New Look, New Hobbies

I have decided to try my hand at Digital Scrapbooking. Forget the fact that I have done diddly squat lately with my regular paper scrapbookng. But that's really not important right now. I decided to try re-doing my blog first. Um, smart move. Not only do I not have any idea of what I'm doing but I'm not much of a techie. I do know how to turn on my laptop though, so that's a start. Fortunately for me, there's that lovely "preview" button that allows me to check along the way before I mess it all up permenantly! I really need to learn how to do this right. Not only that, but my daughter's boyfriend got Photoshop cs3 for me. Yeah, we need to keep him around! I really need to figure out how to work with this software! I've heard that there is just way too many cool things that can be done with it.

I have also signed up for cake decorating classes at Michael's. Just because I don't have enough on my plate. I love baking so I just want to make the stuff look pretty too!

Ooops!

OK, I'm in a better mood today. Sorry for the ranting in yesterday's post. I just meant to write about the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, but I had one of those days yesterday. For some reason, I personally witnessed practically everything on my pet peeves list. Mind you my list is rather long.

First of all, I had to go to the bank. I park and start walking to the entrance. This idiot in a Hummer pulls in to the lot at top speed, pulls into a handicapped spot, hangs his placard on the rearview mirror, jumps out of his big a$$ car, and sprints to the entrance practically running over a lady who was just reaching for the door. Idiot didn't even hold the door for her. So he gets in line, the lady is behind him & I am behind the lady. So I say to the lady, "I never knew that rudeness was a legitimate handicap". You can see him tense up, but he did not turn around. I know all about unseen handicaps. I don't need a lecture on that. But in my opinion, if your 2 legs work and your heart & breathing is not stressed when walking, then leave it for those who need it.

Right after the bank I went to the grocery store and the lady in front of me was arguing with the cashier about something that she wanted to buy with her WIC. The cashier told her that it was not on the list but she insisted. Short story, she was wrong. She was also drippin in gold & driving a Mercedes. Prada bag too! By now, my blood was already boiling. Because in my mind, I am paying for her Mercedes & her Prada because my taxes pay for her WIC, food stamps, medicare and everything else that she probably gets from the gov't.

From there, I go to the bakery to get some fresh baked bread. I go in grab my number and wait. About 3 minutes later this lady walks in, goes straight to the counter and turns to everyone and says" I just need a loaf of bread" Huh?? Hell no! Thing is, that the counter lady was about to take care of her. I was about to say something but someone beat me to it. Yay for them!

This post is getting longer than I expected so I'll wrap it up with just one more. On the way home there is a 4-way stop. I make my stop, there was on car across from me but she was turning so she signaled for me to go ahead. Mind you, there was no one at the stop on either side of me. So I start moving and out of nowhere, this car comes from the left and runs the stop. She literally stops in front of my car. Instead of going faster so I don't hit her but whatever. I didn't hit her. She just shoots a bird at me keeps going. Here's the kicker. Two human cannonballs in the back seat. No carseats, no seatbelts.

So yeah, those are just a few of my the things that attributed to my migraine & foul mood yesterday. All better today. Maybe because I stayed home?????????????? I swear, I'm not normally a sourpuss.

On a more serious note...

I don't even know how to start this post. It simply amazes me how much money the government spends on crap, yet does not realize how important other things are. I try not to talk politics on my blog. Most people who know me personally know where I stand. And some of my very close friends & even family have different opinions than me when it comes to politics. That doesn't change my opinion of them in the least. And I hope the same goes for how they feel about me. Although this is not really a political post per se.

I am writng this, not because I have a personal stake in it. Because I have been truly blessed that my girls have never had to deal with this monster. As a parent, I am blessed to not have had to face this horror. I did lose my baby to SIDS and my heart has been missing a big chunk since. I never had to watch my child go through a gazillion procedures, have her attached to ports and lines and all the other crap that people go through to treat this monster called cancer.

The reason that I am writing this is to bring your attention to the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act.
The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act passed in the House of Representatives with a 416-0 vote margin. The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatments and research for children with cancer and their families.

