That's what I'm talkin' bout....

Here she is, hip-hop outfit and all. Too bad I couldn't post a video clip on here, then I would hook you guys all up with her christmas performance. Way cute, let me tell ya!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Hey Everyone, I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and of course, a happy new year!!!!

If you were wondering the story behind this picture, I was googling images under "merry christmas" and this one popped up. I just had to post it because it is Marilyn Monroe and my dad is a HUGE fan and he has tons of memorabilia of her. Anyway, I have never seen this one, so here it is...

Happy Holidays!!!!

Howdy There,.......From Idaho

Oh my gosh. I was flipping through the channels today and I ran across a lady news anchor that was filling in for Nancy Grace on Court TV News. So, I stopped flipping and listened to her because she was talking about a case from here in the Coeurd'Alene area that I was familiar with. Anyway, I will fill you in on why this lady ticked me off......

Ok, she was talking about the witnesses in this case, the defendant, the prosecution, the families, and she was talking about their attire and their "look", I guess you could say. Anyway, she said we must have lower "standards" here in Idaho. You know, she has never been any closer to Idaho than Wyoming...(when was Wyoming close to Idaho????) and she said that she really hadn't seen our attire in person, but just couldn't get over the look of one of the main witnesses. Ok, he did look sort-of like a mountain man. You know, long hair, long beard, flannel shirt, jeans.......But I could not believe that she was totally stereo-typing all of us by him and the others involved in this case. She said that "attire" would never fly over there in New York or Boston because they are all just so much more "buttoned up". She said that she was judging them by "New York" standards. She went on to say that it probably "flies" in Idaho because if they could get a good look at the jury pool( which as you know represents the area....) she knows they would be in that same attire, "That would be my guess" was her exact quote. And actually, one of the attorney's for the prosecution told her the jurors did wear jeans most days. (although he did not seem alarmed by that...)
OK, since when are jeans so bad????? I would guess that alot of juror's across the country would wear jeans a time or two???? I don't know, I have never had the pleasure of being one yet. But, I can tell you this......when I am, I'm gonna wear jeans. Oh, and I have a really cute flannel shirt too....... :-) Go ahead, judge me. But I am sure there are some people that you would call " mountain-manish" over there in your neck of the woods also......

I Hate Wind!!!!

Wind = Trees down, and Trees down= Property getting crushed. I am not a happy camper. No pun intended...........Yes, our camper is gondy. Heck with the camper being crushed, I am crushed. That old 1978 Prowler had more memories for me than you can imagine. I can still remember sleeping on the bed with my grandma, while my parents slept on the bunk above us. Those were the days. And the wind just totally ruined it for me. I was NEVER going to get rid of that old trailer, never. Oh, and thanks to the wind, there are 2 trees currently resting on the top of the roof over our "main house" on that same property. Fortunately, that is fixable. Unfortunately, the other is not. There, I vented. (Why don't I feel better???)

Quote of the day.....

As quoted by Dennis Erickson at a press conference upon taking the job in February at Moscow..................
" There are times in life, and we all face it when things just happen. This hopefully is going to be my last job."
That's what we were hoping for.

What's so good about ASU?????

I am wondering the answer to that question??? Is is the heat??? Is it the money??? Is it the opportunity??? What?????

You know, being a Vandal fan, I know the excitement we, as vandal fans, felt when we heard the news of Dennis Erickson, "coming back" to Idaho. He was returning. Wow, that was awesome. He totally has the ability to turn the program around. I knew that eventually, he would bring huge changes to Vandal football, and the athletic department as a whole at the University of Idaho. All of that seemed very important to him as he accepted the job as head coach for Idaho. As stated about his return to Idaho in an article from USA Today in August...............Erickson, who has plans to retire in nearby Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, says he's "as excited" as he ever has been in coaching, and the people seem to take him at his word....... He was excited. We were excited, we thought he was back where he belonged. We even put him on the billboards here in North Idaho. Vandal Football season ticket sales went through the roof. Vandal Pride was returning, and returning big.

This is what Dennis said during a press conference where he announced he would come back to Idaho...."In this business, sometimes things happen and you move along, but the greatest thing that happened to me was Nick Holt (previous Idaho Coach) leaving, and now I come back and finish the job."

Well the "job" wasn't finished. I soppose he has his reasons for leaving Idaho. I soppose it is the move he feels is right for him right now. But I still wonder...

What's so good about ASU?? Why did we only get 1 more year?? We wanted more. We're not going to get 1 more year though, Arizona is.

Luckies......

Happy Anniversary to ME!!!

OK, not just to me. But to my loving husband also. It's been 10 years. Oh my gosh. Feels like 20.......lol.

Soup, Anyone??

I let Danielle use my camera to take pictures about a week ago. I forgot about it and hadn't used my camera until a couple of days ago. When I went online to download the pictures I took for her birthday, I saw all these really weird pictures of the TV, our dog, pictures on the walls, of the moon outside, barely there in the dark sky, and last but not least, this picture of the soup on the stove that I made one night last week. I thought it was cute. So, that's how I got the title........ Thanks, Danielle.

Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!

Here's my daughter at her favorite restaurant for her birthday dinner. They gave her the hat and sang their version of happy birthday to her. She even got a free dessert. Anyway, Happy Birthday Danielle!!!!

Office Christmas parties....(2)

We just got back from Utah, and finished up the first of the three office christmas parties we will attend this holiday season. You know, some of these people were in "rare" form even BEFORE they started consuming alcohol. Do these people crawl out of the woodwork to attend these things????? Where do they come from??? Oh well, atleast it gives us something to talk about around the dinner table, oh, and better yet, something to blog about.

My filing system

Ok, my husband will be really glad that I am addressing this subject. But, he would be more glad if I would organize my filing system, rather than blog about it. Yes, that sounds like a good idea. No, that does not sound like something I'm gonna get done any time soon, unfortunately.

I will fill you in on my current filing situation........

I have 3 junk drawers in my kitchen that are soooo full of papers, letters, bills, pictures, that they are overflowing into the cabinets beneath them. So, if you can't find something in the drawer, open the cabinet underneath and, maybe it will be there????

I have a file cabinet downstairs, and the files are currently way to full and ready to break open from all the pressure of the papers crammed in them. If you look behind these files, there are papers, pictures, letters, bills, just thrown in the file drawer and there is really no way to tell what any of that is because it is piled on top of each other, and overflowing to the drawer beneath.

"Why is it like this?" you ask. I really have NO good reason. I can come up with alot of excuses. I'm too busy, it's too much work, I hate filing, I don't care if it's in a huge pile, never to be found. Actually I kind of care. I just don't care enough to organize it. Bummer. Why can't I just "Git Er' Done???????"

All I really know is that when I "kick the bucket", which I hope will be in a really long time, I will feel REALLY bad for the person who has to find any important documents I may or may not have. I also feel bad for my husband, because when he reads this blog, his blood pressure will probably go through the roof because he thinks my filing system should have been fixed about 10 years ago. Sorry.........

