My Christmas Solutions

I would love to say that at Christmas time, I put aside my need to have everything just so.

I would love to say that I embrace the traditional colors of red and green.

I would love to say that decorating is a family affair in which I have photos that chronicle the growth of my children based on where the ornaments are hung.

I don't...

My solution....
Maddy's Tree
Hunter's Tree
Mommy's Tree

One word for ya-Salmonella

I'm flattered that y'all have missed me.

I am back with a vengeance-OK not really but I am so glad to be better that I plan on blogging like a crazy person.

I will spare you the details, but my friends there is only ONE way to determine if one has Salmonella. Let me assure you it AIN'T pretty.

On an up note I lost 7 pounds right before Thanksgiving. However, I assure you that it will not remain off for long.

I will NEVER EVER eat a fast food salad again. It doesn't pay. I was trying to be healthy with my choices and look where it got me. On second thought don't look. Don't even think about it.

The human body is an interesting thing. Let me assure you, I mean interesting in the worst possible way.

But I can't wait to snuggle up in sweats and get caught up on everyone's blogs!

Finals are upon me and I have students coming out my eyeballs, so my posts may be short and sweet.

But, thanks for missing me!!

I'm Back!

Not really but you have to go to Stephanie's blog. I laughed and had to clap out loud!
Life on Prescott Avenue.

And the Award Goes To...

Eat your heart out PW, Lori of I'm no super mom gave me my very first award. I am honored given that I think her blog and the other blogs I follow are way cooler. But hey I will happily accept and pass on the honor.

Here are rules:

1) List 5 things you love
2) Pass on the Award to 5 fellow bloggers
3) Please link back to my blog

Here are the 5 things that I love:
1) God
2) My family
3) A day to myself here and there
4) Peppermint Mochas
5) The Beach

Check out these 5 blogs...I love em for a variety of reasons...

1) Carrie of the Kerbs Family
2) Ali Home of the Lazy Dog
3) Jenn of the Bankhead Bunch
4) Valinda of the Kennedy Krew
5) Stephanie of Life on Prescott Avenue

And an honorable mention to Paul of heychefpw. What can I say? I love the man, and I think he's a great writer!

Friendly Competition

OK, so it's no secret I am competitive.

Early in our marriage, Paul and I had to set boundaries when it came to playing games with other couples. The need arose, when Paul discovered that he had married Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde. We were playing an innocent game of pictionary when the realization hit. We, therefore, did not play games together for many, many months.

It saved the marriage I'm sure.

But it begs the question, what is the purpose of playing something if not to win? Another time and another place.

Fast forward to the present. I have been blogging since February. I love it. Given my OCD behavior, it also tends to be addictive. Thus, I have to temper how much time I spend doing it.

Paul, early in my blogging adventure, started a blog of his own. But it sort of fizzled. He started out enthusiastic about developing a "creative chef blog." His goal was to chronicle his adventures in the kitchen, to share cooking tips, and to amuse his readers with his stories. But, as I said, it fizzled a bit. Until recently...

He has started up again. Can I tell you the competitive demon has resurfaced in me. After two weeks of blogging, he has passed me in reader "hits." How do I know? I check the sitemeters of each blog twice a day-of course.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?

SEE! That's why I hate cleaning!!!

We woke up this morning with extra time. Not because of the extra hour of sleep. But, because despite the fact that I was counting the days until we got to "Fall" back, we FORGOT!

So at 7 am when the alarm sounded for church, it was 6 am. BUMMER!! This did however create a calmness about getting ready for church.

It was, however, the calm before the storm. While curling my hair, I hear a ruckus coming from the general direction of Hunter's room.

In the next moment Paul's reflection is staring back at me trying desperately to avoid hysterical laughter. I realize curiosity killed the cat, but I didn't care.

"What is so funny?"

In his best Hunter imitation, he stomps his foot and furiously blurts out, "SEE! THAT'S WHY I HATE CLEANING!"

Knowing my son's personality intimately (given that he is a mini me), I responded with, "What can't he find?"

"His script for the musical." was the reply.

Knowing that in fact the script was NOT missing
but hidden in plain sight
by none other than me
because,
big surprise,
after asking for several days that it be put away
it remained on the island in the kitchen, I marched myself to his room for a "discussion."

"Son, Daddy said you can't find your script because you cleaned."

"Yeah, see I'm sick of cleaning. I CAN NEVER FIND ANYTHING AFTER I CLEAN." (Clearly a conversation for another day and time.)

"Well, actually buddy, your script is in the kitchen by the espresso machine because you didn't put it away when I asked you."

"Let me guess, you were teaching me a lesson."

Oh no you didn't!!! Suffice it to say...the storm had arrived.

Countdown Has Begun

In less than 5 days our BG (Baby girl) will be 11.

Neither Paul nor I know when this happened.

We are pretty sure that yesterday Paul was taking her on daddy dates to the zoo and pretending to be Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid. Maddy would beg him to act out the scene from the movie where Ariel would rescue Eric and then sing the song on the rock. She could play Ariel for hours. Paul loved every minute of it. She will always be his precious BG. And let me tell you. She has him wrapped around her little finger.

Now she wants to go shopping at Justice and hang out with her friends. We are thankful that she will still sneak in our room early in the morning, crawl in bed with us and cuddle. But she is growing bigger wings and trying to fly further from the nest.

Despite the occasional alien behavior, we are so proud of who she is and how she is growing up. She has an amazing heart for people. She puts others first 90% of the time, and she loves Jesus. She tries hard to do what is right. She is an AMAZING big sissy. Hunter has no idea how good he has it.

So, with mixed emotions we are getting ready to celebrate her 11th birthday. She is 2 years away from being an official teen. UGH! But she is growing up as we hoped she would-with a heart of gold.

Tag I'm it-Random things about me

I'm NO super mom tagged me. So, here are several random things about me.

1. When I was in seventh grade, I climbed out of a station wagon traveling at a good clip on a mountain highway. I was trying to dump out melted red jello blocks that were beginning to spill in the back seat.

2. I backpacked through Europe for 2 and a half months, traveling in 9 countries and sleeping on trains and in youth hostiles.

3. I once flew on a plane with Ray Charles.

4. I performed at the opening ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics. My mom found me on the field by searching for my hair.

5. My great grandparents came to America from Italy. They started a business in 1904 or 1906 that is still in business today and the building is a historic landmark in San Jose, CA.

6. My husband and I were apart for 8 months during our second year of marriage while he completed culinary school in Hyde Park, New York at the Culinary Institute of America. We didn't see each other once.

7. When I was five years old, I helped stop the bleeding from my mom's broken nose with paper while all the other adults were freaking out.

