into my life a little more often. However, I've also thought of going back to school to become a teacher. That way when the kids are all in school, I work their hours, at least as a substitute, so a calm quiet life just doesn't seem to be coming all that soon!

A Little "LOVE" Survey!!

Kind of fun to think about. This survey juxtapositions some things that you think are important, and some that really are. If you take it--let me know what was important to you!!

Nothing Is Sure But Death & Taxes!!

It is that time! We should be getting our return tomorrow--and that is always a happy time of the year for me! This year we finally had a salary to use to pay taxes which meant again that we are qualified for the 'welfare rebate' for the Child Tax Credit! I know, it's an awesome thing, but to be honest getting money back that you didn't pay--is welfare. So enjoy it!!

We had our house this year to deduct but it would have been nice to have a few other high ticket items like a car donation. It wouldn't have given us much more back, but it would have been nice to be able to help a cause like Car Angel.They are a non-profit company that uses these donations to make videos for kids and teens. They have given away over 2.4 million videos. Now that is making a difference!

Through Rain, Snow, Sleet & Migraine!!

I just drove 1.5 hours to the nearest Krispy Kreme to get my son his birthday treat for his class. Now I will say, there is nothing better in the world than a hot, creamy Krispy Kreme donut--but even though they were hot when when we picked them up--nothing is going to stay warm during a 45 minute drive home--and there is NOTHING worse than a cold Krispy Kreme donut!

I got a late start today due to a funky cold and a migraine, but knew that Grayson would be so disappointed if I didn't make it today. So I ended up dropping off his treat 20 minutes before school got out! Bad Mom!! Bad Mom!!

Denim!!

I just found a survey on denim. It asked some fun questions, and honestly-it was kind of cool remembering my "Denim" story!



Take the survey for yourself and see what you come up with!!

Sprucing Up The House!!

With our new house one of the things I'm really enjoying is decorating the dining room and the powder room for each holiday. For fall there were gourds and mini pumpkins on a tower on top of a fall table cloth in the dining room. For Christmas they were swapped out for colorful Christmas ornaments on a Christmas table cloth with matching runner on the buffet. The powder room boasted really cute holiday towels and matching soap pump! Currently there are pine cones on the tower in the dining room, and snowman decor in the powder room. HOWEVER!!! We were at the mall the other day and at Kohls they had the cutest Valentine linens (with matching soap dish). I've been talking myself out of driving over there to pick them up--but now I've found Kohls coupons and I'm really thinking the little ones and I will head to the mall tomorrow afternoon. You know...just to add to my addiction, er collection!!

Thinking About Scary Things!!

Last Monday my husband went in for a Stress test. In fact, it was kind of cool--he came home radio active!! Had we gone to the airport...he would have been detained! Actually, I'm making light of this situation because it was a scare and tense moment for our family. He is the ONLY breadwinner and had something really gone wrong, we couldn't survive without him. I've really started to think that even though he is very young, it's probably time to get a term life insurance quote. He's already partially paralyzed and has terrible cholesterol problems in his family. We always joke that he has my 75 year old father's body and my dad has my 37 year old husbands!

Helping My Jake!!

I have spent the past several days looking at different things for Jake. He's getting to be a big kid. He's 10 and weighs 100 pounds. He's round--but doesn't look anything like 100!! I'm worried he has the same thyroid problem as I do. I've been waiting for him to start his growing spurt, because as soon as he does he'll thin right out. The problem is...I've been waiting for 2 years! So I've started looking into nutritional supplements to see if there are enzymes out there to help him digest his food. I'm also a little worried about his demeanor. I'm thinking he may be suffering from a touch of depression--so I'm looking into more 'healthy' backups for that as well. Hopefully in the coming weeks--I'll be able to figure out what he needs and get him the necessary help!

Pinewood Derby Time!!

Jake had scouts last Tuesday and as I walked by his room I heard them talking about his favorite thing...Pinewood Derby. This will be his last derby in his scouting career and the first two are hard to beat. He was Grand Champion on both! This year he expects nothing less--and that's fine--I'm happy to do my best to keep the tradition alive and thriving! The one thing I have this year...Delta machinery!! Yes, I know--what is a little girl like me doing with power tools! But I love them! I have dreamed of a scroll saw and a table saw for years--and it's so fun to finally have them! What out new Scout pack...Jake's a comin'!!