Is that really true??? I hope not. I really have no idea what my computers problem is. Sometimes if your nice to it, it will actually print something you asked it to print. Sometimes it wont. It couldn't be that it is like......6-8 years old, now could it??? Will I have to stop turning to happy bunny for advice??? Of course not. :-)

The Ghost of Nicholas Greebe

You know, my daughter is seven, she is in the second grade, and I still find myself totally shocked at what they are learning in school, at such a young age. Their reading program allowes the kids to read at their own level, and I would say that Danielle seems in control of how good (or bad) her reading level is. In her school they call their reading program "accelerated reading" or AR. They test the kids and give them an AR level that is appropriate for each child, seperately. Right now, Danielle's AR level of books that she has to read and be tested on are 4.5 to 5.2. These first numbers mean the grade level ( 4th - 5th) and the second mean the percent into the year. So, 4.5 would mean halfway through the 4th grade.

She brings books from the library home every night and needs to read these as many times as it takes so that she can go to school and take a computerized test on how well she comprehended it. So, there are questions about the plot, the outcome, even more stuff that I can't remember but I was suprised that she could pull it off. I mean, I know she is a very smart girl, but I think when I was in second grade, we would have never touched on these subjects. So, school has come a long way.

Here are a few examples of some of the words that she was reading to me out of this perticular book last night..............pilfered(I have no idea what that means..), luminous, coincidence, resonant(don't know that one either..), levitation, ceaseless, precisely, mysterious, exceedingly. These are just some of them. I was baffled. I didn't even know how to pronounce some of these. But she just whipped right through it. Good job Danielle, keep up the great work!!!

We got through it

Well, thanksgiving has come and gone, and to tell you the truth, I wanted it to be over even before it began. I know, that's terrible. The reason why is because, in the past, it was the one holiday that my Uncle Buddy would make sure he came home for. Rain, snow, most likely snow, would not keep him from coming back home to Idaho to spend the holiday with us. I remember when I was a kid, he drove his decked out black corvette up here from California, and the roads were covered in snow, icy, just awful. I can remember he took me for a ride and we slid around on the snow covered roads. I'm sure he loved it. Knowing me, I was a little freaked. But, I can't even remember that part. I can only remember I was happy.

I have seen pictures of us all together years ago, after we ate dinner, all of us kids playing, and my uncles and my dad fell asleep on the couch. I don't even think us kids noticed. That's just what the guys did. God knows I would have loved to have him with us this thanksgiving... visiting, laughing, eating, watching football, and even sleeping on the couch.

So, I looked through my photo's and I found one that was probably taken around thanksgiving, in Mullan when my dad and Uncle Buddy were boys. All bundled up and ready to go outside in the cold. It's cute. It makes me smile. It's this and other pictures that I am very thankful to have. I'm glad I have them, and I'm glad I have the memories of the times we all spent together. I really hope I never forget them.

Office Christmas parties....

It is getting to be that time of year, and we are preparing for the good ole' office Christmas party. In our case, its office Christmas partie(s). We have three of them for my husbands work alone.

These parties really tend to crack me up. I think they are funnier to me than my husband, because I don't work with these people, and I think it is truly hilarious when they make (fools of themselves). I, wouldn't go that far. I really think its all in fun. I mean heck, you've got to have a few beers at your christmas party.....right???? I thought so. It would just be nice if you could refrain from spitting your drink at the person next to you when you laugh about something someone said. Yes, I have seen this happen. Yes, I thought this was funny. No, I probably wouldn't if I were next to the person doing the spitting.

Anyway, I can't wait for the parties to start. I want to observe all the funny little things that occur at these parties. Give good people alcohol and you never know what's gonna happen. Cheers!!!!

Bulldogs VS. Bulldogs???

You had to wonder what was gonna happen when you have the same mascot as your opponent. It started out crumby and that's how it ended. Fouls were the name of the game tonight, at least where gonzaga was concerned. I hate to say it, and I don't usually feel this way, but Butler was getting the benefit of the doubt with the foul situation. I have never seen so many offensive fouls away from the ball before. Wow. Anyway, that's the way it goes. The Zags got further than all but 1 other team in this tournament. I think that is great, even though I wish it would have turned out different. You can't win them all, but it sure would be nice if ya could.

Get Ready Zags!!!

This afternoon the Gonzaga Bulldogs take on Butler in the championship game of the NIT tip-off Championship. I really don't know anything about Butler, not even where they're from, but, I bet I am gonna find out at 4:00. I'm kinda nervous. Either way, the Zags haven't failed to suprise us already this season. All I can say is "Go Zags"!!!

Woo-Hoo!!!!

Gonzaga Update!!!!! We just beat the #2 Ranked North Carolina Tar-Heels 82 to 74. Can you believe it??? We were ranked 23 or 24. Better believe that ranking will go up. Go Zags!!!!

Thanksgiving Traditions, by Danielle

(Danielle came home from school with this essay, I thought it would be nice to share it with you all, I'll type it like she wrote it....)

On thanksgiving my family celebrates together. If we celebrate at my house I have to get out alot of chers. We have alot of family.
We eat mashed potatoes, with gravy, turky, green beans, corn, stufing, and craynberry souce. For desert we have pumpcin pie with whipt cream. For a drink we have water, pop, and other drinks.
After we wach football or basketball.

( I wonder what she means about "other drinks"????? :-) )

Go Zags!!!!

Today the Gonzaga Bulldogs are in New York City awaiting the tip-off at Madison Square Garden against the North Carolina Tar Heels. Wow. The small college team out of Spokane is playing the Tar Heels at the famed Madison Square Garden. That is so cool.
My brother has been a Tar Heel fan for as long as I can remember. I can still picture him in his light blue jersey. I know he is gonna watch the game tonight. The question is........Who is he rooting for??? All I can say is...."It better be the Zags." No, really, I don't mind if he sticks to his "first" team. But, I bet he doesn't......

Happy Turkey Day!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Hopefully you all have a great day!!!

My quote for today....

When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

(www.coolfunnyquotes.com)

My joke of today.....

An Illinois man left the snowballed streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick e-mail.

Unable to find the scrap of paper on which he had written her e-mail address, he did his best to type it in from memory. Unfortunately, he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher's wife whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her e-mail, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor dead.

At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen:

Dearest Wife,

Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow.

Your Loving Husband.

P.S. Sure is hot down here.

My quote of today.......

Mess with me,
you mess with the whole trailer park.


( Oh, I thought that was way funny, those were the good old days!!.)

My Joke of the Day......

A guy goes to a girl's house for the first time and she shows him into the living room. She excuses herself to go to the kitchen to make them a few drinks. As he's standing there alone, he notices a cute little vase on the mantel.
He picks it up and as he's looking at it, she walks back in.
He says, "What's this?"
She says, "Oh, my father's ashes are in there."
He turns beat red in horror and goes, "Geez, oh..I..."
She says, "Yeah, he's too lazy to go to the kitchen to get an ashtray."

My Quote of the Day.....

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

- Dr. Seuss

A Choice to Cherish

It is getting closer to the holiday season, and I thought there was no better time than now, to let you all know about my all time favorite book titled "A Choice to Cherish", by Alan Maki. This author doesn't write many fiction novels, I think he only has two. I really wish he would write more. I have seen some of his Non-fiction works, but I am not a non-fiction fan.
So, the book takes place in Montana among the Bitterroot Mountains by Darby, south of Missoula. This place is truly beautiful to see and Maki makes you want to go there and take it all in. The main character is Alan, who's grandfather is ill, and needs to be taken care of in his last days of life, in his home. Alan flies in to Montana to take care of him, reluctantly at first, and then learns, through a series of journal letters, how they became estranged, and the stories that went along with that estrangement.
All of this is centered around the Christmas season, and it makes you realize that sometimes the greatest gift is JUST to have your family. I love this book, it makes you want to run and hug everyone you may have not seen in awhile, and let your heart give forgiveness to the ones that you need too.

