It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!!!!!

Does anyone miss that song that Mr. Rogers sang at the beginning of his shows?? Yeah, me neither. But....... looking outside at all the snow in my neighborhood, I really wanted to sing it. Shout it at the top of my lungs. I am sure my neighbors would appreciate it. :-/ Weird. I know. But that's how much I LOVE snow. We are getting more tonight, too!!! Yeah me!!!

Catching some air!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, my mom, Danielle and I decided to enjoy the snow piling up outside, and go sledding. We got all bundled up in our warm winter clothes, grabbed our sleds, and headed for a golf course in CDA that was filled with snowy hills. We parked and found that it really wasn't that busy, and so we got started. Danielle went first, of course, and we got a good laugh as she slid quickly down the long hill. It was so fun. When I slid down the hill I laughed the entire way. Couldn't stop. The same went for my mom, and so on.....Danielle caught some awesome air on some "jumps" that some kids made before we got there, it was great!!!
So, if you want a good laugh, try out sledding. It's not just for kids, ya know!!!
Oh, the picture doesn't do it any justice, but Danielle was just hitting a jump as I took it. The hill was steep, and she was actually just getting some air, but you can't really tell. :-(

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Hey everyone, I hope you all have a safe, healthy and happy 2008!!! Time really flies, doesn't it???

We Finally Got It!!!

Snow. We woke up to snow. Ok, we HAVE had it on and off here this year, but mostly just a couple of inches here and there, and then it melts. But, today as I looked out the window this morning, I was like...."Damn...", We got like almost 8 inches. And I can confirm it because I shoveled myself out of the driveway so I could hit the "after Christmas sales" at Wally-World. I know, I am crazy. But I just couldn't miss it. The suspense was killing me. And, Danielle had a couple of gift cards that she couldn't wait to spend. She ended up buying a really cool and kind-of expensive telescope. It takes pictures and everything. she can't wait to use it. Not tonight though, because it is still snowing. Yeah!!!

Peanuts.......

It is an ongoing "joke" around here that I get Joe peanuts for every gift giving occasion. I thought peanuts were a thoughtful gift for a guy who likes peanuts. But, the rumor is out.....he is kind of getting sick of them. Birthday..........peanuts. Anniversary......Peanuts. Christmas............peanuts. Heck, I thought he loved peanuts. I thought I was being nice by buying him something so "personal". I have bought every flavor of peanuts they make. You know, honey roasted, salted, beer flavored (those seemed to be a huge hit...), hot and spicy, ranch, cajun, you name it. I am the queen bee of cheezy Christmas gifts, and I just don't have the heart to skip this year. Oh, and Joe, don't you worry, because this year I got you something OTHER than peanuts (unless they come out with an all new exciting flavor right before the holiday...). I know, the suspense is killing you.......

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas!!!

On Nieko's head, that is. Thanks to the groomer, he came home with festive red bows with little green trees in his hair. Joe wonders if the groomer forgot that he is a BOY???? Just to put my two cents in.....I think they are CUTIE-PIE.


Oh, this is what Nieko did after looking in the mirror.......

The Stockings Were Hung by the......

.............Gun Cabinet????? Talk about a Red-neck Christmas. Do you think Santa will be to scared to fill them??? I hope not!! Don't even ask me why we don't have a mantle to hang them on. That is Joe's department. Hint, Hint....honey!!!!
:-)

Strike A Pose........

Danielle just loves posing for pictures. Thank god for digital cameras. ....And cute kids!!!
:-)

Just another day of shopping at the local thrift stores.....

How come Joe thinks I buy too much crap at thrift stores??? I am not sure how I even got home. I couldn't see behind me, I couldn't see beside me, I just kind of hauled a** like I was the only one on the road. :-) Ok, here's the truth, this is NOT stuff I bought at thrift stores. Although, I have seen my car look close to this after what I call a "good" day of thrift store shopping. So, "Why do I have so much stuff in my car???" You ask. Well.....I have good news. No, our fixer isn't sold. But......(maybe) better yet....it is rented. Yeah!!! All of this "stuff" is what I used to "stage" our house to sell. Hmmmm, but it didn't sell. So now, we will hold onto it for a year, rent it out, and save some moolah come tax time. So, it works out. It definitely wasn't my first option, but as my second (and last), it seems to be going just fine. Especially since she just called and asked if she could move in 10 days early. "Heck Yes!!!", we said. That is just more money in the bank for us!!!! Wish us luck and keep your fingers crossed in hope that she doesn't turn our beloved fixer into a good ol' North Idaho meth lab...!!???!!!

