I feel OK posting this picture of Son. After all, he's wearing a disguise! Can you tell he has a sweet tooth like his Mommy? This boy is a huge cut-up. He has the quirkiest sense of humor and loves knck-knock jokes. Not to bad for 4, huh? He also has a memory like a steel trap. He has a backroad on the way home memorized by the color of pavement?! Strange I know.

Let's see. Went to Co-Op today. I didn't hide in the closet, but wanted to. The kids had fun. This Fridays theme was Drama. From acting out Nursery Rhymes to acting out plays for the older ones. After, I had to take Son to the Mall and pick up a new pair of jeans, both pair of his now have holes in the knees. OK for playing outside, not for going anyway though. I went by and picked up lotion for my neighbor. She is having problems with the skin on her hands drying out too bad. They looked painfull, so I picked her up some Berts Bees lotion my DH uses. hope it works for her. After that at I had to mail off Daughter's test and raced like a bat out of hades to our neighborhood post office before they closed. Missed their closing by 15 minutes. Had to throw the kids back into the van and raced again to another close post office which was, thank goodness, open later. Rounded out the day by bringing the kids home and kicking them outside to enjoy the sunshine that graced us today. While they were out I was able to do all those fun-fun things I get to do like laundry and picking up toys off every available surface! Then I got to use the treadmill for 4 miles. Yeah. But, at least I did it. And then could not feel guilty about the 2 blueberry muffins I ate afterwards for a snack. Not much else going on. Dh won't be home from work until after midnight. He had to do a bunch of end of the month reports. Nothing eslse to relate. I'm off to shower and crawl in bed and wait for my hubby. And get your mind out of the gutter! Of course, it's not like I get alot of sleep with him around anyway. Again, mind out of gutter! HE SNORES!!! Allergy pills and breathe right nasal strips aren't working the greatest. *sigh* I seriously wanted to push him in the floor last night. We'll try a few more things and if thy don't work, I'm sending him to the Doctor. Anyway, sorry to bore y'all with the tivialities od my life. Night, (yawn), I'm off. B.

My Layla. I'm about to that sacked out look myself. I thought I wasn't going to post, but I made time!
Whew, today seemed so busy. I had to clean the house, do laundry, and then of course, the In-Laws came for a visit. I would call it a small visit, but when they were here for about 3 hours it moves beyond small into that little voice in your head screaming, "Leave! For the love of God GO HOME!!" I let them take the kids up the road to the ice cream parlor, just to get them away for a few minites. Of course they brought the kids back after about 20 minutes and Son was COVERED in chocolate ice cream. Head to toe. -These people just suck the life out of me. I don't know what it is, either. Other people find them charming. Well, most. Some don't. But, their Son (and I) and his Sister (and her DH) sure don't. They just....... well, suck the life from everything around you. I swear I saw colors leave trees today fleeing!! OK, maybe that's harsh, but you get what I mean.
I had to give Daughter a HUGE test for her schoolwork today. A placement test for the new curriculum we picked out. I looked it over, kid ACED it. I am so proud of her. She flew throught the Language Arts sections, but had to slow a bit for the Math. SHE HATES MATH. With a passion that is actually funny.
Oooh, Daughter gave Son a bath for me while I was fixing dinner and Oreo got onto the side of the tub to watch the water run into the tub and Daughter came up quietly behind her yelled "BOO!" and scared the snot out of Oreo, enough so that she fell in the bathtub full of water. Hahhahaha!!!! Wet cat, I don't think there is anything funnier than a wet cat! Looks remarkably similar to a rat. Hahahaha!
Well, that's all. I'm too tired for more. Night, B. (oh, excuse the typos tonight. I'm too tired to reread before posting)And I know this was disjointed, sorry!

Isn't Oreo cute? Today she seemed very subdued. She slept alot and seemed more willing to let us pet her than usual. This evening she's feeling alot like her old self. Have I already told y'all of her fascination with ice? Every time she hears the ice maker shove out ice of the refrigerator(we have an icemaker that in the door), she runs to sit right in front of it. I have to give her a piece of ice to play with and batt around the floor of the kitchen!

Tonight was class, so there's nothing much to tell y'all. We ran errands this afternoon. I did manage to make it by the UBS. I picked up 3 books. I'll give y'all the names tomorrow. (They're already on my nightstand.)

I've decided to update my list of books I'm looking forward to coming out. Now it's not that up-to-date. Just a list I've compiled over the last few days.

1) Don't Look Down (Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer) April 4th

2) Full Scoop (Charlotte Hughes/Janet Evanovich) April 4th

3) Definitely Dead (Charlaine Harris) May 2nd

4) And Able (Lucy Monroe) May 6th

5) Second Sight (Amanda Quick) May 9th

6) Ghost Hunter (Jayne Castle) May 30th

7) Dirty Laundry (Tori Carrington) May?

8) Undead & Unpopular (MaryJanice Davidson) June 6th

9) Twelve Sharp (Janet Evanovich) June 20th

10) Surfs Up (MJD, Nina Bangs, Janelle Dennison) June 30th

11) Aussie Rules (Jill Shalvis) June?

12)Angel Fall (Nora Roberts) July?

13) Sleeping With Fear (Kay Hooper) July 18th

14) Smitten (Janet Evanovich) August 1st

15) Out of This World (Jill Shalvis) September?

16) Motor Mouth (Janet Evanovich) October 3rd

17) Drop Dead Gorgeous (MaryJanice Davidson) Fall?

18) Thanksgiving (Janet Evanovich) October 31st

19) Born In Death (J.D Robb) November?

There are more, but these are the one's I am most looking forward to. Katie MacAlister and Lynsay Sands both have books coming out in the next few months that I am looking forward to as well. (I forgot about them until now.) Why is it there are always more books coming out than money I have to spend? I hope the library gets its butt in gear and buys some of these!!

Have a good night. Hope y'all get more sleep than I did last night! (Dh and his snoring again!) B.

Started and finished this book today. LOVED IT!!!! Both parts funny and interesting. Each story involved a werewolf finding love, sometimes in the most unusual people. I'm too much a prude to describe the sex scenes for you, but there are a few things I was a little suprised at. (Just for y'alls information, there are 4 stories in the book.) I am still one of the biggest MaryJanice Davidson's fans!

