Hope

The last few months of my life have been....well, the last few months have left much to be desired. To say that life since August has been the most trying of my life would not be overly dramatic.

All I can say is that, somehow, I feel a glimpse of hope. I'm still not sure what the outcome of all this wish-I-was-not-living-this-drama will be, but I felt a glimmer.

And that glimmer makes me very happy.

Friday Fill Ins

1. Snow makes me so very happy. Alas, there is none to be found around here as of yet.
2. I'm looking forward to meeting Hendrix within the month.
3. Egg nog is the best holiday drink ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Family Affair.
5. I'm done with bright weather.
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is getting the decorating done. Not that we have anything complicated like home theater sconces to put up!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Chris coming home, tomorrow my plans include working and resting and Sunday, I want to work and rest, what else is there in my life right now?!

Lime Kool Aid

I'm not sure if I have posted this before, but I am in love with Lime Kool Aid.

This has been a constant this pregnancy. With lots and lots of ice, which is totally weird, because I normally order my drinks with minimal ice if any at all. I almost drink a gallon a day, and nothing else sounds as good. For some variety and sacrifice, I'll make myself drink a big glass of ice water before I drink any more sugary lime.

My sister makes the most amazing red beers. I have a pink plastic cup that is my "red beer" cup. Since this pregnancy, it has been reassigned as my lime kool aid cup. It helps to not feel so deprived

And as I type this, I'm eating a lime popsicle. Who cares if it is freezing outside?

Tiny Improvements

There are times in your life where things just aren't going so well. Be it your health, finances, relationships it can feel like there isn't any hope but to stay stuck. But then, there can be the tiniest shift on a detail that makes you think that things might be taking a turn for the better.

I'm very happy with those little shifts as of late. Just the fact that my sore throat today is a tad better than yesterday really brings a smile to my face.

And, what more to be thankful for than all of the healthy cooking :) of Thanksgiving!

Clothes that fit

I am coming to the very end of being able to find outfits that fit comfortably. I love a trendy ensemble. I'll do minor suffering to complete a look. But not while I'm this pregnant!
For the sake of courtesy I try to spruce up before leaving the house. No one that isn't married to me needs to see me in my ratty old blue robe wearing one of Chris' discarded shirts with no pants and a pair of chunky knit socks, maybe some headphones
Thank goodness Ivy is still too young yet to be giving me fashion advice. I know that day will come, and I'm so glad that it isn't today!
So, today my Old Navy berry colored maternity sweat suit is making me very happy. Ahhh, it fits!

Working the family business

You guys know that I work part time for my family's business that my mom started 30 years ago. There have been times that I have been so ready to write my business resumes and walk out the door. Granted, this was mostly before I had kids and free day care. Now I really know the value of quality in child care and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
With this pregnancy, I have been a lot more involved at the center. Putting in more hours and ideas. I even added in another morning to try to better keep up with my work load. When I'm there, I realize what a gift this opportunity is. To work in such close proximity with my sister on a daily basis. To see my mom and my brother almost every work day. It wasn't until recently that I realized how much I was missing out on by not being there. I hope that I remember this more.

Snow!!!!!

Happy girl today because I woke up to that fluffy white stuff on the ground!! I felt just like I did when I was a little girl and I would wake up to that magical feeling.... I can liken it to Christmas morning, or Disneyworld, or any other magical moment you can conjure up!!


YAY! Snow!!!! Happiness!!!!

In the mail

Today in the mail we got Becken's USA birth certificate. His name and birthdate are legal. I am listed as his mother, Chris as his father. Holding that paper was like winning the lottery. He really is our little boy. I have the document to prove it.

Being an auntie

Being an auntie is one of the best things in my life. tonight one of my nephew's turned 13. I look at him and my heart melts away. I remember the first time I saw him. The first time I held him. Such a tiny, tiny boy.
I'm so glad that I got to be an auntie before I got to be a mom. The timing was right and I was able to learn how to parent from my siblings who are amazing and a huge support to me with my kids. Tonight I was talking with my x sis in law and I said, "Isn't it so weird that when your own kids act up, you want to strangle them, but when your nephews or nieces act up it just doesn't seem bad at all?" She was laughing and nodding in agreement. Our own kids can be hellians but our nephews and nieces are angels in our book!

Using the firepit that we've had for years

It's amazing what whiny kids can make you follow through with. This summer while cleaning the yard, Chris promised Ivy that when it got cold, we could use our 4 year old, hardly used, fire pit to roast marshmallows. And not even worry about needing diet pills

Well, tonight was the night. And it was so wonderful to smell that fire on the patio, hear the rain on the patio cover and smell the autumn in the air. Every year we want to do something like this and it never turns out. Not anymore.

Returning Home

My brother wasn't in las vegas nv for the weekend, but was in Lake Tahoe. He made it home on Sunday and I got to see him last night at a family birthday party. For some reason, whenever a member of my family travels, I'm on alert. In my subconscious anyway.
It holds true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I guess on both of our parts. We are both infamous for not answering our cell phones. But when he is gone, we talk more often. Even if it is just for a few nights, we still connect by phone. He does this with our other sister as well.
It's very nice to have a brother. It is even better to have him home.

Pumpkin Pie!

Yes, Pumpkin Pie still makes me happy!

Happiness for today

Came in the form of our babysitter taking our very wild kids for 2 hours this afternoon. They were insane! Thankfully it worked out that my sister's house was free and she watched them over there. And what was our big night on the town? I read on the couch while Chris watched a football game. In the quiet. It was heaven. Adding in the fact that I don't know anyone that is suffering from mesothelioma, today was a good day.

Happy Thursday 13, 2 days late

Happy things from this week. I may need to rack my brains, but I know that there have to be at least 13 things!

1. I got out the state bills for daycare. Although they were a few days late, they got done.
2. I got Becken to both of his soccer games.
3. I found out that a friend of mine is throwing me a baby shower, which is very unexpected.
4. I came up with a schedule that kind of keeps up with keeping the pelvic pain in check.
5. The weather has been so refreshing and cold that I've been able to walk outside a few times.
6. I put in an order for butter braids for Thanksgiving morning.
7. Bec went potty in the toilet twice!
8. The kids, me and Hendrix all took a bath together last night and we all fit. Barely.
9. Watching Ivy being a sideline coach for Becken at soccer. That girl is relentless
10. Finding .99 cent deals for sleepers for Hendrix at Goodwill.
11. Having to borrow sweatshirts from my nephew because everything of mine does not fit.
12. Showing up to work and having 2 new maternity shirts from my cousin as a surprise.
13. Not having to worry about diet supplement pills for another couple of months.

Being one step closer to done

Although, on it's own, meeting with our attorney is not a happy thing. But, knowing that each time we meet with him, we are closer to carrying out the wishes that our dad intended for his heirs. Walking the walk that he wanted, going to bat for his memory makes me proud of us. Especially when we look back on how long it has been and how much footwork we have had to do.

It is easy to look back and to wish that things would have turned out very differently. Like, if he would have had mortgage life insurance. But he didn't. And we continue. Even though it is hard.

Thinking you know everything

but then, being pleasantly wrong!
While at my office, sitting at our computer desks and talking about politics, I was delighted to learn that my Nana and my mother are voting the same way that I am in the governor's race in our state. I would have bet money that they were voting the opposite than me. In this case, I loved being wrong!

You guys HAVE to read this!!