8. I had the same second grade teacher that my mom had.

Now I tag Hey Chef PW, Mama CEO, Valinda, AaronandApril, Along Schaefer Road, Moseley's Musings, Teaching Tuck and Ty, Ramblings of Robin, My Mama Days, and life on prescott avenue.

Our Day at Anderson Farm

We ended Fall break with a trip to Anderson Farm. We had a great time picking pumpkins, riding the barrel trains and being together.

I hope you enjoy the photos half as much as we enjoyed the day.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Does anyone speak Tween?

OK, so for those of you who know me, you know I was not an overly sappy baby mom.

Yes, I adored my babies. I treasured all of their stages. But, no I did not cry when the highchair went to the basement for storage. Nor did I mourn the transformation of the baby room to the big girl/big boy room.

If I am truly honest, I did the happy dance every time a baby toy was outgrown.

I know sounds terrible, but really, I taught middle school/high school for 10 years for a reason.

There was a standing joke in our family. My sister, the amazingly gifted KINDERGARTEN teacher, would raise the kids until they were twelve, then I would take over.

Well, forget it. Apparently, it was easy for me to relate to OTHER PEOPLE'S tweens!

I need a manual for my own child.

Example...I give a direction like, "Could you please fill Koda's bowl with food and water and put him in the 'apartment'."

I descend the stairs to see, Hunter's shoes on the kitchen table and Maddy sorting out coats from the closet.

I admit, I was puzzled.

So, foolishly I ask..."What are you doing?"

"I'm coordinating jackets and shoes for everyone." was the reply I received.

I think, wow, above and beyond what I asked of her. Maybe I do have the hang of this parenting thing.

Yeah, not so much.

I come further into the kitchen to see that my direction, in its entirety, was ignored. Now, I have an added mountain of coats to assist with hanging up, a dog who is still NOT confined to the apartment, and kids who are not ready to walk out the door.

Disappointed...a little...the first 5 times...

Now, I'm my mom. "Why won't you follow the direction I gave you? Don't do more. Don't do less. Just do the direction I gave you."

The common reply, "Well, I figured you didn't know we needed to do the other stuff so I was helping."

I'm sorry...me not know we needed to do the other stuff...I don't think so.

Wordless Wednesday-Museum free day

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Why I Love Fall

Look at the color of the tree. Don't you think it's amazing! I decided to post it so that I could come back and look at it whenever I wanted.

The middle of Winter will be here before you know it. Those of you who know this California girl know that the death of Winter is VERY hard for me.

If we had a light blanket of snow layering the ground all Winter, I would be fine. But the death and brown is hard to swallow. In the middle of Winter, I miss the lush green of California. But what I don't miss about California is so long of a list that I don't know where to start. Thus. I will grit my teeth and bear the barren trees, bushes, and grass. I will miss the flowers of spring and summer and the color of Fall. When the snow comes I will cozy in and LOVE IT! When the emptiness over takes me I will read this blog and remember it will be green again!

Thank you Major League Baseball

First off, know that it is NOT my intention to offend anyone with what you are about to read.

But, on the parenting level, I admit Paul and I found this too good to pass up. Those of you yet to reach the tween years or near tween years may not appreciate it as much as those of us smack dab in the middle of the horror.

Last night, Hunter and Paul were watching the Tampa Bay/Boston playoff game.

Innocent enough.

Maddy and I were occupied with other things.

I realized we were out of training pads for Koda.

I announced that I was going to PetSmart. Paul, being the handsome prince that he is, said he wanted me to stay home and he would go. (I LOVE THAT MAN!)

So, off he went.

Never occurred to me that there was a procedure for watching sporting events on TV.

SO, mom's of boys, listen up, apparently there is-at least in our house.

Not being a huge Tampa or Boston fan, I did not join Hunter to watch the game. I was within ear shot however.

The next thing I know Hunter is in hysterical laughter. Laughter reserved for embarrassment or bodily noises that boys find hilarious and will remain unmentioned.

I then hear the words that bring me to a cold sweat.

"Maddy, did you hear that?"

I cautiously asked, "Hear what, Hunter?"

"That commericial."

"What did it say?"

"Ask your doctor if you are healthy enough for sex." was the reply he gave.

Now, thanks to the world around us, we had to have "the talk" with Maddy last year-IN FOURTH GRADE. It went well, but early in our minds none the less.

Maddy's eyes popped out of her head. She looked at me in horror as if to say "YOU ARE NOT GOING TO TELL HIM ARE YOU?!?"

I was NOT about to have the conversation-without Paul-during a Playoff game. But, much to my chagrin, I also knew I could not let it go.

"Do you know what sex is Hunter?"

"I think so."

Gulp! "What is it?"

Suffice it to say, he is not quite there, but his little gifted mind is definitely putting it together.

I relayed the events to Paul when he returned.

He then proceeds to tell me the PROCEDURE for watching sporting events.

Given that the target audience is middle aged men, he turns the channel during commercials.

Yeah, that would have been good to know.

What am I gonna do with him?

Everyone seems to love Hunter. Where ever we go, he makes friends. Strangers are happy to see him. He shows the love of Jesus to everyone. I know I can count on him to reach out to kids who need a friend.

For some kids he is like a magnet. If you need a friend or you are left out, Hunter will rescue you and you will never be without a friend again. If Hunter says you're cool, then everyone believes you're cool. His teachers and coaches can't believe how much he cares for others.

I love this about him. I love his compassionate, caring heart. He lives out the verse that says, "A friend loves at all times..." His life's mission is to care for the underdog.

So what's the problem? He's smart. Nothing seems hard for him. He just memorized 4 verses for Awanas in the last 15 minutes while I was typing this. Why am I frustrated? WE LEAVE FOR AWANAS IN 10 MINUTES. He had all week. He's the same with school work.

SO...I pose this question...What am I gonna do with him?

Opposites Attract

We had such a great Sunday.

After church, we went to the library, selected some books and DVD's for the kids to enjoy over Fall Break, went to the store for supplies for pumpkin bread and Robin's pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. (See YUM under Ramblings of Robin) Oh, and of course a Frappacino for Maddy (don't get me started-Thank you Aunt Saysa!)

We settled in for a cozy afternoon of baking, watching movies and wearing sweats. We all love these family days.

We were interrupted by the doorbell. We thought that it was Maga with the rolled oated-minor detail at the store, I forgot the list. Anyway, Paul got up to get the door while I contained the attack dog.

If we are ever robbed, Koda will bark the robber to death. And I assure you, the robber will run away to maintain sanity!

It wasn't Maga. It was a political activist seeking support for the party I oppose. HOW BAD DID I WISH I OPENED THE DOOR.

