Tracy and the kids

Delicious!

2010-03-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

I made a great dinner tonight. The kids ate everything put in front of them and more. Here is the recipe from Cooks.com:

GERMAN PANCAKE

I actually doubled the recipe and used a 13x9x2 pan

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cube (1/4 cup or tbsp) butter

3 eggs

Melt butter in 8" x 8" X 2" casserole dish in the oven as it preheats to 425F degrees.

Beat all other ingredients together. Slosh melted butter around the sides of the casserole dish, and then pour batter of other ingredients into butter and bake in center of oven for 20 min.

Serve with powdered sugar sprinkled over the top and/or your choice of syrup.

Ours was topped with mixed berries and served with ham steaks on the side.

So Good!

C.H.A.O.S.

2010-02-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

At my house we are suffering from C.H.A.O.S., that is the Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome, because This. Place. Is. A. Mess.

I need some help. I make lists, I make chore charts, I prioritize what should be done and you know what happens? The bare minimum.

I need help. I would love to hire a housekeeper, but the problem with this idea is that I think my family should clear their own clutter.

Proof that I DO make them clean sometimes.

I am looking around my living room. I see: no less than 8 pairs of shoes (and 3 of them are mine!); 2 loads of clean laundry on the loveseat; breakfast dishes for 2 kids on the coffee table; magazines, mail, and homework on the end table; hair from the dog all over the carpet and upholstery, 2 laptops, pillows, games by the shelves they are supposed on and not actually on the shelves, and various other items....

Yet, here I sit. Today's plan is to clean it all up and then what? How do I get my dear children to buy into the fact that once clean it should stay relatively neat?

Happy January

2010-01-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

This little mouse is Ruby on Halloween

It's January! The month of the year that I like to think about organization and resolutions and getting the year started on the right note.

2010 is no different.

For 2010 I resolve to:

Do at least one load of laundry each day. This means wash, fold and have the kids put away.
Plan and prepare better meals. Cereal is for breakfast.
Create and implement a chore list for the kids. Force them to stick with it.
Stick with my Motivated Moms plan.
And take more pictures. I only took 3 pictures total on Christmas day!

And that's it. That's as much as I can handle.

Also, I got the tree pic by turning off the flash and opening up my shutter to increase the exposure time.

The best week of the year!

2009-12-29T21:29:00.000-08:00

Our sad little tree. It is a beautiful noble fir whose branches cannot handle the weight of our ornaments. Poor droopy tree!

The week between Christmas and New Year's is my favorite of the whole year. All of the Christmas pressure is off, but the good feelings of the season are still hanging around. My house is clean-ish and there are plenty of yummy leftovers to eat. We are planning a small party for New Year's Eve, nothing really special, just good friends, good food and hopefully a good time!

Ch-ch-changes...!

2009-12-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the first day of school, 2009. Jacob is a freshman, Hayley is a 7th grader and Ruby is a 1st grader.

Three kids, 3 schools. They have much better lives than I do and keeping up with their schedules is kicking me in the pants!

I started a new job with Douglas County Mental Health on July 6. It was supposed to be a 25-30 hour position with LOTS of flexibility so that I could manage being a full-time Mom and working too. Somehow the job has changed and improved (?) to be a full-time 40 hours a week benefited position. I really has turned into a career and not just a job. That is a very good thing and I love it!

Somehow I am still managing to be the Mom I want to be for the kids. I do not, however, have the time I need to do a lot of other things. Like laundry and cleaning the refrigerator and yard upkeep. I am definitely hiring a housekeeper to come in every 2 weeks. (The downside to that is that I have to have clutter cleared so that it will be effective. Another task to complete!)

Right now, the week between Christmas and New Year's is my favorite. All of the Holiday pressure is off, the house is clean-ish and there are plenty of leftovers to eat. All that is required is to enjoy family and friends and the feelings of goodwill that this time of year brings. Happy New Year!

My Political Statement

2009-01-20T04:56:00.000-08:00

My name is Tracy and I am a conservative (mostly).

I did not vote for Mr. Obama. He is my President today and I will support him and I will pray for him and our country.

I will applaud him when he does well and I will speak up when he does not (both my opinion).

I am not wearing black today in protest, and I am proud to be here at this point in history.

I will not compare him to JFK or MLK Jr or anyone else, this is short changing him, he has the potential to be better or worse than either of these men, I am going to judge him on his actions alone.

I am going to champion democracy and discourage socialism.

I will do my best to be what an American should be.

And I will continue to vote.

I will believe in the rights of individuals and the rights of states and continue to believe that the federal government is growing uncontrollably under every administration.

I believe that all people over the age of 18 should be able to marry whom they choose.

I don't believe in abortion, but I do believe that I can't control your body- your body, your decision.

Sharia law scares the h*ll out of me.

Have a great day today and let's be happy for all that we have in this country, there are worse things than the other party winning any election.

Good luck Mr Obama and thank you for your service Mr Bush, may you both be blessed.

Dating, ugh

2009-01-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

I went on a date last night.

It was with a 40-year old guy who manages a more decent restaurant in Roseburg. (not fast food)

I don't think I am wanting too much from a person? They have to be intelligent and tall. And eventually they have to be a good kisser. I am even negotiable on the tallness and will forgive some intelligence.

This guy struck out completely.

He wasn't tall enough. Only about 5' 11", so if I wear heels, I am taller. But that didn't rule him out right off the bat.

He wasn't that smart. He did tell me he got his GED rather than diploma, which wouldn't automatically disqualify him either. But, he couldn't keep up! I have a dry, witty sense of humor and he really didn't get it. Or he got it waaay too late.

I learned a lot about him, his life, his kids, his divorce....

but I'm not sure I got to say a whole lot.

AND THEN he kissed me! eeeeeeeeew....

NOT a good kisser at all.

So, back to the damn drawing board.

I hate dating. I hate dating strangers.

But, even more than I hate dating, I hate being single...

Things I want/Things I'm saving for

2009-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

DISNEYLAND!

New Furniture Still debating the merits of fabric vs. leather. Any suggestions?

iPod Touch (This is a refurbished one) This is a GREAT Costco.com deal! Franco Sarto Loafers (these are musts) Brighton Purse TAG Heuer Pink Diamond Watch (this one's never gonna happen)

Catching up, boring style

2009-01-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

We go a $50 gift card to Target for Christmas. There isn't a Target within 75 miles of here and I would rather not use it online. Isn't there someplace that I can trade it for another store card?
Washer froze during the cold weather INSIDE the washer and is still not fixed. had to order parts online and I chose a schmuck company
Dryer is also broken. My fault. i tried to dry a load that was waaay too wet and burned something in the control panel. See above for my lament about parts.
The laundry mat sucks.
Only 8 more school days until the end of the semester. NOW is when many of the kids I work with are finally interested in getting their grades above an "F". Sorry buds, I think you are SOL... Should have started this process at least 5 weeks ago!
Hayley has been dramatically sick. From puking at school to offering spectacular sound effects here at home. She is finally feeling better.
I live the dullest life on the face of the earth.
can't think of anything else.
BORING

WELCOME 2009!!

2009-01-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2009!

That last 5 years have really been the pits for me. My Mom died, my marriage ended, changes, money, goals, expectations, plans... There have been a lot of disappointments.