My favorite post this week. The beauty of the words and images brought tears to my eyes.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/10/decadent-chocolate-milk/#comments

In the post she tries to dissuade her readers from eating the above concoction with a spoon. I don' t think that I'll be able to follow her suggestions though. It looks way too good and chocolate is just one of my downfalls. I'll eat it, then take a side of alli!

So great

After a couple of weeks not feeling well. After having a husband sick with a cold. After having 2 kids with coughs.

I got to sleep in today. I got to go for a walk in beautiful fall weather. I got to eat a lunch of veggie lasagna, with extra spinach. I got to warm up under working faucets in my shower.

And even if you don't consider that I was in tears the most part of last Friday, today has been pretty great on it's own.

Now to make some raspberry iced tea.

Happiness while on restriction

There have been some things that have been keeping me sane during this activity restriction. Bits of happiness that help throughout the day while I'm lounging in bed, propped on the chair, or limping around the house.

1. books. Alot of fluff, mind you. Now is not the time for seriousness, gals! Bring on the chick lit.
2. Season One of Brothers and Sisters from Blockbuster. I'm terrified to begin watching a series to only have it be cancelled after I fall in love with it. So, I just wait until all of the hype has died down and bide my time for the tried and true shows to reveal themselves.
3. Netflix. For their documentaries AND classic television shows like, My So Called Life, Felicity, and Party of Five that I have been getting my fixes of. Stuck in the past? Me? No way! Just revisiting some good times.
4. My kids and husband. Learning to get along while accepting orders from above bed and chair. Lots of hugs while telling me to not limp around the house anymore, because they want my crabby arse out of the way of their play and lightness.
5. Modern medicine. Which will make this activity restriction temporary!

To Maintain a Healthy Level of Sanity....

(got this in an email and giggled, so I thought you girls might too!)



To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity ...

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on
and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow
Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom.
Don't Disguise Your Voice!

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They
Want Fries with that.

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone
has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to
Espresso.

5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write 'For
Drugs'

6. Finish All Your sentences with 'In Accordance With
The Prophecy.'

7. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many
looks you get.

8. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a
serious face.

9. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To
Go'.

10. Sing Along At The Opera.

11. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area and Play
tropical Sounds All Day.

12. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't
Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.

13. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I
Won!'

14. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking
lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're
Loose!'

15. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The
Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

16. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity:
Send This To Someone To Make Them smile.

It's Called. THERAPY

pepperidge farm coconut cake

I'm going to eat the whole thing. Thank you very much.

I hope no one minds.

I got bored. I thought this layout suited us. If it doesn't, let me know and I'll put it back, okay?

I have had the best week. Richard has been in town since Wednesday for my birthday, and we are leaving for Portland tomorrow, and Nashville on Wednesday. I'm pretty thrilled.

I'll leave you with a little picture of the two of us. Laini took it at Spiro's when we went out to lunch on my birthday:

Happy Shirts

Last Saturday was my dad's birthday. Kelly helped me out with the image for my kids' tee shirts, displaying my Dad's photo along with the words, "I love my papa Kenny!" Hopefully you can see how adorable they turned out. And I also bought a onesie with the same design for Hendrix. It will be so cool to have all 3 of them wearing the same thing.

Jarod and Landi and I all agree that this year has been the easiest of his birthdays so far. Still sad, but much, much better.

Bec is still being a turkey about getting his pics taken. That kid. You would think that I was asking him to apply for North Carolina health insurance the way he refuses to look happy.

Ten on Tuesday - Variation

Today's 10 0n Tuesday is supposed to be 10 things that scare me or freak me out. But, since I miss posting over here, I'm going to make it, 10 things that made me happy today!

1. seeing Bec's Ethiopian birth certificate with his sweet little photo
2. having Chris on vacation, giving him the time to take Ivy to the Igor movie
3. My sister picking up from school since Ivy was having a rough day, and I didn't have to miss work
4. seeing a client that I haven't seen for a while
5. not needing acne treatments during this pregnancy
6. endless pasta bowl at Olive Garden
7. wearing a very cute shirt that I got at goodwill and getting compliments on it. $2.99!!
8. feeling Hendrix getting stronger
9. getting the mail without having any bills
10. the fair is in town!

Christmas Shopping

Are any of you guys getting sick of this Christmas theme yet? I'm not really a Christmas fan as much as a winter fan, but Christmas is really on my mind this year. And of course, I'm attributing this to Hendrix's arrival.
I keep telling him to stay in until after Christmas, but who's to say if he actually will?
So, I'm trying to think ahead about Christmas and shopping and gifts. Thankfully we already bought our fake tree last year, so we can set that up right after Thanksgiving. To complicate things, Chris' birthday is on December 1st, so that increases the gift buying and giving chores. But this year, I have a jump on his gift. A set of personalized pens. I may have written about them before, because I ordered them with a family photo on them and he adores them. Instead of having to carry around a photo at work, he just uses the special pens. I'll be making that a tradition.

Merry Christmas!

This past week, we had a couple days that were cooler and absolutely beautiful. On one of the days, I woke up feeling just a little bit sad for some reason. I think that I may have had a sad dream or something, I just couldn't put my finger on why I was down.

So, after work, when I picked up Ivy, who was also in an off mood, we came home. We snuggled in and watched The Grinch. While she napped I dug out an old Christmas issue of Victoria magazine and read it from cover to cover. Immersing myself in the decorations and imagining the recipes.

By the end of the afternoon, we were both in our happy places again. Although it is September, we had a Merry Christmas kind of day.

The next day, we needed our ac compressor due to the heat. The cool was great while it lasted!

Fun Photos

Although we didn't use a Canon camera for these photos, we love them all of the same. I just love these kids!

Grilled Peaches and Cream

I'm not a huge BBQ fan, but after grilling this recipe last night, I'm going to look into more dessert recipes for the grill. I shared some with my sis, mom and cousin and they all gave them the thumbs up. My cousin donated the peaches. They were ripe, but not sweet to begin with. Adding in the sugar, cream cheese and honey changed that right away. Can you say, diet pill?

from allrecipes
Grilled Peaches and Cream
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
4 peaches, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons clover honey
1 cup soft cream cheese with honey and nuts
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS
Preheat a grill for medium-high heat.
Brush peaches with a light coating of oil. Place pit side down onto the grill. Grill for 5 minutes, or until the surfaces have nice grill marks. Turn the peaches over, and drizzle with a bit of honey. Place a dollop of the cream cheese spread in the place where the pit was. Grill for 2 to 3 more minutes, or until the filling is warm. Serve immediately.

More fun to be had

As the kids are getting older, I'm noticing that they are a lot more fun to do things with. Yesterday, we took them to Chuck E. Cheese in a neighboring town and it wasn't even half as bad as I expected it to be.

They both napped on the way there and when they woke up, we were in the parking lot of the restaurant. They were so excited. As soon as Bec walked in, the fingers went into the ears and he wanted out of there. I totally don't blame him! After trying to coerce him for a few games, I took him next door to the kids' consignment store that was open. I had fun shopping and he had fun playing in the little toy area.

We tried the same trip this spring, around the time when we are getting the patio furniture covers off of the patio, and they were so horrible in the car that we didn't even attempt it. What a difference a few months makes.

Scrubs

I may have listed my blue scrubs on this list before, but they require mentioning again. They are as comfortable as sweats, wash up even better and can be layered to be warm or worn as is for cool. Just the right mix between heavy and light weight, a variety of colors, prints and styles.

Although we all wear them at daycare, you won't ever see us wearing the same piece as anyone else. Then, they work out great for me because I can work at my desk job in the morning, but head on over to the spa to finish out my day without changing. And go to the grocery after, feeling totally comfortable.