Poor, Neglected Little Blog!!

I have not been so good at keeping up with this here blog! Mainly because I live over at my other one! It seems to be the one that gets the multi-post updates everyday--but this baby is my original--and it's hard to watch it fall behind! But for the most current, un-interupted events in Chez Nykaza--you have to head over to The Nykaza Family blog to find out!!

Bring It On!!

Friday I had to go in to the DMV to get my address changed on my drivers license. Mainly because this week...we are starting racquetball! I can't wait! Jake, Grayson and I are heading in while the two little ones are in the play room. We have an hour to give them the basics of the game and hopefully get a little workout! This is supposed to aid in some weightloss for my son and I. Here's to hopin'!!

The other thing I've wanted to start doing with him is walking the dogs. Every afternoon after school just him and me. I've been looking for weight accessories like ankle weights and wrist weights--you know, double your workout without doing anything! This is our year to get skinny--I'll keep you up to date on our progress over at my Scale Hoppers blog!

Bowman The Showman!!

I just read that Christopher Bowman died. I'm always amazed when people I "know" pass away. No...I didn't know him personally--but I watched him skate a hundred times. We are about the same age--and I don't know--it's caught be a bit off guard. They are calling it 'for now' a possible drug overdose. I feel bad that his life went that way, I still just remember him skating--and this one was one of my favorites.

My How Time Flies!!

Last Monday we finally moved all of the rest of our stuff over here from the old house. The load included a file cabinet that was in the basement. We didn't have room for it in that house, so it's been in storage for five years. Yesterday I moved it into place next to my computer and went through it to clean it out.

It was so fun to see everything that was in it. All of our taxes since 1995 were there, the receipt for our wedding rings, the paperwork for the purchase of our first two homes and scrapbook items from the boys. It was just a really fun experience to take a walk back through time. I did end up throwing almost everything out--but it was still really cool to see it again! I couldn't believe that this stuff had been sitting in this box for 5 years since we moved from Phoenix. My how time flies!

Working On The Walls!!

I have spent the week over at the Elmwood Park house getting it in order to have the paint splashed upon the walls. I'm not painting, but I do have to fix the wallpaper in the kitchen. So I headed over and got everything taken care of (although I am short in order to finish the last strip). I had been looking for box cutters in order to cut the wallpaper crisply, but I didn't have any. So I have to pick some up tomorrow on our way over so I can trim it all. It's almost over, my father in law is painting this week, and then the carpet guys come in!

Looking At New Trucks!!

We are currently looking at new cars. Well, trucks if the truth be told. It's for my husband. His poor truck is not a happy camper. When you turn it on it coughs and sputters and turns off. He's looked at some really nice trucks but none of them have a truck bed liner. To me (not being a "big" truck person) this seems like it should be a natural choice. It would protect the entire bed of the truck. Plus, they look so cool making the entire bed black. In the end, of course it is up to him--but there is a green one I really like!

Hotels And Casinos!!

We live kind of close to a river boat casino here in our new house. We pass it occasionally on our way to the expressway. My kids get really excited to see it because it's a big old river boat and they talk of the future when they may get to go into a casino. We just had the opportunity in November to stay in a Las Vegas hotel. It was just a fun getaway, of course, it was Vegas. But the hotels there are amazing! This was the first trip in our marriage that I didn't have kids around, and I could actually play the slots. I'm not big on table games, just because I don't know the rules all that well, and on Blackjack--the only game I would play...I can't count that quick in front of people!

How Do I Start One Of These??

And who do I talk to about getting it started!!

Have you ever heard of a baby sitting co-op? I found this on another blog--and it seems that a ward/congregation/neighborhood out west has one going. Here's what one of the women said...

