One more thing I don't have time for....

BOY, Oh BOY!!

2005-08-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

I'm here! Sorry to leave you all hanging. Thanks for all your support too. My news last week was that I had gone in for an ultrasound and amnio. I am 21 weeks pg. and didn't want to tell anyone for the fear of what has happened in the past. I found out today all the tests come back negative. What a relief!!! I know that no matter we wouldn't have changed anything, however I like to be prepared. I need to be informed and I need to have my act together. BTW, we are having a boy. Mo informs me that the first name must have a R and G, the middle name must have begin with a L and both the first and middle name must equal 13 letters. Everyone understand that mathmatical equation....LOL SHe thinks it is a tradition, b/c it just so happens that Mo and B share R and G's in their first name, their middle names are L's and they do equal 13. However, it was all a coicidence. Now that I have to actually do this, it is HARD!! :D

My mind has been on the amnio results and with the hurrican victims this week. I heard tonight that my uncle's house is destroyed..underwater. :( I'm not too worried about his house, we just want to hear from him and my aunt. To all that have family in the areas...they are in my thoughts and prayers!!

Good Vibes Please

2005-08-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

I have an appt. today. Please send me good vibes, if possible. If all goes well then I will update. If it doesn't, well you know me I'm not much on posting bad stuff...don't want to bring people down.

Greetings....

2005-08-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome Home, Steph!! Congrats to Carrie on your engagement and sorry I missed you Stacie....my email was NOT working. Can't wait to catch up on all of your lives!!!

I am HOME!!!!

2005-08-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

Yes ladies, I am home!! Please forgive me for my absence. With B being older this year and without kidney problems (knock on wood) we had a wonderful time visiting friends and family. I was sad to leave. However, I did miss all of you! So, as I sit and munch on dark chocolate M&M's I'll update you of my time away. Oh, to my PNW friends if you read this before I get back on the email loop (Tim didn't set up the laptop for emails) I will be back real soon. I have an appt. in the morning and several other places to go.

First off upon my return home I needed a day of mental relaxtion. After 6 weeks of parenting alone (KUDOS to single parents) and a cramped airline flight I needed it. Why is it that people find me to be the one to tell their entire life story to? I don't mind it if I know you, but complete strangers?? If they are not babbling they are trying to exchange seats (I'm all for exchanging the same seat...aisle for aisle, center for center, BUT my aisle for your center...oh heck no!) and if I say NO they get all mad with me. Then you have people with their children who fall asleep with their heads in my lap. When did I become their mothers?? My own are with daddy a few rows away...let me enjoy my peace and quiet!!!

Next...Holy Heck when did my husband take his bachelorhood seriously? Our house is a pigsty. No wonder I'm hiding!

So, onto our adventure.....We arrived the weekend of July 4th. We went the Nationals baseball game on the 4th. What a patriotic day to spend in D.C. My dad went away a few days later to a car show to show his 41' Buick and won a 1st Gold Award....WOOHOO!! Tim left as well to go back home, only after attending a few more games of his favorite team. We visited my Gram every other day, visited family, spent days with my best friend and her children, swam and ate crabs!!! My uncle owns a catering/deli/seafood type eatery. Let's just say I got my fill of seafood. I LOVE steamed blue crabs with Old Bay seasoning. My dad filled my requests with having crabs every Friday night. We went to Amish country (Lancaster) which is an annual day trip. Have to get my sausage sandwich, birch beer and handmade raspberry ice cream. Also went to the beach and met my friend, Laurie. Morgan was so excited to see the Atlantic Ocean. Bridget's toe touched it and she was done. We spent time in Ocean City, Rheoboth Beach and the outlets. My dad paid for a shopping spree for Morgan. I tried to sneak the money and leave it behind, but he became insulted. Tim saw the clothes and laughed. I think the clothes are adorable. Morgan will look like she arrived from Cape Cod...argyle sweaters with matching hats, vests with buttoned-down shirts and plaid jumpers. However, she made sure to have every outfit have a piece of demin. Did I ever tell you that Mo LOVES denim? Hmmm, an idea for a layout....LOL Plus, can use MoBe' Jeans for it! We did have an unexpected death in the family. My grandmother took it harder as she is the last member of her family. I also helped my dad, the bachelor, by cleaning his house top to bottom. His house his clean (better than my husband, the "bachelor"), but needed a Spring Cleaning.

My Gram also is going downhill. She has been on dialysis for almost 9 years. Most patients are on for 5 years. Either a transplant happens or death. She has had one kidney for 40+ years and it is now failing. I am so glad I was there to spend the time with her. As you may not know she helped my dad raise me from when I was a small girl. My dad was given full custody during a time when dads never got full custody. I am forever grateful for all that she has given me and the sacrifices she made to raise me. Thank goodness I could spend the time with her. She loved the time with the girls, hearing them laugh and play around in her room.

I loved seeing B with my dad too. When Mo was this age she was always so timid to be around him. By the time our trip was halfway over she had started coming around. I think the 6 weeks help, plus she sees Morgan so relaxed around him. She just makes it known that she is there and tells him she IS sitting on his lap. I better tell you all that I was a doofus and never took a picture until 4 weeks in. I know...stupid, stupid, stupid, especially for a scrapbooker. However, I was picture-taking out after our Disney trip. I did take some photos with a layout in mind after I realized I was so behind. I'm thinking of a July calendar layout with pictures on every square of something we did with the journaling underneath. When it gets completed....I don't know...LOL

Let's see my girls are growing up. B has so much hair and the humidity just made those curls pop. I also found out that she knows Daddy's name is Tim. My name...well that would be "Babe", for the simple fact my dear hubby calls me Babe. She has Tim's sense of humor too. She fell and I asked if she was alright and she said "I lived" and went about her business....LOL Oh, her favorite song that we HAD to listen to was "La Ti Da", aka Brown Eyed Girl!! She and Morgan know the words by heart, along with Mo's favorite...."If you Say Nothing at All" by Allison Krauss.