The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, S911 is making progress toward passage in the Senate. The bill has more then 60 Senators signed on as co sponsors. This support comes from Democrats and Republicans in all fifty states. The companion bill, HR1553 has already passed in the House of Representatives! This historic legislation will provide critically needed funding to support childhood cancer research. We need the help of elected officials to make funding for childhood cancer research.

It makes me sad that there are no CoSponsors from my state. So I am shooting off letters to those elected officials. Here is a list of all Non CoSponsonsors. If your elected official is on this list, please consider emailing them.

Here are some videos that Mimi, Julian's Mommy, put together for her husband to take to Washington, DC for the "REACH THE DAY – Conquer Childhood Cancer” Event.

They are asking for $150 Million over the course of 5 years. Do you know how much has been spent on this war that we have been in for the past 5 years? Do you realize how much money is given to liars that I have personally stood behind of at the grocery store. You know the ones. The ones that receive food stamps, medicare, wic, etc., then jump into their top of the line Mercedes Benz and drive to their spa appointment. And I'll go off on a tangent here and comment on the fact that my grandfather, while he was alive, at the age of 80, received a grand total of $25 to survive on each MONTH. We need to care for our kids & our elderly. Not the scam artist.
Ok back to the issue at hand. Here are the videos:

Angels:

Still, these photos only represent the tip of the iceberg of the trauma & disturbing effects of the current cancer treatments inflicted upon so many children themselves (not to mention the parents, siblings, & others), without other viable life-saving options… And, these represent only a few of their many deaths: THREE THOUSAND EACH YEAR! Since the majority of these things take place beyond the eyes of the public, most of us are able to go about our lives blissfully unaware.

Still Fighting

Bloggyversaries

Two ladies will be celebrating their 1st Bloggyversary soon. My 1st and 2nd passed without my even noticing. Sad, very sad. Maybe I will remember the 3rd year mark. Anyhoo, why don't ya'll stop by and join in the festivities.

First off, we have Summer's Nook. She will be celebrating on June 27th. All Day. With games & prizes EVERY hour on the dot between 10AM- 8PM. Oh, and if you blog about it between today & tomorrow, you could possibly win a $10 GC to MY Target!

AND

Tip Junkie starts celebrating next week. For 20 days! A prize a day for 20 days. June 30th-July 28th. Sounds sort of like me and my birthday MONTH!

So hop on over and wish them a Happy Bloggyversary!

FLASHBACK!!!

My last post got me thinking back to... let's just say, a few years ago. So I went to Old Faithful YouTube and pulled up my 3 favorite School House Rock Videos.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I passed many tests because of these cartoons!

Interjections!




Nouns



How A Bill Becomes A Law



I limited myself to 3 but I also loved Conjunction Junction, The Figure Eight & the 5's. Oh, and I literally was a able to recite the Preamble because of School House Rock!

The 80's

Well technically, I actually grew up in the 70's but I was a teen for most of the 80's. I fortunately (& honestly) can say that aside from the Big Hair, I must have missed the real 80's fad wise. I have highlighted what pertains to me.

You Know You Grew Up In the 80's if:

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.
2. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do theCarlton
3. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom
4. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"
5. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
6. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head. (In the 70's too!)
7. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class atschool.
8. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in aknot on the side.
9. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House) (70's again)
10. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
11. You know the profound meaning of " WAX ON , WAX OFF"
12. You wanted to be a Goonie.
13. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe) (Thank goodness, NO!)
14. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose felloff and his cheeks shifted.
15. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
16. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in theschoolyard.
17. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
18. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.
19. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because youexchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
20.You wore biker shorts under your skirts and felt stylish.
21. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. ( Yes, I was part of the sweaty feet & weird foot tan club!)
22. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are,but what am I?" (Funny story about this though. As a joke a couple of friends told us that this movie was really good. We were 17 at the time. So a friend and I went to see what all the fuss was about. We sat there just looking at ech other in disbelief and waiting for it to eventually get better. It didn't. We walked out 1/2 way through.)
23. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
24. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates. (I could even skate backwards on my 4 wheels)
25. You have ever played with a Skip-It. ( Mine was called a Lemon Twist)
26. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulderlike you were all that.
27. You remember watching both Gremlins movies.
28. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.
29. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
30. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool...and don't evenflinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB"
31. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved ByThe Bell," The ORIGINAL class.
32. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.
33. You just sang those words to yourself. :)
34. You still sing "We are the World"
35. You tight rolled your jeans.
36. You owned a banana clip.
37. You remember "Wher e's the Beef?"
38. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?"
39. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head, aren't you!

