Deep Thoughts by Diane

Check it

2008-10-25T23:33:00.001-07:00

I've finally updated the family blog, if you have time, check it out!

Twice???

2008-10-16T17:50:00.001-07:00

Is it Christmas? Tagged twice in one week???? Ida tagged me this time.

Random facts.

1. I have two gray hairs. I got them the beginning of this year I think it was. I pluck them every so often. How sad.

2. My favorite color is pink. It used to be pink when I was little too, then I 'grew' out of that. But pink is BACK!

3. I can touch my tongue to my nose.

4. There are a bunch of undies in my drawer that I have never worn. They were super cute at the store, but when I got them home...WAY too scandelous for me.

5. I wish it were fall. All year long.

6. Pumpkin should be a staple in every single food. Seriously could eat it all the time.

7. I'm probably one of the very few women who do not worship Oprah.

Four and Four, I am supposed to go to my picture folder and open the fourth folder and then open the fourth picture and talk about it.

This was a pic from last Christmas, I was trying to be artsy and make a cute picture. These were one of the blurry ones of Gwen. But I followed the rules and picked the fourth from the fourth, so this is what you get....LOL

I tag Candace, Kim, Professor, Shaunee, Shell, Jules and Dani

I was tagged!

2008-10-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

Kim tagged me and I am beyond honored, here are my Top 11:

1.) Clothing Store: Old Navy
2.) Furniture Store: Um, the furniture store in town, have no clue what its called.
3.)Sweet: chocolate!
4.)city: Gatlinberg
5.)Drink: Margarita
6.)music: I don't have a preference of music type, it depends on my mood
7.) TV: True Blood, Heroes, Family Guy, Cho Show
8.)Film: Anchorman
9.) workout: jog 3 times a week, strength training 3 times a week. Going to try and walk 3 other days a week, but that will take a LOT of will...don't know if I have that!
10.)pastries: pumpkin cream cheese roll. Oh.my.
11.) coffee: Ice white chocolate mocha

I'm tagging Candace and Ida!

Figured it out

2008-10-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Pretty sure that my body can gain weight by smell. Our office is butt up against a bakery. Not a little mom and pops bakery. A big one. With huge ovens and they're cooling trays must be directly next to the vent that leads into our office. OMG. It smells heavenly, but certainly does not help a fat girl try and resist eating bad stuff. Neither does the tray of 'oopsies' that they have out for us...you know the ugly muffins and cookies.

Do ugly muffins and cookies contain as many calories as the pretty ones?

Check it

2008-10-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

If you do just one thing today, make sure you check out Tibs giveaway. This could quite possible be the best giveaway. Ever.

Exam Tomorrow

2008-10-03T08:24:00.001-07:00

I am nervous and excited all at the same time - would that be 'nercited?' Tomorrow is the big day. I have an exam for a position that I would love to have. I don't want to say exactly what its for (although some of you know already), don't want to jinx myself in any way. This would be a stepping stone in the field that I eventually want to have my career in. My education would finally be paying off, that student loan I have wouldn't seem so worthless. I report tomorrow at 8am and it is approximately 3 hours. Couldn't find any study materials, they gave a brief overview of how the exam is conducted, but I am the type that likes to read as much as possible to be a step ahead of the other candidates. I did borrow a book from a friends guypal who applied for a similar test, so I do have that under my belt and will review it again tonight. Absolutely nercited!

*While I was searching for 'exam' images, I found this one. Soooo...yeeeaaaa....store THAT in your mental image case for a while. And is that a banana peel she has in her hands??*

Could it be?

2008-10-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Is that right? Rain? What's that? Water falling from the sky? Oh my goodness, could it be? Could we finally be getting rain? It has lit-erally been almost a year since we have got a real rain. They are predicting rain tonight and tomorrow. I am absolutely stoked. I LOVE the rain, plus our sprinklers could take a day off.

I CAN do this!

2008-10-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned I am doing the biggest loser contest courtesy of Tib, the exercise QUEEN! In the past I have always made excuses, either I can't do this because my back hurts, I'm too tired, its too hot outside, etc. It was always something. Not anymore, the only person I'm hurting is myself. Excuses won't make me lose weight, won't make me a healthier person, won't teach my kids the right way of living. Only *I* can do that. I will do that, I AM strong enough to push through this no matter how difficult it may be.

My kids will look up to me as a good role model and hopefully take this into their own lives and be one less person on the scale of obesity. I'm removing: can't and won't from my vocabulary...at least in this part of my life. Because I CAN do it. I've been pushing myself and while it is hard at the time, when I'm done, I am that much more proud of myself that I am accomplishing something! I can't control everything in my life, but I CAN control this and I WILL. I am happy that I am making this step and even though some days can be damn frustrating, it will get better and I will be changed, not only on the outside but inside too!

*Oh, and I don't really know if the road to hell is paved with stupid excuses, I just thought it was funny.*

Oh.my.goodness.

2008-09-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Did something die? We have been saying this around the office for the last week. Seriously...one of the worse smells I have ever smelled in my entire life. I am not exaggerating. We discovered it was coming from the fridge after about the first day. It was a cross of rotten milk mixed with death. We could not find the culprit for the life of us. The fridge is not that big people, shouldn't have been hard to find it.

Today I had absolutely enough. Anytime someone opened the fridge, I nearly passed out. Talk about working in unsafe conditions. Don't even get me started on our toilet being broken (which causes a problem for me as I'm trying to down almost a gallon of water a day). I opened the fridge, bravely enough I was going to sniff till I found the nasty beast. I checked my sippy cup that I bring milk in for my cereal, nope, that wasn't it. One of the guys took out his jumbalaya of food, he thought his chicken might have gone bad. I threw away my yogurt and boost drinks just in case, although I highly doubted they were making this stench. Tossed a couple green and fuzzies, can't tell you exactly what they originally were, but they weren't mine.

There it was, in the very back with a cracked lid on its little tupperware container. Could that be it? It was hardly the size of a small plum, it looked like it would contain sauce or something. As I reached my hand to the back to pull it out I was frightened, would this thing bite my fingers off if this was the nasty thing? Pulled it out trying to hold my breathe until I was fully ready to find out. Saw the lid was cracked just a tiny bit, took my chances and opened my nose holes up. THAT WAS IT! OMG...I nearly threw up in my mouth. I had to see what was inside of it, I'm very curious and sniff just about anything.

What was it? Well, I believe it was coleslaw. At one point in time. The site of it now didn't resemble anything I would serve at a company picnic, more like the coleslaw you would find down in Daytona Beach during bike week at the coleslaw wrestling matches. Worse than that even, imagine one of those wrestlers (lets say a chubby one for good times), they go home, take a shower, but since they are so chub, they've got rolls. Are you following me? They don't rinse thoroughly, I mean c'mon, they wrestled in coleslaw, I wouldn't say they are girlscout leaders or anything of that sort. This is THAT coleslaw that has been stuck in their roll for 2 weeks that they finally discover while leaning over much further than normal and obviously pass out from the rank smell coming from that roll.

Mystery solved. Thank goodness, now I can return to storing my yummies in the fridge without being bullied by the nasty coleslaw.

Whaz Happenin?

2008-09-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have been out of the blogging world for way too long. Nothing special keeping me away in particular, mostly just been busy. I do have a new obsession though, that would be trying to get skinny. Started the couch to 5k program and the biggest loser contest that Tib is throwing. Either way I'll be a loser - hopefully in a good way :)

I will be trying to catch up on everyones blogs as well, so be prepared to be hit like a truck with comments from me. No promises, but I'm predicting I will.

Nice to be back...for now!

Shoutout for Tibs son Ethan

2008-08-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Please check out Tibs blog and do what you can for sweet Ethan. He has type 1 diabetes and could use any help possible. I've never personally met him, but heard plenty of stories about him, he sounds like such a special kid and deserves only the best in life. Hoping that walk goes great and Ethan most importantly has a ton of fun and support!

Motivational Posters

2008-08-07T21:37:00.001-07:00

We need some new art for our office. What would be better than some great motivational pieces that would really help boost the office moral. During our next meeting, I'll suggest these to my boss.

Breaking Dawn

2008-08-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

I finished it today. I loved it. I know that many Twilight fans were disappointed, but I was not. There were a few parts that I didn't 'love,' but for the most part it was great. The end didn't leave me hanging or expecting more and I was satisfied. I tried to take my time with it, Toby bought it for me on Saturday and I stretched it all the way until today, pretty good...I didn't rush through it, I wanted to enjoy it all the way through. He got it at Barnes and Nobles, so it came with some pretty stickers, one that I put in my phone, because I am OBSESSED!

