Did ya miss me??

Sorry for the absence, I guess life happens when we least expect it.

Hope everyone's Easter was great and family-oriented. We had a nice day and the boys loved playing at their uncle's house all day. It felt good to get away and forget about the daily grind, even though the boys had to go back to school on Monday. What's up with that? We have always had the Monday after Easter off, except for this year. I really missed that. It's been so long that I think I actually forgot about blogging. Too many things going on that interrupt my daily life and keeping us very busy. Two boys in baseball is just about killing me. Different practices on different days in different locations now and then CCD two nights a week along with trying to fight this horrible situation going on in our small community. It is taking up all my time. I haven't done any billing in almost two weeks and it was spring break before that so I need to get off my ass and get some work done. Hopefully we are making progress with our campaign but who knows --- it is way too detailed and boring to go into right now. Needless to say we have personally met and became friends with all of our neighbors and over 85 people came to our meeting last week. In the midst of all this and the legal decisions we've all had to make, we made a unanimous decision to form a neighborhood/community association and try and revive some of the things the community voted on and did in the 50's, 60's and 70's. I think this could be a good thing if we decide to stay here, but Brent went and looked at four acres in Labelle and then me and Brent went and looked at two houses on Thursday when he was off work. He won't compromise on the land with acreage, so hell, for all I know we may be renting a beach cabin if we cannot stop this and have to move sooner than we planned. We already decided to not talk about building anymore until we know what's going to happen in our area. He is working so much overtime and with practices and games I'm going to be really busy and then he's scheduled to go to Atlanta, South Carolina and Colorado for training so that's going to be real fun -- being a married single mom again.

On a better note, Ian's first game was yesterday and he did really well. I was kind of nervous for him but that kid seems to take it all in stride. His coach was really impressed with him and so far he seems to really like it. Liam's first game is tomorrow night and I really want to go with him and Brent but we have a neighborhood meeting so one of us has to go to that to give our updates -- too much activity. Ian has practice too so I guess I really need to start relying on the crockpot and quick fix meals and doing some meal planning and casseroles (as much as Brent doesn't like them) because he'll be working and we usually bring him supper too. Geez Louise!! Anywho, haven't caught up on any of my blogs lately. Seem to be really disappointed in humanity lately and very critical of religions that condemn people, communities, or other religions. As a Catholic we have a set pattern to our mass and it leaves really no room for deviation except during the homily where the priest can try to make you understand the reading from the Gospel and how to incorporate God's words and wisdom into your everyday life. In all my years of being a Catholic, I have never heard a priest speak to the parishioners condemning other religions, people in the community, the community itself or for that matter, anyone outside of our religion. However, we witnessed first-hand a preacher (I guess he's supposed to be a man of God however he was far from it) condemn our community and told his congregation that because of our controversy and not wanting to help with his "vision" we would be sentenced to "Hell." Ummm, what you old, old freak???? I have never witnessed a man use the Bible for his own gain, to twist the words to accomodate his "vision", to use the Bible as an evil tool. It was ghastly, just disgusting. Because we (the whole community) do not agree with his "vision" in our small area, we will suffer and be sentenced to the pits of hell according to your Bible. I wanted sooo badly to go off but Brent said he's heard it millions of time. I just get so upset because as a strong, confident, intelligent woman, I would never let a man/preacher/priest tell my children which race, religion, community to condemn. I thought we were all equal in Christ's eyes. I thought that's how everyone feels. Whatever. I told my neighbors this church has some kind of hypnotic hold on its congregation. You know, now we just refer to him as "Jim Jones" and that the congregation "drank the punch." They were dying laughing when I made that inference but its really weird. Anyway, don't drink the jungle juice if you are offered any... we didn't and we were actually offered punch. My sister, Tricia, said "don't forget because you get all thirsty and parched and take the punch and drink it and then next thing you know you're missing." I laughed because I do forget easily and if I would have been thirsty at the time, hell who knows where I'd be right now! So, have a great week and enjoy this spring air. It's been beautiful here. Try and take time to enjoy the small stuff. I know I've been trying to do that lately even though all faith in humanity has just about diminished. It's really sad to see evil at work. Ciao!

New Song, Jimmy Buffett & Jealousy

OK, this is my new favorite song. Liam's adding it to his myspace since he likes it sooo much. It's just so happy and whimsical, carefree. It's about that time. Spring Break gave us a taste of it and now we're thirsty for the full, rich flavor of summertime. Liam cannot wait for school to get out. He loves it but he also loves doing whatever he wants and it's getting to that time where he's worn out. Between baseball, church and homework he has absolutely no time to do anything else during the week. We were at baseball from 4:15 to 7:20 last night. Two different locations now so it's back and forth although it's less than a mile apart. Brent's really into it so I'm just trying to be the supportive, doting wife and mother, although I feel like having a life. I could have been home doing stuff but he thinks they'll do better if each one of us is there to support them. OK.