PASS THIS ON TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS WHO GREW UP IN THE 80s or Early 90s!!!

OK, so I guess that I do remember quite a bit. .... and you're to blame. Darling, you give love a bad name!

Dress your age...

It's been a while since I've updated this thing. I keep meaning to, but I keep forgetting. My nephew just left. He was here since Thursday. It's so different having a kid in the house. Especially a boy. He is such a good kid though. No trouble whatsoever.

My brother came to pick him up today. He was telling me about his last layover. They had gone to a restaurant/nightclub and the place was crawling with old folks. Not cute little couples out for a night of dancing. Noooo, these were all singles looking to hook up. No one was younger than 65. He was telling me about this one old lady in a short skirt and fish net elbow length gloves. I had visions of the Madonna wanna be's of the 80's. He then told me that she was all decked out and even had her cane decorated! Her CANE! Most of the ladies were dressed in minis and push up bras. Or the ones with their bellies hanging out. He also said that all the men had black shoe polish on their hair. Now, have I not taught him anything??? I want pictures!!!

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for enjoying yourself no matter what your age. But for crissake, I don't run around dressing like a 12 year old.

What about you? Would you like to see your mom or grandma dressed like that?

Cuteness!

This just makes me smile!

I'm NOT Hiding!

Today I have received a few phone calls. Not from sweet friends checking up on my well being or just to say hey. No, these calls are from evil, wicked so called friends, making fun of me for being afraid of thunder & lightning. Every conversation starts along these lines:

Me: (freaking out because someone is calling in the middle of a lighting storm and we all know that it can go through the phone lines and electrocute my ear) Hello?

So called friend: Hey, what are you doing?

Me: Not much

So called friend: So are you under the bed or in the closet??? (laughing wickedly)

For the record, I was not under the bed or in the closet! I was in my bedroom, which just so happens to be the only room in the house that has hurricane shutters on the window. Year round. Not because I use it as a hiding place from storms, but because it makes my room nice and dark. It just so happens that I do hide in there as well. :) When I start seeing blue flashes inside my house and lightning strikes that sound like my tree are being cracked in half, then I calmly walk up to my room to rest for a little while.

I woke up to thunder and lightning. It is now 3PM and it is just now tapering off. It's been like that for the past 3 days or so. I HATE it! I don't mind the rain so much, but the other stuff I can do without. Although, all this water is a breeding ground for these vile creatures. But at least my windows are getting washed.

What goes around...

comes around. In more ways than one! It was not that long ago when my girls were making fun of me in all my big hair glory! They particularly made fun of my sandals. I was never into the bright 80's colors, so I was safe there but I did have a collection of Gladiator Sandals. And guess what? They're baaaaack!

Does this mean that I'm on the computer too much???

It's about 10AM here and I just woke up. Yeah, I don't have little ones anymore, so Saturday mornings are all mine! But that is not important right now. I'm writing because of my dream. I really don't remember much about it really. But I do remember a few parts clearly. One was that we were getting ready for a hurricanne. Must be that I'm already freakin' out about the season. And another part was that Kari was babysitting at our house and in walks Tanyetta & cutie pie DJ! I've never met them in real life. Just bloggy friends. But I have seen a ton pictures of them on her blog. So that probably means that I'm on this laptop waaay too much!

Happy Saturday!

Kids with Phones??

I have been asked on several occasions at what age would it be appropriate to get a child a cell phone. There is no right answer to this, as everyone's sitution is different. I, for one, did not get my girls phones until they were about 14 & 15. Now I have another point of view for a different situation. And it's not even my kid! The reason for this post is that as part of the Creative Days Of Summer Giveaways at 5 Minutes for Mom, they are giving away a cellphone & service from Kajeet.