YUCK-O

Alright, that is maybe a cheesy title. But, that is the feeling I STILL have in the pitt (No pun intended, even though Brad Pitt is in it) of my stomach after watching the movie "Babel" last night. Yuck-o.
Don't let my opinion about this show sway your decision not too see it, or too see it. ( I guess I am kidding myself if I think I have that kind of an influence over your decisions or something.......duh.)
Anyway, it was not good. When I was reading the reviews in the paper and in magazines like "Rolling Stone", they were all good reviews. They all went on and on referencing the story in the Bible about when the people tried to build a "stairway" to heaven and how God got mad and made everyone speak different languages so no one could understand each other.........Ok, I get that. I just don't get the connection. Yes, the title of the movie is "Babel". Yes, the story in the bible was about "Babel". Yes, the movie depicts people of different languages and language barriers. That is the only connection I got. The rest of the movie was pretty much what I would consider gross. I can't understand how this made it to the big screen, let alone getting rave reviews. Ok, maybe I am just not "deep" enough to understand the full meaning of the picture. I COULD tell how all the people and their lives tied in together, kind of like the movie "Crash", but, all the extra "details" ( I guess you could call them) were just plain YUCK-O.
Now that I have totally confused you all, if you decide you want to see it, be prepared for a different, weird, emotion filled, (not in a good way) movie. I don't know, too each his own, I guess.

Mullan 8, Salmon River 42

What a terrible day for football. The weather at the field in Silverton was awful. It started out raining, it ended snowing. It was soooooo cold. Those poor boys were playing hard on that cold, wet field.
It seemed everything was going ok at the end of the first half when the score was 8 to 16, salmon river. Then after the half, the injuries started. 2 of our mullan boys went to the ambulance. Another one had a sprained ankle from a previous game and was forced to play with it. When players get injured on a team like mullan, when you only have 11 or 12 guys to start out with, its not a good thing. So, the second half was terrible. Turn overs, penalties, and cold wind all played a factor in the final outcome of the game.
First year Coach Corey Miller quoted in the Spokesman Review....." We were picked to win one game all season, and we get 3rd place in the state (1A division). So, we did alright." I think they did better than alright. Great job boys. You played hard all season, and it showed!!!!

How in the world did I pass the 2nd grade???

Ok, I am starting to wonder the answer to that question. I think it was because back in my days in elementary school, we were still learning "easy stuff", and now days, it is crazy the stuff they are learning. Example of a second grade homework question:

How many chairs (4 legs) and stools (2 legs) might there be if there are a total of 78 legs.
OK, my daughter has NOT learned division. I was thinking this was the way to figure out this question. But, she can't use that. So, I was stumped. I had to turn my daughter over to my smart husband. (He actually did good in math) They didn't just need to find the answer to the question, but show how they came up with it, in a 2nd grade way. I think they figured it out. (Unlike me, I still have no clue.....)

So, I was looking at the other questions on her math homework and I will share with you one that totally cracked me up!!!!!! They want you to answer the questions and then tell them how you solved them. Sorta like a proof......so here's the question and how my daughter answered it.......

A. _______ + ________ = 12
B. _______ - 4 = 14
C. 8 + _____ + _______ = 26

So, she fills out the answers to those problems and then down below it asks another question...

1. How did you find the answer for C. ? (her answer) By thinking.

Oh gosh, it's true, but for some reason I don't think that was the answer they are looking for. But I also think her teacher will chuckle when she reads it.

Winter Weather Alert

Look what we woke up too this morning. Yup, snow. It took a few minutes for Neiko to figure out what the white, wet stuff in the yard was. But, after tasting it, I think he may have figured it out. He took quite a liking to it last year. I think he is glad it will be part of his daily diet soon......Silly dog.

Get your head in the game!!

They did it!!! Tonight was the talent show that Danielle and her friend have been preparing for, for weeks. They have been practicing every tuesday and thursday for a month. They did such a great job. They performed a basketball type hip-hop routine to the High School Musical song "Get your head in the game." They were super cute and we took tons of pictures. Way to go girls!!!!

Tiger Football Update

Alright, sorry it's a little bit late. When we were in Las Vegas the tiger boys had to make their second trip in down to Kootenai in 2 weeks. As you read in my previous post "Not a good night", it was NOT a good night. Kootenai won at the half, 50 to 0.
So, in that post, I stated that it was a bummer they had to go back down there again, to basically, lose. Well.........the unthinkable happened. My dad called me while I was sitting in a casino in Vegas, and he said "Guess who won the Kootenai/Mullan game last night????" And I said......"Kootenai???"" and he was like "Nope". So, after a bunch of "oh, my gosh", and "your kidding"... I got the scoop. It was a cold, rainy night in Kootenai, Kooteani fumbled alot, the tigers scored alot, they fought hard, and they won. Done.
So, Kootenai is out, Mullan is in, and I take back my previous prediction. So, Mullan will play on saturday and all I can say is......I hope it rains.

Hip, Hip, HOORAY!!!!!

It's about time!!! (No, I'm not talking about Brittney and Kevin, although it's probably true with them, too...) I'm talking about the voters. (Not necessarily the ones here in Idaho, we are still in the dark ages over here....That does not include me, of course!) Yesterday they shouted their message loud and clear. Let me tell you, It's been a long time in waiting, for me, atleast. Don't ya just love change????!!!! I know I do!!!!

New York, New York

No, we didn't go to New York. Sorta looks like it though, huh!!!! Nope, this is the New York, New York Casino in none other that LAS VEGAS, baby!!!!
We just got back from a 4 day trip to the city that never sleeps. Well, let me tell you, I believe it. I really don't have a clue how I stayed up that late down there. I could never have done it here at home. Someone told me that in Vegas alot of the Casino's pump oxygen into the air (more than in normal air) and it helps to keep people up and less tired. I don't know if that's true, but I do know that at 2:00am I still was not REALLY tired. Weird. And, if that isn't weird enough for you, they actually have Oxygen bars. Yes, Bars. People sit down and put a tube in their nose and get oxygen pumped into them. Strange. I have no idea if it works. I wasn't gonna try it...??!!!
We attended two shows. One was the Cirque show titled "Love", and it was themed around the Beatles and the Beatles music. It was sooooooo awesome. In typical Las Vegas fashion, it left us wanting more. It really was a shocking show. We couldn't believe what lengths they go to in order to put on one of these shows. They really go ALL-OUT. It's unbelievable. Just when you think you have seen it all, you see more.
The next show was a comedy show with Brad Garrett ( Off of everybody loves Raymond ) in it. He was so funny!!! I don't think we laughed that hard in a long time. It was a super fun show.
So, even though we had a blast in Vegas, we are glad to be home. Oh, and no, we didn't win any money........Bummer..

Trick Or Treat????

Here's the cute little goblins. Danielle was a corpse bride and her friends were skeleton's and pirate's. They had tons of fun and ate WAY to much candy!!!! Oh well, you're only young once!!!!

Hey Everyone,

Have a safe, fun, candy-filled day!!!!