Well, I've added a bunch of Brent's favorite songs. Of course there all by Jimmy Buffett and the second one on the playlist is A Pirate Looks at 40 which I find amusing because it's Brent's favorite song and he's looking at 40 this summer. Jimmy will be in Houston at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on April 21st so I'm going to try and get him some tickets. Trying to plan something really special for Brent for his big 4-0 birthday, although if it doesn't include the beach and a week of sun and beer, I'm sure he will not be interested. We were talking about it last night. It's hard to believe we've been together so long and good friends. He is my best friend. We argue but it's to the point that when we start arguing or I try to get mad at him or he tries to get mad at me, we just start laughing. I can hardly keep a straight face when I'm trying to get mad. I just look at him and my heart melts. Which leads me on to the next section. One of my songs I added is "Jealousy" by Natalie Merchant. Isn't jealousy one of the seven deadly sins?? Appropriate to the situation. Brent went to Lowe's the other day, I think it was Friday evening. And when the clerk gave him the receipt to sign she said (and I quote to make sure it's right) "Sign this and write your phone number on here for me. [Hahahaha Laugh Laugh Laugh]" He stares blankly. "Oh, I'm just kidding." So, he told me "I think she was trying to flirt with me" and I was like "you think? Duh." And I said "Am I going to have to get dressed and go down there and freak out on her little ass!" Of course he thought I was kidding but I wasn't. LOL. Yeah I was. No I wasn't. Anywho --- of course here comes the stream of questions. Who was she? What did she look like? Was she old or young? Anyway, this is the info he decided to share after 20 questions was over which only made me more pissed off inside. Um, OK, What was her remark supposed to mean?? FREAKs everywhere you go! To be so bold at such a young age. PLEEEZ! He was in a good mood which made it even worse. He couldn't even tell me with a straight face. I told him that was good because we all need a little ego boost every now and then. Then for the life of me I couldn't figure out why he would tell me. Men are so silly sometimes. But he will be pointing her out the next time we go to Lowe's. How 'bout those apples??

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Just wanted to say Happy St. Patty's Day to everyone and I hope this brings you Good Luck. Still looking for my pot o'gold and for the life I can't remember where I put it. Not much going on. Brent has training this week which is good because he gets two hour lunches and gets off early. I was shopping in Walmart and he was already home for lunch so needless to say he ate leftovers because by the time I made it home and unloaded, he'd already eaten. Finishing up on the Easter Bunny and getting all that taken care of. Still have a few things to pick up like a couple of movies and a Wii game for each of them (they cannot agree on one) to add to their baskets. Brent's cousins, that he hasn't seen in a while, stopped by while he was on his lunch break. They were on their way to eat lunch in town and so he got to catch up with them.

Got all the Easter goodies put away so now we have to dig out the Easter baskets from the plastic box marked "EASTER" out of the attic. Sounds easy but it's never that easy. They just sprayed up there and I am not going up there and touching anything so I have to wait for Brent to get it all down and then wash the box off. I just love their Easter baskets. Liam's basket is actually Brent's Easter basket from when he was a baby and used it every year so it's like OLD, but I still love it. Ian's basket is similar to Liam's, but I bought it his first Easter and he'll use it his whole life.

Brent's leaving for training in Atlanta in a week or two. Then right after that he has to go to Colorado. I think it's two weeks from now. Anyway, he'll be gone about a week or a little more I guess so I'll be playing married-single mom again. My, how I can't wait. Yee Haw. I know he needs/wants/has to to do this, but it's just that we miss him sooo much, and I guess he'll miss our class that week also. But I'll catch him up -- I just know he can't wait for that. LOL

We found a big ole snake in the garden yesterday. Brent tried to chase it down and kill it, to no avail. So, back in the house I went. I'll do anything outside until I see a really creepy bug or something slithering along the ground, then I'm outta there. NO WAY. So my claim that all the weeding would be done was short-lived. Tricia called last night about 11pm after we were in bed and we were talking and just cracking up. I was laughing soo hard it woke Brent up. I was trying to be quiet but the bed was shaking and I guess he was wondering what was going on, so he decided to wake up and find out. We were talking about the snake -- which lead to talking about bugs -- and then the LADYBUG. It seems Tricia found a ladybug in her house. Knowing she didn't want to kill the poor little ladybug, she got an envelope to scoot it onto to take it outside. She said all was well and she carried it outside on the envelope. Just as she was about to let it crawl off the envelope the ladybug's back opened up and these giant (her words, not mine!) GIANT, wings unfolded and it tried to attack her. It flew straight at her. She said she just let out a blood-curdling scream and took off running across her patio into the house. Her husband was in the house and could hear her screaming (yet did not even attempt to get up to see what it was). Whatever. Anywho, she said she was sooo freaked out about the ladybug because she didn't know they had wings. I just died laughing. Even I know that. And she was like "No, they have giant wings that are three times the size of their body." Duh. Well, whatever, at 11:00 last night I thought it was hilarious. Of course, if it would have been me I would have just squished it in the first place.

