The Miller Way...

Where Did It Go????

2010-08-24T05:08:00.000-04:00

You know I am talking about summer, right? It just flew by. School starts today for Elise & Jude. I just went so fast. It is like I took off running in May and I haven't stopped to rest. I am tired. On the first day of summer we went out for breakfast and made a to-do list for the summer. We really didn't do many of the things on the list. Here are some of the things we did do: made tye dye tshirts, swimming in a lake, went to the zoo, water balloon fight, reading program at the library, went to the movies, had a picnic, went to West Virginia, went to Tennessee....

The neighborhood boys have been coming over and playing with my kids. It is funny. They play the Wii or go in the basement and throw these balls at each other. Last week I took my kids to the neighborhood pool. Two of the other boys decided to go with us. I told them they had to behave if they walk in with me because then everyone would think they are with me and if they embarrass me I WILL embarrass them back. They just laughed.... They were pretty good. I did hear the one kid telling the life guard that I was his "guardian". I denied it. Jude is upset because I won't let him run around the neighborhood with them, without an adult. Hey, when you do the work I do...you tend to be a little over-protective.

Anyhoo....The day we got the school teacher list I was talking to the boys about which teacher they got (they are all 2nd graders). Jude told them who his teacher is & the one kid was like, "Oh man....you are soooo LUCKY. She lets you eat gum in her class AND you can even take it in the hall!" That cracked me up. I was thinking...I hope this lady doesn't give too much homework. I HATE homework. In another dimension - I am a homeschool Mom and my kids don't have "homework". Well, I guess it would all be homework but oh so different.

Last night Elise told me she does not want to go to Kindergarten. I hope she doesn't cry or anything. That would be bad. I didn't cry when Jude went to school and I probably won't cry today. You know what gets me??? When I am at school functions - like the first grade choir concert. All these sweet little voices singing and being silly....so carefree. So innocent. I can look at them and see them grow up right before my eyes. That is when I cry.

Thursday is Open House. Jake will be at work so I will be going alone. Well, as alone as you can be with three kids. When Jude was in kindergarten I realized there is a kid in his grade who's father I dated back in the day. For two years I have avoided all contact with the guy. This year the kid is in Jude's class. Can you say awkward? I don't know... I want to erase that I know his favorite movie is Top Gun. Honestly I barely knew the guy. I knew his friends and that is how I met him. The last time he asked me out he stood me up. That is probably why I feel so weird, you know? That is the ONLY time I was ever stood up. EVER.

Okay, one last thing. I have decided to join the PTA this year. I am not sayin' I will go to the meetings and all that but we'll see. Baby steps....

This One is Particularly Random....

2010-08-19T21:57:00.000-04:00

Particular
I called a client. She didn't answer her phone. She used to have an annoying ring back tone. I don't like those. I frequently complained about it to her. This time she had a very nice voice mail that said "Hello this is xxxxx. I can not get to the phone at this particular time so leave a message and I will call you back." I laughed. She told me she learned the word particular from me. Only if you just how much progress that really is....

Random
A couple of days ago Elise was playing and she said, "Mommy when we do that it is really random." Yes....my five year old said random.

Pilates
I've been doing pilates for 11 days now. I didn't want to do them today. I was tired. Yes....I get tired. Last night Elise and Avery were getting ready for bed. They were in the bedroom on the floor. I walked in and gave them a strange look because they were rolling on their backs. Elise looked at me and said "we are doing our pilates". Oh my.

Boobs
Avery has this thing with boobs lately. She wants 'em. Dear God...Help. She also wants to paint her nails everyday and get her ears pierced.

Naked Barbies
Avery has 3 barbies she carries around with her. They are naked. Why? Not sure why she won't leave them clothed. She had them in the basket of her tricycle the other day. It looked funny.

The Rooster & The Cat
A woman I work with lives on a farm. She told me a story that she had this rooster that always hung out with a barn cat they have. The rooster kept getting in the garden and pecking things and was getting annoying so.....her hubby took care of the rooster. Now that the rooster is gone, the cat is lonely. She has been coming around the house more. I think there is a statement somewhere about how different people can be companions.

The Crib
After writing my post about the crib I asked Jake if he read it. He said yes, it was funny. Funny!? My eyes shoot lasers at him. Okay...they didn't really but if I could have activated them well it wouldn't have been pretty. Yesterday I mentioned the crib. He told me to sell it. I said what about saving it to pass it down.... He said, "what size bed is your mom bringing here"? BTW...that is why I am cleaning the play room because it is going to be a "guest room". As I told him I realized DUH....the crib turns into a full sized bed and that is what they are bringing. So...I get to keep the crib for non baby purposes. I like that.

All is Quiet in the Miller Home....

2010-08-12T04:52:00.000-04:00

Because it is 4:30 A.M. and I am wide awake. I am pretty sure I will regret this later.

I love summer. BUT I was thinking yesterday, I need the winter to give me time to rest. During the summer, I don't stop - traveling, kid activities, the garden, the flowers..... Do I rest in the winter? I think so. Just a thought.

Work has been a little slow lately. That is good because I was off two weeks in July. I think it is starting to pick up. I prefer it to be busy. I think I do a better job when I have more clients. I don't know, maybe I just feel like I do a better job.

The kids go back to school in a couple of weeks. Elise will start kindergarden. Avery is starting preschool. Jude 2nd grade. All my babies are going to be in school. It is bittersweet.

Yesterday, I told Jake that I think we should sell the crib. He said OK. Honestly I wanted to have a discussion about it but he was cleaning off the desk and filing stuff and doing Jake stuff. I went back to getting ready for the day. I started thinking about it and then I convinced myself we should keep the crib. I went back and told Jake that I think we should keep the crib. He said OK. Grrrr.... My original reason for thinking about the crib was because it is in the playroom in the basement. My parents bought a "guest" bed for us and that is where I plan to put it. I need to figure out where to put the crib. When we took the crib down we didn't sell it because I planned to adopt. Notice I said - I. I think if I came home with another kid, Jake would be cool with that. (sounds crazy but you never know) But as far as planning and adopting - well it probably won't ever happen. I am okay with that. I've accepted it. I have my hands full as it is. Avery is becoming more independent and I am really enjoying that. No more diapers, diaper bags (oh thank God), potty seats, high chairs.... So, as I am thinking about the crib and where to put it I thought my original plan of keeping it for the next baby isn't necessary. So we should sell it. But it is a nice crib and we could keep it to pass on to one of our children. Is that dumb? So, if I keep it....where the heck am I going to put it? LOL - the vicious circle. Perhaps I should have just asked Jake for advice on where to store the crib until I make up my mind.

It is 4:45 and my alarm just went off. Time to do my pilates.....gotta go!

The Story of Steph....

2010-08-02T22:02:00.002-04:00

Last year, my friend Stephanie (Norris) and I decided we should write a book about the adventures we've had together. We haven't started it yet. I think it would be a good read. She and I met in the sixth grade. We lived in Vermilion, a smaller country town on Lake Erie. In our town there were three elementary schools that fed into two different middle schools. We me at Sailorway Middle School in Mr. Karolak's homeroom class. He was the funniest teacher. He had one of those mustache's that curled on the ends and he would do things like slam metal film cases together if a kid fell asleep during a movie. I remember the first day of sixth grade. It was a new building and all kinds of new kids...new to me anyways. Our desks were arranged in a double row, semi circle. Steph and I were in the same row. Funny how you remember stuff like that. Back then she went by the name Stephie. She went by that name up until high school.

Lunch time at Sailorway was typical of most middle school lunch rooms. We were able to pick our own seats. But when we were done eating we had to wipe off the table and sweep the floor surrounding our table. I can't remember how we would decided who got that job but I know it was one of the "new" and intimidating things about lunch. On the first day of lunch I sat with some friends I knew from Valley View - my elementary. There were a couple of girls from one of the other schools who sat with us too. Stephie walked by. One of the girls said, "She is so innocent. She doesn't even know what an o***** is." I thought....what the heck is an o*****? (I edited for some of my younger readers.) But I didn't say anything. Then another girl said, "She isn't allowed to say the word God. She says Golly." I said, "Really!? Gosh, that is crazy." Well, long story short, the next day I sat with her. For lunch that day we had these brownies or something with a thick layer of powdered sugar on top. One of the first things I ever did was take a big puff of air and blow the powdered sugar all over Stephie and the table. She was so mad. She took one look at me and told me I had to clean up the mess. Needless to say, I wiped the table and swept the floor that day.

It wasn't long before she and I realized our Grandparents lived one town over from each other in Tennessee. This was great. I can't remember if we knew it first of if we just ran into each other in Tennessee. I do recall shopping at this store (before Oneida even had a Walmart) and seeing Stephie there. That pretty much sealed our fate at friends. That meant when I was stuck in Tennessee, if Stephie was at her Grandmother's then we could call each other and even visit each other. I thought that was the coolest thing. We have been in Tennessee many times together as kids and as adults. In fact she was just there this weekend and she might be at my parent's house as we speak. But I digress.... We are most likely related since the area our parents are from is pretty small. Somehow our parents did not know each other but my Dad was involved in an accident with Stephie's Grandfather. Small world, isn't it.

Oh....I have lots of more interesting stories to tell. Maybe Stephanie can be a guest blogger and tell a few of her own.

Life....

2010-07-26T22:07:00.000-04:00

Life is short. I guess I've always known this but recently it has been a thought weighing heavily on me. Two weeks ago my father in law passed away in an accident. I know any of us could go at any time. I believe that and I don't shy away from even thinking about it. But when it happened the shock and grief of it was just....awful. His funeral was beautiful. People told many stories about him. There were hundreds of people there. It has caused me to pause and really think about life. I suppose that is part of the grieving process, for me anyways. Paul lived a full and adventurous life. I'd like to add a little more adventure into my own life. Don't we all need more adventure? Not just for a cheap thrill but for enrichment. I don't know...just something to think about.

Currently, I am in Tennessee. I like to visit here. I could definately live in the south but I know I couldn't live in Scott Co., TN. It is just so different. I could maybe live in Knoxville or on the outskirts. We've talked about moving to West Virginia. The conversation started before Jake's father died and now the talk has increased. I could see living there. It is close to stuff but man is it curvy. I like Ohio. And I like living in a neighborhood. We walk around and everyone knows us...stops and talks to us. I really enjoy that. But we don't have enough green space. I want a acre orchard (I have it planned out). I want a greenhouse. I want big gardens..... I want, I want, I want. Nice. Also, I hate slush. I don't mind the cold. And I don't care about the snow but I HATE when it melts and the snowplows throw all that grey/ black snow all over. There are no leaves and no sun. YUCK. Plus I am cold. Seriously. I don't even get hot until it is about 85 degrees. I told my Mom I could open a Farmers Market in Oneida and sell fresh veggies, homemade canned goods & good cheese. She said no one would shop there. Stupid Walmart. When I was in WV, I asked Steph & Linda if they wanted to open an Amish bakery. They said no thanks. LOL. I guess I am on my own. Just if I would get to work on that book. I think I am afraid to start. For now, I guess I will continue being a wife, mom and case worker. Those are three pretty cool jobs.

Tomorrow Avery (my baby girl) is going to be THREE. How did that happen. It seems like I just gave birth to her. She is such a big girl. Last week our normal babysitter was out of town so we had one of the teens from our church babysit (Jessica). She has younger brothers. Jessica and her mom took the kids and did a ton of stuff last week. One day Avery kept saying she was a "big girl" which sounds an awful lot like....Bagel. They started calling her Bagel. How cute. She is so ornery. But at the same time she can be oh so sweet. She loves to help me with everything. I'll post some pics later.

And for now....Goodnight.

Summer pics 7

2010-07-19T23:11:00.000-04:00

Summer Pics 6

2010-07-19T23:09:00.001-04:00

Summer Pics 5

2010-07-19T23:08:00.000-04:00

Summer Pics 4

2010-07-19T23:05:00.002-04:00

Summer pics 2

2010-07-19T23:03:00.000-04:00

Summer pics.

2010-07-19T22:59:00.000-04:00

A Video Update...

2010-06-03T20:53:00.000-04:00

"Hey Mrs. Miller, What Up?!"

2010-05-03T07:32:00.000-04:00

Last week I picked Jude up from school one day. Most of the kids in his class know me because I volunteer at the library once a week. I did last year too. There is this one little girl who is hysterical. The last time I saw her she said, "Mrs. Miller you haven't been here in FOR-EVER". I had missed one week due to my work schedule. LOL. FOR-EVER. So, I go to pick Jude up on Friday. I walked past her Mom's van. She said, "Hey Mrs. Miller, What Up!?" She's in first grade.

Life is just a full of stuff as always. Jake's schedule is changing as of today. He will be working the 12:30 - 9:00 shift. It is only temporary, until the end of July. It isn't ideal but it is going to work out okay. We've worked opposite shifts in the past. And it will be nice that the kids aren't with the babysitter so much. Not that there is anything wrong with the babysitter. It is just better for them to with one of us. And maybe we can get a few things done around the house.

Work is very busy. I have been working A LOT. Our agency did get a new contract with Children's Services for a different program. That is good news. I don't think it really effects me but it is good for the agency.

I am so happy the warm weather is here. I have been pulling weeds, thinning and rearranging my flower beds. I really enjoy that. I planted peas, lettuce, radishes and carrots a month ago and they are doing well. I also have some volunteer plants. I am not sure what type of squash is growing but something is spouting up. And I have a few green beans growing. Somehow they have survivied the frost we've had. I am planning a few days off mid May to spend in the garden.

I know it isn't anything exciting but at least it is an update....

Oh, one last thing - GO CAVS!!!

2010-04-13T22:32:00.001-04:00

2010-04-13T22:23:00.000-04:00

Library Time....

2010-02-23T22:56:00.002-05:00

I am a loyal patron of our local library. I love it there. Many of the librarians know me by my name. I like that. I usually go the library a couple of times a week. I read a lot - read to myself kind of reading. Plus, I read a lot to the kids - we have about a 10-20 book a week habit (as I like to call it). When I stayed at home with the kids, we attended story time. It was there that I learned the words and dance to Tooty Ta. I borrow books, CD's, movies....... I am a library addict. I am sure you get the point.

Because I am at the library so often I frequently run into people who I know at the library. In fact, I can't remember the last time I went there without seeing someone I knew. I like that, too. Last week I posted on Facebook about how I saw an old friend there but I didn't talk to her. I hid from her. Behind a stack of CD's. And then behind a computer monitor. I know - there must be something wrong with me.

Tonight I had to go to the grocery store, so I decided I should return my current batch of stuff to the library. When I got there I remembered I had made a "reading list" of kids books I wanted to check out for the kids. Again, I do realize this isn't normal but I've never claimed to be "normal". I forgot my list but remembered there was a list of the librarians favorite children's books on the library web site. So.....I went to the computer to search for the list. (I know this is long and detailed but I am getting to a point - so stay with me). As I am standing at my computer waiting for my info I saw this guy - well, young man (he looked around 18) walking to the computer across from me. He had a few piercings, skinny jeans and converse type shoes. He walked like it was taking every ounce of energy he could muster to just walk. He sat down. I couldn't help but look at him. He looked so distraught. I could feel his burden - if that even makes sense. After a minute I saw this woman walking straight for him. She may have been his mother. Or maybe the mother to one of his friends. She said something to him - maybe his name. He turned and he hugged her. Now this is where we are going to pause. If you don't know this about me - I am not a hugger. I've always thought it was because I just don't like being that physically close to other people. I don't want my boobs squishing up against other people and I just really don't like hugging. I get teased about it. But here is the thing. I think most hugging is just unnecessary. It is fake....."oh let me give you a hug". I mean really does a quick squish and back pat really mean anything? It is kinda like when you ask someone how they are and then you don't listen to the answer. The truth is I don't mind hugging when it is needed - when a friend is hurt or crying or even when a client is very upset. From now on I want everyone to take note - I don't hate hugging - just foo-foo hugging. So, I watched this odd pair embrace (yes, we are back in the library). It was not a superficial hug. He grabbed on to her like he needed someone - anyone even - the give him that physical embrace. I watched. I couldn't stop. He was gripping at her coat. It was so intense that I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I heard her say she tried to call him and that was it. I forced myself to walk away. I did see him when I was leaving the library. They were ahead of me in line. I was waiting as the woman disputed some late fee. He looked stressed. I wanted to hug him. Or cry for him. I asked him is she needed money for the fine. He said no. Okay. He probably thought I was some crazy lady - talking to him. I saw him smoking in the parking lot as I pulled away. I just wonder what he is going through. I wonder if he is okay. It is just strange how you can witness something and just know. Sometimes I wish we could know what is going on in other peoples lives - so we could help each other. Other times I think it is best we don't. I probably wouldn't sleep much at night.

And that was my trip to the library today.

Writers Block.....

2010-02-19T09:41:00.001-05:00

I keep getting comments about how I don't blog that much anymore. At first I denied it had anything to do with Facebook but it really does. I can jump on Facebook and type a one liner that pretty much sums up what I am doing or what is going on and them I am done. Also, I get instant gratification because people leave comments. I need validation. I like comments. People don't really comment on my blog. On top of all that - I just have writers block. I don't know what to write. I do so much writing at work, maybe I use up all my words!? Who knows. I feel like I don't have anything interesting to say. If I could write about work and all the crazy stuff that goes on there.....man - you just wouldn't believe it. Every single day something UNBELIVABLE happens. It is a good thing I have a sense of humor. If all that wasn't enough (whine, whine, whine.....I know) - this weather is KILLING me. I am so sick of the cold. I don't mind the snow so much but it hasn't been over freezing in a month. It is depressing.