Now for the reason that I would like to win this. I have mentioned my nephew and his egg donor in the past. The situation is not an ideal situation to say the least. Thing is, that there have been days that my brother can't find his own son because the egg donor has had her phone cut off. Priorities you know. Nightclubs, her Mercedes, wardrobe etc. Anyhoo, although he is only 9 years old, in this case, I think that having his own phone so that his dad can reach him, would be ideal. The best part about it is that my brother can choose who can call and who can be called. That way, the egg donor can't get a free phone for herself. Oh and the GPS wouldn't hurt either. He would only be using it to call his dad, my mom and of course, me! For now. As he gets older, he can add friends.

Although, there seems to be a ray of hope in the horizon. You see, she is claiming that my nephew, (who just happens to be the sweetest, most well behaved boy on the planet) is "acting up". I've know a few women who suddenly say that their child is out of control and that, is actually code for "he should live with his dad permenantly". It's about that time. Her oldest was 10 when she sent him to his dad. We can only hope.

As always, I went off on a tangent. If you would like to enter to win this prize, be sure to visit 5 Minutes for Mom!

Creative Days of Summer

The ladies at 5 Minutes for Mom are at it again. Another week of contests for ya'll! So to quote them directly:

The advent of summer is a source of mixed feelings:

* happiness about a more laid-back schedule
* anxiety about how I’m going to answer the
“I’m bored, Mom” ’s
* resolve to make the most of the extra time
to start some good habits
* determination to use some of these months to reinforce
and advance school skills

Do you feel the same way? Well, 5 Minutes for Mom is here to help.
From June 10 - 18, we’ll have new ideas (and of course, giveaways!) to help keep your kids and the whole family busy, healthy, and happy! All of the contests will be listed here. To enter, leave a comment on each separate post for the items that you’d like to win.
All of the winners will be announced on June 24.

In Search Of... Part Trois

It's time for another edition of In Search Of...

This is where I post what people search and my blog comes up as a hit.

Here is Part 1 & Part 2, in case you're bored. So without further ado.

Do you hear what I hear?

What exactly do you hear? Weird voices in your head? Actually, I sometimes have that little angel/devil thing going on. Just like in the Flintstones!

had to pee" "couldn't hold it anymore"

I'm sorry to hear that. Did it happen in public? Did you make a puddle? They sell Depends at Target if you're interested.

my feet smell like vinegar

Yuck! Thanks for ltting me know. I'll be sure not to try to smell your feet now. And how exactly did that lead them to my blog?

compulsive hoarding photos

Guilty as charged. Yes, I do hoarde stuff. I rarely post pictures of the stuff though. Sorry.

how to never lose anything

When you find out, please fill me in. While you're at it, please let me know how not to forget things as well!

my eyes hurt from the laptop

Then get off the darn thing! Unless you're a glutton for punishment like myself!

"boobs have gotten huge"

I hear ya sister! In my case, it's just a matter of gaining way to much weight.

real life case of remembering last birth

Now this one boggles my mind. Do you remember giving birth or doo you remember being born? If it's the 1st one, then ok. I remember that too. But if it's the latter, ou have come to the wrong place. I don't even remember last week ;)

upcoming trip, afraid to fly

This one is totally understandable. I crap buckets everytime I get on a plane. BUT since I just started flying recently, 2 1/2 years ago to be exact, I say go for it. Pop some Dramamine or Ativan and have fun when you get there. Since 2005 I have been on about 18 planes and one helicopter. Plus I have knocked some things off my bucket list!

what does the name lissete mean

This is from one of he baby names sites:

Meaning of Lisette - What does the name Lisette means?
Pronunciation:lee-zett
Gender: Girl Name
Origin:French
Name Meaning:
Form of Lisa, which is short for the Hebrew name Elizabeth, meaning "pledged to God."

These last 2 are somewhat related

cigarettes don't stink/ cigarette "just started smoking"

First of all, they do stink! Second, stop now! Before it's too late!

Rambling on...

Slow weekend around here. For me at least. Kari had a pretty full weekend but the party is over. She started work today. I am so glad that she is self motivated and does not need that push to get her rear in gear. Except for cleaning up her room that is. But that is not imporant right now. She is working at a school over the the Summer and was asked if she would like to stay on for the regular school year. That would be great. Except for the fact that it would be a part time position, about 40 minutes from home(without traffic) and gas at upwards of $4 a gallon. She would be working solely for fuel. Although she would be doing what she loves, working with kids, she definitely needs to find a place closer to home. She is also decided to attempt a double major. Originally it was just Early Childhood/ Elementary Education. Now she has added Business simply because of the crap that they pay our teachers here. She hopes to someday own her own little school.

