The first thing I thought when I saw this was that Midnight had a death wish. The next? Where's my camera? The most surprising thing was that Layla didn't harm him at all. She layed there for a while longer then had enough and walked off.

Today was okay. Nothing brilliant. Dh and the kids got me a card and then...the day progressed to normal. We couldn't afford much this year, I was okay with that, but I would have appreciated even a flower. And, my Dad forgot me again. Sometimes I wonder if he forgets he even has a daughter. That's how I'm feeling today. Like I give and give and give to my family, and everyone takes and takes.

Anyway, I read a book last night and have finished already. I liked it, but it was a bit like a Vamp-Chick Lit. I'm the Vampire That's Why by Michelle Bardsley starts with Jessica being attacked as she takes out the trash. Thinking she's died, she wakes up to find herself sucking on the femoral artery of the most gorgeous naked man she's ever seen. Turns out his brother under the influence of a terrible madness not only attacked her, but 10 others in her town of Broken Heart. What follows is the beginning journey of a single mother's new existence and how to accept the life she's known, is now gone. Falling for her new "Master", Patrick, is not in her new plan, but her heart has other ideas. The book sets up nicely for sequels and the excerpt in the back of the book was great.

Y'al have a good evening, I'm off to bed and to forget today. I'm so glad it's over. Night, B.

Thought y'all would like to see a picture of Fireball, it was just too cute not to share. Trust me when I say he fits his name. we almost named him Comet, but that was too close to a Rheindeers name for me.

Today was BUSY. Daughter had her RE class as Church (which will run every wednesday until April). She had a ball, already made a new friend too. She said she had a good time, that her teachers were nice and that she even spoke in front of everyone, they all did, talking about themselves (hobbies, name, age, birthday, etc.). The ONLY part of it I didn't like was the LONG LINE to pick her up.

While she was having fun, Son and I went to the bookstore where he got to play with the trains and I bought him a drink. The funny thing was he cried after we left her, not missing her per se, but didn't want to be in the back of the van (the seats right behind me) by himself. He wanted me to sit back there with him, while driving! Um, nope, kinda won't work there, bud! Then he wanted to sit up front with me. Nope that won't work either. Had to explain about laws and his age, weight and height weren't right for it. Oooh, he didn't like all that! Cried all the way to the bookstore, till I told him he was going to play with trains. His mood greatly improved *g*.

After picking up Daughter we had to run by the library where I picked up my first EVER Georgette Heyer book, The Grand Sophy. I had seen something about it somewhere and decided to try it. I hope I do. I am very picky about the Historicals I read. After THAT I ran by the grocery store to pick up a few things we couldn't wait until shopping day for. You know, like bread and syrup for Son's favorite breakfast-pancakes. And, um, uh, cookies for me. I NEED cookies tonight. Take a guess why. Oh, and it's now officially my birthday. Thanks to my friends who have already sent wishes!! I appreciate them and I THANK YOU!!

Now, I'm off to take a warm shower and crawl into bed. I'm sooooo tired. Y'all have a good night and I hope you realize that the week is almost over!! Good news for sure. Night, B.

Here are Butterscotch and Fireball playing king of the mountain on one of my kitchen chairs. Butterscotch won! Fireball ended up falling off.

FIL's procedure went fine. Turns out he had a bit of a bigger blockage than they expected, something like 70% on one side and 90% on the other. They're putting in shints(?) and in 2 weeks he has to go back to have the other side done. He goes home wednesday. (Technically today because I'm up late.)

I finished and started Everything's Coming Up Rosie by Kasey Michaels. It was a cute, fun read. I loved all the different characters and she even redeemed a total witch in the book in the end. Of course there was a HEA and the couples (plural) arriving at it, did it in an entertaining way. The main characters are Doug, the cousin of the bride at a week-long wedding party culminating at the end with a wedding. And Rosie, a friend of the bride and fixer-extraorinare (but, really a web-site designer). Doug, turned 40 recently and has realized that he is tired of his Peter Pan existence. He meets Rosie within minutes of arriving at the party and is chagrined to find himself attracted to her, considering she's the female version of himself! Add a groom who is acting fishy and a brides mother who is rabid and there is a fun romp finishing with a wediing. This is a fun, light read, the heat between Rosie ansd Doug is palpable and the comedic timing is perfect. I liked it, but then I prefer my romance a bit light and funny.