Pretty Clouds and the Hairy Testicle (a.k.a. Heritage Festival)

Hey, um, when you were a kid (or almost everyday still today) did you ever make shapes, animals, people, out of clouds? I used to do it all the time. Even now when I drive I get side-tracked and we just end up staring up at the clouds on a beautiful day with a blue sky to see what we can make out of the different configurations. I don't know, I guess sometimes I am an airhead, but that is what me and the boys do when we sit outside and talk on the weekends. We went outside to drink coffee on the porch this morning and it was beautiful, but a little chilly although right now it's about 80 degrees. Spring Break has worn me out. We went to the Heritage Festival every evening for a few hours to let Ian ride with his friends and some neighbors we met out there. Then last night I took our other neighbor with us and they rode for four hours. I mean, come on, how can you balk at leaving after we followed y'all around for four freaking hours??? So, Ian comes in with his little friend and they run to play a game on the Wii and Ian turns around and throws-up, no, chunks-up, all the freakin' crap he just ate at the festival. It seems that riding the mummy (or whatever you call it) 11 times in a row did him in. His friend Zak was just mortified watching Ian throw up all over my rug. Thank God the rug was there because if not, it would have been forever embedded in the carpet. So at 10:30 last night Brent takes the giant rug outside to hose off the chunks of nachos and caramel apple and popcorn so that we could shampoo it with the carpet cleaner. Thank God for that wonderful invention from Bissell!! We also went ahead and did the carpet just in case any spillage accidentally got on it. After it was all said and done, Ian had his third shower for the day, collapsed into bed, my house smelled wonderfully clean thanks to the fresh clean carpet and rug and my neighbor showed up right in the middle of all this to pick up her son. To say the least I was a little frazzled but only because the idea of throw-up lurking on my rug or carpet for hours or days makes me want to puke. We were both dry-heaving while trying to get everything clean and then Liam just chunked Ian's throw-up clothes next to the washer in the garage so I wake up this morning to Ivy lapping on his shirt when I opened the door to the garage. OK, so I know dogs are lovable animals and all that crapola, but shit, that's disgusting. See, I knew all animals were nasty. After all, they lick their own asses and eat regurgitated nachos but whatever Ivy does, I just ask she not do it in front of me. I lose all respect for her. So I guess just when I was actually started to pet her nose every now and then I'm back to petting her belly with my foot --she loves it, but the whole idea of her licking or touching my hand after she sucks on her poonanni and old throw-up -- EWWWW, that is freaking disgusting. So after collapsing on the couch we didn't go to bed till 1:30am and Ian woke me up about 8:30am asking when we're going back. I cannot believe he wants to go back and ride after that. Hell, I haven't even gotten over it yet and he's wanting to go back.

Liam's been living out there just about with his friends or I've been dropping them off everyday and I have all my friends who are working the booths keeping tabs on him. I'll call him and say "Why are you .... " to which he's like "how did you know?" and I was like "All eyes are on you buddy, I have little birdies everywhere and you don't know who's watching you so you better mind your manners and be respectful." Of course, we're just cracking up but I can guarantee you he's walked a straight line. My sister works at the post office which is at the beginning of the kiddie rides section so he knew he could go to the post office if he needed us but it's worked out really well. He gets to go and have fun and all the moms are keeping tabs on everybody's kids and calling each other with updates. He's at a friends birthday party and sleepover which started at noon today until noon tomorrow. I told the mom she's pretty brave keeping all those boys for 24 hours.

OK, going from blond highlights, brown and black base with red highlights too to just cinnamon brown. I guess it's a cross between a deep red and brown but I think the highlights and everything we do to my hair are starting to dry it out too much and I read on a site that highlights (heavy ones like I usually have) age you. I was YIKES SCOOB no way. If I in any way think something is making me look older, I have to change it, get beyond it, forge ahead. So, at least for the months of April and May I will try one color. I know, I know, it seems so boring and depressing but maybe, just maybe I'll once again be carded when I buy beer/wine. It's only been in the last six months or so that I haven't been asked for my license and I don't know if every liquor store/walmart clerk is conspiring against me but for the love of God would you please card me people!! See, Brent and I have this bet that I always get carded and he never does and I (in some sicko way) get a great deal of satisfaction out of that. I hardly ever buy beer/liquor (Brent does the deed) but when I do, please, please card me and you will be rewarded with heavenly riches. No, no, I digress but you will get a big ole fat THANK YOU from me!!