Paul very calmly informed them that he would be "speaking his voice when he cast his vote in November." She asked him which way he was voting. He calmly replied he was undecided.

WHATEVER-he did not want to address or to create conflict.

Me-I had a million questions I wanted answered-but trying to display respect for my husband and not take over the conversation-I stood silent trying to calm Koda.

After the the activist handed Paul her material, believing that an over-sized postcards with half information pointing only to what they want to tickle your ears with would change our minds Paul thanked her for stopping, told her to stay warm, and shut the door.

I went on a rambling for 10 minutes about the issues, politics and how lucky that girl was that Daddy answered the door.

Hunter asked, "Why was she lucky, Daddy?"

Paul calmly replied, "Well, Mommy is my zesty Italian. She likes to make sure everybody knows both sides of the issues."

Yeah that's it-Whatever!

Fall is in the Air

It's cold outside.

Drizzle fills the sky.

Forecasters predict a light snow-the first of the season.

We are bundled in for the night.

Cozy in our warm, autumn filled house.

WOW! Are we blessed by God or what!

Top Ten Reasons I Haven't Blogged

10. I'm recovering from my time in an airplane.

9. We neutered Koda. Enough said.

8. I had a community...I'm sorry...Hunter had a community project that required extensive travel around Highlands Ranch...WooHoo.

7. Stephanie was in Hawaii for two weeks. Again, Enough said.

6. Paul is working on a secret project.

5. Hunter hasn't gone to yellow in weeks.

4. I've started Christmas shopping.

3. I'm Fall cleaning.

2. Madison is swimming EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE WEEK.

And the number one reason, I haven't been blogging...

1. I got nothing!!!

Florida Baby

I did it! I flew all the way to Florida without a panic attack.

That my friends is a major accomplishment. I listened to my I-pod and played mindless DS games throughout the entire flight.

Before I left, Hunter prayed that the flight would be 25 minutes faster than scheduled. I love when my kids pray.

The Lord almost never says no to them. The flight was 24 minutes faster than scheduled.

OK...so it wasn't exactly 25 minutes but seriously...I'd say 24 is close enough.

I can now rest assured I am back on the ground an in control...Hah! Hah! Lesson learned. I am so not in control of...well...anything...

Imagine that! ;0!

Bear or Bare

I have been negligent with my blog this past week. Not for lack of material, but lack of time. Where do the hours go?...

School work...work...house work...taking care of strep throat...taking care of bronchitis...taking care of pneumonia...you know the usual.

But this little nugget was too good to pass up. Or not...you decide.

I love the relationship between Paul and Hunter-though I admit that growing up in a house of all girls I don't get the "boy thing." I do try mind you, but sometimes even horror does not describe the reaction they can evoke from me with their antics.

Recently, Hunter was working on his spelling list.

I was giving him a test.

The word was bare. He spelled it b-e-a-r.

I said, "Not that kind buddy. Think about the word you just wrote 5 times."

He burst into to tears, a reaction we get from him if his work is not 100% correct. Huh, wonder where there comes from? Must be Paul.

Between sobs that should be reserved for things like broken bones he said, "That's the only bear I know."

Even as the words were leaving his mouth, from the corner of my eye, I can't believe what I am seeing.

Paul is mooning him. Yes, you read that correctly.

Paul is mooning him and saying, "You know bud, this kind of bare, like your bare butt."

The shock on my face was overtaken by complete hysterical laughing from Hunter.

I can assure you he will never forget these two homonyms.

The Volume War Has Begun

This morning Paul and I enjoyed a cup of freshly brewed coffee while we managed the tasks of packing lunches and fixing breakfast.

We were enjoying pleasant conversation when Paul interrupted the train of thought with, "the volume wars have begun."

I was a bit perplexed.

He followed the comment with, "Do you hear that?" I have to admit that I am able to tune out almost anything. My mom called it selective hearing when I was growing up. I like to think of it as an incredible ability to concentrate.

I paused, listened and realized that "WE WILL ROCK YOU!" was blaring out of a room in the distance.

I then focused further and realized that the Jonas Brothers were blaring at a similar level very nearby the before mentioned rock n' roll.

Paul laughing said, "You know who always wins the volume wars?"

I responded very hopefully yet in question form, "The Parents?!"

He proceeded upstairs to find Hunter in the bathroom with a very logical explanation to the volume. "Well dad, if I'm not in my room I can't hear it."

Maddy's response was similar in logic. "Well dad, Hunter's music was so loud, I had to turn mine up and shut the door so I could hear it."

Rest assured, Paul descended the stairs having won the battle. I wouldn't go as far as to say he won the war. Something tells me that remains to be seen.

Tag

OK, so I am like WAY behind on my blog reading. Tonight in an effort to catch up, I realized my dear friend from Texas TAGGED me.

Sorry for taking so long Valinda but (as if you don't know-hee hee) here are the 6 quirkiest things about me...

At least the way I see it.

1. I straighten the carpet runners in the living room to exactly 1/2 an inch from the right angle at the door. This allows for the runners to be centered to the walkway. I do this at every morning, when I get home from work and double check it before bed.

2. I strip the sheets off the bed 4 times a week when I make the bed so that the sheets have an equal length across the top of the bed and the hospital corners have an equal amount of material at each end of the bed. (I so wish I was kidding.)

3. I can't leave work with anything on my desk, any items on my to do list, or emails unanswered. I have returned to work on numerous occasions so that I can sleep at night.

4. I balance the checkbook to the penny EVERY SINGLE TIME, 3 times a month. NO EXCEPTION.

5. I organize my closet first by color shade, then by pattern. I know exactly what shirt/blouse should be where. If the order gets rearranged, I remove every shirt from the bar and start over.

6. When I make a list in pen, if I make a mistake or hate my printing I start a new list. I also add items to the list if I complete them so that I can cross them off.

I now tag...
Stephanie
Holly
Tricia
Robin
Bobbi
Amy

OK-Exactly when did we get a teenager?

Something tells me that Hunter is going to take a back seat in the blog this year.

Maddy has taken over the spotlight.

It started at the ice cream social last weekend.

Paul and I were looking for Maddy in the gym because she hadn't "checked in for awhile." We both searched, I would say half heartedly. I mean really where could she really go. We kind of gave up and figured she would find us sooner or later.

Paul then uttered the phrase that shocked us into reality.

"Well it's not like she's outside with all the older 5th and 6th graders."

H-E-L-L-O

Fifth grader...

Duh...

We looked at each other and proceeded outside where we found her in a huddle of girls, giggling and pointing.

Pointing where you ask...in the general direction of the boys.

