Party of Five

Rocky Times

2010-11-30T12:22:00.004-07:00

Okay so I'm sure many of you have seen the PotteryBarn Chalkboard Rocks (pic below). They are only...ready for this...$16.00 (well $12.00 on sale) for a set of FOUR. Do you see four in their display picture...no, no you do not because seriously four are not gonna cut it.

Here you will see my take on those pesky rocks that we just HAVE to have. I mean how nifty are they for that person who likes to decorate all through out the year.

Now mine are not displayed in a jar or bowl because I haven't yet dragged out my Holiday decorations but really... who says you can't just display them in a tray.

It's really very simple and I'm sure you've already figured out how to do them yourself...or you've seen a similar post out there in crafty blog land. LOL I acquired various flat medium and small rocks with the help of my children and the little littles (preschoolers). After I gave them a good scrub I painted them with chalkboard paint (I would have spray painted them but I was unable to find it...grrr - would have made this SO much easier; not that it wasn't already but let's be real I am lazy) I let the paint dry for 24 hrs and then rubbed the rocks down with chalk. Rinse off and dry then write your message. Here's my 'Let it Snow"

and "Ho Ho Ho"s

I have made a TON of rocks and well SOME lucky friends are receiving their very own; when I get around to giving you gifts...LOL. Aren't you ladies lucky...you get rocks. Now now there will be other goodies...this is only PART of it. This whole project cost me under $10 for the chalkboard paint and foam brushes. My kind of craft!

This is why I love my friends.

2010-10-07T09:43:00.002-06:00

So I'm on a diet. I'm at the end of the "hard" part so I feel comfortable telling you. Yes, I'm self conscious and well - it's none of your business. But I have a blog which then makes it...oh well anyways.

So I'm finishing Phase 2 of the HCG diet protcol and tomorrow I enter Phase 3. Which basically means MORE food (healthy though btw) This is the following conversation I just had with my BFF. (LOVE her - she keeps it real...follow along)

Holly: an orange just doesn't freaking cut it
Holly: hehe
Rae: yeah no it doesn't
Rae: its a side
Holly: lol
Holly: I get an egg with CHEESE in the morning
Holly: mmmmmmmmmmm (insert smiling smiley right here)
Holly: can't wait
Rae: ok im sorry but (she had a laughing her ass off smiley right here)
Holly: dork
Holly: it's the simple things
Holly: (winking smiley)
Holly: I'm down 14lbs
Holly: hoping to wake up to ONE more
Holly: for an even 15
Holly: I'll probably only lose .2 now
Rae: well according to dr oz just dropping 10 a year is enough to add 5 years to your life
Rae: so congrats
Rae: another 5 years of fun
Holly: crap no one said I wanted to live longer!!!
Rae: right these are the things you need to think about

Tick Tock Tick Tock

2010-09-20T09:46:00.002-06:00

This was Princess the other day. Sometimes you've gotta do whatcha gotta do to get things moving.

Getting my crafty on...

2010-09-01T12:59:00.003-06:00

Sort of...LOL I've been spending entirely WAY too much time perusing the below listed blogs. Because I'm so NICE to all of my friends (aka YOU) I'm going to share. So then we can be busy slackers together. Share the love you know! Here are a lot of the new blogs that have caught my eye (new to me anyways).

Keeping It Simple

The Cheap and Choosy

Oopsey Daisy

Opps, I Craft My Pants

Sew Many Ways

You Craft Me Up

320 Sycamore - Spent a LONG time looking through her home decorating ideas.

Homebody - How could I NOT love her - she's a HOLLY!

I'm done with college!

2010-08-17T11:30:00.002-06:00

What I really want to say and shout is "I have a F*@^ing DEGREE!!!" Me! Me? ME!

It's just my associates but HELLO!!! You'd of never thought I'd have even start college, let alone finish it.

Now I'm not even sure when the ceremony is because I'm not walking across the stage. I figure I took all of my classes online. I don't know these people. LOL So I have to patiently wait for my degree to come in the mail. Oh you'll be glad to know that YOU won't miss out on that day either. It'll be right here for you to see.

I'd like to take this moment to thank Ms. Karen for encouraging (aka forcing) me to start classes back in 2008. I'd like to thank my hubby and the kids for putting up with me being online all of the time (okay so it's not totally because of school...shhhhhh) and being supportive throughout it all. I'd like to thank Reagan, Sara and Cindy for helping me understand things when I never thought I could.

Did I mention it yet?? I'm DONE!!!!!!!!!! Do NOT speak to me about a BA. Thank you.

Randoms

2010-08-11T21:08:00.002-06:00

My Monkey being...a monkey. This is why I love this kid. Earlier this summer he asked me why does he always end up hurt in some way (scratches, bruises, etc.). Um kid.....THIS would be why (and Ms R...he friend/girlfriend).

The Princess started gymnastics again (along with Monkey). THIS is why. She's taking after her brother and is not afraid to do ANYTHING. I've got pictures of her trying to flip on the bars as well...you know...those bars that are twice as tall as her...yeah. (Yes, that is her...in the middle doing the splits that make my legs ache)

Today was Middle School Orientation for Little Man. It's not fair. Mom is NOT happy about this. I mean why should I be...first this, then dances, then girls calling (oh wait - they already do)...next thing I'll know he'll be in HIGH SCHOOL. *sob* We took him on a tour to find his classes...there are THREE buildings he will have to find he way to in one short day.

Playing with a new toy.

2010-08-04T12:26:00.008-06:00

I recently was blessed enough to be able to purchase the Silhouette digital cutting machine. Let me just say "Oh my!" So many ideas running through my head and I've been so busy up til now to even TRY any of them. Now I've dived in (since I finished my last Math Quiz last night, I finally feel like I can play with my graduation present).

Say hello to her...isn't she pretty. (Don't worry she'll get a table soon enough...I need to find a special place for her.)

So I found this awesome damask design on the Silhouette website that will match my tiny little kitchen decor (that's another post...it's new too!) All I had to do was tell it to cut and it was done.

Here is my pink little beauty that will be receiving the new vinyl damask cut out. She looks so sweet and cute on her own doesn't she? Unfortunately Chef doesn't appreciate her pinkness (after all HE is the Chef around here...LOL)

All cut out and excess removed. (Note to self: When doing something for the first time do NOT pick the hardest image to cut out...are you FLIPPING nuts!)

I used the handy dandy transfer paper that I thought prior to this that there is NO WAY I'd ever need it. Yeah, you hear me laughing at myself don't you. Anyways the transfer paper allows you to keep your detailed massively piecey image together so you're not stuck trying to do a "puzzle" later.

I applied the vinyl to the top of my pink beauty and voila!!! She newly emerges a slick and frisky lady. Chef's reaction? "Oh WOW!" when he walked in to the kitchen. She was of course the first thing he saw...should I be jealous?

While I love doing all things creative I can not always take credit. I am horrible and do not remember where I first saw a vinyl decorated Kitchen Aide but know that I super appreciate that person's creative-ness and for sharing thier ideas on the world wide web for unoriginal saps like me.

I need to start blogging again

2010-07-30T09:35:00.002-06:00

Sorry I've been MIA. With being in school full time and the kids now being home for summer. It's just been nuts around here. My family child care is back in full swing and I have awesome kids and parents. I've been on a new adventure making hairbows and pony-o's for my daughter and friends. A friend finally convinced me to start selling them as well so I've also taken on that task. =P No one said I ever liked easy. You can check them on my facebook page at ~Dimples and Clouds~. We're also on Etsy under angelmommy111002.

I'm going to be back....I promise. Not that you need me or anything...I just like to feel important. haha

Tip Junkie is giving things away.

2009-11-13T23:35:00.002-07:00

She is using this time to promote Mom-prenuers (mom's who own their own business) and is hosting 2 giveaways a day until 20 Nov. There are many ways to win and awesome deals to be had. Make your way over there and check it out for yourself. (you know - cause I'm never on to tell anyone what to do *wink* wink*)

www.tipjunkie.com

Princess Stories

2009-11-13T06:00:00.001-07:00

It must be hard to be 5 and in school all day. This is the Princess right after school on the way to drop the boys off at Art School.

My kiddos

Princess and I went to a near by park because it was unseasonably beautiful out. She loved playing in the leaves.

Then we found a park to play at while we waited.

My beautiful girl.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

The Art Show

2009-11-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Little Man's school art teacher asked that he submit the above piece in to the Mexican Heritage Art show this month. I think he did an awesome job.

Happy Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T11:07:00.004-07:00

To all of those who serve and have served. The kids school had a Veteran's Day assembly yesterday. During which my Monkey read a paper he had written about his Dad in the military.

In case you have a hard time hearing the speech I have written it out for you.

"Soldier's in the military are important to me because my Dad is an electrician in the military. First he helps us stay safe and free. He does this because he wants everyone here to have a better life. Next he cares about the U.S.A. My dad cares because he loves everyone in the U.S.A. Last he helps serve our country. Him and his partners serve our country because they are brave. The military is a great place for my Dad."

Also during the assembly Little Man received an award for having Perfect Attendance during the first quarter. So proud of my boys!

Halloween Fun at school!

2009-10-28T15:33:00.005-06:00

Princess is a beautiful Witch...

Little Man is Jason...

Monkey is a Black Ninja

The kids got to enjoy breakfast at school this morning...

The Witch on her way to start the younger kids parade through the school.

She found Big Brother!

Then she found her other Big Brother!

The older grades went on a parade around the neighborhood. There goes "Jason" and yeah that's another "Jason". LOL

Obama showed up as well. What a great parade!

The frozen Ninja on his way back to the school.

She might be a beautiful Witch but you might reconsider accepting that apple.

Halfway Homemade - Halloween edition

2009-10-27T18:54:00.003-06:00

So tomorrow is the Halloween parade and celebration at the kids school and being the over achieving (read insane) mom I am I had to make them some treats to share with their classes. Now I intended to only do these for Princess's K class but being who he is Little Man gave me that "look". All of us mom's know the one I'm talking about.

Now this treat is SUPER simple. Took 20 mins and cost under $10 for get this - 85 treats! Yes, I said 85 and yes, I only have 3 kids. Little Man has a grand total of 35 kids in his class while Monkey and Princess round off at about 25 each.

Now the halfway homemade part....those rice crispy treats? They are store bought. Oh yeah I'm not THAT insane! :-) I grabbed 2 boxes of 12 each from Walmart for a whopping $3 a piece. Cut them into 4th's and there I have nice child size treats. (I'm not one to sugar them up "too much")

I melted and drizzled white chocolate across the MANY rows of treats and sprinkled with Halloween colored sprinkles for a holiday touch.