Had to take Oreo to the vet today to finish up her shots so that we can have her spayed. (We are firm believers in spay/neuter your pets.) This vet was a lot nicer than the other one. He came in and picked Oreo up to cuddle her and pet her for a minute before giving her her shots. He also answered my questions with good humor. AND I didn't feel like I was ripped off after the visit! (Always a plus for me.) Anyway, Oreo will go back to be spayed in May.

I never did get to pick up that book from the library. So, I guess I'm going to have to get to the UBS tomorrow. Because I am OUT new of books to read again. *sigh* Oh, well. I still have all the books on my keeper shelf, of course, but my memory is a bit freaky in that I can remember the plots of just about every one of them. Why is it, I can't remember half the stuff I NEED to, but I remember other stuff that I DON'T need to?

Nothing much else going on, sad to say, so I'm headed to make dinner. Night, B.

Finished this book the first night I had it. Wally's World released it before it's March 28th date. I truly like this book. I HAD to finish it the first night, I couldn't put it down! As y'all know I am a huge J.D.Robb fan, the story here involved a haunting of a murder from a century in the past. It also ended well, with a questionable look at possible possesion of a suspect. The other best story in my Opinion was "Poppy's Coin". I enjoyed the story immensly. A magic coin grants the wishes of those who hold it, then feel the warmth of the coin as it accepts the right wish for the wishee.

Writing with a real bad headache today. They seem to be coming on more frequently. I may have to schedule an appointment with a doctor. I really don't want to do that. It's a hassle with having no real available babysitter handy.

Enjoyed Mass yesterday, we talked for a few minutes afterwards with the Benedictine Priest Father Bart, who gave the homily. He is sooooo nice. My Son has really taken to him, which is wierd because I've told y'all he's almost as shy as I am. Son actually gave him a hug. Just went up and gave him a hug!!!!! He also told him how old he was, he NEVER starts conversations with adults. Father Bart teases my daughter about how tall she is, and she just giggles.

Hey did you ever read the suggested dosage on the motrim bottle. ONE! Are they nuts? Two I can see. Three I have done and am right now able to tye because of 4! Don't worry. When DH was in the military, they practically gave away 800mg motrim for EVERYTHING. One time, when I was out, they pharmicist said I could just take 4 of the regualr, so I know I'll be OK. Plus, I warned DH I was taking 4, if anything goes wrong, he's ready for it!

Forgot to tell y'all the latest in the saga of the In-laws. They called yesterday after 2 weeks of silence. (Their idea of punishment if we do something they don't like. I call it peace and quiet and peace of mind!) Anyway, they called yesterday afternoon to tell us that they have colds and that is why they couldn't visit us yesterday. OK. Did we invite them over? Did maybe we have plans and they forgot to ASK? A small thing I know, but it was enough to irritate me and the DH. It was, to me, one of the rudest statements they've ever uttered. I know, patience and kindness are virtues, but I just get more and more sensitive to their crap (pardon my language).

I'm working on 7 hours sleep for the past 48 hours. Things keep popping up. Dh snored like crazy last night. I actually came down and tried to sleep on the couch. No go, though. Hopefully tonight will be better. Dh took the day off because of my lack of sleep, supposedly to help with the kids because I'm so tired. I might try a nap later. Cleaning to be done now. Gotta Run, have a great day! B.

OK, if you can't tell by the jpg I placed over here, I broke. I cracked. I HAD TO. I didn't have anything to read and the library closed too early and so did the used bookstore. We went by when Dh got home from work. That way I can have a turn looking and then so could he. I picked up one of those discount cards from them a while back. For $10 a year I save 10% on every purchase. Better than Barnes&Noble, who charge $35 a year for theirs. Do the math. You'd have to spend $350 a year at B&N to save what you spent for the discount card. Even I don't spend that much on books a year! Heck, I don't spend that on clothes a year, or 2.

Oh, they had the new Angela Knight book, "Master of Wolves". I picked up the new MaryJanice Davidson book, "Dead and Loving It". It's an anthology of stories. George finally finds love from what I understand. I haven't started it yet, though. I also picked up "Bump in the Night" with stories by Nora Robert writing as J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Ruth Ryan Langan, and Mary Kay McComas. I am a HUGE J.D. Robb fan so I had to get it, too. But, I restrained myself from others. I am trying to wait patiently for "Don't Look Down" to come out! Two weeks to go!

Night, B.

Now, you can look at this picture two ways. Either Layla is playing with the camera wrist string, or she's flossing her teeth! Haha!

Nothing much going on today. I started to reread "Getting Rid of Bradley" last night. I felt in the need for a laugh. It is taking WAY too long for April 4th to come. As it is, I've been good and only bought one book this month. I'm being good so DH won't have a heart attack when he see's me buy at least 3 next month!

I had a huge migraine this morning. It was so bad I started crying. 3 Motrim, and 2 tylenol later, I started to not throb enough where I could go back to bed. I don't get them very often, thank goodness.

Oh, I did get some good news today. The book I requested from the library came in. "The Manolo Matrix" by Julie Kenner. I liked the first one, so I'm hoping I like this one, too. I might visit the UBS tomorrow if I can get the kids moving in time. They close early on Saturdays, and trying to get them moving somewhere I want to go is hard! I might have to bribe them. Any ideas? Hmmm, maybe a book at the store. Daughter read the entire Narnia series of books in about 3 days! I'm so proud of her. At least I passed SOMETHING off to my Daughter, because she looks EXACTLY like her Dad did at that age, only female. NO, REALLY. I have proof. Old school yearbooks of DH. It's downright scarey. My joke when people say that she looks like her Dad is to tell people that he's an alien from another planet that perfected cloning. Son is starting to look a bit like the both of us, with my Mom thrown in. Which I'm grateful for.

Not much else going on, I'm feeling guilty because I just ate 4 cookies. *sigh* Anyway, Night All. B.