And life is busy as always.....Jake and I are both working. Jake goes to school. The kids go to school. The dog....well, that is like having another kid. We go to church. We teach the youth group. Cook. Clean. Homework. Laundry. Shovel. Groceries. Wow.

I am still thinking about writing a book. I know I just need to sit down and start. Here are some ideas. Tell me what you think. And if you have any ideas blog posts tell me that too....

1. A book about a newly married, first time mom who gets dumped by her BFF and her search for a replacement. It will include quirky antics of being the outcast Mom for not caring about things like sending your kids to the best pre-preschool and tape on the walls.

2. A story about the dating-capades of a twenty something woman - who doesn't quite have it all together. It will include stories about falling down and farting on dates (or at a new year's eve party) and going on a blind date with a man she met by calling the wrong number.

3. Remember my series of blog posts called Ex-Men Monday/Tuesday. This book could be a collection of short stories about guys I dated in the past. I'd include more detail and change their names to something similar but not the same (ex. Ned instead of Ed, Anthony instead of Tony, Jerk Face instead of Mike - wait that might not work....). I'd call the book "You're so Vain, You Probably Think This Book Is About You". Of course I would get permission from Carly Simon first. I've probably put the most thought into this one but I don't know if I'd want my mother, father, pastor, children, youth group kids..... to read this. I'd have to really add a bunch of stuff so no one would know what was real and what was made up! LOL.

4. This one is a lot different than the others. A book about a woman that is driving to work and sees another woman climb to the ledge of a bridge and jump to her death. The story would be about how seeing that impacted her life and her search for answers about the dead woman's life & family. Last week someone I know did see a woman jump from the Y Bridge in Akron while he was on his way to work. His wife posted about it on Facebook and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. Crazy.

That is all I have for now.

Hugs & Kisses

2010-02-14T08:34:00.000-05:00

OMG....wait until you see the cutest Valentine's EVER! I hope everyone feels loved today!!!

We got a little snow.

2010-02-07T15:44:00.000-05:00

Aldi Experience....

2010-01-26T20:26:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned before that I like to shop at Aldi. I've found they have quality products and fantasticly low prices! I love that I can fill the shopping cart for less than $100 with healthy food! One thing about shopping there is you have to pay 25 cents to rent a shopping cart that you get back when you return it to the cart area. If you haven't been there you are probably wondering how they "rent" the carts out. They have a little chain system where the chain from one cart connects to the second cart and so on. In order to unhook a cart you have to insert a quarter. To get the quarter back you have to reconnect it. Hopefully that makes sense because I am going to tell you a story about me and the Aldi's shopping carts. Once I went there and someone had left a cart in the parking lot. That rarely happens since people want to get their quarter back and usually return it. I thought what a nice thing to happen to me.... It was a good day because that same day I thought I would treat myself to a Starbucks coffee. I went through the drive thru and it took a few minutes. When I got to the window they handed me my coffee and told me it was on them! So I was in a very good mood. Free coffee and a quarter to boot. Well, the next time I went to Aldi I went to get a cart, which was right by the other carts. In fact, it was in the cart stall but the chain wasn't connected. Again, I got a free cart & when I returned it, after my shopping, I got a quarter for returning it! Wow. Two times in a row. Well, if that wasn't exciting enough - the next time I went there was a man returning his cart, he told me I could take it. I tried to pay him my quarter and he told me to keep it. Now this is just crazy. Is everyone going to Aldi to pay it forward, or what???? So, a couple of weeks go by and I go back to Aldi. I have to pay for my cart. I really didn't expect to get another free cart. After I was done shopping and loaded everything in my car, I saw this man getting out of the car next to mine. He was an older Asian man. I said, "Here you can have my cart." I am thinking it is my turn to be the cart fairy. He said something in broken English and I waved him on (in my mind I was saying no - no, don't worry about the quarter). He shook his head and said (again in broken, yet pretty clear english) You are something else! I smiled. I was feeling pretty good. Until I saw him take the cart and leave it in the cart return area! He entered the store without the cart! OMG. That man thought I was telling him to take my cart back for me. He didn't understand I thought I was doing a nice thing by giving him my cart and my quarter! It all made sense...."you are something else". Well, someone got a free cart at Aldi that evening but it wasn't the man I gave it to! These kinds of things always seem to happen to me!!!

New Year....

2010-01-05T20:35:00.000-05:00

Maybe I will make a resolution to write more posts on my blog....LOL. If it goes anything like last years resolution (to avoid fast food joints)...well, don't expect that many posts. Ha!

I feel like I need to catch you up on all the craziness of the Miller clan. It is always a real ride, I'll tell ya. Jake started a job in November at Allstate - remember when I worked there? His first 5 weeks were training. It was nuts. Life was just a rush. It was quite an adjustment for me to get the kids ready for school and to deliver them to all the different places (Jude to his school, Elise to her school & Avery to the babysitters). Then work. Then back to pick Elise & Avery up at one babysitters and then Jude at a different house. Jake had classes in the evening. Wow. After the training, Jake's schedule changed and now he delivers and I pick up. He is done with school for a few more weeks. And we've had a babysitter change. Now we will have someone come to our home - which I am so excited about. It will make life a little easier.

Christmas came and went. I love Christmas so much but it really was stressful this year. I was worried about so many things....that all worked out in the end. Plus it didn't help that I crammed WAY TOO MUCH into my schedule....parties, events, baking and baskets.   Jennifer, Heather and I baked about 75 dozen cookies that we passed out to friends, family, clients, etc... The week before Christmas I sent an email to our Church members to donate items for baskets for my clients. I wanted to make 4 baskets - I ended up with enough stuff to make 9! I still have lightbulbs and paper items in my office! It was awesome! Christmas day was great. The kids really enjoyed all their gifts. My parents and my sisters family were all at our house. My Mom made enough food for an Army. It was fabulous. Jake bought me an MP3 player. I'll probably listen to Books more than anything, although I already have 3 GB of music on it.

We had a little excitement over the break. We discovered our transmission is going in the van and we need a new one. Really?!  Now???? Paul (FIL) found a transmission for about $1000 less than the transmission place was charging so he and Jake devised a plan that ended with Tim, Steph and their children stranded on Rt. 77 for three hours, in our van! Long story.....

Also, Willow - our dog, decided she likes chocolate chips - so much that she ate 3 lbs. of them. She ate enough to kill her.  She threw up a lot. Chocolate dog barf. Think about that one for a minute.  Let's just say she wasn't the only one barfing in the Miller home that night.

We went to the Looman's for New Years Eve. Bill, Sherry, Jake and I were playing Mad Gab when we heard Avery slip and fall upstairs. I ran up and found a river of water on the Looman's second floor. The kids were filling up plastic bins with water and spilled a few on the floor.  Right around that time water started leaking through the floor to the first floor ceiling - right were we were sitting. It looked like it was raining. This was all after Avery and Isaiah had locked themselves in Isaiah's room and ate all of Tyler's candy.  Never. A. Dull. Moment.

Never - Ever.

We haven't had Christmas with the Miller's yet. I know, we are such rebels. We are going there in a couple of weeks to have our Christmas celebration.  I probably will still wait until the day before to do my wrapping. LOL. It is more fun that way - that is what I tell myself.

I will try to blog more often. I am out of the habit. I will really, really try.

Video Christmas Card....

2009-12-28T10:32:00.001-05:00

2009-12-28T10:21:00.000-05:00

Well that was an experience....

2009-11-20T03:22:00.001-05:00

So, I just got home from the midnight showing of New Moon. It was CRAZY. Let me tell you. I took a teen girl from church (Jessica) with me. She ordered the tickets on line a few weeks ago - good thing, since all the theaters in our area were sold out by this morning. The particular theater we went to was in a close by "rich" town. The movie was showing in 6 of their theaters! They were all full of, you guessed it, mostly teen girls. At midnight. On a school night. Did I say crazy? We got there around 10:30ish and there was a huge line already. I had expected that. I did see a couple of mom type persons there but only a few. They started letting people in the theater around 11:15 P.M. We got in, found seats, went to the bathroom (we didn't want to miss any of the movie once it started): then the movie started. Yahoo. Let me begin by saying I am not a fan of the first Twilight movie. It is my opinion that books are always better than the movie but that movie was just horrible due to a combination of over dramatic acting and horrible makeup. They took gorgeous people and made them weird. (Just my opinion). If I hadn't watched this movie with a crowd of teen girls I probably would have been bored to tears or just annoyed. But....it was great. If you remember when I was all gaga over the books - Edward is the vampire. I loved him. I am so over it. He annoys me. He made me fickle with all his melodrama. He apparently did not have that effect on the teens. Hahahaha. When he was first on the screen I heard drool hit the floor. And the first time Jacob took off his shirt - there were gasps. I may have been one of them. Gross since he is a 17 year old. Seriously. Then there was the gigglies. The girls were laughing at everything. Edward kissed Bellla - giggle, giggle. Edward and Bella running through the forest - giggle giggle. Bella's dad says something corny - giggle, giggle. I laughed a lot. It was a good time.

So, here is my official review....It has been a while since I read the book so I don't really remember how it all went down but I am so sure the movie skipped most of the good stuff. If you watched the movie and read the books please tell me how New Moon left the Victoria story line in the book. They just dropped it in the movie. If you are not a big Twilight series fan I am pretty sure you will hate this movie because it is pretty bad. The actors are not good. The makeup is just freakish. There isn't really any development of the story. And the ending....It ended so abruptly. Again, there were gasps and shrieks of horror by the crowd. How could they???? Now we have to wait until June 30 to see what happens.... I'll be there. I wonder if you can order tickets already?

This is the line to get in. It is from my phone so it isn't that great - plus it was raining and dark.

This is the parking lot at 2:30 A.M., when we were leaving!

I wish I had the time....

2009-11-17T15:36:00.000-05:00

Oh life is full of stuff right now. Some day I will update you on many things...like how our van broke down, how Jake got a job, how the kids have a babysitter, about all of our crazy craziness. But right now I am too busy. In the mean time, check out the picture of Avery with her friend Angus!

What if....

2009-10-06T20:04:00.000-04:00

...this is the way it is supposed to be.

I started my day today down at the AMHA building. That stands for Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority. They are the people who own the project based homes and give out the section 8 vouchers. It is a crazy process to get into that housing. You have to go down at the crack of dawn and get in line. I took one of the women I work with and we got in line at 7:30 A.M. We waited until 8. That is when AMHA opens their doors. As they let the people in they everyone a ticket that has a number on it. My girl was #29. They only give out 30 tickets per day. That is just the beginning of the process. I won't bore you with the rest of the details. What I do want to tell you about is the people waiting in line. They were from all walks of life. I saw a college student reading a text book. I saw a family with three beautiful little girls. I saw all races and all ages. I have mixed feelings about all of it. While I was in line with the girl, another one of my girls called me. I told her where I was and she thought I was trying to get housing for myself. She laughed when I told her I was trying to move in next to her so I can borrow sugar and milk from her everyday (she always complains about her neighbors borrowing stuff from her lol). It was a silly misunderstanding and I did explain to her that I was with a client. BUT the entire time I was there I kept saying to myself....that could be my family.

I hate to keep feeling sorry for myself. I hate the emotional roller coaster. I hate getting my hopes up and then being let down. I just hate it.

I am reading this book about how to be happy. I didn't pick it out myself. It was sent to me by the author (well by her people) and they would like me to review it. I am in the middle of another Bible study but I decided I would read a chapter of the new book to get a feel for it. Well, so far what I have got out of it is we get sad when our reality doesn't meet our expectations. Ha. Many of our expectations come from what we feel we deserve. Like I have said many times....we are good people, we are nice, generous, friendly, helpful, loyal, fill in the blank... We go to church, pray, work with the youth, tythe..... Why can't we get what we want (currently that is a job for my hubby). I want him to get a job so we can maintain our lifestyle and possibly buy new stuff. LOL. It sounds ridiculous to even write that. Don't we deserve certain things? I am having a terrible time accepting we don't deserve anything and we are not owed anything. So far, that book has not helped in the happiness department. I guess I need to keep reading.

It did stir up some emotion for me (more like sorrow). I keep thinking God is going to bless us with a job for Jake. I just know in my heart he is going to get a job any day now. Even though he hasn't even had an interview for over a month. The truth of it is....maybe this is God's plan. Maybe this is how it is supposed to be.

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire....

2009-09-29T07:34:00.000-04:00

Yesterday while I was working I got a call from a friend. I was with a client so I couldn't take it. She left a message. I rarely listen to messages until they are a week old. I don't know why....bad habit, I guess. So, while I am driving to my next destination I call her back.

Here is how the conversation went:
Me: Hi!
Her: Thank God you called. I told a lie and it is eating me alive.
Me: Oookaaay. (wondering what could she have lied about, did she lie to her husband? Her Mom?)
Her: I lied to my boss. He called me about a big meeting today and I told him I couldn't be there because my Grandma died!
Me: Outburst of Laughter...You what!? Why would you do that?
Her: I don't know. I think something is wrong with me.
Me: Laughter again....Well....
Her: Seriously, I lied to my boss. It just slipped off my tongue and I just know I am going to get caught. I think I should call him and tell him I lied.
Me: You can't tell him you lied about that. If you must tell him the truth is you had severe digestive problems and were too embarrassed to tell him and the grandma thing just slipped out. (thinking....that still sounds bad.)
Her: Laughter. That would be more lying.
Me: Oh yeah.
Her: This is eating me alive. I already called and scheduled to feed the homeless for an entire day because I feel so bad about this.
Me: Laughter. That should be good for you. (thinking of the scene from Desperate Housewives when Gabby goes to the homeless shelter to see an old friend).
She: I told my husband and he thinks I am crazy. He yelled at me.
Me: So, why did you need the day off.
Her: I need a day to get organized and get control of my life.
Me: Don't you get personal days.
Her: Yes.
Me: What are you going to do if you Grandma dies next week?
Her: I don't know. Do I need to see a Therapist?
Me: Well, I think everyone lies sometimes. The difference is you feel guilty about it an many people don't. Some people even begin to believe their lies. (....if she starts shopping for black dresses tell her to seek help).
Her: What would you do if you lied to your boss.
Me: I don't know. I've never lied to my boss.
Her: Thanks. That just cut like a knife. I really am a bad person.
Me: No, I just have a VERY extremely flexible job and I don't have to lie when I need a day off...even if it was to stay and home and watch TV.
Her: Have you ever lied?
Me: Of course....then I had to think of a time I lied and confess it to her to help make her feel better.
Her: You should blog about this. Find out if other people lie and what they lie about.

So, what do you think? She is not a bad person. That is why I laughed when she told me. It was a bit surprising. And she is under a lot of stress. She needs to learn to say no. I've had to figure out what is important and learn to say No. I can't do everything. I turns me into something ugly.

Leave me a comment and tell me about the worst lie you ever told. Or a lie you told your boss. You can leave it as an anonymous comment if you want. And what do you think my friend should do. She does not have the kind of job you can just leave and go to the next place. She is pretty well known in her field. She is afraid this could ruin her reputation if it gets out. Does she have to confess to her boss?

Avery & Willow....

2009-09-26T08:49:00.000-04:00

This morning Willow was scratching on the kids doors and whining. She woke them up. After a little running around the dog was "dog tired". She tried to go back to sleep on the couch. Avery was not allowing that to happen. LOL.

My Blue Period....

2009-09-24T12:13:00.000-04:00

The famous artist Picasso had a few years where he painted everything in monochromatic colors (blue). It is said that he friend commit suicide and that is what set off the blue period and many have thought it was a time of depression for Picasso. They call it The Blue Period.

I think someday I will look back and think this is my blue period. It isn't that I am particularly depressed. This is just a very stressful time. Jake has been out of work for a year and a half. We are quickly approaching the end of his unemployment and nothing looks that promising. It is scary. I think I've been fairly positive throughtout this entire process. It has helped that I found my job right away and that I really enjoy what I do. And I have enjoyed having Jake around more. I love that while I am at work he is with the kids and they aren't with "an outside" person. I hate what loosing his job has done to his self-esteem. It is difficult to loose a job and even more difficult to not have another one after such a long time. He is going to school. That has been good for him. But the schedule is grueling. I get home and he leaves. I really really dislike that part. I also hate having limited money. We've talked about that before....

I know that God has a plan. That doesn't mean I am going to like it. I've also mentioned that a time or two. I will admit at times I feel downright angry about it. Then I feel guilty about feeling angry.

This is my Blue Period.

I work with people every day that honestly are only to be described as destitute. It should put things in perspective for me. I know I am blessed. It doesn't take the worry away.

We are starting to think outside the box as far as jobs. It is a distinct possibility we will have to move. It is almost devistating for me. I cry when I think about it.

This month has been so hard. Not only are we stressed about the impending loss of income but my digital camera died. I've been wanting a new one for a long time but NOW IS NOT THE TIME. Then on Sunday our desktop died. With pictures. Pictures we haven't backed up for months. Oh....and pictures we had backup to another hard drive that also crashed. Oh and there were other important things on there like financial stuff and resumes..... It is sickening. I don't dare ask 'what else could go wrong'. I am wiser than that.

So, if you are the praying type....keep us in your prayers. If you hear about any jobs...let us know. I will keep you updated.

Sunday Morning Pictures....

2009-09-20T09:11:00.000-04:00

Life is insane these days....Sorry I can't keep up. Here are some pics from this morning!