Did I mention the ROWS of treats? Yeah? Okay - as long as your still with me.

These babies are still hardening in my kitchen (aren't I sweet to share right away) and then I will package them up for the kiddo's to lug in tomorrow. Along with their costumes. Oh what fun! I'm dressing up too!

Daddy's Little Girl

2009-10-26T20:01:00.001-06:00

Someone's growing up...

The award goes to....

2009-10-22T19:36:00.003-06:00

...not these two that's for sure. LOL JK I had to include this picture though. Aren't they cute and sweet? No, really they aren't.

Tonight was the Saints Football Awards ceremony. Here is Little Man accepting his trophy from Coach T. Roger was sure to announce also that Little Man's name is spelled correctly FOR ONCE! Only took a million sports seasons with the same league. LOL

The undefeated CHAMPS!!!

This is their true state.

Little Man and D.

These kids are crazy I swear.

This picture is for Daddy. Wish you were here!

Can't tell what sport this trophy is for can you? I didn't think so. Some people are SO SLOW. hehe JK

The Witch is in.

2009-10-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Princess is going to be a witch for Halloween this year. (Re purposing last years black cat tutu) I found a child's size witches hat in Target's $ spot and used ribbon I had left over from making her bows to jazz it up.

We also found a lovley feather clip at JoAnn's so I clipped it and one of her bows to the hat.

Added a matching bow to her witches broom and she is all set.

Easier than it looks...

2009-10-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Everyone has been been raving compliments on me for the Princess's bows but seriously all of you can do them. I have simplified them for myself...LOL.

Start out with ribbon twice the length you want your bows width to be. This one is 6inches long for a 3in bow.

Glue the ends together to form a circle.

Pinch your circle flat and then pinch the center together.

I wrap this part with floral wire but some use string or sew it (too much work for me)

You want to make two of them the same size to form your "bow"

Place them together and wrap with another piece of floral wire.

Here I attached a yellow bow behind the printed one. The yellow bow is a 4 in bow.

You can embellish your bows with anything you like...more ribbion, buttons...etc. For this one I used one figure eight.

I like to wrap the top of my clip in ribbon...I think it helps the glue hold it to the bow better. Be sure to only wrap the top of the clip - if you add ribbon to the bottom you'll have trouble getting it into the hair.

Glue clip onto the back of the bow.

TA DA! (I made two for when she wears pigtails) I forgot an earlier picture of it but I tied and glued the middle black ribbon to the centers of the bows before adding the figure eight to the back (which I just glued to the back of the yellow bow)

So there you have it. I said it was simple. The "bow" is basically two circle's pinched and attached to each other. Those sneaky bow makers hehe.

The Pumpkin Patch (pic overload!)

2009-10-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

On Saturday we went to the Pumpkin Patch because Princess missed her class field trip because she had the flu. It was a bit chilly but we had fun.

On the hay ride...

There was a mini petting area...

A Hay Bale Maze...

A giant see saw...

A mountain of hay...
of course a pumpkin patch...

Here is the one she picked out...
Tractors to try out...

A huge slide - that she wouldn't go on but thankfully big brothers won't let her get away with NOT going on it since Mom was on the other end...LOL

She is comfortable going on the "smaller" one on her own...

"Can we have one this big?" um maybe next year when Daddy is home...

Last game of the season.

2009-10-18T19:12:00.005-06:00

Yesterday was the Saints last game of the season. A SHUT OUT season. They won every game!

This particular one...32-0. What a way to finish.

This is right before Little Man ran the ball...

You can see him behind the other boys there with the ball...

Trying to avoid the other guys trying to snag his flag.

Eeeeekk!

2009-10-13T22:07:00.005-06:00

To start off I wanted to show Chef these bows I made for the Princess yesterday. They were a bribe so she wouldn't be upset about missing her field trip. She's been sick with the flu and running a fever so no school = no field trip.

She loves the Frankenstein on them. (btw How does my 5 yr old know about Frankenstein? LOL)
So Tip Junkie is hosting Talk to me Tuesday where she is having everyone link up to their Halloween crafts and ideas. So head on over there (when you're done here...LOL) for more ideas.

I've seen these blocks all over the blogs and DIY threads on message boards and finally I was roaming through Micheal's the other night with the kids and saw the 2" sq blocks for $.99. Not bad. Add some scrape paper and you have a cute little decoration. All in all I spent less than $4.00 on it. Those of you who have scrapes at home would be able to make it for even less. :-)

(Ghost not included...LOL)

I painted each block black. I added two letters to each block (B & E, K and O...) Than I filled in the other squares with scrapbook paper. *edited to add that YES I know it is suppose to be EEK not EKK....sorry - it was brought to my attention and I did fix my actual blocks. WHEW! How embarrassing....LOL.

That simple. Really MUCH more simple than those stinkin bows were....LOL. ;-)

Double, double toil and trouble...

2009-10-12T19:46:00.004-06:00

fire burn and cauldron bubble.

My cat has nothing to do with this post but I couldn't resist including the pic I took of her today. That is the top of our fish tank and apparently her new fav spot.

Now for the witchey news. I made this display today for my downstairs guest bathroom. I think there is something missing but I think it is good....for now.

The potions....(sorry it's sideways - forgot to flip one)

Special ingredients for the truly crafty witch. Ground Boars Tooth, Dragon's Blood, Werewolf Fur, Eye of Newt, Dried Maggots and Dried Bats Wings.

A potion of Babbling Beverage (causes drinker to babble nonsense) *I think there are a lot of goblins drinking this one around here.*

Memory (improves access to memory) *I should try more of this myself*

Draught of Peace (calms and soothes) *We can all use some of this from time to time.*

My favorite. Shrinking Solution (a dab will do ya) *so many "short" people around here - I better find that darn cap. *

*need to add this whole display cost about $5.00 using finds from the Goodwill and supplies I had on hand. :-)*

SCORE!

2009-10-12T12:56:00.004-06:00

So the Princess stayed home from school today. We took a little trip to the Goodwill to see what we could find. Mommy is on the search for some apothecary jars on the cheaper side. LOL I didn't find those but I did find a bunch of other treats for super cheap.

I want to use those three little jars in front for witches "potions" to be displayed in my bathroom. In the stores they are $4-$6 a piece. No way I'm paying that. The tiny green one is my favorite and will be labeled the "shrinking" potion. LOL

I also found this old spice rack. My sister suggested that they be used as the ingredients for the potions. Good idea!

I can't wait to get started on putting this all together. As it pans out I'll add it for you to see.

*note* any idea's for ingredients or potion names feel free to comment. Thanks!

Let's play ball!

2009-10-10T18:30:00.003-06:00

In 20 degree weather no less. Yes I said 20 degree's....it's OCTOBER for crying out loud. CO skipped Fall this year and went straight to winter. We woke up to icy conditions today but that won't stop a football game. (Guess I better get use to that huh. LOL)

Monkey and Princess were all wrapped up in snow pants, coats and gloves.

Oh yeah their running....running to stay WARM. LOL

Little Man is right there in front of D our quarterback.

Little Man has the BALL! (he is slightly squatted...)

Little Man and D goofing around after another Saints WIN! 20-zip. Only one more game of the season. Let's hope we keep this up for a season shut-out.

Mommy treated the frozen gang to Hot Chocolate from Starbucks.

It's a ZOO out there!

2009-10-05T19:46:00.008-06:00

So last Saturday I decided that I should really do something fun and enjoyable for the kids. I packed them up without them knowing and whisked them off to the zoo.

Our zoo allows us to feed crackers to the giraffes although Princess has NEVER done it. She always wants to but when it comes down to it she won't.

They look sweet enough. I do not know what her deal is. :-)

Monkey loves to feed them.

Little Man loves to feed them.

Even with Mommy holding her she is NOT enjoying it. So we talked...finally it was decided that she would feed the BABY. Okay - so we went off to find the baby.

She DID IT!

I've decided that the baby was okay ONLY because it was "behind" bars. LOL

Even taking a picture too close to the fence was nerve racking for her.

So if we're not happy feeding giraffe's - how about birds?

He caught one right away. The last time we came we could not catch any of the birds.

WOW We have TWO.

I caught this bird but switched the stick to her hand. She was NOT happy about it. She was so nervous at first. You can tell that is her OMG smile.

MOTHER! Take this stick BACK!

I don't understand why you keep forcing these birds on me! I'm going to need therapy! Where's Ms Sonya - she'd understand!

Will Rodgers Shrine to the Sun

2009-10-05T19:36:00.002-06:00

While at the Zoo on Saturday (would of had pics sooner but Facebook hates me) I realized we would be able to drive up to the Will Rodgers Shrine to the Sun. The kids loved being able to drive right through the zoo and up....way up. LOL

The Shrine behind the kids.

The little chapel inside the Shrine.

There are a LOT of steps...this whole building was built using NO nails and NO wood.

What a little door!

All of us in front of the Shrine...too bad we lost the top of it in the pic. :-) The Princess called it her castle. Although she was scared during the climb up to the top. Who can blame her really - it's a long way down when you're only 3ft 2inches.

Kinder! Kinder!

2009-10-05T19:29:00.002-06:00

Our good friend, Sara sent us a little care package stocked full of goodies from Germany. mmmmmmmmm nice.

"Great!" "SWEET NIBLETS! These are good" says Monkey "Wait, there are toys?"

Princess with her "ship".

The kids LOVE it (as do I - oh sweet memories)

THANK YOU MISS SARA!!!!

My husand is sweet.

2009-09-24T11:42:00.004-06:00

My husband is always there to help me when I have something going on at home. Be it a party for the kids or just having friends over for dinner. Last Saturday I was hosting a Baby Shower (see post below) for my good friend and since Chef is overseas right now he thought he'd be sweet and send me a little surprise.

An hour before the shower was to began the doorbell rang and this is what was there. Such a nice way for him to remind me that he was thinking of me and wishes he could of been here to help.

I love you honey!

It's the little things...

2009-09-24T11:39:00.001-06:00

Sometimes it takes nothing more than a little jem that you find at Hobby Lobby for $3.00 to make you feel "happy".

Time for some FOOTBALL!

2009-09-20T17:46:00.005-06:00

Week 2 against Ft Carson.

The first half just FLEW by with neither team getting anywhere near scoring.