Time to get the snowblower out...

At least that is what the guy across the street thought this morning. Gosh, we only got about 1 inch of snow....tops, and it was the really cold kind where it will blow away if the wind picks up, and the guy just walked around his driveway with his snow blower blaring, and barely anything was coming out. What's the deal?? He needs to just keep it in his garage till it "really" snows. I think he might be from Arizona or something. You know, he's never seen snow, and he just got this new snow blower he needs to use so his wife doesn't think he wasted his hard earned money on a new "toy". Crazy.

Eleven....

Yep, today is our anniversary. Eleven years. It seems like just yesterday we were having our 10th. Wow, this year has flown by. I called Joe yesterday, because I know he hates any occasion where he must go out and actually BUY a gift, because he is used to me doing all the shopping, because you know, I am a professional shopper and all....lol. So, I could tell he was a bit flustered because he mentioned that shopping in the mall is about as pleasurable as putting a bullet in your head.... Nice. ( I wonder if he meant his or mine???) :-) Who said he had to go to the mall? Honey, you could have bought me something at good old Cabela's. You would have at least felt "at home" there. Really honey, it is super sweet you go through so much "trouble" for me. Thank you for wanting to make me happy. You have succeeded!!!! Happy Anniversary!!!!

To fluff or not to fluff.......

That is the question. My neighbors have decided not to. What the heck am I talking about??? Well, here's the scoop. My neighbors have decked out the outside of their house for Christmas. You know, the big blow up decorations that when you don't have them plugged in, they look like a heap of garbage just sitting in their yard. Oh, and they also put a faux evergreen wreath on a two story window above their garage. Well, it's not that I don't appreciate the holiday spirit coming from their home, it's just that I have noticed that their wreath could use some fluffing. Ok, if you know me, you will know that I am almost obsessive compulsive about things being "just right". Especially fake evergreen trees or wreaths. So, I really feel like I should go grab my ladder and hop up on their garage and "fluff" it for them. Just get it over with. I mean, it looks like they just threw it in a bag with a bunch of decorations last year, and this year, they grabbed it out of the the bag and just hung it up. Done. No fluffing. Don't they know that BEFORE hanging it up you need to arrange each and every little branch so they look perfect??? Don't they know that every time I pull in or out of our garage I feel this terrible need to hop up on their roof and fix the flipping thing??? I feel anxious every time I leave my house for crying out loud. I have to force myself not to look in that direction. So, anyway, I was thinking on just doing it, and then I talked myself out of it, because I really didn't want to have to explain to the city police why I was trespassing on my neighbors roof....."But officer, I was just fluffing their wreath for them. You know, just being a good neighbor and all....." I don't think so.....

Happy Birthday Danielle.

She's 9. Where did the years go?? Nine years ago at this time I was holding her in my arms, just trying to take it all in, I just couldn't take my eyes off her. I can remember thinking....."she is so perfect." She still is. Yes, we have our moments, but she is truly a blessing to me each and every minute of every single day. How can one child complete your whole world? I don't know, but she did. I love you Danielle. Have a great day!!!

Welcome to our neck of the woods!!!!!

