I'm back........

Life has been rough, things have been busy, excuses excuses....

This week.... My mother in-law went to the oncologist at OHSU, a close friends mom had a stroke, another close friend's sister-in-law is starting treatment for Colon cancer. Well ENOUGH is ENOUGH! I am tried of my family and friends hurting, I just want it to stop! If I could throw a temper tantrum, laying kicking and screaming on the floor and make it better I would. But I can't. So I will pray, and send good thoughts, be strong and support those around me, quietly crying inside (or the shower), being sad and wishing all were healthy and not hurting.

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

1. Wine -- the best food to take on a picnic.
2. Summer lovin had me a blast!
3. The only shoes I ever want to wear are...... flip flops.
4. To love someone is the best feeling on earth!
5. I so do not ever want to do a long hike.
6. When I crave food, it's usually pizza, strawberries or mac salad.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to Outback with the Davis/Mizell family and friends, tomorrow my plans include wathcing Kevina nd Stacey getting married and enjoying cake so good you can orgasm over it (so Stacy said) and Sunday, I want to enjoy the sunshine!

Fill-In Friday on Thur Evening :)

1. Picture of my children never fails to make me smile.
2. I'm looking forward to the weekend full of sports.
3. Savannah dishing up ice cream is what I'm listening to right now.
4. Potato salad must have dill pickles in it!
5. Wine, and lots of it was the best thing I ate today. Ok, so maybe I did not eat it, but it counts!
6. Today was long, stressful, and Thursday.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include 1 soccer and 2 basketball games and Sunday, I get to drive back to Eugene for two more basketball games, then relax!!

Forever.........

We spent Easter with my in-laws, as always. It has been a tradition since my husband and I met. I remember being a senior in high school and being forced into hunting eggs at my future Grandmother in-laws. I thought they were crazy, but I made my 14 year old hunt them this year so I guess I am crazy too. Savannah was not thrilled, she was trying to text "The Boy" and I wanted her to focus on the family. We compromised. She hunted with one hand, and texted with the other.

But as I was talking to my MIL (whom I love dearly, and can not imagine my life without her), she mentioned something about not being here to see my children's children with the crazy piercing that she could imagine happening then. It took all I had not to break down and cry like a baby. I do not wan to hear that. She will live forever, right? She has to be there to rock her great grandbabies to sleep, just like she rocked my two. Getting old sucks, I do not want it to happen. Yes, I realize there is nothing I can do to stop it. But by gosh I am not happy about it!

Grandma's should live forever and ever. That's what I think!

today

things I like:
medium blue pens
lip gloss in a tube
watching people
bringing my lunch to work - but only if no one at my lunch table has something I think looks better

not so much:
mushrooms
smoothies
the rain
soup


things that are wearing out quickly:
my brown belt

our couch in the living room
my favorite MAC eyeshadow -grain

electronic gifts I might not refuse:
a Droid
a new red laptop
a better gps system
a surround sound system


things to be happy about:
dominick loves his basketball team
we are all well
savannah is not struggling with a single element
things are looking up

Sunday Stealing

Part One - Describe:
Your hair? Not long but not short, straighter than it used to be, brownish, with highlights.......of gray :(
Your favorite food? Pizza, good pizza, not cheap thin cardbaordy pizza.
Your dream last night? I did not dream. Oh....I never do actually.
Your favorite drink? Vodka, cranberry with a splash of pineapple......or x-rated punch!
Your dream/goal? Finish school
The room are you in? Living room
Your hobby?? Scrapbooking, though I am just getting back into it after a long dry period.
Your fear? Making the wrong decisions
Your TV? Is big, really big..........and seems to be on sports a lot lately!
Your Pets? Scarlett is having a hard time, I am not home all day now, and she is in her kennel. Have to give her lots of extra love when I get home. Cats.......they could care less about us.
Friends? All very different and all very great in their own way, though some have shown their true colors lately!
Your life? Busy, kinda crazy
Your mood? Calm, relaxed, happy!
If you're missing someone? Yes I am! seems like the more miles between us, the harder it is to stay in touch.
Your best friends? Is the best I could ask for, they are here beside me through everything!

Part Two - The Where's?
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Well D will be graduating..........so it will be a new and sad year for me!
Where were you last night? Home, with Aaron, waiting for Savannah to get home from Dalton's football game
Where did you grow up? Lebanon, Oregon
One place that I go to over and over? The Oregon beaches
Your favorite place to eat out? The Melting Pot..... though I just don't get there enough!
Wish list items? Willow Tree nativity scene, Coach Brooke bag
Last time you laughed? Today, Dominick is so funny!!
Last time you cried? After work the other day, learning a new job is frustrating so times.