Thankful Thursday - Aug 7th

2008-08-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Bedtime - for the kids
Prozac
repeat on the dvd player

Can you tell I had a hard day with the kids? I am surprised I have any hair left after today.

Join in - Lets hear what you are thankful for!

I'll Pass

2008-08-07T20:48:00.000-07:00

I HATE spam. Hate. Hate. Hate it. I spend at least 10min sorting through spam. For some reason normal peoples emails get sent to my spam folder and I have to go through the folder - if I didn't write you back, its probably because it went to the spam folder and I accidentally deleted it. So its great and all that the junk goes to the spam folder (except for the reg mail that ends up there sometimes). What irks me is that spam ends up in my INBOX. The spot where I would like to feel safe with my friends and other crap that I might have signed up for like my billpay stuff. Not that I like bills, but....

I'm not a pervert or anything, so why do I get this crap that makes me feel like one?!?!? I swear I don't go to naughty sites and look at boobies and other x rated sites. Even if I did, I certainly wouldn't sign up for their MAILING list. So tell me why I get emails asking if I want to look at peoples hooters or wangs????

The most recent one that I got made me laugh and irritated me at the same time. It read: HEY I PUT NEW HOT PICTURES OF ME AT MY SITE. The sender? Oh, his name is Maynard Duran. C'mon...you want to send spam...get a better name than MAYNARD! No offense to anyone who may have a father, brother, uncle, grandfather, aunt or 22nd cousin named maynard. I just think its funny to send something like that and have a name like that. Thats an old mans name....how HOT could your pictures be? I know 'Diane' is an older name, but I'm not THAT old. Stick to the Madge's and Gertrudes....don't send me your junk! Literally.

Happy Birthday Gwen!

2008-07-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

I am WAY late on her bday, it was on the 20th, but we were out of town....so I have an excuse :)

Can you believe she is 11? This picture was taken at the wedding, she is such a pretty girl! She whispered in her dads ear when they saw each other after she got her hair done - Daddy, don't I look like Elizabeth Swan from Pirates? Too freaking cute. Happy Birthday princess, you mean too much to us to even tell. We love you to pieces and you are growing up to be such a wonderful young lady! Happy birthday...xoxo

Happy Birthday Nicky boy!!!!

2008-07-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a day late, but yesterday was insane! Yesterday was Nickys 3rd birthday! Yes, I have managed to keep him alive 3 years...and with only 1 trip to the ER! Nicholas is by far the cutest little boy I have ever laid eyes on. I know, I know, he's mine, all mothers feel that way. But its true with this one. He truly has me wrapped around his little finger. Knows all the right buttons to make me melt. I know one day he will be bigger than me, but right now I'm completely enjoying his tiny little voice and small hands that grab my face and pull me close to to lay a big wet one on my cheek!

A couple of pictures to remember the last few years. I didn't get to take one yesterday on his actual bday, but the ones I have on here aren't that old.

Our first kiss:

Grumpy little old man - just a day old:

1st bday:

2yr bday:

Another PSA

2008-07-11T07:15:00.001-07:00

According to 'First' magazine, it says that 'Wine Slashes Dementia Risk By 70%.' The exact article reads:

That's the conclusion Swedish scientists reached after conducting a study
that took place over a period of 34 years. The credit likely goes to
wine's potent stores of resveratrol. This grape derived antioxidant
hinders the formation of beta-amyloid, an abnormal brain protein linked to
cognitive decline.

You don't have to tell me twice, I already have a bad memory, I don't need to wind up like the chick in the Notebook! And if you're wondering, I don't normally read 'First' magazine, but the front said: Drop 16lbs in 1 week! I am such a sucker for crap like that.

Stupid Bitch

2008-07-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Stupid Bitch,I didn't even want to go to your wedding. I doubt your marriage will last, you are a stupid twit. But, you are Tobys best friends fiance, and I will suck it up and do what I have to do to make him happy. I would have rather spent the $300 + I spent on our outfits/dress, etc on my kids bday party, but this is the way it goes.

You don't send us an invitation, I don't know if thats custom since toby is the best man and gwen is a bridesmaid, but still...too bad I don't know where you are registered now, guess I can't get you a gift you stupid bitch. Thanks for telling us AFTER I buy my plane ticket that the rehearsal dinner is on the night I am flying out. I would have bought it for the day earlier had I known. Also, same goes for the bridal lunch gwen was invited to, of course she can't attend since its a couple days before they arrive.Again, I didn't want to go to your stupid wedding, since you ignored the shit out of me the first and only time we met even though I tried to make conversation with you. SO, you give me Gwens dress info (color, code) less than 2 months before the wedding, gives me a TON of time to go order it, and the freaking place takes 10-12 weeks to get it in once placed. You text me over and over bugging the shit out of me during the week if I have ordered the dress yet. I have to obviously wait until I have Gwen with us to go try one on, which is over an hour away from us. I have to kiss ass to get your fucking dress to me on time, and they don't even have you in their fucking computer. Nice. Same applies to Tobys tux, you RUSH us and tell us we HAVE to get there ASAP to get fitted, we do and then AGAIN, they don't have your info in the computer, so we have to bring the measurements in later. WHY??? Because you all haven't gone in to register with them...WHY the fuck did you rush US?!?!? Then you text me, some during the middle of the night about the exact shoes you want for her. Well sweetheart, she's a ten year old tomboy who has never worn heels before. Do you really want her stumbling down the aisle on your big day? I personally think it would be hilarious just because you would get sore over it, but I think more of Gwen. So I got her shoes, the color you want, "strappy", but they are VERY low, almost flat heels. Deal.

STILL. Not.that.big.of.a.deal in the long run, I've dealt with much worse. The insulting thing was that we receive the invitation for the rehearsal dinner, which you know I can't attend because you're a whore and told us after we bought our tickets that it was the night I am flying out...and what does it say on there? Toby M and GUEST. GUEST?!? You have been texting me non stop about the fucking dress and shoes you want, tux, etc for the last 2 months and I'm GUEST?!?!?! Well fuck you.

So next year when we have our wedding, I am going to do the same, it will be addressed to Mr. E and GUEST. I probably will put GUEST in capitals just to get my point across and will make sure not to tell you when the rehearsal dinner is until after you make your flight arrangements. Better yet, just don't come, I'm sure I will see enough of you to last me a life time when we go to your little shin dig.

Signed,GUEST aka Diane (Yes, I really do have a name, or in your cell do you have me listed as GUEST?)

P.S. If I didn't tell you before...FUCK OFF!

We got dogs - 8 to be exact

2008-07-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

I forgot, there was a huge portion of time I spent on our dogs. Not real ones of course. Geez, I couldn't imagine having 8 dogs! I'm not a catlady and certainly don't run a zoo. Toby got Madison Nintendogs for her DS and I have taken over it. I was obsessed with getting to $50,000 so I could buy the beach house, just to see what it looked like.

So I had to train, walk, feed, clean...the whole 9 yards until I got to that point. I seriously devoted at least 2 weeks to that. It was fun. Now my next mission is to get to $100,000 to buy the spaceship house. I will work on that slowly...it was exhausting walking all those dogs!

We have a bunch of different breeds, but I have to say my favorite is Maximus, he is a minpin and adorable!

The 4th

2008-07-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

We went to a bbq at Tobys moms house for lunch, took the kids to the park to let out some energy. Madison ran around this huge track around the park in 2min & 23sec...I was quite impressed. We just might have a track star on our hands! Then Toby had to work that night, so I figured I would go down to the marina with the kids to watch the fireworks. What was I thinking?!?!?!? Everyone in our city must have been out on the street on the way to the marina and they had the exit blocked off! So, we found this little strip mall that was packed with cars, and totally blocked a bunch of cars, opened up the sun roof and we had an AWESOME view of the fireworks! Plus, once we were done, since we blocked everyone, no waiting for everyone to pull out, and got home in 5 minutes! Nicky was stoked over the 'pretties' and had a great time, this was his first real fire work experience, the other ones he slept through. Maddie had a good view poking her head out the sun roof and I got some trippy pics. It was a good day!

Holy Moly!!

2008-07-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

I have been gone fo-eva!!!!! I've read some peoples blogs here and there, but have seriously been MIA. No reason to even give, except laziness! Toby has been using the computer more for his ipod stuff, and he's been home more so I don't get on when he is home, thats pretty much my only excuse. Not too much has gone on since my last post, but here goes:

* Planning for the kids bday party
*4th of July
* Planning for the kids bday party
* Getting ready for our vaca
* Planning for the kids bday party
* Bought the kids new shoes (I know its SO exciting)
* Did I say planning for the kids bday party?