Here is Elise's new hair style.....

Shockingly short, I know. It was the best the pro's could do!

I haven't talked much about the dog lately. She is getting big - gaining about 2 lbs a week! We finally named her Willow. She is a good dog.

This morning Jake was reading to Elise & Willow.

I was making treats for church today...

Avery was eating the treats....

Then I really spoiled the kids with hot chocolate...

We are having a church picnic today & then I think we are going to relax. Do we remember how to do that?

Elise got a haircut.....

2009-09-15T17:34:00.000-04:00

There just aren't words for this.....

Avery got a haircut...

2009-09-14T19:22:00.001-04:00

Today Elise decided Avery needed a haircut. If you look closely the left side is significantly shorter than the right side. Oh, and check out the bang job. Yikes. Why oh why Elise???? I fixed what I could and it does look cute but I am so sad about the curls....

Christmas Shopping....

2009-09-09T17:10:00.000-04:00

How would you feel if I bought you a gift from a thrift store? Seriously? Before you answer: Jake and I are contemplating buying all our Christmas gifts at the thrift stores this year...for many reasons. #1. Financially it just makes sense. #2. It is good old fashion recycling. #3. I think it is fun....a game of sorts. We might not be able to get everything thrifting but I am pretty sure we will do very well. I already bought 2 sets of brand new looking board books for Avery & the cutest little Barbie dollhouse for Elise ($1.99 at The Salvation Army). It is in perfect condition but it is missing the accessories. I just looked it up on Amazon and new the item costs almost $140 - I am so excited! Today I stopped by Goodwill and found a fabulous gift for someone on my list (it may be you.....). It is actually something I was thinking about getting the person already but much MUCH better than I would have been able to afford from a new retailer. I am thrilled. I think by starting early I will be able to do this!

So...would you think less of the gift or the giver if you knew a gift was second-hand or inexpensive?

Has this ever happened to you???

2009-09-06T22:06:00.000-04:00

Today someone hijacked my blog and posted! If you saw the post titled Travelers....well it wasn't from me. It just had a link to it but I am highly annoyed. I changed my password. Hope this doesn't happen again!

House for Sale.....

2009-09-05T07:12:00.000-04:00

You should buy this house.

School Daze....

2009-08-31T21:38:00.005-04:00

We are trying to settle into the new school year.....Here are some cute pictures !

"Why are you still taking my picture???"

My big boy ready for school.....

Mommy & Jude....

Yes, that is Jude with the Pokemon bag....ugh!

Jude waiting in line!

Avery is ready for school - if she gets to play all day!

Elise has her own style!!!

Elise with her teacher, Miss Jamie.

Elise & Avery

Elise before school.

Elise going into her class.

Okay....so this isn't a school picture but it is a cute puppy & kids shot!

Bathing Suits....

2009-08-30T07:53:00.002-04:00

Every Friday morning I meet with a couple of ladies from Church at Panera Bread for coffee & a devotional. It has been really great. Honestly, at first I wasn't so sure about it but I really do enjoy the time. Often times we sit and just catch up about the weeks happenings and whatever craziness is going on in our lives. We are an unlikely group of friends.....quite a Motley Crew if you ask me. This week we all had to be somewhere pretty early so we were still chatting as we got our refills to go. I was telling them how I just bought a bathing suit for the first time in YEARS. I had made a Facebook update about it and there were several comments about how it was the end of summer and I wouldn't be using it. The truth is because I have a little extra "baggage" up top I can't just buy any bathing suit. I need one with built in equipment. The kind that Target doesn't sell. And it has not been our budget to spent $80-$90 on a bathing suit. So, kept the ill fitting one I've had for years and just didn't go swimming. LOL. Anyhoo...back to my story. I was telling the girls I bought a bathing suit from Lands End online. I did not try it on. I picked on out that I thought I would like and I bought it. I know....what woman does that? As we were talking bathing suit shopping, another woman: whom we have never met before, began telling us about her bathing suit woes and who she couldn't find one with an under wire to support her large chest. She said she went to Macy's and bought a Miraclesuit. She gave us a description and everything. After she left another woman gave me her thoughts on bathing suit shopping. She is not fond of it but said she was going to check out Land's End because I told her how I only paid $25 for a $90 bathing suit!!!! As I was walking out of Panera, I was thinking about how interesting it is that all women have an opinion about bathing suits. Strong enough opinions to discuss our boobs in public to strangers. I think it really comes from the dissatisfaction of our bodies. I don't think men think twice about putting on a bathing suit and taking off their shirts. But women....I don't know, I think for most of us it is difficult to expose ourselves. I don't know about you but I love the security of a loose pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. LOL. Well, in the end I did get my bathing suit and I like it as far as bathing suits go. I probably won't use it until next year...but next year I will be prepared! And I got a fabulous deal. BTW...the picture to the right is the bathing suit I bought. Yes, I got it in red. When I tried it on Jude looked at me and said, "you should have bought a black one"! Oh, my children know me so well. I just liked the red one so that is the one I got.

Now if I could just find a cheap cover up.........

Yesterday....Blueberries, Family, A Milestone, Puppy & A BIG Surprise!!!

2009-08-13T08:20:00.007-04:00

Yesterday we went blueberry picking. We drove an hour to go to this blueberry farm. It is nice. You can pick your own berries for $1 a quart. There wasn't even someone there monitoring - they used the honor system and even had their little cash drawer sitting out on the table. How refreshing. That could NEVER happen where I live. While we were there we ran into my Aunt Debbie & Aunt Jeannie. How strange to run into them so far away at such a random place. This is my Aunt Debbie. It was her second trip to the blueberry farm!

While we were picking blueberries, Nana pulled Jude's first tooth. It was funny because he thought she was just going to wiggle it and she pulled it. He didn't even notice at first because he walked away and then noticed it was gone. He acted like he was mad but he really wasn't.....

After the blueberry picking we had to go find a store to buy diapers because we didn't bring any. That is The Miller Way. Then we went out to eat. When we got home that evening this is what was on the porch!!!!!!!

My cousin, Jason (some of you remember him because he used to have a blog...he's the prison guard), read my blog about the stray puppy, the Wii fund and all that. He had a Wii that he bought but "wasn't really that into it" & he decided he wanted to give it to my kids. I just can't even believe it. The kids were so excited they were jumping up and down! It has been a big week for the Miller family. Some people might not think this is a very big deal but it is almost overwhelming to me. I am feeling very blessed this week. Thank you Jason & Thank you to the mean person that left the little puppy for us!

Here are some more pictures of the puppy and other vacation events.....

This is from earlier this week, when we went fishing....

I asked my Mom to take a picture of Jake and I together. We aren't capable of taking a serious picture.....

The Dog....

2009-08-11T07:20:00.002-04:00

Yesterday on Facebook I left a comment that we had to take our dog to the vet...everyone said the same thing..."You have a dog?" I promised a story and here it is.

Sunday we went to Big South Fork National Park. It was a great day. We did a little hiking, a little geocaching, a lot of nature seeing & we stopped at the visitors center and did a little chatting. It was really nice. BTW...the ranger asked where we were from. I told her NE Ohio. She said, "oh, ya'll had a little bear incident up there." I laughed. She asked if I got to see the bear (lol) but I told her I didn't. In fact, they have all kinds of bears here and I haven't seen ONE. Anyways...we went back to my parents house, ate dinner & goofed around a bit. I started looking on line at the geneology website for the area my family is from. They have it set up with a list of all the cemetaries and volunteers have scribed what is on every tombstone in each cemetary (well they aren't all done). There is a format for photos to be added. I was so excited but most of them don't have the photos. So....I loaded up a grumbling husband and tired kids to head to the closest cemetary to take pictures. It is very close to my parent's house. This is a picture of it:

It was very buggy out so we didn't stay long and decided to go back to the house. My parents live on a very country road. We always see interesting things on the road (turtles, snakes, rabbits, one time a fox, etc...). I tend to be on the lookout when we are driving for random vermon. Well, we were driving along and I saw this little puppy. Jake stopped and it looked scared. I tried to talk to it but it wouldn't come to me. It was by this overgrown driveway and we weren't sure if anyone still lived there. We decided to leave the puppy and go back to my parents. Later when they got home from church we asked them if anyone lived there and they said no. We told them about the puppy and explained that we thought somone dumped it off. It was almost getting dark at his point. We didn't have a leash or much dog stuff. My parents did have a dog (RIP) so they had a little food and a few items. But we didn't know what we were goint to do with this dog if we even caught the thing. So, we get in the car and go on a dog hunt. It was exactly where we left it. It was very timid but let Jake pick her right up. She was very scared and weak. We are pretty sure she had been out there for at least a couple days. You can see how skinny she is in this photo:

We gave her a bath because she is covered in ticks and fleas. I think the bath really helped with the fleas but she had about 20 ticks insided her ears. I picked them all out. And she has them all over her. And she has literally thousands of little tiny "seed ticks" all over her. Hundreds on her ears, legs, belly.... all over. We decided we didn't need to tie her up or anything. The first night after picking off ticks and bathing her I took off my clothes and hung them on the back porch. The next morning my Dad went out to the barn and she wasn't there. He thought she ran off but later he found her laying on the back porch by my clothing. Awwwwwww......Look how sweet she is:

I don't even like dogs....really.

But isn't she so cute?

So, Jake took her to the vet yesterday but they couldn't get her in so she is going back today. We have to find out if she is healthy enough to keep. We put some flea & tick stuff on her and instantly she started feeling better. She barked at my Dad and was chasing me a little. She really likes the kids. And of course the kids LOVE her. I think I told you before but in case I didn't.....my kids have been saving for a Wii. When we started approaching the $200 mark they decided it was a dog fund. I have been reluctant. This dog is not free - the vet bill and a kennel will surely eat up the Wii fund but she really is a rescue dog.

She doesn't have a name yet. Here are the choices.....

1. Willow (my idea)

2. Sunshine or Sunny (Elise's idea)

3. Cricket (my Dad's idea and Jude's favorite)

So, that is it....my dog story.

The Black Bear Saga continues.....

2009-08-02T08:44:00.002-04:00

Here in Northeast Ohio we have a little Black Bear Drama going on. Last week a black bear was spotting near the main campus of Kent State University (my alma mater). Apparently it was rummaging through the trash behind Bob Evans on July 26th. That isn't really that close to the main campus but rumor has it some students attempted to feed it. Higher education paying off! My office is in Kent, right by the river. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the bear myself....until I looked at pictures of black bears! Yikes. They are HUGE. Well, the bear has stayed in the local news all week. Yesterday it was reported that it was in Streetsboro and was attempting to claw it's way into a house.

The authorities did see it and tried to shoot it with rubber bullets but the bear just ran away. I had many questions but after looking them up this is what I found...The black bear has been slowly increasing in population in Ohio. They had not been seen in many years but over the last 10 years the sightings have increased. I wondered if it is possible for it to be the same bear in Kent as the one in Streetsboro. I found that a bears home territory can be up to an 80 mile radius. The authorities keep telling everyone to call them if they see the bear. Why? Are they going to kill it? Capture it? Don't other people in other places live amongst the bears without problems? I am pretty sure we have enough deer for the bear to eat. Do they eat deer? I am so interested. Maybe I should go on a bear hunt. LOL. Only if I had a better camera. I could hunt and shoot the bear (with my camera) - sell the photos to the local paper and get rich. ha ha ha ha ha. I am only joking and just typing as I think things. Well, my Dad saw a black bear on his property. So, I could continue my bear hunt next week when I go to Tennessee. Which reminds me of something I heard a long time ago.... These guys (somewhere up north) were putting some substance out that lures bears, so they could shoot them. Couldn't the people in Streetsboro or Kent just do that, lure the bear and then capture the bear, feed him and then take him somewhere away from people?

In case you were wondering here are some black bear facts....

Bears eat acorns, nuts, fruit & succulent greens. They will eat meat if those things are avalible.
Bears are very intelligent. They have great memory and navigation skills.
Most Black bears die due to human related causes. How sad is that?
Bears can hibernate without food, water, going to the bathroom...for up to 7 months. They give birth while hibernating.
Bear attacks on humans are very rare. Most bear related injuries come from people trying to feed bears. DUH.
Bears only roar in the movies- not in real life.
Bears are indangered species in Ohio - so you aren't allowed to shoot them.

Here is what to do if you encounter a BLACK bear.

Do not look it in the eye.
Talk in a soothing tone.
Do not run.
Back away slowly.
And don't feed the bear!

While I was looking up bear info.... You MUST watch this ridiculous video!

Okay, I have to go fill my bird feeders and set some honey out.

For more info on the Ohio Black Bear & to see where I got the bear picture visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resource web site.

Thursday Thirteen...It has been a LONG time!

2009-07-30T08:30:00.003-04:00

Thirteen things I am going to do while my family is out of town....

1. Shampoo the carpet. (this has become the running joke)
2. Get EVERYTHING ready for the big yard sale.
3. Deep clean & re-organize my kitchen.
4. Read a book....maybe two.
5. Bleach my outside rocking chairs.
6. My friend, Stephanie, is coming to stay with me for a couple of days - we are going to can (aka preserve) some stuff - not sure what yet.
7. Maybe do a little sewing....if I get motivated I have a ton of stuff (that I cut out but haven't finished) I can sell at my Yard Sale.
8. Buy all the school supplies for Jude & Elise (who is going to Pre-School this year).
9. Sort through the kids fall/winter clothes and assess what is needed for the school year.
10. Clean out the toys....must be done while kids are away.
11. Sort through old magazines.
12. Rent "The Reader" - since Jake does not want to see it but I do.
13. I might sleep.

Happy Birthday Jake!

2009-07-29T07:58:00.002-04:00

Today is Jake's Birthday. It is our second family birthday this week. I still have leftover cake from Avery's - maybe I will just use it for Jake. LOL. He is not a cake person. But I would like to thank him for making my blog pretty. It took the flower photo in my flower bed and then edited it to make it pretty. I couldn't get it on my blog for nothin'. I gave up. Then the hero rode it....I am going to keep it like this for a while. At least until fall. Thank you Jake!

I took today off work to spend the day with the family. We were going to go Geocaching and then Jake & I were planning for the Aeros game this evening. It is raining and it is going to rain all day. Bummer. We could work on Garage Sale stuff. I am sure that is what Jake wants to do on his birthday.....

Last night we went for our evening walk - what we often do - around the block. There is this house that has been empty pretty much since we moved into the neighborhood. We have peaked in the windows and snooped around a few times. We noticed that it sold a few weeks ago.... We were by the house and I saw the new people were there. I was across the street and I said, "so when are you moving in?" The guy looked up and to my surprise it was an old friend from college. He was part of "my gang" of psych buddies. We took a bunch of classes together and hung out a lot. Well, he, his wife Ellen and their two children are practically neighbors. I am so excited about this. I just love when I run into old friends who know my cast of characters and the old days. I don't know why....I just do.

Oh, while I was writing this Elise came up to me and started asking about Jake's birthday. I told her we don't have a birthday cake. She said, "we can use Avery's!" Like mother, like daughter!

A Picture....

2009-07-28T16:06:00.003-04:00

wordless wednesday

What am I thinking????

2009-07-22T09:17:00.004-04:00

I have been thinking about a bunch of stuff lately. I would like to blog in detail about each thing but I don't have the time to give each the proper attention it deserves. For now I will give you my free flow thinking....

Most of you have already heard that Shaquille O'Neal signed with the Cavs! In Ohio we are very excited about that....after all the Cleveland sports scene remains bleak with the Indians suffering through yet another losing season and the Browns loss of yet another player over his own dumb actions off the field. Don't even get me started. Anyhoo, on the way to work this morning I heard that Shaq is looking to purchase a home in Hudson. That is so exciting. Not that I really go into Hudson that often but to think I could run into Shaq at the grocery store is kinda exciting.

Jake's birthday is next week. I was talking to the kids about what we should get him. We had a very similar conversation around Father's Day. The initial suggestions were Reese's Cups, pop & beer (funny since he rarely drinks beer - not sure why they keep suggesting it). After giving it some thought Jude decided we should buy Daddy a Wii. He made sure to say he wants me to pay for it and doesn't want me to dip into the Wii fund (the money the kids have been saving for a Wii). Then they could spent the Wii money they already saved on a dog. Clever....

Politicians are irritating me. Local, State & Federal.

I am so over celebrity news. Michael Jackson was a human. He had to die sometime. Sad that he left children. But why is the music community so devastated? The man hadn't contributed for years and years. And everyday people a little nutty over this thing. It is not like you ever knew him or if you even had the chance to meet him that he would have acknowledged your existence. I say, get a CD and pretend he is still alive. And don't even get me started on Jon & Kate.... What a HUGE disgrace. The exploit their children on TV and air all their dirty laundry. They must be horrible people. And I am sick of seeing magazines with his sorry face on it, along with his new little tartlet. I never watched the show, but had always planned too. Now, I won't.

In case you are wondering.... I am sticking to my diet. I have only cheated a couple of minor times....both in the middle of the night when I woke up starving and was still mostly asleep. And I haven't exercised at all....I will. I just haven't had the time. Doesn't doing dishes, chasing kids and running up and down the stairs count as exercise? And the water thing is killing me. Now I have to go pee 10 times a day, which is difficult when I am out and about. It is my policy not to use a clients bathroom. Plus I had to get up THREE times last night to go.....it is like when I was preggo (and no I am not....thanks for wondering).

Well, that is it for now....I must do work.