As 2008 was winding down I promised myself that good thing were to come and I was going to make it happen.

It was important to me to ring in the New Year not as ho-hum as I have in the past.

I succeeded!

The kids and I had a party with 3 other families and had a great time. We had not a lot of alcohol, lots of food, drinks and a TON of illegal fireworks. I am sure my neighbors hate me.

I also decided on a few resolutions.

ME the one who doesn't believe in false promises to myself.

I will turn off all the lights and lock ALL the doors every night before bed.
I will NOT keep my keys in the car, but instead bring them inside and hang them on the handy-dandy key hook.
I will not keep my purse in the car either.

(I live in very rural Oregon. Down a 1/4 mile driveway with 2 dogs and at least one gun)

We will eat dinner at the table more times each week than we eat elsewhere.
I will plan meals and grocery shop accordingly.
I will make my bed everyday. (because the bed is the biggest thing in the room, and if it is neat the rest of the room will appear to be neat. Even if it's not.)
I will make my kids keep their rooms clean-er. Even though they are upstairs and I really don't have to venture up there much.
I will find time to do something crafty at least once a week. This is important, because I feel like I am stagnating if I don't touch my creative side. I have a hard time being crafty if the rest of the house is messy.

For the most part, these are all very do-able and easy changes to make. Hopefully by posting them here I will be more accountable and be more successful!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

100 Truths

2008-12-30T18:16:00.000-08:00

I stole this somewhere on facebook.

1. last beverage→Orange Soda

2. last phone call → Toni

3. last text message→ Ty

4. last song you listened to→ Gotta Be Somebody by Nickelback

5. last time you cried→ it's been awhile for me...Christmas Eve?

SIX HAVE YOU EVER:

1. dated someone twice→ yes (what a fool I was)

3. kissed someone & regretted it? yes

4. lost someone special?→ yes

5. been depressed?→ yes

6. been drunk and threw up? Yes...

LIST THREE FAVORITE COLOURS:

1. Red

2. Pink

3. navy

THIS MONTH HAVE YOU:

1. Made a new friend → yes

2. Fallen out of love → a little bit more all the time

3. Laughed until you cried → yes

4. Met someone who changed your life→ absolutely

5. Found out who your true friends were → yes..

6. Found out someone was talking about you→yes

7. Have you kissed anyone on your friend's list→ yes

8. How many people on your friends list do you know in real life →lots and lots!

9. How many kids do you want to have→a long time ago i thought i wanted 4, but i have 3

10. Do you have any pets →yes

11. Do you want to change your name→ not really

12. What did you do for your last birthday→nothing exciting

13. what time did you wake up today → 6:36 am with the alarm

14. What were you doing at midnight last night → texting a new friend

15. Name something you CANNOT wait for → yikes! i have nothing right now :(

16. Last time you saw your father→Nov. 1, 2003. Not because i wanted to.

17. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life →I wish i could pick my family

18. What are you listening to right now → itunes- jack johnson

19. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom → yes. don't like him. at. all.

23. What's getting on your nerves right now →too many chores to do

24. Most visited webpage → Facebook, 2Peas, and MSN weather

001. Whats your real name → Tracia

002. Niccknames: Tracy, Burnside

003. Relationship Status → divorced

004. Zodiac sign → gemini

005. Male or female → female

006. Elementary → Un-named schools in the Portland area, WL Henry, Mooberry, WL Henry

007. Middle School →Poynter Jr. High

008. Highschool →Glencoe High School

010. Hair colour →dirty blonde

011. Long or short → medium - i can't make up my mind which way to go

015. Are you health freak → not really

016. Height → 5'9

017. Do you have a crush on someone → yes, darn it. a blast from the past.

018: What do you like about yourself? →I am very loyal, and thoughtful and practical and patient

019. Piercings →just my ears

020. Tattoos → one

021. Righty or lefty → right is tight

FIRSTS :

022. First surgery →never

023. First piercing → ears

024. First best friend →Nicole Noyes

026. First sport you joined →softball

027. First pet : dog

028. First vacation→California

029. First concert → ?? Steve Miller band??

030. First crush: Daryl Rise and PETER SHEPHERD

CURRENTLY :

049. Eating →nothing

050. Drinking → nadav

052. I'm about to → serve my children dinner

053. Listening to → itunes - The All american rejects

055. Waiting → for 2009!

YOUR FUTURE :

058. Love? I certainly hope so

059. Want to get married? YES!

060. Careers in mind? still working on my blasted degree--education?!

WHICH IS BETTER WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX? :

068. Lips or eyes → lips

069. Hugs or kisses → kisses

070. Shorter or taller → tall is important

071. Older or Younger→ age is a number

072. Romantic or spontaneous → both

073. Nice stomach or nice arms →arms please

074. Sensitive or loud →sensitive

075. Hook-up or relationship → relationship

077. Trouble maker or hesitant → a nice mix is good

HAVE YOU EVER :

078. Kissed a stranger → yes

079. Drank hard liquor →yes

080. Lost glasses/contacts → yes

081. Ran away from home → never

084. Broken someone's heart →i doubt it

085. Been arrested →no, thank goodness

086. Turned someone down → yeah

087. Cried when someone died → yes

088. Liked a guy/girl friend → yep

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

089. Yourself → mostly

090. Miracles → yes

091. Love at first sight → hasn't happened to me NO

092. Heaven → yes

093. Santa Claus →Santa is real. I am Santa.

095. Kiss on the first date → yes

096. Angels → I hope so.

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY :

097. Is there one person you want to be with right now? Yes

098. Had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time? yes

099. Do you believe in God? yes

100. Posting this as 100 Truths? yes

How do you REALLY feel?

2008-12-25T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is Hank, our 11 week old Springer Spaniel, telling us how he REALLY feels about Christmas!.

SCATTERGORIES

2008-12-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

(I got this in an email from a friend. Though it would be a good thing to fill space here!)

Rules: IT'S HARDER THAN IT LOOKS!

USE THE 1ST LETTER OF YOUR NAME TO ANSWER EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. THEY HAVE TO BE REAL PLACES, NAMES,THINGS.NOTHING MADE UP! YOU CAN'T USE YOUR NAME FOR THE BOY/GIRL NAME QUESTION.

1. What is your name: Tracy

2. A 4 Letter Word: true

3. A Boys Name: Travis

4. A Girls Name: Tiffany

5. An Occupation: Teacher

6. A Color: Turquoise

7. Something you wear: Tie

8. A Beverage: Tequila

9. A Food: Teriyaki chicken

10. Something found in the bathroom: towels

11. A place: Tennessee

12. A Reason for being late: tired

13. Something you shout: Tough!

Christmas Thankfulness

2008-12-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

My family is so blessed.

While my home is a bit shabby, we have a place to call home.

While my bank account isn't overflowing, our needs are always met.

While my job isn't always enjoyable, I am employed.

While my kids keep me busy and and create chaos wherever they go, I have three healthy, wonderful children that I adore.

I have a nice running vehicle with heated leather seats.

We have plenty of clothes to wear (and they're all piled up in the laundry room waiting for me).

We have food on the table

We have family and friends who love us and help us in so many ways.