Thats about it, I have been seriously obsessing over this party. I don't know why, its just the fam coming over, but I want them to have a good time and memories. So, we're having a Luau on Sunday, bbq with games...I will for sure show pictures.

Happy Fathers Day

2008-06-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

A day late, but it was a busy weekend! Saturday we celebrated my bday with a bbq with Tobys family. Great cake. And we went to see Kung Fu Panda, hil-freaking-larious.

Sunday, for fathers day, I woke up early. Maddie woke up early too, Gwen refused to get out of bed, you know pre-teens. Nicky had snuck into our bed at about 0430 and stayed in there a while. I baked a cake and prepped it for icing. Then made a breakfast for the family. Each kid made Toby a handmade card. Madison wrote something along the lines of - Get er done. LOL...she told us she wrote that to her uncle too. I haven't the faintest where she got it from, obviously not from us. But none the less, I found it amusing. After breakfast we went to see the Incredible Hulk...Nicky calls him the Incredible HUNK...Toby does NOT find this funny. I do! Ha ha! Then we rented the Avengers, we came home, I made dinner and put the movie in and old lady me fell asleep on the couch at about 7pm!

Happy Fathers day Dad and Toby...I love you both!

Thankful Thursday

2008-06-12T14:51:00.001-07:00

Ha ha...can you tell how I've dropped a lot of days? I'm over Mondays and Wednesdays and weekends...those are boring. Tues, Thurs and Friday work for me. So onto today, Thursday, what I'm thankful for.

In no particular order

My bff - Shes super cool and always has my back. Even through a lot of bologna we had in the past she was still there standing strong. I love you girl.
Having a car that works - Considering where I work, if I didn't have a car, I would be royally screwed. I love you my little car.
Corona - Yum. With lime of course.
Perfect afternoons - the ones where you can sit outside without baking and the wind blows softly around you. Ahhhhhh

Join in - Lets hear what you are thankful for!

Boobies For Sale

2008-06-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

Come and get em. They are yours if you want them. I'm done with them. They are too big and saggy. You can have them for free actually, just pay to get em' out and put em' in you. I seriously don't want to hear from someone that I'm lucky. I'm not. My back hurts and I look hideous in shirts and other things. I wanted this bathing suit, it was even the halter type to support them, but they totally were bulging out the sides and the tie at the top looked like it was going to bust open. I refuse to wear a one piece, fug.

So if you want them, you can have them. Hey, maybe I can sell them on ebay...you can sell anything on ebay. hmmmm

A few pictures

2008-06-11T19:23:00.001-07:00

Of Madisons first couple of days and one of my mom too.

Tackle It Tuesday

2008-06-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

I didn't do all the laundry, only about 3.5%, Toby did the rest. But I put it away...so I'm claiming the pictures.

Before:

After:

You know you're a mom if...

2008-06-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

You bring your coffee creamer to work in a sippy cup.

Are you guilty?

2008-06-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

So Renae showed us this blog. Hil-arious. I have to admit though that I am guilty myself of some of these things. I am so far from being rich that I could literally blend in with some of the day-labor guys down at Home Depot some mornings.

My sins:

#2 - Dumb baby names. - I don't think my kids names are dumb. At all. I did name them afterall. I do know that after I named Madison, 5 million other people did too. I did not follow a trend. I had a good reason for naming her that. You might be thinking great 'president' name. Which it could be. The real reason was - Splash. Yes, the movie. I loved that movie when I was a kid...I wanted to be a mermaid so badly! So, to me its not so bad, but people are always criticizing that name.

#9 - Cell phones for children - Madison has one. Not so she can call her girlfriends and chat about Hannah Montana or what outfit her barbie is wearing this week. She has it because I am cheap and its cheaper for her to be on my plan rather than me calling her dads phone.

#12 - High end child photographers - Yes, I take my own kids pictures, so I'm not paying out the kazoo for one. BUT, I fit the profile of posing them 'artistically' and in black and white. Guilty.

#14 - The Nintendo Wii - We have one. Got it for the girls for Christmas. Secretly though, I wanted to play it. Its great having kids as an excuse to buy things like this.

#15 - Childrens books - Definitely have more books than they read. Some have never been opened. Mostly because Nicky for example has his favorites. He will pitch a fit if he doesn't get to read the ones we have read 5 billion times. My laziness succumbs to reading that same book rather than dealing.

#16 - Wine - Yes I like wine. I really am not a wino, despite what Toby will tell you. I did have 5 bottles open in the fridge at one time though. I was having my own personal wine tasting session.

#26 - Baby Einstein - I didn't buy these because I thought he would become some genius. I really just wanted to let the good o'l tv babysit him for a few minutes here and there when I was doing my school work. It did the trick too.

#27 - Britax Carseats - We have two. I cave to peer pressure WAY to easily. It is a great carseat though, holds up to 80lbs in a 5pt harness. Although I'm sure that if Nicky is still under 80lbs (highly unlikely) by the time he is 8, he will have ripped me a new one for making him sit in a carseat at that age.

#29 - Webkinz - Both girls have these. I did not buy them. I think they are ridiculous.

So I'm not the best parent ever...but I'm pretty darn close!

Just because

2008-06-06T08:10:00.001-07:00

Today is the day!

2008-06-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

Madison comes tonight!! I can not wait to see her! I will be taking way too many pictures and probably stealing even more hugs. Will post pics either this weekend or beginning of next week!

Photo Friday

2008-06-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

I am such a liar. I said I would be taking my own photos. Not today. I am butt ass tired. Why you ask? Nicholas was the biggest turdbucket last night. Picked my mom up from the airport, hasn't seen him in over 2 years, and he proceeds to be a complete jerk all night. Then wakes up at 23:00 fa-reaking over who knows what. I bring him into my bed so he doesn't wake her. Then wakes back up at a little past midnight I think it was. Screaming, kicking, hitting. THE works. Alarm goes off at 04:15. Beautiful. So...my envision of happy right now is a big comfy bed. I swear I will try to take my own next week.

Join in - Weekly photo challenge. Each week I will post what the challenge is for the next week. The photo can come from anywhere, I will be taking mine personally, but you don't have to! Next weeks topic - Water. Interpret this however you like!

They like me...they really like me!

2008-06-05T09:42:00.001-07:00

Not they, but she! Remember the stalker post? I reached out to her and commented and she came and checked lil o'l me out! So cool. Thats not the best part though, she WROTE about me! How fanfreakingtastic is that???

I'm am girl crushing on professor. I think I've told her that about a million and eleventy times, but its so true. She is super funny, I am positive you won't be able to stop reading after you start! I've become like a crack addict, I can't stay away, I visit her blog multiple times daily...just ask her!

If you ever come to the San Francisco area, let me know! We can have coffee...or BRUNCH! Don't worry, I'm very casual, jeans and a tshirt is good for me. I dont wear crocs either. I don't eat bacon so you can have mine *wink*.

Not sure what she looks like, so I can't give you a description, but in my head...she's approx 5'2, 115lbs, brown (or black) hair and blue eyes. I have NO idea why I imagine this, but various things she said led me to believe this. Shes got a fraking hilarious son...I can only hope my kids turn out that funny! She is WAY smarter than me, and writes amazingly. But like she said and I agree, we have a lot of similarities. The only big diff is the careers/education we have...shes a school teacher/future rockstar writer and I work at a limo company :( and studied Law Enforcement. Who knew teachers could be so funny and real, I always imagined them living at the school day and night...boy was I wrong!

Go check her out!!! You won't regret it!

Thankful Thursday

2008-06-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

In no particular order

Toby - words can not express what he means to me and how he treats me. I didn't know love could be like this. I've only seen it in movies, and after all the past relationships *rolls eyes* I thought I was destined for losers. Not this guy, he treats us all so well. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Tolls - Not the tolls in general. Who wants to pay to drive on a bridge? Not I. What I mean is they don't have that bucket system where you drive by and throw the coins into it. Usually missing, cursing and scavenging for more money. Believe it or not they have actual people in the stands! I can't call my phone service for the life of me and get a live or competent person...but they stock our tolls with them! Yeah for that! *I'm sure it has to do with the fact that the toll is $4 and would be awfully hard to throw dollars in the wind. Which isn't so great that its so high, but I am still thankful for real live people.*

Our beautiful children - They have their moments. Just ask the lady last week at the grocery store watching me try to convince (more like bribe) Nicky that it was in his best interest to sit down in the cart rather than jump out. *He's a moose despite his age...not all the straps fit, no need to alert CPS.* All in all they are spectacular kids...I'd go through all the crap in the past to have the same kids we have now!