My ward has the greatest babysitting co-op that I am part of. Eleven moms participate and each of us sign up for one 3 hour shift during the week. For example, my shift is Tuesday from 3:00-6:00pm, and the other available shifts are mornings 9:00am-12:00pm and afternoons 12:00pm-3:00pm each day. So when I need a babysitter for a doctor's appointment, there is literally NO pressure. I just look at the schedule for who has that shift, give them a call to let them know I'll be dropping my girls off, and I'm set. Here's the genius of the whole plan - you pay for your babysitting with tickets which come in 1 hour and 1/2 hour varieties. It costs one ticket per child per hour you are away. So when I have a 2 hour OB appointment, I pay 4 tickets for my two girls. When I joined the group, I was given 18 tickets to start with, and then I earn more as I watch during my shift. Sometimes members of the group also volunteer to watch for 3-4 hours Friday night or Saturday morning, just to earn extra tickets and to give members of the group a chance for a date night or Saturday morning errands or temple trip.

It has been such a great thing for me to step into, especially with being pregnant and not knowing very many people. I've had a chance to get to know more people more quickly and also have childcare that I trust. Also, these women are the happiest, most willing bunch of babysitters I've ever dealt with because they've already set the time aside for watching, and they are earning tickets each time someone needs them to babysit.

Is that not awesome? In 10 years of marriage--I have never hired a babysitter! I find that both sad and tragic. Most of the problem deals with the fact that I'm far to shy to actually meet any babysitting age girl--I don't know how much to pay--and honestly--I'm just at a loss of how the entire thing works! I normally end up calling my in laws--but dropping all four off with them could amount to 'Senior Citizen Abuse' and I may be charged literally! I'm way too new in this area to know anyone here either---so I'm probably a lost cause--which is too bad--but not really. In just a few short years, we can leave all the kids home and pay Jake to babysit!

Yeah--like that would ever happen!

Family Values!!

When I was younger there was a family in our neighborhood. They were a sweet, happy family. Both parents had cerebral palsy and so instead of having children of their own, they adopted two from Columbia. It was nice to see these wonderful parents giving these two kids the best of everything. When the daughter grew a little older, she had a baby. She couldn't care for it so her parents took it to raise. It's happened over and over and over. It's so sad, because these people are as old, if not older than my parents and have a real physical disability. Yet they put all of that aside to be wonderful parents to their grandchildren. They are just an inspiration to me.

I Finally Did It!!

I've always wanted to be a part of a book club, but with four little kids ... or three little kids and a 'demon child'--I never did. Plus, I was always "the newcomer" and even though I'm sure I would have been welcomed and included, I just never really felt like having to go and force myself to be social in a group where everyone already knew each other, and honestly, it's more of a small, intimate group of friends, and NO ONE wants to be the newcomer in that situation, least of all shy little me.

Well, my sister in law found a fabulous way to get rid of all of my concerns. First of all--she just started it, so I'm in on the ground level. I still don't know 90% of the people involved and in fact, will never meet many of them. But this club is AWESOME! It's an online book club in a forum type setting. Our first book is "Nineteen Minutes" by Jody Picoult. What is fun is that there are many people who have finished the book--and they'll write different things on the forum that help those like me (I'm on chapter 3) get a feel for what's going on. We meet honestly, anytime we want to--we post our thoughts and comments, our likes our dislikes, our favorite characters--things you would say in a real book club-but they are online--and it doesn't matter that the 'Demon Child' is destroying my house--no one in the book club has to suffer through it. I don't even have to get a babysitter. I'm loving it! I don't get a lot of time to read during the day--so it's what I do as I fall asleep--hence there's only 3 chapters under my belt!!

If you've wanted to join a book club but have found some reasons not to--take a look at Spotted Puppy.com, and see if it is not just the most "novel" idea ever! No, it may not be hers--but I'm giving it to her because well--it's the first one I've heard about!

If you want to join us--just sign up--and head to your nearest library or book store. I'm starting chapter 4 tonight--and one of the newest members signed up today--and is picking up the book later--so check us out!

New Kids Bedroom!!

It is nearly time to move into Barrett's room for his redo! I'm doing the boys room last as it entails renting an opaque projector and painting the logo's of all of the Chicago sports teams all over the wall. Barrett is in need of a shelving unity, a new 'big boy' bed (have you seen those cool platform beds?) and he needs a dresser. His walls are covered in wallpaper, not my favorite but at least it's in good condition and it matches. As soon as the Elmwood Park house is finished...Barrett's room will begin!

I'm A.D.D. And That's All There Is To It!!