And she wants to know why she can't have a cell phone.

REALLY?!?

Paul's Strategy for Dealing with Boys.

Maddy recently asked me to upload a Rodney Atkins song to her Ipod. It was the song, "Cleaning This Gun."

For those of you unfamiliar with the song, it is one that addresses a father's communication to a young suitor who is picking his daughter up for a date.

He wants the boy to know that he'll "probably be up all night just cleaning this gun."

Maddy thinks it's really funny.

Poor child, she has no idea what her father has planned when boys start coming around our house.

Why Didn't I Think of That?

The first day of school was a success!

Maddy made a new friend and...

Drum roll please...

Hunter got a quarter. Not a real quarter but a classroom quarter. And I quote, "Mom, great news. Mrs. Mueller hardly had to talk to me at all today so I got a coin with George Washington on it." He proceeded to tell me that if he gets $10 by the end of the year, he can buy a goldfish.

So the kid can be bought. Huh.

Maybe coming home with a yellow isn't so bad?!

Back to School Basics

It's

that

time of year...

Oh, wait not that time of year. Not Christmas.

It's that back to school time of year. Excitement fills the air. New backpacks and binders. New notebooks and pencils. Crayons are nice and sharp. Markers filled to the brim with bright Crayola, nontoxic, ink.

New teachers, a new start...

5 bucks says Hunter comes home with a yellow for...what else...chatting.

Bless his heart!

And the Winner is...

Maddy was voted by her swim team coaches as the most dedicated female swimmer on the team!

Are we proud?...You better believe it!!!

It is a huge honor and a great encouragement to Paul and me that just when we think she is going to go through life OK with average...

She knocks it out of the park.

I haven't seen that girl smile that big in a LONG time!!

I'm Back, Baby, I'm Back

I actually got a little humorous today while catching up on some blog reading.

I visited several blogs when I finally found myself at my friend Tricia's blog. She had several new posts to enjoy. Well...new to me...anyway... I came upon one...and...well...I love ya Tricia but I couldn't resist.

No, darling, I don't actually own that espresso maker, but I had you guessing didn't I?

For full understanding of this little tease please visit teaching Tuck and Ty. The link is listed in my side bar under can't miss blogs.

BEST DAY EVER

Jen's funeral was yesterday.

It was hard.

However, it offered a much needed outlet of tears for all of us.

I started in the minute we walked into the church.

Ray put together a slide show of her life to two Mercy Me songs. It opened the flood gates for all of us. Hunter cried so hard and so long that he drank a large icee and a large bottled water and didn't go potty for 3 hours.

It was healing.

God is so good.

After the service, I had tickets for Maddy and me to see Martina McBride-something I have wanted to do for years. She is my all time favorite. I love her music and the messages she delivers in it.

And to get to see her with Maddy. Icing on the cake. We had seats 14 rows from the stage at Fielders Green. It was outside under a beautiful Colorado sky. The weather couldn't have been better.

We danced, we laughed, and we cried (a little). But we made a memory that will last forever. Now every time we hear, "This ones for the Girls" we will have this memory.

We went to bed closer as mommy and daughter. She was as sweet as she could be and might I say as beautiful as she could be. Poor Paul.

We got girl time that will last forever.

It was the best day ever!

P.S. Hunter wanted me to tell you he had amazing time with his daddy. They went to see Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D.

It must have been great because this morning at 6:15, he was a mile a minute talking nonstop. I no longer have to see the movie, I've heard the whole thing. It's good to be on our way back to normal.

Put Me in My Place

There should be no question in your mind as to whether or not I am competitive.

If there is...I AM!!!

Paul and I took vacation time this week to spend time together before the kids head back to school. We are laying low and having much needed R and R. We have some day trips planned and a few over night adventures scheduled.

Having no schedule or lists has been the best part.

Yesterday, we spent the entire day at the pool. The weather was great. The rec center we selected has both an indoor and an outdoor pool. This allowed us a break from the UV for awhile.
The indoor pool has a several options for entertainment. It's great.

One of the options is a "fitness pool." It's not anywhere near the distance of a lap pool.

Maddy challenged me to an IM. An IM requires the swimmer to swim all four strokes-butterfly, backstroke, breast stroke and freestyle-in that order, one at a time.

Maddy, having pity on me, said I could do freestyle twice and avoid the butterfly.

Well, given my competitive nature, this set me off a bit. I didn't let on, but I did take her up on the offer to avoid the fly.

I'm competitive, but I'm not an idiot!

How hard could it be? It's a "fitness pool." I have been running almost everyday. I knew I could take her.

Yeah not so much. She kicked my butt...She finished a full lap ahead of me...a lap and a half if you count the fact that I cheated and didn't swim to the end of the pool on any of my laps.

That girl can move!

Maddy's Race

Maddy said to me before she swam the 100m IM, "No offense mom, but I am swimming this race for Miss Jen."

She took 2 seconds off her time and first by an entire lap.

When she got out of the pool she said, "Now Miss Jen will know how important she was to me!"

It's always darkest before the dawn!

It can't get any darker.

Jen passed away this morning.

I still can't believe that I am writing these words.

It rained today. There was lighting too. I remember the spring storm 5 years ago that brought the entire neighborhood outside. The thunder clap was so loud Jen was sure that it had hit our house. She wanted to be sure that we were all OK.

That was Jen.

We moved into our house in October of 97. Jen greeted us immediately. I was nine months pregnant with Maddy. She made sure I had help with the unpacking of boxes.

That was Jen.

When the blizzard hit 10 days before I delivered, she made sure that I was doing OK.

That was Jen.

When I ranted and raved about how ugly this state gets in the Winter, she told me things I could plant to help keep my yard a little green all year.

That was Jen.

She embroidered a beautiful blanket for Hunter's birth.

That was Jen.

She was my emergency contact, my baby-sitter safety net. We were going to be the neighborhood originals. The two families still standing, while others come and go. We would always be here.

That was Jen.

She took interest in our kids. She treated them like they were people. She listened to Hunter- Talk and Talk and Talk and Talk.

That was Jen.

She remembered every important date in everyone's life. I can barely tell you the date on any given day. She died today. Today would have been my dad's 64th birthday. I am thankful that she will share this date with him. I will forever remember her and her legacy of faith, love and determination. I know only one other person as strong as Jen in her will and determination-My Mom.

Where is my voice?

After months of blogging, I have lost my voice. No, I haven't lost my physical voice. Not at all. I have lost my writer's voice. Oh to go back to when I could half laugh at my son's choices.

The pain of Jen is all consuming.

I look across the street daily...screaming out to God...begging Him to heal her.

Today...I am worried.

There are more cars out in front.