Bras - Need I explain?

Join in - Lets hear what you are thankful for!

Increasing my value

2008-06-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

My sticker price right now isn't that high. The way jobs are going right now, its difficult to find a job. Period. I would love to get my BS, but I can't even fathom tacking on anymore money to my student loan. Knowing a second language, especially Spanish where we live would definitely help.

I decided about 2 years ago that I was going to learn Spanish. Considering where I lived, I thought that it would be a great asset to me as well. We were pretty much the only 'gringos' in my neighborhood. I'm not even kidding. Gave myself a year. A year is pretty decent to at least start. Didn't think it was that bad, I mean, if my one year old son at the time could speak more Spanish than English, I certainly could.

Never happened. So, I'm kicking this into gear now. I have a long commute to work, so I bought some audio cd's to listen to.

Todays lesson - the alphabet. I did take 3 years of Spanish between middle school and High School...I should know some of it. It was fairly easy and the woman speaking made it tolerable and I picked up a few things I didn't know or remember.

Who knows maybe in a couple of months I will be able to write one whole post in Spanish. I'm not guaranteeing it will be long, maybe only a few sentences, but that will be my short term goal.

Out of the mouth of babes

2008-06-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

Out of all three kids, I think Madison says the funniest things to me. I'm not sure if its just her uncensored mouth, or her mind spinning in every which direction. This wasn't said today, but wasn't all that long ago...and I was thinking about it on the way home. We were talking about her room for when she gets here since she hasn't seen it since we moved. This was our convo:

Maddie: So, whats it look like? What kind of bed are we going to have?

Me: Its purple, the color is called Beauty Pageant...and you will have a bunkbed.

Maddie: Oh cool, who gets the top?

Me: Well, I know you like the top and Gwen just so happens to like the bottom, so it all works out.

Maddie: Yeah mom. I have to have the top.

Me: Ooookkkk...no problem, but why are you so insistent?

Maddie: Well, in case someone breaks into the house...and they go into our room, I can hide on the top because I'm so small...and they will just see Gwen.

Me: *trying my best not to laugh* Thats not nice Maddie...what about Gwen?????

Maddie: She's bigger and older than me, she's lived longer than me. Its only fair that if there was a choice they take her over me. I need more years to see the world.

Me: *Desperately trying not to let her hear me laugh* Well thats not nice, you shouldn't think like that!

She says things all the time that really surprise me...I'm sure Candace remembers better than me since I normally tell her. UGH...I can't think but I know there are good ones out there. I'll post them if I remember. Funny girl.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-06-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

********************************************************************Join in - This is the day when no words are needed. Post a picture that is self explanatory.

Tackle It Tuesday

2008-06-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

We tackled our backyard this weekend. We were in desperate need of some shade and wanted to have someplace to eat outside since the weather is so nice. I helped, but I have to say that 99.8 percent of the work was done by Toby. He put up the gazebo, except for a tiny bit of help by me, same goes for the patio set. I planted the flowers. I don't have the greenest thumb in the world, so lets hope they stay alive! Nicky had to get in on the action as usual.

Before

After

*Join in - Get your work done and take pictures of the progress! Maybe you are going to clean that room that you've been meaning to get to for months or maybe something like taking care of that pile of dishes in the sink...no task is too small! Take a before and after pic and post it on your blog.

People amaze me

2008-06-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

For any of you that don't know my profession, I work for a limousine company. Why do most people let out a little burst of excitement when they hear that? No, its not glamorous. No, I don't see movie stars all the time. In fact I have only seen a couple in my entire life. There is nothing spectacular about my job or my office. If anything it is quite the opposite. I deal with a bunch of a-holes all day, complaining about this or that. Yes, this is my job. I accept that, I'm just completely surprised by people and their arrogance sometimes.

This guy calls to bitch about his pick up. This isn't unusual for him though, he makes a complaint almost every single time he travels. He tells the guy that he booked the car for 05:30, it is currently 05:25. The dispatcher he speaks to tells him that we have the car scheduled for 05:45, but he's only a few minutes out, so he should be there by 05:30 anyways. Chauffeur arrives at 05:31. This dickwad tells him, I know for a fact that I booked it for 05:30, I am absolutely positive that I booked it for that time...so much that I will pay 3 times the normal amount if I am wrong.

I listen to the tape. Guess what time he said? 05:45. So, now do I have the right to charge him 3 times the amount??? I freaking wish. We would be able to recoup all the past money I gave away to him to shut him up when he kept freaking out about this or that.

This was just one idiot I had to deal with today.

New Blog

2008-06-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

I did it. I thought about it and there is too much nonsense on this blog for people to catch up on our family if thats the only reason they come to look. I want to be able to come here and release whatever is on my mind. Which might include the occasional Fbomb...which I know some of my viewers are not fond of. This is my place to get all my thoughts out now. If you are interested in just the family life, check out the new blog. I hope to update it as soon as possible.

Meal Plan Monday

2008-06-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

Monday - Left over pizza
Tuesday - Fajitas
Wednesday - Leftover Fajitas (gah, I eat left overs too often, you will see a trend)
Thursday - Fish (not sure what kind yet), rice and broccoli
Friday - Tri tip, mash potato and peas
Saturday - Rachael Ray pasta (don't know which one yet)
Sunday - Probably leftovers

Something to do

2008-06-02T18:50:00.001-07:00

I'm stealing a couple of ideas from various places. I've stolen an 'about me' thing from the Professor and am going to steal something from Tib. I found a site with a bunch of daily things, here it is. Feel free to join in and take the idea as well. I am going to try and have a theme for each workday. I don't often get on during the weekend unless Toby is working, but I will make one for one day of the weekend.

*Monday - Lets hear what you're planning to have for the week. I don't normally plan for a whole week at a time, especially with our crazy schedules, but I'm gonna give this a whirl.

*Tuesday - Get your work done and take pictures of the progress! Maybe you are going to clean that room that you've been meaning to get to for months or maybe something like taking care of that pile of dishes in the sink...no task is too small! Take a before and after pic and post it here. Check out this blog, there are a lot more to check out!

*Wednesday - This is the day when no words are needed. Post a picture that is self explanatory.

* Thursday - Lets hear what you are thankful for, I know I have many! Thanks for the idea Tib.

*Friday - Weekly photo challenge. Each week I will post what the challenge is for the next week. The photo can come from anywhere, I will be taking mine personally, but you don't have to! Since I haven't done one this week, I will post my topic now, so there is something for this Friday....the topic is....happy. Interpret this however you like!

* Saturday or Sunday -List seven things going on this week.

So thats it folks. Let see how long this will hold my attention.

To be or not to be

2008-06-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite sure, but I might make a separate blog for the fam. I wanted something originally to tell everyone what is going on with us but this has turned into random thoughts with a splash of the family. So we'll see, I haven't quite decided yet. Mostly it depends on my laziness.

Twilight

2008-06-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have given in to peer pressure and have started the Twilight series of books. After poking fun at some girls at my moms board I couldn't stand it any longer and bought the first two books. Started reading the first one last night and its getting good. I was a little embarrassed when I bought them, they were in the young adult section. I mean...I know I am sort of a young adult. We will see how long it takes me to finish it, as I started last night, Nicky was jumping all over me and asking me to read it to him. Obviously mama doesn't read 'adult' books too often in front of him. I can only imagine saying in the sweetest tone possible (you know that baby talk when reading kiddie books)...'and then the vampire sucked the life out of the girl.' I'm sure that would give him lovely dreams.

PSA

2008-06-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Pretty sure that I can't be the only person that doesn't know this tid bit of information. This guy, Colin Hanks, probably most known for his role in Orange County is Tom Hanks son. I was informed this while watching Untraceable a couple weeks ago. As always I have to say where I've seen other actors before. So I say to Toby...hey, thats the kid from Orange County. He says...yeah, Tom Hanks son. My reply: WHAT?!?!? Thats Tom Hanks son?!?!? Get out, no way, are you serious? Pretty much every way possible way that I was absolutely stunned. This lasted for like 5 minutes, literally. How could I not know this? I love Tom Hanks, I didn't know that was his son!!!!! And no, his mother is not Rita Wilson. In case you were wondering.

So, here's my announcement for all of you that are as clueless as I am.