The Ft Carson brought it and scored. Next play was ours but they intercepted and then the ball was theirs again. Which of course since we were right there they were able to score again. Half time came with it 12-0.

Half time huddle with a pep talk from Coach Tony.

The Coach overseeing his boys!
The second half brought 2 touchdown's almost immediately by our Saints. Now we're 12-12 and the Saints bring it with the extra point. 13-12

Another inception (on our side) brought us to the finally with another touchdown for the Saints.

Final score 20-12!

This was a great game played by both teams. There were many inceptions by each side and many many flags were thrown. LOL Even Little Man had a Flag thrown on him for "rushing" the Quarterback. Opps!

It's a jungle in here!

2009-09-19T20:44:00.005-06:00

One of my greatest friends is having a little baby boy soon and I couldn't wait to throw her a baby shower. His room is going to be a jungle themed.

The beautiful mama!

A jungle themed diaper cake.

Chocolate monkey's attack the cake.

YUM!

Jungle inspired onesies are used as decoration AND a gift for mama and baby.

Most of the decorations (okay ALL of them...LOL) we're gifts for Mom and the Baby. They were taken home to be used in his room.

The party goers!

The "after" party. I encouraged the kids to stay upstairs and when all was said and done (ie when the adults had their fill...LOL) they devoured the yummy sweet treats.

All that was left of the poor monkey's who attacked the cake...

Daddy's Girl

2009-09-16T20:12:00.001-06:00

Short clips from the game today 9/12/09

2009-09-12T21:15:00.006-06:00

*NOTE* LittleMan is in the white #5 jersey. Wearing a black cap and black pants.

*Scroll down for pictures from today's game as well.*

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!

2009-09-12T21:05:00.004-06:00

Getting ready for the game.

LittleMan was playing rock, paper, sissors to determine who had the ball first. (He is #5)

*NOTE* LittleMan is wearing the black cap, black pants and the #5 Jersey)

The Saints boys won by a mile....60 to ZIP! Little Man scored an extra two pts during the game.

Football!!

2009-08-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

We've had an issue this last month with Little Man and football. He really wanted to play tackle and we thought we had it all lined up for him but it just didn't work out. So instead he is playing Flag Football again but in his words, "Mom, I just want to play." That's my boy!

Look a jersey that FITS! So exciting! LOL

He has been loving practices because he knows the coach and a bunch of the guys on the team. He said Coach T has said he'll most likely play Wide Receiver. Awesome.

First time on the school bus.

2009-08-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

It's the 2nd day of school and Princess will ride the bus for the first time. Does she look ready. LOL She says "Mom, I look like the BOYS today." LOL Don't worry it was a good thing.

Walking to the bus stop.

Waiting not so patiently for the bus.

Getting on the bus. *sob*
On the bus - she sits with H and S and loves it.

After her first day on the bus the Princess had a talk with me. She informed me that she didn't want me to pick her up from the school because she wants to ride the bus everyday. I said okay you can ride the bus everyday to which she replied "Good, cause I will be checking."

Yes, ma'am.

First Day of School.

2009-08-27T20:45:00.010-06:00

The rugrats went back to school last week and let me tell you *I* was ready! LOL This was a long and busy summer but it is nice to get back into a routine. Plus it brings us closer to the day Daddy comes home. :-)

Speaking of here they are talking to him on the phone while they had breakfast.

My big wonderful Little Man on his way to his last year in Elementary school.
5th grade!

Monkey headed off to 3rd grade. He has turned in to such a wonderful student and couldn't wait to get started.

The Princess is off to KINDERGARTEN!

My babies are so big...their first and last year all at the same school together.
Princess waiting outside her school to go in. She was so excited!
She wouldn't let me walk "with" her but I could go ahead and come in anyways she said but I couldn't walk "with" her. LOL
Sitting pretty at her desk. So ready for the new experiences and fun she is going to have.
They all lined up at the front of the room to listen to the "Kissing Hand" being read by the Vice Principal of the school. She was wondering if I was going to leave yet. LOL In fact when the Principal got on the loud speaker and asked us to leave she couldn't wait to get rid of me. *sob* Ms Wonderful (her prek teacher) did a wonderful job preparing her for the separation.

They SURVIVED!

* fixed it - thank you!

I'm baaaaaaaack!

2009-08-27T20:39:00.004-06:00

You may not know (sorry about that) but this man, Chef (my hubby), is deployed. Well he is in a relatively cushy location but their internet SUCKS. Like seriously - in today's world you'd think....anyways. Well we've determined (well he did) that he can access this here blog (YEAH!!) a lot better then face book SO he has requested/demanded/asked that I start blogging (someone mark a calendar!) again so he can see updated pictures of the kids and know what the going ons at home are. So here we go my peoples.

I love him! (Picture of us taken on the day he left)

So glad I didn't google this...

2009-08-13T11:44:00.004-06:00

So it started with a call from Germany....

Sara called and mentioned this book cover she saw at the BX (military shopping center for you civies). The title was Sexy Beast VI and all the cover showed was a half nakkid man with no head and a loin cloth. I mean seriously....IN the BX in the book section where little kids can roam.

WOW

So me...being who I am...looked it up on Amazon (cause frankly I was scared of what I'd find if I just googled the title - YIKES (I dare someone to google it though...LOL)

There are EIGHT books with this title by this author and they ALL have half nekkid men on them.

What could they possibly be about to where they needed eight versions of it?

This is the Amazon description:

In "Chanku Rising", written by Kate Douglas, Xandi, Keisha, Stefan and Anton share a powerful secret: they are shapeshifters whose primal power and heightened senses bring an added ecstasy to their lovemaking that is beyond all words. Now, one of their own is threatened by a danger from the outside, from one determined to expose their sexy secrets, and the friends will go to any lengths to save her and their clan...

"Tiger, Tiger" is written by Tiger Noelle Mack. In the demon-haunted Himalayas, where illusion and reality are often one and the same, strange things happen. For a hard-bodies, world-class climber - a man of unearthly sensuality - that border will be challenged in the most erotic of encounters. In the guise of a blue-eyed snow tiger, he is able to lure one intrepid woman into his mountain lair and show her that the line between man and beast is blissfully slim indeed...

"Night Of The Jaguar", is written by Vivi Anna. When Myra Galas finally takes her dream trip to the Amazon, she never imagines it will end in tragedy. Wounded and alone, Myra's mind is stalked by a dark, sexy male - sometimes man, sometimes jaguar - she inexplicably craves with every inch of her body. When she wakes to find herself in his powerful arms, he stirs something deep inside her - an ancient, hedonistic desire clawing to be set free...

Customer Review:

17 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars three exhilaratingly heated supernatural romance...

Wow just wow....I do not endorse this book series as I have not, nor have any intention of reading them.

Seriously they couldn't of come up with a better cover? or title for that matter?

Sara - no more stories from the BX k?

I should run and see if ours carries as well....think Walmart does?

4th of July

2009-07-05T18:35:00.004-06:00

Oh my GOODNESS - where have I been oh blog of mine. Oh thats right BASEBALL. Well not me but my sons. LOL I'm sorry I've neglected you so long.

What a better way to offer my apologizes but with PICTURES! Oh yes...pictures. My kids and I have been BUSY this weekend (as my mother said "You've been on the go all weekend!") LOL Well we have. :-)

Unfortunately Chef wasn't able to be with us this 4th of July. :-( He is over in the sandpit working on his tan. (like "he" needs to)

We are proud Americans and even though half our heart is overseas fighting for the freedom of our fellow Americans we didn't falter from celebrating this great nation. We are true to our red, white and blue.

Oh but that's not ALL. No, no, it is not. In addition to celebrating the our great country we also traveled back to the 16th century...It's the Renaissance Baby!

I hope your Independence Day was as fun and eventful as ours was. If so stop on over at 5Minutes4Mom...they are have a killer of a giveaway.

My baby is FIVE!

2009-05-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

She is such a bright a caring little girl. I hate that she is growing up so fast but I am so proud of her at the same time. This year has been a big one for her. She flew across country without batting an eye, she's overcome her extreme shyness, she's learned to write her ABC's and numbers, she's learned to read, her Daddy is leaving for the first time in her life soon and she is all ready for Kindergarden in a few months. She's a girly girl and a sporty girl. She's a friend to many. She's a Princess to more. She's got an opinion and isn't afriad to use it but still needs Mama cuddles after a long day. *Sigh* my baby girl is five today.

Hello Kitty Birthday party....

2009-05-04T13:56:00.009-06:00

We started out the day at Build A Bear ( a tradition for us) and she picked out...who guessed it Hello Kitty!

Every girl needs a beauty treatment before her big day.

Getting ready for the party.

Filling out the paperwork.

A Hello Kitty Birthday Party.

Crazy Kids
Dinner

Arts and crafts

Pin the bow on Hello Kitty (drawn by Daddy)

Opening presents....

Singing Happy Birthday

She was embarassed by the singing...LOL

YUM Cake Pop!

This Hello Kitty Party was brought to you by your Party Diva's.

Mother's Day giveaways over at 5Minutes4Mom

2009-04-23T12:04:00.001-06:00

5 Minutes for Mom is having a ton of Mother's Day Giveaways. How exciting!

Double Digits

2009-04-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Ten years ago today we became parents for the first time. We had (and still don't) no clue what to do. He is our practice baby...that poor first born who gets everything tested out on him.

Doesn't look like a rough job but it has it's moments.

I couldn't ask for a better oldest son. Big brother to two. Keeper of Mommy's heart. Daddy's fishing buddy is growing up.

Now he is ten. Where'd the time go and where did this young man come from? Be still my beating heart. Let the fun began...we've gone double digits.

Happy Birthday Mommy's Little Man. I love you!

I know you are, but what am I?

2009-03-31T07:51:00.005-06:00

So today was like any other school day. Off to the bus stop to send the boys off to have their minds molded into smart young men (or something like that).

We've been having issues at the bus stop with the people who live around there pulling their cars out in front of the bus (that has a stop sign pulled out HELLO!) and backing up with no regard to the children present...who have been present almost everyday since Aug.

So like a "good" bus stop mom today I risked life and limb for the good of all children. The bus happened to already be at the stop, loading up the children, when a lady pulled out of her garage. Seeing the look of determination on her face when she got out to close her garage door I stepped cautiously in the middle of the drive (you know the one the bus is currently blocking) up a bit of the ways to "attempt" to discourage her to not pull any closer to the bus (the one kids are loading on to). I turned to wave to the boys when I heard the car door close, ut oh I thought.