Most of all we have love....

ETA: I stole the format of this post from another blog I read somewhere, I just can't remember where to give proper credit.

The best Christmas album EVER

2008-12-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

This is THE best Christmas ever. Merry Christmas by Johnny Mathis What's your favorite?

I'm almost there!

2008-12-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

I did some fast and furious internet shopping yesterday and the day before and am happy to report that I am almost done!

Although, I am seriously considering taking back a few things so that I can get the three kids a much better Santa gift. (Guitar Hero World tour for the wii!! I think I want it the most!)

After talking with ex-Mother in law this afternoon, I think they will be sufficiently spoiled. And because I always love a picture--This is from last Friday morning (Dec. 12)

Christmas...

2008-12-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

Something you want,

something you need,

something to wear,

something to read...

This is the little Christmas rhyme that is supposed to help keep the focus of the holiday OFF the presents.

It is supposed to simplify my shopping.

It is supposed to give me guidelines so I don't feel like I have to go completely overboard and pile the Christmas tree with commercialism.

Why do I feel guilty if I stick to the list?

Why do I feel like my kids will be disappointed on Christmas morning if I do not overwhelm them with everything their heart desires?

I swear parenting is hard! And it is not even the daily visible things that are the hardest, it is the internal struggles that you go through everyday in the process of trying to raise creatures that are lovely and worthwhile.

Or maybe I just overthink it...?

from my phone!

2008-12-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

This is so cool-- I am blogging from work!

Trickle Down

2008-12-01T18:51:00.000-08:00

Jacob got a new cell phone today. Actually I got the new cell phone and he got my old one. This is not the first time my little family has done the cell phone merry-go-round. He got a Motorola Rokr. I loved this phone. It was so easy to use and had a ton of great features. Hayley got my last cell phone. It was a Motorola Razr. I also loved this phone. (the only reason Jacob didn't get this phone the last time we did upgrades was because he said red razr's are kind of girly. He, thus, was stuck with an even older phone for awhile.) Anyway, I got the new phone. I got a blackberry Pearl. I don't think I like it. After having Motorola phones for the past few years, I have gotten used to the way they work. This is a whole new interface to get used to. I think I will enjoy the SmartPhone capabilities once I finally figure them out, but in the meantime, I am struggling with even finding how to send a text message. I did already figure out that this phone can sync many email addresses and my Facebook account! I bet I can even BLOG from my phone!!

A pictoral update

2008-11-29T09:33:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time. A lot has happened in our lives since the last time I updated. I promise to do better. This was Halloween. Ruby was a bat. Jacob was a shadow (minus the face paint here) and Hayley was a pumpkin. Interesting thing about Hayley's costume, last year it was Ruby's. Jacob's football season ended and we are now on to basketball. Ruby played soccer with the cutest bunch of Kindergartners ever. I made that adorable banner, it was the talk of the league. Everyone wants one now! Hayley played a LOT of soccer too. More on this later... Jacob is demonstrating why he is the best big brother EVER here. He plays with his baby sister. He is 13 almost 14 and actually plays with her. I LOVE this kid. This is Ruby at one of Hayley's soccer games in the rain. Ruby's 6th birthday was on Nov. 12. She had her 3 best friends over for a sleepover. Two boys and a girl. I will be sorry for the day that Ruby and her friends Jimmy and Alaric realize that she is a girl and they are boys. Remember THIS POST ? Well, we got one. His name is Hank and he was the second pup born to Molly. He is so adorable and already a beloved member of the family. Hayley's classic soccer team WON the Fred Meyer President's Cup. This was a big deal because no classic girls team from Roseburg has ever made it into the finals much less WON the thing. This is Hayley and her BFF Kali. They have played socccer together since they were 5. It is so exciting to see them play at this much more competitive level. We spent Thanksgiving at the coast. It was peaceful, relaxing and absolutely perfect. My kids are great and so much fun to be around. This is Toni. MY BFF. We have been friends for almost 20 years. She was the girlfriend to my ex-husband's best friend. Funny how we both ditched them , but our friendship has remained and fluorished.

Hayley and her Future Husband

2008-10-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

This is Hayley and Ashton, her future husband.

Hayley doesn't know she will marry Ashton, and Ashton doesn't know he will marry Hayley. Ashton is one of Jacob's best friends.

This picture was taken during our Labor Day camping trip. Ashton's mom and I totally set it up so that we could display it at their wedding.

Baseball Game

2008-10-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Three nuns were attending a baseball game...

Three men were sitting directly behind them...

Because their habits were partially blocking the view, the men decided to badger the nuns hoping that they'd get annoyed enough to move to another area...

In a very loud voice, the first guy said, "I think I am going to move to Utah. There are only 100 nuns living there.".

Then the second guy spoke up and said, "I want to go to Montana, there are only 50 nuns living there."

The third guy said, "I want to go to Idaho. There are ony 25 nuns living there".

One of the nuns turned around, looked at the men, and in a very swet and calm voice said,

"Why don't you go to hell. There aren't ANY nuns there!!"

What Color are You?

2008-10-13T20:10:00.001-07:00

I did this "What color are you thing" after I saw it on Kandi's blog.

You Are a Green Crayon

Your world is colored in harmonious, peaceful, natural colors. While some may associate green with money, you are one of the least materialistic people around. Comfort is important to you. You like to feel as relaxed as possible - and you try to make others feel at ease. You're very happy with who you are, and it certainly shows! Your color wheel opposite is red. Every time you feel grounded, a red person does their best to shake you.

What Color Crayon Are You?

I am NOT green. I like green, but my favorite color is red.

2008-10-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

I went to Las Vegas with 2 friends from here, J and S and one of S's friends from Portland.

The whole intention of the trip was to get away from home, cut loose and have fun. We certainly accomplished that goal.

Because we live in small town Oregon there is no way that I could ever get totally drunk and silly and still be able to maintain my professionalism and reputation. And for S, it is worse. Her husband is a principal.

Going out of town is great for that reason alone. Just being able to check inhibitions and have a shot or 3 of tequila was fabulous.

The hangover? Not so fabulous.

I Left Las Vegas

2008-10-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas was very fun. I am broke and tired.

This is the view from the room at The Paris. The fountains at the Bellagio are something else. Love them at night.

These guys are everywhere passing calling cards. If a person were so inclined, they could pretty much get whatever kind of hooker their heart desired for a price. There were even women hawking these cards.

We went to the dueling piano bar at the Paris on Friday night. What a great time.

I paid $8 for a freaking Bud Light or 3.

That was a lot cheaper than the tequila shots we were having with them at $13 a pop.

Saturday was a much slower day. Much of the day was spent reviving and recuperating. Room service was lovely. Later that afternoon we shopped (more). The shopping in Vegas is phenomenal. Especially for me because i just don't have that many shopping options here in Douglas county, Oregon! It is really too bad we opted to just carry bags on the plane and not check luggage. Because i had no room to get things back, my shopping was VERY limited.

I did manage to get more than a few things. My suitcase was a little sausage on the trip home!

Does anyone else take pictures of things when they are out shopping? I saw this Christmas decoration, but it was very $$$ and much too big to haul home. I know I can make it for less, so I took a picture to jog my memory.