I sure hope that none of my places decide to switch to company logo shirts, unless they put our logos on a scrub top. Even tees aren't as comfortable.

Yep, it's about Poop

I was making pancakes this morning and I pulled two brown (always brown) eggs out of the carton. One of the eggs had chicken poop on the shell.

That may gross some people out, but I think it's neat. It reminds me of when I was little, and my Grandpa had chickens, and every morning he would make me sunny side up eggs for breakfast, and all the eggs ALWAYS had poop on them because he would gather them FRESH every morning.

I'd like to have my own chicken coop someday, poopy eggs and all.

3 on 3 Tournaments

especially local ones!
This past weekend in town I got to spend both days outside watching short little basketball games to my heart's content. And besides the almost perfect weather, the best part was watching my nephew, my little brother and my little sister all play on their teams right on courts within a city block of each other.

In focusing on the happy part with my kids, they hung out for a total of maybe 4 games over 2 days. I was so disappointed that they didn't want to stay longer. But, I realized that last year, I barely even attempted to see 2 games. Improvement!

And although I despise popcorn, there were tons of popcorn machines along the food area. Thank goodness the smell was drowned out by grilling chicken and frying tortillas.

What a great weekend.

I'm feeling fall

And how, do I know that fall is just around the corner? Is it the weather? Nope. The smell in the air? Nope.

It's the arrival of all of my fave fall fashion mags! That barely leave anything room for any other type of mail in the mailbox. And every year, I heft in the wonderfully wrapped blocks of ads. And then, I wait. I will not open them until September is actually here. And then, I just kick back and enjoy.

I have past years of the September Vogue saved under my dresser. I can't part with them. The rest of the year's issues about add up to that one volume, they are so precious. Now, I wish that they would offer some promotional products so I could get a taste of the Vogue life that I read about.

Lettuce and Flowers

This weekend I spent most of my time in the Seattle area at a workshop. It was so hot, but nothing like it was here which I guess was sweltering at around 106. Yesterday coming home it began to cool off. Today the clouds have been rolling in all afternoon with that wonderful smell that Ivy calls "lettuce and flowers".

It's about 530 and the cloudy sky has made it almost dark. I can hear thunder far off. This is the kind of weather that makes me want to be outside. Once it cools off for good, I won't be needing any weight loss pills as I'll be outside walking again!

Iesha

Another cut to bring a smile. Love you guys!

I've really been on an ABC (Another Bad Creation) fix. The last time most of us heard these songs, we were needing Proactiv acne cream, if it would have been available back then. Enjoy! After I posted this originally, Chris called me a day or so later and said that it was on the radio. Yep, I'm a trend setter in the old school manner!

From the workshop brochure

Here is what I will be doing this weekend. i cannot wait to show you guys what I learn!

The first one is all about journaling. Both [of us] will guide you in first making a 16 page (8x10) journal out of our favorite fabriano paper and then practicing the techniques you learn in class in your new journal during the 2-day event. Topics will include journal writing, collage, stamp carving, lomography, color, lettering, copic airbrush, doodling and more. We will also discuss how to open yourself to the universal creative flow so the art and writing bubbles up from deep inside. We will focus on the playful aspect of journaling through guided excercises that will allow your creativity to come spilling out. This workshop starts on a friday night at our studio when you can wander around and see what goodies we have collected over the past 25 years. We will also paint the pages of our journal firday evening so they have a chance to dry. Then saturday and sunday will be devoted to journaling up a storm as we teach you fun things that will make journaling seem like playing in a sandbox.

Chris' idea of a fun weekend would involve Titleist golf in some form, but this art stuff is the fun for me!

They are home!

Whenever my mom, sis and brother all leave at the same time I am a bundle of nerves and miss them like crazy. Forget that they are all at the top of the "rescue me from my own kids" list, I talk and or see each one of them every single day. And then to top it off, they usually take their kids with them, so I miss all of them too. (they went to a huge waterpark many hours away for a few days. My kids are too little to enjoy it this year)

This year, Ivy really missed my mom. Each day it was harder and harder for her to be herself without getting her Mema fix. When she ran into my mom's arms I could see her physically relax. Like, all is ok. My life is now back to normal. I felt so good for Ivy to have so many true loves in her life.

This weekend I'm gone for 3 days. I'm doing a journaling workshop with one of my favorite artists. It's the first time I have ever left the kids with their dad for the weekend. It's about time, don't ya think? And boy, do I need it! You know, I am taking the intra uterine one with me, so he is getting a better deal than I normally do. Could you imagine if I could leave Hendrix in his belly for a few days? Now that would be very interesting.

Morning Cuteness.

At this moment, Jonathan and Kate are sitting on a chair together listening to classical music hahhaa, ok, seriously, they're watching Spectacular Spiderman (rolling eyes).. but being so darn cute together I had to journal it.

He is playing with her hair. So sweetly. She just turned to him and sweetly (oh so sweetly! I wish I'd been videoing this moment to share with them later!)

K:"Oh Guy I love you! That stickles a little but that's OK" yes she said stickles

J: "I love you too Katie
Be still my heart. These are the moments that reward us soooo very much aren't they?


PS: that moment is over, but together they've moved to coloring together at the table. This is the start of a good day! Here's to hoping!!! *thumbs up*

Quote

I came across this quote on a blog from a woman that has cancer.

Emotions are facts too. ~Jerry White

It made me happy.

Surprise Summer Storm

This morning Ivy and I were laying in Becken's bed. I said, "Ivy, listen, I think that is an airplane." Then seconds later, a huge rainstorm began.
We have a covered patio that amplifies the sound of rain so much you feel like you are right inside a rain cloud. And, I really do think that we were right in the center of the storm for a good 15 minutes. The word that kept coming to my mind was glorious. Even the lightening was visible, happening right alongside the thunder. If only they could get some natural skin care products that smelled like a thunderstorm in August.
It was a beautiful morning.

Photos from the week

Laramee, Dallas, Kari, Landi, Chase and Jarod in the back

Jaiya, Milo, Jack, Bec, Ivy in the front
Jaiden, Julius, Jaice in the back.

If you want more info on both pictures head over to the pc blog for their corresponding posts.

Every single person in the above photos makes me happy. More happy than books, money, art or any jewel you could imagine. I'm so lucky to have so many people to love in my life. 5 siblings, 2 kids, 5 nephews and 1 niece. I'm a lucky woman.

Dancing Makes me Happy

If you haven't seen this already, please take the time to watch it. I promise you won't be disappointed!!

Being a client

Today I went to my spa as a client instead of an owner. And I loved it. Showing the place to my sister in law, knowing and trusting that she would get an amazing massage and then enjoying my friend's facial services made me appreciate even more what our business provides. From the minute I put my key into the Schlage lock, I look at everything critically. But having the door open for me, with everything all set up made me see a whole other side.

A little nugget...

that i took from my devotions today...

from 1 Thessalonians chapter 5:16-18. It was just what I needed! (isn't God good?)

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I just wanted to share it with you all! :)

Have a great day!

This kid makes me happy.

I took this picture of Joe and I at my mom's yard sale. He hates it. I think it's fantastic.

Out of the blue phone call

Today I was laying on the couch, rifling through magazines, avoiding ads about how to get rid of acne while tearing out images to use in my collages. This is happiness on any day for me, especially when it is quiet.
My phone rings with Chris' assigned ringtone (I'll Cover You from RENT). When I pick up the phone he asks, "Are you hungry?" I reply, "Yes."
Chris: Do you want me to bring you something?
Me: Sure. Where are you?
Chris: Don't worry about it. I'll surprize you.
Me: Yeah! But can I get a 7up for sure?