Yes, you guessed it...she tried it. She pulled her car up closer to me then attempted to pull over to the side to go AROUND me....(to get CLOSER then she already was to the loading bus). I, the ever "good" bus stop mom (LOL), stepped IN FRONT of her moving vehicle. (hold the applause please - nothing none of you wouldn't do).

She then rolled down her window. I sweetly said "You should wait a minute." To which she replied "I am, I just getting closer." So I again sweetly said "You need to wait right there, no reason to get closer to the bus." She huffed and rolled up her window.

Seriously, what WAS she going to do? Run me over in front of the school bus, 3 other "good" bus stop mom's and a grandma and my SIX daycare children (who were on the sidewalk mind you with Ms Jenny and Ms Shelly.)

I.DON'T.THINK.SO!

HUMP

Some people amaze me. (Actually they don't....I just surpress the urge to beat the crud out of all of them.

**On another note. E2 DID get run over....she tripped and M walked right over her.** (and yes I laughed...no one was hurt.)

Sara, here's your Spring....

2009-03-30T15:24:00.004-06:00

Sara asked today :"Where is Spring?" I found it ... in my backyard...after the snow stopped. LOL

Grandma's Wise

2009-03-26T20:19:00.002-06:00

Grandma over at Grandma's Modern Day Trunk of Treasures wrote a recent blog post about a night with her friends. Reading it reminded me of my good friends and how exactly like this they are.

So to my friends. I love you all and miss those of you who are not here.

Here's the beautiful post.
http://grandmasmoderndaytrunkoftreasures.blogspot.com/2009/03/helping-hands-of-friends.html

Holly

Bringing school to blogging "Beauty"

2009-03-23T13:21:00.004-06:00

As we all know (lol well some of us) I am in school online. Each week we have a discussion question that we have to answer and respond on. This is this week's question from my Creative Child class.

Everyone has had some experience with beauty and has a special idea about what is beautiful. It can be a very interesting experience to examine this concept with each of the five senses. Share with us the 3 most beautiful things (living or nonliving) that you have experience with your five senses. Why did you select those three things

Here is my response.

1. The birth of my daughter Abigail, she is our little angel, and when we learned that she would soon leave us. I can't even describe the feelings I had. I was in awe of the support my husband was able to give me, I was grateful for the chance I had to hold her and the pictures I have of our short time with her. I have a memory box that holds her dress and I can still smell her on it. I can taste the tears that rolled down my face as we said goodbye and the taste of my husbands when I kissed him on the cheek. Her birth and death brought us closer together then we've ever been. She is our angel. She is beautiful.

2. The view from in front of my house and anywhere else I am in Colorado Springs. Oh you know what I am talking about. After almost 5 yrs here I can not get over the beauty of the mountain range and Pikes Peak. It just fills me with peace everytime I see it. The colors are always different and it looks so inviting. I am able to remember the feel of the rocks under my feet when we drove to the top of Pikes Peak. The smell of the fresh crisp air as we climbed higher and higher. Oh and the taste of the doughnuts at the top. MMMM reminds me of funnal cake.

3. Oh goodness....I asked my friend Sara to help me with the third one. She jokingly said "Vanilla Bean Cheesecake" and well after thinking about it I couldn't agree more. I love food (as you can tell by my waist line) and lately I have had a hard time finding things that were completely enjoyable to me. They would just taste "alright" and not completley satisify me. Oh but this cheesecake. When they brought it out to me (from the Cheesecake factory) I was hesitant to take a bite. It looked so perfect and I didn't want to ruin it. The first bite was so smooth and creamy. A hint of flavor without being overly sweet. (mmmmm - road trip anyone?) I couldn't help but sigh. From the taste to the cold metal of the fork in my hands to the sighs from my friends as we all enjoyed our cheesecakes, just reminds me of friendship, happiness and togetherness. Who wouldn't find that beautiful.

I've chosen these three things to talk about because they have each brought me peace or reminded me of a time where I felt happiness and wonder.

What about you? What are three things YOU find beautiful and involve all 5 of your senses (or most of them) Respond in the comments if you answer this...you can answer here or in your blog. Just be sure to come let me know to come and take a look. :-)

PARTY PARTY!!!!

2009-03-20T13:41:00.003-06:00

It PARTY TIME! The beautiful ladies (Hi Erica!!) are hosting their annual Blog Party. It's the best and so exciting. Head (no serisouly RUN) over the 5 minutes for mom (click on the pretty button) NOW. It doesn't last forever.

This is a great day to kick off parties...cause tomorrow is another party for my friends and I. See we're addicted to Twilight so we're having a Girl's Day In to watch it (DVD release tomorrow - do you live under a rock?) :-) I am so excited to have so many parties to attend. How will I ever get school work done. (ut oh)

So please sit down and relax while you're here. There's sweet tea in the fridge and snacks on the table. I will only offer you something once after that you're responsible for getting it on your own. Everyone is friends here so help yourself and enjoy your stay in my "home" Watch out for the cat, she is sneaky, and don't mind the kids...there's a playroom all decked out for them.

See there is a ton going on and just a bit of it are the PRIZES (what's a party without prizes) and here are just a couple that catch my eye.

There are five that I would LOVE to win. (although I never win anything...)

#58 - KitchenAide Stand Mixer...I could totally use this. My kids would LOVE it and we'd bake all the time for Daddy who is deploying this summer.

#104 - Glitterful Felt Board Stories (My preschool kids would LOVE this!)

#41 - Photo Tile Necklace...SO CUTE

USC #16 - Kristen's Custom Creations (BEAUTIFUL WORK)

USC #32 - Core4 Weight Loss System. (I could use some motivation too...LOL)

Some of the others that would make me smile are #'s 16, 19, 21, 22, 89, 91 and 118 and then USC #'s 15, 25, 45, 47, 56, 58, and 62. (WHEW)

I'm off to check out the blogs who are partying with me. This is a great time to find that new great blog. :-)

How to excite a Preschool Teacher and her children.

2009-03-17T11:56:00.002-06:00

The UPS man stopped here today and brought Little Heroes Preschool a HUGE box. What could it be???

"I can't see! I can't see!"

E has the right idea.... "CHAIRS!!!!" she exclaims.

"We LOVE our new chairs Ms Holly!"

ahhhhh aren't they beautiful! :-)

Preschoolers Gone Bad...

2009-03-15T18:39:00.003-06:00

Princess and Chef have been messing around on the couch. As many know Chef can't resist nibbling on the kids. Not sure WHY he is so obssessed but I've always worried that it would turn out badly. Well not only we're they messing around as usual....convo went like this.

Princess : Bite me!

Chef: No you bite me.

Princess: You first, bite me.

Chef: No you bite me so you can count them.

So he turned this "bite" feast into a learning experience. ??? This does NOT make it okay.

I just *shake my head* and take pictures.

10 minute makeover cont....

2009-02-22T15:53:00.004-07:00

I was so inspired by Nesters 10 minute makeovers that I am currently on a kick of changing things around the house. First up is the downstairs bathroom. As many know I have a Home Daycare. Well after breakfast we brush our teeth and for the longest I had these cute little suction style cups on my mirror that held their toothbrushes. It was unsightly to say the least. All of the kids are older now and it's time for our environment to reflect that. This is still a home after all. :-)

After going through some of the blogs listed at Nester's 10min makeover party I saw one that sparked an idea in my head. This is what followed.

As you can see the drawers in this bathroom are TINY. Nothing fits. Not to mention since little hands will be in them nothing "keep out of reach of children" (ie anything) can be kept in them. For the longest all I had in them were bibs and Princesses tights (which are now upstairs).

See how tiny. Not much room huh?

I lined it with some of that handy drawer liner.

Chef "built" this cute little tray for me that has five slots for toothbrushes for the daycare kids.

Don't they look cute in there?

With what was left we built a tray for the other drawer for our kids toothbrushes as well.

I would of make a spot for the toothpaste as well but that is one of those "keep out of reach of children" items. LOL

A Girl's Day Trip

2009-02-22T15:33:00.003-07:00

The day before Valentine's Day the ladies (and the girl's) headed up to Denver for the day. We were on a mission.

1. Go to the Health Department and pick up Little *z*'s Birth Certificate.
2. Lunch/Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.
3. Stop at Lakeshore for some "business" shopping.
4. Stop at the Outlets for clothing retail.

Picked up the Princess from school early and we were off. The girl's relaxin in the back with some movie entertainment. I will say - Denver "downtown" HATE IT. UGH no one knows a thing about driving. Run and grab the certificate.

Next is food. Since Princess was "hungry" it was the first stop before shopping. Since this is where we were headed we forgave her. I mean seriously *drool*

Also to top of a delish and fun lunch. What a better end then this....doubt our spouses could one up it for Valentine's Day. *drool* Opps anyone have a napkin??? Sorry about that.

This one is my Vanilla Bean Cheesecake and oh my goodness it HAS to be the best cheesecake I've had. I had to get another one to bring home too. *YUM*

This was Reagan's Snickers Cheesecake. Very good as well.

Big Z and little z shared the cheesecake goodness wtih us but Princess is anti cake anything so she got one of these (don't worry we asked Z and z if they wanted some but they said no).

This is Sara's Taramisu Cheesecake. It was tasty.

So after our belly's were full we headed out to Lakeshore and spent a good hour in there before I asked the ladies behind the counter to PLEASE make me checkout. LOL That then forced Sara and Reagan to checkout as well. We all love that store.

It was getting dark so we started for home. On the way we stopped off at the Castlerock Outlets so grab up some spring deals for the girl's (Reagan's little peach was at home with Daddy). After another hour or so we crawled back into to head back home.

It was a great day trip and lots of fun. I hope we get to do it again soon. (Although Chef says no Lakeshore...party pooper...LOL)

So exciting....

2009-02-19T13:48:00.001-07:00

Recently you've all seen my bedroom makeover. Well Ms Nester my fav home decorating blog is hosting a party. Go check it out.

Hearts....

2009-02-09T13:13:00.002-07:00

This is the top of the Princess's head this morning before school. She had no idea I was even doing it until it was done and then I needed to take a picture of it so she could see it. She loves it.

No this was not my idea. LOL It is a variation of this one. Now my Princess has short hair so it's a smaller heart but the idea is the same.