I don't know what that means...They are looking into hospice...Did Jen come home?...Did Jen go home?...I feel like I am in a nightmare. I can only imagine how they feel.

The kids got to spend the some of the week with G-pa and G-ma Worley in the Springs. When they called. The first question out of Hunter's mouth every time they called was "How did Ms. Jen do today?"

I spend hours crying...Oh the pain that they must feel...

People talk about needing to say good-bye...Needing closure...It makes me insane to hear that...

What about Ray?...what about the kids?...They need JEN!!!

Who are these people to think they need closure?

I know that j0y comes in the morning.

Where oh where is the morning.

Mr. G

Look at this little man.

Eleven months ago he entered the world, barely 4 pounds.

Clearly he has not missed a meal since.

He is our little miracle and my blessing during this painful time.

Happy Days

Maddy, Hunter, Ashliana, Koda and Coconut posing for a photo after waiting over an hour and a half to walk in the 4th of July parade.

It started out like a great idea. But we soon remembered why we stopped doing this 2 years ago.

My Friend Jen

We received word from Ray that Hospice is coming in to help with the Jen's passing from this earth to Heaven.

She is in unbelievable pain. Wednesday the doctor's removed over 15 pounds of fluid from her body. Her liver and kidneys have failed. The most the doctor's can do for her is manager her pain and make her comfortable.

While I am thankful that her pain and endless suffering will be over, I am dumbfounded by the loss. I can only imagine the grief and pain that Ray is enduring. I can't look across the street without crying.

I am ashamed at my lack of strength, while the ones closest to her, her dearly loved family faces the future without her.

I don't understand the ways of God sometimes. I can't see how this can ever come together for their good. I guess I have to trust God when He said, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My Ways are not your ways."

Epi-Pen

I know, hard to believe, but I have now posted twice in the last 4 hours. I guess "MIA" got my juices going again and opened my mind to all that has occurred in the 2 weeks.

Huh, as I reflect I realize that, God bless him, Hunter is the source of most of my material. I just hope and pray that we both live to see him graduate high school.

Monday of this week was a Monday in every sense of the word.

It started fine enough. You know, the normal boo hoo the weekend is over. Time to enter reality and head to work.

Work was work. Same old same old. Until about 1:30.

I received a frantic call from my mom that Hunter and Ashliana had found Nana's back up Epi pen in the basement.

De Ja Vue! Bleach ring a bell.

Same chapter, different verse.

Not only had they found the epi-pen. Hunter had managed to puncture himself with it.

I guess the old saying "All's well that ends well" is true, but let me tell you there was a period of time that day that I was not sure it would end well for the darlings. Counting to ten was a drop in the bucket. I was looking at counting to like a million.

Suffice it to say they will not be playing unsupervised for-well the rest of their lives-but hey who's counting?

Oh right me!

MIA

I know that I have been MIA the last couple of weeks. I have been consumed by Jen. She is fighting the fight of her life. Some how blogging seems so insignificant.

But the last two weeks have been filled with fun, joy and humor in spite of the heartache of watching Jen suffer.

We had the privilege of having Kaitie, Brandyn, and Krystie over to play the weekend before last. It was so amazing to watch all five kids be kids. Their innocent joy was so healing. They had water fights, played the wii, ate ice cream, and baked in the hot Colorado sun.

We bar-b-qued burgers and corn and ate watermelon. Summer at its best.

Fourth of July weekend brought the opportunity to spend some time with Jen. What a blessing. Paul urged me to go over. Praise God for a man of wisdom.

She is the most amazing woman I have ever met. As I reflect on the 11 years of friendship, I am in awe of how we have both grown. We were young mom's together. We wondered when we were going to have a house uncluttered by toys. As the kids have grown, we have lived through many adventures.

I have taken her for granted. Somehow, I assumed that we would always be neighbors. We would always be the "Emergency Contact" for all the school and field trip forms.
The babysitters would always know the Miller's were the go to family if anything happened.

I watch in disbelief as my dear friend fights her Pancreatic Cancer. I am awed by her faith and determination.

I still pray even at this dark hour for her healing.

Husband Control

Paul has censored me.

Believe it or not I listened.

I know hard to believe, but when he's right-he's right.

It's a long way from the Freedom of Speech activist I was when I graduated from college.

I swore I would NEVER agree with censorship.

My thought-read the book, filter it through the Bible, know what is right and what is wrong.

Have an educated opinion that is backed by facts.

This is and will continue to be my belief.

Don't bury your head in the sand.

Now I realize that censorship is not burying your head in the sand.

I will continue to have educated opinions based on facts and evidence.

But it will shared with Paul.

After all, I married him because he gets it.

Looking to the Future

We are so not paying for college.

Maddy is going to get a scholarship for swimming. I am sure of it. I pretty sure she is the best ever.

I know she's my kid, so I am biased. But seriously, I think we are on to something.

Yesterday at the meet, you know the one that started at 6:45 am, she took 4 first places and a second.

She took first with her relay teams in the Medley relay and Freestyle relay. She was the third leg. According to what I know, it's the anchor leg.

She did her job. She caught her team to first place by a quarter of a lap in both races. I couldn't believe it. Is this the same child that lacks motivation in, well, seemingly everything else?

Huh? Who knew?

She also took first in the 100m IM. That's definitely her race. She beat the times of the boys and girls.

Her final first was in the 25m breast stroke.

Her 2nd was in the 25m freestyle.

I had to know what the deal was. So I asked her on the way home.

"Sweetie, what makes you want to work so hard at swimming?"

"Duh, Mom, swimming's important."

Oh, course. And helping out around the house is...what...a suggestion?

Summertime!

It's officially here. Not only is today the first official day of summer, school ended today.

This will be the longest summer break since Maddy finished preschool. We are going to the modified calendar next year which means, instead of starting 5th grade and 2nd grade in two weeks, we don't go back until August 6th or so.

I can't wait for lazy summer days and sleep-in mornings. This of course will have to start next week because Maddy has a swim meet at 6:45 am tomorrow morning.

I'm sorry, am I the only one the that fails to see the logic in that? Seriously.

I don't need to close my eyes, Mom

Tuesday night was a late night at work for both Paul and me. Paul finished up first so he went to my sister's to retrieve the darlings.

When he arrived and Greg called the kids from upstairs, Hunter came down with a now spotted blue shirt.

Greg looked perplexed and said, "Dude, what happened to your shirt?"

Hunter's responded with shrugged shoulders and a baffled, "I don't know."

On the way home, Paul probed further and learned that Hunter and Nana were spraying, and this is a direct quote from Hunter himself, "chemicals on each other."