I love it when the random reminders of love come through.

Links to our blogs??

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this... but I had an idea.

I was wondering what everyone thought of adding links to our blogs on the sidebar? It would be nice to be able to have easy access to each of your blogs because sometimes I forget the URL's....

I could do it for everyone if it is something everyone wanted... I know Karianne has a lot on her plate!

Carrie

Thanks so much for being my first AIDS Walk 2008 donor! Your support means so much to Christopher and I. You rock.

Your support makes me happy.

You know what makes me happy?

Weezer. No, not the band, although they're alright. Weezer as in my good friend from Nashville.



Tacoma is so very far away from Nashville.

That's all, folks.

A Friend that Feeds Me

In more ways than one! She feed my mind, my hopes, my emotions, and my family. And I appreciate it to no end.

Vegetarians, avert your eyes...

Look what Lex brought to me at work the other day:

Two huge T-bone steaks straight from her freezer! We saved them for the weekend when Chris grilled them with salt and pepper only. This was the first incredible taste of red meat that I had since getting pregnant and it was heaven.

The next night we had this:

Steak salad! Which is one of my favorite meals in the universe. This time I had to avoid the crumbled cheese scattered all over the top, but it was still amazing.
Now I'm hungry.

I'm Tired of Death

First my Grandparents pass away, then my great aunt Rosie, my beautiful Pearl, now my DH's grandparents, and my beloved cats who are now living at my parents' house are nearing the end of their time on this earth...

I am so tired of death. I keep telling God that I am NOT Job. They say he will never give you more than you can handle...

Our Sumo is lonely.

We needed a shot of new life in our household.

Wish us luck.

Posts Like This

This link is not to a blog that I frequent. In fact, I just found it tonight. But, posts like this bring me joy like you cannot imagine. I hope that you feel the same.


Allow Me to Introduce

I'm putting this up on all my blogs. Enjoy. It just gets better every time you read it.

The Baby Likes Ice Cream

And I normally don't!
This week I have had a Jamocha shake, a scoop of nutty coconut on a sugar cone, and I have even taken bites of chocolate ice cream straight out of the carton, straight out of the freezer! And we shouldn't even start on the amount of rootbeer floats that have went down this throat. But, those kind of don't count as I like those all of the time if they are made with soft serve. I noticed that the ice cream parlor in our neighborhood is advertising a franchise for sale. I don't think that I would have even noticed the sign if I wouldn't have been pregnant. Totally is taking after it's dad, just like the other two.

Nora Roberts

I always try to keep a paperback in my purse in case I am caught waiting somewhere. Today was a perfect example, as we were having a new key programmed for the car, which was supposed to take 15 minutes, but took and hour and 15 minutes. Did I get grouchy? A bit. But I also got a chance to read my book uninterrupted in a waiting room with a fan.
For the past month I have kept The Broker in my purse by John Grisham, who I normally like. But I figured out for stop and go reading, that book didn't work out so well. On Monday I went to the used book store and got a new to me series by Nora Roberts and have been captivated since. I think that I'm halfway through the first one! For light reading, she is the best as far as I'm concerned. She is much more interesting than readingdiet pill reviews.

After 3 days at home

This is what my two will look like tomorrow morning. Here they are, ready to attack the day. One is on the way out the door to tennis lessons, while the other is out the door to finally reconnect with his best friend Omarion, who he hasn't seen the whole 3 day weekend. That is cause for grief since they are attached at the hip and have been since they were babies. No more home theater entertainment for these two, they are raring to go interact with society again!

Funny

When I need a good laugh, I scroll through the maternity shirts at cafepress. Some of them I would never wear, but a lot of them have me laughing out loud. I'll be sharing them from time to time. I should be looking at something educational like new children's books but you all know how that goes.

Happy 4th, Girlies!

Although so far I have spent the 4th on my laptop computer, the weather is cooler than it has been this week and the feeling around the house is low key.
Chris is off work, there is a Law and Order marathon on tv, and the kids are inside and outside, pretty much entertaining themselves.
No real plans for tonight, everything is open for a decision or we may just keep things simple for a Friday nite.
I hope that you are having a relaxing and fun day.

mariah carey sing live america the beautiful

Happy July 4th!

Broiled Grapefruit Recipe

My obssession with red grapefruit continues. Although it is hotter than you-know-what around here, this is a yummy variation on plain grapefruit segments.
from recipezaar

1 pink grapefruit
1 tablespoon brown sugar

1Cut grapefruit in half (midway between the stem-end and the dot on the opposite end).

2Sprinkle brown sugar over grapefruit sections, using more or less as desired.

Grapefruit can be eaten as is, or broiled.

To broil, put halves sugar-side up on a cookie sheet in the oven and set oven on broil for a few minutes.
The brown sugar should melt and start to get crispy.
Eat immediately by spooning out the half-sections of grapefruit.

I'm not sure if this could help you avoid a colon cleanser, but I know that it tastes like candy.

Memories

I was going through some pic albums on the computer and found this one from winter time. The kids and Chris and I had just finished watching my nephews debut as a varsity basketball player, although he is only a freshman. At our old high school. We went to Taco Bell drive through. While we were waiting I took this picture. High school basketball, family and Taco Bell drive through with snow on the ground and frost on the windows. That's happiness.
I'll need some more ram in my mind as well as in my computer if my nephew plays varsity again this year. Can't get enough of a happy situation.

The Brilliance of Winnie the Pooh

If there is ever a tomorrow when we're not together . . . there is something you must always remember.  You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart . . . I'll always be with you. 

Sex and the City

Yesterday one of my best friends had her birthday. She invited a group of girlfriends to go see the matinee of SATC. What a perfect idea.
I was nervous about seeing the movie as I loved the series. I had also read some blog reviews that weren't too kind. I should not have worried!
I loved it. You laugh, you cry, you repeat. What a movie roller coaster. And as long as there were beautiful clothes and outfits to drool over, it would be worth the time and money. There was no shortage of high fashion. I wasn't looking for luxury watches, just out of this world clothes.

When I'm myself and not a sniveling, walking and talking embodiment of hormones, I do not cry at movies in the theatre. It has something that has worried me in the past, like I was defective or something, but no more. I soaked through kleenexes like there was a flood.
I'm buying it when it comes out to dvd. Heck, I might go see it again. One of these days I will make it to Fashion week!

Happy Summer!

Here are my two beautiful daughters enjoying a beautiful summer day. I hope you girls are all enjoying summer too.

HELLO ALL

Thank you girls so much for welcoming me to your blog ring. 

I spent a good chunk of time last night updating our new family blog with the latest and greatest on our fam. 

The very short version is I am married to Blake - who works in construction/fencing and is a musician. We have a beautiful little girl who teaches me more every day about grace, patience, a pure imagination and unconditional love. We are dog people! We have three. Samson, Joplin and Cash. We'll probably have more as time passes. 

Well....that's the short of it. I'll try and spend some time in the coming weeks reading posts and such to acciamate myself with this a little more so please forgive me if my posts are a little goofy at first. 

As my sweet Kelly told you, you can visit us at okiedokey.wordpress.com

ENJOY and Happy Thursday!! 

A New Blogger

I have a wonderful friend at the office named Angela. She saw the mini-calendar on my desk and started asking questions. When I told her about you guys, she wanted to join in! :) I helped her set up a blog, and I added her to our blogring here.