Puppies

2008-09-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

This is Molly. The first time mom of 10 puppies. She is living my nightmare. Can you imagine feeding 10!!! (I think that we will be getting one of the pups. Molly belongs to Jacob's best friend and Jacob actually got to help deliver the babies last night!!)

2008-09-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

I bought a pair of shoes. But only because my feet needed relief. The blisters were BAD. The new shoes helped.

I'm so excited...

2008-09-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

As I am headed up to Portland this weekend, I can't help but get excited at the prospect of

SHOPPING!

Good shopping.

Douglas County, Oregon is not known for being a shopping mecca in any way.

I get overwhelmed imagining the places to spend my money!

And then usually buy nothing.

Why is it that when I do have the time and opportunity to let loose, I just can't bring myself to buy?

You know, you always find a ton of things you want when you are broke, but when I am trying, I usually end up frustrated. (wow, i am writing in both first and third person in the same sentence--yikes!)

Anyway, my point is (yes, i do have one) I am going shopping. I am going to try to buy something, but am almost positive I will end up with next to nothing.

Weekend Plans

2008-09-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

I am headed off to Portland later on this afternoon. On Saturday I will be attending a Survivor's Luncheon with one of my dearest friends and 8 more of her friends and we will celebrate the fact that she has been a breast cancer survivor for 11 years! Typically we also participate in the actual race, but this year on Sunday our daughters will be playing soccer in Milwaukee, so the race is out. The energy at Waterfront park during the race is just incredible AND the event itself is so happy and uplifting. Anyone who has ever participated in a Race for the Cure event will tell you that it's such a celebration of life.I think everyone knows family or friends who have had this very common cancer and we all want a cure to be found, so it is great to be able to support an organization that has been so effective in funding research and moving treatment options forward.

Tangle

2008-09-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

What if I just left? Seriously the things I have to do just to arrange a weekend away. One kid I will pick up at her soccer game in Portland. One kid will stay here with friends and play soccer and one kid is headed to the Duck's game. If any of the convoluted arrangements fall apart, the whole house of cards comes down. I almost had to put a spreadsheet together just to keep track of who goes where! The big kicker of the deal is... It's not even my weekend, the kids are with their Dad this weekend and I still have to make all of the arrangements in order to have confidence that everything and everybody is being covered!

Me from A to Z

2008-09-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

A. Attached or single? Single, sadly.

B. Best friend? A few really good ones and one very best.

C. Cake or pie? Cake

D. Day of choice? Thursdays are golden. Something about the end of the week, with the anticipation of the weekend.

E. Essential item? My cellphone

F. Favorite color? red

G. Gummy bears or worms? gummy bears I guess. i really prefer Jelly bellies.

H. Hometown? Hillsboro, Oregon

I. Indulgence? books, lip gloss, nestle quik

J. January or July? definitely October

K. Kids? Three of them. I wanted four, he wanted two. Three is perfect!

L. Life isn’t complete without? Moments of silence

M. Marriage date? December, 1993 (Divorce was March 2005)

N. Number of brothers & sisters? 1 brother, but I am about to disown him because he is a schmuck.

O. Oranges or apples? I'm picky. Green apples only - fresh from the tree or a Granny Smith version. Never mushy sweet ones like Red or Yellow Delicious.

P. Phobias? having the phone or electricity disconnected. running out of toilet paper.

Q. Quotes? "fake it 'til you make it"

R. Reasons to smile? kids belly laughs, kindergarten soccer, cool mornings

S. Season of choice? Autumn!

T. Tag seven peeps! no way!

U. Unknown fact about me? I am still friends with every guy I ever dated (I think I must be the schmuck!)

V. Vegetable? Asparagus and cauliflower

W. Worst habits? nagging my kids

X. X-ray or ultrasound? I've had both.

Y. Your favorite food? popcorn

Z. Zodiac sign? I am a textbook Gemini.

Things that SUCK

2008-09-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a crappy week. Maybe if I dump my head, I will feel better.

The new Facebook sucks. I will continue to use the old one until I no longer have that option. And then i will probably HAVE to use the new one, but I won't ever like it.

Laundry really sucks. Just when you feel like you are on top of it, a teen or pre-teen brings a fresh pile that just has to be washed right now!

Being divorced sucks.

Being trapped in Douglas county, Oregon sucks. Not that i would ever really move my children. but according to the terms of my divorce, I am bound by a 90-mile radius of my ex. That doesn't leave me many options if I even wanted to have them.

My ex in-laws suck. Their baby boy is a lying, cheating, lazy jerk, yet I must carry on as if he is the greatest thing since grape gum because of their "status" here.

The price of home heating oil sucks. There is no way that I will be able to afford to fill up my oil tank for this winter.

My kids football coach sucks. If you say practice is from 4 to 6 pm, then practice should be over at 6 or close to it. Last night it was 7:40. Yeah, most families lives revolve around their Middle School son's football schedule. Thanks, we were happy to drive 15 miles just to stand around and wait, hungry for almost 2 more hours.

People who can't follow directions suck. She is prescribed pain pills every 8 hours for a reason. To withhold because you don't think it is good to take that many is cruelty.

Doing dishes sucks. I have never had a dishwasher in my life and i am sick of doing dishes.

Standardized testing sucks. I am researching the opt-out option for my kids. I hate the amount of energy the school district spends on all aspects of testing.

Parents who give up on their kids suck. I teach in alternative education and most of the time i think that the kids I have would be successful in the regular classroom if their parents would just grab a clue and get involved.

Dating sucks. Or should I say the lack of dates sucks. The fact that I am nowhere to really meet anyone sucks. Or the fact that anyone i do meet knows my ex and likes him sucks.

Having to worry about every dime I spend sucks.

Seeing the signs of aging sucks. I am not old, I do not feel old. Grey hair means old. Sucks.

Stupid over-excited, over-bearing room mothers in kindergarten suck. Lady, some of us do have jobs.

Being played sucks. I am aware of it, I even point it out to him when he is doing it. I am still not immune to it. I hate feeling 18 and out of control.

My bank sucks. Why do they post the highest transactions first, then putting the rest of the balance into overdraft mode. Yes, i have savings and overdraft protection both attached, but I really think this is the banking industry's way of tacking on any and all fees they can. Also, why did my deposit not get posted first? I think a phone call is in order on this one.

The insurance industry sucks.

Paying more for less sucks. Smaller packaging, same price--wonder if the consumer will notice? I notice!

Guilt sucks. I feel guilty about the big things and the small things. Like when a store that i have never gone into goes out of business, even if it is a store that has nothing that I would buy in it. i still feel guilty.

I am sure that I have more, but this is enough negativity for now! I do feel a bit better just getting it all out! Anyone have anything they care to add?

How fast are YOU?

2008-09-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

32 words

Speed test

I got a "D" in typing in high school.

Enough said.

My brother and I would like to announce...

2008-09-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

That it's on like Donkey Kong.

Have you seen this commercial?

Seriously one of the best on TV these days.

It is a follow-up to this commercial.

Every time it comes on we just crack up. We love that commercial.

It's about the only one I don't fast forward through.

And my brother and I would like to anounce "oooh, we're scared".

Here is another commercial the Mannings did to promote reading to kids that is very cute

also.