Since I have gone off and bored ya with my rambling, here is a funny hat always makes me giggle. Although, I am quite in awe, because I can't do the ABC thing. Sober!

Coming to a neighborhood near... Me?????

You might remember this and this. Well it seems that they have been taking steroids and now we have this:

Doesn't look that big in the picture huh? Trust me, it's huge! Almost as big as godzilla a small rabbit! Still lookin' for a frog exterminator by the way.

Class of 2008

Yesterday was Kari's graduation. If I say that it wasn't a whirlwind of emotions, I would be lying. I am so proud and happy for her that words cannot express. But the realization that my babies are all grown up still tugs at my heartstrings!

So to my sweet baby girl, may all your dreams and wishes come true. Remember that if your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, then you can achieve it! You have a very bright future ahead of you and this is one more step in your jour journey of life.

We Love You!

The picture did not come out very well as we were sitting up in the nosebleed section and my zoom can only do so much!

And here she is with Kat after the ceremony:

And So It Begins!

Today is the first day of the season. Not a season that I look forward to at all. The longest season of the year. It runs from today thru November. Six freakin' months! It's the season that makes me want to get the heck out of here.

Long Time, No See

I've been meaning to post pictures from this past weekend. But first, I have to say tha I love Wii Fit even though my body is hurting like crazy! Just goes to show how out of shape I am! Now, if only there was a game to keep me away from cake!

My brother, his wife and their girls came down from Colorado Springs. We haven't seen them in a gazillion 3 years. The girls have gotten so big! We had small shindig on Sunday and Danny roasted a pig. Yeah, I can do without the whole process, but I have to admit that it is yummy. I just can't decide which I like better, Hawaiian or Cuban Pig roast. We spent the entire day outside and fortunately the weather cooperated. Hot as heck but no rain. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures. We did, however, go to the zoo on Tuesday and hung out by the pool for a while. And I did take a bunch of pictures then.

Yeah, they charge $2 for some leaves to feed their giraffes!

Happy 18th Birthday Kari!

May 29, 1990
6:45 PM
9 lbs 11 oz




As of today, we do not have any minors living in his house! :(

Nothing Better to Say Meme

Since I have nothing better to post, here goes:

Ten years ago: I was wearing the same size that I wore in High School. Not anymore. :(

Five things on today’s “to do” list: Buy stuff for Sunday's shindig, Attempt to color my roots by myself, Give myself a pedicure, Pay Bills, Commit to a weight loss plan, any plan.

Five Things I’d do if I was a billionaire: Not give myself pedis, Have a driver, Set my kids for life, Get a beach house, Give waaaay more to St. Judes,

Three bad habits: Loving Sweets, Talking to Myself ( Idon't answer myself though ;) ), Diet Coke

Five places I’ve lived: My parents House, A Rented Condo on the Beach (LOVED it!), My Townhouse & My House. All in Miami. Yeah, born, raised and never left!

Five jobs I’ve had: Candy counter in JC Penney, Receptionist, Unite Parcel SucksService, Real Estate Salesperson, Major Cruise Line

Five people I’m tagging: Whoever doesn't have anything else to blog about

Wii is gonna make me Fit???

We picked up our Wii Fit today. It's really cool, makes you sweat and it called me overweight! Ok, tell me something that I don't know! Jus

t ell me how we're gonna fix it!

WW: I is edumacated

I still can't figure out how they lifted the school in the first place.

For more WW participants, visit the official WW Hub or 5 Minutes for Mom

Ladies are supposed to perspire

We have been frying here lately. And I am SWEATING! Today, we were at 96 degrees. Fahrenheit! But there is hope on the horizon! I was just watching the news and the weatherman said that we will be getting a cold front on Saturday. Hurray! Yep, we will be getting all the way down to 89!!!

YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN FLORIDA IN JULY WHEN...

~ The birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.

~ The trees are whistling for the dogs.

~ The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.