I'm sure there is so much more to tell you, but it is all jumbled right now and my husband keeps interrupting me. He is packing up some orders to send to retailers. Once we have our website up and running we can begin selling wholesale AND retail. Our web designer has been working on it since June, so we hope it will be up at the same time as our new line. I need to do some retail shopping too. Watch out Sharon....once I can get my hands on some SB money I can go shopping. Can you believe I bought hardly anything on my trip back home with ALL those coupons? AND hardly went to Starbucks? Could be that it was not in a convenient location, but boy did I get my share of Sweet Tea...MMMMMM MMMMM

I will update you tomorrow with more!!! ((((HUGS))))))

Ideas for later, in case I forget with my old age.....my husband's 6 weeks and my Aunt "Crazy" Mary.

Where am I?

2005-06-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

Where am I? I have no clue. I am in a million and one places. We just got back from a vacation and wedding, cleaning my house, doing laundry and not only unpacking and getting my van detailed after a long car ride, but packing my bags again. Yes, I am leaving again. We just got back on the 19th and we are turning around and going to MD on the 2nd and not returning until the 13th of August. We were going to come back on the 21st, but I want to be back in time for the school BBQ so Mo can meet her teacher. Tim will be there for 6 days to see his beloved Expos...ooops Nationals and then heads home. So, my time has been washing the clothes that were worn on the last vacation and packing even more. For 6 weeks I will be visiting family, friends and getting Micheal's, ACMoore and Joanne coupons...WOOOHOOO!!! My dad gets two newspapers so I will be having 2 40-50% off coupons. I haven't bought supplies in awhile with our recent trips and airfares. However, I have no problems with buying one item at a discounted price. Plus, my dad will go shopping with me...LOL Needless to say my time is limited and I'm trying to not stress. Anyone else have plans for this summer?

So, if you haven't seen me anywhere or heard from me you know where I have been. I'd love to update more, since I have a lot to stay. Not only about our trip, but about that darn Tom Cruise interview on the Today Show. I caught that interview and that boy has my panties in a bunch. He is 100% idiot. Oh, and I would have loved to have bought a Team Aniston shirt while in the area last week....LOL I think Angelina Jolie and To Cruise should get married...LOL

Before I forget Steph you will be leaving for the States real soon (I remember seeing your ticker awhile back and noticing the timeline).....Good Luck, Safe Travels and hoping everything goes well for you!!! Welcome Home!!!

Frogs

2005-06-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

Well, let me just start out by saying that we were away visiting Disneyland and San Diego the past 10 days. Then we had a wedding to attend in which Mo was the flower girl. Upon our return Mo went to pick up her beloved Beta (named Alpha) from our neighbor. Her daughter informed Mo that he was eaten by their cat. Mo said she was fine, but they insisted on buying her a new one. They also offered her a tadpole too. Heaven help us, Mo, my tomboy, chose the tadpole.

Anyone seen this movie? Frogs, 1972 with Sam Elliot. I dislike frogs. Cute to look at at aquariums and such, but I don't want them in my house. The movie is about malevolent frogs proliferate at a country residence (care of imdb). Totally grossed me out. One of those B 70's movies.

We also have tree frogs around here, b/c of the creek nearby. So, not only do I have a tadpole in my house, but frogs croaking up a storm in my backyard.

I told Mo that she could have it, but SHE had to care for it. I think it is great for her to watch the transformation of this creature, but still I'm getting creeped out. I know for a fact she will only talk of her tadpole when school restarts and never mention Disneyland or all her other adventures.

I'm home!

2005-06-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone! I am home, but have to catch up on emails, pick up the dogs and unpack. We were away on vacation from June 9th to yesterday the 19th. I will promise to update shortly. ;)

Boobies, my Friends!

2005-06-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

Ever wander what your children will amount to when they grow up? It worries the dickens out of me.

I see Morgan who listens and hangs onto every word spoken to her. She knows the rules of our house. We had a talk this morning about how the she doesn't break any rules at school, but does at home. I told her I was going to be harder on her when she breaks the rules. Today, I'm on the phone with my dad (his 6oth b-day was yesterday and did not tell me he was going out of town..more worry!), then getting a glass of water and bringing the trash cans in. Guess Mo didn't hear me and when I walked into the living room there she is with her shoes on walking on the back of the couch. HELLO??? All I said was you can't watch Full House today. I asked do you understand why. She said yes and that was it...no temper tantrum, no argument. Only thing Morgan really does to irk anyone is talk A LOT. Not her fault though....parental curse. My father cursed me. I was a good kid that didn't get caught. ;) I did however talk and talk and talk. Tim says no wonder my dad doesn't talk and is quiet he could never get a word in edge wise. So, back to Morgan will she grow to resent being such a cautious child? Will she be a daredevil, b/c of it? Will she be like Tim's cousin and get a full ride to Stanford only to not graduate at the last minute to rebel?

Then we have Bridget...another parental curse, but this time Tim's fault. She has is wild nature and imagination. Morgan has the fear of God in her and Bridget laughs at the face of fear, either by climbing on things or by getting in trouble. Will she change or will she be our daughter that decides to take the hard path? You never know. You hope for the best, but things can change. A situation can change a person's attitude in a blink of an eye. I have too many friends or are dealing with that now. All I can do is show my support and love.