This is my life. I sit down for more than 2 minutes and Layla is on my lap. That is, she's on my lap until something annoys her and then she jumps down in a huff! And yeah, she's big. So big in fact that the reason her leg is hanging down is because there wasn't any more room for it. Son actually gets a little jealous and will come over and try to sit on my lap, too. The both of them. I usually end up feeling like I'm suffocating(sp).

I was looking at my closet last night, and something struck me. No, not literally, I'm too neat for that. I was looking at the array of colors in my clothing and over 2/3rd's are dark colored. And 1/2 of those are black. Now, I don't live in New York, I don't work in a funeral home, and I'm not a goth. I can't even remember when I started wearing so many dark colors. But, I do recognize the reasoning behind it now. I wear so much black because: 1) I feel like I dissapear when I wear it. 2) I look decent in it. and 3) I heard (don't laugh) that black is good for hiding figure flaws. But, reason number1 is the biggest reason. I am not a person who wants to walk into a room and have people turn to look. I like being in the shadows. I am an observer. I like to notice everything around me, but I don't want to be observed. I refer to it as being a shadow. And I like it that way. I always have. Now, I know this sounds weird to some. But, I suffer from super shyness, and my way of dealing with it suits me fine.

In other news, mine, I again scoured locally for sheets. And found out that JC Penney does sell them, but they only seem to get about 2 packages per shipment, and those go fast! So, I gave up and turned to Ebay. I didn't want to, but I had no choice. I'm waiting to see if I win my bid.

Oh *squeeee* I just watched Doctor Who on the Sci-Fi channel and am loving it!!!!!!!! Too funny! Too cool!!!! I am a convert. I didn't like the original version Dh seems to like, but this, this is sooooo cool!

Now, after I finish watching this, I'm off to excercise and then shower and THEN bed! Night all, sweet dreams. B.

A closer picture than the one I showed yesterday. You can barely see Oreo in the background. She is trying to get Layla's tail. Note the ticked off expression on Layla's face.

Sent Dh today to get the storage shed I had picked out. 7x7x3 sounds large enough for 2 bikes and a lawn mower, right. WRONG. He layed the floor out (it was one of those rubbermaid sheds w/ an included floor) and I looked at it and had to say these words: "It's not big enough, I made a mistake, I'm sorry". I hate having to admit I made a mistake, but I will. So, we had to take it back. Off the Safari went, I call it a Safari because it involved the 4 of us, 2 vehichles and the huge butt box the shed came in. I had to drive the van, without all the seats (because I still won't let Dh finish teaching me how to drive his stick shift). Dh had the kids in his car. Hahahahaha! At last, his turn to go somewhere with them alone in a small space. Hahahaha! We went to one Home Depot to see the other sheds they had, this time with Dh with me. And then to Lowes to compare prices, then ended up taking the shed back to the Home Depot he got it from. Are y'all tired yet? Because at this point I was DONE! We decided to get the larger one by the same manufacturer. But, wait for it! It wouldn't fit in the van!!!! Hahaha! So we either have to borrow a truck from family or rent one of theirs for $25 an hour. So we came home empty handed for now. AAghhhh! It was supposed to be a simple thing.

Oh, and the sheet thing? I've been all over both cities near me, none to be found. It looks like I'm going to have to break down and order them online. *sigh* Cross your fingers! I've been looking back at my poetry. I can actually sit there and laugh at how stupid some of them are. Others are quite depessing. And then others are not bad. Dare I say that again, NOT BAD! Not great, but not bad. I wish I still had the time to sit and write again. Or even the inspiration. I seem to be only to write poetry when I have an extreme emotional response to something.

Time to go, I need to shower and then ........sleep. Wonderful, beautiful sleep! Night, B.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE! I had to buy a pet carrier to take Oreo to the vet next week. Her old vet let her visit w/ a leash. New one said carrier. So, off to Wall-World. I was going to buy a hard case carrier, but this one has a pocket on the side for paperwork and is airplane approved. Which really didn't matter, but it also came w/a strap that you can hook on it so it can go over your shoulder! We brought it home and Oreo got in a layed down for a while. Next up was Layla who decided she really liked it and took a nap in it. I think they like it because of the soft matt on the floor of the carrier, wh/ is washable. And we have one other carrier that is 13 years old. We bought it when we only had two cats who hated to be seperated, so it's really large. None of the other cats want to be that close for that long, so we are going to donate is to the local shelter. A medium to large dog can fit in it. We only need the one carrier for now, every cat we have can fit in it except for maybe Squeekie. And I never take more than one at a time to the vet.(Oh, and those are Dh's hands in the side of the picture.)

Speaking of Dh, he has one chore that I ask him to do. To put the trash out every Monday night for Tuesday pick up. DO I have to tell you how many nights I end up going out at Midnight or later to put it out before bed? Because they pick up our trash EARLY! So I'm in bed this morning, thinking Dh put out the trash. It's around 6am and I bolt out of bed, run to the window, and guess what? Nope, didn't put it out. I had to go down in my nightgown (not a granny gown I might add) and pulled a sweater on, socks on and , ready for it? Sandals. Yup, sandals. They were the easiest shoes to put on. Think Birkenstocks. Attractive outfit, right? Hahahaha! So, some of my neighbors are leaving for work, I'm out there in my lovely, lovely outfit, taking the trash can up the driveway to the curb. My Dh OWES ME BIG TIME! Why didn't I wake im up and let him do it, you ask? Dh does not wake up well. Think grizzly bear coming out of hibernation.Slow, rumbly, and not mean, but not nice either. Not to mention he can't seem to function , ie put one foot in front of another, in the morning before his shower.

I finished that YA book "Bad Kitty" by Michele Jaffe. It was very funny and cute. I liked it alot. I'm going to let my Daughter read it. Yes, I know she's only 10, and this books main characters are around 16. But, she is an advanced reader for her age, and there is NO sex, no really bad language, and like I said before, it's really cute. I'm still waiting for "The Manolo Matrix" by Julie Kenner to come in from the Library 'hold' I put it on. There aren't many other books out there that I can request from the Library right now. At least my blahness over reading is gone.