~ Hot water now comes out of both taps.

~ You can make sun tea instantly.

~ You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.

~ The temperature drops below 95 and you feel a little chilly.

~ You discover that in July it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.

~ You discover that you can get sunburned through your car window.

~ You actually burn your hand opening the car door.

~ You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.

~ Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is,

"What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"

~ You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.

~ The potatoes cook underground,

so all you have to do is pull one out and add butter, salt and pepper.

~ Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.

~ The cows are giving evaporated milk.

Puhleez!

Read this and come back and give me your opinion. I'll wait.

Ok, now the only reason that I post this is because they have been doing this forever! First of all, they do not SEAL the door shut. They simply place a piece or 2 of tape on the door,where it opens. That way they can tell if the kids have left the room after curfew.

When my daughter was in middle school, they went to a convention for two days. A couple of girls in another room decided to sneak out after the chaperones had gone to bed. They were out all night! Not only were they just 14 but they spent the entire evening roaming around a hotel full of strangers. PLUS they hung out with the security guard who gave them CANDY! The parents, of course, did not fault their precious children because God knows that they are too young to know any better. They fully expected the chaperone to be up 24/7 watching them.

I'm also sure that the boy panicked at the thought of not being able to skip out after curfew get out in case of fire. He simply decided to complain to his mom and try to get the chaperone in trouble.

At least I got a car wash

Today we got a little rain. When I say little, I mean it drizzled for about 3 minutes. We need way more than that. The grass fires are still burning. The car in the picture is black. Really. It's just covered in ashes. Our ubber smart county officials have issued an air quality warning. Duh! Do they think that we are living under a rock and have not been breathig the stuff for the past week or so? My eyes are really bothering me too.

The rain is probably waiting for our little shindig on Sunday! It never fails.

Go With The Flow

That's my baby on the left. Before her Senior Prom. You hear that? S.e.n.i.o.r Prom.
Which means she graduates in about 2 weeks! From HIGH SCHOOL! How can she be graduating from High School? She is only a baby! My baby. When did all this happen?








Just the other day she was walking around on my high heel shoes. I just blinked and now she has her her own pair.


So yesterday, we started out early. I had to get some snacks ready since her friends and their parents were all meeting at our house for pre-prom pictures. Plus the limo was picking them up here. My kid is the most easy going kid in the world. She lets everything just slide right off of her like an oil slick. We could have made a short movie that I would have titled National Lampoon's Prom Night. But she probably wouldn't care. First of all, she has stick straight hair and wanted some soft curls. So the lady does these curl roller thingies the day before prom and Kari was supposed to keep them until the next day. Ok. So we get up and she goes to get her nails done in the morning, in her rollers. Then we go to the mall to try to find a pretty clip plus she was getting her make up done at the MAC counter at Nordstroms. She walked the entire mall in.her.rollers! You would never see me in public in rollers now, imagine at her age. Make up done, and we are running late. It is now 4PM and everyone will be at our house at 5. We haul butt to the lady to finish her hair. The curls come off and she looks like Shirley Temple. We get in the car and I expect her to complain, since I personally would have had a fit, but she just laughed! We get home, she ges dressed and came down singing "Animal Crackers In My Soup". All is good in the world.


All the kids get there. They take their pictures. They have some snacks. Then sit and wait for the limo that was supposed to be there at 5:30 and it was now 6PM. Instead of stressing like most of the other girls, Kari is calculating how many cabs they will need to et them all to prom.


Finally at 6:30 the "limo" arrives. Yeah, it's a long car. And it might have been a limo at some point. Say maybe 20 years ago. It looked like it hadn't been washed in about that long either. Then, the driver steps out. I wish that I would have taken a picture of him because words cannot describe. Ok, picture a beer belly fifty-ish guy in a Hawaiian shirt opened up about half way, gold chains to his belly and a giant fake diamond stud in one ear. So, I send D over to make sure the guy hasn't been drinking or anything since I'm paranoid like that. But my kid, just jumped in the car and all was fine with the world. She was going to prom. It didn't faze her that the car barely had A/C and it was about 100 degrees in the shade. I fully expected to see car parts falling off as the car started to move and I so wanted to follow in our car but D wouldn't let me!