Tomorrow, the crew of Good Morning America will do a show called "flip the switch" from here in Coeurd'Alene!!!! Our light show, parade and fireworks will start tomorrow morning bright and early at 4:00am, and will be broadcast live on GMA. They have been here filming and getting ready for a couple of days. The producer of the show told the CDA Press yesterday that CDA is the "Superbowl" of Christmas. Something we have known all along. I have been keeping my fingers crossed that it will snow, because, even though it is absolutely beautiful here in the winter, with or without snow, it is truly over the top when there is snow on the ground!!! Well, guess what??? I woke up this morning to snow. Almost 4 inches. I am so happy. The lake city will sparkle for the whole world to see. Awesome. I just can't decide if I can get myself out of bed that early, and go down there to see all the hype. It certainly will be something I think I will regret if I don't do. But miss D want's to go also, so I am trying to figure out what to do. I think the odds are that we will be down there. It will be early and cold, but I think we will be there. Wish us luck, and toon in to GMA tomorrow. You don't want to miss it!!!!

Thanksgivings over, now bring on Christmas!!!!

With the weatherman saying there is a potential snowfall tonight....(Double YEAHHH!!!), I am ready for Christmas. Here's my to-do list...

Christmas Tree # 1 up..........check
Christmas Tree # 2 up........almost check
Christmas Tree #3 up(Danielle's)..........check
Icicle lights up outside........check.(Thank you god for not letting Joe fall of the roof THIS YEAR...)
Multiple fake Santas inside........check
Xmas Decor on front porch...........check
Kitchen Xmas decor............check
Bathroom Christmas Decor.......check
More outside Xmas lights........not yet checked.
Fixer house decked out in Christmas decor........check
Ok, I just realized this is pathetic. It isn't even December yet. Don't I have anything better to do??? No!!!! But, I found a fun quiz. Oh, and just for your info.....I don't sing. I have no idea why the quiz said I do.....
:-)

Your Christmas is Most Like: The Muppet Christmas Carol

You tend to reflect on Christmas past, present, and future... And you also do a little singing.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

A good day....

Here are Danielle and Austin and some "mystery" girl, posing in front of Joe Vandal on Saturday in Moscow. Even though Idaho lost, we had a great time. And thanks to a guy giving out his extra tickets for free by the ticket line...we got to see the game without having to buy one single ticket. It definitely was a good day.

The "Perfect" Tree

Yep. I wouldn't have even known it, but after Danielle and I spotted this tree on the side of the road on our way to Mullan, just calling out our names, she turned to me and asked..."Mommy, is this the "PERFECT" tree for you??". And I said "Yes, actually it is, Danielle".

So all of that talk got me thinking about years ago, when Joe and I were going to have a winter wedding, because I NEEDED a winter wedding, I couldn't be happy without tons of snow on my wedding day, tons of perfect Christmas trees with hundreds of sparkly white lights on them, beautiful evergreen centerpieces with candles, colorful holly with red berries on the wedding cake, and I could go on and on. So, lucky for me, the snow just piled up before our wedding on that December day. There was more snow that year than there had been for many years before in Mullan. And it was perfect. Absolutely perfect. Just what I had prayed for. Snow.

So a couple days before my big day, when my dad, my uncle buddy and I were out by the park hunting for five Christmas trees to decorate the church and the reception hall, I just couldn't find the "perfect" one. I had them up to their calves in snow, trying to maneuver around in their jeans and coats, searching high and low for the right one. "Is this one good?" They would say. "NO, it needs to be fluffier!!", I would say. And then to the next one.."It needs to be taller", and to the next one "It needs to be shorter", "It needs to be bigger...". And so on they would go, searching for the one that might meet my qualifications. And finally, after at least an hour of going from beautiful tree, to beautiful tree, we agreed on five. The search was over. We did it. Well, I guess I should say "they" did it. And the trees WERE perfect. They couldn't have been more beautiful. And when I think back now, I wish I wouldn't have been so picky, I wish I would have made it a little easier on them that day, but because of that day, and because of the way they happily searched on, even though I know they were tired and cold, I truly know how much they cared for me, and how much they wanted me to be happy on my special day. And I just hope they knew that because of them, I was.

The Flintstone's Thanksgiving.

Ok, we aren't the Flinstone's. But for a minute I felt like we were. Danielle insisted that she have the turkey leg all for herself at dinner, and she also insisted she eat it like a "cave" girl. So, we decided, what the heck. Let's just be thankful we are all happy and healthy.....and let's not forget.....HUNGRY.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!