Yum, Yum

I was just relaxing, typing an email to a friend, and I looked down at my dog, because he was being super good, quiet, not whining to me to pick him up, etc......
and I noticed that he had something in his mouth. Upon closer examination, I realized it was a lolli-pop (a dum-dum to be exact) and he had the stick in between his front paws and he was licking the sucker. Just like a human would do. Weird. Damn halloween candy, anyway!!!!!!

Not a good night......

Well, friday night we traveled to Harrison, Idaho to watch our Tigers play the Kootenai Warriors.

It started out just as terrible as it ended. The opening kickoff produced a long run for a touchdown for the warriors. Buttheads.....just kidding. So, that was kind of the story of the rest of the game, which unfortunately, ended at the half on a very sore note for the tigers. 50-Kootenai, 0-Mullan. Yes, zero. Not a misprint. Not a happy site. We were not happy little campers. The drive home was quiet, very quiet.

As if that whole game wasn't enough torture for all of us, for some reason the tigers have to travel back down to Kootenai next week, and play again. Oh, we cant wait.........(yes, we can.)

Shut Up and Sing

Three years ago, the Dixie Chicks were performing a concert in London, and Natalie used her right to free speech and stated her opinion about the president and the impending war in Iraq. About 3 days later, on came the death threats, the hate letters, the burning of CD's and the banning of their music on many radio stations.

I know you all have your own opinions about this situation, and you all have every right to them. But, because I have this blog, and the documentary "Shut up and Sing" is about to come to theatres, I just thought I would let everyone know that I have thought it was ridiculous from the start. I mean, we have a first amendment for a reason, people. That's just my opinion. I think the chicks said it best in their song titled "I'm not ready to make nice." here is the paragraph I'm talking about.......

"Its a sad, sad world when a mother could teach her daughter that she outta hate a perfect stranger, and how in the world could the words that I said, send somebody so over the edge, that they'd write me a letter saying that I outta, shut up and sing or my life would be over....."

9 Weird things about ME!!!!

So, my friend said I am "it". That means it is my turn to post 9 "weird" things about myself. Ok Lynsey, here they are. Is this admitting that I am weird?????? I hope not.....:-)

1. I paint my fingernails about 2 times per day, on average. I know, this is really bad. How much time does this consume???? Lots, when you think of painting, top coat, bottom coat, 2nd coat, drying time. It is actually rediculous. I think I may be obsessive/compulsive. I just can't go on with my day if there is one chip or smear in my nail polish. Dear god, I still have 8 more.....

2. Before I can go to bed at night, my couch cushions have to be perfect. I have to get out of bed if my husband sits in the couch after I "turn in" for the night. I get up, and I fluff the cushions and I make sure they are all evenly tucked in. If I don't do it, I can't sleep. ( we'll get to that one later....)

3. I have to put my make-up on before I do anything else in my day. And I mean ANYTHING. This includes.......going to the hospital at 5:00am, after having contractions, after taking a bath to try to ease my labor pains, I STILL had to put my make-up on in order to leave the house. Crap, I needed to put my fricken "face" on, people. Who cares if your water is like, ready to break. A girls gotta have her priorities......

4. My ears are like, super sensitive to sound. "Did you hear that????", is a really common question in my house. My husbands response is usually...."Hear what???".
And I usually reply...."Did you hear that sound, outside our window, it's probably a burglar breathing or something.....Honey, go check." So, he walks outside, in his "jammies", and has to go out in the freezing ass cold, and check around to make sure there are no "prowlers" breathing around our house. Hey, that's his job......to make sure we are safe!!!! :-)

5. I like to chew ice. I prefer my ice crushed, out of the fridge. Then it is easier for me to chew. I am sure this is very irritating to by-standers. I know, its a really bad habit.....Sorry.

6. I really LOVE snow. I actually wish I lived somewhere where it was winter all year. Yes, its true. No, I am not kidding. I need fresh snow EVERY single morning. 6:00am sharp. Nice, white, fluffy, pretty snow.

7. I am really jumpy. I don't mean I like to jump around. I mean I get spooked really easy. If I am vacuuming and I see myself in the mirror out of the corner of my eye, I jump. I mean, god, I know I am there for crying out loud. But I still jump. Dear god, I need help......

8. I have a really hard time falling asleep. Really, even after the help of prescription sleeping aids. It kind of goes back to the sound sensitivity stuff. If I hear anything, and I mean ANYTHING, I cant sleep. If my dog is licking himself to rooms away, I can't sleep. If a dog is barking a mile down the road, I can't sleep. If the TV volume is on 1 touch up from mute, in the basement, I can't sleep. Holy crap, I just realized I am probably a real pain in the butt to live with!!!

9. Last but not least, I am like, overly concerned about other peoples feelings. I pretty much sugar coat everything. If a neighbors kid came over and acted like a true hellion, I would tell his mom he was a perfect angel. Just so she would be all proud of her "baby". If there is a car in front of me at a red light, and it turns green, and I am waiting for them to notice, and they are stil not noticing after like 5 minutes, I still won't honk. I just can't do it. Why in the hell can't I just fricken honk???? I have had people behind me, like two cars back, honk for me. For some reason I am thinking if I honk, it might startle them and give them a heart attack or something.

There they are. Now you all probably know way more about me than you should.

OVER-RATED

We came so close.........I didn't expect that. Even the odds in Reno gave the Boise State Bronco's a 21 point advantage over the Idaho Vandals. So, we were so happy just to be there, loving every moment up until it all fell apart mid fourth quarter. You see, with 7 minutes left, we scored a touchdown and brought their lead to only 2 points. (28-26) You should have heard the crowd roar. Oh my gosh, it was priceless. The overrated Bronco's (ranked #18) almost got "bucked" by the vandals, who are not even close to being ranked. It was a sight to be seen. Every Vandal fan was on their feet. Not to mention the game was sold out. Yes, the dome was packed. Even though the final score was 42 to 26, I still left happy. I still left smiling. Just knowing that up until the second half of the 4th quarter, we were keeping up with the "big boys", we were making them wonder if we were really gonna pull it off. For a moment, we all wondered. So, look out Boise State.......Here we come.

My Red Maple

Hey everyone, look at my tree. Isn't it just beautiful. I love it when the leaves turn that awesome shade of red/orange. I picked it out because of the fall color. Even though that color only lasts a week or two. So, you have to enjoy it while it's here. Oh, and hope there are no huge wind storms to blow them all off prematurely. :-)
Speaking of wind.........just as I am writing this there is a huge thunderstorm approaching. We can see it up the prairie, and the wind is REALLY blowing.......it figures.

It's a good day......

Many of you who live around the area that I am from may have been following the "Joseph Duncan" trial and know what I am talking about.....If not......

Today he plead guilty to murdering and kidnapping the 3 people who died that night in that little house along I-90. He plea bargained and he WILL be put to death ( for those charges) If not here in Idaho, then for the federal charges he is soon to face. Lord knows he did much more than that....and he will some day pay for that also.

Thank god that little girl does not have to testify in court in front of that man, thank god she doesn't have to be put through any more hell than she already has.....

When things like this happen, and you know that she isn't gonna have to see that man's face ever again, you know it's a good day.....

Irritating People

Alright, this has been bugging me for awhile. I know everyone has a right to do what they want to do, and people need to take turns and all, but I also have the right to be irritated........