Ran across an envelop on the floorboard of my truck that contained, can you guess? Guess not. Our tax return. Seems that the amended return is not going to be electronically filed so all the time I've been waiting for this, it was in my car waiting on us to sign off on it and mail. Oh well, at least I found it before April. I guess God was looking out for me because any other time I wouldn't run across crap in there for months. I usually just gather it all up and stick it in a rubbermaid box I have in the back. But I just happened to glance in there and wonder what that was ... do you think they'll accept it with a baseball cleat print on the envelope. Hope so because that's what they're getting. I smudged it off as best I could.

Ian ran in the house a while ago with what looked like poison ivy/poison oak on both arms. I had never seen this before so I just washed it and then ran alcohol over it trying to stop it from itching. Well it's been about two hours and whatever we did worked because it's almost completely gone. Brent said he may have gotten into some bull nettle (sp??) which I've never heard of but I'm just glad it's almost gone. I was like no way buddy you are going to school on Monday! Brent's been off since Wednesday so we've been keeping busy and he's been completing little projects around here. Most of the time I think they just play around but the boys have been enjoying it. I cannot believe Easter is next weekend. I have to finish up everything as soon as the kids get back in school on Monday. Ian had baseball practice every day during spring break (whatever, I think that's crazy) but he didn't make it Thurs. or Friday because he had friends over and he wasn't willing to give up going to ride rides and eat junk for baseball. We probably should have made him go but it's spring break, hence the word "break." I really don't care but Brent does. He's been working with both of them everyday he's

been off and Ian's pitching has really improved.

I think we're going to see if Brent's mom and dad or Auntie Tricia wants to spend some quality time with Ian tonight so we can go do something fun. It's been ages since we went out by ourselves. The last time we got away from the boys my family met up with us so it's just not the same. We need some alone mommy/daddy time. Sometimes we drop off the kids and then come home without any specific plans and just spend time together doing whatever we want. Then again, sometimes we just go to Rao's and drink coffee or go get a margarita somewhere. We just want some away time. Maybe that's what we'll do tonight. Lord knows I have no intention on fighting the crowd at the Heritage Festival again tonight, or as the boys might say "Hairy Testicle." Quite inventive, eh?

Feeling Narcissistic....

OK, so time change has snuck up on us once again and I was really confused yesterday. First of all, the boys always wake us up early on the weekends, like clockwork. Usually by 7-7:30 (AM) our house is buzzing and moving and shaking. Well, yesterday I woke up and I could tell one of the little stinkers was up and playing xbox but the other was still sound asleep. I know this from the comfort of my bed because I could hear the game and silence, no fighting, so I knew whoever it was, he was alone or else there would have been screams and shrieks of "get out of my way," "stop shooting me," and "I'm gonna go wake THEM up!" So, I looked at the clock and it was 9:50 am. AMEN!!! They had learned after all this time, we're in much better moods when we're not awakened at the crack of dawn. Then it dawned on me "We didn't set the clocks ahead!" So, it was actually 10:50am. Almost 11 am. I haven't slept that late since Brent was out of town last summer and the boys were at my sisters!!! HEAVEN, Glorious Heaven! I was soooo happy. Then I realized yet again that half the day was already over. I have officially become an old person, yearning for that hour BEFORE the snots awaken to make the rest of my day hectic and nerve-racking. Then I said to myself "If he's not getting up, I'm not getting up." And I went back to sleep. Of course it was only for about 10-15 minutes but in the end I WON, I out-waited him. He got up first and had to deal with them which by this time were both up and yelling and fighting over the stupid game. He set them in their place and started the coffee. Once I could smell the sweetness of my buttered pecan coffee, the roasted aroma that filled my home with that inevitable smell that will get my ass out of bed, I knew then that I could face them, face the day. So I got up ... only to be asked ten minutes later who pissed in my cereal and that I needed to go back to bed because I was "in a mood." I was not in a MOOD, I was exhausted from sleeping sooo long. I find that if I sleep longer than 6-7 hours I'm usually more cranky that if I had slept 12 hours. Don't ask me why, it's just me. The day got better and I was actually pretty happy and playful. Thought there may be a few things you don't know about me yet since I'm so stand-off-ish and have nothing to say. (That's a joke.)