Did Someone Say I Have Too Many Knick-Knacks???

I didn't think so.

:-)
(Hey, I even think I could cram a few more in there.....)

Hmmmmm

There is a check cashing/payday loan "store" here in Post Falls, and especially during this time of year, I just cringe when I see the people walking in there with their checks in hand. It just makes me ill. I am sure you have all watched the 60 minutes specials about the fees that the customers of these type of businesses face AFTER they get their "loan". Pure robbery, if you ask me. So, today, as I was driving by it, because it is on the main road, I noticed that they had a new message on their outside billboard. It said..."Food Drive, Donate Inside.." Wow. Great idea. God knows you are gonna have to hand your customers food on their way out because they won't be able to afford it with the sky high fees you are charging them. Good grief.

Who Do We Hate????

BOISE STATE!!!

"We", being the Vandal fans, of course!!!
I am watching the game between the Broncos and the Vandals, and I just needed to let out some steam!! We are actually doing very well. Keeping in there. The score is 24 to 14 Broncos and it is almost the half. I'll take that!! Go VANDALS!!

I knew it!!!!!

Ok, I have thought alot about this topic in my adult years....and finally someone who IS a billionaire has verified it. Cause if ya do some research about it, like I have, it's hard to find anything solid. Believe me, I have looked. So, here is what I'm talking about....
Warren Buffett, a business man and a Billionaire, has come out and said that he admits that he has the "big bucks", (DUhhhhh...) and he admits that he is paying LESS in taxes than his employees.....(the example he used is his secretaries). So, he says he is currently paying 18% in taxes to the government. After doing a bit of research....he found out that his Secretaries are paying 30%. Yep, now he IS paying MORE, if you look at it at from a total dollars standpoint, but percentage wise, he is paying about 12% less. MANY wealthy people are paying less of a percentage than the lower earning public, but NOT MANY of them will come out and admit it. Why would they want to? Then it might "Change". Then they might have to give up a little more of their billions. Poor Billionares.
If you listen to some politicians that are against a lower percentage for the top 1% of the wage earners in this country, you will hear some weird things. One being that if the top 1% of wage earners would pay an equal percentage of tax, social security could be fixed, and other programs like that could be implemented, maybe even a national healthcare policy for Americans. Sound good to you guys??? Maybe. But alot of people think it just isn't that simple. Well, maybe it's not, but I am sure glad Mr. Buffett brought his concerns to the media, so we can all think about it and wonder if anything will ever change.....

I wish my hips were bigger.....

Ok, you'll never believe what I heard on the news today. Sometimes I wonder if there are scientists sitting around somewhere twiddling their thumbs, trying to think up some stupid idea for a "scientific" study. I mean, who comes up with these things????
The latest one I heard about today was that a mom's HIP size, during pregnancy, actually effects the intelligence of her child. I guess they figured out that women who have bigger hips, have smarted kids. Who says???? Is this really "scientific". You have got to be kidding me. Crap, Danielle is out of luck, then. Because I was SUPER skinny in the hip area when I got preg-o with her. But, on the bright side, if we were currently trying to conceive a child, this one would have NO problem-o in the smarts department. Just ask my jeans.....as they have recently went up ANOTHER size. Oh well, that gives me an excuse to buy new pairs of cool jeans.....right girls. Ya gotta look on the bright side of things. Oh, and I am just wondering if bigger hips would also make ME smarter. I'll have to think on it and get back to ya.....but I don't think so....darn it.

It's here....

Yep, I knew it would be just a matter of time before the MRSA Staph infection hit Danielle's school. Since I have "connections", I heard about it today, and we haven't even received a letter home yet. I am assuming it will be tonight. So, I am currently doing a bit more research, and I think that Joe and I will weigh our options tonight, but the main consensus by the panhandle health district is to just keep your kids clean and sanitized. So, Danielle has been using a hand sanitizer that I sent with her to school, even though the schools have their own..., and I will start making her wear long sleeved shirts and long pants. I think keeping most of her skin covered should help, and we will continue to tell her to not be touching other kids too much. What can ya do??? We can't make her live in a bubble. Although it might be nice, sometimes.....