Always and forever

2009-02-08T19:41:00.002-07:00

There was a little boy who once adored Princess. In all his baby goodness she equally adored him. His first Valentine's Day (and her second) he suprised her with a shirt. "Give me your heart" it said and give it she did. All of us did.

I cleaned out her closets again today. Everytime I do I see this shirt, which always hung in there even though she outgrew it 4 yrs ago. Today we decided that Pooh Bear needed a new shirt and he now proudly wears it.

Are you kidding me?

2009-02-08T13:59:00.004-07:00

Okay so yesterday we were out and about. Took the kids to see Hotel for Dogs (cute btw) and lunch. Then Monkey asked to go to Walmart and I said okay cause they all needed to pick out valentine's anyways. So off we went.

So we get through Walmart relatively quick (for us..LOL) and hop into the 20items or less line. We're being rung up when the cashier say "This doesn't have a tag." "Oh no - I'm sorry." I reply as I wait for her to finish. Then she hits total....without finding out the price of the item without a tag. She looks at me for the payment. I say "I still want this." "Oh um okay" is her reply. She keeps LOOKING at me. I am starting to think WTF here. So I look back. Finally she says "Where was this?" and I reply that it was by the Valentine's Day stuff (it was Princess's gift for Ms Wonderful). So stomping off she goes.

I mean seriously? She just assumed that I would no longer want it because there was no price on it? That is not my fault and no it is not MY responsiblity to go looking for a price either. Excuse me but why do you have those handy dandy call buttons?

Stupid people annoy me.

Valentine's Day craft

2009-02-03T20:33:00.003-07:00

I actually did this craft last year for Mother's Day with the daycare kids but a friend reminded me that it would be a great Valentine's Day craft also. So I figured that I would share. Aren't I nice. (Don't answer that)

So start with a beautiful subject (that's Princess) and have them hold the fake flower you're giving. Take a pic of the child holding the flower.

Then I printed the pic as a 8x10 on reg paper (I'm cheap thats why...LOL) I think glued the picture onto a piece of construction paper (to make it stiff for the flower). I sliced a tiny hole above and below her hand holding the flower. Finally you insert the flower and there you go.

Cute huh!

Enjoy.

A retreat.

2009-02-01T19:44:00.004-07:00

So I feel that every woman deserves....no needs...a retreat. A place they go into that just relaxes them. I have been searching for mine. I wanted it to be my bedroom. A place that I would enjoy some solitude. ... such a place was not to be. I searched high and low for bedding that would be soothing and romantic ... I found some at Linen's and Things...but it was a short lived love. It feel apart within 2mths. INSANE! Not happy. THEN they go out of business. Those fools! I didn't know what to do. I searched every where. Then Sara....(think she got tired of my complaining) said "Why don't we just make it?" "Really? mmm" I replied. Not completely sure about that.

So a week or so later we're off to JoAnn's. Promise we won't take long (anyone else hear the laughter?). I am in heavan! So much to choose from. (she introduced me to the home fabric area) I didn't know where to start. FINALLY we find the starting fabric...and then I just keep choosing and choosing....this for the bed, this one for pillows, oh might as well as cover the stool the cat ruined (grab that one), OH need trim, and tassels. SO MUCH! I was excited.

Got home and started in right away on the stool and the curtains. I took the easy way out and hot glued the curtain seams (no sewing) and just pinned and tucked the stool cover and hot glued on the trim. Nice! Took and hour.

Yes the curtains are only hung with rings and clear command hooks. Easy peasy.

Here's the stool. I just hot glued on the trim around the edge of the stool. I like how it somewhat contrasts with the bedding. Bringing some "testosterone" into the room.

So a week passes by before I can even THINK about doing the rest of it. Because this WILL require some sewing. Finally I woke up on Saturday and said well hell I better get it done. LOL.

That's with TWO table leafs in the table. GAH! The blanket/duvet like cover took FOREVER (I have the backache to prove it).

Below is one of the toss pillows. I cheated...sewed the square and THEN fabric glued the trim around the edges. Held it in with pins until it dried.

So I made everything and I mean everything. I still have to finish the bottom of the cover (glueing velcro onto it so it "closes" at the end), the bloster pillow and a rectangle envelope pillow. Other then that....(very minor things) I'm done.

Drum roll please.................

SARA! Get OFF the bed!

Okay NOW you can see it.

I also want to add trim to my lampshades so they coordinate.

Have you see it?

2009-01-24T14:09:00.004-07:00

My mind...have you seen it? If so I'd like it back. I mean I have taxes and school work to do. A brain would be nice (one that works would be a bonus). I mean seriously. Wanna know what I've gotten myself in to?

Okay so what happened was....

I've been needing beautiful bedding for my room. Nothing..I mean NOTHING fits what I see in my head. I am also impaitent. SOOOOOOO.....

I went to JoAnn's today and got a lot of savings (my code for spent a lot but hey it was on sale so it's all good). I bought beautiful fabric and well I HOPE I'm able to turn it into a beautiful bedroom. Wish me luck. I might need to be locked up after this...

Ahh so today I am doing my stool (it's a camel saddle from Iraq that my cat has destroyed the fabric of) and my curtain ala'Nester (read pins and a glue gun...LOL).

Next on the agenda is 2 Euro Shams, 2 Shams and a Comforter. I still have to buy myself a sheet set and a bed skirt (I'm not THAT crazy).

Where will YOU be???

2009-01-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

On March 21st.

*I* will be watching Twilight, over and over and over....until Chef loses his mind or kicks me out of the living room. (Shoot he better be nice he might get lucky...LOL)

Twilight will be released on DVD March 21st. Get your running shoes on. LOL

You can also pre order from Amazon and Walmart.com.

Don't say I never share....LOL.

A-freaking-dorable....

2009-01-22T09:46:00.002-07:00

Isn't this the cutest. Sara showed it to me this morning and I just couldn't resist. Too CUTE!

Evil... I tell you she is evil...

2009-01-16T12:28:00.002-07:00

So Princess woke up with a cold on Monday....

So I've been feeling the itchy in my throat for a couple of days. Last night Chef treated us to Jack in the Box (new here and we've never had it before) and he was a dear and got me a Strawberry milkshake.

I let the boys have a sip before me and Princess had one after them. Then it was mine. So the boys asked again....no

"Sorry I'm sick guys. I can't share cause I don't want you getting sick."

Princess: "I'm sick so *I* can have some more!" *GRINS*

UGH (So that is why she shared her cold....so she could steal my milkshake.)

So cute and tiny....

2009-01-13T14:27:00.005-07:00

So I've been wanting a set of Ikea children's plates and bowls. They look so cute and colorful online and would be PERFECT for daycare. Unfortunally I don't have an Ikea nearby (or even in this state) so I have to wait for my friend Sara to go to Europe or ask my May 04 mommy friend (she works there - LOVE IT) to grab me some (shoot their $2.00 a set not bad). I don't do well with waiting....(a fault of mine - I can admit that). Well lucky ducky I found someone selling a set of plates and bowls on craigslist for $3.00. Off I sent Chef to do my bidding (okay I begged him to run to the other side of town for them...LOL).

OMG they are SO TINY. Like I didn't realize (which I would of if I thought for a moment and actually read the measurements or took a sec to realize that Ikea would have EUROPEAN items (they have smaller stuff man - hence why they are skinney and I am fat (another post)))). LOL. Okay so like I said - they are TINY. Too cute but still so tiny. Hmmmm will this work I thought to myself? Well maybe for daycare but not for my kids. (like the bowl will hold 5 honeycombs and well my son's are almost 10 and 8 - -yeah okay not working for them)

So I'm thinking this will help the daycare kids to portion control and not waste a ton of food (they plate themselves) and it's - well it's too CUTE to not use. LOL

Here I took a pic.

Okay in that pic is a SMALL roll and a half of an apple on that plate...see TINY! LOL The bowl is holding a 1/2 cup of lettuce...LOL. (That's a cup from Tupperware not Ikea - I'm slightly wondering about the actual size of the matching Ikea cups but I'll have to wait...LOL)

Isn't it CUTE though? LOL I love JUST LOVE the vibrant colors though. I have green, orange, yellow, blue, teal and pink.

I'm thinking I need more but we'll see. I have a shout out to my May mommy and just waiting to see if she is comfortable with shipping to me (Ikea doesn't sell them online - they SHOW THEM but don't sell them online - why????) or have to wait for Sara to leave the country and get me some. LOL

**just a side note - CO will be getting an Ikea in 09-10....sometime...LOL.

The Interview

2009-01-10T20:29:00.002-07:00

Elise over at FairyFlutters was needing people to interview. I was needing a blog post. WIN WIN

Here is the interview:

1) Tell me how you met and fell in love w/ Chef.

We met in 1996, Sheppard AFB, TX. I was in the Air Force and lived in the dorms. He lived on the floor above me. We became friends first and hung out all the time...along with the yahoo's that lived around us. Chef was pretty persistant. I broke up with my long distance BF and all of a sudden Chef was all about being with me (read - we slept together (I'm such a whore...LOL)). I said I wasn't ready and I wasn't looking for a new boyfriend. He sure was persistant though and wouldn't EVER leave me alone. LOL he was always there for me and always so sweet and nice (what happened man...LOL). I couldn't help but fall in love with him. (He was a tad stalkerish...LOL) We married in 1997 before I headed off to Saudi for a short 4 mths. The rest they say is history.

2) When was the last time you saw the ocean? Describe how you felt when you were sinking your toes into the sand? If you've never been to ocean, you can substitute a lake. :P

When we were in Turkey we went to a lovely resort and it was right off of the Mediterranean Sea. It was beautiful and the boys had a blast. Really when I was "sinking my toes in the sand" I was a tad peeved....LOL. It sure was prettier then it felt. Now when we were in NM at the Bottomless Lakes (near Roswell) they had a small sandy beach portion and I LOVED to wiggle my toes in it. The kids all had a blast and I really enjoyed our time together there. Princess was trying to bury my feet.

3) If you could hop on a plane tomorrow and go anywhere (all by yourself) for one weekend, where would you go and why?

I would go to see one of my friends. Goodness I wouldn't be able to decide who though. Stacy - I would LOVE to spend some time with. Bonnie - I haven't seen in 8 yrs. Amy - We're friends online but have never met IRL. Coley - I had a BLAST with her that last time we were together. Sonya - she is in Guam so a weekend wouldn't be enough. SO many more....can we just all meet on a cruise ship????

4) What was the last book you read? What was your lasting impression after finishing it? (If you haven't read a book, insert movie!)