1. I have a hangnail on my wedding ring finger that is killing me. I actually think it's infected. I had fiberglass nails until about 3 weeks ago when I got the hair up my ass to rip almost all of them off -- it took me all weekend but I was determined to get them off because I just knew an infection was killing my otherwise healthy nails. But ... once they were all off, guess what? No infection so I totally ripped them off for no reason. So by Easter I'll be making another appointment. I think it's good to let them breathe for awhile and get healthy again. My sister has had nails for like 15 years and that totally grosses me out. She's had new sets and all that but for the last 15 freakin years she had had fake nails and a really bad nail infection where she had to soak her nail in pure Clorox for 5 minutes each 3 x a day. WTF?


2. Brent's been working a lot of overtime and that makes me happy. I miss him but getting out of debt is numero importante right now so that's his contribution. It makes the time we spend together and as a family that much better because we appreciate him and all that he does.


3. Other people coughing or blowing their nose or sneezing out in public makes me want to gag. I literally get a lump in my throat and my mouth starts watering like I'm fixing to throw up because I'm usually shorter than the person who is doing that and I can see all the germs flying out everywhere and where do they go --- down! Yup, right where I'm standing. I've been known to tuck my nose and mouth into my shirt if someone does that around me and I don't care how rude it looks. If I had a little white mask to wear like Michael Jackson, I probably would. Get this you asshole: COVER YOUR MOUTH, NOSE, ETC WHEN EXPELLING BODILY FLUIDS!!! That is just soooo nasty.


4. I have so much housework to do today to catch up from the weekend but since it's the first day of spring break the boys are going to play, relax and I'm going to enjoy that. No screaming about cleaning up and all that ... we're going to watch a movie in a bit and watch funny bunny scenes on the internet. Don't ask me what that is but Liam said they're funny and not nasty so Ian can watch too. Whatever I'll try anything.


5. I get in moods where I don't feel like talking. I mean really. I would rather sit here and type all day then move my mouth and utter a sound. I will not answer the phone somedays no matter who is calling, including my sweetie, just so I don't inadvertently start a major conversation. If he calls then I'll text him back or something like that. Or I'll work up the nerve to call back to see what he wanted. Some days... you know, somedays are just like that. I'll roll my eyes and move my children bodies and use hand gestures. I just get tired of always having to explain my actions, answers, etc. So when I've had enough, I get fed up -- I just shut up. I think I got that from my mom. She's not a talker at all. And then again somedays, usually after I've taken like 3-4 Jet Alerts or Excedrin (for the caffeine) I'll talk up a storm. A regular chatterbox. For Brent to say that I talk a lot, well if that ain't the pot calling the kettle ....?????? I can't remember! What does the pot call the kettle?? I think it's black, is that right? It doesn't sound right but it may be. Anywho, he talks a lot, everyday, so I guess I feel like I don't have to!


6. I have no idea what to cook tonight. I have a whole pack of chicken out and since I wasn't too sure about that I took out a roast last night to defrost. Now what do I do???


7. Ever since I went to the eye dr. Thursday and put in these new contacts, my left eye is smaller than the right eye. What the hell is up with that? I can't find my glasses that I LOVE, but somehow when I put in the new contact my eye just wants to close up over it.

Have a good day and remember:

If you can remember how many times you kissed your baby today, it wasn't enough!!

Spring Break & Giant Cupcakes

Spring Break is here! I am so excited ... no getting up early, no lunches to make, no clothes to fight about and no homework. We're going to relax this week, enjoy the Heritage Festival and have some down time. Cleaned out my pantry this afternoon and I threw out pudding packages and jello that expired in '05. I cannot believe I kept it this long. It was at the very back of the cabinet in a rubbermaid plastic container so I ended up throwing away everything that was in there, including gravy mixes and a lot of different microwave popcorn. I'm really bad about buying stuff and forgetting where I put it ... I forgot I had that box in the back anyway. Brent and the boys were outside all day because it was so beautiful and he's working on helping them pitch. Ian's coach told us he'd be pitching and how well he was at it and I was shocked ... it looks pretty bad to me ... I'd be afraid if I was the other kid on the other end of his pitches but whatever ... I guess they know more than I do. Liam is doing really well and his two coaches are really astonished at the fact that he's never played. He still says it's pretty boring because it's slow-paced compared to soccer, but he's adjusting. He said he cannot wait until soccer starts in August. Although Ian loves baseball, he's still more interested in riding dirt bikes, go-carts and four-wheelers than anything else. Brent and Liam practiced baseball for about three hours today and Ian rode on the back track the entire time. I was like "At $3.11 a gallon, he needs a new hobby!" I think that's when Brent realized it and said he never thought about it that way. I was just kidding but that kid can go through a tank of gas in no time and was wanting to cut the grass on the tractor when it got dark and he couldn't ride anymore. Little stinker!

Daylight Savings Time .... OK, what the hell is that all about? Why is it so early this year ... I think it's stupid. I like that it gets dark early and we get everything done and Ian's in bed by 8:30 -- I look forward to the evening ending without a fight to stay out longer because it's still daylight!!! Why are they always fucking with everything??