Cutest Baby Contest...

2009-07-20T20:43:00.002-04:00

So, if you don't already know....I entered Avery in a "Cutest Baby Contest". Please vote for her.
Here is the "formal" invite.....

My Baby, Avery (and yes, she is still my baby) is in the Beautiful Babies Contest! I need you to let everyone know how beautiful my baby is! It’s quick & easy to register (Just 3 steps!) Please help Avery win the grand prize of $5000 and a professional photo shoot! Voting is on now through Monday, August 4 Midnight EST. Click this link to go directly to Avery’s photo!

I am not sure why I picked this picture but I did and I can't change it now.....

Let me know if you vote (please).

I won't even try....

2009-07-19T22:09:00.005-04:00

....to catch up. But here is a cute picture from today. I was working in the garden and Avery was playing in the fire pit ashes. She ended up getting an impromptu bath. She gets a lot of those these days.
Today I finally downloaded all the pictures I've taken since July 1. I had 369 pics on my camera. There are some really good ones. And some really, REALLY bad ones. After careful inspection of every last one of me & a detailed critic - I have decided to begin a diet tomorrow. Last year after my appendix surgery I did do weight watchers for a minute but then I had all the adverse effects of eating all that extra wheat.....so I gave up. Starting tomorrow: I will exercise, even if it is only for 15 minutes. I will not eat anything I am allergic to. I will drink lots of water. I will avoid sugar. Those are simple rules I think I can keep to. I will keep you posted. In the mean time.....Here are a few more pics.

I took this picture while standing on my front porch. I was about 4 feet away from this woodpecker.

These are from our trip up to Lake Erie last weekend. It was fun.

Talking Politics with the Amish....

2009-07-01T22:30:00.003-04:00

If you are new to reading my blog you may want to start with this post.....

This past weekend Paul & Linda brought Jude home. It was nice that we didn't have to go all the way back to WV or even half way to get him. The plan was we would do something up here when they came. We thought about the options: Akron Zoo, Akron Art Museum, Aeros game, Stan Hywett, etc.... But since we are saving our money for other things right now & we were unsure of the weather - we decided it was time for a trip to visit the Amish relatives! I am always up for an Amish Adventure. So, we loaded up the vans and headed down to Roy & Lavina's. Of course, Linda called them first to make sure it was okay. They promptly called back and said they would love to have the gang! When we got there, one of Jake's many cousins, Robert, was there with his wife (I don't know her name). We sat out on the porch with them along with Roy & Lavina. Roy is a hoot. Seriously. He makes fun of Paul for moving to West Virginia and talks to him in a fake southern accent....too funny. So, we are just sitting there and Paul announces that I have some strong political opinions (pretty controversial ones, as well). That sparked a conversation that I am still thinking about 3 days later! First of all - a little background....on Friday the House voted to pass HB 2454 - otherwise known as the Cap & Trade Bill or "America's Clean Energy Bill". Don't even get me started on it. I will probably blog about it at a later date. I won't go into all the details but basically it is going to increase the cost of electricity 5-10xs more than we pay now. It is a big push to make everyone go "green". The government totally pushed this through. 300 pages were added at 3:00 A.M. and the vote wasn't even 24 hours later. The Bill has all kinds of other stuff added to it that doesn't even have to do with Energy - like money for Acorn, Fannie & Freddie. Anyhoo....I am getting to fired up. Here is the thing....many - wait - MOST people don't even know this is going on. But the Amish - well they do. They are very upset about it. Even though they don't use electricity they are smart enough to know this will effect the price of EVERYTHING. Well, we talked about that and after I got all fired up they asked what kind of job I do - they thought I was some sort of politician or something. LOL. Paul did tell them I voted for Obama. I thought I was going to get excommunicated right then and there but they said he is better than Hillary (good thing Paul didn't tell them I voted for her and even went to see her!). Robert's wife did say some nice things about Obama - I enjoyed her perspective since I am becoming somewhat jaded when it comes to him. Again....another blog for another day. I will say I have decided to leave the Democratic party. For now I will be independent.

On another interesting topic....Jake's cousin, Emma (the one that came to my house) and her family have left their parents church and have joined a new church. It is called "The Newest New Order Amish". Seriously. And they are allowed to have telephones and electricity. I am so surprised. Oh, and Emma is pregnant again.

The kids had a good time. It was Avery's first time there. And since we were there last, Jonathon (Jude's cousin, who he used to refer to as 'his friend who's dad has a long beard') has learned to speak English. Finally he and Jude can understand one another. Here he is....

Here is Avery eating his popcorn. She didn't want her own....she wanted to eat his! And, of course, he let her.....

I did get Emma's number and plan to keep in contact with her. Also, Robert's Wife invited us down and said we can have a cookout. I hope we can sometime. I just love going down there.

The Big Reveal....

2009-06-30T16:41:00.007-04:00

Wow....what a project. Remember I said we were going to redo the bedrooms? Well, we did. I am so excited about the results. It was quite a lot of work, though. Much more than I expected. We probably made 10 trips to the home improvement stores last week between the two of us.....

The girls room before....

Misc. furniture before...

The results...

I let Avery put her own stickers on...

"Free" shelves I picked up while curbside shopping....and check out my make over toy box - that is the one pictured above!

I covered the switch plates. Thank you Martha for the skills!!!

New shelves...

And can you believe it??? I even hung curtains! I also used an old plant stand as a stuffed animal holder...
You will have to go over to Jake's blog for before pictures of Jude's room...

Jude's new comforter won't be in until Thursday but his old sleeping bag is a perfect match!
A "new" bookcase....
Jude loves his new space...

That is his mice....
I redid this too...

When Jude got home from West Virginia and saw his room he said, "Thank you Mommy for making me my own room...." How sweet is that?

Projects...

2009-06-16T14:06:00.002-04:00

We have so many projects going on right now....

This weekend we are taking the kids to West Virginia. We plan to leave Jude & Elise there for a week. While they are there we are going to rearrange, paint and clean out the bedrooms. Right now Jude & Elise share a room, mainly because Elise likes to sing and talk at bedtime and when we moved to this house Avery was still a baby & it was very disruptive. Basically, Jude could handle it better. But now we are making the big change. Elise & Avery are going to be in a room together and Jude will get to be by himself. The problem is....the smaller room is pink. Jude doesn't like pink (well for a bedroom anyways). I am hoping to transition Avery into the big girl bed during all this as well... It will be the first time my kids actually have "themed" type rooms - you know, actually decorated for a kid.....

I am also going to shampoo the carpet.

Then we have the garden project....it takes a lot of time. I love gardening and I've become a little obsessed. I'll post new pics soon.

I am also going to have a garage sale. Gasp.... I've said I would never have another garage sale again after the last 3 that I have had! But I am going to try again. I am planning and sorting everyday. Hopefully it is a success. The kids want to have a lemonade stand. I told them that would be fun. It could be money for the Wii fund.... I think my sister is going to join in the garage sale fun & possibly some other friends. If anyone local is interested let me know. Oh....also we are looking to borrow some tables. I am going to need 8-10 of them. I will keep you posted on the details. It is going to be a good one. I am going to see a bunch of handmade stuff I've made but never got around to selling.

Speaking of selling... A friend asked me to make four slings and she even wants to pay me. How cool is that. I haven't even replied to her request but I will get around to that....

And lastly, I would like to paint my bathroom. I don't know if I will get to that but I am sick of the pink/blue theme (yikes).

If you are wondering how I get it all done - I have a simple (and quite obtainable) answer.... I barely watch T.V.

I posted this quiz....

2009-06-11T14:27:00.002-04:00

On Facebook. Many of you took it but if you haven't you can. I wanted to have a chance to explain my answers. So, here is the quiz with the explaination at the bottom of the post!

1) Which job have I done in the past?
a) Server/Dancer
b) Abstinence Teacher
c) CPR/ First Aid Instructor
d) Insurance Sales
e) All of the Above...

2) Which activity haven't I done?
a) Gone on a blind date.
b) Watched a UFO fly over my house.
c) Stage dived.
d) Called Howard Stern on the telephone.
e) Gone sky diving.

3) What type of lessons did I take as a child?
a) Piano
b) Roller Skating
c) Gymastics
d) Ballet
e) None of the above

4) Which vacation have I NOT been on?
a) Camping on an island with no electricity.
b) A Caribbean Cruise
c) Sight seeing along the coast of Maine.
d) Backpacking in Colorado.
e) Family Vacation in the Outer Banks.

5) Where did I get my cat's name???
a) She is named after a childhood friend.
b) My boyfriend picked it.
c) A Poem by E. E. Cummings.
d) My favorite movie.
e) She already had the name when I got her.

6) What type of building did I get married in?
a) None...it happened on the beach.
b) Church.
c) Courthouse.
d) Barn.
e) Gazebo

7) Who was my best friend in High School?
a) Heather, my sister
b) Steph Norris
c) Jen F.
d) Mitch
e) Tiffany

8) What instrument did I play in the 8th grade band?
a) Bass Clarinet
b) Tuba
c) Drums
d) Piccolo
e) Cello

9) What am I allergic to?
a) Eggs
b) Dogs
c) Wheat
d) Corn
e) a, c & d

10) Which fact is true about me???
a) I used to shave part of my head.
b) I pierced my own nose.
c) I went out with a man I met by dialing the wrong #
d) I have a hole in my nose (on the inside).
e) All of the Above...

Okay...Here are the results.
1. All of the above. Most of you got this. I wasn't a dancer-dancer. I worked at Joe's Crab Shack and we had to do this little line dances. It was so fun. I did teach an Abstinence program for years in middle schools. Also fun. I was certified to teach CPR & First Aid through the Red Cross but I only taught for the agency I worked for. It was not that fun. Selling insurance - totally not fun at all.

2. LOL. Many people missed this one. I've been on exactly 3 blind dates. I did see a UFO. It was a real Unidenified Flying Object. Other people saw it to (although at the time I didn't know that) and there was even an article in the paper about the sightings. It looked NOTHING like the UFO's on TV but it was GIANT and not like anything I have seen before. I think it was probably some government thing.... You know I've stage dived. Howard Stern. I was like 'why do people believe THAT?' Then I realized it is because lots of people call Howard Stern - what I should have said was called Howard Stern at his PRIVATE residence. And yes I did that. I have not gone sky diving and don't plan to EVER do something so stupid.

3. Yes I took Roller Skating Lessons. I even had the little skating skirt. Someday I will join the roller derby.

4. I went camping with the Miller family and their foster children in Florida (Cayo Costa). It was an island with no electricity. I was pregnant. It was fun and I'd like to go back. Jake and I went on a cruise for our honeymoon. We probably won't ever do that again. We ate like pigs and I gained 10 lbs in one week that I have yet to loose. We've been to Maine and loved it. And we have been to the Outer Banks several times....also like that. But backpacking? Jake and his family are into that and I am not saying I will never try it but I am not too keen on pooping in the woods. Just sayin'.

5. My cat - Molly is from a E.E. Cummings poem.
maggie and milly and molly and may
went down to the beach(to play one day)
and maggie discovered a shell that sang so
sweetly she couldn't remember her troubles,
andmilly befriended a stranded star
whose rays five languid fingers were;
and molly was chased by a horrible thing
which raced sideways while blowing bubbles:
and may came home with a smooth round stone
as small as a world and as large as alone.
For whatever we lose(like a you or a me)
it's always ourselves we find in the sea

6. Yes, it is true. We got married in a Barn. It was part of our hillbilly theme.

7. Steph Norris was my best friend through middle and high school. I didn't meet Jen F. until college. Tiffany and I always knew each other but didn't become friends until after I graduated. Mitch was the boyfriend.

8. Bass Clarinet.

9. Well, you know I am allergic to everything.

10. Yes I used to have an undercut and shaved the bottom half of my hair. What was I thinking? I did pierce my own nose. What was I thinking? I did go out with a man I met by dialing the wrong number. What was I thinking. Yes, I have a deviated septum from a botched cauterization. I could wear a bull ring but that would just look silly wouldn't it?

So, you want to know about the guy I went on the date with. I was at a middle school and I was calling another middle school. The number on the paper I had was incorrect but I didn't know that. This guy answers and says something like Hello, can I help you. So I think it is the school. He explains and then we chat for a few minutes. He was studying for some big board exam. He was a Resident student. He said he would like to take me to lunch. We ended up going to my FAVORITE mexican place and I made my friend Megan go with me. He was much older and nothing special. He sent me a postcard from some other country. Never heard from him again.

Kiddie Weekend...

2009-06-08T22:21:00.009-04:00

Saturday, JenF, Heather and I took our kids (minus Avery) to Memphis Kiddie Park. It is a little amusement park for smaller kids (50 inches or shorter). It was my first time there and it was great. It was pretty inexpensive - $24.50 for 25 tickets. Each ride costs 1 ticket. We still have 8 tickets left. They are good for 2 years. Nice. So, next time when I go and take Avery I can purchase another "book" and we should have the perfect amount. It is very cool that there isn't an admission price and the adults are free. Plus I didn't feel bad when we left after only a couple of hours. If you live in the area I highly recommend it. I am not a big fan of festival or fair rides - too many horror stories. These seemed much safer. Maybe I was kidding myself. LOL. Here are the pics from the Kiddie Park...

Elise on the merry go round.

Boat Ride.

Jennifer & Allie

Elise, Lizzie & Reichen

Jude.

Heather & Allie

Jennifer & Lizzie

Indy & Jude.

Elise on her first roller coaster. I don't think she liked it very much...

After the amusement park I ended up with two extra kids.....hmmmm.

So Jake and I took them to the wading pool. Here is Reichen.
After church the next day, we took the kids to the fountain park. They had a lot of fun.

Then we stopped for some "cute" pictures.

There's more....after the fountain and pics....we decided to go on the Falls river boat. It is a little tour of the Cuyahoga River. The kids got to drive the boat. Avery spent most of the ride trying to jump out of the boat!

And lastly....we went and got Rita's italian ice. YUM. The kids all signed up for the reading program at the library so they got free ice. You gotta love that price.

For Real????

2009-06-04T20:43:00.002-04:00

This is a conversation I had with my kids....

Me: Pretty soon we will have cherry tomatoes growing in our garden. We will be able to go out to the garden and pick them. Isn't that cool?

Elise: That is back breaking.

Me: What did you just say?

Elise: Picking tomatoes is back breaking!

(Reminder...she is four!)

Jude: Yes Mommy - you need the Topsy Turvy. You can grow your tomatoes upside down.

Elise: And Peppers...

Jude: And Herbs!!!

Me: Are you kidding me? My kids have turned into a walking Topsy Turvy commercial.

Jude & Elise: You should get one of those Mommy.

My Gardens.....

2009-05-31T20:45:00.010-04:00

I am a gardener through & through. We live in the suburbs and consequently have a pretty small yard. Most of it has been turned into a garden or flower beds. I love it. It has been a lot of work but what else do I have to do??? Seriously - the kids have really enjoyed the time outside, since we don't live in a place that we can just let the kids run around outside by themselves. We don't have a back yard - only a front & side yard. Jake was laughing tonight that our neighbors probably think we are a little nutty since we have been in the garden all weekend long! And what a perfect weekend it was.....

Here are some pics from the yard this year. I have been collecting these since the first bloom - although I did miss the Peony's & Lupine. I also had more tulips but only took the shot of that particular one because it reminded me of Twilight....(LOL).

As for the garden part...I have planted and planted and planted. For such a small space I really have a variety. Here is my final (and complete) list: tomatoes (many varieties), peppers, peas, lettuce, celery, pole beans, bush beans, corn, radishes, carrots, basil, dill, chives, cilantro, sage, parsley, beets, collard greens, onions, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, sweet potatoes, butternut squash & pumpkins (please God don't let these seeds come up since the kids insisted on planting them even though I didn't want to.....). Wow... That is a heck of a lot of stuff. We also have a row of sunflowers growing along the fence. As you can see by the photos - I don't plant the normal rows in my garden. I kinda use the square foot method - although I don't use the raised beds and all that jazz....I just cram as much into a small space as possible. I planned my garden by drawing a grid (on paper) and then I used sticks and string to make a grid in the garden for my planting purposes. It was SO helpful and I will do it again next year. The neighbors did ask what the heck I was doing the day I did that..... We still have bean & tomato supports to build and I am going to build a trellis for my zucchini out of the branches we trimmed off the lilac tree. I will keep you posted with photos!

Yesterday while I was weeding the garden, Jude came along and he said, "Mommy, I've got an idea - you can take care of the plants and Daddy can take care of the money." Isn't he a funny boy. He came up with that all on his own.

Elise's Birthday...

2009-05-26T21:22:00.006-04:00

My little Elise turned 4 last week. How quickly the time has gone by. She is such a sweet little girl. I have said it many times....she walks to the beat of her own drummer. She is a bit of a loner and has an artistic side. She is the girl who when she was only two would get into the sugar container and lick her finger to get some sugar to stick to it. And she is the three year old who asked me to let her get a purple mohawk. She also told me she wanted Daddy to buy a motorcycle. Hmmmm....I think I'm gonna be in trouble. She loves to wear dresses, although she doesn't always match. She doesn't care and really I don't either. A couple of weeks ago this is what she came up with....

Not so bad....until you get the rest of the story.

Those are purple Halloween socks and ruby red glitter shoes.

This year I asked her what kind of birthday party she wanted. She said Hello Kitty. She had Hello Kitty last year too, so I wasn't that surprised. So, I took her to Target to get her party stuff. When we got there she decided (against my pretty much begging for Hello Kitty) she wanted this stuff for her party....