Oh goodness you just HAD to go there didn't you. I am currently re reading the Twilight series (New Moon to be specific) and at the same time reading The Host (same author). I really like how the Twilight books pull you in (even if your not into vampires - which I wasn't). I NEVER read books more then once for the enjoyment of it. Even now I am thinking and feeling things I might not of the first time around. I really enjoy them. I have read some of the excerpt from Edwards POV (here) and I can't wait for the day that Stephenie finishes it.

5) You have found $500 in your purse and you have no idea how it got there or why, how would you spend it?

I would do something fun with the kids. Pick up some new games for the DS's or Leapster or a new Wii game for all of us. We'd go out to eat and somewhere fun. The kids need some more clothes so we'd go on a shopping trip. Sounds boring huh??? I can't help it. Seeing them happy and looking good makes me happy. :-) I wouldn't mind a new pair of shoes though. LOL

The things she says....

2009-01-06T13:39:00.004-07:00

might get me in to trouble. LOL Okay not really.

Princess was home from preschool for 2wks. During which time I still had my daycare children here. I'd often hear her mediating and or reminding other children of the rules. Which was fine as long as she said it nicely and wasn't being ugly. There were a few times she'd get angry and yell but I'd remind her that we don't do that. Anyways fast forward....

Yesterday she went back to preschool.

The kids were in one area and she started to raise her voice in frustration at another little girl. Ms Wonderful walked up to her and said "Now, Princess, do we yell?"

Princess: "No, I'm sorry, I can only do that at my mommy's house."

Um, excuse me? I never said you can yell. LOL Heffer.

Happy 8th Birthday Monkey

2009-01-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Sleepover

2009-01-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

So Princess and *Z* have been trying to have a sleepover for months now. Finally it was Sara and Paulo's Anniversary so I said that she needed to drop the girl's off for the night (yes I am "that" friend - the awesome one...you know it. LOL)

Needless to say that Princess and *Z* were excited beyond belief and couldn't wait for Saturday to get here. When I told Princess that *Z* and *z* were on their way over she said "TONIGHT!" LOL

div>Here are our adventures in pictures. (I love how pictures seem to tell the story for me)

They were all great. I woke up on Sunday to 3 little girl's giggles. It was cute. Considering it was my birthday it wasn't annoying either. LOL They left with *Z* saying "Princess has to sleep over tonight!" Um not yet....LOL.

Wordless Wednesday: She just wants to see what it is all about.

2008-12-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Go here for more.

"The Switcheroo"

2008-12-30T08:00:00.001-07:00

So I got this hair brain idea to switch Monkey and Princesses bedrooms. I mean seriously - she is a 4 yr old little girl with a TON of little girl toys that are big. Monkey is almost 8 (Friday) and his toys are smaller and don't need as much room. Now he started out in the bigger room when the boys were sharing otherwise I would of put Princess there originally. Two years ago Little Man got his own room and they've all been seperated since. SOOOO back to my idea. This came to me on Tuesday, Dec 23rd. Like I mean - I have the complusion to get it done and get it done now. Anyone who knows me knows that this is normal - for me anyways. LOL So Chef said no. LOL Then I talked to Sara (she is such a bad influance) during which I realized that it makes sense on so many levels. 1. Princess has bigger stuff and as is her tiny room is double packed and you can't get to any of the toys. 2. Princess gets nosebleeds and usually they are brought on by being too hot. The bigger room stays cooler at all times (since the builders suck and didn't run the heat to it). Good reasons! Yes? LOL Works for me. So Chef said that he wasn't helping me. I said fine. I just need you to move her TV anyways - everything else I'll do. Do it - I did. Christmas Eve morning before we were to have a house full of guests for dinner. Yes, I love to stress myself out.

The before's don't really show how little room Princess had in that tiny room cause I didn't take pics of it right before the move. Opps. But just imagine everything that is in the after pictures was IN that tiny room.

So without further adu:
Princess Before: (That stuff animal hammock IS in the new room - just forgot a pic of it. It is above her bed. Luckly we still had the previous hooks there from when Monkey had one in his room (forever ago) LOL)

Princesses After room: There so much more space that she can actually play, have her little table and chair set in there (it was downstairs before) and that shelf with the books on it was in there when Monkey was in that room...they are my books for daycare and I hope to get her a cute white bookcase to put them on soon. For now this works though.

Monkey's room before: He had a ton of space in there and often there were toys everywhere cause really with THAT much space WHY clean up. ERG LOL

Monkey's After: There are still some holes in the wall that I need to patch up and I want to switch his shelf with bins for something "older" (maybe a bookcase and an under the bed box).

So I know the pics don't do it justice. I so should of taken better before pics but the kids started moving everything when I was in the shower. (Think I rubbed off on them?) Did you catch how with ease I switched the curtains? Yes they have two different types of windows in the rooms. Thankfully I used the handy dandy curtian clips and flat sheets for their curtains. Made switching them easy - just had to refold them and clip. Easy peasy.

Our Christmas in Pictures

2008-12-29T16:12:00.006-07:00

Two beautiful Princesses on Christmas Eve.

(In our family we've begun to have our big Holiday meal on Christmas Eve - that way we can relax and enjoy Christmas without the hassel of making our yummy foods. Plus, this way we get to visit with great friends all day without worrying about their obligations)

Kids table. :-)

The BEST Turtle Cheesecake EVER! I mean seriously it was "THAT" yummy. Everyone agree's... ask *z*

After everyone's families had left our children got to open their two Christmas Eve gifts. PJ's and ornaments. (The ornaments are picked out to remember something new and exciting they did or enjoyed in the past year. This year the boys each got a snowman playing football and Princess got an adorable Polar Bear who is coloring since she started Preschool this year)

Princess had NO IDEA what to ask Santa for. Finally she stammered out that she'd like a Barbie when she saw the big guy at her school party. He rocked and put it inside a 3 drawer bin to store all of her Barbie stuff in.

The boys were equally excited about their Santa finds.

Little Man has wanted an MP3 Player for years. He got his first one this year.

Monkey has played this game for hours on end since receiveing it. It has gotten to the point that I have had to make him stop playing it. LOL

Little Man was rocking out to the Guitar Hero and Princess needed to join him with her own guitar.

A technology filled Christmas.

"This is the best Christmas EVER."

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday's as much as we did.

GAH!

2008-12-29T07:52:00.003-07:00

I'm here I'm here. SO I have been off since Christmas. Which has been great and I have taken advantage of it and was MAJORLY lazy. SO therefore this week will be bombared with multiple posts from Christmas, my adventure of switching kids bedrooms (on Christmas Eve no less) and the Birthday of my middle baby. Not to mention yesterday was MY birthday and well I didn't do ANYTHING, not even the laundry. Good thing the boys are home this week and can get theirs done today. LOL

*sigh* I'm back at work today though. Fun Stuff!

PS How do you like the new background? It's temp don't worry....LOL Just a little shout out for my fav books. LOL I'll be changing it at some point when I find something. I just LOVE The Cutest Blog on the Block site for blog backgrounds.

Happy 9th Birthday Ramsey Donner

2008-12-24T23:02:00.002-07:00

Now what do you get a dog who has everything. He dislikes toys. Doesn't even mess with shoes. Does not care for doggy beds and come at him with a sweater and he is likely to bite you in the rear. SOO what DO you DO?

Well you give him a Ham Bone of course. DUH! Doesn't everyone know that. LOL

Doesn't that look yummy? (Let me tell you the ham that was on that is YUMMY!)

Nothing but the best for my baby. Off he goes as soon as he snagged it from daddy's hand.

He won't even look up for a picture. LOL That must be one yummy birthday treat.

"Awe mom! Okay I'm here - enough with the pictures. Can I go back to my ham bone now? Can I HUH HUH HUH???" Of course baby go enjoy. Happy Birthday Sweetie.

I can't believe it has been 9 Christmases since Little Man and I were at our friends house and their beautiful dog was having puppies. Ramsey is the best dog EVER!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T22:48:00.001-07:00

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas! I hope you're enjoying your time with family and friends.

Holly~

la la la la la

2008-12-23T13:24:00.003-07:00

Little Man is in the 4th grade now and he wanted to be in the band so bad. (They get to practice during special's) I said that was fine as long as he could borrow the intrument (I just couldn't swing the rental this year). So between him and the instructor he came home with the Trombone. Now those of you that know Little Man know that this instrument is HUGE compared to him.

On Dec 10th they held a Holiday concert and he got to show off his skills. Here he is before the performance. Isn't he handsome. (not a ? as you can tell but a statement from his mama)

I said it was big. LOL Below he is warming up and getting ready to dazzle us all with his skills.

(*SIGH* When did he get so big?)

Here they are during the performance.

He is right there. See him? Good. :-)

2008-12-23T13:21:00.003-07:00

ReggeeD over at a msg board I frequent just gave me one of my new fav quotes of all time.

She said : "Just because it's not the way you do things that doesn't mean it's wrong. The fact is, being Grandma doesn't trump anything. You don't have any special claim on someone else's children just because you're grandma."

AMEN!!!

I understand that Grandma's are special and I wish that my children were blessed to have caring loving attentive ones but the fact remains..."Being Grandma doesn't trump anything. You don't have any special claim on someone else's children just because you're grandma."

So remember we are the mother's and WE alone (with our hubby's - maybe..LOL) decide what our children do.

Oreo Balls

2008-12-22T14:34:00.005-07:00

Okay so last year I came across this new DELISH receipe. OREO balls. I mean seriously they should be illegal to make and share (who am I kidding - I don't share - okay okay so I do but not willingly). Anyways it is so simple it's insane.

You'll need one pkg of Oreo cookies (double stuffed or mint work as well but are VERY rich - don't say I didn't warn you), Cream Cheese and Dipping Chocolate. That's it.

Easy Peasy.

So since my food processor hates me and didn't want to crush the Oreo's up nicely for me I went about it differently this year. It went so smoothly this way but please do it whatever way works for you.

I started by seperating the white filling from the Oreo. See pic below. (Stop drolling my goodness)

I then used my handy dandy Magic Bullet to crush up the Cookie portion of the Oreo. See nice and fine. (Okay I thought I turned that darn pic - opps)

Now the fun part. Now many will probably use a mixer or a utensil of some sort but that is not how I roll. I like to get right on in there and be a hands on baker. That's right I slap a glove on and after tossing the crushed Oreo's, white filling and cream cheese into a new bowl I just dive in and mix by hand.