Happy Halloween!!!!

Here is Danielle in her "gothic china girl" costume. Isn't she cute!!!

Yikes.....

Ok, I thought this damned thing would just stay in Coeurd'alene. What is "this thing" you ask?? Well, it is a staph infection (MRSA) that some people have said is resistant to antibiotics. Well, an elementary school in CDA (which happens to be the one my nephew goes to...) announced last week that it had a student with this infection. Well, early this week it announced it had another student and a teacher come down with it. Some parents were keeping their kids at home, but the school totally disinfected itself (however you do that) over the weekend. Anyway, the news has been making a really bit deal over it, and supposedly some people actually die from this infection...(mostly people with weakened immune systems). So, last night as I was watching the news report about this for about the 30th time in 4 days, they announced that the Post falls Middle School and the Post Falls high school had come up with 3 cases, total. So, it is here. It is getting closer and closer to Danielle's school and I am mildly concerned. I mean, I don't know what my thoughts will be if, or when it hits that close to home. I guess we will just have to wait and see. Supposedly, this infection is very common, and can be treated with non-penicillin antibiotics. You just need to catch it and deal with it. So, I am currently searching over Danielle's body nightly, and she is like....."Oh MOM, your making a big deal out of NOTHING...", but I just feel like I am a little out of my comfort zone, here. I mean, it's NOT the chicken pox, it's this weird infection I can't even pronounce, for christ's sake.
So, now that I am done venting, you can check out this link if you need more info on it, because lord knows, I have been checking it out constantly for the last few days, and I am sure I will continue.....

www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735

My Vegas list

We are headed to Vegas tomorrow morning. Yeah!!! We need a break!! I am feeling like a ball of nerves for some reason, I almost feel like I took a double dose of sleeping pills last night on accident, because I was "shaking" until about 1:00am this morning and I barely slept. Oh gosh, I already know Vegas is NOT the place you can get caught up on sleep.....

Sitter For Danielle....check (thanks mom)
Dog- Sitter for Nieki....check (thanks again, mom)
Our assorted collection of prescriptions.....check
Haircut................check
Hair color............check
Sun burn....oops too many minutes in the tanning booth........check
Hearty appetite..(for nice spendy restaurant).....check
Huge pimple on face (why me??) ...........check
Gossip Magazines for plane........check
Gambling money......note to self....go to bank....withdraw lots of $ :-)
Cute outfits..........check
make-up............EXTRA CHECK
Huge A** suitcase.........check
Tidy house.........check
Camera......with charged battery.......not quite checked...
Tickets...............Joe will be soley responsible for those.....
Nice Hotel...........check (check out the pics of the Venetian, where we are staying)

Ok, I am already tired and all I am doing is making a list. Maybe we should just scrap the whole trip......NOT. Wish us luck. Think Big Money, NO Whammies!!!!

Question of the day....

Do I actually think I can eat this whole Tupperware bowl full of Halloween candy before the kids come tomorrow night??
You can bet your a** I'm gonna try!

Putting it all out there.........

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 30% Conservative, 70% Liberal Social Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal Personal Responsibility: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal Fiscal Issues: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal Defense and Crime: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

Wow, I shocked myself. I mean, I KNOW I have been and will always lean toward the liberal side of the fence. I grew up this way. My parents taught me this way, my beliefs led me this way, my education has not led me to stray from this way, but I didn't realize I would score so much towards that side. I mean, I know who I am, and I know what my beliefs are, but I tend to listen and I am open to both sides as well. I actually agree with alot of conservative ideas. I am not 100% to either side, and I feel that if someone tells you they are 100% to one side or the other, they may be kidding themselves. They may be followers. They may be easily swayed. That is my opinion, for all that it's worth. My views do differ depending on what the situation is, what the state of this country is, what the big picture is, and so on and so on. And NO, I do not believe I am a fence sitter. I have a core of beliefs that I will always stand by, every day of the week. I will even join the conservative side on issues that I believe need to stay on that side. I will LISTEN to other's opinions, I will RESPECT their opinions, and I will ALWAYS try to put myself in their shoes, as I REALIZE that there is no perfect answer for anything. Perfect needs to go to the wayside. Perfect is a dream. Perfect is just not going to happen. So, take this test, it is quite interesting, and of course it is not a "perfect" quiz, I am sure it is not 100% or even close to that accurate, the questions and answers are just for fun, people, so don't get serious about it, take it if ya want, don't take it if ya don't want, and fill me in with your score and opinion if you wish. Have fun......