Some things that happened today....Bridget our only child breastfed is infactuated with "boobies". Morgan has no care about boobies. Is this because she was bottlefed? Bridget has to touch mine (and mind you she is weaned and weaned before she could talk) and tell them she loves them. As if they are not even a part of Momma. She says "HI, Boobies!", "Awwwww, boobies...my friends". She pats them and just can't get enough of her friends. I tell her to shoo and she laughs and runs away. Now will she be mad if she ends up flat chested? Will she want to have breast implants? Or will she have mammoth ones, b/c of her love for boobies??? Hmmmm I know I'm acting silly, but still you think of these things. Other things about B....she decided to create body art again with a lovely mustard yellow marker. Guess I should remember to take a picture this time. Not like the last time when we were about to leave for the Farmers Market. Everyone and their brother laughed at her and remembered the "good old days" of body art!!! Oh she surprised us by couting to 20. At Christmas she was saying the alphabet and counting to 10, now up to 20.

Morgan promised to never say "I hate you, mom". We heard a little boy in her class screaming at his mom and telling her how much he hated her and didn't want her for a mother. I think J is having a difficult time right now. He was the youngest of 3 boys. He was the youngest for 6 years and then the family had a surprise....a baby SISTER!!! He has a lot of feelings toward his mother right now. However, Morgan was shocked at his behavior and how is used the word hate. Wonder if she will remember her promise when she is 15?

Alright, time for Jeff Corwin. Will he be eating poop today or chaisng dangerous animals? Your guess is better than mine!

5 Questions for Sharon

2005-06-06T12:54:00.000-07:00

I love seeing all the answers!!!! :D Sharon can't wait to read yours!!

1. If you could meet anyone and ask them one question... who would it be and what would you ask?
2. What if... you had one more day to spend with your husband? How would you spend it? (If this is too personal, I totally understand and can think of another one)
3. Scrapbooking: Pick one manufacturer for paper, one manufacturer for embellishments, one manufacturer for adhesive and one manufacturer for cutting tools for the rest of your life. Who would they be?
4. You have one night on stage. Choose one: actor, singer or musician. What do you perform?
5. Tom Cruise? Alien? Yes or No? Your proof.

Bragging Rights

2005-06-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

I had nothing to say earlier this week and too much to say tonight.

Since I don't post about our business on MBs I just wanted to share with my friends about some information Gayle (friend and MoBe' designer) told me. Ali E. used our stamps AGAIN!!! They are on page 175 of the CK June issue. I was so excited. I thought I had not rec'd my issue, but indeed I had. I just had not had the time to read it. Even though none of my layouts will never appear in CK, at least the stamps do. Yes, I know I need to actually submit to be rejected, but I'm too much of a wuss...LOL

I'm inside and you are outside

2005-06-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

nanny nanny boo boo

Remember those days when y0ur "friends" in school would giggle and when you asked about what they would say "Inside Joke" and then add "I'm inside and you are outside". WTH? I hated it then and I hate it now. Again the MB whore that I am I see this everywhere. I go to a lot of boards and you see these type of things going on. Why as adults do we feel this must continue? Why not include everyone? Usually the thread will turn to tell everyone what it is about, but why make everyone wait so long? It seems if you want to laugh about the joke...why not have an email loop? The PNW ladies and I have an email loop (yes I'm not PNW, just W along with a couple other ladies). We talked about our trip between all 7 of us, however the 8th friend was unable to attend. :( We made sure to not disregard her feelings and talk about the weekend on and on and on. It would not be fair to anyone. So, again I search for a reason of why it is necessary to play such shenagains. Is it to prove a point? What type of point is it as children and adults? For children it is to make one feel lessor, make that one child feel inferior and not liked. Gosh, I can't believe I behaved like that to just be liked. I try so hard to not let Morgan behave that way, but you know sometime in her childhood it WILL happen. Hopefully, she will quickly learn. Right now I do tell her what children I like in her class and she listens. I shouldn't butt in, but some girls are very mean and downright rude trying to take control and leaving other children out.Even if Morgan is not being left out I tell her to not play with that girl. I explain why and try to get her to understand as best as possible. By the next week she is no longer speaking with that girl and has told her why. A lot of parents have come up and Tim and I and tell us how much they respect Morgan and that her personality shines. I really hope this continues and that she strives to make everyone feel equal.

I'm struggling a lot lately trying to figure things out. Why certain things happen, is there a real reason? My grandmother always said there is a reason for everything and I try to figure it out all the time. Even if I'm pulling teeth I have to find one positive thing. Right now the only positve thing I can think of is that my girls came home from grandma's and gave me the sloppiest kisses and tight hugs. :D

I'm also trying hard to not drink the Coke a Cola with Lime that Tim bought. I'm not a huge caffeine freak, but I did taste it and it tasted good.

"Put the lime in the Coke, you nut...."

5 Questions for Steph

2005-06-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

I know I need to actually blog. I haven't been in the mood lately. I actually like reading everyone's answers!! :D

Steph take your time with your answers and good luck with your move!!!

1. Punctuation: Essential or as long as you try to get the comma in the right place (so-to-speak), you are ok.
2. Hey, have you ever been boinking a guy and they sneeze in your face? Is that a turn off, or do you keep going? What if it's Ewan McGregor? ;)
3. In a new situation, who speaks first, you or the other person? Explain.
4. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
5. Which one is more important: Following your dreams or a steady, but guaranteed job?