Blogger etiquette

2008-05-30T14:14:00.001-07:00

Is it 'acceptable' to contact strangers of whom you have read their blog? There is this girl that is scarily like me and amusing and seems like she would be a friend. Would that be weird to contact her? I don't know I may wait for an answer. Probably not though, I am very aggressive and feel the need to do before I think. We'll see. If you don't see me for a while, I might have been banned from blogging for stalking.

Faux Pas

2008-05-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Sooo...I was just having a chuckle over something me and a co worker remembered and were laughing at....

Well, I was introduced to a coworker when I came back from maternity. Her name is midge. Well, me being me, I'm absolutely brilliant and have diarrhea of the mouth. I say...midge...hmm...is that short for Midgette (thinking bridgette). As SOON as it came out of my mouth I totally regretted saying it. Her answer: um, yeah...no, Margaret. Boy I felt special.

Because you wanted to know

2008-05-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

I love these things and I stole this off some strangers blog. My own answers of course.

1. What curse word do you use the most? Fuck. I know its vulgar. Get over it. I dont say it to people I know can't handle that word.
2. Do you own an iPod? I do, its white and very scratched up. I think its in a bottom kitchen cabinet. Weird place, huh? Yeah its a cabinet while moving that 'stuff' got put into that I didn't have a place for.
3. Who on your MySpace “Top 8” do you talk to the most? I have no clue who is on my top list, I hardly visit myspace to chat.
4. What time is your alarm clock set for? 4:30 am, but I can't normally wake from the dead until at about 4:48. Snooze goes off every 9 min.
5. What color is your room? Dark dark blue. Previous owners painted it, it matches our bedspread, so we kept it.
6. Flip flops or sneakers? Def flip flops...I have a bajillion pairs.
7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture? Take of course...I don't have many that I am actually in.
8. What was the last movie you watched? Theatre - Baby Mama...hil-air Rented - Untraceable...I really liked this. (which will lead to my next post)
9. Do any of your friends have children? But of course.
10. Has anyone ever called you lazy? Anyone...just one? I'm sure there have been many.
11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster? Only recently, it did not work
12. What CD is currently in your CD player? I think Christina Aguilera (sp?) Xmas cd, obviously I don't use it often.
13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? I don't drink reg milk...if at all it would be choc.
14. Has anyone told you a secret this week? Would I be able to tell you?
15. Have you ever given someone a hickey? I gave myself one on my arm when I was little, does that count?
16. Who was the last person to call you? This chick who totally made me work at work. Imagine that.
18. Did you watch cartoons as a child? Yes, I'd be afraid of people that didn't when they were younger. Thats not normal.
19. How many siblings do you have? holy smokes...no full ones...only halvsies and steps. If I must count...I officially have 1 half sister, 4 half brothers, 1 step sister and 5 step brothers. That brings the grand total to 11 if I counted correctly.
20. Are you shy around the opposite sex? Depends on who it is.
21. What movie do you know every line to? Ron Burgandy - Anchorman
22. Do you own any band t-shirts? Aerosmith - its not real, well its a real shirt, but not from a concert...its from target I think.
23. What is your favorite salad dressing? duh...read my blog...El torito...that stuffs the bomb diggity.
24. Do you read for fun? I read other peoples blogs for fun. Ha ha...I do have some books that I bought but haven't read yet.
25. Do you cry a lot? No. I used to, but not lately.
26. Who was the last person to text message you? Toby, hes pretty much the only one that texts me on a regular basis. *cough cough Candace*
27. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop? Both. My desk top is kind of crapping out on me.
28. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoo? I am, I want a tattoo that says Nicholas in white ink. I stole the idea from Nicole. Thanks Nicole.
29. What is the weather like? Sunny
30. Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos? Well...toby has 3, they are pretty hidden though. I don't think I would like him *covered* per se
31. Is sex before marriage wrong? So they say.
32. When was the last time you slept on the floor? Can not remember.
33. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? 17.25
34. Are you in love or lust? LOVE
35. Are your days full and fast-paced? Fo sho...always.
36. Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages? Have you ever seen me?
37. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 28
37. I'm not that stupid.
38. Are you picky about spelling and grammar? Not partikurlerly
39. Have you ever been to Six Flags? I have! We have one super close to us!
40. Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex? The same I guess...
41. Do you like cottage cheese? Apparently my thighs do, to eat...not so much
42. Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back? I'm all over the bed
43. Have you ever bid for something on eBay? HA, today, yes and many other times
44. Do you enjoy giving hugs? I prefer to receive them
45. What song did you last sing out loud? Can't remember
46. What is your favorite TV show? Law and Order SVU
47. Which celebrity, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with? Will Ferrell
48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach? January 20th, 2007
49. What one thing do you wish you had? Money. Lots of it.
50. Favorite lyrics? Do not have any...I'm not a huge music fan.

Whats next?

2008-05-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

I love me some Law and Order...all of them! Especially SVU, that one is better...for some reason. I don't know why. Anyways, there are so many different ones, I was wondering what the new one might be. I made my own little creation of what one possibility might be *giggle*. Think I should write them and make the suggestion?

*You can make your own funny signs at glassgiant.com (just in case you are blind and didn't see the script at the bottom of the sign*

Enquiring minds want to know

2008-05-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Actually...I want to know. Not sure if anyone else is interested, but I figure all the mommies that could possibly read this might have an answer for me. WHY does the thomas the train show sing with a brittish/foreign accent, but the trains clearly speak american? My only possible thought on this was that maybe this show was originally made overseas and when it was brought over to the US someone had to translate it americanized...because of slang? Obviously I have no idea, please let me know if you know.

Thank you Gwen

2008-05-21T00:10:00.001-07:00

We all know that you are a super special girl, but you have been a big help to me tonight. Your dad had to work tonight, so you stepped it up and helped out where I needed extra help. You kept Nicky occupied so I could lay in bed, I didn't hear much fussing between the two of you (which usually happens) and you kept coming in to see if you could bring me something. I don't know what I would have done without you tonight, I probably would have been crawling around to get Nicky. Thanks sweet girl, I really appreciated everything you did.

See ya when I see ya!

2008-05-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

I've tried to make a goal that I would try and have at least one post for each day of the month. I am having my tonsils out tomorrow so I might not be able to make that goal, I don't know how perky I will feel to write much. I will however try and catch up on my buddies blogs so please blog away so I can have good stuff to read!

Explosion

2008-05-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

They say that kids who usually are behind in speaking will have an 'explosion' of words all of a sudden. I can officially say we've got blasted by nickys explosion...he says so much now. And I can actually say that other people can comprehend what he is saying. Not completely, but enough to understand. He says so much more than he did last month. I don't know what it is, I can't take credit for it, I think he just started putting things together himself. He says the funniest things too, I crack up everyday the things that he says. I know he doesn't know any better, but sometimes he says things that just aren't appropriate! LOL...the other day, he fell and bumped his butt, he comes up to me teary eyed and says...."Mama, you kiss my butt and make it feel better?" I had to laugh and try to stay straight faced and explain that I can't kiss his butt, I think he's smarter than he looks sometimes, he giggled.

Bug Art

2008-05-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

Made some more goodies for the girls room.