The kids were a bit nuts today. Daughter starts her RE classes at Church tomorrow night. I have to drop her off and this is the first time she's attended a class taught by someone else. I hope she behaves. I am actually sort of looking forward to the homeschool group starting back up. Not for me, but for the social interaction the kids get from it. I'll never be the type that shows up every week, I can't stand to be around people that much, but I will try and get them there at least once a month. I will have to *shudder* call *shudder* the woman I think is in charge of it soon. This is one thing my DH can't do for me. Have I mentioned I hate the phone? Well, not if it's Dh. We talk a couple times a day.

Anyway, enough of my neurosis about phones. I'm heading to bed, I wish sweet dreams for you all, and a peaceful wednesday, too. Just think. It's now wednesday, the middle of the week. Already? YEAH!!!! Thursday is my Birthday. Yeah me. I'm going to be 32 (oooh, I remembered how old I'll be!) and my birthdays all suck, so you are warned. Agh! Bad topic! See y'all, B.

I received the camera battery. I really like ebay!!!! I thought I'd post all these pictures to make up for the fuzzy ones I had to post all last week.

Thank you all for the comments on my quandry yesterday. I appreciate all of your advice.
Dh's dad goes in for his procedure with the heart catherization tomorrow(tuesday). Dh is going to be there with his Mom for a few hours. They may not get along (as a family) but we are there when needed. (Well, I'll be home with the kids, but you get the idea.)
Want to know another thing we had to wrestle with? Dh's family had the bright idea to have a family reunion on the 10th of september (which is also DH's birthday!) , BUT my family reunion is WITHOUT FAIL, every year, the sunday after Labor day, which this year falls on..... (wait for it)......the 10th. Now, we've already made plans ( 2 months ago) to go to mine, it's at a state park, there are kids there for ours to play with, a boat rental place, etc. My MIL was not thrilled to hear we had already made plans (she approached me first) and tackled my Dh when they came over on sunday. HA! Dh loves my family. He told her that sorry, we had already made plans. She did not look happy. (Is it sad that I live for times like that?) Why do I get the feeling that they are going to try and guilt us into attending theirs? Why? Because it's all about control with her, and she knows DH loves my family and enjoys being around them. He has a good time and she can't stand it. I. Kid. You. Not. I already have my excuse ready for why I can't stay long on friday. If I didn't I'd end up wanting to smack my forehead into a wall to escape. (I'm not kidding about that, by the way.)

Haven't read anything today. Just been too busy with the kids and trying to keep the house in order. And, I have to admit, my blog surfing had a bit to do with it too. Anyway, I hope y'all had a good monday, the first hurdle of the week is behind us. Time to look forward to the rest of the week. Have a good evening and try to stay out of trouble *g*, B.

Today was a dragging type of day. But, not for me, for my Son who refused to quiet down last night and stayed awake over 2 hours past when I sent him to sleep. Fun. Because he woke up CRANKY. VERY CRANKY. Cranky enough to tell me during a prayer at Church that he wanted to go home, in a normal level voice. Something he's NEVER done before. Now, my kids aren't angles, no where near. But, they are both generally well behaved in Church. Usually quiet and I have to keep an eye on Son's flailing arms with whatever toy he decided to take. (Actually, I pack him a small backpack. We keep crayons, matchbox cars, a few action figures, and his favorite hard candy (spearmints), every now and then I pop him some gum in there as well.) Today? Well, today he was still quiet, still had the flailing arms, but interrupted a prayer.