The two posts on her blog right now are test ones that I put up for her, but you can still have a look see and say hi. There is a picture of her daughter Layla eating a piece of the peanut butter and chocolate pie that I made a month or so back. :) LOL! It's an adorable picture of an adorable little girl.

So go over to her site and say hi! She's got a lot of things to share about new happenings in her life, but I'll save those for her to tell. :)

http://okiedokey.wordpress.com

Apricot jam

Apricots are my favorite fruit. My childhood was spent in and under a huge apricot tree in my Nana's garden. To taste an apricot is to taste summer and love all together.
I read a recipe yesterday that required dried apricots. I have had apricots on the brain since. The morning was hurried and I didn't get a chance to stop at the store for my newly born apricot fix.
Ivy just asked for a pbnj. While I was constructing it, I was thinking that pb and apricot jam sounded yum. Why didn't I stop at the store!! On a lark I checked the fridge door thoroughly.
And I had a beautiful sparkling half full jar of apricot jam, sitting there, label turned to the back, waiting just for me. Happiness on a slice of bread.

Fatbooks & ATCs

Remember last winter I showed you guys my fatbook page submissions for the artfest swaps? Well, they sent me my books awhile ago and I just got a chance to put up their photos to share.

Aren't they amazing? 3 tiny but overflowing books of original art from over 80 different artists, including myself! After writing this, I'm going to go look at them again!

Since I did these ones, I have signed up for 2 more this summer. I'll show them when I get them. These mean more to me than Akoya pearls.

A bath in the dark

My bathtub is my favorite piece of home furniture. A way for me to totally relax is to take a tub.
Sometimes, at night or in the early morning, I take a bath in total darkness. I have to be careful to not trip or drop anything. It is one of the most peaceful experiences. All quiet and no light. All peace.

To Kelly, Happy Birthday My Girlie!

My sister gave me this card for my birthday in April and I want to post it here in honor of Ms. Krayon Kelly's birthday. Especially since I'm such a lame o friend and haven't sent her ANYTHING yet. I keep this card on my desk and whenever I come across it, it cracks me right up. I love this card more than I would have loved a gold anklet. I hope that you feel the same Kel. I love you!

Happiness is landing a job!

Hi Girls,

Do you remember several months ago, when I was getting negative feedback from people, saying that I would probably never find a teaching job, and would mostly likely have to work as a teacher's assistant, well pooh, pooh on them because I GOT A JOB!! I received the offer this morning for a Reading Intervention Specialist, working with struggling readers in grades 6-8, and the job is only 30 minutes from my home.

Paul Newman to the Rescue!

Being the citrus queen lately, I bought this limeade at the store yesterday. GRUB! If you like lime, tart lime, this is for you. Since my lime margaritas are out of the question this summer, maybe this will get me through!

2 pieces of happy!

I have happiness to share!!

I have been suffering with a cycle of either depression or physical illness for the past few months. When my emotions are under control, I either have a migraine or stomach issues (so it seems).. so my house, my laundry, my kids.. nothing seems to get the attention it needs, and I feel like a bad housewife, and an especially bad momma.

For awhile now, I've been pretty good -- stable-- with my meds for anxiety/depression. So I've been dealing with my migraines/other issues. (Blegh). But for the past two days I've been happily enjoying headache free/no bathroom issue days! And I've gotten the house cleaned, the laundry folded (who knew it was enjoyable to do those things, only when you aren't hurting and so uncomfortable??) And played outside with the kids, read books to Katie, swam, all of the things that make us feel like good mommies :)

My other little bit of happy is that we *might* be going on a little beach vacation this summer! It's all still up in the air yet but just the thought is bliss!!!!! I love the beach!!!

Happiness all around!!

xoxo

My Junebug

Audrey, Brett and Jodi

Audrey Grace

I have a happiness post to beat all my happiness posts.
I HAVE A NEW NIECE!!!! YAY!

Her name is Audrey Grace and was born at 12:16pm EST.
She is 9lbs, 1oz and 21 inches long.
This is such a blessing since Mr. Connor was born premature and had health problems.
(Of course now he is active and healthy even though he doesn't eat much!)

I think Connor and Audrey will be like Brett and me.
Mom always said we made the perfect basketball team.
Brett was born skinny and long.
I was small and chubby.
Brett was the basketball player, and I was the basketball.

I still haven't seen a picture yet, but she's got a full head of dark hair!
Just like I did! And I believe I was around 9lbs too.
I'm calling her my Junebug!
What a terrific birthday gift for me--three days early!
Now if I could only hold her...

Maybe I'll get to fly out sometime in October.
We will see!!!

Akita Happiness

Can't let Karianne have ALL the fun now, can I? :)

I was SO busy this past weekend, but it was all superfun stuff.

Saturday was the Midwest Akita Rescue Society picnic, where a bunch of adopters got together and had a darn good time! I was able to meet so many people who I have never spoken to other than via an email forum (much like our Yahoo! group), and of course we all knew each other by our dogs' names!

I brought the Pearl-girl with me (she is a MARS rescue) and they were all happy to see her again. I would have brought Sumo, but he does not do well in situations like that, and so I felt it best to leave him at home to relax. I think he missed Pearl, because he was very happy to see her when we got back. :)

I forgot my camera, so I don't have any photos from the picnic, but for your viewing pleasure, I'll post a photo of the furkids here, just because I think they're so freakin' cute.

Enjoy!

Cookbooks, Food TV and lemon tea

I cannot tell you how long it has been since I have EATEN! Not just bites here and there, but an actual entree or meal. If I think about food too intensely, that will even make me sick. Ick. Lemon tea is always by my side.
But how funny that cookbook reading and food tv watching has become my new obsessions. You all are very well aware that I am not a foodie in the eating sense, but as far as an interest is concerned, you can't find a subject more interesting or passionate than food prep. I'm enthralled. Even the cooks that I had no desire to watch before are on my food watching schedule.
Nigella has always been my fave though. I just finished her Nigella Express book and I give it 5 stars. It took me a week but I read it cover to cover. If you get lost in cookbooks, this one will be a winner for you.

Options

There may be a house coming up for sale in our neighborhood. Not due to the person needing foreclosure help, but the owner may be moving. I heard about this possibility from friends of mine who are friends of the daughter of the seller. Did you get that? :)
Chris and I drove by this past week and it will definitely be an option for consideration if they decide to sell. It is only a block or so away and off of our super busy street. Even if it doesn't happen, it is nice to know that there can always be options cropping up when you don't expect them.

Waiting for Thursday

Earlier this year we had M*rry Maids come out and give us a bid on a weekly cleaning for our house. Well, although they were organized and thorough, the price made me choke.
Last week, I had had it! The house was driving me crazy and with all of the morning sickness I can barely even take care of myself, let alone the rest of the family. Normally my bedroom is my haven, but it is such a pit that I had been avoiding the whole house since there wasn't any clean place to relax.
I was speaking to a friend about M*rry Maids and she then told me that her beloved housekeeper was taking on new clients. No way! I called her and set up an interview on Thursday. And her price? I will get more than 4 times the visits with her than I would with the national company. I'm going to ask her if she wants to come more often than once a week until she gets the whole place whipped into shape.
I'll let you know how it goes. And, do you need a link for floor mops? I don't anymore! HA!