OH Thomas

2008-05-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

I guess I haven't seen ALL of the episodes of Thomas the train. Somewhere along the line I missed the episode called 'Heat stroke island.' The bus ride over was pleasant and fooled us...air conditioning and a video of Thomas playing on the overhead tv's. Once we arrived on death island, the heat hit us right away. We couldn't wait to get onto the train, there was still about 45min we had to kill before we could board. We wandered around as best we could, grabbed some water and finally it was time to get into a long line. Luckily someone told us there were two other boarding areas, so we rushed over there. Good thing too because the train we got onto had air conditioner, unlike the one the other load of people were waiting for. Once we got on, this clown, yes, I know I hate clowns, but this one was helpful (she must have been a human in clown clothing) she told us that the next one down was cooler, so we got onto that one...oooohhh aaaahhh, I know it wasn't THAT much cooler, but compared to outside it was heavenly. I didn't care if the train wasn't moving, I would have stayed on that all day! The trainride was supposed to be 25min. That must have included the boarding and deboarding time, because we were only on that train about 15min. While we were deboarding the train we saw Mr Topem hats (I know I spelled that wrong) and he was being escorted to a cooler area (the staff were nearly carrying him...reminds me never to work for Thomas, I'm sure they have bad benefits if they treat their employees like that). The somewhat cool train was enough to give us the next boost to keep going. So we went over and got the kids some tattoos since that was shaded. Smart Ame kept asking for more tats, which gave us more time in the 500 degree (as compared to outside which was about a million and 3 degrees). Each kid got a balloon animal, Ame got a lady bug and Nicky got a turtle. Same shape, one had spots the other had lines. I'm thinking she needs to go back to balloon school and learn some new animals. We attempted to go into the bounce house, but the outside plastic felt like molten lava and we didn't want our kids bursting into flames out of our reach. The next stop was the cycle mini trains, there were about 6 trains, but only 2 were working, so you can imagine the wait for this ride. They did have fun on their little ride around though. I noticed that there was a tent for nursing mothers and diaper changing, a nice touch. I found it interesting that they didn't allow parking at the actual site, once there I discovered why...they drop you off and once we have neared death we have to wait in the longest line on the earth to leave the island. In the blazing sun, with NO shade (unless you use one of the certificates given out). The only nearby shade is the gift shop, you lure these poor people into the minimal shade and sucker them into buying your overly expensive junk that I'm quite sure either contains led and/or was made by small children in China getting paid one grain of rice per hour. Good sales technique. All in all it was decent, it would have been nice had they scheduled this at a different time of year. I would consider going again, but I will not if they hold it same time next time. A few suggestions for Thomas and his friends: more tents (why not just hold this in a air conditioned building?), schedule this at a different time of year (or at least make the hotter cities first on the list during the year), more water and less sugary drinks, more than 2 fraking buses that have a turn around time of a half hour, more water misters and just overall better planning. I would bet my left boob that at least someone did actually have some sort of heat exhaustion or something along those lines. I did gain a good farms tan out of the deal though, real cute. At least Nicky is now Jr. Engineer. Seriously, the adults were not the only ones suffering. The kids looked like zombies walking around, some were screaming while walking. Here are the pics, these are the ones that they weren't absolutely frowing in.

(Couldn't get any closer, the crowd was swarming around it)

(Looks like this train was too lazy to make an actual appearance)
(A ladybug)

(A turtle, see the resemblance? I didn't know turtles and lady bugs were related)
(Think I could put this baby to work?)

(Very smart to put the LOUD speakers right near the photo op)

(I crack up each time I look at this one...LOL...she just pulled on her hair due to frustration)

(This one was taken about 5min after I asked him if he was tired, he tells me NO! LOL!)

Countdown begins

2008-05-15T10:01:00.001-07:00

I bought Maddies airplane ticket yesterday to come out. She will be here June 6th, the day school gets out! We just couldn't wait, the sooner the better. If my calculations are correct, she will be here in 21 days? Madison was so excited when I told her yesterday, she actually squeeled! I know the time will fly by fast, but that day just can't come soon enough!

Do you know what this is?

2008-05-14T23:24:00.001-07:00

If I had to guess, I would say a medicine dispenser. You know, the kind that you fill up and let the kids use to help them avoid spills. Thats what it looks like, RIGHT?!?!?! No. It isn't. I doubt any of you guessed this right. This is what they call a Travel Mate. A device that allows women to pee standing up. They 'say' you don't have to wipe after using this. I just don't think I could do it. It explains that you don't need to get undressed to do it, all I can think about is I would HAVE to see what was going on down there and if I was putting it in the right spot. Oh no. That definitly will not be getting any of my stimulus money. Sorry guys.

Going on a date

2008-05-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

On Friday. I am SO excited. Gonna see Baby Mama. Gah...I've been waiting to see this movie, our last plans to see it the week it came out were out the window. I love Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Especially Amy Poehler. Especially when she plays the skit in SNL 'The Swan.' Oh my...that is some funny stuff. I tried to find a video of it, but can not. Not sure that you all would enjoy it either, my humor is kind of twisted. I did find the same character she plays though in this skit its Rock of Love 2. Same character, same concept. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKZpIH90CXI HA!

Back on subject...super hyped!

Still awake

2008-05-14T04:21:00.001-07:00

Its 4:21, in the morning. I can't sleep. I'm completely over this. I NEED my sleep, Nicky will be up in a few hours. ARGH!

Target practice

2008-05-13T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today we worked on standing up, if I could get away with him sitting down, I would. Someone told me that he would be tortured later for this in his teen years, so we're getting it over and done with now. What a messy procedure. Whoever decided that men should stand while peeing really ruined it for us moms training our boys. I threw cheerios in there for target practice, he was a little peeved that I threw his delicious snack somewhere and actually expected him to PEE on them. He did do it though. Two times today and will try again before bedtime. No wet pull up yet, well except overnight, he woke up wet, but I'll give him time on that.

Potty Training...oh boy

2008-05-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well, we have been trying to potty train nicky, not too much though. I pushed Madison too much and it turned for the worse, so I tried to be more lax with Nicky, but he wasn't catching on fast enough. Our goal is to have him done by 3. Yes, I know thats old, but thats where we are. Stickers are out of the question, they will be EVERYWHERE. Kiddie crack (candy) is a no go, he already has enough energy. We're trying pennies, he loves his dollars (ha ha, I'm such a cheapie). That wasn't enough either, he needs to be on a schedule, he does better that way. We ordered him this nifty potty watch that reminds him to go every 90 minutes and it came in the mail today! I figured I wouldn't delay it, might as well start right away, especially since he saw it and I showed it to him when I was ordering it, so he couldn't very well wear it without actually using it. He went each time it went off tonight and got 2 pennies! Way to go Nicky! We also got some super cool Cars pull up training pants. I've never been a fan of pull ups, but I figure it will be best for him to learn later when he starts to go by himself. Of course I took some pictures.

Happy Mothers Day!

2008-05-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers day all you moms out there! We had a super day here today. Toby woke me up with 'surprises.' It was early, and he asked me to go get some water from the kitchen, I walked in and saw beautiful lillies....I LOVE lillies...they are yellow hybrids. SO pretty! He also had 3 Willow Tree figurines, one of a man and woman, one of a taller girl (Gwen) angel, and one of a shorter lighter hair girl angel holding the hands of a little boy (Madison and Nicky). I've been wanting some of our family for a while now and it was perfect! I also got 2 best of Will Ferrell DVD's and a SNL collection DVD set! That rocks! I love me some SNL, they are the older ones too...my honey is so awesome. After he got a few hours of sleep we went over to Grandma Susans house for a BBQ and visiting. We had unexpected sprinkler time, hence the reason the boys are just wearing diapers. This is not my desired swim attire, but the kids had a lot of fun, so that was just fine! And thats a wet full diaper on the boys, theres not a load in there.

Since so many people question why there aren't any pictures of me ever in the bazillion pictures I take while we are out, I included one for once. Thats me in Ame's eye, can you see me? I'm squating (not homeless), you can see my legs and black shirt, and arms....kind of. Well, thats me!

Updated with pictures...here is my beautiful Mothers Day card Maddie made for me, she did such a great job, don't I look purty? I love the dress she put me in! I also put a shot of the figurines that I got, love em!

Altered Dimension

2008-05-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

I made this picture one night while I couldn't sleep. Doesn't it look like the boy in the mirror is jealous that his look alike is in color and he's trapped in black and white world?

Festival was a bust

2008-05-08T00:46:00.000-07:00

Yep, I don't know if it was because we got there too early, although it was 2 hours into it, it should have been decent, but there wasn't much going on. We walked up and down the waterfront and the kids were amused by the music coming out of the fake rocks. Went over to the bouncer, thought that they would both like that, Ame did, but Nicky wasn't going for it. I then struggled with him to put his shoes back on. Didn't want to jump, but wanted to walk around like a homeless with his shoes off. shrug. The 'petting zoo' consisted of some llamas that looked like they had a dose of chemo therapy and the kids were only allowed to touch the necks. The kids were not impressed. I got one pic of us walking over to the festival of Ame and Nicky holding hands, so cute. Anywho...we then went over to Grandma Susans for Ame's birthday party. Blew some bubbles, ate some grub and then moved on to cake and presents. Neither Ame or Nicky are very good sharers.

Nicky: Oooooo pressssents

Ame: Dos Ame's presents

Nicky: nuh uh...my present

Ame: NO, dem mine!

And repeat.

I expect the same thing to happen vice versa in two months at Nickys party. It was nice though, the kids over all had a good time. Sam was pleasant as always, such a cutie...always smiling!

Looking forward to the weekend

2008-05-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

We've got a couple things planned for this weekend. Looks like it will be just Nicky and I in the morning Saturday since Toby will have just got home from work and will be sleeping. He will be joining us for the birthday party later though. At ten we are going to the local Kids Festival and Kite Day down at the waterfront. During the spring through fall months, every first Saturday of the month, they have an event at the waterfront. This weekend they are having: petting zoo, face painting, pony rides, jump houses, jet ski demonstrations, arts & crafts and of course kite launching! We will only be able to stay a couple of hours, but we're getting there at the beginning, the weather is supposed to be beautiful and I just can't wait. I think I'm more excited than Nicky!