Okay, I have a hard question for y'all, and for me. I have a ring that I inherited from my Mother. It is BIG. It is a bit garrish. I don't like it AT ALL. My Mom liked it, but because it came to her from her mother, from my Nana. Now, I inherited a lovely necklace from my Nana that I adore, so the ring has no emotional value, except that it belonged to my Mom. I will never wear this ring, my Daughter doesn't like it and I've inheited a few other (prettier) pieces of jewlery from my Mother to pass to her and my Son. Now, my question....I'm thinking of having the ring appraised and then sold. If this was you, would you do it?

Finished reading Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter. I really enjoyed it. Belle is having an off day, well to be honest most her days were off days, she keeps working and getting fired from dead-end jobs to support her Father in an assisted living facility due to heart problems. Crossing paths with a scientist who disappears, leaves her with a cup of coffee that tastes sweeter than before and all of a sudden she's sick as a dog, waking up with a stranger in her apartment. Rome was sent to 'neutralize' Belle, because she now can control the 4 elements. In theory. Now she's on the run from the bad guys who want to control her and experiment on her AND the good guys who want to do the same thing. All of a sudden Rome is looking great to Belle as she must learn to trust him and her heart and to learn how to control Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. When a hint of sadness can make it rain, how's a girl to hide? I LIKED IT, ALOT!!!

We watched the Emmy's tonight and I have to say I was very disappointed. HOUSE did not win a thing! Very bad. I wanted to smack "24" (I don't like the show, can you tell?) winners.
The In-Laws INSISTED on coming over tonight. Why? Maybe because of his procedure on Tuesday? Don't know, but I was conned into going over there on Friday, the day after my birthday, because she made me an Italian Creme cake. I said, DEAL! I LOVE Italian Creme cake. But, I know she bought me clothes. I HATE when she does that. Yes, I have control issues, not to mention I don't like anyone knowing (or even thinking they know) my size AND her taste and mine are NOT the same. At all. And? my Dad won't remember my birthday, he never does. So all this just makes me depressed and want thursday to end quickly.

Well, lets see I mentioned Books, the In-Laws, myself ;o), and my kids. My job is done. Y'all have a good evening and try and stay out of trouble on Monday, B.

Just want y'all to know I'm fine. Had a boring day and nothing to jabber about. Have a good night and I'll post again later, having trouble sleeping, going to lay back down. Night, B.

See, I promised you pictures of the other cats and I have produced one! Layla is pouting because I wouldn't put the camera down and I dared to take her picture.

Why is it, when you're really tired, everyone and everything conspire to keep you from sleeping? I think I woke up 4 or five times during the night. But the worst was last night, right before bed. I had made sure the kids had a snack before we headed upstairs and yet after I had everyone settled down, my Son comes over to me, and I swear to goodness, uttered the words that puzzled the heck out of me. "I'm hungry." And there was no way to get him to stop, he's relentless. Until finally, I took him downstairs and gave him a bowl of dry cereal to take upstairs, breaking my cardinal rule of no food upstairs. I was THAT TIRED. 10 minutes afterwards, he was out like a light. I need to break him of this before it becomes a habit. Then the SIL called at the crack of dawn. They are going on vacation next week, but FIL has to go into the hospital for a catherization due to a blockage around his heart which is making his blood pressure high. Which is the reason for the catherization because they aren't EXACTLY sure why his blood pressure is high. We already knew all this, but she wanted to make sure that Dh was going to be there when his Dad goes for the procedure. Well, duh!! Add waking up every hour or so during all of this, and yeah, I'm wooped.
Oh, but, I did come downstairs this morning and catch Daughter trying to get online, so we're going to look for a lock for the computer armoire this weekend. I knew, just KNEW she was sneaking downstairs. Now I have proof. Ha! It's not like she can really get on the computer anyway. It's password protected. For instances just like this. So unless she's been sneaking looks over my shoulder (I wouldn't put it past her) there's no way she can get online. Might be time to change the password, just in case.

Haven't managed to read much of anything today. I did start the Gena Showlatere book. So far I really like it. The heroine has problems with anger management and the hero is just being introduced personality wise. I'll let you know my thoughts on it when I finish it.

Well, I'm tired. Ya'll have a good evening. I stayed up to write this and I think my eyes are crossing. Night, B.