5 Questions for Susan and Stacie

2005-06-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Alright, here are questions for Susan and Stacie. I tried to link to Stacie's blog, but for some reason I really suck at this. I did ctrl, shift and a and it never works. *rolling eyes* So, instead Susan, since you don't have a blog can post to in the comment section and Stacie you can post where ever you'd like. ;)

SUSAN:

1. What type of girls do you think Ryan and David will marry?
2. Cimbing the tallest mountain or sailing the widest sea?
3. Living in a time long, long ago or living in the future? Why?
4. What noise do you LOVE? What noise do you HATE?
5. Which TV character do you most identify with and why?

STACIE:
1. If you lived in a classic fairy tale which one would it be and why?
2. What are your 3 best qualities and 3 worst qualities?
3. If you could trade places with one person who would it be? and why?
4. If you could pick a theme song for the rest of your life which song do you chose and why?
5. Pick one (the one you pick will be remedied for good): Global Warming or World Hunger?

Questions: Sara and Apryl

2005-05-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ladies, let's get down to business....LOL As all of you have read in my previous entry I am going to give Sara and Apryl an interview "James Lipton" style. Ladies, please make sure to post your answers.

SARA:

1. Would you rather be buried up to your neck in sand or drop from an airplane with a solo parachute?
2. Would you rather live in North Dakota or Utah? Why?
3. You have the choice of living underwater or on the moon in a safe environment for one year. Which one do you pick?
4. If you could never be prosecuted or have moral issues which one crime would you commit?
5. If you were in the movie Ground Hog's Day. Which day of the year would you choose past, present or future to relive over and over?

APRYL:

1. If you could tell an expectant mother one thing, what would it be? Why?
2. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
3. What is your favorite curse word?
4. Pick one: Receiving (tax free) 20 million dollars or guaranteed excellent (disease free) health your entire life. Why?
5. What flavor are you and why?

Did you all see I posted links...WOOHOO!!! Now to figure out pictures. Can't wait to see your answers! :)

5 questions with James Lipton

2005-05-31T08:48:00.000-07:00

Do you watch Lames Lipton and Inside an Actors Studio? I love that show and occasionally am able to catch some episodes. My favorite has to be Robin Williams!! While reading CRAZYUS's blog (I really need to learn how to link inside my blog and put pictures up) she had an entry about 5 interview questions, like James Lipton. She emailed me my 5 questions, yet never got them. Sooooo, I'm going to pick 5 that she used to ask everyone and then answer. If you want to be interviewed say so in the comments and I will post your 5...you MUST post in your blog the answers! ;)

1. You are a superhero. Choose three superpowers, a costume and a theme song.
* Invisibility
* Elasticity
* Teleport

My costume would be http://www.marvel.com/appearances/rogue.htm
My theme song would be I'm Every Woman by Chaka Kahn

2. You have to give up one of these forever. Chose: Television or the Internet.
Television...with all the message boards existing you can read all about the TV shows on TV. Plus, when do I ever get to watch what I want to watch anyway?

3. If you could take over the mind of one celebrity for a week, who would it be and why?
Robert Downey Jr. "Dude, Just Say NO!"

4. If you could emigrate anywhere for one year...Where and Why? Belgium...CHOCOLATE...'nuff said! Plus, traveling to other countries in Europe is so easy to do. So, I can still go to all my favorites....Paris, Sicily, London, etc.

5. You don't have your children for one week, what do you do? sleep, sleep and oh yea, did I say SLEEP!!! Plus, shop in peace without 8 mutant arms appearing to take things off the shelf and wanting everything in sight.

EXHAUSTED

2005-05-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

Can anyone really be this truly tired? Most times that I'm this tired is after coming off an adrenline rush...traveling, staying up all night in the hospital with a friend in delivery, but last night I had no adrenline rush. Just a little bugger telling me she pooped when in reality she didn't. She wanted her diaper changed. For what? For nothing. It was dry as could be. I had to open her diaper up numerous times to show her it was really empty and that she tooted. Sorry, no publication toots in my house, just old-fashioned farts. ;) She stayed up from 3-5am. Every excuse in the book...hungry, thirsty and wanted to play.

The reason she was up at an ungodly hour was that she fell asleep at 7. We went miniature golfing yesterday and had lots of fun. She indeed played (her way) and walked the whole time. We didn't keep score, guess Tim wasn't up for being competitive. If you all don't know Tim and I are VERY competitive. So, competitive that when I was 8 months pregnant and for the first time beating Tim at golf he started playing head games and mocking me from afar. Of course I lost it on the last hole. However, I behave the same way. Anything to win. With others, I'm not sure if I behave that way and would be embarrassed, but with Tim it is a different story. Of course I pout if I lose and he acts like the game/event was not a care in the world when he loses so you look like a jackass when the other wins.

Watched Hell''s Kitchen last night. A kitchen competition to win a restaurant in Hollywood, CA. Of course another reality TV show I am addicted to. Seems like fun and I love his brashness. Of course I wouldn't be on that show with some guy telling me to "Fuck Off" and smearing food on my apron. They told everyone to prepare their favorite dish....would Top Ramen count? It airs on teh Fox station 9pm on Monday nights. I did see an ad for that OC show. I never got into that one. Have you seen that man's eyebrows? Peter Gallagher? Looks a bunch of caterpillars up there. Feet and Eyebrows gross me out. Normal appearing eyebrows are fine. It is the ones that look like caterpillars, monobrows, those ones with the hairs coming stright out at ya or men that pluck their brows or have them waxed. I used to play pool with "D" and he was a short man. I think he overcompensated for his shortness, by having a beauty regiment. His skin was gorgeous, hair done at the best salon and his eyebrows waxed. Better regiment then me. Every time I saw him I looked at those eyebrows. Which wasn't hard, b/c they were at my eye level. Here I was to be shooting pool and I kept staring at those perfectly waxed brows. Totally grossed me out, but like a train wreck I had to look.