Part Three - The What's?
Something that you aren't? I am not fake
Last thing you did? Ate Old country boil for dinner
What are you wearing?b Green tree fleece pj bottoms and a red shirt (ready for Christmas)
Something you're not wearing? Socks, I hate socks!
Your favorite store? Prefer a mall full of choices! :)

Friday Fill-In's

1. Sweet dreams my sweet children, oh wait, one is out with her boyfriend, and one is on the computer late since there is no school tomorrow.......so I guess to my self!

2.Saying goodbye to my babies next Friday will be so hard especially for me.

3. Silliness is always better with a friend!!

4. For the first time ever Aaron and I will be staying home and handing out candy this Halloween.

5. Outstanding or not I am who I am!.

6. A tropical vacation with my husband is what I want right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Audrey spending the night, tomorrow my plans include watching Dominick's soccer game, and going to dinner and the roller derby with great friends and Sunday, I want to SLEEP IN then get stuff ready for a HUGE garage sale!!

Menu Monday

Well, since I am going back to work I thought I should get more organized with dinner plans. So here is this weeks MENU:

Mon- Cheesy Beef & Bean Tacos

Tue- Chicken Enchiladas

Wed- Chicken & Rice Bake

Thu- Low Country Stew

Fri- Salsa Sirloin Salad

Change........

It's scary and great!

I have mentioned before that I was ready for a change. Well it finally came into play.

Last Monday, a friend told me about an opening that happened over the weekend at her office. So I applied on Tuesday, interviewed on Wednesday, went in for another interview, and "working" interview on Thursday, and on Friday I was called with a job offer.

SCARY!!

I have worked at home for the past 15, yes 15 years! My kids have never come home from school, and not seen me. But they are old enough to, an so on Tuesday the 20th of October I officially go to work in some place other than my own home! WEIRD!

It is an Oral Surgeons office, local, great hours, pay and people! I can't wait!

1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth? My tooth brush.......have not ate yet today.

2. Where was your profile picture taken? It's a picture I found online. Love flip flops and the beach!

4. Name someone who made you laugh today? Dominick.......he is such a fun young man right now!

5. How late did you stay up last night and why? I turned the news off at 11:30pm, but I know that I looked at the clock at 2:13am........Aaron was snoring sooo much I could not sleep.

6. If you could move somewhere else, would you? Hmmmmm Somewhere that rained less, but was not SUPER hot. I love 78 degrees and sunny!

7. Ever been kissed under fireworks? Every year, my husband!

8. Which of your friends lives closest to you? Brooke or Lisa.

9. Do you believe exes can be friends? Nah, it's awkward and not advised.

10. How do you feel about Dr Pepper? As long as its Diet, I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!

11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Hmmm.... been a long time. Life is good!

12. Who took your profile picture? I don't know.......see question 2.

13. Who was the last person you took a picture of? Our guests at Walt's birthday party last weekend.

14. Was yesterday better than today? Yes. It was a Sunday, a non work day, and I took a nap in the hammock!

15. Can you live a day without TV? Oh yes!

16. Are you upset about anything? Nope, life is pretty darn great right now!

17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Yes!

18. Are you a bad influence? I don't think so. You know something I don't?

19. Night out or night in? Really depends on several factors. Is it raining? Then definitely in. The weekend? Usually out. Good concert or movie? Out. I like going out, but I probably stay in more than I go out. I'm usually beat by the end of the day! But From now until the end of October, we are gone almost every weekend doing something FUN!

20. What items could you not go without during the day? My cell phone (I can get on the computer via it) and my car.

21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? I honestly cannot remember, I think I was actually the last person I saw in the hospital.

22. What does the last text message in your inbox say? Sure :).

23. How do you feel about your life right now? Happily content.

24. Do you hate anyone? Extremely dislike, yes, but hate, no. That's a very strong term.

25. If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find? Probably the message about an upcoming birthday party.

26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? Yes.

27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before? I'm pretty sure the answer is no, unless they were being an ass.

28. What song is stuck in your head? Replay or Supernova.......thanks Savannah!

29. Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m., who do you want it to be? No one!! It would scare the SHIT out of me!

30. Wanna have grandkids before you’re 50? Let's see... I was 26 when I had Savannah....., so I guess technically I could be a grandparent before 50. But I just want to make sure she is happily married before it happens. I know I am old fashioned!

31. Name something you have to do tomorrow? Gymnastics car pool.

32. Do you think too much or too little? Too much. Always.

Friday Fill-In's

1. My car is exactly what I wanted......even though I want a new onee now ;) .

2. The wonderfully bright future is coming up next.

3. Lately, things seem clearer and better than ever!

4. My bedroom, in my bed, under the covers is one of my favorite 'hiding' places.

5. What happened to my babies, they are growing up so darn fast!.

6. Happiness is not impossible!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with my husband, tomorrow my plans include watching Dominick's soccer game at 9am and Sunday, I want to relax!