DH has tomorrow off and we're going to look at a shed for our backyard. We need one for the lawnmower and the kids bikes. Right now, the lawnmower is kept in the garage, along w/ a gas can full of fuel for it, and it's making me NERVOUS. The kids bikes are on the back patio and are starting to rust from being in the weather all the time. And Yeah, I know y'all don't care about all this. I just felt like sharing! Hahaha!

Keep safe, and get rest. I'm going to bed! B.

Took this photo the other night. Oreo was on my bedroom floor and when I saw her tail, I knew I had to share this with y'all. She does that ALL the time, curl her tail. It's wierd. WHY are none of my cats normal? No, really. WHY? Am I a magnet for the unusual cats of the world? Maybe it's because they know they'll have unconditional love with us? Hmmmm.

OK, y'all are going to laugh but, I had another YA on hold for the past few weeks that just came in. "Bad Kitty" by Michelle Jaffe. I saw it in B&N a couple of weeks ago. It looks fun. Every now and again I have to take a break from regular romance, ya know. I actually get tired of the sex scenes to be honest. I want MORE character develpment. I'll understand if y'all think I'm nuts. But, I grew up in a VERY strict home. It didn't seem that way at the time, but now after seeing everything out there for years. I know it was. And yeah, I did my share of rebelling, but I never got drunk, I never ran away, I never snuck out. I DID do a few things that if my parents had known about, I'd have been locked in my room! I was raised alot like my Mom was, I guess. Sex was never discussed, ever. I learned about sex from books and movies. So, every now and again I just need a break from it. (not in REAL life, *wink*) But, in everything else. ANYWAY,( how do I get off on these tangents? ), I also attack mysteries during times like these. I love the Kay Hooper Bishop series of books. Of course, I also sleep w/ the tv on after I've read one, and check the locks all over the house 4 or 5 times before sleeping!

Ok, we have a satellite and the company we go with gave us a free weekend of HBO and Cinemax. If they're going to do this to make you want to buy their extra sevices, WHY do they show OLD movies like AirPlane! And City SlickersII. Jeez. Yeah, that's gonna make me go right out and buy the extra stuff! NOT! Although, we did finally did get to see Monster-InLaw. It was hilarious!!!! We loved it!

Need to run around the house putting up all the toys the kids have left around the house and DH finally just got home from work. So, Night Y'all. B.

Thought you might like this photo of 'The Falls at Reedy Park'. This park is close to our Church, we went there after the 5 O'clock Mass tonight. It is quite lovely and had several walkways and bridges as well. We had a great time walking around and exploring.

Today was peacful, except when I had to rush the family out of here tonight for Mass. We didn't go this morning because I didn't sleep well. Dh SNORED ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!! It woke me up and kept me from sleeping. I'd smack him and he's stop for a minute, just as I would relax and think he'd stopped, he'd start again. At one point I almost cried. I gave thought to smothering him, but love him too much for that. There wasn't another bed for me to go sleep in either. And I can't sleep on the Couch, yes I know that's wierd. I can't sleep in a car either, but thats off the point. He finally stopped and I just CRASHED. When I finally woke up, I felt like I'd been through a wringer! I swear, if he does it again tonight, I'm rolling him onto the floor!!!

We ran by Wally-World after the Park and I picked up a book. Normally I don't buy category books, I don't like the direction most have taken. But, I did buy one tonight that sounded interesting. "Crazy For Ellie" by Penny McCusker. It sounds funny. I'll let you know. Am I the only one who's noticed that April 4th is a great release day? Not only is the Cruisie/Mayer book coming out there are about 3 others I want as well. One is the new Janet Evanovich/Charlotte Hughes book, "Full Scoop". I have all the others and am looking forard to this one!

Y'all need to still keep Eve and her cat Devlin in your prayers. He's not doing well and his medication has really knocked him for a loop. I hope everyone's problems w/ logger clear up soon! Night, B.

I think it'll be OK to post this picture of Squeekie and my Son. You can't see my Son's face so I thinks his privacy is intact. I wanted y'all to see how big Squeekie is. Granted my Son is curled up, but he's tall for his age, too. They both snuck up on my bed this morning while I was busy and Son fell back asleep there. I didn't have the heart to move him.

Yesterday was busy. I received the sheets I had ordered through Target online. The description said white. Yeah, right. NOT. They were more of a cream color, or like the color of a tub of butter. NOT WHITE. I had to return them. Which I hated because they were soooooo soft and I needed new sheets. My old washer tore a hole in my other ones. Yeah, I know. I should have more than one set. I do, it's just that the spare set is the set that somehow decided to SHRINK slowly and now they don't fit. Why didn't I just go to a store and buy a set, you ask? Well, we bought our king size bed when we lived in California. Can anyone tell where this is going? It's actually a California King. For which you CAN NOT find sheets for on this side of the country. No, we weren't aware of this problem when we bought the bed years ago. Out in California, you can find sheets EVERYWHERE for it! Now, I have to rely on on-line retailers, or e-bay. Agh! And I hate buying sheets I can't touch! Anyway, back they went. I was able to return them to the store. Lucky me. Now, I have to start the search all over again. I also had to go grocery shopping. Boy, was that fun. The kids and I in Wally-World for over an hour! "Buy me this, I want that". Ugh! And I was in a low place yesterday with my mood, just depressed and couldn't shake it. Today was a little better. Hopefully tomorrow will be even better.

*Y'all need to say some more prayers for Eve's cat Devlin. He's had a set back with his seizures. They started back today.

Not much else going on. Lot's of errands to run tomorrow. Have a good and safe night. B.