Just keep mixing and mixing until you get this nice glossy mass of yummy goodness. (Shiney isn't it?)

Now you'll start pinching off a bit (or use a small melon baller) and roll it into a ball. See?

Aren't they pretty all lined up? After rolling all of it into a ball I pop them into the freezer just to give them a chance to harden up.

Okay now you'll take and coat each ball in some yummy DELISH chocolate. (Again I swore I turned that pic)

Yummy.

Line your counter with wax paper and drop those yum good little evil balls on it to dry. Top with sprinkles if you like.

Ready for their close up! YUM!

Now go make some and don't come back here and try to blame me. I am not your mother and I didn't make you do a damn thing. ENJOY!~

A Princess and her cat.

2008-12-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

So you remember this picture from yesterday and I promised you that there was more to the story. Well there is. See Princess is actually terrified in this picture. Liea (the cat) not so much as you can see. Since rearranging the living room to make room for our tree Liea has taken it upon herself to regularly attack Princess anytime she walks by the living room. This night was no exception. Princess and I were busy doing different things and everytime she walked by the couch Liea would spring from the other side.

Finally we sat down to watch "Charlie Brown Christmas" on ABC and Liea kept climbing into the Princesses lap to cuddle and Princess would get all nervous and cringe so I would nudge Leia off of her. (Who can blame Princess right - I'd avoid her too at this point). I had nudged her away no less then 5 times in 3 mins when finally Princess laid down and Leia tried one more time. I just told Princess "To be calm and she just wants to cuddle now." So she tried and Leia made herself at home. The look of pure terror on my daughters face sent me rushing for the camera (as if any of YOU would do anything differently...LOL). Of course you can't tell from the picture but Princess was NOT happy about the cuddling. She see's a camera now a days and she has to smile. It's like a rule or something. (I don't think she can get her arm any farther away from the cat if she tried.) LOL

Wordless Wednesday: A Princess and her cat.

2008-12-17T10:49:00.002-07:00

There is WAY more to this story. Check back tomorrow. In the mean time go over here to check out more Wordless Wednesday's.

Oh Christmas Tree....

2008-12-16T21:28:00.004-07:00

Tip Junkie is one of my fav blogs to visit. I get so many wonderful ideas from her and the holiday's are no exception. I am submitting my humble tree in her Tree Decorating contest.

Go here to check out all of the other WONDERFUL BEAUTIFUL tree's.

Here is mine:

All of the ornamnets on here have meaning. Some are from my childhood. Some are made by my Grandmother and Mother. Some are bought for my children and when they leave home they get to take them with to start their own tree's. Some are the ones we've bought for our family and then there are the ones my children have made for me. All of them came from someone special to us. My mother even made the rope garland (13 years ago) you see hanging on the tree (we tired something different this year and strung it up and down - Chef likes it this way).

I've seen some extremely beautiful tree's out there in bloggy land lately and many put mine to shame but I love mine just the same. One day when we have more room I'll have another tree to play with but for now this one filled with our memories is and always will be front and center in our home.

WTH!

2008-12-16T09:41:00.003-07:00

I can't believe we have a week until Christmas. I am pretty much finished. Just need to get the boys some PJ's and some stocking stuffers. I actually started wrapping last night (even while I feel like crud).

I feel just awful though. I haven't finished baking yet. Like seriously I am usually done by now and have mailed some goodies out. Well no one is getting goodies this year. Sorry. I guess with school and everything I just couldn't get to it this year. Everyone will have to forgive me in my pursuit for a higher education.

This is the last week of school for my kids. They all go on break starting Monday. So this week is fully of preping and parties. Next week I'm only open two days so that is kind of awesome! So we'll have a few days to play with our new goodies before I go back to work. I'll even be off for my birthday (yes I am one of those people with a Dec bday - the 28th to be exact).

Then it's back to the grind stone. Getting registered and ready for school to start again for me AND my kids in Jan. Oh joy.

Sorry I've been neglectful. I'll be around.

Don't go here

2008-12-04T12:51:00.002-07:00

No seriously you do not want to go "here". No really you do not want to. Nope, I wouldn't steer you wrong would I? You trust me right? Okay so if you do then do not go "here" :-)

Cause seriously if you LOVE me then you wouldn't so that I can have a chance to win. :-) We all know you love me.

Merry SITSmas!!!

2008-12-02T13:24:00.003-07:00

I can't resist joining in. I love my SITS ladies and I've been neglectful with this whole persuit of a degree. BLAH who needs it - I need my SITSas! Okay okay. I will be better I swear.

If you've been living under a rock you NEED to run, not walk over to the SITS site.

You can also enter this lovely celebration they are having right now.

Prizes every hour and the greatest prize of all is a $200 Gift card to Target. WAHOO!!!!

Deck the halls.....

2008-12-02T12:35:00.005-07:00

I joined in with TipJunkies Virtual Tour of Homes. I enjoyed visiting all of the homes and already have so many ideas in my head for next year. Money keeps me from doing them this year. (Lucky for Chef LOL)

Welcome to the Party of Five addition of Deck the halls. I know I said that the tree would be up on Monday but life got away from me. Forgive me. Now let us get started.

First stop is our lovely tree in the living room. Most everything on here is homemade, bought for our children or snowmen (which is in memory of my Grandmother and now the decoration of choice when we buy our yearly family ornamnet.) Even the garland is homemade.

Next are the stockings..... (keep those hands OFF of the tree - no one said you can have a candy cane. Put it back.)

Now we're on our way upstairs (I SAID PUT IT BACK.) First stop is Little Man's room and his very own tree. Isn't it cute? Even if it does lean a little. ;-)

Up close shot of his little woodland creatures ornament.

Moving right along now. Here we are in Monkey's room.

Up close shot of one of his handmande ornaments. (yes he made it)

BEEP BEEP. To round off our tour we'll stop off in the Princesses room. (Santa had a little too much sip sip huh)

Another up close shot. This time of Hello Kitty.

This concludes our tour of Decking the Halls. There IS more to see but those can be saved for a later date as they are still under construction. Now thank you for stopping by and I will see you later. (HEY didn't I tell you to put that candy cane back? HEY! Come back here! Why I oughta....)

Season's Greetings

2008-12-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

She loves her brothers

2008-11-30T17:17:00.004-07:00

So today was the first snowfall (the other's were just dustings) for us of this year. FINALLY - I mean WHY live in the mountains if you can't depend on the season's to get you in the Holiday mood. LOL

(Of course we had plans to travel to Littleton today - yeah so of COURSE it would snow today so that we weren't able to go)

All was not lost though and our kids had fun anyways.

This why the Princess has two big brothers. Free rides!

Check back - I'm going to post our Christmas tree tomorrow.

"I've had a lot of savings"

2008-11-30T16:48:00.004-07:00

Black Friday shopping actually worked for me this year.

Savings at ToysRUs - $120.00

Savings at JCPenny's - $130.00 (more then I even spent)

Hearing Sara laugh when I told Chef "I've had a lot of savings" when asked how much I've spent. - PRICELESS

I live to amuse.

I proceeded to go home and save another $35.00 online at Amazon.com

LOL

All in all not a bad trip out on Black Friday. We were lucky enough to run into nice people and we met Lisa at JCP for shopping and then we met Erica at the movies to watch "Twilight".

A very nice day trip with a fun friend.

Thanks for dragging me out Sara!

What's your number?

2008-11-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

RUN not walk over to 5 Mintues for Mom to get in on this AWESOME giveaway.

You won't be sorry. Here is the link.

Thanksgiving Paradisms from Princess

2008-11-27T10:21:00.003-07:00

*The smurfs float came on the screen....

Princess - "Santa Clause Smurf!"
Me - "That's Papa Smurf baby."

*Watching the musical with the sailors (forget the name).

Princess - "They need shirts on. It is cold outside."

*Random Thought

Princess - "I want to eat a chocolate bunny."
Me - "Wrong holiday honey."
Princess - "Ohhhh"

Thanksgiving.

2008-11-26T10:54:00.003-07:00

I love Thanksgiving. It's not just the wonderful food (although that is a MAJOR plus) but is a time when we can fill our house with people. LOL Sorry I'm crazy but it's fun. The bonus we are not running all over the state trying to make everyone happy. We usually host Thanksgiving and everyone brings their favorite side dishes (cause Chef's Turkey is to DIE for not to mention his gravy *drool*) This Thanksgiving I am reminded to be thankful. Although it's not to say I am not always thankful.

I am thankful for my family. A husband who always sticks by me and children who can always be counted on to drive me insane (I say that lovingly - no really I do). I am thankful for our experiences and time together.

I am thankful for my friends. Those that are here and those that are far away. The military has brought many of them into my life and I wouldn't trade them for the WORLD. They have become like family to us.

Speaking of family. I am thankful to have been given so many who have made me who I am today. Without this beginning I wouldn't be me. I am thankful for my 2 beautiful little nieces and a lovely nephew (who is on the way). Sisters, brothers and inlaws you are so dear to me.

I am also thankful for all of my "online" friends. One day we might be fortunate enough to meet. Who knows I might move to an area near you in the future. I am glad to know you as I do.

I would like to add that I am thankful to my two wonderful followers. You have made me feel very special. :-)

Now what??

2008-11-22T20:12:00.002-07:00

Okay so I took these AWESOME pictures today of the kids that I want to use for our Christmas cards. The problem is that I do not like any of the templates I find on Kodak.com or Walmart.com. It just isn't a part of "what I am thinking of" for this year. So I want to just print my own 5x7's but need to know how to make them. I have photoshop (otherwise my pictures wouldn't look as great as they do...LOL) but not sure how to use it for making a card. Any ideas?

Aren't they just the cutest!!!

Seriously at FOUR?

2008-11-21T16:46:00.003-07:00

So Princess comes home today from Preschool. Same as any other day. Run in. Hug Mommy. Pull her folder out of her bag. Got it.

Today she brought home an adorable little Turkey project. Only something was missing (I guess).

So she starts pulling everything out of her backpack.

Snow boot (check) - flys across the room

Other snow boot (check) - follows other one

Scarf (check) - outta here

Gloves (check....and check) - buh bye

Hat (check) - Man that got some air

"It's not HERE!" says Princess

"UGH" as she throws her bag down.

"Where is it?" she exclaims

"Oh no!" slaps her head with her hands

"I don't have it." (gasp - really?) As she throws herself on the couch in dispair

Chef walks in...."What's wrong?" Me...."She is missing something I guess." (trying not to laugh - not very well mind you)

Chef says "Why is your folder on the dining room table?"