So, as we were in Seattle at the Boing Flight Museum, we were enjoying ourselves and taking many pictures. Especially pictures that my daughter danielle could be a part of.

They have airplanes that you can actually sit in and take advantage of the photo op. So, Danielle wanted to get up in these planes and have us take a picture of her in one, or two. So, there is ALWAYS a line. And my husband and I are ALWAYS a little impatient. But, I think we would have a little more patience if everyone that was also taking pictures of their friends/loved ones, whatever just used a little common sense and respected the fact that others are waiting in line. So, as we are waiting for our daughters turn to jump up in the plane, we are watching grown adult men jump up in the plane, having their other grown adult friend take pictures of them. And when I say picture(s), I mean many pictures. One wont do. They need to get one at every different angle. Then they need to get a different pose. Then their subject had his eyes closed. Then they need to review the pictures to make sure some of them turn out, etc. And on and on. So, we waited for about 4 different sets of people to get done and then, tadaaaaa, it is our turn. So, by the time Danielle gets up in there, I have about had it, and I just take the fricken picture, I really could care less if she was smiling, if her eyes were closed, if she looked like an alien from mars.......Oh well, lets just move on to the next photo op already!!!!!!

Parents.....

Ok, I was emailing my friend, and I was just going on and on and on, and when I read a portion of it back, I thought it was actually kind of funny, so I thought I'd share it with you all......

I was talking about parents, and how different they can be. The subject was my daughter, and her friends, and how differently parents react to letting their kids go over to other friends houses and have play-dates.

One example is the parent who.......After talking about the possibility of a play-date they state "Ok, just let me know what your address is, and your social security number so I can run your background check, and then we can set up an interview, to see if you qualify to watch my precious child." Ok, a little overboard, but, obviously they care alot about their kid....

Second example is the parent who, after you are talking on the phone with them for the first time and you have never met them or their child before, and you don't know ANYTHING about them and they don't know ANYTHING about you, they say " Uhmmmmm, I was wondering if we could bring Bobbi-Sue ( their child ) over for the weekend because we like, spent all the babysitting money on smokes, and like, the Monster Truck Jamboree starts this weekend and we just couldn't think of missing out on all that beer drinkin and mudd wrestling. So, would ya mind?????" Ok, that's a little different perspective. I just wonder why they are soooooo different. Is there not a middle ground here????? I sure hope WE fall into that middle, somewhere.

What people wont do for coffee.......

Ok, so, we are in California for our vacation. We are relaxing, enjoying the sites, the roar of the ocean, the feel of the sand on our toes, and here she comes.........the "panhandler". Here in Idaho, the panhandler's hold up signs. They usually stand on a corner in a non-confrontational way, and hold up there little sign that states what they need, and often what their problem is.
So, anyway, she comes up to us, as we are enjoying the beautiful ocean......and she says, to my mom, " Hey, could you spare some change, so I could like, get a coffee and some smokes..." What????? did she just say "Coffee and Smokes"????? Good greif. Did those 2 items just become a necessity??? Was I not aware of this. Alright, I admit, I love my cup of coffee, there was also a time when I loved to try a cigarette, or two......But, these things were not up high on my needs for the day. I thought that when you were out asking people for hand-outs, you were usually in need of like, food. Water. Blankets????? You know, stuff like that, that you need to survive...????
Also, what's really funny about that is that she asked my mom, who really has like, no money, and doesn't even buy coffee for herself, let alone fork it out for a lady she has never seen before. So, anyway, the lady didn't get any money from us, I mean my gosh, we hadn't even had OUR coffee and smokes for the day.........just kidding.

To Catch A Wave

Hey, look at us, were trying to "catch" this wave.

Oh, I couldn't help myself. I think this picture is way cute. They look like they are having so much fun. I guess that's what you get when you take us out of our small town and put us in front of the huge ocean. We just don't know how to contain ourselves.

The many reasons I love fall.......

1. Cozy Blankets
2. Soups for supper
3. Beautiful fall colored leaves
4. Thanksgiving!!
5. Football
6. Flannel Sheets
7. Warm fires
8. School starts
9. Cooler weather
10. Picking Apples
11. Jack-o-lanterns
12. Canning Fruit
13. Baking pies
14. Raking leaves
15. No more bees
16. Halloween
17. Hunting Season
18. I know there's more, I cant think of more though......

Here We Are!!!

Here we are, three generations. Ok, that's not that big of a deal. I have seen 4 and 5 generations before. On my dad's side we have 4 generations.
Well, I just thought I needed to post this picture because everyone always tells my mom and I and Danielle how much we look alike. Ok, we SORT-OF get it. We can see the resemblance. But, we know that we are sooooooooo different personality wise, that sometimes we find it hard to see any similarities that we have. We are all soooo different, that the looks thing just goes by the wayside to us. If you know us well at all, you will know that. But people that don't know us that well, just can't get over the look stuff. So, I guess we do look alike, sort-of.......

Now, WHY did you want me to hold this thing?????

Because of a Kodak moment, of course. Honestly, she really wasn't as miserable as she looks. I thought it was funny when I downloaded the picture, and I saw the look on her face. It's just a starfish, silly!!!! We really didn't make her pick it up, it was HER choice. Even though it's kinda hard to tell by her reaction.......Anyway, we were at SeaWorld in SanDiego having a blast. Skipping School, skipping work.....etc. Gotta love it!!!!

The Perfect Pumpkin

Here they are, running through the pumpkin patch, trying to find it. What is it, you say???? Its the "perfect pumpkin", of course. I know they will find it. They just need to run and look some more. There are big ones, little ones, round ones, long ones, oval ones, .......Oh my gosh, too many to choose from.
After a nice, warm fall day at the pumpkin patch, they DIDN'T find it. They just COULDN'T find it. So, we will go again, but today, we just brought home the one I picked out. And let me tell you, it is pretty perfect!!!!

My Favorite Spot to Watch Football

Here it is. This is my favorite spot to watch football from. Isn't the view awesome. Too many people take that for granted. It took me a while to realize how great it was too. I had no idea till one day I came back from college and I went up to the spot we always go to watch the game, and it was then that I realized, wow, this is really awesome. So, I just thought I'd share it with you all. Enjoy

My Front Porch

Here are some pictures of my front porch. I remember when we were having our house built, they drew up the plans and there was no front porch included. So, I put my two cents in, and said there absolutely, had to be a front porch. So, after making our living room smaller (to accomodate for the porch area, of course), I got what I wanted. I just love it. I am so glad that I talked my husband into making our square footage smaller, just so I could have an extra cute space to decorate. So, do we use it much???? Well, no. Do I have fun decorating it for the different seasons??? YES. If you know me, you know that I am not very concerned about the function of a space, the main thing you need to worry about is.......Does it look good??? Is it super cute???? Who cares if there is no room to sit in it!!!! It HAS to look good. So, I feel like my porch plays a big part in the appearance of my house as a whole. Cluttered, yes. Functional, maybe not. Cute, Hell yes!!!!

Hey, don't ya just love the gas pump??? Compliments of my dad, of course. :-)

Have you seen your local library lately???

As many of you know, I work at the public library in my town. So, because of this, I will fill you in on what your local library has to offer YOU.

1. Friendly, helpful Librarians (ok, I can only speak for myself...)
2. Major selections of cool books, audiobooks, movies, CD's, etc.
3. Free access to online computer stations.
4. Interesting activities for kids. (computer games, awesome books...)
5. A computerized "card catalog" that you can access from home.
6. Self check-out stations (that hopefully won't replace me.)