*UPDATED TO ADD APOLOGY*

p.s. I've been depressed lately and I guess it's bringing the mood and quality of my posts down. I'm sorry and I'll try and do better.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! How do y'all like the pictures? I could not resist picking up this little hat at Wall-World. My Eeeevvviiiiillllll mind knew just what to do with it! Hahahahaha! I also have an Irish curse for y'all. I thought it quite funny. I found many blessing but figured there would be many of those floating around cyberspace.
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May those who love us love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.
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Just had to post it, I thought it was a fun one. I have Co-Op tomorrow, and I am actually looking forward to it. Because I need to run several errands afterwards. Fun stuff, like having my tires rotated (because DH never remembers car stuff) , I need to pick Dh up a new shirt for work, and I need groceries. Fun, fun, right? NOT. But, it has to be done and I'm the only one who will do it. Good grief, I just lifted my head and took a look around my living room; legos are all over the floor, and my Daughter has old tests out studying and son has a few candy wrappers on the table. Jeez, stop picking up things for 15 minutes and look what happens!! Oh, organized my hall closet where we store all our paperwork and the few things of my Mothers I kept (mostly pictures). we also keep our Bocce ball set and Bow and Arrows there, as well as the leaf for the table and 2 spare wood folding chairs. Man, that's a lot of stuff! Trust me, it looks neater than it sounds. Now I just need to tackle the coat closet. Heh-heh. My orderly instincts are on the obsessive side. Althouhg, my filing needs to be filed , so there. I'm not uptight!
ANYWAY!!
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! Don't forget 'the wearin' of the green'!
B.

Thought I'd share a picture of Patches tonight. Isn't she cute? She leans on the walls alot. Like a cat's life is sooooo hard! LOL!

We had class at Church tonight. Yeah, I know we were there last night, too. But, last night was a special class about Baptizing our Son. Tonight we were on regular schedule. Y'all would be so proud of me. I talked to quite a few people tonight! I also got to hold a 5 month ld. Oooh, he was too cute! *sigh* I really do love babies. But, it'll be a few more years before I can even think about having another one. Part of it's money. The other is the fact that I am very, very, scared of the OB/GYN and have always hated the invasive feeling those appointments make me feel. I actually raise my blood pressure with nerves before each visit. I actually had one Doctor ask me if I'd been "hurt" by someone before. Nope, just freaky about my privacy of my body. I loved being pregnant and hated the Doctor's visits. It was really scarey when I was pregnant with my first child I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and THEN also diagnosed as having an Ovarian Cyst that needed to be operated on BEFORE I gave birth (like at 5 months). With Son I had Gestatioonal Diabetes again and he was sooooo big I had to have a C-Section. I love my kids, but dang pregnancy is scarey! Ah, enough about that! You didn't want to know all that anyway.

Haven't had my reading slump go away yet. Agghhhhh! I miss reading. I just can't seem to focus long enough to get into a book right now. Trust me, it's like a chocoholic being in a Chocolate store and seeing all that lovely, lovely chocolate *grin*, and going NAH! Don't feel like it, when normally you'd atack the cashier to get behind the counter at all the lovelies!

Nothing else going on, what can I say? I'm a typical Mom and wife, with a typical life. Who needs to excercise because she's been eating a ton of birthday cake and feeling HUGE because of it. Food guilt sucks! Night, B.

I know I've posted pictures of Layla's impressions before, but I took these w/ a different camera and thought they looked better! Isn't her impression of a Chihuahau(sp) cute? Heh-heh! The other one is her picture as Yoda! You know in this house (where Star Wars fanatic Son lives) there had to be an impression of the short, round funny looking green dude!
I will have a special St. Patrick's Day treat for all you wearing of the green on friday! Hahahaha! Trust me, if you don't giggle seeing these pictures, you will on Friday!!!!!
Son was determined to spend his birthday money today. He insisted on going to Target (no, really!) and bought 3 toys. He was so proud to hand the cashier his money.
Dh paid his speeding ticket today. By showing up in person, they cut the cost almost in half. I told him if e got another ticket I was going to put a govener on his car! (a thing that goes under the gas pedal)
Nothing much else going on. I haven't been able to read this week. My attention just wanders away. This doesn't happen often, but it also doesn't last long, either. Hopefully soon!!
Y'all have sweet dreams, B.

Will post 2 funny pictures later. Blogger seems to be experiencing a s-l-o-w down today. Sorry about no post yesterday. Between Son's birthday, Dh having the day off and the In-laws....I never got enough time. Son's birthday went well. He had a Darth Vader cake, and his most favorite gift was his Spider Man scooter (3 wheeled) from Mommy and Daddy (us, duh). Why is when my Dh has time off, instead of having more time to do things, I have less?
We have a Baptismal class for our Son tonight. So I will post again later, as I just noticed the time and need to GO!
Hope y'all are having a great day!

Daughter took this picture of Oreo on the back of my chair. Yes that is my head. Didn't post yesterday because we didn't get home from my Dads till late! The kids and I had a good time visiting out there. We were later than Dh getting home.

Dh spent part of the day making sure the measurments he's taken of the floors are right. But, we are not putting the floors down till later this spring. The cost is exhorbiant and w/ Dh traveling back and forth and gas prices rising, we are being VERY, VERY careful. He has put in for the same job, but closer to us, so everybody wish us luck. You'd THINK they'd do something simple and just TRANSFER him here, but.... some things are never simple.

Tomorrow my Son turns 4!!!!!! I can't believe it's been so long since he was born. It feels like just yesterday that I heard his first cry. I can't remember too very much of the first hour he was born. See, Son's shoulders were sooooooo wide that I had to have a C-section. And to say I FREAK out at the thought of surgery is an understatement. Hey, at least we got to pick the day he was born. He was origanally due on the 17th, then they changed it to the 19th. Then Son was so big that my Doc decided to deliver him a week early and gave us a choice between the 13th or 14th. I was so upset at the thought of the surgery I turned to my Dh and said, "You pick." Wh/ is actually funny because we were able to pick Daughter's birthday, too. But for a different reason. Anyway, my Dh got to hold my SOn before I did. Got to see him first, too. Totally not fair considering all I had to got through to get him! (The though of maybe having to have another C-section is one of the things keeping me from having a 3rd child right now.)

I would love it if y'all would please visit Eve's page. Her poor kitty Devlin is having EXTREME health problems and if y'all could just say a prayer for him and for her, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

GOing to finish some laundry and wrap my Son's birthday gifts. Night, B.