Are you A.D.D.? I know, I know--there are a lot of things that run through your mind when you hear those letters-and so most people will say "no". I for one, wholeheartedly believe that I am--at least to a degree. This has been my day...

Working on a budget. Sit down at the computer with tabs open for every bill plus the bank. When I notice that every month we are getting paid interest ($.38) and then immediately after the bank takes a $25 service fee. Not a bounced check thing--just a charge for having our money with them. So I stop said budget and look up how many months we've been charged this---7! Notate it, and head back to the bills. Realize that many of them are still for the previous house that hasn't been rented yet--mind you--we moved out 4 months ago--and until it's rented, we are paying for it. So I stop, add up it's bills, decide that I need to rent a Uhaul to finish getting our stuff out, so that it can be painted--wait, am I painting it or are friends from work painting it? So I stop--call the husband--he'll talk to friends at work--and get back to me. Uhaul on hold. So I start looking at buying paint this weekend to get it painted this week--but then I need to schedule Luna or Empire to come do the flooring, can't do that until we hear from the friends at work and father in law. But I have a list of everything that needs to be done before we can rent it. Tell husband to go to the bank and get our accounts switched back and to demand $175 credit back to our account. Head back to the bills, realize we pay nearly $80 a month in tolls on the tollway. Call hubby to tell him to stop taking the tollway to work!

It's now 2 hours later, I don't have a budget---and I have to get on the tollway to drive to the old house to pick up the mail and fix the wallpaper in the kitchen!

Nothing is done--and now I'm zipping out the door to run an errand that really could wait--but shouldn't--and I will probably start on some other project (or three) before we get out the door!

Is there a medication for this?

My Favorite Game Ever!!

I Have To Brag!!

I was just over at my sister in law's blog and she was talking about their family business's new website. It's been amazing forever, but apparently my baby brother has done some 'redecorating'! I have to tell you---head on over if you want to see some amazing talent! He's always been artistic, but never really on the photography side. His wife started the business and was always my amazing photographer, but wanted to be a mommy when they started their family. So my little brother Kelly (not to be confused with his wife, Kelly) learned the trade. And I have to say he didn't just learn it, he mastered it!

If you would like to see just what you are missing in a photographer, head on over to Gallery Photography.com and click on "The Weddings"! They are located in Utah--so if you live around there and want him, you have to book early because that boy is WANTED! If you live outside of Utah, never fear...if you want the best, you can always fly him to you!! You won't regret it!!


**Note**I know it's the hip, happenin' trend--but those of you planning a wedding and looking at wedding gowns--PLEASE steer clear of the white dress with the dark colored sash! It chops up the line of your body and accentuates your waist and makes you look chunky! Trust me! The long white dress forms a continual line--it makes you look taller and thinner. When you chop it up--you just look fat! So unless you are anorexic...can the sash--it's awful on every dress I've ever seen it on! It's not cute, it's not new, it's not hot---it's HORRID and yes--instead of looking at your face or anywhere else on your wedding day (or in your wedding pictures for years to come) Everyone will just be looking at your short, chunky waist---and that's never what you want!! Just Sayin'!!

13 Bloggers I Read Everyday!!

Thirteen Bloggers I Read Everyday 1. Venomous Kate 2. Lynne 3. Karen 4. Elizabeth 5. Suni 6. Kelly Anne 7. Sally 8. Skeet 9. Mr. BenSpark 10. Peggy 11. Jennifer 12. Lisa 13. Charlotte **These aren't in any particular order, and if you aren't on the list...Fear Not! I have other blogs with the rest of my list! Have fun! For the rest of the list, check out The Alexa Project

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Twits Or Tweets!!

Are you guys on Twitter? If you are, leave me a comment so I can follow you! What I love most is the add on for Wordpress where you can literally add "tweets" as they call them, "Twits" as I do from your dashboard on your blog. But then--you get that cute little box in your sidebar with your latest Twit! They do have the same thing for the Blogspot blogs--so I need to get in and update the code for this blog--but until then--you can follow me--I'm GenkiGirl--of course, or you can go to the sidebar over at NykazaFamily.com and go through from there. It's fun to get the updates as to what you are doing--so if you are a "Twit" lemme know!