A day off

After another therapy session yesterday which dealt with self-care, I took the afternoon off. I didn't head home for a much needed nap. Instead I drove to a little town about an hour away and took myself to lunch and did a bit of shopping. It was heaven. I hadn't picked up a graduation gift for my cousin yet and I found the most perfect little hand carved box that so reminds me of him. He has a large tattoo of a smiling sun on his back and the box looks kind of like the same design. He is going to adore it! Of course, he would love a gift of used Harleys as well, but he will have to wait until I win the lottery. I'm so proud of him. Yesterday was meant to be and I feel much better today.

So Sorry!

I was messing with my old blog, and I accidentally changed the design our happiness blog!

Ooops!

Karianne, I know this is a first, but I need YOUR help with a computer thing!!!! ;)

Happiness is a good support system.

I'm typing this from Angela's iPhone in the St. Joe's ER, where I am having the lithium levels checked. I have had a very difficult time lately, culminating in some bad news (potentially), which resulted in a breakdown. I hurt. But Angela is here, and support is good.

Happiness is Wicked

For about a year now, my sister and I have wanted to go see the play, Wicked. Last night, we finally did it. Since our birthday's are coming up next month, we decided to treat ourselves to an early birthday present, and see the play. Wicked is currently playing at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago. The play, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, spins a beautifully crafted story of both the good witch, Galinda, and the 'bad' witch, Elphaba's life and legacy. If you haven't seen Wicked yet, I highly recommend it. It was simply amazing!

Home

I love being home. It is honestly the place that I like to be for the most of my time.

I have moderate amounts of time where I am at an office or running errands, but mostly, I'm home. I think that I am a hermit at heart, that takes a break from hermit-ness to be a social butterfly that hits the town.

This week had me out of the house more than usual. Until this morning, I didn't realize that I had been yearning for my home, missing it.

I have done 4 loads of laundry. Made cookies. Swept. And loved every second of those tasks.

I read somewhere that there is a huge difference between housework and homemaking. I'd have to agree.

Baby Senegal

My friends, Lauren and Blake, welcomed their first child earlier this week, a baby boy named Senegal. He was born Monday night, on Memorial Day, at 11:18pm. He weighed 7 lbs, 10.5 oz, and was 22 inches long! (*Why Senegal? According to the proud parents, "It's a beautiful, strong, and unusual name, named after a country in West Africa. Blake is very into West African drumming, and Lauren speaks French, the language of Senegal." To find out more about Senegal, here is just one of many websites you can visit: http://www.senegal-tourism.com/).

My Sweet Charity

I've been all into my new relationship that I forgot to tell you my BEST news!!! Charity is coming to visit me!!!!! I'm so super excited! She'll be in the Big D from June 27 to July 3. A WHOLE week!

There was some question as to whether or not she would have time to because (not sure if you know this either) she got into Dartmouth's medical school! That stinker got into an IVY LEAGUE SCHOOL! You guys, she is sooooooo smart, it kills me!

I'm so excited for her new adventure. And she is too—even though she is scared to death of the cold and snow. I don't blame her. Karianne, you'll have to give her tips on how to live in the frozen tundra. ;)

Anyway! I have so much to celebrate these days. This is going to be an amazing summer! Yippee! I can't wait to see my Sweet Charity!

One Word

:) *sigh* (:

This might change, but for now

We are having a pretty ok day and we are expecting people over for a bbq at 3:00. (are you guys gonna make it?)

Although I loathe entertaining, Ivy has really taken to having family at "her own house" and since she gets so giddy about it, how can I stand in her way and her dad's way? Obviously, I can't. In fact, I think that Chris was almost ready to not entertain today, but Ivy talked him into it! Now, that's a first!

Yesterday was spent preparing, with more prep work going on right now. I was the one that had to do the errands which thankfully, got me out of yard work. While at A*CE, not looking at basement dehumidifiers, I searched in vain for a bolt to replace the pedal of the kid's broken bike video game. No such luck. Washing the cars, and shopping for food and supplies.

Right now Chris is finishing the yard while I'm trying to get the kids to nap. And like I said, so far it's ok.

No panic attacks or stress yet. And since I can't drink or take my Xanax, that's enough to make me happy!

Mish-Mash Of Happy

Yesterday we went out to our friends for a huge party! I met some new people and hung out with old friends. We were there for a long time. The kids even stayed happy because they had a bounce house! It was the first time I've felt like I did before I had the babe. It was good to find myself again (socially).

Last night I was craving fudge and my amazing and wonderful husband made me the most amazing peanutbutter chocolate fudge. It is to die for good. (And I never make it for myself - too tedious.)

I can fit into all my old clothes now, and they're comfortable. Rediscovering them feels like a cross between a big shopping spree and finding old friends.

When I came out of the bathroom this morning, after showering and getting dressed, my husband told me that I looked hot. He said that he loves me pregnant and I am beautiful both way, but he always forgets how beautiful of a body I have. Okay, he is so full of it, but come on, doesn't it feel good to be told something like that, even if you know it might be stretching the truth a little. :P

My baby girl is wearing a really pretty dress today and it makes me heart happy.

The boys aren't fighting.

I'm going to plant my vegetables in the ground today - I have been waiting for weeks to do this and it is finally warm enough.

Once again

You guys are gonna get sooooo sick of the above, because I plan to use it to the fullest!!!

Well, today I had a dream come true. Did I win the lottery? Did I get a full ride scholarship to go to an alternative care college? Did I stumble upon a 100 dollar bill? Nope, not any of those.

Wait for it.

I bought a fondue set!

Back around the time my older cousins were preparing their quince invitations, fondue parties were a big thing in my family. Of course, I have no recollection of any of these, but my mom's set was buried in the back of our cupboards all through my childhood. It totally intrigued me and then it disappeared.

The past year or so, my cousins have been having fondue parties again. Some of them have their mom's sets or their own new ones. Jealous! Everyone would tell me to head to Goodwill and that there would be one for cheap. Well, they obviously had no clue because I have been looking for a year and almost broke down and bought a new plug in one from Target. But today, I found the perfect set at Goodwill. It was so meant to be mine!!

Mine looks almost exactly like this, but it is that yellow/orange color. Now they will be jealous of me, since mine has FLOWERS on it!

Bust out laughing time!

If any of you need a good laugh, as I often do during the day, click on this post of Katiefucious'. Chris and I ROLL when we read her driving posts (i forward them to him). It cracks me up every time. I'm so glad that 1) she wrote it in the first place and 2) she reposted it this week. It really is one of her best.

I'm The Woman!

Today I had to turn on our heat for a bit this morning. A bit later, I realized that our fan hadn't switched off. I put it in the back of my head and then went about my day. When I came home hours later, not sitting on our leather home theater seating, but on our couch, I realized that it was still on. I thought, "Crap, this is going to cost us 60 bucks just to have someone look at this."

But, oh no, ladies! I got on Google and looked up an article on DIY about furnaces. And lo and behold, I figured it out! Took me a little while to find all of the parts and take the panels off, but I did it.

I caught me some happiness....

Her first smile and I actually had the camera in my hand - miracle of all miracles!

Come Visit Me!

Hey all. I've been working on a new blog for a few weeks and I'm finally ready for visitors! Can't wait to see you!

shocking red grapefruit

Good Date

Okay, so I had a date with a guy on Friday, and it went really well. He's already called me once, and he texted me this morning saying that he would call me tonight. We are going to make plans to hang out during the week.

So! I think this one is going very well. :) Maybe I'll have a secret post on my site soon to dish. ;)

5/16 Friday Five

1. I went back to work today! It wasn't perfect, yet, it wasn't horrible. I was at work with my clients and that is happy enough.