Read in the paper that gas is going to be pushing $5 a gallon. That is incredibly ridiculous. Whatever ... we'll just be home doing our own activities and swimming all summer. We were going to plan a trip to Disney for June but now that we're on our debt free plan we postponed it. I told Brent that if we don't stick to our guns then we'll be paying for cars and houses forever and I want to be done with all of that. We wanted to go to England but since everyone is coming in September for the wedding, I told him I'd rather wait and go later. That gives me a goal (besides being debt free) that we'll get to enjoy without feeling guilty. He's been working a lot of overtime so we opened another account for all the "extra" money like the overtime, income tax, automatic savings deductions, my business and things that come up like that, so that as we accrue the extra income, we'll be earning interest on that amount. We decided that if we don't put it away as soon as we get it, then we'd spend it if it was just sitting in the checking account. So now I'm glad he did, but it's really nice knowing that he is taking care of everything now and is showing an interest in our future.

The couple who is conducting our class said they did the same thing and were out of debt in a little over a year and they also paid off $32,000, not including their house. They are still working on it. We don't have half of that to pay off and so far it's been relatively easy, except for not buying up Target every time I go in there. I left the other day with only $91 worth of crap, whereas before it was always $150-$170 so Brent was proud of me.

Tricia's ring from the James Avery store: Isn't it adorable?

Speaking of Target, Tricia's coming over tomorrow and in the morning we're going to make her a giant cupcake cake for her birthday. I bought it at Target the other day and it is so freakin cute. The pan is the top and bottom of the cupcake and each part makes a whole cake mix, so it's like two cakes in one, then you use icing to get the top of the cupcake to stick to the bottom. So we're going to make it for her and surprise her. I took her out on Tuesday for her birthday to lunch and then we went to the new James Avery store. They have the neatest jewelry and crosses for your home. I was really good and didn't buy anything although I did pick out two cross necklaces for the boys for Easter. I really like them but I'm going to keep looking for a crucifix and chain for them. Tricia got the cutest butterfly ring for her birthday at James Avery and the wings on the butterfly stand up off of the ring. It is really cute and dainty on her hand but she wears a size 4 so it is pretty dainty anyway. We had fun. We laughed the entire time and I splurged and bought a new cookbook and some things for the boys' Easter baskets. You know, gotta keep that theme going. The baseball soap that I bought for them was seen in the car so now that's not going in their baskets -- I guess I'm weird but I don't even want Liam to expect certain things even though he doesn't believe in the Easter Bunny. And I want Ian to keep his imagination regarding the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy as long as possible -- there's sooo many years in the future to be disinterested, disheartened and discouraged -- I'd like for their childhoods to be just that ... a childhood. With that said I'm going to watch a movie with all my boys. Wishing safe flights and voyages for all my friends flying off to Disney, sailing off to Jamaica and Cozumel and driving to Florida for the spring break.

Woe Is Me?

Wow, I've been busy today. Went to the eye doctor this morning and guess what? My eyes are getting worse. I guess it could be getting old but I have some kind of rare shaped cornea so it's hard to fit the contacts on them and make them stay. We're trying a new brand/manufacturer so these should stay better. My eyes are still dilated so if this has a lot of typos, missing commas or extra spaces, just deal with it here 'cause I can't see a freakin' thing. Brent's getting off early and we have some errands to do and business to get settled. Been thinking about our will and guardians for the boys so I guess we're about to embark on that stage in our life. I just hope the people we want the boys to go to do not say no! How embarrassing would that be??? Nah, just kidding. Hey, whoever they go to will be well taken care of that's for sure. I guess we just need to get all of this in writing. As Brent approaches 40, I think he is more aware of the inevitable and needing things to be taken care of and sorted out. I guess it's growing up and maturing. He would not even talk about a will when Liam was younger and I wanted a friend to do it for us. So, now we just have to sit down and start deciding. Those are some major decisions, especially when money is involved. I just want the boys to be happy and in no way a financial strain on the guardians so I think it will all work out. We should be back in time for baseball practice but it is supposed to storm this afternoon so then we could just do something fun. Just one more day until spring break officially starts and I cannot wait.

We do not have class for the next two weeks so we'll be able to catch up on our homework. We sat down last night and did our two year plan and I'm really excited and pumped up now. I cannot believe how much money we could put away in those few years compared to how much we just blow on crapola. So our goal is to be completely debt free in less than 3 years, including the house, which isn't too bad. Then we can either sell our humble abode but he's leaning toward building in the back. Whatever -- as long as it's free and clear. It may be long and boring, but it will be well worth. Live like no one else now so you can live like no one later. That's our new motto. We even sat down and read the verses from the Bible regarding the biblical relationship a person has with money. It's really interesting how things have not really changed that much regarding people's notions towards money in the last 2000 years! At least it's a start for us toward our independent and debt free life.