Do you see there is a skull on those plates??? This is what my four year old likes. Did I say I am going to be in trouble? I am.

I made her a wheat free cake. It was dry but she liked it anyways. She did not care. Everyone else got regular cupcakes. I did make homemade butter cream frosting that I thought was super fab - but no one really commented on it.

Elise got lots of great gifts. Nana made her play dough that doesn't have wheat in it since Elise broke out in hives the last time she played with the real stuff. The Looman's got her a doll that I almost bought on two different occassions. Avery wanted it immediately. All the kids were playing with it. The next day Elise had the baby and Avery wanted it so she hit Elise in the mouth with the watering can Elise got from Aunt Heather and gave Elise a fat lip! Nice. My Mom & Dad bought Avery a doll later that day.

Here is the watering can.

Jacob & Avery feeding the baby.

Joshua practicing how to be a good Daddy.

Avery spoiled.

Mom Prom...

2009-05-26T20:38:00.007-04:00

May has been a busy month. We have had visitors, parties, traveled, planted, cleaned, danced and just about everything in between. Two weeks ago was Mother's Day and Jude and I attended the annual Mom Prom. It was fun. I have new footage of Jude's mad dance skills. We went with our friends who we just don't see enough (Liz & Daniel). We are going to try to see more of each other but....she is busier than I am! It was a good time but Jude wasn't as interested in dancing this year. Here is a little footage of one of the few times we did dance.... There are 3 videos but they are all short. If you don't know...Jude is the one in the blue.

Here are some still photos....

And if you haven't seen this picture....it was in our local news paper! Can you even tell which one is me??? Notice we were doing something different than everyone else! I was trying to teach Jude the YMCA...

Cute Picture Alert....

2009-05-26T15:11:00.002-04:00

Neglected.

2009-05-19T07:57:00.002-04:00

Keep your eye on my blog. I am going to post like 3 in a row when I finally sit down to write. I have some good stuff.

I will tell you this little story.

This morning Jude comes in my room and says, "Mommy do you have any pictures of you when you had green hair?"

I did have green hair a long time ago but that is a bit of a story so I won't go into that.

I said, "how do you know about that?"

He said, "you told me a long time ago."

Me: "Oh. Well, I don't have any pictures of it. Once Nana saw it she took me to get it fixed right away. AND we didn't have digital cameras back then, we only had film cameras and we didn't always have film."

Jude: "Wow. Who was president back then?"

He must have thought that was a really long time ago. LOL. And who would think of the president? What does that have to do with green hair??? If you are wondering I think the answer is Jimmy Carter.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T20:17:00.004-04:00

Last Tuesday I called my Mom. I call her pretty often. I am usually in my car driving in between appointments. So, she answered the phone. I asked her what she was up to....she replied she was cutting her rose stems. I guess I ignored the comment - I did hear her but it didn't really register. I started rambling about whatever. She interrupted me and said "Do you know what I am talking about?" I said, "No". Well, she repeated herself then thanked me for the roses. Uhhhh...What roses? She sounded confused then she went to recheck the card. Sure enough it said they were from Jake and Delilah. I was thinking, that is so strange....I wondered who would sent flowers to my Mom from me? After a short discussion I decided to call Jake. I asked him if he sent the flowers. He denied it. Then....I knew. He is a bad secret keeper. He sent me flowers too. He didn't tell me he sent his Mom, my Mom and Me flowers for Mother's Day. He didn't tell me about sending them to our Mom's because he knew he couldn't keep it a secret that he was sending them to me too. Later my Mom called him to say Thank You. She started to cry (man I hope she doesn't mind I am telling everyone this...). She never told me why she started to cry but I told Jake it is probably because her son-in-law is more thoughtful than either of her daughters. That was supposed to be a joke but sadly it really isn't. A couple of years ago my sister and I both didn't send my Mom a card on Mother's Day. I didn't think it was a big deal. I had bought her one (wait I think I made her one) - I just hadn't mailed it. I knew I'd be seeing her in the next few weeks so I didn't mail it. Unfortunately, this is how I operate. I have been known to forget birthdays and other occasions. I do have good intentions. I really do. And even when I do remember I forget to call or send a card. Well, at the time I couldn't understand why a card was so important to her. It is just a card, right? WRONG. Have you ever heard of the Love Languages? Well, I haven't read the book but I've heard a little about it and I think there is a Love Language about Gifts or something. I think that is my Mom's. She loves to give gifts. That is how she shows her love. So, when Heather and I didn't send her a card or get her a gift she felt we didn't love her. I'd like to formally apologize to her now. Sorry Mom.

Today Jake taught a lesson to our "teens" at church. It was about Mother's Day. He asked a question: "If you were dying in bed with your Mother by your side what would you want to say to her?" That is a pretty deep question. One girl said she would tell her Mom that she did a good job and that she wasn't to blame for her kids screw ups (I am paraphrasing). It made me really think about some of the horrible stuff I have put my poor Mother through. I am sure there was a time when she thought I would never amount to anything. My teen years...well, I won't even tell you about all that. But now that I am a Mother I think I understand my Mom so much better. She was a good Mom. No...a Great Mom. She always went out of the way to make things special. I remember big Birthday parties - everything from 7th w/ Strawberry Shortcake to my Surprise 16th Party. She almost always made a cake for me. At the time I thought she was "old fashioned" for not buying them from the store. She sewed us clothing, toys & quilts. She cooked homemade meals. Delicious meals - some of which I still can't imitate. We always ate dinner at the kitchen table. Together.

I could go on and on about all the wonderful things my Mom did. And I could spend a fair amount of time telling you the things I think she did wrong. But that wouldn't be very nice. And the truth is I've gotten over those things. Life is to short to blame your parents for everything. So, for Mother's Day this year my sweet Husband sent my Mom Flowers. And I am telling my Mom that I think she did a great job and I know she feels like she made mistakes and probably blames herself for all sorts of unsavory things I did but they are not her fault. And in the end I turned out okay and I hope I can be as good of a Mom as she is!!!

Oh & I hope the flowers count since I didn't mail her card.....

I love you Mom. I hope you had a great day!

Some of you are NOT going to like this.

2009-05-07T12:19:00.003-04:00

Before reading this VERY controversial post I suggest you read this short article from the Akron Beacon Journal. I read it at 3 A.M. (Read Jake's blog for info on all that....)

I just took the time to re-read the article and I can not believe it. Where do I begin. I am sure Barbara is a kind and sweet woman. It is a great service she has done to help the needy. I am not discounting that... I am appalled at how blatantly judgemental she is. That is not how we are supposed to be as Christians. I know many of you don't see things the way I do when it comes to the system helping people. But here is the thing....this woman began this "Freely, Freely" (the name is based on a Bible verse) and gives things to poor people. But you have to be the working poor or be actively looking for a job. First of all - how does she know if you are looking for a job? She doesn't give assistance to people who are getting cash assistance or food stamps. WHAT!? You can work and get food stamps. So, if you get $100 a month in food stamps you can't get help with furniture or clothing? That doesn't even make sense. And what if you are one of those "working poor" and you don't have money for food but you have cable, cell phones and a dog. Does that make you less of a "freeloader"? This is the problem with being judgemental. You can't really gage a situation accurately. I know she feels she is doing the right thing. And many of you may agree with her at first. I understand there are people who live off the system and who are lazy. Our society has created them. They don't know another way of life. Trust me....they pay a price for it. It is not like these people are out living a life of luxury. They live in horrible neighborhoods and live in fear of most authority figures. They live under an alternative economy - one that you and I do not understand. They sell their food stamps to pay for diapers and their kids birthday parties and then have to go to food pantry's for food. They worry about how they will keep their electricity on but at the same time have NO concept of conserving energy. I am not saying there aren't lazy people in our society. There are many. And I am not saying there aren't people who know how to work the system. I know first hand and have actually learned a thing or two from them. BUT what I am saying is this....Warning some of you aren't going to like it....

As Christians we are to 1. Love Christ and 2. Love each other. Plain and simple. You can't love someone if you are judging them. And more importantly how can we rely on our own meager judgements to be just that....JUST. We can't. There are people out there who will never set foot in a Church or ever know Christ because they know "Christians" are going to judge them. I attended a conference a few weeks ago and one of the speakers said something that may seem a little "cliche" but it really hit home for me. She said that there are many people who will NEVER attend a church (for many reasons) and you (me or you) may be the closest thing to Jesus they will ever see. I think it is so true of my job and my clients. Once I was at a home with a family....the type of family that "Freely, Freely" would NEVER serve. They were needing help with something (I don't even remember what) - regardless- I asked them if they ever attended Church and said maybe they could ask a Church for help. The mother looked at her motley crew of a family and looked back and with a half hearted laugh said, "Do we look like the kind of family that would go to Church?" Doesn't that break your heart? Here's the thing. Jesus Christ died for the prostitute, the beggar, the thief, the abuser, the liar and the user. Just like he died for all of our HORRIBLE sins. Yes the system is messed up. Yes the government has created a mess. But the Christians have sat back and allowed it to happen. If we were doing what we are supposed to do - "This is my commandment, that you love each other and I have loved you. John 15:12" - then we wouldn't be in this mess would we?

Here is another verse...

Deut 15:7–11 7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.

Maybe you feel like the lady does. Please just take a step back and see how it is being judgemental and how it can be so destructive. Every single family that is labeled as "freeloaders" has a story. A story that would probably break your heart right into pieces. Yes many of these people have made awful choices and many, many mistakes. Your sins, their sins....all the same in the eyes of God.

I've been feeling like this for a long time. If Christians would really get a hold on this love stuff. If we really could love one another (other Christians and non Believers)....well, it would fix the world. I haven't really worked out all the kinks but I do know that, although it is nice and loving, donating stuff: giving people old clothing and toiletries is not really loving them. To love them, you are going to have to get to know them. Really know them. Hear their stories, walk in their neighborhoods, hold their hands.... It doesn't have to be scary. I'd bet there are "needy" people in your neighborhood. You know there is something to that "love your neighbor" stuff.

And please don't give me any of that "I can love someone even if I don't like them" CRAP. I hate that saying. It is impossible.

It is a tall order. But remember, it was NOT my idea. Jesus said and now we have to do it.

Ahhh, Spring.

2009-05-06T20:40:00.002-04:00

Kindergarten Economy...

2009-04-30T21:03:00.002-04:00

On occasion Jude will come home from school with a new little toy. The first time it happened he said his friend Aaron gave him the toy and he was looking for something from home he could take to give him in return. I told him I have to approve anything he takes but I thought it was okay. Yesterday Jude got a Pokemon card. I cringe. I hate Pokemon. Probably because I have restricted Jude from Pokemon, he loves it. He is so excited about this Pokemon card. Today I was talking to him about the card and I asked him what he traded to get the card. He said he gave Damon a Basketball card. In return Damon gave Jude a chocolate egg from Easter. Jude took the Egg and traded it for the Pokemon card. Pretty good trade. I just think it is all funny.

American Idol...

2009-04-30T07:26:00.002-04:00

Where has the season gone? This week it was down to the final five contestants and they sang music from the Rat Pack. I loved it - so much better than stupid Disco night. Anyhoo...Adam almost got voted off. I was upset he didn't. I don't like him at all. I think he belongs in the theater. If you listen to him sing without watching him it is just horrible. HORRIBLE. And what is with the "screaming" while he sticks his tounge out? Oh, one last thing....When he sings "his version" of the songs they are not HIS version. He picks an old song and finds a more modern remake, then performs it. So, he is not that original. I don't like him.

Weekend Recap....

2009-04-27T15:56:00.005-04:00

We had an eventful weekend! Friday night I cooked and we had a couple of friends over. They stuck around for most of the evening. We played Balderdash - which is one of my faves but no one else was really that in to it. I think it is a great game. Next time I will make them play Trivia Pursuit and then we will see how they feel about Balderdash then..... Well, we actually didn't play it that long because Paul and Linda got to our house and we quit playing. By then it was getting pretty late. We had let the kids (Jude & Elise) stay up late because they wanted to see Mamaw & Papaw so after they visited we got them to bed and by then it was time for us to hit the hay....

Saturday was a busy busy day. We had soccer all morning. Jude had a game at 9 a.m. Elise had a game at 11 a.m. In between Linda, Jude, Avery & I went to a church yard sale. I got a few books and a set of soup crocks (for $1). We rushed back to Elise's game- got there late - not that it mattered because Elise wouldn't even play. Then Jude had soccer pics at 11:50 all the way across town. On the way I lost on of Avery's shoes. That has never happened to me before. We got to the pics just in the nick of time. Whew. Next I went home and had a picnic in the yard since most everyone was too tired to go on a proper picnic like we had planned. Later Linda and I went to Gabes and Jake took Elise to her soccer pics.

After all that....I came home and made the Thai Shrimp & Veggie dish. YUM.

What a day.

Sunday we went to church and pretty much worked outside the entire day. I have a serious burn on my back.

Well, here are the pics from the weekend. Somehow I didn't get one picture of the grandparents...Sorry.

Jude's fancy footwork.

Smiling Elise.

I think she was running from the game...she didn't want to play.

Really!? It was empty. She was trying to be like Mommy.

The kids insisted on playing in the pool. And our grass isn't really dead - it is dormant. We have some weird grass that does that. I hate it.

Paul & Jake worked on the Arbor - it isn't leaning anymore. It only took two trips to the hardware store! Doesn't it look nice? That is our garden in the background.

You can't see it real well but I made our garden into a graph. I used string. It is serving as a guide. I will be getting rid of the strings when the planting is complete. I did plant peas, broccoli, cabbage, onions & lettuce.

This is Avery eating fresh salsa I made. She is a mess. I let her drink water out of a real glass - hence the wet dress. And check out her toes. She demanded I paint her when she noticed I had painted mine. Which was two minutes after I came out of the bathroom where I was hiding the polish from her! I can't believe she noticed that fast!

Avery eating hot fudge.

This is my new bracelet I bought at Gabe's!!!

Yippy....It's Friday.

2009-04-24T08:36:00.002-04:00

Therefore, I will do a Friday Fill-In for ya!

1. Apparently there's some sort of spiritual enlightenment going on at Starbucks...their bags read: "flavors my senses, sweetens my disposition, stirs my imagination, nourishes my dreams." Odd advertising for a coffee shop - but hey it works.

2. I relish a sunny day.

3. 2009 is going by quickly so far.

4. And then.... that was it. The End.

5. For too long I've been overly critical of myself.

6. I am not obsessed with Twilight, Edward or any other vampires; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to eating leftovers and cleaning like a mad woman, tomorrow my plans include two soccer games, soccer pictures, tons of church garage sales & going on a picnic and Sunday, I want to work on my garden!

Randomness That Turned Into A Discussion About Twilight....

2009-04-23T08:47:00.004-04:00

All day long I think about things I can blog about. I just don't get around to sitting down and writing. I should keep a little notebook. Although I have jotted down ideas before but by the time I get around to writing....it doesn't seem like such a good idea.

Part of my problem is Facebook. I love it. I am not sure why. It is a time thief. I have found tons of people I lost touch with and I think that is so cool. It isn't that I long for my past or anything....it is just nice to have roots. Does that make any sense? It is so cool to see how everyone turned out. There really haven't been a lot of surprises really. Anyhow....

I am really thinking about writing a book. The whole Twilight thing really got me thinking about it. I have a couple of good stories in me. The lady who wrote Twilight, Stephenie Meyer, says she had a dream about Edward and Bella and she decided to write a book that encompassed the scene in her dream. Whatever....I don't care if that is true or not. Here is my point...she had the dream, within 3 months finished the book, then 3 months later signed a $750,000 book deal. She had never written a book before and didn't even know how to submit a book and had to "research" to figure out how to. That is crazy. And since we are talking about Twilight I guess I will give you some final thoughts on that series. I loved the first book, Twilight. I thought it captured the actual feelings of first love and a brand new experience. I absolutely fell in love with Edward, right along with Bella. I loved the story. I did not, however, really enjoy the writing. I can't really explain it.... I got the second book and everyone warned me it isn't as good. Again, I loved it. Edward wasn't in most of the book. I didn't mind. It did seem a little 'artificial'. Seriously, the story goes from this young couple who is wildly in love and willing risk eternity and blood lust to be together then suddenly he leaves. Dumb. He already tried to leave in the first book and said he couldn't live like that....so why oh why did Stephenie try it in the second book? Either way, I enjoyed the pain of Bella's loss. It felt like a real break up. I took me back to the emotion of a young teen Delilah and the pain of that first split. The third and fourth book I read voraciously....I won't lie. But I didn't enjoy them as much. By the fourth book I thought it was down right ridiculous. My old friend FICKLE paid me a visit. I honestly felt the actual emotion. Fickle....about Edward. He was being too mushy - not the confident and a little cocky Edward from book one. He became one of 'those' guys. Yuck, yuck, yuck... He was the type of guy who would do something just because he thought that is what you wanted just because he was afraid if he didn't he would loose you.... The kind of guy I would have walked all over - just because I could. Don't even get me started. It has been such a long time since I felt that way. In the end, he did redeem himself and I was back to loving him but the story was just so far fetched (if vampires and werewolves weren't enough of a stretch). And why would an author introduce like 30 new characters in the last 100 pages of a series? I don't get it. Also....the first three books were written from Bella's perspective. The last book had sections of other character's perspective. I did enjoy reading Jacob's thoughts and loved the sense of humor she penned him....but WHY change it up for book 4? I felt like she was trying to be too Harry Potter. Maybe I am wrong. In the end I read all 4 books in 8 days so I can't really complain too much. If she wrote another Twilight book I would read it. I will watch the movie - although I don't have too high of hopes after that first disaster of a movie. I won't ever read anything else she writes. I just won't. Okay, enough Twilight rant. Back to my original intent: I am going to write a book. Maybe it will be about a girl who is obsessed with Twilight. LOL. I probably shouldn't even tell you that - someone may steal my idea.