My Son took this picture as well. We've decided that if she could talk she'd be saying, "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" Can you not just feel the attitude? Hahaha! Sorry about the red eye. I haven't had time to play w/ the software yet. Today was a bit boring. After getting up Son decided he didn't want to go anywhere today. Can't say I blame him. It was BEAUTIFUL outside. So, after chores and meals, I just threw them out to play. They had a blast! Their neighborhood friends came over and they played all out for hours. While they had fun, I cleaned. I washed the van and cleaned out the garage. I have come to the conclusion that we have too much junk. Do you know my DH has ski's that he has never used? They were given to him a couple of years ago, but we haven't lived anywhere where he can use them, yet. They are sitting in my garage taking up space. I don't ski, the kids don't ski and the Dh hsn't been skiing since before we were married. AND HE WON"T LET ME GET RID OF THEM! Why? Because he MAY, at some time in the future, go skiing. *smacks head* MEN!! And tools! He has double and triple screwdrivers, and things and won't donate them. AGHHHH! I just want a little order to everything. It's funny when he asks ME where certain tools of his are?! Um, where'd YOU put them? Hahahaha!

Oh, as for the In-laws, DH called them today (and left a message, because they weren't home) that we would be unable to make lunch at their house on Sunday. We would be taking Son to his favorite pizza place for lunch after Church. BUT, that they were welcome to join us. Polite, but firm, huh? This way, we didn't not include them, but Son gets his special lunch. Heh-heh. I love out manouvering them.

I am taking kids to see my father tomorrow. W were last out there about 2 weeks ago. I like visiting him. There is no pressure on any level. His wife is funny and no-nonsense, and I like her. Dh has to work and can't go.

Lent is a new concept to my Dh. He is in the process of converting and has a lot of new "rules" to remember. I had to text him at work today, that today was a meatless day. He had picked up an 8 piece of chicken from the grocery store last night and I was thinking around lunchtime, "I wonder what Dh took?" I checked the frig and sure enough 2 pieces were missing. By the time I messaged him, he had eaten half a piece! And he was sooooo sorry. Poor thing. Had to give up eating his fried chicken for a day! If you knew my Dh personally, you would know that this is a GREAT sacrifice. I have NEVER seen anyone who loves fried chicken as much! But, he's being a good sport about it. Too much boring info for you? I just wanted to share a slice of life w/ y'all.

I think this picture is SO funny. My Son was playing w/ the camera again and took this picture of Patches. She's got this look on her face like "just take the darn picture already!"

I have Co-Op tomorrow, or more truthfully, today. I am unable to relax enough to calm down, so I thought I'd post. I was going to take the night off. I spent a tiring afternoon searching for a Nascar shirt for Son's Birthday. I didn't thnk it's be that hard. This is Nascar country after all. I went to Sport store after Sport store. I finally had to admit defeat and order him one. Even that wasn't easy. He likes #48 Jimmie Johnson. A Lowe's Car. Finding a kids shirt that could be deliverd w/in the next week (sadly right after his Birthday) was HARD!! Almost as finding a vacumn cleaner, wh/ we never did. (not the one I wanted) I'm nervous about Co-Op and upset w/ the In-laws trying to take over my Son's birthday and also sore from working out like crazy for the past week asd a half. I'm taaking tonight off, wh/ might not be the smartest move, as it won't help me relax enought to fall asleep. Circles going around.

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I have a meme from Michele to do. It's all about your requirments for a perfect mate. Since I already have one, I'll do the list as if I hadn't met my Dh yet. Bear in mind I was 16 when I met him!

1. Must be taller than me. (not hard, I'm only 5"4 1/2)

2. Must like music. (Doesn't matter too much what kind, NO COUNTRY!)

3. Must have a car. (Hey, I was 16.)

4. Must be older than me. (hahaha! Dh is 2 years older.)

5. Must have blue eyes. (And he does, the most beautiful sky blue eyes.)

6. Must be attentive, respectful, polite, and LOVE cats. (well, duh!!!)

7. Must be smart, but not smarter than me. (Um, he scored 2 points higher on the IQ test than I did. He qaulifies for Mensa. Guess I messed up there! Well, except for the fact that he has NO, and I mean NO common sense. None whatsoever!)

8.Must like kids and wants a big family. (We have 2 kids, maybe one more later. Does that count?)(I was an only child.)

9. Must support my dreams and ambitions. (I only ever wanted to be a Mom and Wife. However, once the kids are grown, I want to work w/ books and I want to go to College.)(And he does support all this.)

10. Must like to read. (And he does, computer books, Star Wars books, etc. Just not as much as I do.)

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Hope that was interesting. My parents raised me to understand that it takes hard work to keep a family going. There is no magic. My Dad has worked hard all his life. He installs Fire Protection Sprinklers. It's manual labor. I watched my Dad come home exhausted every week, because the only way he knows to work is HARD. He doesn't play hard. He is a quiet man, w/ lots of pride. Isn't it funny that the qualities I most admired in my father, my DH has. Dh gives his job everything it needs, going above the occassion. However, I know that he loves us w/ the same passion. Although, sometimes I have to remind him that we come first. But, I think all good men are like that. Who knew Provider would be such an important qaulity in a man. Of course the fact that a certain look from him and I shiver doesn't hurt! Going to try and sleep now, Night! B.

Thought I'd give you Squeekie to stare and gawk at! See, he's smiling. Of course, he also has that look on his face that seems to say, "I see you, don't try anything."
Since we tease him alot, it's not a bad thing for him to be thinking. Would you believe this cat is scared of plastic bags? Yup, the ones like you get when you shop at Wallys-World. Strange kitty.