Princess says "I don't knnnnnnnooooooow."

So I pick it up and pull out her regular papers...oh wait here's a baggie????

"Is this what you're looking for?" I ask

"YES!" says Princess "Oh good" as she goes about her business.

Um really seriously AT four yrs old I have to deal with the mood swings....oh boy. I am so glad I had 2 boys first. (Sorry Sara! and Stacy)

Well it's the truth...

2008-11-21T14:40:00.004-07:00

So last weekend I had to write a paper for school. My first actual "paper-paper" you know the ones. They have to make sense and get a point of veiw across (my point of view) and it has be written like a college student and all that jazz. ANYWAYS I did it but I was drugged. I was nervous about the "sense" of it. Needless to say I had to turn it in anyways...

Yesterday I got my grade. I got a 78 out of 80. Yeah I know - right.

So this morning I tell Chef. This is our converstation.

Me - "So I got a 78 out of 80 on my paper."

Chef - "Really! That's great hon." (comes over to hug me)
"I knew you could do it. Why didn't you tell me this yesterday?"

Me - "Cause you were being a butt and I was PMSing so I didn't want to."

Chef - "Um okay then."

Well shoot - he can't fault me for being honest can he. LOL

PSA!

2008-11-18T09:08:00.003-07:00

My PSA for today is this:

JUST SAY NO (isn't just for drugs anymore)

Parents JUST SAY NO!

If your child demands food or drink in the car while you KNOW they will make a mess and spill it everywhere learn to ... JUST SAY NO. :-)

If your child is hungry on the way to preschool (where they will eat brkfst soon) JUST SAY NO to the fruit roll up. :-)

If your child screams and throws a fit because they don't want to ...(whatever) JUST SAY "cause Ms Holly said so". I mean JUST SAY NO.

I know you can do it!!!

ROFL

That is all.

Updates....opps

2008-11-17T19:38:00.003-07:00

Okay so my life around here. I have been sick. Sick since Halloween. Which is mostly ANNOYING! (who taught these kids to share and who's idea was it that people needed to share?) I couldn't take it anymore and after prodding from Sara I decided to go in to be seen. I couldn't take off of work so I decided to head to the AFA Acute Care Unit after work on Friday. I took Sara with me since it was HER idea and well the AFA is far.and dark.and did I mention far. So we get to the base and start driving into the great blue yonder for signs for the hospital. We keep going.going.going....

Um doesn't it seem like we've been driving awhile?? (me)
Yeah, but we're almost there so keep going. (S)
But what if we die? (me)
We need to work on your false sense of security on a military base. You.have.none. (S)
Well yeah but you know how those cadets can be. (me)
Yeah (S)

driving some more.....

Um I think we've gone too far (me)
Yeah, I haven't seen the sign. Turn around. (S)
There's no where to turn around. We're going to die. (me)
Just turn around no one is coming down this road. (S)
*I do a 3 point turn*
Hey! There's a freaking sign. (me)
Yes (S)

So we turn and head into the hospital FINALLY. Um where do we park now? Doesn't the Air Force believe in LIGHTS. Goodness it is pitch black out here. We finally decide to park somewhere and hesitantly head towards what we THINK is the Acute Care Clinic. HEY it is! Lucky us. We go inside (did I mention it is FREEZING!). Sara goes to sit down while I walk up to the counter.

Do you have an appt? (dude)
Excuse me? (me)
Do you have an appt? (dude)
I didn't know I needed one. Peterson just told me to come in. (me)
They don't know anything. (dude)
*nod my head in agreement*
I will see if I can get u an appt. (dude)
Thanks (me)

He finds me an appt for at 7pm - it's 6:15 so thats not too bad. We wait.

I finally go back and was seen. I have *drum roll please* walking pneumonia. WTF Not okay. So he gives me 3 drugs to take to help me feel better and off we go. Need to find dinner. I's hungry and Chef informed me (after I called him) that my kids ate ALL of the dinner. Brats. So we're off in search of food.

So on TOP of this I have my college semester coming to a close and of COURSE there was a major paper DUE on Monday (today). But I'm sick (yeah didn't think that would work) so I had to carve time out of resting to work on it and OTHER assignments.

Didn't my body get the message that I do not have TIME to be sick.

So thats where I've been/am. I hope to get back to regular blogging at such a time when I feel better and classes have ended. I should have tons to talk about I would think.

Daycare-isms....

2008-11-14T11:51:00.003-07:00

"M go potty before you lay down please." - me
"Ms. Holly I don't have to." - M
"Please go and try." - me
from the bathroom..."Ms Holly it won't come out!" - M
(trying not to laugh) "Okay M wash your hands and come lay down then. Thanks for trying." - me

**side note - Where are you peeps? I see you checking in but no one is commenting. This makes me slightly sad. I love comments as much as the next gal. (batting my eyelashes)

Awards Night

2008-11-13T09:14:00.004-07:00

I'd like to thank.....

Oh wait it wasn't about me.

The boys had their Flag Football awards ceremony last night. It was long and boring...(we had to sit through all the soccer teams first) and FINALLY they got to the Football players. (course I was ticked cause all those loser soccer parents effing LEFT before they got to the Football so by then NO ONE was there except the football families. LOSERS! Some people are SO RUDE - ANYWAYS - I did say this wasn't about me. LOL)

Aren't they so freaking handsome?

Monkey being...well Monkey. LOL Excuse the crappy quality - my camera likes to PMS when I need it to take nice pics.

Little Man - now on the way there I asked him "Why are you so damn good looking?"

His reply: He fell off the curb as he was walking cause he turned to look at me with this huge grin on his face. (I know I planned it that way...LOL)

Of course the Princess was there too and wanted her picture taken with Mommy. (ignore the wide eyes - have NO idea what that is all about...LOL)

Tip Junkie Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon Giveaway

2008-11-11T14:43:00.001-07:00

Say that three times fast. Tip Junkie is hosting a Giveaway also this month (for 12 days actually). So get in on the action and you might win some awesome made by mom items for yourself or to use as gifts.

Six years ago...

2008-11-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Six years ago our life changed. We experienced something that no one should ever have to go through. The loss of a child. My husband was overseas in Turkey. He would be gone for 18mths. Right before he left we found out that I was pregeant again. We were so excited because this was planned.

I was about 20 wks when I went in for a routine ultrasound. During this I found out that we were having a daughter. A daughter! I called my husband and he was so exicted. We had two boys and now we'd have the daughter we wanted. Also during this ultrasound I was told that I would have to go to OKC for a 3D Ultrasound because they were having trouble seeing everything. They scheduled it for 2 wks later.

A friend went with me to OKC - along with Monkey (who was 1 1/2 at the time). We were joking around and talking the whole way there. She went into the ultrasound room with me (Monkey played in his stroller). The Doctor walked in said hello and placed the monitor on my just now starting to show stomach. He wasted no time. He said "I'm sorry, she is going to die." I just stared at him. Not really grasping what he was saying. He went on to explain that my daughter was anencephalic. What does that mean? He said the top of her skull didn't form and neither would her brain. "I can feel her move though." His reply "It doesn't take a brain for a baby to move. The movements come from the Brain Stem that is still there." My friend gasped - she couldn't believe he said that. I just looked at him and said "I said now what?" He went on to give me two option. Deliever her now or continue to carry her until Feb. When I would be alone - feeling her grow inside me. Feel her become more real to me and my son's. Watch my 3 yr old become excited at the prospect of having another sibling. Have people I know or don't know congratulate me. Do this all - without - my husband.

My friend and I left OKC and traveled back to TX. We tried talking about everything BUT. We stopped in Lawton for lunch. I said I needed to call my husband but I didn't think I could. We got back in the van and headed back home. As soon as we got to base I drove to Cotto's office. He would help me. He knew where I was going that day. We pulled into the parking lot and went inside. I asked for him (he was helping the wives of service members overseas without them - he was a local support system for us). As soon as he walked out I burst into tears. I couldn't say anything. I finally got out that I needed him to bring my husband home. He took me back to his office and he started making calls. My husband would be home on Wednesday (it was Monday) and he was getting on the plane now. (They were prepared on his end to put him on a plane)

Wednesday night I sat at home with two wonderful woman. Christina and Missy. They stayed with me - waiting up - until he walked through the door. I grabbed him and didn't let go. They quietly left out the front door. I stayed up all night that night. Crying and talking. Trying to understand what I did, what we were going to do and what next.

We came to the hard decision that it would be best for everyone involved if we delievered her early. That way my husband could also be here with us. So the boys wouldn't be hurt anymore by this then they would be. We went to the doctor's the next day. We told them our decision. They respected it and the Doctor who would deliever our angel had been there for other births like hers. I requested that there would only be one nurse to attend me during the labor. They respected that as well. Saturday would be the day.

We had a ton to do and prepare for. The days were a blur.

Saturday came. We went into the hospital. Not only would I have one nurse but she too had attended a birth as special as this one. She would be blessed and honored to be with us on this day. She was so sweet. I was in a panic. I was worried that I was making a mistake. She wasn't really sick and she wouldn't really die. Please can we do another ultrasound? What if they are wrong! Everyone was very paintent and reassuring that there was nothing we could do.

The day was long and short all at the same time. Finally she was born. I squeezed my eyes shut and cried....my husband cried...the nurse and doctor were quick and queit. She took Abigail Hlee out of the room. She cleaned her, took foot prints and dressed her for us. Including a little cap for her beautiful head. She brought her back to us to hold and love. She looked like a tiny minature of her brothers. She had ten fingers and ten toes. She was beautiful. She was ours.

She has forever changed our lives. Sometimes for the better. We're stronger now. We learned that as a family we can do anything. She is our little angel. In other posts I've talked about Princess talking to Abigail. Without Abigail we would not have our Princess. Together they share a sister bond that no one else has. Two souls united in heaven. My daughters.

Today is Abigail's birthday. Tonight we'll sit together as a family and celebrate our little angel and our beautiful family. Today is a day to be thankful for everything we have.

Christmas Giveaway

2008-11-09T18:01:00.000-07:00

5 Minutes for Mom is doing a Christmas giveaway from 6 Nov - 28 Nov. All winners will be drawn on Dec 1st. So be sure to head over there and check them out.

All of the contest will be added to end of this "Christmas Giveaway 2008" post.

Shoot who doesn't like to win stuff. Even better some of the items if you win them would make great gifts. BONUS!