2. I wore my blue scrubs that were dried in the sun yesterday afternoon. No indoor lighting or drying can compare to that efficient power of the sun. (Yes, this is Karianne writing this!)

3. Costco cheesecake. A slice for lunch. Yum.

4. Ivy and Bec getting into their car seats without too much complaining and no crying.

5. Daydreaming.

What is Raw Diet?

When we were all contributing to the yahoo! group, I noticed some of you mentioned the "raw diet."

I was like, "What's that?" but I just hadn't had time to do any research.

So this evening, I checked my email, and a friend had sent me an email that someone had sent her regarding enzymes, and a gentleman who had cured his own pancreatic cancer using megadoses of pancreatic enzymes, yada yada yada (it's a long email, I won't post it unless you request it, and then I will only post it to the yahoo! group's email).

At the end of the email was a link to a woman's site who had used homeopathic and nutritional healing techniques to overcome breast cancer.

I clicked on the link, and the website is very interesting. It also mentions the raw diet.

So ladies, enlighten me. I can do my own research, but it would be cool to hear it from some people I know who are doing it. :)

What is the raw diet? And how does it make you feel? Do you feel better when you're on it?

I know we, as a family, need to eat less sugar, less processed foods, etc. Right now when we are so busy, it's just quicker to pull a frozen pizza out and cook it, but in the future, when things settle down, I hope to start a healthier eating regimen for us.

You don't eat raw meat, do you? Or is it more like a vegetarian/vegan diet?

Let's see some posts about your experiences!

Ten on Tuesday-10 Things I'm Good At

1. Acting on cravings- Once I decide that I want to either eat something, or have something, that's it. One track mind on the goal, getting there is always kind of twisty though. Sometimes, as far as the eating and cravings are concerned, I may need to check out lipovox reviews to keep the weight in check.

2. Going with my gut. If I have a feeling, I can't be "talked out" of it. I'll be honest if I'm uncertain, but I'm also honest about being certain.

3. Naming my kids. Kind of goes with #2. You know, in all honesty, they kind of name themselves!

4. Being dramatic. (Had to copy this one from KB)

5. Putting my own spin on an outfit or trend. I may own items that everyone else does, but I sure don't rock them like everyone else.

6. Being nice to myself. I learned this early on in my twenties and haven't looked back. No one else is responsible for me.

7. Treating my kids like people and with respect. They don't have to prove anything to me. They just are.

8. Listening and encouraging. I love to hear where people are in their lives and how creative and unique every person is.

9. Stepping back. If I'm not sure about a certain direction, I won't decide anything until I feel ready. I can easily step back and be undecided until I'm decided.

10. Smiling. For the most part, a smile comes easily to my face.

Surprise Lunches

One of my fondest childhood memories is when my mom would make 'Surprise Lunches' for us. She would set up our Strawberry Shortcake TV trays (either in the living room or on our big front porch), and then we would wait in anticipation while she would create her magic. She would take every-day things, like celery and peanut butter and use M&M's to make faces, cut our sandwiches with cookie cutters, etc. Every time she came up with something new that we hadn't seen before. We were really quite poor monetarily, but we never knew it because my mom's creative mind was so much rich. Surprise Lunches stick out as my favorite childhood food and one of my favorite memories as well.

Fried Chicken

One of my fondest childhood memories surrounding food is being the only kid in my class to bring fried chicken to school for lunch every week. We lived above our restaurant at the time and my father would wake us up every morning for school and get our lunches ready. He knew that I loved fried chicken and would make me some early in the morning while he was busy scrambling eggs and frying bacon for his 'paying' customers. At lunch time, my friends were always envious when all they had was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and there I sat, eating fried chicken for lunch.

Happy Cereal

This weekend I kept dreaming of food. A specific food. A specific taste. I would wake up with the memory of the taste in my mouth, knowing that I was remembering something from my childhood, a sensory memory without a name to put with it. But I could see it and taste it, that was the start of my detective work.

I knew that it was a hot cereal. So, I went to the cereal aisle of our grocery store. I didn't think that anything really fit the bill, but I'm only really used to eating oatmeal, so I wasn't sure that it might be a brand of cereal or not. I called my sister and said, "Do you remember that cereal that Nana and mom used to make for us when we were little? It was hot and grainy but not oatmeal." It could have been Orovo for all that I knew. Her guesses were Cream of Rice, corn cereal and Cream of Wheat. I described it a bit more and she said that it was probably Cream of Wheat. I bought it. I tried it. It was not Cream of Wheat.

My next font of info was my mom. I called her. She then called back and said that she couldn't understand my message. We met up at my nephew's baseball tournament and I was able to describe the cereal in detail. Right off the bat, she said, "Cracked wheat." That really sounded like that was what I was dreaming about.

I made a pot of cracked wheat this morning and it was heaven! I can remember eating it on the back porch on summer mornings at Nana's house. Eating it at our dark brown laminate shiny table from wheat stenciled bowls at my mom's. All of my adult life, I had forgotten that this had ever existed! But my body and mind remembered. How cool to get this memory and this food back into my life. I might even have it for dinner.

Increasing Happiness

Thanks for posting more you guys! This site has turned out to be more than I ever imagined. Not that I ever expected it to have a use for cpmadvertisers or hits or anything, but the community we have built is impressive if you ask me.

I had an idea the other night about how we could learn more about each other and put more things on our happy list. My thought was that whenever I think of a post that I'd like to do, I'll also email the premise to our group. If you would like to contribute to that thread then you can either post over here or email back to me. The responses that are mailed back to me, I'll put up over here to share with all of us.

I'm going to put this into an email for all of us along with my first prompt that I thought of this weekend. If any of you come up with any more prompts, go ahead and do the same thing if you want to!

As always, if you have something that strikes you as happy outside of the offered question, post away!

Love to you all,

K

In the Right Place at the Right Time

I love how God puts the right people in my life at the right time. It happens to me all the time!

Last week I took my car in because it was squealing when I braked. Since I hadn't replaced the brake pads in about 5 years, I figured it was time. I went to Brakes Plus, and the mechanic gave me the "bad news." Brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake flush, Cv Axles, alignment, and clean/adjust the rear brakes. It totaled almost a $1000! When I asked what was optional, he told me the latter one. That would save me 20 bucks. He expressed to me how dangerous it would be for me to continue driving on the brakes. He said something is out of alignment, and it needed to be fixed.

I stressed at work that morning. Finally I called and told the guy that I wanted to wait until the weekend to make a decision. If I'm spending $1000 on this 11 year old car, I might need to consider getting a new-to-me car.

I sent out an email to people I knew asking for prayer, wisdom, and advice. I got lots of response. Rose said she had a subscription to Consumer Reports and could loan me her user name and password. Jason gave me advice about saving money to pay in cash. Several people said the work seemed really expensive.

Then John wrote me. This is one of the guys I met online. We decided to just be friends since our political views are drastically different. We've also seen a couple of movies together. He happens to be a mechanical engineer.

He told me that they were charging me WAY TOO MUCH. He even looked up the parts on Auto Zone to let me compare. I know some of the cost was labor too, but when brake pads cost only $20 at Auto Zone and they cost $100 to get installed... that's a big difference.

John offered to look at it and at least change out the brake pads for free (in exchange for a home-cooked meal). He also knew a guy that would do the work for much cheaper.

Friday after work, I went over to his place. He took the front wheels off my car, and he had a look. He said that the guy lied to me. They took the wheel off and saw some rust, and just said the whole thing needed to be replaced. John said that the rotors and calipers were actually fine, and he said he wouldn't replace the axles if I was even somewhat serious about getting another car in the next couple of years.