After the festival we are going to Ame's (Tobys niece) bday party, she is turning the big 4!!! Such a sweet girl, she's a tiny little thang, but her personality makes up for it. Miss Ame is very much into Dora, so we've got a few Dora things for her. Nicky saw the stuff and assumed that it was for him, he too loves Dora. Nicky and Ame are good buddies and they are so excited to see each other, both have been talking about each other are super excited about Saturday.

Sunday I'm sure we will be outside again, more than likely in the water. I will spare the pics, since they will be very similar I'm sure to last weekends.

Choo Choo

2008-05-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Looks like we will be going to see Thomas the train in a couple of weeks. Nicky isn't the hugest fan of Thomas, but he sure does love choo choo trains, so I think we'll have fun. I will of course take pictures to share. Wanted to post a link to the place where we are going in case you live in No. Cal and want to take one of your little ones to see Thomas and Friends!

http://www.sacramentorivertrain.com/thomas-body-08.html

Pretty Princess

2008-04-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

Shaunee is back and shared the pics of Madison from the trip to Disney. I just had to show off my angel. I love her so so much and am so happy she had a great time! Shaunee, we love you to pieces and this meant so much to us! Thanks babe! In case you're wondering who that handsome little lady killer is in the first pic, thats one of Shaunees little men, Dominic. Isn't he a sweet little fella? I could just eat him up!

So proud

2008-04-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of Gwen, such a smart girl! She must have got her smarts from her daddy *wink wink* She's been prepping for the California state test, we know she will do well. Maddie has been as well, well, the Florida state test...spoke to her today and I asked how it went, she said "oh, you know, really easy mom." LOL! We're so proud of our sweet girls, they are so wonderful AND smart!

Slip n Slidin!

2008-04-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

Not really, they are too messy, but the kids did have fun on the kiddie pool and in the sprinkler this weekend. The best shot I got of them together of course both of them weren't looking, oh well...maybe next time.

A face only a mother could love-famous cheese face

Alien Flower

2008-04-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

I was walking around the backyard this weekend and saw this crazy looking flower, I tried googling it, and I think its a passion flower. I didn't think it was real when I first saw it, we have a lot of debris that blows around in the wind and lands in our ivy, so I thought it was some fake flower or something, but nope, its real. Its really strange looking, I HAD to take a picture. Enjoy.

Cut my hair

2008-04-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Finally after almost a year I decided it was time to chop the mop. Call me lazy, but an hour to dry my hair was entirely too long. I wanted layers, but the last time I got layers, about 10 years ago, they messed up so bad, I chopped my hair super short because of it. I was trusting of the girl who did it and told her only to take a little off the longest and do some layers that I could work with. I am completely happy with what she did, a hairdresser who listens to you. Imagine that. So, the longest parts 4-5 inches or so and about 8-9 inches at the shorter parts. It doesn't look that much shorter, but it feels so much better, lighter and more body. She added the curls, my hair is stick straight. Dont mind the weird angles, its really hard taking pics of your own hair.

Before:

After:

Deep Thought #1

2008-04-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

I would like to have many deep thoughts, but I can't guarantee that. We'll start with #1 and go from there.

I was lying in bed the other night thinking of something that would be a GREAT post, but I did some research and found nada. My theory is, if you believe in reincarnation you just MIGHT be a dead celebrity. So I tried looking up the kids birthdays to see if any of them were born on any 'celebrities' birth dates. This sounded like such a cool idea, then I was going to compare their personalities to each person I found and see if any of them were a good match. Unfortunately I came up with nothing...can you believe it? No one 'famous' died on their birthdays, or at least that I could find. So I guess none of our kids are famous, at least not in the publics eye, but we think they're pretty mad wicked awesome.

So, if you want, look up your birthday along with something along the lines of celebrity death and see if you can find someone like you! If you do, post it in my comments, I'd be interested to see what you find!

Our Pad

2008-04-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Check it out, we moved in early March, we finally have at least half of our stuff unpacked. The garage is still cluttered (that first pic is the first day we were moving in), but we're getting to it.

Front of House

Living Room
Shelf o' stuff Kitchen
Nickys Room

Kiddies bathroom

Madison & Gwens room

Our room

I will spare you pics of our messy garage and laundry room. We love this house so much, it really was exactly what we were looking for.

Shhh

2008-04-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. Actually it wasn't today, it was technically yesterday since it is now 1am. Not much to report, but it was special. I worked on Candaces background, header and colors most of the night. Nicky and I watched SpongeBob after dinner before he headed off to bed, then he woke up and crawled into bed with me and rolled around, after about a half hour of that I couldn't stand it and put him back in his bed.

Then I stumbled across the discovery channel and Survivorman came on, which led me to my next thought. Which show is better, Survivorman or Man v. Wild? Well, I'll give you my answer, technically they are equal since they both have a trait that I can't stand about both of them, but if I HAD to pick, it would be Man v. Wild. I will explain. Survivorman...the guy who's on it bothers me. Its partially to do with his accent and mostly because of the way he talks. He's such bada$$, but he never swears. Unbelievable. Imagine this, he falls off a mountain (just an example) and breaks both arms and both legs, and says something to this effect: Oh poopy pants, what a shame. The situations he gets into, a "$hit" or "damn" has to escape his lips at least once. The only thing I don't like about Man v. Wild is they always play the same episodes over and over! I told you if I had to chose which one I pick best it would be Man v. Wild, and my reason is because he doesn't own Discovery Channel and can't pick which episodes they play, so its really not his fault. I tried to make a poll for this, but internet explorer is not working, or so it says. If it comes back up, take the poll, I must know.

Does not share well with others

2008-04-26T00:11:00.001-07:00

Good thing you don't have to put bad things on resumes...this would be on the top 10. Definitely not the top, but on the list. More specifically, I don't like to share drinks. Not because I'm greedy. Although I can be, its because I don't like the thought of someone backwashing in my drink. Because, well, you know...my backwash is ok. This thought came to me tonight when Nicky wanted to share my drink. Being my son, I winced and allowed him, all the while thinking about what he has had in his mouth today. I shuddered in disgust. A couple hours later, I went to pick up the drink and take a sip, couldn't do it. Nope.
This rule applies to everyone. Don't worry, I don't discriminate. Even though I swap spit with Toby on a daily basis, it still crosses my mind if we share a drink. For some reason if its out of a straw it doesn't bother me as much. Weird. Oh and if you even are standing over my drink and talk, I probably will toss it as well. I know how germs work, I can't see them, but they are there!

Sexy Mother Pucker

2008-04-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

Well the name alone drew me into this strange lip gloss, I expected SO much more out of it unfortunately. I don't particularly like glosses that have a strong scent to them, especially food scents. More specifically burnt coffee scent. Since there was no color label on it, I picked the one pictured above, I guess it would be 'mocha.' Although their lab workers really need to hone in on the actual smell of it. Because if they were targeting Starbucks, they got closer to day old 7-11 coffee.

Anyways, the concept of it is to obviously...make your lips juicier/plumper. I was not blessed with Angelia Jolie lips, not even close, so I thought this would be a great booster. Don't be deceived by the packaging, I didn't notice a bit of difference. The only thing that I did notice was the tingling it gives you. If you've ever had a cold sore, its THAT kind of tingling. Not exactly enjoyable, I wanted to instantly grab the closest cloth near me and wipe it off. Unfortunately I was wearing a shirt I liked and didn't think Nicky would appreciate it. So I left it on. If, even after you read this horrible review, you decide to purchase overpriced lip gloss...the tingling does stop after about 10 minutes.

Insomnia

2008-04-22T23:36:00.000-07:00

No, I am not referring to the novel. Although I did try to read that book once or twice, that book was HUGE! Supposively my sleep issues are partially due to my hormones, or lack thereof. Since I don't make my own anymore my body doesn't know what to do and the hormone replacements can take up to 3 months to fully kick in. This is completely not like me. I am the girl who could fall asleep anytime, anywhere. Completely not the case anymore, I lay in bed tossing and turning. Hopefully my body get in gear and do the right thing...I can't count any more sheep!