Happy 40th Birthday, honey!!!!!

Yep, Joe is turning 40 today. Sorry, honey. The secret is out. I hope you had a great day hunting. See you tonight!!!!
Love ya!!!! (P.S. I am not even CLOSE to being 40...) :-)

Oh Crap.....

Ok, I apologize for this error that I obviously made. What error? You ask....
Well, I had some spare time today while Danielle was at grandmas, and I sat down so I could watch HGTV, because it it one of my favorite channels. Well, the show that was on was called..."25 biggest decorating mistakes." Well, I actually thought it would be fun to watch, because I have definitely seen some decorating mistakes before. (at other people's houses.....) What I DIDN'T realize, was that I am making tons of these "mistakes". Right here, in my house, that I love. Good grief. So, I apologize for telling anyone that I was "ok" at decorating, and I really apologize, to my friends I actually GAVE decorating advice to. Gosh, how embarrassing.
So, ya want to hear some of these mistakes....well, here they are......(at least the ones I am guilty of...)

Toilet rugs. Oops, I didn't know that was such a no, no. I do wash them VERY often, does that make it better???

Too many photos. Gosh, I love my family. I thought that having tons of pictures out showed how much I love them. Does it make it better if most are black and white??

Uncomfortable Dining room chairs. Well, I didn't sit in them for an hour before I bought them. They LOOK nice, and they SHOULD be comfy, but unfortunately...they aren't that comfy. But I like my dining set, so shouldn't that count??

Following fads. Well, I thought that was the way I was keeping up with the Jones'. Gosh, what else am I supposed to do??

Too many colors or patterns. Well, I can't make up my mind. And actually, I thought that this was just a style of it's own. You know, mixing and matching stuff.....

Improper lighting. Ok, I know about this one already. We have a ceiling fan that is not centered over the dining table. First, the ceiling fan shouldn't be our dining room light of choice, and second, it should be centered with the table. I currently have a beautiful light fixture in the garage patiently waiting for Joe to put it up.

Pushed back furniture. Well gosh, my house isn't huge, people. Some of the furniture HAS to be pushed back to the wall. We need a couch, ya know.....

Fear of color. Ok, I am trying to get better. My walls are all mostly neutral. I did go out on a limb and paint one wall a yellowish, goldish, brownish, and I really like it, and I might just paint my whole living/dining like that.....

Knickknack Overload. I don't even want to go here....

Fake Flowers. Ok, this one is the worst. Would it be any better if you knew I washed them?? I got up after this show and actually counted how many different fake flower arrangements/wreaths/garlands/etc, sitting around my house and I counted 33. Yep, 33. And I hate to admit that was just upstairs. So does this mean I can never step foot into Michaels again???

So, the show is over, and I am way overwhelmed, and I think it might just be better to start fresh. "Honey......can we just move to a new house????"

Irritating people.....

Today I was standing at the information desk at Sacred Heart, and I was hoping to find out what room my grandpa was in...(he is home now and fine...)and as I was standing there, the receptionist was on the phone. I just assumed she was talking to a patient or a call-in for information.....WRONG. I couldn't help but hear her conversation as I was standing like 2 feet in front of her, and she was going on like...."Oh, Yeah, I know, and you'll never believe what happened to Suzie when she did that.....Oh, and I bet you haven't heard about Robby and that dog of his....Oh, and what do you think about the hole they made in the backyard...." And on and on. Obviously she was not doing her "job" like she should have been. So, she motioned to me that she would be with me in a moment, and I am sure I was looking way irritated, and she finally finished up and I felt like saying...."Gosh, I am SO sorry that I actually need you to do your JOB for a couple of seconds, but I would really like to know what room number a patient is in...." Christ. People irritate me anymore. Oh, and then on my way home on the highway I noticed that there was an SUV in the right lane and it was kind of weaving and swerving and stuff, so I went to pass it and I looked over to see what the problem was, and you guessed it, she was actually eating soup. With a SPOON. I have no idea which hand she was using to drive with..