Life Lessons

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

First day of school - Savananh

First day of 8th grade for Savannah, could not get her to dress up. I can't believe it's her last year as a middle schooler.

r!

It was still darkish when she got ready to leave, so pictures are not the best. But at this point in the game I will take what I can get.

And the "true" side of her.......texting (Dalton, her boyfriend) at 6:50am!

Back to school 2009 - Dominick

Dominick is attending a new school this year, Timber Ridge, it along with his old school make up a combined K-8. TImber houses grades 3-8 while Clover houses K-2.

This morning was total craziness!! But hopefully soon it will all be running smoothly!

Before breakfast, in front of the house, with the shirt I picked out.

At school, with the shirt HE picked out.

Breakfast with friends is a tradition.

Brandon, Dexter, Dominck Issac, & Bailey!

Friday Fill-In's

1. I feel excited, energized, happy, and loved!

2. Back to schoo time is always fun, NOT!

3. Right now, I can hear these things: the pond out front, and silence!

4. School starts in 4 days and I'm glad my daycar kids are going, but will miss my own kids a lot!

5. The last time I ate junk food was Monday, and that is a HUGE accomplishment for me!

6. Drive safe and sober this Labor day weekend.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing NOTHING, tomorrow my plans include well, we were going to the State Fair, but it is an 80% chance of rain, and I do not do the fair int the rain, then the kids and I are heading to Newport to stay the night, and Sunday, I want to SHOP at the outlet mall in Lincoln City (well I AM going to) with Mandy and all our kids!

Friday Fill-In's

1. He was a funny little man.

2. Being on a regular schedule and getting the children back in the routine of going to school is what I look forward to most this time of year.

3. My best friend is my husband, hands down no questions asked!!

4. I have a tough exterior but my interior melts frequently, to be honest with you.

5. Appearances can be deceiving.

6. The last person I gave a hug to was Aaron, this morning, just before my shower..........like EVERY other morning, and I love it!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking the girls to the movies, and having a glass or two or three of wine since I am not bringing them home! Tomorrow my plans include sleeping late, spending the day cleanin house, doing laundry, relaxing, maybe float in the pool, and enjoying my Saturday! Sunday, I want to go to the OREGON STATE FAIR!

Friday Fill-Insus

And...here we go!

1. The recent deaths of some "famous" people.... is not the end of the world.

2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I must be crazy because it is super warm and sunny out today!

3. Reisling wine tastes so good after a longs days work!

4. Sometimes, putting others first is easier than it seems.

5. My life is breathtaking, really.

6. Well, maybe there is life after 40 (HA HA).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to bbqing with the Harters, tomorrow my plans include going to Fogarty Creek Beach with the Bakers, and Sunday, I want to celebrate Aaron's 41st Birthday with his family!!

YOUR TURN!!

99 Things You Might Not Know About Me...

99 Things You Might Not Know About Me...

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
Wierd on that looks like a bruise on my calf......motorcycle accident

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
Huge framed picture of the family and the kids

3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
Yes, some at different times.

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Rock, Alternative, Hip Hop, Country

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
Not without looking at my record of birth

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
A road trip to California with just by my husband like the good old days!

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
Having my house to myself (no daycare)

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?
My family

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5' 8"

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
No, not to much

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Not really

12. WHAT COLOR UNDERWEAR ARE YOU WEARING?
Nude

13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?
That the hokey pokey really is what its all about.......and I have been looking elsewhere

14. WHAT TYPE OF DEODORANT DO YOU USE?
Dove sensitive

15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING?
I will not be doing any proposing in the future

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
Neither!

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Used to be chicken and pepperoni, but I can not eat pepperoni anymore....

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Pizza

19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
Red

20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
Only the cracker

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
hmmmm....I am thinking

22. WHAT TYPE OF COLOGNE/PERFUME DO YOU WEAR?
Super Model by VS

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
No

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
What ever fits great

25. ANY SPECIAL TALENTS?
Nah!

26. FAVORITE MOVIE?
Right now....The Proposal

27. COKE OR PEPSI?
Diet Pepsi

28. WHAT KIND OF CAR DO YOU DRIVE?
Dark Metallic Grey Chev. Tahoe

29. PICK ANY LETTER FROM A TO Z:
A

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
12

31. ANY PETS?
Scarlett, Daisy, Silvan, and the fish

32. FAVORITE QUOTE?
"Because I told you too"

33. FAVORITE PLACE?
Pacific City, OR

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
Yes, Mexico

35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
What....I have none! Oh ya food :(

36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
Not really

37. FIRST JOB
Babysitting, which is way DIFFERENT that doing day care!

38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
I am sure when I was younger

39. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOULMATE?
Yes!