I know y'all are curious why no pictures of the other cats? Well, I've posted their pictures for a year, thought it was time for some others. But, I will post some new pictures of the others soon. Promise. (Still waiting on delivery of my battery.)

See Fireball and Turtle, aren't they cute? All snuggled up together. It doesn't take long, then he wants to play and I have to put him on the floor, because he plays too rough with her.

Could someone tell me why one of the kittens (Butterscotch) purrs so much? He purrs when he's sleepy, he purrs when he's eating and of course, he purrs when you pet him. But, why SO much? Especially the eating purr?

Okay, I was very bad today. I bought 3 books. I WOULD have bought 4, but to my dismay Out of This World by Jill Shalvis isn't going to be available at my local BAMM. I could order it and pick it up, the guy told me (Um, hello. If I was going to order it, I'd have it sent to my house instead!). BUT, I did manage to pick up Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter. I also bought Everything's Coming Up Rosie by Kasey Michaels and Murphy's Law by Lori Foster. Considering I haven't bought a book since the one I sorta bashed last month, I thought I did pretty well. I still want Out of This World, though. Badly!!!! I might have to give in and order it. Amazon is dragging their feet about releasing it, but Barnes&Noble and BAMM are shipping it now.

Ya'll know that cold I thought I had? Nope. NOW I have it. Last week must have allergies (God help me). Now I have all the fun stuff like drainage and a cough, plus I sound nasal and yesterday when I woke up I sounded like Bea Arthur for a while. Fun, Fun.

Need to run. I have things to do, like shut off the lights and make sure the cats have fresh water in their fountain and top off their bowl of dry food. Plus check the locks, then re-check them at least once. Y'all have a good evening and I hope your dreams are blessed, B.

I know this isn't a picture of the cats, but this is a picture of the Opossum that I have been feeding (accidentaly) for a few weeks now. I put food out for the strays, mainly Tiger (who has adopted us as HIS family). He is actually not as bad as opposums are made out to be. We've looked them up and they are basically a shy, nocturnal, non-confrontational creature. Everytime he gets spooked while out there, he hides under that table.

Yesterday wasn't as bad as I expected, yes I was emotional, but it wasn't as bad as last year. Maybe time does help. Also, I kept busy. I didn't leave the house like I thought I would, just couldn't drag myself out the door, but I had laundry and I walked 3 miles on the treadmill and I read Kay Hoopers Sleeping With Fear. GOOD BOOK! I really liked it. The villian was obvious (to me), but the love story was interesting in that the heroine couldn't remember falling in love with the hero or the 3 weeks that she'd been on the Island, but found that she could still trust him. It helped that the story was set in a fictional town on an island in South Carolina, too.*g* Those who like light suspense tinged with a paranormal touch will really like this installment of the Bishop series.I can't wait to see whose story is next!

I didn't feel like cooking tonight (I made a magical disapearing Roast last night) and had DH bring home McD's. I was in the mood for a burger and the kids didn't complain. YUM! Oh, hey the bathroom re-do is almost done. Dh has the floor down (it's beautiful) and the sink is now working, the toilet has been put back, but BUT the tile raised the floor up a centimeter and now the stupid hoses are a centimeter too short!! So DH has to buy new hoses. BUT, I should have a working toilet by tomorrow!! YAY!! Now he just needs to finish cutting the new molding. I painted, so now just waiting on the molding.

That's it from my reality. Have a good evening. I'm going to try and get some sleep, B.

I know I posted this picture before, but today is the last time I saw my Mother and held her hand, 4 years ago. (btw, this picture is over 13 years old.)

Teree Barbara Andrews Dec. 18, 1949-August 23, 2002. Beloved Mother and Nana. I miss you Mom.


Um, I wrote another poem last night. It's pretty depressing, and is very rough. But, it suited my mood when I began to remember the last few days with my Mother.