Back to School!

2008-09-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

The first day of school!

We are beginning the 2nd week of school here and beginning to establish some helpful routines. This past weekend was spent cleaning a little and reorganizing a little to hopefully make our busy lives run a little smoother. I woke up this morning energized and ready to face another week!

Stop the World......

2008-09-03T07:31:00.001-07:00

Things are hectic and busy. I forgot how this time of year totally kicks me in the pants.

I think that by the end of the weekend I will ~~not~~ have myself organized and by this time next week I will be in my groove.

Until then, chaos reigns.

My Camping Badge

2008-08-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

I'm going to earn another Mommy Merit Badge!

We are going camping this weekend.

I am not ready.

I have not gathered a thing. Shopped for food. Or planned anything.

If the kids weren't so dang excited, I would bag the whole trip and stay home to get some things done before school starts on Tuesday.

I have no business even sitting here, typing this post.

Chaos reigns about my house.

The only redeeming feature about going camping this weekend is that I will be able to hopefully just "BE" and relax. There will be no jobs to worry about, no floors to vacuum, no dishes to wash, no laundry to do, no sports practices to rush to, no clocks to watch, no schedule to maintain. When I finally get to town and to the grocery store in a few hours, I plan on picking up at least 2 books and a stack of magazines, including the sleazy gossip rags. By the time we get back I will be unbelievably relaxed and mentally ready to face the impending school year.

But that relaxation will last only until we pull back into the driveway on Monday and the insane schedule that is our life starts once again and harsh reality slaps me in the face.

Two of the three kids have practices on Monday!

This One

2008-08-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

RUBY

Asked her 13 year old brother today if he was gonna get married when it is snowing outside. Cuz she is.
Is getting 2 new frogs for her aquarium tomorrow. Their names are Lily and Tad.
Is SO excited about school. Only 8 more sleeps!
Her voice has changed a bit because she has so many teeth missing right now. Three (!) in the front and one more loose on the bottom!
Is starting to sound out words and figure out what signs say.
STILL won't wear underwear.
This is going to be a problem in about 8 days when school starts.
Can already dribble a soccer ball better than her brother.
Named her butt cheeks, Fluffy and Puffy. Her tummy is Muffy.
Wants to work at Sonic before she has kids and as a teacher after she has kids.
Wants to have 3 kids and drive a truck.
Her favorite colors are blue, and white and red.
Her best friend is Jimmy. He LOVES Ruby and she loves him too. Only she loves him like a brother. Poor Jimmy.
She has several boyfriends, most of which are her brother's age.
Her brother's friends (her boyfriends) usually tell Jacob to tell her to put some clothes on when they are over. We have a problem keeping clothes on this kid.
The new rule at the swimming hole is that swimsuits must be worn at all times. No skinny dipping Ruby!
Never had or needed a spanking, point your finger at her and she cowers.
Her favorite song is Rascal Flatts "Me and My Gang" She likes the "It's a brother and a sister kind of thing" part. (Cuz she has a brother and a sister)
She likes the music in the car so loud that she can't hear herself, or anyone else, sing. And she likes to listen to Sugarland's "Stay" over and over and over. She sings it at the top of her lungs.
Is my baby and is growing so fast that she really isn't a baby anymore.

My favorite movie of all time

2008-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Red Dawn is my all-time favorite movie. I have no idea when I FIRST saw it, but I know I have seen it MANY times since then.

Somehow while watching this movie I identified with many of the characters and it helped make the Cold War more of a reality to me (albeit in a chilling way). For me, that movie helped me grow up and realize that the World was bigger than just our country. I knew it was a fantasy movie but it also got mes thinking, “What if that happened? Could/would I do that?”

It is also a movie about teenagers, the Wolverines, not being able to rely on adults. And even though this movie does not have the greatest acting or script I somehow can't resist watching it and crying through it, whenever it is on. I also own a DVD copy for melancholy times.

This scene when the Dad says, "Boys! Avenge kills me.

And when Daryl is shot for his traitorous ways also gets me.

In fact I cry all the way to the end when Matt and Jed are on the swings dying.

Although most of the Wolverines are killed, a voice-over appears at the end of the movie by Erica, one of the two survivors, showing a World War III memorial. The American flag flying above it implies the United States had - eventually - won the war.

The exact quote framing "Partisan Rock" is:

"I never saw the brothers again. In time, this war, like every other war, ended. But I never forgot, and I come to this place often, when no one else does."

"In the early days of World War 3, guerrillas, mostly children, placed the names of their lost upon this rock. They fought here alone; and gave up their lives, so that this nation shall not perish from the earth."

Vegas, baby!

2008-08-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can fly to Vegas from Redmond, Oregon for only $59 one way?

And Redmond is only about 200 miles from here, closer than Portland.

That is only $170 round trip with all the taxes and fees added.

Yep, the trip is booked for October 9-12 with three friends!

I am so excited. I have not been to Las Vegas for three years. I can't wait.

The atmosphere is fun, the food is great, and the shopping is so fabulous!!!

Top 5 Sports Movies

2008-08-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

We are a sports loving family.

There is not a week out of the year when one or another of the kids are not participating in some sport of some kind.

Jacob plays basketball, baseball an football and also competes in track for his middle school. He also goes to golf camp every summer and hikes and hunts.

Hayley plays basketball, softball and soccer. She also plays volleyball whenever she can, goes to golf camp in the summer and hunts.

Ruby is just getting started. She will be playing her first season of soccer this fall and I highly anticipate that she will be soon following in her older siblings footsteps of playing a sport throughout the year.

All of the kids swim.

Me, I walk, run/shuffle a bit, throw and catch softballs and baseballs, shag basketballs and play horse, suck at golf, and hike. I have no time to really join a league or play anything competitively for myself--Who would drive my kids to their events?

We watch a lot of sports movies. They can be so inspirational.

My family's top 5 sports movies (in no particular order):

Remember the Titans
The Sandlot
Friday Night Lights
Blades of Glory
Bend it like Beckham

Kind of all over the place, but then so are we!

What are your family's top 5 sports movies?

Time flies

2008-08-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken in August of 2005. This picture was taken in August of 2008.

It's Been Awhile...

2008-08-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

(That's a great song! I love Staind!)

Here is a bit of what has been going on—

Ruby lost another tooth and the tooth fairy came the SAME night that she put the tooth under her pillow! Jacob and Hayley's tooth fairy was really the pits and always took at least an extra day, sometimes 2! (Hey, it took 3 kids to finally get it together, what can I say...)

I love this picture. She is very into hairstyles lately, but never wants to brush it!

I had a Stampin’ Up Club workshop at my house. It was not my month to hostess, but my house is more conducive to entertaining, so I got to be the hostess. The best thing about having a party at your house is that it gets cleaned. Really cleaned. Company cleaned. Not just family cleaned.

Hayley’s Classic soccer team had a qualifying tournament in Canby. We stayed in Newberg at the Shilo Inn and went to the Drive In movies to see Wall-E (I do not recommend Wall-E, it is very slow and much too long.)

This is Hayley and Max, the stockiest Border Collie I have ever seen. He goes through seasonal depression in the summertime when we are so busy and spend too much time away from home.