As you can imagine this did not sit well with the parental instinct. Paul called me at work to report the instance and let me know that he was not successful at reaching my sister to let her know what they were doing.

He tried to get Hunter to recall what the chemical was, but low and behold the child who reads well above grade level and has a photographic memory couldn't remember.

Yeah, right-whatever.

I told Paul to put him on the phone.

"Hunter, I want you to close your eyes and tell me the letters that you see on the bottle you were playing with."

"Oh, I don't have to close my eyes Mommy. It had the target name on it and b-l-e-a-c-h on it."

Apparently losing your mind is contagious.

Seriously

I have officially lost it.

This morning was one of those morning. Don't tell me you don't know what kind of morning I'm talking about. It was one of THOSE mornings.

It started off easy enough. Maddy and Paul left for swim team pictures at 6:40 AM. I packed lunches, watered the plants outside, fed Koda, and woke Hunter up to tell him I would be in the shower if he was looking for me.

Maddy finished pictures, came home, and helped out with Koda. Hunter was still not up. I went back to wake him at 8. He got up, reluctantly. I started getting ready, realizing that I had not yet fed Hunter.

I went down stairs, told Hunter we were short on time because it was late, and listed the choices...
1. Toast and yogurt
2. scrambled eggs
3. cereal.

I was met with a stomped foot and "Oh man, I wanted pancakes." This set me off.

Did I respond with, "Those are the choices. You can pick from them or go to school without breakfast."

Oh no, I opted to react with the same "mature" behavior. I dramatically got the supplies for pancakes, all the while lecturing on how inconsiderate he was being considering my hair was still wet, my makeup was not on and it was 8:33. We had to leave in less than 25 minutes to make it on time.

I told him it was fine I would go to work ugly and look ridiculous so he could have pancakes. I told him if we were late he would lose his DS for a week.

While observing this, Maddy pipes in with, "Oh, can I have some pancakes too."

Are you kidding me, do you not HEAR or SEE what is going on around you...Sure you can have pancakes, why not?

Can I make those chocolate chip for you, sweetie? How would you like those cooked?

I wanted to scream NO-N-O-NO that spells NO. I should have said, "No, I listed the choices. If you are still hungry you can pick from those."

Did I say that, Oh no! I launched into another soliloquy about how the pants I had on were 5 years old. I wanted to know when I was going to get to go shopping for new clothes. This seems off topic, but considering our weekend shopping experience and Madison's opinion that she is the only one in family that needs new clothes, it fit trust me.

Like I said in the beginning...I have officially lost it.

It's Official

I have successfully earned the title of worst mother in America.

Maddy had a play at school Friday. I use the term "play" loosely-very loosely.

It started at 2:50. It consisted of several groups within the class performing a play that they each wrote based on the novel they just finished reading, Ruby Hollar (yeah it should be italized or underlined-moving on). Anyway, each play lasted about 7 to 10 minutes.

I could not get away from work. Now mind you it was 7 to 10 minutes-seriously. By the grace of God it is the first event I have missed since preschool.

Well...I will let you know when we will be appearing on the Dr. Phil show. To hear her tell it, I missed her High School graduation.

Check it out

Wahoo! 3 new posts in one day!

Go me.

2 Down, 1 To Go

As you can see the deck is now complete. Actually, it has been for about 2 weeks. Me, I have lost my mind, my voice and my sanity.

Why?

Total and complete stress.

I am going to find my way back to the light. I will regain my humor and my focus. I miss the old me.

Why?

Total and complete stress.

I will refocus and enjoy each day.

Wait a minute, didn't I just say this in the last blog.

I'm hopeless, completely hopeless.

Gottcha!

The tooth fairy needed to pay a visit to the Worley's this week. Maddy came home Monday missing a tooth.

This was somewhat of a surprise as we did not, or should I say, I did not know the tooth was loose. I know you're thinking that this is not surprising, but when I say I micromanage everything-I mean there is no stone unturned in our house.

She enjoyed a carmel apple sucker during lunch and in the process launched the tooth from its resting place in her gums.

Well, at 2 am I awoke to Koda whining. Time for a potty stop. I made my way downstairs to let him out. After taking care of business, I headed back upstairs anxious to go back to sleep.

As I tried to nestle back into sleep, I began dreaming that all my teeth were falling out. Common dream. Can't explain it. I just suffer through it.

Anyway, I sat straight up in bed realizing that Paul and I had both forgotten the duty of the Tooth Fairy. I frantically woke Paul up and sent him off to complete the delivery of the dinero.
30 seconds later he's back.

"Um, yeah she's awake."

"What do you mean she's awake."

"I mean, 'Hi, Daddy' she's awake."

"No she's not, sometimes she seems awake but she isn't. Try again."

30 seconds later.

"Yeah she's awake."

I proceed to take care of it because obviously this calls for mom. So off I go to cover up any chance that we have blown our cover. And honestly to see for myself because I am sure to some extent Paul is, well, inaccurate. She is absolutely asleep. I'm sure of it.

OOPS!

"Honey, what's wrong, daddy said that you're awake."

"I don't know mommy, but it's a good thing I am."

"Why is that?"

"Because Daddy's trying to steal my money!"

Attention Grabbed

OK, so God got my attention BIG TIME!

With my latest decision to "Just Say No", God apparently decided that waiting to start in a few weeks was not soon enough, so He sent Paul to the hospital via an ambulance Sunday night.

Yeah, you read that right.

Paul has been suffering from major sinus issues since the cottonwoods started blooming. Surprisingly, however he did not go to the doctor. I know you find it hard to believe with how proactive he can be when it comes to his health.

Well for me, Sunday was the last straw. I told him he could not attend the family birthday party unless he went to urgent care to see a doctor and get a prescription. You know given that his nose has tripled in size over the last four weeks. Kinda thought something might need to be addressed. Call me crazy. I mean I realize that I don't have a medical degree, but seriously.

Anyway, off he went. Got the prescription. Took the meds. Left for the movies. On the road to recovery. Yeah, not so much.

He leaned over during the movie and said the meds were making him sick. He returned 2o minutes later reporting he had been throwing up but thought he was good. Twenty minutes later off he went again.

Greg took him home.

When I got home with the kids, he told me he had blacked out in the bathroom, but thought he was improving because the time between episodes was getting longer. He tried to drink some juice. OOPS. Root Beer. Yeah not so much.

When I finally got the kids to bed, he seemed better. Next thing I know. I hear what sounded like a boulder coming through the ceiling. I ran upstairs to find Paul passed out on the bedroom floor.

I tried to wake him for a good 10 to 15 minutes. NOTHING. I called 911. They arrived to him awake, but I could not get him back in bed. They did. Took his vitals. Yeah not so great. Blood Pressure 96/47. No vein for an IV. Completely dehydrated.