Shadows Of Time

Gray thoughts swirl like shadows,
emotions sway and dip.
Time slows and reverses,
memories flood the mind.
Happy days filled with love and joy, sift like sand through fingers.
Time again shifts forward, with tears.
Mother has become child.
Her child now grown, with tears falling,
watches as her Mother slips away.
Joys remembered, love shared,
endures in memories through time.

Like I said, it's rough. But, I began trying to remember the good times with my Mom and still have a hard time not remembering her in the Hospital before she passed.

Have been taking it easy today. We had a thunderstorm come through this afternoon, and contrary to most, I love them, so that was good. Haven't had time to read today, which sucks. But, I'm going to try and make time soon. Dh is still getting the bathroom together. The floor looks great. He re-installed the sink yesterday and is still working on the toilet, something about needing plumbers concrete and long screws. He picked those up tonight, so hopefully soon I'll have a working restroom downstairs again. It's a pain without it, because Son is scared to go upstairs by himself (I have no idea why), so someone walks up with him.
I haven't been anywhere since Sunday, so I'm going to try and get out tomorrow. I have things I was supposed to do this week that haven't been done (errands), but I hope to take care of soon.
Anyway, I know I've either bored you, or depressed you, so I apologize. I'm actually a bit better this year. (scarey isn't it?) Have a good night. Hug your loved ones! B.

This isn't the picture I wanted to post last night, but I HAD to post it tonight! That big blob sacked out is Midnight. On my blanket last night. Isn't he hilarious? Notice how his fac still looks like a bat? Dh's camera phone has a better picture of him like this that I'll post later. He's so funny when he's asleep too. I was playing with his paws and he did nothing! He was that asleep! Can someone explain to me how cat that was all black a week ago, can now have white hairs starting to sprinkle the top of his head and shoulders?

Oh and this cat has a death wish. Layla was enjoying her bedtime petting and he jumped up and tried to play with her legs and then, he layed down curled up next to her. Luckily at first she ignored him, but then she got ticked off and jumped down. That's when he relaxed into the pose in the picture!

Finally got that something sweet I was craving, but definitely didn't need. Blonde Brownies, YUM!! Michele was baking brownies for a Church picnic and gave me the idea. I was in the kitchen that night. And the best thing? Dh doesn't have a sweet tooth and so far the kids are ignoring them, because they're not chocolate, and that leaves them ALL for me. Like I need that. Can someone be really happy and guilty at the same time?I'm happy I have the something sweet. Now, I need to go do some sort of excercise. I have been a little remiss in that lately. Only 2x times last week. Bad Brandy! I'm going to try and do better this week. I am going t be 32 in a week and a half, I need to feel better about that. On one hand, I'm not concerned, on the other, I want to set a good example for my kids, and I want to feel better about my body. But, I've been struggling with that for over 20 years, so I don't think that's going to happen. I'd settle for being comfortable. Anyway, that's my weird post. I'm off to burn the brownie with Yoga.
Night all, B.

Um, keep trying to upload a picture, but blogger seems to be having problems. So......I really don't have much to tell y'all today. I am still suffering this stupid blasted drainage. And. I am tired, very, very, tired.
Y'all have a good night. I promise to try adn be in better form tomorrow. Night, B.

Have you ever noticed a movie you watch when nothing is on TV? Or when you need a laugh? Well, Dh and I both have seen this movie more than a dozen times. My favorite part, the ending, or rather the 3 different endings, when Tim Curry is running around trying to explain how someone else was the murderer and how they accomplished the deed.
We watched it again tonight. We couldn't find anything we wanted to watch on TV, so....we popped it in. To show y'all how big of a fan I am, this picture? Yeah, I have a 10 x 13 poster of it, hanging near one of my bookcases.
Another favorite movie? Sixteen Candles, I've seen it more than a dozen times, too. I love the whole 'he doesn't know I exist- to- happily ever after, right now. And also, I might, just a wee bit, idenify with the main girl character.... I wasn't popular in HS. I met my Dh by accident. (Although we have come to find a few too many coincidences to fully believe that.) And he was a lot more popular than I was. So, I can sorta see myself in 'Sam's' shoes.
What movies can you see part of yourself in? What movie is your favorite on a quiet night?