Ok, I can't think of more, but I know there is more. And you can find out for yourself if you just get off your lazy behind and check out your local library. My husband wonders why anyone who isn't currently enrolled in school would want to go to the library. Well, its too see me........!!!!! Kidding, its so you can see all that it has to offer, then bring home an awesome book that you just can't put down to save your life. That's the best. So, Go, Already!!!!

The Big Purple People Eater.....

Ok, have I gone mad? I don't know where that title came from. It just popped in my head, so I posted it. If one of you reads it and remembers where that came from, let me know. :-)
Don't ask me where she got that purple dino head??? I have no clue. But, I thought it was a cute snapshot, indeed. So, here is my daughter and her aunt. Yes, her aunt. No, not a type-o. They sure are cute, huh. I thought so!!!!

The Gang!

Here we are. Not very often do we all get together as a family. You know how it is, life is so hectic, so busy, so fast, that it just flies right by, leaving us feeling like we have missed something. Well, we are missing something. We are missing the family connections, the get togethers, the memories we share, and the memories we need to be making. So, today, I feel thankful. Thankful that we all took the time to get together, to laugh, to talk and to make memories. Thanks guys. It couldn't have been a better day!!!!

Did someone say cake?????

Just thought I would take the time to say "Happy Birthday" to my grandpa. Hope you had a great day!!!! Love ya!!

Did I say I loved fall football????

Ok, I really don't want to take that back. Really. But, I am really bummed right now. The "Battle of the Palouse", turned into the "Embarrasment of the Palouse..". Oh my gosh. It was bad. My mom, my friend and I traveled all the way down to Pullman, the home of the COUGS, to watch the game against the Vandals. Well, it started out bad, and it ended bad. So, the comment from famed coach Dennis Erickson in the paper the next day read...." I am embarrassed.....the Players should be embarrassed..." and so on. Gosh, we thought it was gonna be better than that. We played an awesome game against Michigan State. What happened. Well, you can bet that the guys are getting an earful in practice this week.
I'm not giving up on you, Idaho. I haven't yet, so I guess that means I'm here for the long haul. GO VANDALS!!!!! Oh, and did I mention that I HATE the COUGS fight song. Way annoying!!! I feel like I am at a carnival whenever I hear it. Hey, maybe I was???!!!!

This is it!!!!

This is it. The last days of summer. Oh, I know that is sad in a way, but I am a fall/winter freak, myself. I know, I am crazy. I am not saying I don't LIKE the summer, I do. It is really a nice change of pace after a cold, rainy spring. But, we don't wait around till summer to do fun stuff. The fun doesn't stop just because summer does!!! We enjoy doing things in the cooler, crisper weather. I guess in my "old age" I just can't take the heat as well as I used too. Or, is it just getting hotter every year......I didn't think so. Anyway, back to school it is.......Get ready fall, here we come!!!!

Go Tigers!!!!!

Here it is, the first high-school football game of the year. OK, the bad part, we didn't win, the drive sucked (windy road through the mountains, dodging deer and not having much luck,)But, the game was so much fun. My daughter and mom were sitting next to me cuddled up in a blanket. Hot-dogs and popcorn were being eaten, familiar faces were all around us, the sun was setting in the distance, the coaches were yelling, the parents were cheering, oh, the thrill of fall football. Gotta love it!!!!

Let the games begin

Does everyone out there know I just LOVE fall. Well, I do. One of the biggest reasons is because of, yes, you guessed it........Fall Football. I get all excited just thinking about it. Not so much pro football, but College and High School football. I can't wait to see the Vandals play with their brand spanking new Coach. Look out, this could be good. Ok, it might take a bit, but I think there is going to be some improvement here. It is starting to feel better to be a vandal fan. I-D-A-H-O, Idaho, Idaho, GO, GO, GO!!!!!! Oh, I can hear myself yelling it now. Oh, and my dad has season tickets. It doesn't get much better than that.
P.S. I will soon be updating you all on the mighty tigers also. I will post pics later!!!! Enjoy.

Here it is!!!!!

Here's my cute new SUV, guys. I just thought you'd be just as happy as me to see it. I know, your not. But oh well, here it is anyway!!!! ( Oh, and it has a sun roof......yes, that's a big deal. Ask Danielle....)

Step Up, people!!!

Ok, I am not claiming to be a movie critic. Even though, I love to give my VERY non- professional opinion about them lately.
So, yesterday, my mom, daughter and I went to the movies and saw "Step Up". It was so just what I wanted to see. You know, I love dirty dancing, flashdance, fame, all those awesome shows that revolve around dancing. So, I took my 7 year old to the PG-13 film and took the chance that it was appropriate for her. The movie was fine, the previews were another story. Anyway, this movie just makes you feel happy when you see it. It has awesome music, dancing, It is "sort of" a love story.....perfect. I loved it, my daughter loved it, my mom loved it...It just made us feel all warm and cozy when we left the theatre. ( Never mind that the temperature outside was.....85ish.) It was because of the movie......OK. Anyway, go see it, not for the quality of the acting, but for the dance. I think you will like it. My daughter can't wait till it comes out on video. :-)

Gender Confusion

Hey, why would we be suprised that our dog is very confused whether he is a boy or a girl???? First, I put his hair up in a pony tail. He absolutely HAS to wear this every day, all day. (We wouldn't want to have his hair in his eyes now, would we??!!!) Second, My daughter likes to dress him in girly clothes. Like this fairy outfit in the picture with her friend. So, therefore, he squats to pee about 50% of the time. He seems to really like male dogs. ( I mean, he REALLY likes male dogs..), ok, yes he likes female dogs too.....? He is just plain pretty. That is it. He is my pretty little boy. Oh my gosh, I just realized we may very well be lucky we only have a girl child. Anyway, he is still the cutest little guy. This isn't considered animal abuse, is it?????

To Infinity and Beyond......

Oh gosh, she will kill me for posting that title. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. Yes, I know that everything "Buzz Lightyear" is like, totally, not cool anymore.
Anyway, how do you like my little space traveler??? Cute huh. Who knows where she is traveling too. Hopefully she will be home by dinner, though.

The Car Salesman

Ok, I have a need to vent. Who hates car salesmen??????? That's all I needed to say....

We've Got the Spirit!!!

Check out my little cheerleader. ( Thats her right in the middle.) Way cute, huh. She went to cheer camp 2 weeks ago and this is the picture of their final performance. They learned about 6 cheers and 1 dance. (or do you call it a drill??? ) I don't know the correct term anymore. You see, it has been about 15 years since I have been in a cheerleading uniform. (Go Tigers...:-) ) Anyway, I was so proud of her........

"Crazy"

Hey guys, check out this new song that Danielle and I have been hearing on the radio. It is called "Crazy" by Gnarles Barkley. It is off of his album titled "St. Elsewhere". The first time we heard it we were like..." oh, weird.." and then the more we heard it the more we liked it. Anyway, listen to it for yourselves.., its just weird enough for us to dig it!!!!! Enjoy.