Lots of News Today...

OK, so did everyone go vote?? Evidently it was a big deal here because in our county Barack Obama got 60% of the vote. Now that's a lot of the voting public and they had thousands show up for caucuses around the state, setting records. My sister "The REPUBLICAN" called to tell me she heard it was 49% to 49% and it was, but they also listed Jefferson County voting polls and it really surprising to me that 69% of the people voted for Barack. Not that I mind, as long as a Democrat gets the inevitable win we are heading for in November is my #1 concern.

Not every day, but some days I can be really funny and I said something the other night while we are eating (and I cannot for the life of me remember what it was) and Brent started choking and spitting. Funny thing was that I didn't even remember what I said after I said it. I haven't felt very funny lately, but evidently I can be at times. I was contemplating a "Marianism" that I said a long, long time ago this morning and thought I'd share. What is a "Marianism" you ask? Well, they are things that I do that I log into my book of Marianisms, such as why wash your sheets when you can just turn them inside out and go for another week or tw0? Now, chew on that for awhile! We were at a friend's house and Liam was about 5 months old and just beginning to crawl so he was on her bed crawling back and forth from me to her and laughing. She mentioned that she thought he was such a happy baby and I said "I kiss him all the time. All day long. If I can remember how many times I kissed him, then it wasn't enough!" We both just looked at each other with big tears in our eyes, because it was so true and she said "you're right." I'll never forget that day as long as I live. I actually said something from the heart on a whim and it meant a lot to me and to her. When she had her youngest child several years later I wrote it in a card I gave her and she told me not too long ago that she still has the card. So, eventually Brent and I shortened it to "If you can remember how many times you kissed your baby today, it wasn't enough" and that's where it has stayed for years. And the truth is that as they get older we don't say it as often as we should so take the time out today to kiss and hug your babies, no matter how old they are. 12 or 22 or 32, just call and tell them you're sending hugs and kisses their way. Brent's been working a lot lately so I have been spending a lot more time with the boys by myself and last night we all just snuggled and cuddled for about 20 minutes and talked and laughed and it was so relaxing. Even my 12 year old wanted me to tuck him in his bed "like Ian" because now he pretty much just does into his room and reads until he falls asleep. I guess that's how he relaxes before bed, which I usually do too, but now I like the idea of just chillin' with my boys and getting the low-down on the daily thoughts. I'll have to do that more often. Oh yeah, I think the one big thing is that they did not fight one time. Now that in itself is pretty amazing.

I miss Brent. He's been working sooooo much and being stressed out and I miss him -- the guy who makes me laugh all the time and talks to me all the time. I miss my friend. I cannot wait for Spring Break and some down time. The Heritage Festival should be fun this year and I hope, really hope, it doesn't rain so the boys can get their money's worth out of the $45 passes they bought for the rides, etc. I can't remember what the weather was like last year, but I know it was chilly a few days because I was holding everybody's jackets!

Don't forget to watch Supernannny tonight! Kadi Prescott and her family are going to be featured tonight. She has several blogs but the one I visit the most and enjoy reading is over at http://kadiprescott.blogspot.com/ . She's a mom to 7 kids. YUP, 7 little ones. OMG I can hardly handle two boys, much less 7! Yikes, I have no idea how my parents did it, but they did. Best thing is, I wouldn't have it any other way. I loved having lots of family around. To this day I hate sleeping by myself and only recently can enjoy staying home by myself. Too used to having to share everything -- 2 parents, 7 kids and 1 bathroom makes for a lot of closeness!!! I cannot wait to see it. How fun would that be? To have Supernanny in your home helping get your family back on track. I know a lot of people who need this so I'm never judgmental about the families they showcase. I think it's really cool and I think Kadi and her family will only see the benefits of opening up their lives and their home. Fantastic! Hell, I need Supernanny. Kind of getting tired of the tween back talk but I'll roll with it for now because I was the exact same. Although I'd love to talk to ABC about a new show "SuperMaid," and have someone come in and do all of my decluttering and deep cleaning. I would kiss the crack of her ass for that one! Not really, well maybe. I think it's exciting that a fellow blogger is making her debut on national television and I admire anyone who does it, even all the freaks they show on WifeSwap. Speaking of... tonight there is going to be a super freak on there who evidently has a giant plaster-of-paris ear. How grotesque!!! I can hardly stand to look at people's ears in general, much less a giant ear in a living room. Whatever. Freaks. Ciao Bella!

Hillary's Here!