After the trauma subsided and Paul was resting comfortably, we learned that he was given a double dose of his antibiotic.

You can imagine how well that sat with me.

My lesson in all of the stress-LIVE EVERY MINUTE TO THE FULLEST!

I ABSOLUTELY NEVER WANT TO FOLLOW AN AMBULANCE WITH ONE OF MY PRECIOUS LOVED ONES IN IT AGAIN!

So, if I am busy with my family...The world is taking a back seat. Starting yesterday.

Where have I been, What have I learned

I know, I know, I have not posted for a LONG time. Life has been insane at best. I have been trying to do it all.

Tell everyone, "Yes, I can do that." or "Sure no problem. I can fit that in between school pick-up, swim practice, baseball practice, and the Vet check up."

Between work, school, practices, the dog and other events and committees, I am going 24/7 on the wheel of perpetual insanity. Why? Beats me!

Who am I helping? No idea.

My kids think I'm stressed.

I feel like I'm having panic attacks-You know the ones-What did I forget? Where was I supposed to be today? Who has practice at 5 and who has it at 6? When was that due?

My husband wonders where I am half the time.

My solution?

I'm saying no to things. Why? Sanity.

Who will be mad? Likely the people I have to say no to.

How long? Until someone else says yes.

Will they get over it? Absolutely.

Will they be irritated? Maybe for awhile, but not forever.

Who will be happy? My family.

Why am I doing it? Opportunity to lower my blood pressure and smell the flowers.

How long will it last? Until I start feeling guilty again that I am letting too many people down, or I realize I actually prefer to live less stress. (I'm hoping for the latter.)

When does it start? Well, this week is pretty booked from Saturday the 30th to June 8th. So I'm thinking probably in two or three weeks. I'm sure I can make it until then without a stroke or heart attack. Right?!?

Latest Home Project

We are at it again. Or should I say Mr. Steve is at it again. I tell you, he has more creativity in one finger than I have in my whole body. Now he is building our deck. Again, it's amazing.

After 11 years in Colorado, we are finally really investing in our house. Why you ask? Well, I think I am finally convinced we are staying. Originally, we or should I say I agreed on this house because it is a great starter home for a young family. I thought we could unload it quick when Paul got transferred back to California. The place I didn't want to leave in the first place.

But time has passed and the jobs have changed, and we are still here. And I am completely thankful! My heart has really changed. Now I look at the house as our little sanctuary. It ain't big, but it ain't small either. My type A side is thankful that I can clean or should I say sanitize from top to bottom in a day. Our mortgage is less than most rent, and we can still enjoy life.

So after 11 years we are really making it ours. No time like the present.

Look How Big I Am

Koda is almost 12 weeks old and probably now close to 3 and 1/2 pounds.

As you can see, he is quite at home.

In the picture where Koda appears to be surrounded by fur, he is. He has taken charge of the oversized dogs the kids lay on to watch TV.

He has dominated them and told them whose boss. Now he snuggles in to sleep on them. It is so precious.

He is learning to fetch and the kids love it.

We took him to Hunter's practice on the leash. He was in heaven.

Wii Fit

Every year my in-laws give each of their boys and their wives a check as part of their Christmas gift. It is a very generous check that Paul and I greatly appreciate. It is unaccounted for, not for bills or practical use-it's for f-u-n. That spells fun.

This year I decided I would hold off on my purchase to see what kind of games became available for the Wii. Yes, truth be told, I am a bit of a gamer. Not like, Grand Theft Auto or anything, more like CSI detective type games.

I'm a geek. I admit it. I love the challenge of a good mind bender. I can spend hours on end playing games that require deductive reasoning skills.

I think my mom said it best. "If I hadn't been at the hospital when you were born, I'd swear they switched you." I don't process or think like anyone in my family. Shocker, I know.

Anyway, Wii came out with Wii Fit recently. I found my purchase. I even pre-ordered it to be sure that I would not have to wait while shelves were restocked due to sell out.

It came yesterday. Paul helped me sync it to the Wii. Yeah, Yeah, find my blog on my incompetence with the computer. Anyway...tonight was the big night. I embarked on my journey to Wii Fitness.

Even I know that the technology of this game is unbelievable. Within a matter of minutes, the thing calculated my BMI. That's short for Body Mass Index. It also calculated my Wii age. Depressing at best.

After that it asked me to set fitness goals. This I could embrace. My BMI-yeah not so much.

I have embarked on the Wii fit journey. In 3 months, my BMI should be down 22 points. I'll keep you up to date.

But let me tell you this...I look like a lunatic doing the hula hoop!

10 things I have learned since owning a dog

*3 am is NOT my favorite time of day!

*Teething has taken on a whole new meaning.

*Just when you think that you have the potty training down...OOPS!

*Dogs like kids will do anything for a treat.

*Don't let them fool you, dogs know EXACTLY what they are doing!

*I DEFINITELY have a false sense of control.

*You can no longer follow the 10 second rule in our house. If it hits the floor, eat at your own risk, or should I say peril.

*I should have bought stock in antibacterial.

*You can never have enough Lysol wipes.

*Dads have a mute button. Huh, Da Ja Vue

Blah, Blah, Blah

I am having one of those weeks.

You know the one I'm taking about.

The one where you are talking, but you're sure that all your children hear is the voice of Charlie Brown's teacher in the background.

If I give a direction, I'm met with the stare of horror as though they are saying, "Mom, you can't possibly expect me to do that."

Other times I'm met with the look that says, "Seriously, mom. Mother's day is over. You have to wait another 364 days to cash in on cooperation."

My problem. It's only Tuesday. Outside it is gloomy. The rain/snow mix is cold and biting to the bone. It won't be sunny until the weekend. Weather really affects me. But weather and this behavior-yeah that's a disaster waiting to happen!

Happy Mother's Day

I would love to write on and on about the great things a Mother is. But being that I like to be straight and to the point, and I feel that I shouldn't reinvent the wheel, and if it ain't broke I ain't gonna fix it. I decided to direct you to my friend Valinda's blog...

For the best Mother's day chuckle please visit... http://valindak.blogspot.com. You can find the link on my blog under the "Can't miss blogs" spot on the left side of my page.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!!

The Nerve

Paul called me this afternoon at work to report in on Koda. He told me that he had successfully gone potty outside.

"In the rain?"

"Yep."

"Wow that's great. (Side note, Koda's not a fan of being outside on wet grass) Did you blow dry him with the blow dryer so he isn't cold?"

Silence

"Honey, I don't want him to get a cold."