On another note. The weather is going to be great this weekend. I am going to do some planting. The Miller's are coming to visit. The kids are already excited. I am sure it is going to be a busy one!

The weekend...

2009-04-19T19:39:00.004-04:00

Someday I will post more frequently.... Here are some pics from the weekend.

I went to a Women's Conference all day Saturday. Unfortunately it was the kids first soccer game. We had to have a friend go with Jake to help watch Avery and be at Jude's game because both games were at the same time. These pics are from the practices last week. Next week I will have some real game action. LOL.

Elise is the one in the skirt.

Jude in the yellow shirt.

Jude: action shot.

The little girl in the striped pants is afraid of "Coach Miller". She cried through an entire practice once!

Elise insisted their team be called "the Hello Kitties", hence the Hello Kitty sweatshirt and skirt.

Time out.

Avery being cute.

Avery wearing Mommy's shoes. One of her favorite hobbies.

My new - new Facebook profile pic. I just can't settle on one I like.

Have a good week......

Easter Weekend....was it really only three days???

2009-04-13T07:29:00.008-04:00

It has been a while since I have posted any pics of the kids. They are growing so fast. Here is our weekend in "photos". We had a really nice weekend. I didn't have to work on Friday. Jake went up to Cleveland to help JenF's hubby with a project. The kids and I pretty much stayed home and got a few things done around the house... (i.e. I finished the 4th Twilight book....).

That evening we went to the Looman's house to dye Easter eggs. Chrissie and Grace joined us so...needless to say....there were a lot of kids. That makes it more interesting, right?!

Avery decorating.... I did catch her eating the dye a couple of times.

Smiley Elise.

Did the eggs turn out beautiful? Probably because Sherry, Chrissie and I redyed them after the kids were done. LOL. And BTW...I left these eggs on the counter when I got home and didn't notice until the next afternoon. They ended up in the garbage. What a waste.

Jude & Jacob...sitting next to each other and getting along. Man they have come a long way!

Isaiah, Avery & Grace. Isaiah and Avery are interesting together. She bosses him around and he listens....poor guy. Just look at the look she has on her face. Pure trouble.

Saturday morning Elise had soccer. I remembered to bring the camera this time but it was so cold I forgot to use it. At the end of practice Elise was digging in my purse for gum and found it. She started taking pics. Here is one of the many just like it....

My butt....She took it then announced in front of all the parents "Mommy, I took a picture of your butt!". She also got one one of Jake's butt & Jude's butt. I guess she is a butt girl.

Saturday evening my sister made an "impromptu" stop at our house on her way home from Tennessee. Since we didn't have any hard boiled eggs I did a few more up and we dyed again...

Elise: smiling and dying...

Avery....

Reichen...

Indy...

The gang....

The next morning we did Easter Baskets before church.

Here's the loot....

Avery was double fisting the candy...

Then we got ready for church. They looked so cute.... Jude's hair was a little crazy and his mouth is blue from eating a blue sucker. I can't get all three kids to sit for a picture. Avery is too wild......

Where's Avery???

Okay we've got Avery....now if she would just stand up.

Okay, now if she could just stand still... Where is she going?

Oh...to get the light saber. Because every Easter picture needs a light saber.

Seriously...

Attack.....

Bounce...

Just add Daddy for instant results....

Then we went to church...There is a funny story that happened at church but because it involves one of Sherry's kids and the police I will let her tell you about that.....

Brian took our picture. He is a professional.... We didn't pay him today so I guess we get what we pay for. LOL.

Later the kids hunted Easter eggs....

Easter Basket Head...

Finally....we get to eat the eggs....

Here is my new facebook picture....any feedback???

Hope everyone had a good Easter!!!!!

Post 700....Wow

2009-04-09T19:01:00.003-04:00

So, this just happened to me. I was sitting here at the computer and looked out the window. We live on a double corner of a street. Does that make any sense? We are on a corner. If you turn to the right there is one house then the road immediately turns to the left. So, diagonally across the street I see these kids hanging out. It is two boys, they are probably 12ish. The one boy was laying on the sidewalk and the other was lying in the street. Not a good place to lay. Seriously cars speed around those corners all the time. I bring the situation to Jake's attention. Mainly because I have a tendency to be a little "over protective". Jake agreed it was dangerous. He said I should call the police. I said by time they get here the kid could be smooshed. So...I get on my shoes and head over there. As I approach the kid on the side walk sits up and laughs. He says to his street friend, (while laughing) "she's a cougar!". Do you know what a "cougar" is??? An older woman (I think you have to be over 40 to qualify) who likes younger men. Funny, this week was my single friend, Sara's Birthday. On her card I signed "one more year closer to being a cougar!". Then today someone (who will remain unnamed) referred to my little "obsession" with Robert Pattinson being "cougarish". Now the neighborhood kid is saying this. He must of not thought that I knew what it meant. I didn't address it. I just told the kid to stay out of the street and told them they were making me nervous. The kid got out of the street. As I was walking away they started laughing and talking about how I am a cougar again. What the heck.... My hubby is younger....not that much younger. And I am not 40 yet.

Mom Audience....

2009-04-08T11:32:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine started this....you should check it out.....

Mom Audience is now live! Mom Audience is a marketplace for moms. My goal in creating Mom Audience is to provide a place where moms, mompreneurs and businesses with mom-appeal can come together.

So ... if you're a mom and you'd like the convenience of shopping at a mom-specific location, please subscribe!

If you have a business, blog, product, sale, giveaway, contest, event, employment need, or other important news you want to get out to moms, you can list it FREE!

Your listing will go out on a weekly email to our subscribers - every Tuesday.The first Mom Audience email will go out on Tuesday, April 14, so listings need to be in by Sunday noon on April 12.

Mom Audience provides you with a central location to showcase your stuff and get some attention. If you want some additional attention, sponsor one of the emails or be seen on the sidebar of the Mom Audience website or Mom Audience email.

Would you do me a favor? Could you forward this information to your email lists, social network lists, your moms groups and to anyone else you know who might be interested in Mom Audience? I'd like your listings to get as much attention as possible!

Thanks so much!

Bev Coggins

Questions? Email me at Bev@momaudience.com
www.MomAudience.com

Warning: Something you say will probably make me think of Twilight...

2009-04-07T12:45:00.002-04:00

It is an illness.

Here is the deal.

The first time of ever even heard of Twilight I was at Borders with Jake. We were on a date or something....we often end up in bookstores. You should feel sorry for Jake - I've had a life long love affair with books. In college I could NEVER study in the library - there are far too many "distractions" for me with all the books, magazines.... So, we were at Border's and there were all of these teen girls - cheerleaders & goth girls flittering about all very excited about the release of the next installment of this new vampire series. Jake and I laughed at them and then got the heck out of there. I will admit I read all the Harry Potter books and I did so enjoy them. The last 3 books I bought the day they came out. I love when a good story can capture you like that. Well, in the last year I have watched many of my adult and sane women friends fall prey to this Twilight series. I laughed. I made fun of them. The movie came and went....still not interested. THEN, I was at the library one night and I ran into an old friend. We were talking about this person and that...he said he sees this one girl we used to know because she is in a book club his wife attends. Before we parted ways I asked what they were reading in the book club (I was looking for something to catch my attention). He said, "Oh....Twilight but she is refusing to read it." Hmmmmm....just like me. That bothered me for some reason (long back story I guess). Then my sister went crazy and devoured all four books in SIX days. These are not short books. Again...I made fun of her and rolled my eyes a lot! Finally, I was at church and my babysitter was talking about her obession with Twilight. That is where I decided. I think I told you about it before. I was not going to be crazy obsessed girl. I couldn't. I am too busy and too many other things going on. So, I bought the book...read a few pages. Nothing special. For the next week I read a couple of pages a day. See....I am different than all the rest of you crazies..... Then it happened. I can tell you exactly when it did....Bella was in the cafeteria sitting with her friends. Edaward was sitting across the room and with one finger he motioned for her to come to him. She did. I was hooked. That was last Thursday. Last night....well, okay this morning (at 1:30 A.M.) I finished book three. I can't really explain it. I don't think Stephenie Meyer is that great of a writer. And quite frankly she does annoy me often. The story is absolutely unbelievable. You've heard it is about Vampires but it is just as much about Werewolves. Seriously. But those things didn't stop Dracula and Frankenstien from being classics...right? It hasn't even been 12 hours and I am CRAVING book four. My sweet, sweet husband ordered it for me off Amazon this morning. I yelled at him and told him to cancel the order because I can't wait that long (3-4 days of shipping....I'll die from the anticipation). I went to the library. They have 12 copies. One rude person never returned theirs....they've been billed. Eight are checked out. That leaves 3 books that were on the HOLD shelf. I actually thought about sneaking one for myself. I know...totally irrational. I reserved a copy. 4 or the 8 were already overdue or due today. I should have it in my hands by this evening (if all goes as planned). After I am done with the fourth book and my head has cleared I plan to explain to you exactly why I feel this series has captured so many women. You know me....I analyse everything and this is NO exception. Until then.....go get your copy. Read it. Fall in love.....

Just Stuff....

2009-03-31T16:05:00.003-04:00

Life is back to "normal" - whatever that means. Jude & Elise are both playing soccer. Jake is coaching Elise's team. That is fun. We had one practice on Saturday - not all the kids were there because of Spring Break but it was funny. I didn't realize what serious business it is. There were grandparents there to watch, cameras and video cameras! I am a bad Soccer Mom. I didn't even bring a water bottle let alone a camera. I guess I have a lot to learn. Jude has his first practice tonight. The coach called and said they are going to vote on a team name tonight so if Jude has any ideas he should tell him at practice. Jude said he was going to suggest the Blue Eagles!? Not sure where he came up with that but it sounds like an official name. Elise said she wants her team to be called the Frogs - not so official.

Work is slightly crazy. I have some clients who don't even really need me. Then I have other clients who need me all day, every day. Mostly people have no money, no jobs, no education, no car and no childcare. Now you tell me how people in this situation are supposed to "pull them up from their bootstraps?" Don't even get me started. I have a very offensive post I will write someday on the subject.....until then you'll have to wait. I almost lost friends over the last post I wrote where I said people are too judgemental. People are so sensitive. Then again I have been told I am a Rabble Rouser. So be it.

I haven't been posting my dinners for the last two weeks. Last week I was by myself so I ate the same thing pretty much the entire week. The week before I don't know what happened. Maybe I'll update you this weekend.

Until then....I have some Rabbles to Rouse (what does that mean anyhoo???). I'll leave you with this quote...

"Well-behaved women rarely make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Last Day of Loneliness....

2009-03-26T21:48:00.003-04:00

Well, the last full day. My family comes home tomorrow. I am very happy about it. It has been a very lonely week. I thought I would enjoy the time alone to get many projects done but the truth of the matter is....I didn't. I did accomplish a few things: I caulked the bathtub and shampooed the carpet but I really need to redo both. I did work quite a bit but I've found working and not have my own "normal" (to me anyways) family to counteract the craziness I deal with makes it a bit overwhelming (and tiring). I guess I imagined if I had time by "myself" without responsibilities I could do the things I "think" I usually miss out on. LOL. I thought I might catch up with my friends but the reality is they all have their own busy lives going on and just because I was alone doesn't mean they had time for me. I did go out to dinner with two friends from church this evening - Brian and Danielle. It was fun. What a mix of characters...Dani is a doctor. Brian a photographer and self proclaimed "ladies man" (well, he hasn't actually said that but that is what I think he thinks of himself). We are all different ages and at different places. It was funny and odd all mixed in one. We all went to Target to buy carpet shampoo (I ran out) but now I am too tired to redo the carpet.

I did buy the Twilight book and did start to read it - I am not very far and not yet hooked. Sorry Jake, I didn't get it done before you are home. I guess there is always tomorrow. I could stay home and read it. LOL.

So, it came to my attention today that Jake's former employers have been reading my blog (well someone from there). That's cool. If you are wondering if Jake has a job yet the answer is no. If you would like to offer him his job back - we'll talk.

Lastly...I haven't really watched any T.V. this week. Basically the time I tried to watch it I fell asleep on the couch - and I hate that. So after a few days I went to watch something and I realized my DVR is full and didn't tape half of my favorite shows. Bummer.

To Read or Not To Read.....

2009-03-25T08:28:00.002-04:00

I am trying to decided if I should read Twilight. I had no intentions of reading it. I had put my foot down. Then at CHURCH (of all places) - someone who I consider older and much wiser than me said she thought I should read it so I can relate to my teens.... Psshaw - teens how about my adult friends who have fallen in love with EDWARD. Seriously. I already know how some of you feel (ahem...Mandy & Heather) but I am interested in some feed back here.

If you don't know Twilight is a wildly popular Vampire Love Story.

I should be in the shower...

2009-03-22T07:28:00.002-04:00

But instead I am going to blog a little. As you may know if you follow Jake's blog: my family has gone out of town for the week. It is weird. Quiet but weird.

Friday morning Jake had an interview in Cleveland. I had left Friday open in order to catch up on my paperwork so instead of paying a babysitter I stayed home with the kids. What a crazy morning it was. I was helping Jake get all situated in his suit when Avery brought me a box of cereal. I opened it and gave her a handful but she quickly let me know she wanted it in a bowl. So, I went to the kitchen and got a bowl but that wasn't good enough she wanted milk too. I sat her down and gave her her cereal in a proper manner then went back to the bedroom area to see how things were going with the suit. A few minutes later, I guess Avery was lonely, because she came into the bedroom with her cereal in hand - spilling it on the way - and still eating while walking BTW. So, that was our first mess of the day. I was trying to pack the kids clothes for their trip. Jude wanted to help pick out what he was taking therefore the other kids wanted to help. Avery likes to UN-pack. After 10 minutes of mass chaos in Jude's room I decided I would pack the girl's things then put Avery down for a nap while I packed Jude's stuff. Jude went back to playing the DS (while sitting in the toy box). Elise was also sitting in the toy box, watching him. Avery was helping Mommy. Jude & Elise started fighting so I made them go to the living room. Elise yells "Molly puked on the floor". Jude starts gagging. I went to the hall closet to get clean up supplies and I looked at myself in the mirror....No make-up, my hair is not only NOT done but barely even combed and I haven't brushed my teeth. It was like 10 A.M. at this point. I forgot what it is like to stay at home. Oh, then Jake called me to say he forgot his wallet at home. That wouldn't be a big deal but the gas tank was almost on E when he left to drive to CLEVELAND! Great. Jude has to be at school early so I was feeding my kids lunch at like 11 A.M. I realized they haven't brushed their teeth so I have to UNpack stuff to get to the toothbrushes, brush their teeth and off to school. Jude's class was already inside - which gets him all crazy because he is anal about being on time. As he is leaving the car he realizes he forgot his back pack! What kind of a Mom sends her kid to school without a back pack? Well, I don't have too much time to dwell on it because I have to go meet my hubby at a gas station so he doesn't run out of gas. I ended up taking the car and going to work from there. I was already exhausted. Luckily, my first appointment canceled so I had a little breather.......... I am so looking forward to Jake having a job but not the hustle it is going to create in the mornings. Not fun at all. I guess once we adjust to it - then it will be okay.

Wow...Friday again???

2009-03-13T20:27:00.002-04:00

This week really flew by. I had such a busy busy week I barely noticed it was already Friday. Next week is another crazy busy one. My schedule is so full. Today I didn't even make it into the office. I was almost to the office when I received a call from a client who needed me back in Akron ASAP. So, I turned right around and went back where I had just come from. It all turned out okay. Yesterday I got to go to court for something other than Dependency/Neglect. It was for the Crossroads program (substance abuse court). I loved it. The Magistrate totally flattered me with all sorts of compliments. I just kept saying Thank you...thank you...oh thank you. All the PO's were looking like who is that girl and where did she come from. LOL. I told my little juvi she needed to work her butt off because I didn't want her making me look bad.... Nothing like an ego boost at the end of an extra long day of working while sick. I started getting a fever on Wednesday evening. It is a low-grade yet annoying fever. I don't feel sick enough to lay in bed but not good enough to really feel normal.

Jake had an interview this morning. It went okay. After driving all the way out to Canton he was told it barely paid over minimum wage. It is heartbreaking. Like I have said before...I am confident God has a plan, I am just not 100% confident I am gonna like it.

We have a activity filled week-end ahead of us. Busy. Busy. Busy.

Wild Game....