Sunday Fun

2008-04-22T22:37:00.000-07:00

We had a nice day this past Sunday, we went to Scandia, where Toby and the kids went racecar driving and we all went mini-golfing. This was Nickys first time mini-golfing, Mr. Independant didn't want anyone helping him out. He ended up waiting until we each finished our turn at each round and he would set the ball down about a foot away from the hole and scoot it in. He was quite pleased with himself and strutted around the course as though he was a big shot! I thought it was very cute! After we finished at Scandia we went to an old train that has been transformed into an antique mall. We were looking for some glass to add to our collection on our shelf in-between the living room and kitchen. Unfortunately we didn't find any that we (alright *I*, yes I'm picky) liked, but it was still enjoyable. After the long day out we all took a nap and woke up and had a cook out. Such a great day.

Miss Madison got to go to DISNEYWORLD with my sweet friend Shaunee and her family. I'm lucky to have such wonderful friends who do things like this. She was so excited the day before, I don't think she was able to sleep dreaming of Mickey Mouse and all the princesses that she adores! Shaunee kept me updated throughout the day and Madison was having such a great time! Shes not fond of rollercoasters or anything scary, so they kept to the tame rides and walking around looking at all the wonders of Disney. Afterwards they went shopping for a swimsuit and picky Madison carefully chose one that all would be happy with. They then cruised over to the hotel and had a blast swimming. Even the next day she was still talking about it. The effect Disney has over children, I was so happy that she could have a day out that she truly deserves! Thanks Shaunee you're the best!

Nickys signage

2008-04-22T22:31:00.001-07:00

I made this for Nicky trying to fit in with the 'pirate' theme. It didn't turn out exactly how I wanted/expected, but he seems to like it, so we're happy with that! This is his 'cheese' face in case you have never seen it. Actually his eyes are usually more squinty, but I prefer this to the other, I love seeing his smiley face! (After looking at this actually posted, its hard to distinguish what it says...on the top it says 'Captain' and on the bottom 'Nicholas')

Pretties

2008-04-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

The flowers are blooming and I'm loving the new flowers in our yard. We have about 10-15 rose bushes in the front that we weren't too pleased with, but had to keep in. After seeing them open up I am not as upset about them. In the back we have some other purple (no, I have no idea what they are actually called) flowers, that are so pretty! We've planted two tomato plants, there is a small strawberry patch and we will be planting pumpkins, sweet peas, green beans, peppers and some other random flowers soon enough. Can't wait to see how they all turn out!

Pray to the porcelain god

2008-04-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

Poor Toby caught the stomach flu from his nephew that came over the other day. He called me only about 4 or 5 hours into his shift and told me that he was on his way home. He had been throwing up and work was sending him home. Came home and slept for about 15 hours. Of course with continuous trips to the bathroom. I've never seen him so bad off before. Luckily today he looks a little more like himself and can move around. Nicky and I have avoided it, I sprayed the whole house down with Lysol as soon as he told me to once he suspected he caught little Sam's tummy bug.

Chatty Cathy

2008-04-17T22:44:00.001-07:00

I feel like I have so much to say today! By the way, I was deathly afraid of Chatty Cathy when I was a little girl, my mom had one that she saved and I had in my room. Ok, so maybe she didn't come with the butcher knife as I added above, but I sure felt as though there was something evil about her. And her hair was not as nicely groomed as this one, I think my mom might have been an aspiring beautician gone wrong. I thought she and her little buddy the ugly baby were going to crawl out of my closet at night and get me. It never happened, but I did ask my mom to kindly remove the ugly dolls from my room.

Spoke to Miss Madison today and I could jump for joy, she is a smart cookie! She made AB Honor Roll. I always have known that she was smart, but it just warms my heart that she has solid proof for herself that she is doing well. She was so proud to tell me that she made the honor roll and how well she has been doing. She explained to me how plants grow and a few weeks ago she was telling me about insects and the parts of their body. She has a wonderful memory, so I know she will do well the upcoming years and look forward to see what grabs her attention and what she decides to do. Whatever it is I know she will succeed and will change the world in one way or another. Just had to brag on my little smarty pants!

Am I Deaf?

2008-04-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

Apparently Nicky thinks I am, he will repeat what he is saying until I acknowledge it at least twice. I swear he was searching for my last nerve today and he nearly found it. But I can't help but love the little guy with his sweet smile and little gestures that show me how much he loves me. His manners are surely improving, he says please and thank you now almost always without prompting. When anyone sneezes he says Bless you and after you say thank you he responds with: welcome. If you don't say thank you, he will repeat it again and give you 'the eye.' HA!
Little man was jumping on the couch tonight, I took him off a couple of times and removed him from the area, and the one time I wasn't able to catch him while I was finishing up dinner, what happened? Yep, he fell off and bonked his head on the very cushy hardwood floors. Hmm...maybe there is a reason mom tells me not to jump on the couch?!? I wanted to say told you so, but I couldn't help but scoop him up and give him lovins. I asked him while we were eating dinner if we jump on the couch anymore, to which he replies: nope, no mo jumpin. Hee Hee.

Yummy

2008-04-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

Two nights in a row I have had the same thing. I could probably live off this...I had to tell the world. Or at least people who don't know about it. My best friend, Candace, introduced me to it...and it is DELIWISHES (as Nicky would say). I make a salad out of romaine hearts, chopped tomatoes, sunflower seeds, lightly salted tortilla strips (awesome new item I discovered) and over course the most important part - El Torito salad dressing. It is sort of strong so I put about a teaspoon of ranch dressing to calm it down a bit. I also thought maybe some black beans and corn would be good in it too, but I haven't tried that. Oh and avocados. Oh geez...I could go on and on, anyways, you HAVE to try this dressing...its SO good, but I'm sure VERY fattening.

Hi my name is Diane

2008-04-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

and I am addicted to ebay. I initially started a few years ago looking for a kitchen set for Madison, I bought so much stuff I *needed* and couldn't live without. I've had my lapses but have done really well the last year or so. That was until this week. I'm sorry to say I gave in, I bought about 4 items within about 3 days. Of course I need this stuff, so it's ok, right? I'm going to stop though, I figure window shopping is ok, but promise not to buy anything more for a while. I've made it through the first step, admitting to my problem - only 11 more to go.

Just call me Martha

2008-04-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

Stewart that is. I made the girls a painting each on canvas for their room. I wanted something with their names and considered hanging individual letters, but I wanted something more grown up for them. I tried to match each of their bedding, Gwen has polka dots and stripes in the colors similiar to the ones here and Madison has Hannah Montana, so I found the guitar fitting.

Tobys nephew came over today for a few hours, and I definitly feel confident with the decision of the hysterectomy. Not only am I beyond excited about the absence of pain, but I know for certain that I was done with children. I love being able to hand them back at the end of the day. Although I had fun with little Sam, I would be totally hairless having two children so close in age! I don't know how mothers do it, but I give them the utmost credit for keeping it together! We had a pretty lax day, went outside and played with bubbles and the boys played with the trucks and dumptrucks and enjoyed eachothers company.

Numero Uno

2008-04-15T22:16:00.001-07:00

Well, I've set up this blog nearly a year ago. Whoda thunk that partial bedrest would drive me to late night blogging!?! Let me start off by saying I'm a mom to 2 beautiful children and my boyfriend has a precious daughter as well that I would be proud to call my own. The oldest of our three is Gwen, she is currently 10 years old, then my sweet princess Madison who is 8 and Nicholas who is 2.

Gwen is one of the sweetest, most respectful child that I have ever met. Of course she has her moments, but I give her father the most credit for raising such a wonderful girl. Her interests include too many things to list, she has been on the basketball team, but her biggest passion is animals. One day she says she will be a veterinarian, I believe she will, she has the time and attention for that line of work

Madison is one of a kind...she has a fire inside her that no one can put out. She loves hard and expresses how she feels to the end. I know she got some of her passion from me, but there is a part of her that she found all on her own. She is completely honest, almost to a fault at times, ha! But we love every ounce of her and wouldn't change her for the world.

Nicky is the smallest of the three, but by far the strongest. He can be a sweet little cuddle bug and the next minute he's roaring and has the attitude of a bull. He loves pirates, I'd say with the strongest influence from Toby who is still a little boy at heart. He is a little behind other kids his age with his talking, but he's catching up and I tend to find his little errors very cute!

Last but not least is Toby, the man of my dreams. He is certainly the most supportive man I have met and continues to show me his love every day. Every single day without a beat he tells me how beautiful I am and how much he loves me. Even on the days that I look like the dead has been raised. He loves my children as though they were his own, especially Nicky. He gives him the love and attention that he deserves and desires. We are all truly lucky to have him in our lives and I am the luckiest woman to have him by my side.