Had class tonight. Interesting. We were told about confession. Which scares the bejeebers out of me. I have not been a perfect person. I made mistakes when I was younger that I regret. However, just to clear something up before it gets started, I married my H.S. sweetheart, figure out what I'm NOT saying. He was my first and my only love. If that's TMI, sorry.
Anyway. I finally got to read the short novella J.D.Robb had in 'Out of this World'. It was good. I'm suprised I had missed it up until now. Oh, one of the other books I picked up yesterday was 'Flirting with Diaster' by Sherryl Woods. I haven't started it yet. I will get to it. My attention span this week hasn't been super, for some reason.
Shopped for Son's birthday after Class tonight. I picked him up 2 Darth Vader figures and a Spider Man Scooter, (it has 3 wheels instead of 2). He's been wanting one because his sister has one and he thinks it's "cool". I still have to order his cake, Star Wars, of course. Oh and the In-Laws are tagging along to the park for Son's birthday. Can you not feel the dread?! They also keep bugging us about dinner at their house. AAAAGGHHHH!!!!! God help me.*Gee, I think I'm starting to come down w/ something. It should hit about Sunday!* Oh, I didn't tell you that when the In-laws came over yesterday MIL brought me some of her old magazines. ALL of them had something about weight loss or dressing for your size in them. And they weren't like in order or anything. She had to have specifically picked these out to bring over. And, we got to talking (somehow) about having Dh's cholosteral tested (I'm tying to get him to go) and she inferred I must have high cholesteral if I'm wondering about his. Um, no. I have great cholesteral. I eat healthier than he does. I don't eat alot of fried foods and I don't eat alot of red meat. I also EXCERCISE, something my DH hates to do,( wh/ he seems to have inherited from his parents). I felt like adding "SO, HA!" Childish, I know. But, the fact that they are bugging me is growing! I'm not skinney. MIL wears a size 8. I did right after I had my Daughter. It was the only time since I was 10, that I wore that size. And I was sick as a dog. Every germ that came around,I got. I gained the weight back and didn't get as sick anymore. I'm not built to be small like her. I'm taller than her for one. But, she's always pulling this stuff about my weight and size. I wish I had the nerve to tell her, "I'm healthier than you, shut up!" Of course, she's always finding sneaky ways to bring this out, too. Or should I say subtle? No, I'm not imagining it, either. I don't want her attitude rubbing off on my Daughter. HER Daughter is just as obsessed w/ her weight. Jeez, people! Being healthy is more important that what damn (sorry) size you wear.
I'm sorry, this is a sore subject w/ me. I was basically picked on when in school. Now, I know I'm normal. Then, it just made everything difficult. Do you think kids mean to be so cruel?

I suddenly find the need to do some Yoga and burn off some hard feelings. After a piece of chocolate. I prefer belgium, and you?
Oh, Michele, I'll do the meme and post is tomorrow. B.

Well, it's not Barbie clothes, but you have to admit she likes pretty things! These are the shoes I posted about last week, the ones it took us 2 HOURS to find. (You ought to see what this cat does to a roll of toilet paper when she's mad! Confetti is an accurate word.)

Does anyone besides me know what movie came out today? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. My Daughter has been bouncing of the walls for the past week. She even 'infected' my Son w/ her enthusiasm. Dh bought it for them on the way home from work tonight. We teased them that he's bought a movie for us adults to watch and when he whipped it out (hahaha, sorry my mind took a dirty road trip) of the BAG, my kids started dancing around him. Daughter practically tackled him to get to it. Which is no mean feat considering she's 4"11 and he's 6"! Have I mentioned the fact that my Daughter is a bit slender, too? She will be 11 next month and only weighs about 69lbs. My Dh (who will kill me when he sees this) weighs 250lb.

I've been bored w/ the treadmill this past week so I've been doing Yoga practically every day. I picked up a new DVD from the Library and it included Pilates, too. I AM SO SORE!!!!! My leg muscles are angry w/ me. And has anyone seen Inhale on the Oxygen network? Good God, the guy that does it is clearly Gumby in disguise. It's a Yoga show and I really want to try to do it, unfortunately I am afraid of getting stuck! No, really, I'm sure I can't do everything, but I am game to try. I taped this mornings and will try it soon. If I hurt myself, I'll have DH standing by as a guest blogger! Kidding. Although, tonight will be a good night to try, because he's off tomorrow and if I do something stupid, he can call for help! (sorry, my sense of humor is warped). I'll wait for my dinner to settle though, I don't feel like redecorating my walls! (sorry, humor again). I'm sooooo warped! Night, B.

I didn't want you to get too bored with Layla, so here's Oreo for your viewing pleasure. I call this the Sphynx look. I have to tell you this cat is just plain nuts.
I spent today feeling like I was running behind, when I wasn't. I did make it to the UBS today! I not only picked up a few books for me, but I got a couple for the kids, too. My Daughter wanted to read "Matilda" by Roald Dahl. Son picked up a Spider man book that is beyond his capabilities considering he can't read, but has pictures and either my Daughter or myself will end up reading it to him. I managed to pick up "Jude's Law" by Lori Foster. I can't remember what else I picked up, I'll list them later. I have been on a cleaning jag today. I cleaned all the bathrooms (yuck, I hate doing that!), vacumned the floors, organized our MB closet better, made dinner (not cleaning per se, but I want the credit for it), organized and placed all the recyclabes in the right place (why am I the only one who does this?) and guilted Dh into shampooing the floor for me. Not bad, right? Yeah, but before I go to bed I also need to polish the furnture. It never ends.
The In-laws called today (anyone else besides me hear the theme from jaws at that sentence?) Kidding. They are coming for a visit tomorrow afternoon. That's not what started the cleaning jag, but I don't give them ammo, either. Not much else going on today, just the everyday ordinary day of a stay-at-home mother who would love a treat for all my hard work! Kidding again. Although, I do have chocolate hidden in the kitchen.......Bye! B.

Yeah, I know. I take too many pictures of Layla. I've decided not to post many of my kids and those will be on a limited time frame, so..... learn to LOVE Layla.

In this picture she is on my lap, bent over backwards playing with a string. Just so you won't think I forced her into this.

We went to church this evening instead of this morning. We were up late and Son didn't sleep well at all. Also, we like the Priest who does the Sunday evening Mass. He told a joke this evening. Afterwards we went on a hunt for a vacumn cleaner. Mine died last month and I'm using my MIL's right now. I picked one out in one Wally-World, but they were out of it, so we went to a few others looking for it. All of them were out of it! Ugh! So hubby did a search when we got home, and would you believe even the website for the comany that manufacture's the thing doesn't list it!