The soccer team placed 4th in their bracket and went on to round 2 of the qualifying tournament this weekend in Keizer. They lost both games, but Hayley finally played like she can.

Jacob went on a 50-mile hike of the Pacific Crest trail from Timberline to Cascade Locks. All went well until the last night when he was eaten alive by mosquitoes.

This is one of the pictures I took the day before he left just in case I had to make LOST posters, or he didn’t make it out alive. Yes, I am morbid. My kids tolerate me.

Football has started. I hate football. I hate the fact that he looks like he is getting beat up and that he likes to hit people, and is pretty good at it too. I cannot stand to watch Jacob play even one minute of football. He says football is his favorite sport because he just plays and doesn’t have to really think.

I finally got my “Welcome Back” letter from the school district and will start on Aug. 28th. There was some worry that the start of school would be delayed due to un-completed renovations and the fire in July.

I know I am biased, but they really are beautiful!

The girls decorated an onion to enter in the County Fair. The theme was, “It’s Magical!” their onion was a wizard. Pretty cute.

I spent oodles of money on nothing at the fair.

I helped a friend who owns a start-up catering company by serving salads at a company picnic. Not only did I get paid very well for my time, I also got to bring home leftovers to my perpetually starving son.

Seriously, I really didn't believe people when they talked about their teenage boys eating them out of house and home, but OMG. My kid can really EAT. A LOT. ALL THE TIME

I've purchased two pairs of soccer cleats, one pair of foot ball cleats, two sets of shin guards, 6 pairs of soccer socks, two soccer balls, and one football mouth guard. I have a lot more I need to buy, but I am TIRED OF SHOPPING! Can you believe it? I want to stay home.

My beloved Honda Odyssey ( I do have 3 kids... someday I'll get to drive something cute!) rolled over 100,000 miles. I was too sidetracked to take a picture like I wanted, but plan on getting one at 111,111 miles.

And this is a portrait of me taken while driving down the North Umpqua Hwy. I am concentrating on being a safe, responsible driver, not on taking a great picture!

Exciting News!

2008-08-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

At 5 years, 8 months, and 3 weeks, Ruby officially lost her first tooth tonight!

I say officially because she did have one of her top front teeth pulled a few months ago because it was injured in a bleacher accident. Her freshly lost tooth is a bottom tooth.

Here is the photo proof:

I got nuthin'

2008-08-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

Blah, blah, blah...

BORING

This is my life right now.

I can't WAIT until school starts again and I get to go back to work!

Ruby is having a movie marathon day and so far we have watched: Finding Nemo, Enchanted, Veggie Tales, and Cinderella 3. I am cutting her off when this one is over.

Hayley is at soccer practice. This is her first year of Classic Soccer and their first tournament is this weekend in Canby.

Jacob is on Day 2 of his 50-mile hike of the Pacific Crest Trail from Timberline to Cascade Locks.

Once again, the kids have much better lives than I do. My major source of excitement the past few days has been.....ummmmm.......I can't think of anything!

Life Shuffle

2008-07-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is a fun challenge that I am sure has been over-done by now.

I stole it from here.

Put your ipod on shuffle, then answer the following questions with whatever song comes up.

This was fun to do and I am surprised at how appropriate the songs were!

1. What would describe your personality? : Here Comes the Sun (Dan Fogelberg)

2. What do you like in a guy/girl? : They Do, They Don't (Jack Johnson)

3. How do you feel, today?: Never Been to Spain (Three Dog Night)

4. What’s your life’s purpose?: The Little Things (Colbie Caillat)

5. What is your motto? : Right Where I Belong (3 Doors Down)

6. What do your friends think of you?: Look After You (The Fray)

7. What do you think of your parents?: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Elton John)

8. What do you think about very often?: This Time (3 Doors Down)

9. What do you think of your best friend? : Get Stoned (Hinder) yikes!

10. What do you think of the person you like?: Bless the Broken Road (Rascal Flatts) How sweet!

11. What is your life story?: If Everyone Cared (Nickelback)

12. What do you want to be when you grow up?: Back 2 Good (Matchbox 20)

13. What do you think when you see the person you like?: Don't Close Your Eyes (Keith Whitley)

14. What do your parents think of you? : Every Other Weekend (Reba and Kenny Chesney) this is very appropriate

15. What will be played at your funeral? :Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol)

16.What is your hobby/interest?: Take This (Staind)

17. What is your biggest secret? : Gravity (John Mayer)

18. What do you think of your friends?: Hotel California (The Eagles)

19. What should you post this as? : Who Wants to Live Forever (Queen)

Sorry Toni about the "Get Stoned" entry. :)

38 is the new 18

2008-07-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

I caught a bit of the CBS Early Show this morning while I was getting the day started. One of the segments was titled "Fifty and Still Fabulous, Madonna, Prince & Michael Jackson Still Thrive At 50, Whether It Be In Music Or The Tabloids" The segment asked "Is 50 the new 30?" and then went on to take a look at what each of the pop icons was up to.

So, if 50 is the new 30, then 40 is the new 20. I can kind of see this as I get older. I don't FEEL any older. I still feel like I am that same person I was then. Of course wisdom and experience gained over time certainly play a role in who I am today, but I can still remember what is was like to be 18, 24, 32....... (I also remember being 11, 13, 16, 19...my kids hate that!)

I really do feel like there is so much of my life left to do. I am a college student! I still don't even know what I want to do when I grow up! I have no idea where I want to live the rest of my life. (Although I will be here or close to it while my kids are growing) And, someday I would like to get married again and enjoy that relationship. So I guess I buy into it.

50 is the new 30.

40 is the new 20

and (YES!!!) 38 is the new 18!

This picture has nothing to do with the above post. This is Ruby, SO excited to have a batting helmet of her very own (Hayley's old one), that she would not remove it at all. Even in her car seat. Even to sleep.

A long time ago

2008-07-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

Look at how cute we are! Our smiles are huge.

Look at how young we are

::sigh::

A powerful, moving blog

2008-07-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

I came across this blog recently on another website. Matt Logelin shares his feelings and grief over being a widowed father. His wife Liz passed away the day after their daughter was born four months ago. He uses powerful language and his photography is amazing. Have a fresh box of kleenex handy as you WILL cry.

It's the beginning of Shopping Season!

2008-07-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

For me back to school marks the beginning of my shopping season. It begins in August, and doesn't end until January when the post Holiday sales end.

This month I have to buy:

Football shoes for Jacob,

Soccer shoes for Hayley,

Soccer shoes, shinguards and any other gear for Ruby.

New sneakers for school for all 3 kids.

Cute-pie dressier shoes for the girls.

Another cool pair of sneaks for Jacob (you know--so he can rotate).

New socks, and underwear for all 3 kids.

Clothing to outfit them all (WHY do they have to grow so fast?)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

Yikes! I am getting excited (and a little overwhelmed) just typing it all out!

Then October brings more shopping, for Halloween costumes and a head start on Christmas so I don't get anxiety.

November brings Ruby's birthday and a LOT more Holiday shopping.

and then comes DECEMBER. For me, I have found that no matter how much I shop early for Christmas, I LOVE to be out in the hustle and bustle during the frenzied Christmas shopping season. Even if I have bought and wrapped every single gift by Dec. 1, I still need to go out and absorb the craziness at the mall.