Monster House

We went to see the new movie out for kids...." Monster House" this past weekend. You have to go see it, even if you dont bring along the kids!!! It was sooooo cute, right from the start it had me laughing. The little girl on the trike at the beginning almost had me rolling with laughter. Gotta see it!!!!
Ok, so here's the other reason I am blogging about this adventure at the theatre. This time, I can not complain about the movie. It was perfect. The computer animation was to die for, the story line was cute, a little scary ( even for my grown up self) and super funny. ( they slide some adult humor in there that the kids aren't sopposed to catch..., but they do...) Anyway, I think I have decided that I will need to have a few alcoholic drinks before my next trip to the theatre for a kids show. Yes, it was that bad. I think I have much more patience when I am under the influence. So, the family behind us was like, on glue. The little boy kept screaming to his mom " I thirsty, I thirsty" in this annoying, weird voice. Then they were eating popcorn but it was like they were wolves in the wild that hadn't eaten in about a week. The sound effects were terrible. And I am not talking about the movie. This was the worst case of "weird people" I have seen in like, years. Why me. Why during this extra cute movie. Why today. Why can't you just shut up and eat quietly. Go home and chomp your extra large popcorn and slurp your big daddy size Coke. These type of people need to just rent movies and watch from home. Don't ruin a good thing for me.
I actually thought it was just me being irritable. I thought, " Oh my gosh, I am not even a nice person any more. I am terrible for having these thoughts of yelling at the little boy to SHUT UP!!" But I looked over at my husband and he had that same look of disgust on his face. So, we happily moved to the other side of the aisle. From there we watched the rest of the movie in peace. Maybe we are the ones who need to rent and watch at home??? Ya think...

My two kids..??!!!

This is a recent photo of my 2 kids..??!! I guess by now my dog is considered one of my children. He might as well be.... I feed him, bathe him, put him to bed, get him out of bed, you know, all the stuff you do for your kids. I am just not sure that I knew that I would have to take care of him as much as a child. But, I have definately figured out that he is a pain in the ass sometimes. He is cute and all, but oh my gosh, I didn't know he would need so much care....
We go somewhere, we have to make sure we get back before he needs to go to the bathroom, we have to find a babysitter if we go away for the weekend and can't take him. We need to take a potty break if he travels with us. We can't leave him in the car if it is even close too hot out. I have been so spoiled with my daughter at the age of 7 now, that I feel like my puppy is more work than her.
Yes, I love him, yes, I think he is a pain, yes, I probably would miss him if he left.......I am so mean. Anybody want to adopt a shih-tzu????:-) Just kidding......

You Gotta Love It

Ok, I know I am lucky. I admit. I live in a beautiful state that is full of rivers, beautiful lakes, and country roads. I thought I would share a picture with you all of the Mountain Lake we hiked into this last weekend. This is Beautiful lake Rivett. No cars, atv's, bikes, motorcycles or horses. Nope, you have to hike on in. If you ask me, that is perfect. We hiked in about a mile (mostly up hill), and after a couple "Are we there yet's???", from my daughter, we finally arrived. Oh, the hike was worth it. We were the only 3.5 people (my puppy only counts for half a person) up there. It was quiet, peaceful, and definitely a place we need to go back to. About an hour after we arrived, another group of 3 arrived. But, we still had the lake pretty much too ourselves. So, here's the picture. Life is good......

The Movies

Am I the only one who loves a good movie with a happy ending??? I am beginning to wonder.
Here's the story.
My friend and I caught the late showing for "The Break-Up" last weekend. We watched about a half hour of previews ( that really did work because I now want to go see those movies too...), we ate a whole tub of buttered popcorn, we drank huge pops ( that made us have to leave in the middle of the movie to pee, numerous times...), we enjoyed Vince's cuteness, we were having a great time until all of a sudden, out of nowhere, the movie was OVER. What??? That was IT??? We looked at each other totally confused. Why does every movie lately have to end right out of the middle of nowhere. I mean, we weren't done watching. They hadn't got back together yet. That's what we were there for, weren't we?? Ok, yes, it was titled "The Break-Up", but did we really think they would stay broke up??? NO. That's not the cute, gushy, lovey, sweet ending like I enjoy. Remember "Rocky". Didn't he always win in the end. Didn't Baby and "Patrick Swayze" get back together at the end of Dirty Dancing. Even in dumb action movies like "Commando", the dad always found the kid and lived happily ever after, right. OK, so that is what I want when I pay almost $20.00 to go see a movie. I don't want to leave the theater depressed, pissed, sad, etc.
As my friend and I were leaving she asked me what I thought happened after the end of the movie....you know, if it were gonna go on like real life or something. I said "I don't know....Crap, I'm still irritated." So she says, "Well, they better get back together, or thats just depressing. " So, I think we decided to just use our imaginations and just let the movie "end" the way that we wanted it too. (In our heads). So there.

Go BOBCATS!!!

Ok, so I come home, racing from swimming lessons just to make it in time for the outcome of my former ZAG favorite, Adam Morrison and his place in the NBA Draft. So, after nearly an hour of drama, Adam gets the #3 Pick in the 1st Round!!!!!!! How awesome is that!!! The only former zag even close to that was John Stockton at 16th in the 1st round. I am so happy. I had tons of friends tell me he wouldn't go in the first 5 picks. OK, I won't rub it in......Well, maybe a little. The Zags were so lucky to have him for 3 years. College basketball won't be the same for me, but, hey, I have never watched pro basketball before, I guess its time for a change.

William "Buddy" Hayes March 1950 - April 2006

Muggins, Ron, Buddy
My uncle, my friend, my example. My dear Uncle Buddy passed away after a fight with cancer on April 28, 2006. He was only 56 years old. He had just turned 56 while in the hospital, fighting a battle he could not win. We would have given anything to help him fight through this ugly disease. Unfortunately, there was nothing we could have done or given to change his fate. He was too young to die. He had too much left to do, to many drives through the country on his harley davidson motorcycle, too many holidays left to celebrate, to many grandchildren to watch grow, to many trips to Las Vegas, to much life left to live.
He was to retire in a couple of years and move back to the place he called "Home". We were counting the months until he could be close to us again. Although he always remained close to us in our thoughts, we all talked about when he would be coming back home. Even in the hospital he talked about moving back home and about the property he purchased to build his dream home on. We spread his ashes on that property last week after his memorial. He is finally "home". We love you, we miss you, we will always hold your memory close to our hearts. We think of you many times everyday, still not believing you are gone, wishing this was all a bad dream. We will see you again.....

My little fairy princess

Oh my gosh, my little angel, my fairy princess, my little girl. Can someone please slow down time!!! One minute they are tiny little babies, the next minute they are little grown-ups. I just love capturing time with pictures. I thought I would share her latest with you all.

Yes, I remember I have a blog!!!!