*WARNING MIL RANT AHEAD*

Now, I told y'all that MIL bugged us about our plans for the weekend. I did not mention to y'all that my Son will be turning 4 years old on the 13th of this month. (Dh picked his birth day) She started in on what were our plans for our Sons birthday!? As in (I KNOW THIS WOMAN, TRUST ME) what were we doing so that they could come over and take it over. And yes, she would do this. Now, I've mentioned here before how all special Holidays and such are considered "open" to them. So in as much as, we are required to do what they want. We just want to spend Son's birthday with the 4 of us. We spend small amount of time that way as it is. Son will be at the age soon that he'll want his friends over or a huge party. Right now, he's a shy 4 year old, so we don't have to worry about that yet. I don't want to keep them out of his day, but I don't want them to ruin it, either. ANYWAY, we want to take him to the park and let him have fun. MIL's idea? Dinner at their house. Need I say more? I can't wait until next month. Daughter's birthday is next month, she'll be 11 years old. Her birthday is 2 days after my FIL. They ALWAYS make a big deal out of this and how their birthdays are "shared", and so must be celebrated together. Poor Daughter. She's had to do this whenever they've been around us at her birthday (why do you think we enjoyed living out of state?). It's not going to happen this year! I'm getting ahead of myself, right? Who's to say this'll happen. *snort, yeah right*

*RANT OVER*

Whew! That's a load off. And yes, it's truly as bad as I described. I am honest w/ myself, about myself and my faults. On another subject; I'm picking out new curriculum for daughter this week. Wish me luck. We're not satisfied w/ her work, or the curriculum right now, and feel that it's time for a change. Her current curriculum is totally on the computer and we are finding it diffucult to correct program problems. We are looking at CHC and Seton. I am making a list of Pro's and Con's of each. Not much else going on tonight. Night, B.

Have you EVER seen a more ticked off (but funny looking) cat! Hefty too! I'm still playing w/ the picture software Dh got me.

Do you know the one thing you should NEVER buy kids when you still have more errands to run? HARMONICAS!!! Good lord, they have been playing the stupid things ALL day! I can put up w/ it, but DH is soooo not Mommy material.

We did a BAD thing today. MIL called Dh on his way to work this morning to ask if I had plans today, and if we were busy tomorrow. Now we love them, but the peace we have experienced these past 2 weeks has been wonderful, while we were "punished". In other words we were on the persona non grata list w/ them; no phone calls, no visits, nada. WE LOVED IT! Anyway, DH told them I had plans, which I did; and that we had plans after church, which we really didn't have definite plans. More like a general we need to get this stuff done; DH w/ schoolwork, me w/ shampooing the floors. Do you know what happens next? After Dh calls me and tells me of this conversation, my MIL calls ME. To ask the same questions, again, and then AGAIN. Like she was trying to interrogate me! So, we are bad. Sue me. I have a peaceful *snort* (I have 2 kids, get real), weekend still ahead of me.

I still have not made it to the UBS. I tried to get by today, but they have adjusted their hours again and closed 5 minutes before I got there. Oh, well. Next week for sure. Especially since I haven't seen too many new releases out that I want right now. And the library, please! I keep waiting for them to add a few books to the catalog, but they are still in processing and my patience is wearing thin.

Off to bed, I have to get the kids moving early for Church in the morning! NIGHT, B.

I borrowed this picture from the artist Gary Patterson. It's just too cute and a little bit close to how I think cats are.

OK. I'm posting late tonight because my Dh and I had a church function this evening and we ate late, after stopping by the grocery store because I can't face a day w/o my diet Dr. Pepper and I was out. WHEW! Mouthfull.

Didn't make it to Co-Op today, but not because of me. My Dh felt dizzy this morning and I didn't want to leave him alone. The other night he felt dizzy right after he went to bed and PASSED OUT! Luckily he was laying down already. But it was wierd; one minute he was telling me he felt dizzy and the next thing he's breathing like he's snoring only faster and I'm slapping his hands trying to wake him up. I freaked. For the rest of the night I didn't sleep, I kept waking him up to check on him. He's done this one other time. Once when he was in the military, he was at his desk, took a sip of his drink and just...passed out for a minute. They checked him out then, and he was fine. I'm trying to get him to make an appointment with the Doctor to tell them about this latest episode. Needless to say, anytime he says he's dizzy, I now freak. I told him that when he did go to the Doctor he needs to tell them that his snoring has picked up more this year. I'm a light sleeper and he's cheating me out of sleep w/ his loudness!! He felt better later today, hence the return to normalcy. And the church event, Rite of Election. First time we've been to one.

I'm still trying to get over this "crud". It doesn't seem to want to leave. I've felt exhausted all week, too. Not because of DH, either. THAT I'm used to. Not meaning to sound like I'm complaining, trust me. On another tangent, did you know that Tetris is addictive? Dh put it on my cell phone and I just can't stop palying it! My reading has suffered! I must. Learn. To. Control. Myself. (hahahhaha!) Well, need to get things ready for tomorrow, before I hit the sheets. Night, B.

My Son took this picture of Oreo. Not bad for an almost 4 year old, huh?

I'm feeling better today. So much so that I took Daughter and Son on a trek to find her a pair of shoes for dressing up that were ivory. WHAT WAS I THINKING?? It took 2 HOURS to find her a pair of shoes!!!! We found one pair in a department store that were decent, but they cost $38. I don't pay that much for MY shoes! Needless to say we left. We finally found her a pair at Payless. God Bless Payless. But, after all this, MY FEET HURT! I finally got to go to the Library today(before the shoe expidition). I picked up a copy of "Flirting with Pride and Prejudice" edited by Jennifer Crusie. I'm curious about how authors today see this older generations literature.

I have Co-Op tomorrow. The kids are really looking forward to it. Me, I'm OK with it. I'd rather go to the UBS though. I figure if I take a book with me tomorrow I can just not worry about the other mothers. That didn't come out right. I mean I'll take a book and if it looks like I'm not going to find someone to talk to, THEN I can take out my book until it's OK to leave. Then I get to take a bag of trades to the UBS.

Anyway, wanted to thank y'all for the wishes of better health! The drainage continues, but the rest seems to be leaving. I've named this "The Crud". Because it makes you feel like total crud. Imaginative, no? Not much else going on. Tomorrow is another day. Granted a hard one for me, but I'll grit my teeth and get through it! Wish me luck. B.