2009-03-08T19:19:00.002-04:00

I ended up sucking it up and going to the Wild Game Dinner. Jake wanted to go and my sister wanted to go so I got all gussied up and headed for Cleveland. When we got there I was a bit surprised. No one (except for us) was dressed up. Not everyone was wearing camouflage but there sure was a lot of it there. Mostly the people that were "dressed up" were wearing jeans and a t-shirt. LOL. We definitely stood out in the crowd! I wore jeans but had a nicer shirt and heals on. So did my sister. So, I'd bet you'd like to know how we even ended up at this dinner.... One of Heather's patients (she cleans his whole family's teeth) invited her. It just cracks me up. Anyhoo...when we walked in he spotted us and said he had saved a table for us. That was nice of him since the likelihood of us running into someone we knew was pretty much nil. We went and sat down feeling a little awkward. There was a little chit chat - and then it was time for the appetizers or "the first course". But before the eating began the guy running the event came out, all the guys removed their hats and he said a prayer. The appetizers consisted of Turtle Soup, rabbit nuggets, frog legs and roadkill pizza (I didn't eat that). It was good. I think we began to make friends with the guys when we gave them our beer tickets - everyone got six with their meal. Two other guys arrived. I was trying to read them....figured they poured concrete for a living (not that there is anything wrong with that - they just looked like good ole boys). I think the guys were trying to figure us out more than anything. I made a comment about there not being too many women there and one of the guys said "yeah and you two have more teeth than the rest of them put together." LOL. After more talking and laughing we found out the four guys sitting across from us were a CPA, a plumber, a contractor and sitting directly across from me: a Psychiatrist.... The Second course was interesting - Canadian Goose Pepper Steak (I didn't care for this), Elk meatloaf (awesome), Venison with au jus (good), rabbit stew (good) and pheasant paprikash (also good) and a salad. It was a lot of meat. For dessert: carrot cake. To me, the food was not the highlight. We all laughed and laughed and laughed. The stories these guys told... One guy was from Tennessee. He said he likes Ohio better because of the milder summer and less bugs. I said "Yeah we don't have chiggers." His eyes about popped out of his head! He said, "I've never met a girl that knows about chiggers!" The shrink told stories about his fainting goats (he also has a little farm). Seriously. It was a lot of fun and Jake said we are going to go again next year. When we were walking out to the car Ivan said "I can already see a post on the Miller Way about this". Then on the way home Heather and Ivan started telling stories about my past dating history.... Well, that was a laugh and a half. I used to have this bad habit of obsessing over a guy until I finally went out with him then I would find the smallest thing wrong with him (like nose hair or ugly toes) and then I would find him repulsive. We were all laughing so hard we were crying.... I guess you had to be there. Bottom line....it was fun and I am glad I went.

What was for dinner #4

2009-03-07T06:34:00.003-05:00

I usually don't get to this until Sunday but since I am up so early on a Saturday I will post now. This week was another busy one. Jake even cooked one night. I won't tell you which one - see if you can figure it out.

Sunday - Chili & Lobster Pizza: a strange combo I know but I bought this fake lobster meat for cheap and Jude has been begging for Lobster Pizza ever since his little friend, Raymond, went to Red Lobster & ate it. I made a pizza crust in the bread machine, topped with alfredo, fake lobster, cheese and melted butter - a little fattening, I know. Everyone LOVED it. Not me - I can't eat it....... It was cheap!

Monday -Szechuan Noodles with Pork : I had a couple of pork chops in the freezer - not enough for a main course, so I thawed them and put them in the food processor. It worked great! The family really liked this dish but I really didn't. I've tried cooking with peanut butter several times and I am just not feeling it. I'll stick to PB cookies.... BTW...I used rice noodles in this.

Tuesday - We went out to eat to this cheap little diner close by. They have an awesome cabbage soup.

Wednesday - Eggs, fried potatoes, ham, grapes. I didn't eat the eggs.

Thursday - Chicken (made in the pressure cooker), rice, potatoes.

Friday - Whiskey Glazed Salmon, steamed/sauteed veggies, leftover rice, oranges: the original recipe called for Bourbon but I didn't have any so I used Jack Daniels. The alcohol cooked off and it was delish. I will have to say this dinner was amazing.

Saturday - Pancake sandwiches: Pancakes, sausage patties, cheese, egg... I am making that for Jake's Mens Group. I think we are still going to that Wild Game thing for dinner. Although, it is raining now - makes me want to stay home even more....

I almost forgot...Snacks: Root beer floats & Jake made peanut butter cookies.

Random, Radonmess....

2009-03-06T14:11:00.003-05:00

- Ahhhhh....it is Friday! And it is warming up! I just love it!

- JenF told me that she gets angry when I don't post. Funny - she also told me she was going to start her own blog like a month ago but hasn't yet.

- Whatever happened to my "guest writer" who would fill in the gaps when I was too busy....she hasn't written in FOREVER.

- And speaking of other people writing blogs.....Heather (not my sis) is also planning to write a blog. What is taking so long???? You would already have a built in reader base since so many people from our old church still read mine and know you!

- This weekend, Jake and I are supposed to go to this Wild Game Dinner thingy in Cleveland. My sister sent a check for the tickets but the guy never got it so she called him and he is going to let us get them at the door. I think it is a sign we shouldn't go. I wonder if I can get out of it..... I think I'd rather stay home and eat chicken.

- This week I painted two thrones for my friend, Liz. I think they look awful. Sorry Liz. It was kinda fun though.

- I've had a good week at work.

- The allergy diet is going okay. I will admit I have been cheating like crazy this week. I ate a piece of Ho Ho cake, 2 Peanut Butter cookies, corn chips & an egg roll. Horrible. I have suffered the consequences.

- BTW....speaking of that stupid diet. I know it isn't to loose weight but don't you think I should be loosing tons of weight since I have given up bread, cake, cookies, cereal, etc? I mean I did cheat this week but before that not so much. WHY ISN'T MY ARSE SKINNY YET? Just wonderin'!?

Have a good weekend!

Remember the Rabbits???

2009-03-04T09:29:00.003-05:00

I've noticed seveal other bloggers have been bringing back old posts. I think it is a great idea since I don't have time to write everyday & because I really have many new readers since the beginning of my blog. So....here is a complilation of some old posts from when we lived in Akron! Enjoy!

Okay, so those of you that talk to me on a regular basis know about my neighbor and his rabbits. For the others, I will fill you in with the short version... My neighbor, Archie, started out with 3 rabbits last summer. Over the year, as you may imagine, the rabbit population has, well, let's say, blossumed. I am not sure how many he has but it is close to 100. He is constantly giving rabbits away, selling rabbits and playing with the rabbits. He does things like walk around with bunnies in his shirt. I will be standing in the kitchen washing dishes and he will walk up and put a bunny in the window! He put up this big white tent right next to our sidewalk that he calls "the rabbit tent". He has cages, junk & an old car in the tent. If you don't know...we live in the city. The lots are small and the houses are close. The rabbits smell.
So, the reason for the rabbit story...today the rabbit tent was raided. The Akron Humane Society came and took the bunnies. They had badges, uniforms, cages and cameras. It was crazy. When Archie came home I tried to explain to him what had happened. I don't think he understands. He thinks if he cleans the cages he will get them back. Kinda crazy. If I can figure out how to add pics I will attach some I have taken of the bunnies and rabbit tent.

The Next Day....
Did I say there would never be a dull moment??? Well, let me tell you what happened in my life today. If you read the previous post you will know the story concerning the rabbits. Well, last night Archie was cleaning out all the cages and the rabbit tent. I guess he had rabbits in this old van in the back yard, too. So that was part of his project. This morning I saw Archie and he looked pretty upset so I went out and spoke to him. He said the Humane Society said if he cleans up the place and they approve it then he can have the bunnies back. He also said he has to take them to the vet to have them checked out. He is trying hard to get them back. He said the rabbits are his family. Isn't that sad. Well, just as I started to walk away Archie said "Will you pray for my rabbits?" Of course I said I would pray for the situation. As soon as those words left my mouth, Archie grabbed my hand and started praying a LOOOONNNNGGGG prayer for the safe return of his rabbits. I can't make this stuff up folks. I want the best outcome for all this & I do think Archie means well BUT....................What in the World???? Holding hands with Archie and praying to "Sweet Jesus" about the rabbits is something you can't really imagine happening to you unless it does. Now, let me tell you all, don't be mistaken, I am a Christian and I really believe in the power of prayer. It just seemed a little odd. Those of you that have met Archie and heard all the other stories will understand. Either way...In closing, I would like all of you to take a moment and say a prayer for Archie, who I doubt will get the bunnies back.

By the way Thanks for reading my blog. Make sure you tell everyone about it. Bookmark it. Read it often.

Love you all!

Day 3...
I wanted to keep everyone up to date on the bunny situation. Today Archie left me a note asking me to help him get his bunnies back. It seems the Humane Society is bullying him. First they told him he could have the rabbits back if he cleans the cages and pays the vet expenses. He cleaned everything. He was working on it nonstop. It looks and smells much better. He called them and they wouldn't return his calls. Finally after 3 calls he gets to talk to the person "in charge" of his case. The person says he has 2 choices...(1)he can take one bunny and pay to have it fixed and be off the hook or (2)He can go to court, face charges but have a chance of getting all the rabbits back. They told him if it goes to court it would probably be in the newspaper because the conditions were so bad. Let me tell you...the cages did need cleaned but they weren't as bad as these people are making it sound. And they are bullying him. I will be the first to tell you the man is very wierd (in every way) but, as most of you know, I have always been out to help the underdog. He isn't all there and he doesn't really understand. He is very embarassed and is afraid of everyone finding out. They are using it against him.

You need help with WHAT????

2009-03-03T08:35:00.003-05:00

Curtains..... Well, I can't help you there sister. No way. I don't know anything about curtains. That is what I had to tell a client yesterday. Her case worker told her she needed to get some curtains. (not sure why that is so important but...okay). Later I was thinking about the conversation and all the things I have helped with in the past: I've given rides to visit probation officers, helped exterminate cock roaches, sat in a room (behind the curtain) while someone had their cervix checked and I've been to get birth certificates & SS cards. I've helped dress a newborn for the first time - that wasn't mine. I've been to court and stood up for all sorts of colorful people. I've checked for head lice and helped comb nits out of hair. I've explained in detail how to stick a pad to you underwear in the correct position. I've help teen girls tell their mothers they are pregnant. I've had to talk to teen boys about stinky feet among other gross smells. I can tell you where to go to get free food, rent & socks. And, not in this job - but in the past- I have explained puberty and all the workings of the birds & the bees to a room full of sixth grade boys. I can tell you how to save a buck at the grocery store or even how to make marshmallows from scratch. But PLEASE don't go asking me about curtains..... Because I don't have a clue!

Dinner #3

2009-03-01T13:48:00.003-05:00

No, I am not turning this into a food blog. I have just been busy and have had very little computer time for the last few weeks. But I wanted to tell you what I made for dinner this week!

Sunday - Cuban Black Bean Soup & Corn Casserole

Monday - Honey Mustard Chicken, Rice, Green Beans

Tuesday - Out for Mexican! Thanks Mom & Dad!

Wednesday - Turkey Meatloaf, Homemade mashed potatoes, glazed carrots

Thursday - Steamed Mussels, Sauteed Mushrooms & Peas

Friday - Indian Beef Stew - I know they don't eat Beef in India but that is what I had. The spices were definitely Indian!!! It was fabulous!

Saturday - Thai Shrimp, Thai Veggies & Rice! I made it again because we had company. It was a hit!!!!

For snacks I made pudding, cookies and rice crispy treats out of coco puffs & fruity pebbles (not together). I bought the cereal for less than $2 a box and then used Extra Bucks so it ended up being "cheap free". They didn't last very long!

Our local grocery store had a sale on meat. I bought a lot of chicken so expect to see more of it in the upcoming weeks!

Stir-Fried Thai Chicken Salad

2009-02-25T09:04:00.003-05:00

I have had several requests for this recipe. I also got this one from the Better Crocker web page! This is how the recipe is written. I changed it up a little. I did NOT add the crushed red pepper, bok choy or peanuts. I just forgot to buy the bok choy. If you can find baby bok choy - I think that would be best. Oh, I didn't use the green onions either - I used regular onions and cooked them with everything else. I also added mushrooms and extra zucchini as well. You could add anything really. One last thing...I used leftover rotisserie chicken. I made jasmine rice with it. YUM....

Let me know if you try it and what you think. BTW...did anyone try that Thai Shrimp? I think I am going to make it again this weekend!

Stir-Fried Thai Chicken Salad

Sweet-and-Sour Dressing

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Chicken Salad

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 pound cut-up boneless chicken breast for stir-fry
1 medium zucchini, cut into julienne strips (2 cups)
1 1/2 medium carrots, shredded (1 cup)
6 to 8 green onions, cut into 1-inch julienne strips (1/2 cup)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 cups chopped bok choy (stems and leaves)
1/4 cup dry-roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1. Mix all Sweet-and-Sour Dressing ingredients.
2. In 12-inch skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until no longer pink in center.
3. Add zucchini, carrots, onions and pepper flakes; cook and stir about 4 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in dressing. Cook and stir 1 minute. Serve over bok choy. Top with peanuts and cilantro.

Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Betty Crocker® Kitchens
You can use an equal amount of spinach or green cabbage for the bok choy. To julienne means to cut food into long, thin matchlike strips. You can also cut the zucchini, carrots and onion into thin slices to save a little prep time. Time Saver Purchase preshredded carrots in the produce section of your supermarket.

Nutrition Information: 1 Serving: Calories 335 (Calories from Fat 205); Total Fat 23g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat ncg); Cholesterol 50mg; Sodium 290mg; Total Carbohydrate 15g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars ncg); Protein 23g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 58%; Vitamin C 34%; Calcium 12%; Iron 10% Exchanges: 0 Other Carbohydrate; 3 Vegetable; 2 Lean Meat; 3 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: nc *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
© 2009 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved

What was for dinner #3...

2009-02-21T18:01:00.003-05:00

It has been a busy week for me - hence, the lack of blogging. You will see it also effected our meals. Nothing too fancy this week.

Sunday - Leftovers.
Monday - Chicken Thai Stir Fry (This was sooooo good. Better than any Chinese takeout).
Tuesday - Chick-fil-a - I ended up working late unexpectedly - I took a pregnant client to the hospital. So, Jake took the kids "out to eat".
Wednesday - Pasta (rice pasta), Meat & Mushroom Sauce. Watermelon.
Thursday - Chicken Tenders, Collard Greens, Peas & Carrots.
Friday - Pizza (Donatos has a crustless pizza - it was okay. I think I will try this myself next time).
Saturday - Leftovers (we had a lot of pasta & chicken left).

I also made Rice Pudding from scratch - Amazing.

So, there you go. Not that fancy at all. Wait until next week though....I have some GOOD stuff planned. Just if I can execute the plan.....

Check out what Steph had for dinner.

Uh, Excuse Me....I'd like to get off this emotional roller coaster - PLEASE!!!

2009-02-19T07:31:00.002-05:00

I could be talking about so many aspects of my life..........................

But today I am feeling a little crazy about the weather.

Tuesday it was sunny. It was cold but it smelled like spring and I heard birds chirping. How could I NOT get my hopes up?

Wednesday it was raining, gloomy and gray. Boo Hiss.

Today. Snow. Not just a little. There is enough to cover the grass and roads.

I'm just so sad about it.

What was for dinner #2

2009-02-15T20:34:00.002-05:00

Over at Stop the Ride, Stephanie has been doing this little "What was for dinner" play along. Apparently I was the only one playing along (well, I did once) but if you want to just stop over at her blog and leave a comment with your link. I think it is interesting to see what everyone else eats.

I am an adventurous cook. I LOVE to try new recipes. In fact I am always making something new. This week was no exception. Check it out.

Sunday - Chicken & Mushroom Soup. I skipped the corn and added sharp cheddar instead of parmesan.

Monday - Chipotle Style dinner - Pinto Beans, Cilantro lime rice, avocado, sauteed onions & red peppers, sour cream, cheese, salsa, shredded, seasoned chicken & corn chips.

Tueday - Thai Seared Shrimp & Jasmine Rice.

Wednesday - Mahi Mahi grilled with onions & peppers & Quinoa

Thursday - Thai Seared Shrimp - yes I made it again because I had leftover coconut milk & curry. It is sooooooooo good.

Friday- Rotisserie Chicken, Smashed Potatoes, Green Beans & Salad

Saturday - Thin Pork Chops w. Apples, Onions & cheddar cheese, roasted sweet potatoes and collard greens.

I also made Rice Crispy treats, pudding and chocolate cupcakes (from scratch).

Now I need to get to work on a plan for this week.......

A Friday Fill In!!!

2009-02-13T20:34:00.003-05:00

1. It seems like winter is over.

2. Put your pencils down and look up - when you're done, please?

3. If I thought you dance I'd sing you a song!

4. Birds singing & hearts floating by - is what I think of most when I think of you.

5. To me, Valentine's Day means flowers, hearts and a bunch of pink stuff.

6. Breakfast gives me strength.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up with my DVR, tomorrow my plans include maybe baking some cupcakes, doing laundry & hanging with the family and Sunday, I want to do more of the same!

More Fill-ins.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2009-02-12T21:36:00.002-05:00

My Poster...

2009-02-11T19:53:00.002-05:00

In KINDERGARTEN????