Earning her keep.....

Here is Danielle in her daily routine. After she gets out of school, it's time to get to work, sewing in our sweat-shop.
OK, I am just kidding, but she LOVES her little sewing machine......at least, I THINK she does.....lol..

Our Masterpiece!!!!

On Sunday night Danielle and I decided to carve our pumpkin. She helped me get all the seeds and "yucky" stuff out of the pumpkin, and she helped me seperate the seeds so we could bake them for Joe and she picked out the stencil for me to use. Well, the first stencil she picked was like the most intricate carving I have ever seen, and although I was flattered by the pumpkin carving confidence she had in me, I opted for an easier route. So, we came up with the sculls head. It is totally right up danielle's alley. Because you know girls, sculls are the "in" thing right now. Joe is not quite convinced. Anyway, here's how it turned out.

Change.....

You know, I love fall. I really do. But with the turning of the leaves lately, I have been reminded of all the twists and turns our lives have taken over the years. It's really crazy if you think about it. When I lived in Mullan, all I wanted to do was get out of there. Then when I went to Boise, all I really wanted to do was go "home". Where was home? I think I am finally understanding where "home" was to me. It wasn't necessarily Mullan. It was the place where my memories became real. It was the place my family was. It was the place we all gathered on Thanksgiving, on Christmas, and other special occasions, or even just because. It was were I learned the meaning of family, and the meaning of "togetherness". It makes me sad that all of that had to change. When my parents decided to move from Mullan, I was the only one who was not happy with the change. Even though I didn't live there in that house anymore. Even though I didn't even live in that town anymore. Even though it was really up to THEM to make the choice to stay or go. But as my parents left that house, I stayed here in my house, as I new I would fall apart to have to "leave" that place where my memories began. And every time I drive by that house, every single night in my dreams, I get pulled back to all those years ago, when we were together as a family. Together opening presents with my grandma before she died, together with my grandpa, before he aged, together with my uncle, listening to him laugh, together with my parents, who were actually "together", not apart. I do know that we can't go back. I do know that this is just how life is. I do know that for the most part I am really blessed. But I just miss being "that" family. I miss the way we were. I miss what I grew up being a part of. And because I was a part of that, I have always wanted to show Danielle how it can be, how it should be, and how it was, when we were together. So, I am hoping this holiday season, that when I call or email our friends and families invitations to come together, instead of being too busy, instead of being alone, instead of passing up the chance to get together, they will say "yes". They will come along with us, and celebrate this beautiful season. This season of change.

When I Went to New Mexico....by Danielle

Here is a report Danielle wrote for school about our trip...(Joe and I thought it was really cute...)

I was in the plane going to Seattle, it was a very short plane ride, it was only about 30 minutes. When we got there the next stop was Las Vegas, Nevada! I was on the plane to Las Vegas, it was taking a long time. When we were flying over Las Vegas it was dark so we could see all the lights. When we got closer I could see the Stratosphere. The stratosphere is a very tall tower that is so big it has a roller coaster at the top! Then we saw the pyramid hotel. When we were taking off I saw the Eiffel Tower.

Next stop was Albuquerque, New Mexico. When we got there it was late so we just checked into our hotel. I can't remember the first day so I will skip to the second day. The second day was the balloon festival. There was a cow, Darth Vader, and some pretty patterns. And alot more. Now I remember what we did on the first day we went to a park that has Indian drawings on the rocks. We also went to Old Town. And we also went to the gondola.