So that's it. My brake pads were changed. I paid maybe $30 total in parts and lubricants. And I'm making John the best dinner in my "arsenal." Homemade lasagna, green beans, and homemade rolls. Oh, and my mom's famous peanut butter and chocolate pie!

Yep, God puts the right people in my life at the right times. This makes me happy and so does the thought that I didn't spend $1000 on unnecessary repairs or even more on a new car!

You gotta love it!

You have to LOVE at text like this.

Sitting at the computer last night, my phone vibrates next to me. Focusing on the screen, here is what I read:

Kickin it 2mrw nite 4 misty's bday. Work it out

Which roughly translates to, GIRL'S NITE OUT!!

Yeah baby. Getting out my dancing shoes, clothes that borderline the boundary of if I should wear them at my age and my bail money (joking, as 2 of my bailed out friends are on probation and won't be with us tonight ) :)

And if my luck really holds out, I can find a super late sitter where hubby might be able to join us when the party really starts rockin!

Friday!!! Time to blow off some of this grrrrr ness lately! Sweat it out on the dance floor and start fresh tmrrw!!

To All The Boys I Loved Before

As all of you know, I am a single gal who has had her fair share of heartbreak. There have been three boys from my past that I have loved dearly. One broke my heart after the relationship ended, while we were attempting to be friends. The other two guys left abruptly, leaving me to figure out "what exactly just happened here."

And then last week, I experienced my first "I'll call you later," and then never did. That was lovely. (Although I have to say I would much rather that happen, then to have a guy break up with me after a year of dating.)

(Karianne, I promise I will bring this back round to Happiness, but you have to give me a bit of leeway.) ;)

A part of me wants to be all about some Jo Dee Messina lyrics.

Somebody's gonna give you a lesson in leavin'
Somebody's gonna give you back what you've been givin'
And I hope that I'm around
To watch 'em knock you down
It's like you to love 'em and leave 'em
Just like you loved me and left me
It's like you to do that sort of thing
Over and over again
You're a fool-hearted man

But it's not really my style. After all these were guys I loved, and I think deep down they were good guys--good guys who made stupid decisions. It's bad enough to be dumped without thinking I'm a bad judge of character on top of all of that.

Yet when my anger overtakes me, I start ranting to God. I want those boys to realize how stupid they were to have let something so good go without a fight. I want them to see that running away is not the solution and will haunt them in future relationships. I want them to beg me to come back only for me to reject THEM and kick them out.

Nice, huh? We all think it, I know. But honestly, the anger isn't healthy. It just encourages me to dwell on something that I need to move away from.

Ultimately I remind myself that God protected me and is protecting me. I desire for those guys to grow from their mistakes because even now, a part of me still loves them. Not in a boyfriend way, but in a brother-in-Christ way.

And... if my anger overtakes me...

I've decided to pray that they get a REALLY REALLY REEEEEEEEALLLY bad case of constipation. You know, the kind that has you bowed over in pain. I feel like that request is something that won't ruin their life and yet would cause them some good ole' natural pain. And perhaps it would give them some time to think about what they did. And how appropriate that they would experience that since they all would keep stuff bottled up inside them instead of talking to me about it.

I think God has the type of humor to do just that kind of thing.

Perfect justice, really. And it totally brings a smile to my face!

my happy list

I feel like I haven't posted here in ...well, forever. It's sort of intentional; I haven't felt super happy lately. Nothing fatal, but definitely in a funk. I love coming to read others' happiness, hoping it'll rub off on me. :)

I'm sick of the place I've been, so I was pondering the simple pleasures that bring me joy even in the midst of general "unrest"...

1. feeling the brain fog lift after nearly a week of mostly raw food
2. 22 days of school left before summer
3. my friend at Starbucks who always has time to chat while I wait for my chai
4. a piano recital by my 6 year old boy
5. a new Japanese Maple waiting to be planted in the yard
6. the almost-completed new patio out back...
7. a fun Etsy purchase to brighten my day and my table
8. walking 7.46 miles with my sister-in-law
9. delightful co-workers who are also friends
10. thinking of my friend with her new baby and sharing in her joy!

May Day

Were any of you in my neck of the woods last week? I got a may basket! And I have no idea who it is from!!!

I had to go in to work in the morning real quick and when I came home an hour later, this was on my doorstep. After rounding up the usual suspects, no one admitted to it, so I"m broadening my search!

In that cutesy little basket was tulip printed tissues, a kitchen handtowel, a pink frosted flower cookie and peony body butter. If they were all as edible as they look, I'd be needing cheap Phentermine. But the mix of products was well rounded enough to be perfect! I'm so lucky. But it is driving me crazy wondering who it was!

Hope your May Days were fun too!

Gift for Carrie Jr.

Since Carrie has put up her late night, system memory post about remembering the pain of labor, I thought that I'd share the baby gift that I sent last week with the group. That girl is on my mind today!

It's a tiny onesie that Chris and I found while at a winery for a fundraiser. I had to buy it for her. And then, after I got it home, I panicked a bit about their alcohol views, but Carrie reassured me that it wouldn't be offensive. Thankfully! I could not have passed it up if I tried.

Let's raise a toast to Carrie!

Have you tried

The new honey flavor at Star*bucks?

Honey is one of my favorite flavors and one of my favorite scents. I would like to be a connoisseur of honey like some people are with wines. Now I have that Mariah Carey song in my head. "Ju-ust, like, hu-un-ny" (did she and Nick Canon really get married? Without a prenup? Can it be?)

I go to SB often to meet friends to talk and visit over the hiss of espresso machines. I don't drink coffee, I don't really care for their hot chocolate and at times the caramel apple cider is too sweet, while their teas are too weak or strong. So, I'll get a soy steamer with caramel.

When I saw the sign for their honey lattes, I was excited! They sounded so good. I was hopeful. I took a sip. It was wonderful.

I've had them once a week for the past 3 weeks. A new fave! If it is still cold where you live, like it has been here (yay), you should try one.

Weighty news

One of the best things that happened today?

I stepped on the scale and realized that I have 1 pound to go to lose an additional 18 that I'd gained over 3 months.

Let's not mention that it has taken me 19 months to do this! By my slow going, I really don't think that I have to mention that I did not use any top diet pills to achieve this amazing feat! Just call me the tortoise of weight loss.

And let's really not mention that even with this dip in pounds, I'm still 6 pounds away from my pre pregnancy weight with Ivy over 5 years ago! Hmmm. 40 weeks to put it on, 5 years and counting to take it off. Don't think that I'll be writing any diet books soon!

Happy for the job I have

Instead of dwelling on my crappy day at work today, I decided to comfort myself with this list

Top 10 Jobs that I'm Happy Are Not Mine
1. School bus driver
2. Animal shelter worker
3. Bank teller
4. City or county clerk (I had to file a motion yesterday and heardway too much information about people's lives and their troubles)
5. Anything that involved getting grimey, manual labor or sweating.
6. Police officer
7. Military or almost any job involving orders or travel
8. Any type of auditor
9. Pagaent contestant
10. CPS/APS worker
11. drug rehab counselor

OK, that's actually 11! I got on a roll!

Girls Rock!

My friend Richard saw this movie tonight, and told me to look it up, and I am IN LOVE.

All you mom's with girls, watch this. This is what we need. This is what I needed when I was a teenager and lost, and not sure how to fall in love with myself. The preview gives me chills.

Karianne, it made me think of you. Maybe cause you rock so hard. ;)