40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
Out to dinner at Pizza King with Aaron, and Savannah

41. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
Yes, Tonsil removal, C-Section, and Hysterectomy

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
My orgnaizational skills, and directness with others

43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
Yes

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Just had the BEST party every for my 40th last month!! Now for my 50th I want a cake from Charm City Cakes :)

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND THEIR NAMES?
got 2, Savannah and Dominick....Thats all folks, there is no home available any more!

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nope

47. FAVORITE GAME?
Mexican Train Dominios

48. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKE(D) ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Meeting my husband there

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
Some special for Blondes kinda that I am too lazy to get up and look at.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No, too large

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Roast Beef

52. ANY BAD HABITS?
I am sure there are some, but lets not dwell on them

53. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?
I try not to be, but gosh darn it , it gets the best of me at times

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Absolutely, look at all the fun things I would get to do

55. DID YOU HAVE A SANDBOX WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE?
No

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Absolutely...and if you say no, you are lying

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
I yell, clean, slam cupboards, then I can usually get over it

58.WOULD YOU RATHER GAIN 58 POUNDS OR LOSE 58 POUNDS.
LOSE 58!

59. ARE YOU USING A DESKTOP OR A LAPTOP?
Laptop

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
Swingset.....but I did not use it in the usual way, I used it as gymanstics bars :)

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?
120 or so contacts, but some have multiple numbers/people listed in them

62.WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID?
No,I was before that time but Savannah loved him (even saw him Live)

63. Do you use sarcasm?
Nah, me.....almost never :)

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
Neither

65. WHAT COLOR IS THE CARPET IN YOUR ROOM?
Beige with flecks of various colors

66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
Mom, Mommy, or Patella

67. FAVORITE SUPER POWER?
Cool question. I want the ability to fit into tight leather shorts, where a cape, and boots and look good going it!

68. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Big Brother, CSI:Miami, or NCSI

69.WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH YOUR ENEMIES?
Let them go. Let them go completely out of your life!

70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Licorice

71. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES?
Yes

72. DO YOU HAVE A COMPUTER IN YOUR ROOM?
Not in our bed room, yes in a room though

73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?
Relax, fold a load of laundry

74. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE WHEN YOU ARE OLDER?
On the coast, I mean litterally walk out my door and my toes are in the sand. I can open the windows and hear waves crash.

75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
I really don't care

76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
TV is on....Intervention

77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
Diet Pepsi

78. LAST THING YOU ATE?
BBQ Chicken pizza and JoJos

79. LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECEIVED?
LOL! Did you see Austin? Kidding!

80. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Read, blog, scrapbook, shop!

81. SOMETHING TO HATE?
Nothing I want to talke about, thank you!

82. FAVORITE SEASON OF THE YEAR?
Summer

83. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF CANDY?
Black licorice

84. HAVE YOU EVER REALLY AND TRULY HAD A BEST FRIEND?
Yes

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
blonde/brown

86. EYE COLOR?
Hazel

87. SHOE SIZE?
11 and HATE it!

88. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
Quiznos or Subway

89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Olive Garden

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
Uhhhh....NO!

91. WATCH TV TODAY?
Yes, its on now

92. FAVORITE DAYS OF THE YEAR?
4th of July, and my children's birthdays

93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?
I used to play the clarinet

94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?

No of your business

95. FAVORITE BAND?
JB and the Coral Reefers, or Rascal Flatts

96. LOOK UP, WHAT DO YOU SEE?
The ceiling and lights

97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?
Groceries

98. WOULD YOU EVER BE A HOUSEWIFE?
I wish!!

99. WHAT BOOK OR SERIES ARE YOU READING?
My Sister's Keeper...just finished The Beach House

YOUR TURN!!

FRIDAY 5

HOLES.........

1.Where can you go for a really good bagel, and how do you like yours?
No where around here. Used to go to a place in Salem with Stacy, but have not been there in years, dont even know if they are still in business. My peference: White, Toasted, Split and Buttered ! YUM-O!!

2.What is your favorite style of doughnut?

Maple bars from Maryanna Bakery..........too bad the closed their doors about a year ago!

3.What’s your favorite flavor of Lifesavers? Butter Rum!

4.What O-shaped breakfast cereals do you like? Cherrios Crunch

5.How do you feel about onion rings, and where can you get some good ones? Oh....Love them! Love Red Robins are the best.......dislike Burger Kings! UCK!

Happy Independence Day!!

For all that you do, wso we may stay free and safe! I THANK YOU!!