Well, today is windy and stormy. Hillary is arriving at the airport around the corner from my house and conducting a rally. We drove over there yesterday and saw a lot of action going on ... which I don't think is normal for a Sunday afternoon at our little airport. Secret Service was doing perimeter in a blacked out SUV and the boys were just amazed by that and how she used to be the First Lady. Would love to go but I feel like shit and it's stormy and rainy. They said you had to be there early to catch a bus to the private hanger where the event is to take place. I thought you could just walk up and listen but no .... it's something all confusing and security checkpoints ... whatever. I'll probably see it better on our local news website this evening anyway. It's supposed to get cold this evening so I made the boys chicken and dumplins for supper. They LOVE it. I never thought they would but the last time I made it they both wanted some in their lunch the next day. I was pretty happy since they hardly ever want to eat the food I make once, much less twice. Last full week of school and practice and CCD/church before Spring Break. Brent's taking off for a couple of days so we're going to try and find something fun to do -- thought about Houston (still want to see Lucy). Liam's class is going to the museum and other activities in Houston in about two weeks so I need to find out first so we don't take him to the same place he'll be going to the next week -- the Children's Museum is great if you haven't been there. Ian absolutely loved it. I'm sure it will be a torrential thunderstorm in another hour when it's time to pick up my children so I guess I better get there early to get at the front of the line. As you all know I have nothing better to do than wait an extra thirty minutes just so my child doesn't get soaked waiting for me to pull up in line. I wish I could be one of those carefree mothers who just lets their kids get all wet and wait until the very end of the line then just pull through without waiting but I can't. I always think if he has to wait a long time he's sucking up all the benzene and carbon dioxide the fumes from the engines are putting off and then I have to get there early and I have to be at the front of the line. If not the very front, then fairly close. Am I crazy?

Want to know what pisses me off? Complacency. Oh, and if you have an opinion, just back it up. Ciao.

Hillary's Comin' To Town

I won't say I told you so, I'll type it. I Told You So ... Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is coming to town!

I told you she'd do it since Obama was here on Thursday and our primary is Tuesday, March 4th, she'll be at our regional airport on Monday which just happens to be around the corner from my humble abode so me and a few friends will be staking out our spot early to get a good glimpse and maybe be able to partake in the rally. Who knows? I may even go buy her book and let her sign it for me. I respect her as a powerful woman, but as President? Eh, I'm not there yet but then again anything is better than McCain. She'll be representing our country against countries where women aren't even allowed to look a man in the eye so I'm just a little worried about how they will respond and respect her in those circumstances -- just a mere eight months until the deciding factor and that's a lot of time to think about my vote and the impact it will have on me, my family and my children. MMM

The last few days have been busy with Brent working so much and having to shuttle kids from one practice to another to here and there and fit in feeding the little heathens somewhere in there and then collapsing at the end of very, very long days!

So, today was really busy too. Brent had to work overtime like he's been doing all week so we laid around and then bounced on over to the skating party for the cutest little girl who is an absolute doll! As we were leaving the party I ran into my neighbor who wanted Ian to stay and keep skating with her kids and then take him over to their house to play -- who was I to say no? After all, Liam and I were headed to Academy to get all new baseball gear. They are both doing really well and I love the part of picking out all the clothes and new cleats and little matching belts and practice clothes. Liam was like "it's just baseball pants" and I was like "but y'all look sooo cute in them I could just scream!" Anywho, we were in there for like two hours and Brent was home by the time we got home and Ian's still playing at my neighbors. It's kind of nice not listening to them fight all the time. Brent's taking them to the monster truck show tomorrow so I'm kind of excited about that. I'll have all afternoon to myself so me and Tricia are planning on Barnes & Noble and some much needed alone mommy time. Our classes are going great, but I still have not completed my homework from two weeks ago -- I'll squeak by again this week and then we won't meet for two weeks because of spring break and Easter so I'll catch up then. Who said procrastinators do not have PLANS! I have big plans -- to do it later. OK that was funny.

It was sooo beautiful today. It was about 74 degrees, sunny, warm, blue skies and everyone was getting along and Ian just came home and told me he got to play in the new sand pile the entire time. Give that kid a sand pile, some toys, a shovel and he'll stay busy until dark. Add in a dirt bike, ramps and a four-wheeler and you won't hear from him for days -- unless he gets hungry. Sooo temperamental and yet so easy to please.

Hop on over to Pioneer Woman Cooks to see her latest recipe. http://www.thepioneerwomancooks.com/

Going to try it tomorrow night for dessert so I guess I need to make a trip to the grocery store which has been few and far between this week that's for sure. Going to get back on schedule next week and it's our last full week of school and baseball before spring break. Yeah for me. Can't wait to sleep late. Ciao Bella!