I had fun this weekend reading lots of strangers' blogs. I really enjoy DOOCE and CRAZYUS. I read the ladies I know and comment to, but there is something about reading a stranger's blog. I guess when you read something that triggers something in you that is exactly how your family behaves and you realize you all aren't really crazy, makes you feel a whole lot better. I don't read much of scrapbookers' blogs. I have their links, but haven't really read theirs. I remember reading many years ago the "blog" Things my Girlfriend and I fight about. That was hilarious and for years I would read it. I hear rumors it may become a TV show. I'd rather read his blog.

Morning Ramblings

2005-05-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

I have been up for 3.5 hours. Tim got up at 5 to go golf and then B woke up at 6am with her usual "I HONgry". :) Right now she is screaming Mogan Lu. Morgan just woke up. She loves to sleep in. Once Morgan was up, B jumped out of my lap and ran to her so they could play. Of course B will be napping most likely in a hour or two.

I've been surfing Message Boards all morning. Yes, I'm a message board whore. I do not got to just one MB. Sorry, if I did that I would be clueless of some products, publication information (not for me, for my friends) and reading about the famous "ones". Just because I don't post at the different sites, doesn't mean I don't visit. I don't go everyday though, but today was my day. I did my normal LM sneak, but nothing much there. Off to 2 Peas. I actually signed in this time and looked at my BOS. You know I have never did the 100 Things I Love LO. I have always wanted to do one. I want to do one just to see how much I change. I found a post that I saved where I had written some things down as a jumpstart. Some things were the same...Morgan, Tim, Starbucks. The things that changed were that I have Bridget now and I no longer watch those shows on TLC....LOL I may have to start keeping a list:

1. Morgan and Bridget
2. Tim
3. Starbucks
4. Asparagus
5. Salmon
6. Chocolate Covered Pretzels
7. Scrapbooking
8. Muriel's Wedding
9. Shopaholic Series
10. Blogs (love reading my friends' blogs, but Waiter's Rant and ThreadBared are too funny)
11. Visiting Zoos
12. Gossip
13. The number 13 ;)
14. MoBe' Stamps!
15. EBAY

Going to stop for now and think of the others. I want to be more specific on Morgan, Bridget and Tim.

So, let me tell you about choc. covered pretzels. My BF growing up LOVED them. I'd get them for her every Christmas. Finally when I was like 20 I decided to actually taste one. After how many years? I just kept thinking what an odd snack. OMG, was it just devine after eating one. You can't eat a lot at one sitting, even though you want to. We used to get them at the Amish Market (The Green Dragon) in Lancaster, PA....handmade!!! On Friday, the family went to Costco to get two gig cards for our camera. $500 later (blame it on the gig cards..they are EXPENSIVE, so if you deduct those we would have spent our norm of $300). I saw a box of Take5. I asked Tim what type of candy bar they were since I see a lot of people mention them. I heard nothing, but choc. and pretzels. OMG, I have not had that in sooo long. He asks if we want to buy the box. I'm like no, we only need things we NEED, plus I don't need a whole box of candy bars. Not two steps later there it is .....a bag of Snyder's pretzels dipped in Hershey choc. I'm like it is a sign!!!! I grab the bag and throw it in the cart. It was only $3...less than a frapp, so I was good. I did not have a frapp yesterday to balance things out...LOL However, I have to say I have been getting the the Shaken Black Iced Tea Lemonade (unsweetened) lately. It has been so hot that it really hits the spot. A lot cheaper too. Tim had to laugh I told him a I had a Phil Micholson drink. He was like what? Then it hits me....Oh yea, I meant Jack Nicholson. He was like the actor? Now I'm confused. Jack Nichols? He laughs and says you are close....LOL Arnold Palmer....LOL Who cares, I said a golfer to begin with...LOL

Before I forget...have you read CK site and the HOF articles of when they were called. I have to say some of those made me cry. I am sure that those ladies that made me cry must have the best journaling on their layouts and deserve the win!!! Laurie N. would get an award for making me cry. Her journaling is the best. I hope to be her someday. I try some techniques that she has shared with me, however, she really puts all her feelings on the table. I hope to one day be able to do that .

I hope Tim is done golfing soon....I'm really craving a Phil Micholson! ;)

Plastic Protectors

2005-05-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Holly for introducing them to me. These things were originally made for layouts, but we are using them to store the unmounted stamps. We bought 3 boxes full taller than Mo. I have sold so many, but not before I got my hand on 15. I have all my stamps neatly stored in a 5 inch 3 ring binder. Holly and others are storing in baskets, but I can't go the cutesy way, b/c I have to save space. Maybe if I take over the spare bedroom I will have a cute room. So, back to the protectors. I admire them everyday. Such a neat way to flip through the pages and see your stamps and they NOT fall off. I'm so excited. And you can take the lid off and get stamps out without taking them out of the binder...even cooler. Yes, you think I am insane for getting excited over these babies, but I love them. I should post a picture of them. Holly has plenty and she needs a commission check...heehee. I know I could sell them for more, but shoot we discounted them so everyone could have them. I figured I want things to be inexpensive so should everyone else, right? Just more money to spend on SB goodies. Alright, I'll stop yapping about protectors now. Maybe Sara will talk about them next, since she got a box UPS'ed to her from her Vegas Husband...heehee

Check me out...I've been neglectful of my blog

2005-05-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you have all forgotten me, but that is alright. I would not blame you. I have been so busy. Working, planning vacations, which are coming up very shortly and doing a lot of school things. I have two volunteer days this week. My normal day and Thursday.