On the second day we headed to Santa Fe. On our way there we stopped in a few places. When we got there we checked into the hotel. I'm not going to say them in order because I don't remember some things. I went to a museum, I went to the pueblos, the mall and the flea market. The whole time I was hoping we would go to this church. By the way we were only going to take my grandma. I don't know which city I like more than the other. My mom was taking alot of pictures. I like alot of them. I hope I can go there again.

The end.
By,
Dani

What Now??

What am I supposed to do now that "Bret Michaels: Rock of Love" is over. Will someone please tell me?? Gosh, I am probably gonna have with drawls from watching scanky white girls make fools of themselves all because of a burnt out "rock star".
Don't get me wrong.....I "LOVED" him back in the day...15 years ago it would have been ME getting the tatoo of his name on my neck......JUST KIDDING, people!!!!lol...

Calling all local cat owners.....

I would just like to thank whoever it is thats been letting their cat roam free in our neighborhood. It seems that the ugly little bast*** likes our back yard better than his own.
Neiko was outside enjoying the nice fall weather yesterday, and as he came inside I could tell there was something different about his demeanor, he was acting very proud of the way he looked for some reason. So, as I looked closer, I noticed that he had found something very smelly to roll in and that it was all over his back and neck. Upon closer examination, I realized it was cat CRAP, and I hurriedly grabbed him and let him know how tee-d off I was. So, he put his measly tail between his legs and ran back outside. Little did he know that the crisp fall day would soon be getting a little crisper, as I hosed him down with the cold water from the hose outside. So, after we finished up outside, into the bath he went, and he warmed up and I calmed down, but I really don't want to tell you what I could do if I get my hands on that cat. It won't be good. (So sorry to my many cat loving friends....)

WE need to wake up.....

Check out this video: I Need To Wake Up



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Question of the day....

How come when Danielle gets really tired she actually gets freakishly active?? Can someone please figure out what that chemical is that causes her to do that and put it in a bottle and sell it for like, oh I don't know, people like ME??

Nicknames...

My friend Lynsey has such great ideas for posts. She posted about how many nicknames she has for her adorable son, Brendan. So, it gave me an idea....
Here are our dog's nicknames...

Neiki
Neik
Buh-buh
Neikster
Pooh
puppy (how origional)
I know there is more, I can't think...

Oh, here are Danielle's nicknames

D
Miss D.
Dani
Danster
D bone
Daniella
Danielli (my mom calls her this)

Random pics near Santa Fe....

Pecos Historical Park

Here are some ruins from the Pecos tribe near Santa Fe. This national park is an awesome one, and we really learned a lot about the native people there.

99 Balloons...

Wow. There were much more than that. We found out after we made our vacation plans to New Mexico that the annual Balloon Festival was going to be during our trip. It turned out to be an awesome plus. Really cool. I would definitely recommend that if you were going to Albuquerque, you go while this festival is going on. It was really neat to see in person, and the pictures really don't do it justice.

Ouch!!!!!!

That is what Danielle said right after this shot was taken. It was my bright idea to have her pose in front of a huge cactus in Albuquerque. I was trying to get the perfect shot of us tourists in a "New Mexican" ambiance.....so, I was like..."get a little bit closer.... a little closer.... a little closer......" You get the picture. Oops. Bad idea, I just realized it a little bit too late. So, off we went to find a store that sold tweezers. Tops off the hillbilly family vacation, doesn't it.

Shiny Happy People....

Yep, that's what we were today as we landed in Spokane. Ok, Spokane is not HOME, but it sure is closer than sage brush and rolling deserts....Not that we didn't have a blast in New Mexico, but we were super excited to get back home to our Neiki...(There's no place like home, there's no place like home...)

I AM aging gracefully....aren't I?

Ok, today I went to miss D's school and volunteered. I just feel like a privileged, stay at home mom like me,lol, should definitely be involved in the "going's on" at the local grade school. So, everything was going A-ok, till the little girl that was reading to me said..."Are you a mom or a grandma?". I happily replied.."I'm a mom." She happily replies back..."Oh, cause you look like a grandma." So, I was not sure what to say....so I just said, "Do I at least look like a NICE grandma?". "Yes." she said. Ok, so I will let her off the hook then...