"He is still a dog, right?!

"And your point is?"

Can you believe I even had to ask? Hello. No wonder girls are the moms.

What Did I Tell You!

Koda has me wrapped around his itty-bitty paws. I absolutely love him to death.

What's not to love?

He is the smartest little puppers ever!

But I must confess that during the thunderstorm this morning, he made his way to my side of the bed. Only for 30 minutes or so, I promise. But gosh, he's so itty bitty and the thunder was so big and booming. How could I leave him in his kennel all alone?

Balbi says I'm in for it now. He wasn't even whimpering at the time. But hey, if Hunter came in scared surely Koda at 2.8 pounds had to feel a little fear, right?

Oh well, like I told Paul with the kids, he's only gonna be a puppy for a while. Right?

Oh dear. What have I started?

Are You Kidding?!

I decided to change my work week this week in order to have one extra day for Koda to adjust to his new family. It is a beautiful day in the Rockies today. So, I decided to work in the yard.

I put the sprinkler on and began to pull weeds. I'm in the process of "hardening" some rose bushes so that I can plant them this weekend. So, I put them out in the sun. Then, I started pulling weeds.

It came time to move the sprinkler.

As I was moving it, I noticed Koda had dropped a package for me. I found this odd however, that I hadn't "seen" it happen. (Surprisingly enough, I am monitoring close to his every move. Shocked I'm sure.) I decided he must have done it when the kids had taken him out. So, I called them to find out and to remind them of the "proper procedure" for removing said package.

The response I received was, how should I say, irritating to say the VERY least. Hunter, having learned his lesson on lying responded with, "Oh, yeah that's from yesterday." Straight and to the point.

"Excuse me? And you left it for me?"

"Well, dad was with me."

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Get your father on the phone right now."

Paul sweetly started the conversation with, "Hi Sweetie, how's it going?"

"Don't you sweetie me, mister. The next time you leave a package for me to clean up, you are on night duty. You got that buster! I don't care how many 'special events' you have this week."

He had the nerve to sort of chuckle then still half laughing said, "Huh sorry."

"WHAT-EVER!" He got the message.

He is slammed this week at work. Out of kindness, I offered to take the night shift the entire week. What an Idiot.

And he wonders why I duhhed him on my last blog.

Crisis Averted

11:34 pm-I wake from my pre-REM state and decided to check on Koda because he hasn't whimpered yet.

I find him staring out at me, waiting patiently...This could be a good sign...I take him out...He does his business...I put him back no crying...Good puppers...

2:28 am-Slight whimpering...I nudge Paul...can you check him this time...He returns a minute later..."I opened the kennel. He came out and snuggled me and went back in."

Duh, you can't give the puppy a choice...

2:34 am-more whimpering...I head to the kennel...I take him out...Huh, big surprise he has to go again...hello...puppy...needs to pee about every two hours...De ja vu...2 am feedings...on my own.

This time Koda's not so ready to return to the kennel..."Hey lady, where are you going? Let's hang for awhile"...Yeah I'll see you in a couple of hours...Some whimpering...a few...Koda, hush...Koda, hush...Good job...

5:48 am-Whimpering...Sleep for the night is over...Potty time...Good Puppy...Let's go inside...play time...Hey Koda...wait...what are you...No KODA...OUTSIDE...

Slight jog with poop hanging on for dear life...But we made it outside...Night number one...Success.

Love at First Sight

OK, so I am the biggest sap ever. We arrived to pick up Koda from the breeder today. Paul and I took one look at him and knew immediately which of the two puppy's was going to join the family. We shared only a look and knew we agreed.

Debbie brought both boys down for us to look at an make our choice. Their was no choice to make. Koda was unique, playful and loved the kids immediately. As a Bischon, he should have been white. He is a soft tan color making him unique. His brother was a bit more timid with the kids. He was stark white.

Hunter was initially sad because he didn't want to leave the brother. But after some discussion that another family was on the way to get Koda's brother, he came around.

I know in the future there will be numerous posts with my typical tone. But right now we are blissfully happy with our new pet.

P.S. He went potty OUTSIDE the first try! I am so gonna have this dog trained by tomorrow. Yeah-I know-Good luck with that.

Ta-da...

Serenity Now! Sanity Later!

I looked at Paul last night and said, "Do you have any idea how much money we have wasted in our life time?"

He looked at me with a blank look.

I responded with, "I think we should just walk away from the deposit and skip the dog."

Yeah that's gonna happen.

He told me I was welcome to sit the kids down and tell them myself.

What? Why do I have to be the bad guy? Oh, right it was my idea. But seriously would walking away from the deposit be that bad? Really? How much do I spend a year at Starbuck's? MD's? Wendy's? In reality those are wastes of money when you think about it right?

Well, given that I don't want to face the jury, Koda will be making his way to the family--TOMORROW! UGH!

Serenity NOW!

Goodbye clean carpets...Goodbye quiet house...Goodbye restful nights...

Hello...Yappy dog..

Sanity later!

Watch...I'll be the most attached...Figures.

The After

Getting closer...

We are waiting for the grout to cure and then the sink goes in...

Thank You Miley

While many fans, with good reason mind you, are reeling in the disappointment of Miley's decision to pose for the photos in Vanity Fair, I say, "Thank You, Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus."

Why, you ask?

Two reasons.

First, they created an amazing, yet tragic teachable moment with Maddy.

Second, they just saved us a small fortune.

My values are clear. And if you know me, you know I am not afraid to put it out there.

I WILL NOT in good conscience support the career of a girl who talks out of both sides of her mouth.

What happen to all the publicity from the People magazine article that communicated her wholesome values and her grounded disposition? And the interviews in which Billy Ray and Miley prided themselves on the fact that she was going to steer clear of this kind of behavior? Wasn't she going to make it without selling out?

Too bad we'll never get a chance to find out!

Now, after the pictures are published and making headlines, Miley is sorry. She says she learned her lesson. That's convenient.

Well, we have a daughter to raise-a daughter that will not be taught that sex or the use of her body will be the way to success.

She will be raised with self respect and dignity. We will do all we can to insure that when she looks at herself in the mirror she will ALWAYS like what she sees. We will fight society to the death on this. When everyone else is gone and she's alone and the lights are out, Maddy will always like who she's with-herself.

Almost There

We are almost there...Mr. Steve came back yesterday to complete the tiling...












Tonight the grout...Tomorrow the sink...hardware...and frig water and ice connection...Wahoo...

Day Two

Day two of the construction on the kitchen is complete. We have tile "setting up" on the counters for 24 hours. Tomorrow the wall tile and edges will be done-We might even have the hardware on the cabinets. I can't wait.