They got there ok. Had a blast. And made a ton a memories. As for me, I learned that I need to be more like my kid.

Yooooo Hooooo Mr. Sandman...

It is now past midnight and I can't fall asleep. Why? Because it smells like smoke. Grass fires scare me. So afraid that it will get closer while we sleep!

Busy day tommorow today. Prom night. We have to get an early start on the day. Now, if only I can fall asleep soon.

We were searching for prom hair do's and came up with this, which is totally wrong on all accounts!

Nesting

I have a momma bird and a papa bird making a nest on my ceiling fan. The girls and I sat and watched from our bay window. And I, of course, had to narrate for entertainment purpose. The male bird would fly off lookin for twigs to build the nest. 95% would fall to the floor. Being the typical male, instead of picking up what he dropped, he would go out in search of more twigs.

The female would occasionally stand up and walk around the small area. Probably thinking to herself that that condo is just not gonna do! Too small! "How does he expect me to live here? The housing market is slow, I'm sure we can find some place roomier! We have that crappy stimulus coming in any day now. Too bad, we won't get any $$ for these new babies!"

There is not really much of a nest up there yet. My friend, who I call Dr. Doolittle, suggested that we make sure there aren't any eggs up there, then turn on the fan when thebirds are away. She says that it is not a very good spot for a nest. Especially since we will be having a Memorial Day shindig next weekend and in our mid 90's weather, those fans are a necessity! I bet the papa bird chose the location! The picture were taken from my window and apparently it's not as clean as I thought!

Pickin's are slim this week

I know that I said that I was going to post weekly bargains, but this week has been really slow! Plus, I'm not getting out as much as I used to because of the crazy gas prices. My Target outings have been cut down to once a week. How am I supposed to find great stuff by only going once a week???

I did go today, although I did not find any outrageous deals, I did use my coupons. I have been clipping couons like forever. But, now I am actually using them. It used to be that I would clip & clip and never use them. I'm getting a bit better. I actually used $35 in coupons today at Target. I love B1G1 and big dollar off coupons!

This was my haul. Yes, I do hoard but whatever, it will get used. And before anone says anything about all the junk food, we are having several parties in the coming days. It's not all for me! I normally would not take pictures of all my crap, although I have in the past, but it's the only way that I can show Danny how much money I saved him! This way I can put it all away and just show him the pictures when he gets home. Funny thing though, I don't show him what I buy when I DON'T get a great deal!

Walgreens was next. I gotta love those register rewards. I paid $9.44 for all this and I will be getting $9 in rebates.

The only thing I have for ya'll this week is as follows:

Optive Lubricant Eye Drops. FREE after Rebate.

Wish-Bone Bountifuls Salad Dressing. FREE after Reabate. They only have 35 calories per serving! This will only be good if you buy between 5/30 and 6/1.

Since I love Slurpees, here's a B1G1 coupon.

Redbox DVD rentals. We don't have them here but if you do, use code 2672JC for a FREE dvd movie rental from Redbox. Just be sure to return it the next day by 9PM.

Hopefully, we'll have better deals next week.

Happy Belated Mommy's Day!

I totally meant to post yesterday wishing all mommy's a Happy Day but the day went by so fast! We had a quiet day. Went to see my mom and actually spent the day there. Danny worked till 7 then we all went to Carraba's for dinner. My 19 year old baby made a card for me with her handprints on it. She printed her name and wrote Age 19. I have another just like it from her, but it says age 4! I'll say it aain, They.grow.up.too.fast!

Anyhoo, this week is going to be a busy one. Kari's prom is on Saturday and we still need some last minute things. Plus pre-prom is at our house. Speaking about prom, did ya'll see this? What do you think? My kid would not have gotten past the front door like that!

Gas & Crap

It takes alot to get me mad. And like I have mentioned many times before, this gas crap is making me raging mad! I pulled up to the line to pump gas at BJ's. I haven't seen lines like that since our last hurricane watch. Anyhoo, the sign in the front, the sign on the wall, and the sign at the pump said $3.59. When I start pumping, I see that I am pumping at $3.61. So I go and ask the girl in the glass cave, and she said that the price went up right now but she has not had time to change the signs. So, while I was in line it went up. Which I don't understand because they were not getting a new delivery or anything, so what ever fuel was in there, they paid a lower price for. But whatever. This was Tuesday by the way. On Wednesday, I pass by in the morning, it was at $3.61, at about 3PM it was $3.63 and at 8PM it was 3.65. Today we're at $3.89.
I complain about this to my real life friends on a daily basis, so I figure that I would share some of the whining with my internets!