Since I have had a lot on my mind...let's do something fun. This is something I think about occasionally...the 5 People List. You all know it, if you watch Friends. You know the list where you pick 5 people to sleep with and your SO can't say a darn thing about it. Tim has a constant list. Me, well I'm always changing mine. Then of course after I change it I can't for the life of me remember who was on the list until I think about or am asked.

In order to not forget and in guess I have to delete anyone at anytime (which I am allowed to) I will put my list down for future reference.

1. Kevin Costner or George Clooney -oldies, but goodies
2. Ben Affleck or Matt Damon - if we were on a desserted island I could not have them both fighting over me since they are friends....so either or
3. Brad Pitt- no explanation
4. John Stamos - call me weird but I tell you I have had dreams about this man as a teenager and adult. I'd really like to run my fingers through his hair minus the hair gel.
5. Patrick Demspey-looks really good with age. In those 80's movies he wasn't eye candy

Of course if I needed an alternate for any reason it would be Mark Wahlberg aka Markey Mark...have you seen that chest???

So, who is on your list?

P.S. Remind me to tell you about my Seattle trip!! ;)

Happy Mother's Day!

2005-05-08T23:46:00.000-07:00

Tim took his mother to the baseball game. Not a big deal at all. I knew his favorite team was in town (then Montreal Expos, now Washington Nationals). Thank goodness we didn't all go, it was raining. They had two rain delays and extra innings. Only time I wished Tim was home was when Bridget was just being out of control. I never had this type of temper with Morgan. As Suzy said ""God plays mean tricks on us. He gives us a cooperative child first and then throws a curve ball at us with the next one." However, no matter how much of a rascal she is, I'm so proud to be her mother. No matter what a child does in their life you will always love them. You will never stop loving them, even when they make the biggest mistake in the world. My father never stopped loving me and my big mistakes were made as an adult. You would have thought I would have known better by then. Just remember all the grief they give you now will pay off, I bet you $100.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Creature of Habit

2005-05-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

I'm always telling people what a creature of habit Morgan is when it comes to eating. When she was 18 months old she faithfully ate oatmeal EVERY day. Then after a year and half passed we got a membership to Costco. Of course as soon as I buy the bulk supply, she stopped eating it. Right now she eats pancakes every day for breakfast and for lunch it is carrots or cantalope and a bottle of water or yogurt drink. EVERY DAY! We joke about it all the time, b/c we know exactly what she will order when we go out to restaurants (grilled cheese).

It wasn't until this past week that I realized I am a creature habit. No wonder she is one. I do love food and I can eat anything, but I get the same drink at Starbucks EVERY day, same sandwich at Subway and Togo's, same meal at McD's, same attire (jeans and tee) and same dessert from Cold Stone. I guess I can't tease Morgan anymore, b/c her mother is a creature of habit too!!

What is your "usual"?

Potty Talk - Bathroom Door: Open or Closed?

2005-05-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Soooooo, which do you prefer?

Growing up the door has always been shut. When I'd go over to my best friend's house (The Clarks) Linda and I would go into the bathroom together. Like for some reason 8 year olds can't stop the conversation for a potty break. We continue the habit for a long time. As college students if nobody was home we'd leave the bathroom door open to continue our conversation. The conversations would go something like this:

Linda: "So, what do I do about this guy?"
Me: "I don't know. I say drop him, he lives too far away. I have to go to the bathroom, keep talking".
Linda: "He is a nice guy, though."
Me: "WHAT? talk louder!"
Linda: "Dang, you stink!"
Me: 'So what, so do you! Now get back to the guy....what are you going to do?"

When I moved back home it was just my dad and I. He traveled a lot. He worked hard all week and would go away for the weekends. Being in a big house, I'd leave the door open. Kasey and Kramer would come in too. Small bathroom and dogs that were half basset hound. Not a good mix, but Kramer would nudge himself between the toilet and bathtub, just to have his bum rubbed. All you could see was this long body, because his head was behind the toilet. Eventually, I moved from home and would only leave the door open whenever my roommates were away. When Morgan was born I'd leave the door open so I could hear her and make sure she wasn't getting into anything.

Things started changing....I'd leave the door open to hold conversations with Tim. Tim was NOT comfortable with this. He said he was not a female friend and to not treat him like one. However, tell him that now 8 years later when he stands at the doorway telling me about his day or a phone conversation. Only time I won't talk to him with the door open is when it is THAT time of the month. Morgan even leaves the door open. She talks to everyone, takes toys in with her and even has a certain phrase to tell you she is going to the bathroom "Remember last time?". Once you say yes, I do remember (don't tease her and say no) she goes to the bathrooom. It can get irritating when you are in the middle of a phone conversation and your daughter is asking you "Remember last time? Guess which number?" I don't want to remember and shhhhhh I'm on the phone!!!!

The bathroom is our kitchen table. The place where we congregate and discuss the days' events. The dogs come in, Bridget comes in to point out that the shower curtain is open or a drawer is open. She is very particular that all doors and drawers be shut.

Yes, we are an odd family! I should point out in closing that Tim has his own bathroom. I will not share with him. He can have it to himself and I share with the girls. He does not talk to us when he is in his bathroom (He even shuts the bedroom door so you can't talk to him through the bathroom door).

I want my MTV! or is it Nick at Night?

2005-05-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

I've been watching MTV and have a few things that bug me. I LOVE MTV! I watch it all the time. Tim and I joke that we will be watching it in our 80's, if we live that long. At least we will be a hit with our grandchildren. So help me though if I catch one of my daughters doing something obnoxious on one of their shows. It is alright to watch other people's children on there, but not my own....LOL I watch just about everything on MTV. I have gone from watching videos as a teenager to watching all the reality and game shows as an adult.