As much as I do like to shop, by the end of January I am shopped out. AND extremely broke.

For the rest of the calendar year, I usually only buy as needed, not too many sprees and splurges. Of course, everybody always NEEDS something so there is always something I NEED to shop for, but for the most part I steer clear of the mall.

I really am an idiot

2008-07-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

I caved. Cleaning has happened, but not to the degree that I threatened. I want to have the TV on. Sometimes disciplining the kids is harder on me than it is on them!

They must think I'm an idiot!

2008-07-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

OK, I admit I'm a pushover. For the most part, my kids have it made.

All I asked today was for the kids to get their crap out of the car so that I can vacuum. I swear that we could live for weeks with the amount of paraphernalia that they leave in there.

So they said they did it, so I head out with the vacuum happy to be completing this chore.

They are liars!

OMG, there is really no place to shove stuff in a car, granted, I do drive a Honda Odyssey, but they did. shove. sh*t. anywhere they could.

So, as the result. The kids will be on Amish restriction. That means that they are electronic free. No computer, cell phones, ipods, gameboys, wii, TV, DVD, phone, and anything else that has to be plugged in or charged.

What they WILL be allowed to do is clean.

And usually I am so easygoing that I seldom bother with the upstairs of the house. It is their domain and I'm not too anal about how it looks. You know, keep their bedroom doors shut and all that.

Not now. Not this week. This is the week that it is getting deep-cleaned. Every nook and cranny. I swear, my brother and I invented every trick my kids could ever try. There is no hope for them to EVER pull a fast one on me.

I hope they will learn this soon, life will be easier for all of us!

Yikes...I guess I am the parent of the century.

2008-07-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

It's just Ruby and I tonight.

The older kids are off spending the night with friends. Ruby is VERY excited to pick the movie we will be watching tonight.

What movie does she choose?

WEDDING CRASHERS. She says it is her favorite movie.

Luckily at 5 the risque humor goes WAY above her head.

(And her attention span is not very long, she doesn't watch much of the movie before she gets bored.)

Ringtones

2008-07-14T20:42:00.001-07:00

I don't hear very well.

I especially don't hear the ring of my cell phone very well.

My solution to this is a loud, obnoxious song as a ringtone.

Currently it is Ozzy's Crazy Train .

I jump with fright every time my phone rings.

It is perfect for me!

So, is there anybody out there?

What is your ringtone?

The day Glide High School burned

2008-07-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

I was at Jacob's baseball game today when I got a call from a friend that our small-town high school was on fire.

As with most very small towns, the high school in Glide is a very important part of our community (there are only 700 students in the whole Glide school district). This summer extensive renovations have been underway and a new library/media center are being constructed and most of the other buildings are having long-needed renovations. The buildings were built in 1953 and except for necessary maintenance have not been updated at all since the 70's.

Anyway, soon after the announcement about the fire the cell phone network took effect and we learned that the library was gone, the home ec and science classrooms were gone, and the main office and gym were threatened.

Fire personnel from all over Douglas County were called in to battle the blaze and help control the spread of the fire. At one point I counted 16 firetrucks lining the highway in front of the high school.

I was able to get some pictures, and I will post when I upload them, but are some from the Roseburg News-Review.

The part of the building on the left is the library. The windows on the right are the main office which hopefully was spared. At this point the Gym also was saved. I am sure that there will definitely be smoke and water damage to both areas.

Although none of my own kids are high school age yet, the kids I teach are. This will have a huge effect on these students and the community as a whole. It is a shame that just as the buildings and facilities are getting much needed updates and renovations, it will all be somewhat set back by this fire and its impact. My son, who definitely takes after his mother, when told about the loss of the library, cried. Truly he did. As a voracious reader and book lover he understands that the loss of the library is HUGE .

And even though there is insurance, and things can be replaced and rebuilt, there are only 55 days until school starts again, the district will have to make some creative arrangements and move pretty fast so that the impact on students can be minimized.

The Center of The Universe

2008-07-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

A field about a mile down the road. This is Little River.

Vitamin Water...Really?

2008-07-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

Like the rest of the U.S. I have jumped on the bottled water bandwagon. I LOVE the water that comes from the tap at my house, but when on-the-go, I definitely buy water.

Not long ago I discovered Vitamin Water. This stuff, especially the XXX variety, is great!

I do wonder if I am actually getting anything beyond colored, flavored water. According to Wikipedia:

VitaminWater consists of vapor distilled, deionized, and/or reverse osmosis water; crystalline fructose (derived from corn syrup) as a sweetener; citric acid; electrolytes; natural flavors; and vitamins, including Vitamin C, B3, B5, B6, B12, and E. Other ingredients are added according to the flavor and intended purpose of the drink. It is not a low-sugar drink, with a sugar content is comparable to other sweetened soft drinks.

WOW. I so was not expecting that. WTH is reverse osmosis water?

Anyway, even thought Vitamin Water is not pure goodness in a bottle, I like it and it is refreshing to drink. It has to be a LITTLE bit better for a person than the HFCS in most soft drinks. It has to be.

We Did it to Ourselves

2008-07-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

I stole this from a blog somewhere. Sorry, I have no idea where. While I don't agree with all of the points 100%, it has a lot of validity.

We did it to ourselves, the crappy market and housing industry that is. We charged and financed our way into homes far to big and far to expensive then went and bought all the Ethan Allen goods we could stuff into our walls. We then waited for a year and took out a home equity line of credit and then went on a 5k vacation, bought a 40k car and bought Coach purses and steak dinners.

We could not wait for the little splurges in life. $5 cups of coffee three times a week, hey I deserve it, $400 soccer lessions for Johnny, he enjoys it! We needed a new car and it had to be new with DVD and GPS. No second hand for us! How dare people think we should wait!

And no way could we drive sedans. Nope we had to have giant SUV’s and mini vans because our kids have to haul around a metric ton of stuff for their 3 daily lessons and 5 school projects. The idea that if we bought gas at the rates we did drove up prices along with other market factors is just plain silly.

We had to have, no waiting, instant credit, just charge it we’ll worry about it later but hey we’ll get Disney Bucks for it too!

The goverment doesn’t need to fix it, we do. We over bought and over consumed and felt we had a God given right to have whatever we wanted the second we wanted it.

But it’s not our fault.

Liar, Liar pants on fire

2008-07-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

I lied yesterday. I did not paint the door. I did not paint a wall. I did not do anything remotely productive all day long.

What I did do was play Nintendo Wii's baseball with my kiddos. I am not nearly as good as Jacob and Hayley and Ruby are improving rapidly, but I give them a run for their money!!

Yeah MOM!!!

I did start painting the stupid door today and it is going to take at least 2 coats. After pictures will have to wait!

Door BEFORE

2008-07-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

By the end of the day today, this door will be green. I have only had the paint for at least two years. I AM going to paint it today!! AFTER pictures to follow.

Too Cool for FUN

2008-07-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

This is my son Jacob(on the far right) and two of his good friends. Notice how excited they were to watch the fireworks.

The funny thing is, when we got home I asked Jacob what he liked best about our day today and he said the fireworks!