I so wish that I lived somewhere else. Or at least that we had better mass transit options. THis situation is way out of control. I'm not saying that we are poor because I know that others have it way worse. But we are heading towards it a a high rate of speed. I have doctor appointments all next week and am considering calling to cancel because it would probably cost me sooo much just to get there and back! Forget about the road trips that I love to take too.

In other news, I finally got a Bag of Crap! Do you know anyone that is happy to get crap? Well now you do! After several years of buying stuff on Woot, I finally scored a Bag of Crap! I have my fingers crossed for good crap! Some have received Roombas or MP3 Players I really, really want a Scooba. But with my luck, my crap will be real crap! But regardless, it will be a surprise. And ya'll know how I LOVE surprises! When I get it I will post my crap. In the meantime google "Woot crap" and you're bound to find quite a bit of the crap that others have gotten. If m crap turns out to be really bad crap, at least I'll have something to give my MIL for Christmas!

Cinco de Mayo... a day late.

So yesterday was the day that everyone decides that they want to be Mexican. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FLOOR! Less than 2 months ago those same people were Irish and chugging down green beer. Any excuse for a good party. And booze. I for one did not partake,. Not because I'm a party pooper, but simply because, I can't drink anymore. Well, technically, I can. I just can't have more than one froo froo drink or my ears start getting hot. And sometimes, even one is too much for me! Aside from that, I don't like Mexican food either. Although, on Saturday we went to Chevy's for my stepdad's birthday dinner. I like their steak fajitas. Actually, I only eat the steak part. Oh, and their tortilla chips and cheese dip are awesome. I guess, I do like some Mexican food.

While we were there, they had already set up for the big Cinco de Mayo shindig. Right down to the rows of port-a-potties outside. I watched snippets of the celebrations on the local news. Just as I suspected , not one Mexican in the crowd! So, to my real Mexican friends, I hope you had a nice Cinco de Mayo! To the rest of you, I hope you're not too hung over. : )

Mommy's Days Giveaways!

I'm just now catching up on everyhing that I missed while we were on vacation. 5 Minutes for mom is hosting 2 weeks worth of contests so be sure to check with them daily. So far, aside from the Motherhood Moments posted below, I have entred the one for the Kodak ESP 3 All-in-One Printer & for the $75 GC to Outback Steakhouse. Yummy. Head on over here and check all the contests out. There are still 4 more days to go!




Tangled & True is also hosting a week o' giveaways. I am so wanting the locket from The Fine Art of Living. And the week has just started so go check them out too!


Finally, You must run over to Blogged In. Anyone who knows me knows that this one made me cry happy tears. They are giving away $100 GC to... drumroll... TARGET!!!!! My home away from home! Although I should be selfish, but I won't. I will share with you. My internets!



Good Luck to Ya'll!

Motherhood

I have been a mom for a very long time So I have been through a slew of motherhood moments. Each one a learning experience & each one makes me so happy to be a mom. OK, 99.9999% of them! Along the way, I also realized that not only do I LOVE being a mom, but that the reason that I consider myself to be a good mom is because I learned from the best. I learned from example. I learned from my mom. I can only hope that when my girls are moms they feel the same way about me.

So the reason for this post is because 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a photo contest about what motherhood means to you. Aside from their actual birth, which was monumental on all accounts, motherhood to me is the little moments. The little moments that you have every single day of your life. 525,600 moments a year. The sleepless nights. The funny things that the kids say or do. The kissing of the boo boos. The endless questions. And the "I can't believe you did that! moments"

So, my entry into this contest is this. They're not professional shots. Or anything that really means anything to anyone but me. I love these pictures because I remember that day clearly. Like it was yesterday. It was a mommy moment for me. One of the many that I just couldn't help but grab my camera. The victim will be 18 this month and the culprit is 19. Until this day, we are still having "moments".