One show in particular that has been bothering me lately is "I Want a Famous Face". The most recent episode really left a sour taste in my mouth. The guy wanted to look like Ricky Martin. His sister was having a hard time accepting his transformation. She brought up some valid points that I have been thinking of lately. The guy no longer looks like his family. Yes, he has some minute features, but he changed it all. Isn't that a slap in the face to your parents? I don't mind people getting lipo, or correcting disformities, but to change who you are and you look fine is something I cannot grasp. Is your self-esteem really going to change? Do you really need to pin your ears, get Ricky Martin's nose, get a chin implant, have your brows lifted and suck the fat out of your cheeks to be happy? The guy said he was going to ask his female friend out on a date once the surgery was over. She told him (without knowing his intentions) that he should never change his looks for someone else. He totally denied it, but what happens when she sees this show now? Well, long story short he didn't ask her out. WHY? She got a boyfriend while he was getting the surgery and recuperating...his loss. AND he says he isn't dating anyone. I wonder if it really was worth it in the long run for him? When they look back on people only a few are really happy.

On to Nick at Night...anyone else watch it? Can you believe my 6 y/o is watching the shows that I watched as a child? She LOVES Full House! I used to have a crush on Jesse, (John Stamos). I can remember having a dream about him. I dreamt he lived in my Uncle Jay's house and asked me to be in a movie with him...LOL I can remember all my dreams the next day and there are quite a few that I remember many years later. Just wish I could forget all the ones where I'm murdered.

I seem to have went off on a tangent...back to Nick at Night. Anyone else watch the old shows? I love watching The Cosby Show and receiving parental guidance. My favorite show is when Bill Cosby explains to Theo the matter of bills using Monopoly money. It was a favorite episode of my grandmother too. Then of course we have Roseanne, the dysfuntional family, that I always has something in common with each show. Don't forget Fresh Prince of Belair! What a hoot to see him be a singer, TV star and now big screen hunk. I am happy they have brought Murphy Brown back. Just wish they gave her back to back episodes. Why can't she have the full hour? Did Dan Quayle protest it?

So, yes you may think I am a 34 y/o freak that watches MTV, yet loves watching the old sitcoms. I do love some older ones, but that is another day.

Lists, Lists and More Lists

2005-05-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have so much to do. However, I am beat. I even had to take a nap after volunteering all day at Mo's school. We had an appraiser come today, because we are increasing our HELOC to pay off our 2nd mortgage. Tim and I have been cleaning this past week for her to arrive. The house was clean, just VERY cluttered. We all have those areas that are our "catch all" areas. If you don't have one, lucky you! I have more than enough to cover everyone that doesn't. There is one main one in the kitchen (top of the microwave) for coupons that come in the mail or ads that actually catch my eye and a list or two. Problem is I clean that pile 6 months after the coupons expire. Of course the top of the entertainment center is a biggie for small toys that Bridget (age 2) wants to possess and we have to confiscate. If there are not toys, there are many DVD boxes WITHOUT the DVDS. Then we have the desk. Pictures drawn by the girls, business papers, stamp fonts, layout sketches and lists. MANY, many lists!! We have other catch all locations and during our Spring Cleaning Extravaganza found many lists hidden in those piles too. My lists range from to-do lists, what to buy lists, ideas for redecorating the house, books to read, Summer activities with the girls, layout ideas, photography ideas...you name it I have a list for it. Of course, I need to delete those lists on my notepad on the computer too. I have some dated back to 2003. *rolling eyes*

Have you ever heard that song by Garth Brooks, "Unanswered Prayers"? It is about a man that prayed to God to have this girl back in high school. At a football game many years later his wife and him meet up with this "girl" again. He thanks God for not answering the prayer to have her in is life and his grateful for his wife. Well, I have my own version of that song..Unfinished Lists. I saw way too many lists go through my hands into the trash with ideas for sketches that were horrendous, scrapbook supplies to buy (ummm, must have been a trend then, because I have no desire to own them now and wonder if I was on a buying freeze, because I own everything else) and ideas for fixing up the house. Oh, let's not forget gift ideas for holiday giving. Where was that list last November?? I saved a few. Most likely I won't find them until I clean again, BUT I did read the list and somewhere in the back of my head on my mental list I have it noted.

I also have a habit of re-writing lists. Maybe to feel accomplished or that I'm so anal that I used the wrong color ink to cross off an item. Why I'm not anal when it comes to cleaning is beyond me. However, let me add that my scrapbooking area is spotless!! Maybe because this is where I pack stamp orders and scrapbook. I need the area orderly so that I can function. Not sure why the rest of the house isn't orderly though. When you figure it for me tell me!!

What is worse that I now have a list for my blog ideas! I've completely lost it. I couldnt' sleep last night (Bridget was coughing and I kept checking in on her) and my mind went on a travel of utter nonsense. I kept trying to remember them, so I could write about them. Since I never wrote those ideas down I should do it here. I mean it is for my blog and it is a reminder list.

*Nick at Night
*Mother-in-Law Issues
*Family Names
*Bathroom Door: Open or Closed?

Hmmmm, I better go...I have to finish today's list since I took a nap. I also have to remind myself to clean out the van tomorrow. Where is tomorrow's list? I think I fell asleep with it. I need to remember to not take the pen out of the van. It seems to disappear lately. Of course I need it to jot down reminders, ideas and things to do at stop lights.

Unleash your Emotions

2005-05-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

I just got an email from my best friend. A mutual friend of ours is 8 weeks pregnant. You think that is wonderful news. I feel a pang of guilt, resentment...wishing it was me. If you know me you know I have lost 3 babies. I am thankful and grateful for the two children and I have. I recently lost a child at 16 weeks back in February. No matter how much I want to get pregnant I have a lot of healing to do and feel I am on the road of recovery. I have spoken with both of my doctors (OB/GYN and GP) about my feelings and overall health. Both agree I'm healthy to try again.