2009-02-09T11:58:00.002-05:00

As many of you know, I was planning to homeschool my children. Then life happened and it didn't seem like much of an option for our family. Since we can't afford a private school and didn't get around to signing up for "financial aide" in time, we decided to send Jude to public school. I mean it is only kindergarten....... Ha ha ha ha ha. Famous last words. I will start by saying school has been good for Jude. He has done very well. He isn't as shy and he really enjoys learning. He was always so reluctant to learn from me.... Well, he was learning but he wouldn't admit to knowing anything. LOL. Jude does like school. I have had my complaints about the public school system, but honestly I have very high expectations. I joined the PTA so I could have some say! HA. That was a laugh. I decided the PTA was not for me after I caused a little bit of a stink in a meeting which consequently caused the other PTA Mom's to look in the other direction when they see me! The meetings pretty much consisted about grown women complaining and arguing over things like: the high schoolers swearing in the parking lot (they were afraid to ask them not to swear in front of the children. My question is: When did High Schoolers get so scary???) and the teachers not having a standardized school supply list OR the prizes for some stupid fundraiser. I should just stop talking about them....my blood pressure is going up! I do volunteer in the library once a week. I went on the field trip, help with parties and even went in to do a craft with Jude's class. It was fun. I know all the kids names in Jude's class - and they all know me. So, two weeks ago Jude's teacher had a "minor surgery". She said she would be out for a week. It ended up being two. The kids were not on their best behavior. I wasn't thrilled with the sub. I met her and thought she yelled too much. So, this is a conversation I had last week with Jude:

Jude: [Boy in class] got a red card today.
Me: Why? He is usually good.
Jude: He said a bad word.
Me: Oh. What word did he say?
Jude: I don't know.
Me: How did you know it was a bad word?
Jude: The other kids told me.
Me: Grrrrrr.....

I was proud that Jude didn't know the bad word.

So, Saturday we go the zoo and as we were getting out of the van this was the conversation we had:

Jude: Mommy, do you know about the F-word? (he actually said f-word not f***)
Me: Uh, which F-word?
Jude: I don't know? The F-word that is bad.
Me: Where did you hear about the F-word?
Jude: Aaron told me.
Me: Why was Aaron talking about the F-word?
Jude: I don't know but [a different boy] called the teacher a bad word.
Me: Oh. Did she hear him?
Jude: No, Ian whispered it in her ear.
Me: What did she do?
Jude: She made him go talk to Mrs. Burris (the other kindergarten teacher), that is what she does every time someone says a bad word.
Me: Oh, what does Mrs. Augustus do?
Jude: I don't know! People don't say bad words when she is there!

Apparently, they only cuss at the sub.

Saturday....

2009-02-08T08:46:00.008-05:00

Yesterday we went to the Akron Zoo. I've mentioned before how much I love that Zoo. It is close (only a few miles away). It is small and manageable - it doesn't have to be an all day event. AND the animals are always so close up. I love it. They may not have some of the bigger (& smellier) animals but the kids always love it. In fact, Elise asks to go to the zoo every night before she goes to bed. Since the weather was (what people in ohio call....) nice yesterday - we took advantage of it! Here are some (well a lot) pics from the day!

The Search....is still on!

2009-02-04T12:06:00.002-05:00

Some of you may have heard that Jake had a big interview last week. He had to buy a suit....he was told to "dress to impress". Suits are not cheap. He looked cute but not very comfortable. I think I'd rather see him in his camo shorts and a pair of hiking boots. LOL. He went to the interview and he felt pretty good about it. Over the weekend he kept talking about ideas and I could tell he was very excited. I was already feeling relief...thinking things we would be able to do with the gazillions of $'s he was going to be making. Unfortunately the company called on Monday and said they decided they weren't going to go forward with the project. Phooey. We were both very disappointed.

Currently we are doing okay... We are keeping our heads above water BUT his unemployment will be running out. We don't really have a plan. We have cut the expenses that we can. I could sit here and list them all but it makes me want to cry. Every day I listen to the news and it is so depressing. As I am typing I just heard PNC bank is cutting 5800 jobs - mostly from National City Bank that they just purchased - which is based in NE ohio. With my job I have contact with ODJFS and I see how backed up they are...things that used to take 2 weeks is taking 2 months because they are overwhelmed by the amount of people who need assistance. Jake looks every single day for a job. I see him pouring over job postings and sending out his resume. He isn't getting much of a response. It is very stressful.

I know God has a plan for us. I trust him. I just don't trust that I will like the plan.

Obama...

2009-02-03T11:51:00.002-05:00

Okay, you might remember I criticized Sarah Palin during the presidential campaign. I also let you know that I voted for Obama...much to the disappointment of many of you. LOL. Well, it has been nice watching history and I think Obama has a lot of wonderful things to say. BUT...today I am mad at him. Back in May Obama said this:

We can't drive our SUVs and, you know, eat as much as we want and keep our homes on, you know, 72 degrees at all times, whether we're living in the desert or we're living in the tundra and then just expect every other country is going to say OK, you know, you guys go ahead keep on using 25 percent of the world's energy, even though you only account for 3 percent of the population, and we'll be fine. Don't worry about us. That's not leadership.

Last week it was reported that Obama has set the thermostat at the White House at 80! Are you kidding me?

I was already a little annoyed that the Obama inauguration cost $160,000,000! I know it was history making and there was cause for celebration but COME ON people....even if it wasn't tax payers money - it was still extravagant and wasteful.

Then on the radio today, Howie Chizek has been talking about the Obama's only eating some special and very expensive beef. Some type that costs like $200 per pound.

I don't know. He worked hard and he is the President of The United States of America. I think he should get some perks. But he has preached the message of "lead by example" that I feel seriously betrayed. I am not giving up on him yet but I am mad.

High School Creative Writing Class....

2009-01-29T16:07:00.003-05:00

The first half of my senior year I took a Creative Writing Class. It was one of my most memorable classes. One of the things we had to do was keep a journal. I had tried to keep a diary or journal in the past but was not very good at it. I had to do it for this class. Recently I was digging up old photos from back in the day and came across this journal. I had found some other old journals a while back and they were just awful....I'm tellin' ya. But this one...well it is a little better. I will say this - I remember being a little boy crazy but NOT like the journal tells it. Wow. That is mostly what I talked about. But there are a few other things I thought I would share. It is funny because it has been so long I forgot a lot of it but I really haven't changed much at all. And here I thought I had!? Well, enjoy a little "younger" version of Delilah.....

8/29/1990 Well, this is my first journal entry. How exciting. I'm not really sure what to write so - I'll just tell about my first day of being a senior. Well, I wasn't happy to get back. I dread the hard work. We realeased balloons this morning. It was nice but, I'd prefer not to litter. I saw a lot of my firends and I was surprised how different they looked. I had a lot of homework. My sister helped me carry my books. My schedule was missing my independent study. I came home and all heck broke loose. Me & my boyfriend got into a fight. I had to go to work, etc...

8/30/1990 Today went by too fast. I am in yearbook. Mrs. Blackburn is talking. I am the Editor. I am home now and (I'll leave his name out) is standing in my doorway. He bugs me. He has a VHS Frosh Jersey on & grey semi-tight sweats. It's gross. They are tight at the top & it squishes his cellulite to the top and it overflows. I hate to be mean but, he is so dorky at times. He's telling me a story about EHOVE. Sometimes he lies to "impress" me. I hope Mitch calls soon. He was at softball practice. Whe he calls late I always get a nervous feeling inside. I hate it. Sometimes I can't stand it so much that I call him. It's because of stress.

I'll type more tommorow.

Wordless Wednesday...Is this against the law?

2009-01-27T20:04:00.004-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

Kamikaze & Freshman Gym Class.

2009-01-26T12:38:00.003-05:00

It is strange when I think back to my high school days. There is so much I can't actually remember. The main things I remember about high school are: my older boyfriend (he was around for most all of it so I can't really separate those memories), my youth group (he was there too), my friend Stephanie (partners in crime - LOL) and crazy stuff like this freshman gym class I was in. In our school we had to take gym our freshman and sophmore years. You had to have those two gym credits to graduate. I am not sure why the school scheduled it this way but half of the girls in my class were freshman girls and the other half were sophmore girls who had flunked gym the previous year. Those girls were scary! I can't remember everyone in the class but it is crazy how many I actually do remember ( Stephanie Norris, Debbie Rowe, Brooke Benedict, Heidi Morrow (rip), Dee Speckheart, Stacey Webb, Sandy Mills...) I know there were a bunch of other people I just don't remember who. Either way...it was a cut throat kinda class. I feared for my life. Seriously. When we played basketball I went home with bruises and scratches. It was full body contact basketball. The teacher was this nice lady we called "Winnie". Her husband was a math teacher and she was what you would expect of a woman gym teacher. (I can't believe I just said that). I never saw her as very feminine but thinking back it would be difficult to be girly in a gym suit. Anyhoo....in this class we would play this game called "Kamikazi". Let me explain. They put us in the "wrestling room". It is a smaller room with wrestling mats. I don't know if all schools have a special room for wrestlers but ours did. A friend of mine did dirty things with her boyfriend in that room (that is a story I don't need to share). The mats were rolled up and off to the side. I can't give you even an estimate of what size the room was but it was probably the size of a classroom. So we were put into teams and divided on either side of the room. Then the games began. I forget how many balls we were given - I think 2-4. We played "dodgeball" at close range with multiple balls. Isn't that insane? Do you know how bad it hurt when a ball hit you? I can still feel the sting. I HATED it. Looking back I am not sure why I didn't just try to get out right away but I didn't. I always tried so hard. I wasn't very good at it. The mean girls were great. I think they liked it. They would look at the freshman girls and point at who they were going to hit the hardest. Okay, maybe that is a slight exageration but that is how I want to remember it. There was this bully in the class. She had been a bully back in middle school too. She was always threatening to beat me up. I was so scared of her. I went out of my way to avoid her because she was out to get me. No matter what I did she hated my guts. Well, she was always yelling at someone in that class. Each week she would pick someone new to threaten. One day she was yelling at one of the girls in the class. I remember I was looking at a Sassy magazine with Debbie Rowe and I heard the bully just yelling at this girl while she was getting dressed. My blood was starting to boil. So...I stood up and I yelled at her. I told her I was sick of hearing her pick on someone new every week. I figured my week was coming up soon so I might as well get a head start. I said, "you have been threatening to beat me up since I was in 7th grade and you have never done a thing about it - and you are always threatening someone. So, either do it or shut up!" She was so shocked that anyone (especially me) would stand up to her. I heard someone say, "Winnie - Delilah is going to beat so-in-so up" so I decided to leave the locker room. When I turned the girl hit me in the back - with a girl punch at that.... I was a little stunned and turned but the teacher was already there (at that point I thanked God because I still didn't want the girl to beat me up). She ended up getting suspended. I got nothing. She never bothered me again. I don't even remember her later in High School. She may have moved for all I know. But I have thought of her over the years. I wonder what was going on in her life that made her so angry. Now that I am all grown up - I know she did not have a charmed life. She acted that way - always picking on someone - for a reason. I kinda feel sorry for her.

What have I been eating????

2009-01-24T12:23:00.003-05:00

As you all know I have had to change some of my eating habits. I thought it was going to be dreadful but it really isn't that bad. I had already given up Fast Food for New Years (well, I did eat a salad at McDonalds on Monday) so I had a few weeks of "lunch planning" under my belt. It is really easy right now since I don't have many appointments during the day. I am not a big bread eater...I am, however, a snacker...most of my "snacks" contain wheat, corn or eggs. I have been eating a lot more fruit, veggies and yogurt (the kind w.out corn syrup). I do miss pizza (already). As I am typing I have a wheat free, corn free, egg free pizza in the oven - made from scratch of course... I'll let you know how it tastes. The dough definitely had a different consistency. For me the sauce is the most important part of a pizza and I make the best sauce so it should be good.

Anyhoo...over at Stop the Ride, Stephanie is doing this "What's For Dinner" thingy (meme? - I don't know what to call it: maybe "weekly event"). I will join in...here is what the Millers ate for dinner this week....

Saturday- Leftovers (I made a big pot of Oatmeal with toppings for Breakfast)
Sunday - Baked Potato Bar (sour cream, salsa, cheese, broccoli, homemade butter...)
Monday - Pan fried, thin pork chops, steamed cabbage w. dill, fried potatoes (leftover from the baked pot. the day before) & glazed carrots.
Tuesday - Pinto Beans & smoked sausage
Wednesday - Chicken breast & Bean Salsa (leftover pintos w/ tomato & cilantro).
Thursday - French Onion Soup (Homemade - I skipped the bread on mine), Salad & Fruit.
Friday - Brie Cheese (softened in the microwave) on Apples. (It was just me & Avery so we mostly snacked....)

Can I just say...French Onion Soup is the easiest thing to make. If you like it I highly suggest trying it at home. My kids even liked it and thought it was cool they got to eat out of coffee mugs.

To see what Steph and others had for Dinner go over to Stop The Ride.....

A Friday Fill-In fer ye...

2009-01-23T13:45:00.003-05:00

1. Oh, I am so craving a thin crust, veggie pizza from Donatos!

2. I laugh in the face of changes, big and little.

3. During Grey's Anatomy, I cried, last night.

4. I can't eat WHEAT!!!!; are you kidding me???

5. Right now I'd like to be on a beach in the Virgin Islands (someone please send me there).

6. My pressure cooker is currently my favorite gadget.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching movies, tomorrow my plans include working on Scrapbooks and reading a good book and Sunday, I want to stay warm (it is only going to be 15 degrees)!

For more Friday Fill-ins Go HERE.

Facebook and me....

2009-01-23T12:25:00.002-05:00

Work has been dreadfully boring. As it turns out our new contract does not start until Feb. 1 so......I am sitting around doing nothing. Well, not really. I have been sitting in front of a computer for HOURS this week. God love the people that do this all the time. I'd rather do MANY, MANY other things...including scrape cock roaches off someones kitchen counter than sit in front of this computer for another minute. This morning I did get out and helped someone move some stuff from one shelter to another. That was short. Then I came back to Kent and there was a donation of Christmas gifts here....an odd thing on January 23rd. Regardless, I spend 1/2 hour or so opening gifts. That was fun, while it lasted.

So, last week I decided to hook up with facebook. Sherry signed up and I thought it was time for me to join the rest of the free world too. So, with the extra time on my hands and my new relationship with facebook.............well, it has been out of hand this week. I have looked up and searched and poked around and talked to SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many people I haven't heard from in YEARS. It is really cool. In fact, it may be inspiring some new blog posts about the past. My. Crazy. Past. When I have talked about the past I usually talk about the college years but I think it is time to jump back to High School. I may have been wild in college but in High School I was sweet. I was a good kid. I had a few incidents but overall I was good. I will work on some new posts this weekend!

A Love Story....

2009-01-20T14:30:00.002-05:00

I have been meaing to write about this....

I have mentioned before that my Dad has 9 brothers & sisters. He is the second youngest. His oldest sister, Carmel, was already married and had children when he was born. I am really sad to say, my Aunt Carmel passed away on January 4th. She had alzeimers. She was married to her husband, Clint, for 68 years. Man, that is a long time. Jake and I would have to live to be 95 to be married that long!!!! Well, if you read her obituary you will see you was survived by her husband. Right after her funeral he became ill and he passed away 6 days later. How horrible for the family but what a sweet love story.

It's the end of the world as you know it.....

2009-01-14T10:40:00.002-05:00

A long time ago there was this radio station in Cleveland that was changing formats and they played the song "It's the end of the world as you know it" by REM over and over for 24 hours. For me it hasn't been a full 24 hours yet but last night I got a phone call that will change my life forever. I will start by saying I am not dying or anything....I won't keep you hanging on that. But as many of you know, for quite some time I have had MANY ailments that can't quite be explained. Thinning hair, bad nails, unexplained rashes, extra heart beats, brain fog, tiredness, oh the list can go on and on. I have been going to the doctor for years complaining of this and that. I fired one doctor and moved on to another. I was given diagnosises without adequate testing and when the medications haven't worked it is forgotten about until I feel the symptoms are unbearable and I go back to the doctor. Pretty much I have felt like somewhat of a hypocondriac because of the way I have been treated and looked at strangely. So, in October my doc gave me a paper for some blood work. I am embarassed to say I didn't get it done until recently. Mostly it was for normal cholesterol and such but there was another test for allegies. Back in the day they used to have to do that scratch test but now they can do it with blood. There are hundreds of these blood allergy tests. When I got to the place to get the bloodwork done the woman at the desk had to call the doc to see which allergy test he wanted me to have. He said for Food Allergies. I was disappointed because I felt like it was a waste of a test. Anyhooo..... A couple of weeks have gone by and I haven't gotten the results. In the mean time I was taking this long hot bath and reading a magazine that has an article in it about childhood food allergies. I immediately thought Elise has an allergy to wheat. I called her doc and he said he thought it may be possible and to take her off wheat for the next 10 days. When I started researching the allergy I starting thinking....wait a minute....I think I am allergic to wheat. Wheat is a tough thing to avoid. Well, last night, after dinner I got a phone call from the doc's office and they confirmed I am allergic to wheat. But there is more. I am also allergic to CORN. Do you understand corn is in everything! Oh, and I am allergic to EGGS! Wheat, corn and eggs. What will I eat? Every last one of my symptoms can be explained by these allergies. Amazing. They are bad enough I will give up these foods. I am not sure how I will do this. I can be stubborn and I do have willpower...I just don't like to use it. All I do know it...my life is changed. No pizza. No cake. No brownies. No coffeemate creamer. No chips and salsa. No beer. No cornbread. No doritos. No warm crusty bread or soft buttery yeast rolls. No lasagna. No spaghetti. No cookies. And don't even get me started on health and beauty aids.....everything has corn & wheat in it. I guess that is why certain shampoos have always made my hair fall out.

Instead of dwelling on what I can't eat or use, I will cling to the hopes of finally having thick, lush hair, clear skin and a skinny arse. Oh, and this my bring Make it from scratch up to a new level for me.

I will keep you updated but please keep me and (especially) Elise in your prayers.