I swear 13 year old boys are hormonal messes!

Facebook

2008-07-03T22:39:00.001-07:00

You can find me on Facebook. Damn, that place is addicting.

I am wondering about the etiquette of the place. If one off my friends has a friend that I know, can I just request to have their friend be my friend? What if I don't know this person all that well and just want to have more friends?

It surely would be a lot easier that way than trolling around for my own damn friends!

My family's favorite...SOUP!

2008-07-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Zuppa Toscano

My family LOVES this easy soup.

1 lb. Italian Sausage (I use ground sausage)(I add more to make the recipe more hearty)

4 large Russet Baking Potatoes sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices (sometimes more for heartiness)

1 large Onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

Frozen chopped spinach

2 cans Chicken Broth

1 can beef broth (for richness)

1 qt. more/less Water

1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream

flour

Cook sausage in a 300-degree oven. Bake approximately 1/2 hour, drain on paper towels, and cut into slices.(I just cook my ground sausage in a pan, then drain.) Place onion, potatoes, broth, water, and garlic in pot, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done. Add sausage, salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Add flour/milk mixture to thicken soup up.

Turn to low heat, add spinach and cream. Heat through and serve.

They have better lives than I do!!

2008-07-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

My kids are all wonderful. I love them and I love that they are successful at everything they do.

But, this week I am feeling the financial strain of their activities.

Jacob tried out for and made the Babe Ruth All Star team. This is fabulous!

Except for the fact that the practices are every day. In Myrtle Creek. That is over 80 miles round trip. Tonight I calculated that it is costing me about 20 cents a mile to drive the car anywhere, so it costs me about $16 just for practice each day!!!

Also, tonight I was informed that the uniforms will cost $60 ASAP and that the arrangements for hotel rooms at the state tournament will need to be paid for ASAP, and all of the other expenses that come along with traveling.

I'm losing my mined as I am emptying out my pocket book!!

Then there is Hayley. She tried out for and made a classic soccer team.

Great. $295 just to play. $65 for a basic uniform $65 more for sweats and a backpack. She also needs a new ball, cleats, shinguards.... AND she is required to attend a camp in 2 weeks that will cost $140.

YIKES! When will it end.

I realize that these are optional choices and we could opt out of them and the expenses, but these are things that I really want my kids to be able to do. I want to be able to provide these opportunities for them. I am just not sure how to fund them.....

50 ODD things about ME!

2008-06-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

I got this in an email and thought it might be fun.......

1. Do you like blue cheese?

Yes, in salad dressing.

2. Have you ever been to Yellowstone Park?

Nope, not even close. :(

3. Do you own a gun?

Not me, but my kids do (!)

4. What are your favorite songs?

Too many to list...

Running to Stand Still by U2

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?

Sometimes

6. What do you think about hot dogs?

Not my favorite. I think my Mom overdosed me as a kid!

7. Favorite Christmas song?

Anything by Johnny Mathis

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?

Chocolate milk made only with Nesquik

9. Can you do push ups?

Not too many!

10. What was the name of your first pet?

NeeChee a neurotic dog

11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?

My star ring from Toni

12. Favorite hobby?

Reading

13. Secret weapon to get the opposite sex?

Hmmmm, I don't know if I have a secret weapon....

14. Do you have ADD?

nope

15. What one trait do you hate about yourself?

My lack of follow through. I have a lot of great ideas, but not the oomph to finish them up.

16. What's your middle name?

Lynn

17. Name 3 thoughts you are thinking at this exact moment?

NO! Too much TV is too much. Turn it off!

I hate this smoke.

WTH am I gonna cook for dinner

18. What did you buy yesterday?

Gas,

soccer shoes for Hayley,

socks for Jacob, cute things for Ruby,

and a giant cherry limeade from Sonic for ME!!

19. Favorite vegetable?

asparagus

20. Current worry right now?

the sound my brakes are making and how I am going to afford fixing them

21. Current hate right now?

Lack of $$$$$

22. Favorite place to be?

I haven't found it yet.

23. What did you do to bring in the New Year?

Nothing much. Fought valiantly to stay awake 'til midnight.

24. Where would you like to go?

Anywhere!!!

25. Name three people who will complete this?

No clue!

26. Do you own slippers?

nope

27. What shirt are you wearing?

Starbucks freebie t-shirt

28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?

No way, icky! Too slippery.

29. Can you whistle?

yep

30. Favorite color?

RED, RED, RED

31. Would you be a pirate?

Probably just a wench

32. What songs do you sing in the shower?

No singing in my shower. Singing happens in the car.

33. Favorite girl's name?

Depends on the day!

34. Favorite boy's name?

Jacob, of course!

35. What's in your pocket right now?

Nothing

36. What made you laugh last?

Ruby covering up her fart

37. Best bed sheets as a child?

I never had special sheets :(

38. Worst injury you've ever had?

A bad cut on my thumb?

39. Who is your loudest friend?

My friends aren't all that loud. Their kids are!

40. Do you like where you live?

Yep, I love where I live. And I totally realize this only after going back to my "hometown" this weekend.

41. How many TV's do you have?

42. How many dogs do you own?

One fat border collie named Max

43. What would you do if you hit a deer while driving?

I said some really naughty words and cried.

Also turned around to make sure the poor thing was dead.

44. What is your favorite book?

Flanagan's Run by Tom McNab

45. What is your favorite candy?

Orangeheads

46. Favorite Sports Team?

Whatever team my kids are on

47. What were you doing at 12 am last night?

Trying to read, but really falling asleep

48. What was the first thing that you thought of when you woke up this morning?

I need to get something done today.

49. What songs do you want played at your funeral?

Who cares? The funeral is for my family. Let them pick what they want.

50. Does someone have a crush on you?

That would be lovely.......

Twenty years??? I'm How Old?!!

2008-06-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

I just returned from Hillsboro for my 20th high school reunion.

Oh. My. Gosh. Hillsboro has changed. My old house is so small. My old **parking spot** with Bob Schuler is now a church!!!

High school was a long time ago and I wouldn't want to go back even if I could. I have come to the realization that I went through school in my own little bubble. I missed so much and yet I didn't miss nuthin'.

I was a smart girl who didn't really care about grades. I knew a lot of people but was only really close to a few.

It definitely wasn't the part of my life that I think defines me, I think I am living that part right now. I talked a minute or two with the people that I wanted to see and did A LOT of smiling.

I am not sure I will even bother going to future reunions. I wish the reunion was over two weekends. one for the breaking through the past phase and one for the rest of it. There were people there that I would have loved to get to know better but the conversations never really got past the introduction/catch up/superficial phase. Probably it is just me, but I wanted, or expected more!

I am always doing that to myself, though, having unrealistic expectations.

Anyway, I have now lived away from my hometown of Hillsboro for as long as I ever lived there. So, so , so strange!

September

2007-12-24T15:45:00.001-08:00

First day of school:

October

2007-12-24T15:42:00.001-08:00

Looking for the perfect pumpkin!

November

2007-12-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

The Veteran's Day parade in Roseburg and Ruby's 5th birthday. Jacob was oh too excited to pose with his sisters!

December

2007-12-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

December has been a blur, and now it is already Christmas. Merry Christmas!