For those of you who actually read my blog, no, I have not disappeared off the face of the earth. I just have been dealing with the crap that life throws to you sometimes. Its been a yucky month. I have been planning a memorial for a close relative, I have been getting ready for a yard sale that we had when we probably just should have went to the dump. Then, the "Perfect Customer" wanted to ask if instead of paying $2.00 for the one nice item ( according to me) we had in our yard sale, he wanted to know if we would take $1.00. Oh my gosh, that drives me crazy. What is one extra dollar when you are getting a perfectly nice stair stepper that still works???? Is that too much to ask???? I guess it is. I have learned that most yard sale shoppers are very skilled when it comes to bargaining. I would rather not deal with that at all!!!! It's already cheap, people. I should have said we would just give it to them. Maybe that would have worked out better. Gosh!@!!!!! Next time, we are going straight to the dump. We will have to deal with less issues that way. Then the guys at the dump can have a hay-day picking through our stuff and taking home the items that they think are way cool. Oh, thats mean of me. I dont want to be mean.....I just need to vent. Oh, my daughter set up a very fancy Kool-Aid stand in front of our house on the day of the yard sale. I finally had to tell her she was giving me a head-ache from her yelling "Kool-Aid.....Come and buy some Kool-Aid..." over and over.
What a mean mom. It really was cute. But it really was loud too. We have a little entrepreneur. She has sold dog treats, bird food, squirrel food, cookies, popsicles, you name it, out in front of our house. I think the neighbors are probably sick of it. Oh well. Atleast we dont let her go door to door. That drives me absolutely crazy!!!! Kids selling magazines, raffle tickets, candy, cards, christmas stuff, cookies, coupons, all this stuff I dont need but cant say no to the cute neighbor girl because we see her parents at school functions. I just say, "just a minute honey, let me get my checkbook. " Oh, my husband needs to start getting the door instead of me. I have actually hid between the couch and the coffee table so that I didn't have to get the door and buy something. Why cant I just say no!!!!!! I can hide, but I can't say no. Go figure.

Me??.... The Frustrated Parent??!!!!

Ok, I need to vent. I have about had enough of dentists. No, I do not like them at all!!! I hate sitting in the dentists chair and getting tortured. But guess what, my daughter hates it more. This is where the story begins.......
My sweet angel daughter, my well behaved, well rounded child, absolutely hates the thought of going to the dentist. Who can blame her??? We have struggled with this since her first visit to the "merry" place. We have a child that is really happy when things go her way, but can change her toon really fast when they dont go her way. Particularly in the dentists office. We have been able to reason with her on about every other major issue that has come our way. You know, sharing with friends, studying after school, no hitting, etc, etc. Well, she can turn into a totally different child right about the time a dentist needs to place a tool in her mouth. She will not listen to reason at all. (Her thinking is.....Of Course I wont, they are about to "hurt" me. Who in their right mind would just sit still and take it.) So, we definately have had major issues with this.
We started with going to a family dentist. Just to look in her mouth. Not bad, except that she gags when someone puts anything weird in her mouth. Ok, that didn't work. X-rays were even worse. So, the family dentist gladly recommends we go to a pediatric dentist. How exciting. She now gets to watch a cartoon while they put tools in her mouth. Does that make a difference??? No. So, we will try to give her a pill to sedate her a bit. Does that help??? Well, she did get some fillings, she did get work done, I thought that was awesome, but she still threw up. O0ps. So, they gladly recommended that she see a different pediatric dentist.
So, off we go after going through about 4 dentists in our area, we finally had to go to a different state for more options. Maybe they had better pediatric dentists????
So, we go to our new dentist. Same stuff, but, she actually let them put tools in her mouth. She actually let them pull 2 teeth. She actually got some fillings. We actually re scheduled more work and she walked to the office with me, no fuss. I was so happy!!! Yeah, we have found a match. Well, unfortunately, they also ended up telling me today that she is just too much work for them. Oh my gosh, these guys are sopposed to be PEDIATRIC dentists, people. I thought they dealt with these issues all the time. Obviously, I guess I am wrong. Could it be me that they have a problem with?? I know I have heard of other kids not loving the dentist also. This can't be a new issue for them. So, Anyway, we paid for her sealant, and went on our unhappy way. I guess we will be good for another 6 months, then our cleaning will be due and we will be looking for another dentist. Fun, Fun.

Dont you just love kids!!!

As many of you know, I have a 7 year old daughter. I just love her to death of course. She is the delight of my life. Anyway, we are having "boyfriend" issues at school. (ALREADY??!!). I guess kids are just trying to grow up too fast these days. She was telling me one day that some parents of a girl and boy at school had to meet with the principal because the boy and girl were caught kissing at recess. These kids are 7 years old also. Oh my gosh, when I was that age that thought probably never crossed my mind!!! Anyway, my daughter and I had a long conversation about it and it ended something like this....." You know, if the principal called our house and said that you were at school kissing a boy, your dad would be sooooooooo mad. He would totally freak." Anyway, she said " I know. " and the conversation was over. We have talked about the boyfriend subject and basically said she is too young to have one. She doesnt need to be thinking of that already!!!?? OK, I know that at that age a "Boyfriend" means you say you have a crush on each other and basically stay 20 feet away from each other because you are too shy........(I think, atleast that was how it was when I was her age.) So, we still just told her she was too young to think about that stuff. Done. (Or so I thought. )
So, I was cleaning out her craft area and throwing out papers that were garbage when I ran across a folded note. Of course I had to read it. It read " Colton, I am going to have to think about the boyfriend thing for three to four days. Love, ( yours truly.)
Oh my gosh. I laughed so hard. I thought her first response to a question like that would be something like.. " My dad would kill me." But no, she has to think about it. So, I thought about it too. After I thought about it, I decided that wasn't a bad decision. She wasnt saying yes, she wasnt saying no, my daughter had to take some time to think about the question that was proposed to her. And, not just for a couple of minutes, but a couple of days. What an awesome thought!!!! So, I talked to her about it later, and I told her I came across the note, and I asked her what became of it. She told me, "I decided I didn't want to be his girlfriend and I told him no. "
I am so proud of her. She is stopping and thinking about things and making her mind up on her own, just like we hope she would. Not many 7 year olds I know would do that. Actually, not many 30 year olds do that. Its usually a yes, or a no. Plain and simple. No waiting around to decide. So anyway, I think we may be doing some things right. We will keep plugging away at it.

I am such a crybaby!!!!

Oh my goodness, just when I thought I was done crying for the day I opened my friends blog to read it!!!! Well, then I realized I was mentioned in her blog. She doesn't know that I have sooooo been thinking the same things.
Lynsey, my friend, my closest thing to a sister, my example. She will never know how much her presence in my childhood and life has meant to me. We have been far apart by miles for about 10 years now, unfortunately. But, she has always been very close to me in my mind and heart!
We had very close families and our parents were best friends, but these things were not the reasons for us being close. The reason was because of who she is. Who couldn't help but love her.
Thank you for thinking of me, thank you for not letting the distance matter. You are a true friend and as far as I am concerned, my family. I am so proud of who you are and who you have become. I never ever thought that you were a "Pain in my ass." (As quoted by you) I hope you know that. I also hope you know that those were the good days for me as well. I will remember them and smile forever. I wish we could be back in that porch swing right now!!! Thank you for being you!
Love, Kelli

I Love Snow!!!!

I am one of the people that never wants winter to end!!!! I love the way snow makes everything look so clean!! I love the way you can look out the window and see huge flakes falling slowly to the ground. It just doesn't get any better than that for me!!!! Now, my husband has a different opinion. He looks out at the snow and in his mind it means WORK. He needs to shovel before he can leave in the morning for work. This just takes all of the beauty out of it for him. He has to shovel when he comes home from a 12 hour hectic day at the office. My daughter and I on the other hand, love to "shovel". ( See her in picture above.) Maybe it has alot to do with us not having much else to do. I dont know?? But we have fun while we slowly make a clear path down the driveway and up the sidewalk. It is such a bummer winter is over. I cant wait till next year already!!!!