I love my doctors! I wouldn't trade them for the world. They both have fantastic bedside manners and will do anything for their patients. My OB/GYN is very honest though. He is compassionate, but he tells you like it is and in layman terms. No beating around the bush. He asked me how I was after I had my D&E. I said sore, but doing well. He asked me the question again and I answered the same way. He told me to tell him my mental state. I told him I was sad, scared and feeling guilty. "Guilty?" he asked. "Why on Earth do you feel guilty? It isn't your fault!" "No, I'm guilty for feeling so sad when I have friends trying to conceive and adopt and I'm boo-hooing when I already have two healthy children!" , I told him. That is when he sat down and offered me words of wisdom. "Are you selfish, Pam?" he asked. "No, I don't think so." I said. "You have every right to feel the way you do. Unleash your emotions and feel the pain. Work through the pain and gather strength from it. If you feel guilty, because you think you did something wrong, feel it, but work through it and move onto the next emotion, because it isn't YOUR fault! If you feel guilty for being grateful to have children, don't be! We all have a pain that we have to deal with as individuals on this Earth. We have to suffer the pain, reconcile with it and move on. Try to understand what your friends are going through and be sensitive to their needs, but not make them feel lessor than you." he said. I told them that I didn't think they were inferior. "As long as you aren't selfish and boast that you have children, but appreciate them your friends will understand. However, you have every right to feel anger for babies being born and pregnant mothers existing, but don't let it consume you. Unleash that emotion...feel it and move on. Also, understand your friends who are trying to conceive have some of those feelings, but in a different expression. It could be that you have a child or that you can get pregnant. Does it mean they hate you? No, it just means they are unleashing their emotion and dealing with it. Deal with the pain Pam, of what you have experienced now and in the past. Your desire for more children exceeds the pain you may deal with if this happens again." he said. He was true, I do want more children and I am willing to go through it again.

My GP told me to listen to Morgan. Morgan is an angel is disguise. He listens to my Morgan stories and he said if I really listen to what she says and not just hear the words I will get some great advice. Can you imagine? Advice from a 6 year old. But it is true. As soon as Morgan found out each and every time we lost a child she was right there to hug me and said it is alright Mommy, "I love you!" She'd go on to tell me the baby is in heaven (even though we are not church goers, we do speak of God) and that you can just try again. It if happens it happens, but Daddy and I are here for you. Morgan has an old soul and she definitely unleashes her emotions. I hope she stays true to herself.

So, back to the email I received. My best friend didn't want to hide the fact that our friend was pregnant, so that is why she told me. Usually, my best friend and I never tell anyone we are pregnant, because she has experienced the same thing as me. However, sometimes having a close friend go through the experience with you and offer prayers and hold your hand along the way helps. I felt a bit angry that my friend was pregnant and I wasn't. I felt the pain and cried. Quickly those tears turned to tears of joy. My friend has been trying for 5 years to get pregnant and was able to get pregnant through IVF. I hope this pregnancy is a healthy one and all goes well. I don't wish her any harm and deeply want this to work. Yes, I did cry tears and I unleashed my emotions, but I reconciled with them and am now so very happy.

Retired Porn Star

2005-05-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Bare-chicka-bare-nare...wah wah...That is what I feel like this morning. Remember those velour sweatsuits people wore back in the 70's? I received one as a Christmas present in March. Needless to say I can't return it. Thank goodness it isn't purple or I'd feel like Violet from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. My normal attire of jeans and polo/tee are in the wash.

So, back to what I was saying. This velour sweatsuit in teal color reminds me of the 70's. Particulary the movie Boogie Nights with Mark Wahlberg. I feel like the retired overweight 70's porn star sitting at her table with her pack of Marlboro's and drinking a pot of coffee. Maybe a glass of scotch. Since breast implants were not big in the 70's my boobs are down to my knees, which isn't a lie my boobs are really down to my knees. I have to pick them up and roll them into my bra. Now for a name...the old test is to take your first pet's name and the street you lived on. My name would be Princess Delmar. Maybe if I was an exotic dancer, but doesn't sound like a good porn name. Maybe I should take the name of my other pet and another street name...Amber Pine. I think that sounds so much better. The girl with golden, feathered hair that gives all men a woody. Ooops, did I just say that? Wonder if my children will read this blog when I'm old and frail? At least they enjoy "petting the velour". Morgan even found a positive out of the situation...."It shows off the color of your eyes, Mom". At least someone is staring at my eyes with this thing on. Bare-chicka-bare-nare...wah wah...

Mocha Frappuccino WITH Valencia

2005-05-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

If you work at Starbucks or go there frequently you would know that I order my drinks incorrectly. Why, you may ask? Because they are idiots! I can say I want a Vente Mocha Valencia Frappuccino, but for some reason those initials MVF come out as Vanilla flavored or without any flavoring at all. One of the managers that put two and two together to figure out that the frazzled mom of two and the man wearing an old Expos jacket are married. Phil, the manager, asked Tim one day why he ordered the same drink EVERY day. Tim said "I don't drink this shit!" No really, I know he wanted to say that, but politely said he stops by on his way home to offer his wife a gift of manna. Miraculously it appears so he won't have to deal with a crazy, SAHM, with too many things going on. Maybe just then, he will be greeted with kindness if he has this refreshing "take all my troubles away" drink. So, as I steered off course with what I was saying (I normally do this....deal with it) I order my drinks incorrectly so that they make it right the first time. However, let's not even start that I want it DECAF.