I did read Not So Snow White by Donna Kauffman last night. I really liked how it showed familial dynamics and had that bit of romance as well. Tess Hamilton used to be a world Champ tennis player, but thanks to a shoulder injury was forced to retire before she was ready. Now, her youngest brother is getting married and her money is all gone. While traveling to the wedding we meet her distant political father and older, stiff, attorney brother. She has no idea how to tell them she is broke and is really too prideful to do it as well. Enter Fairy Godmother Aurora, an old friend of the family, who discovers that all is not as wonderful as Tess is trying to make it seem. Aurora naturally wants to help and puts Tess in contact with a teenage tennis player Gaby Fontaine, to mentor her, who's older brother is leary of Tess's involvement with his sister. Althought the romance didn't really occur until the last 3rd of the book, I really liked it and recommend it to anyone who wants to read about maturing, accepting responsibility, and quite a few comedic quips and low key heat.
Well, that's it for me. Y'all have a nice evening. I have elusive sleep to catch, B.

Another picture of Turtle. Who now can (barely) climb out of the basket she's been sleeping in. The kids put the kittens (Fireball, Butterscotch and Turtle) in my bedroom before we left on a mission to find a camera battery , and she was in her basket and they were in their bed when we left. When we got back and I went up to let them out, SHE was in their bed and they were in HER basket. I swear I did a double-take. And that, is how we discovered she can get out of her basket. I say barely because she has a toy in her basket she stands on to reach the top, to climb out. It takes her a few minutes, but she manages. I found myself actually rooting for her as I watched her do it again later this evening.

As for the great digital camera battery hunt....AGH! Best Buy has stopped carrying my battery, and Circuit City doesn't carry them, either. Dh did a little research, the great buy we got on the camera is turning out to not be so much a great thing. The camera was released in limited places here in the US, turns out to be a major UK release. Hence the hard to find batteries. I have the Best Buy in the next city to check tomorrow, maybe they're not sold out of them yet.

Um, I may have ovverdone it yesterday. With the weights and the yoga and the painting and the laundry and the housework. And.......it never ends. But, I woke up sore today and slept way late. Luckily the kids were tired too and slept until I woke thm up! *g*

I have a craving for something sweet, only I don't know what. Hmmm. I don't feel like baking. And it's time for bed, so maybe I can trick my body into thinking it is happy without it. Y'all have a good evening. I'm going to veg in front of the tv for a few minutes before heading to bed! Sweet dreams and wishes for a good weekend, B.

Thought I'd show you what ends up happening every time I get comfy in my chair. I get a buddy. Who LOVES to sleep right next to me, and who makes me nervous about shifting position. In. My. Own. Chair. I am such a sucker for these cuties. Oh, and this is Fireball.
Haven't done much today, except for laundry, painting, my excercise (which is ok to do as long as I feel ok and don't have a fever), and made a pork loin for dinner. The painting? I painted the bathroom. Still waiting on Dh to finish the rest of the redo though.
DH now has this stupid cold, but he acts like he's dying. I kid you not. Came home from work this evening and layed down with a cold cloth over his face. The drainage has given him a headache and not being a woman, he doesn't know how to deal with all of it. If I sound bitter it's because he acts worse than my kids when he gets sick. If it were serious, I'd be worried, but it's a COLD for heavens sake!
Still haven't sone any reading. Have been busy with Daughter's schoolwork and Son, and now Dh. AND the stupid bathroom redo. WHICH IS STILL NOT DONE! Agh!
Y'all have a good evening. I'm off to clean a bit before bed. Night, B.

Midnight is playing in a paper grovery bag. He loves it! Oh, the picture is a bit fuzzy because I still don't have a battery for my camera. Went to get it tonight and they were out. I'll try again this weekend, in the meantime my cell phone camera is helping out. Midnight is looking better isn't he? He seems to have some Oriental breed in him, as his ears are still large and his face still triangular. Also, his legs are long and thin. BUT, his belly is round! We've taken to nicknaming him "Mooch", he's constantly eating or tracking our food like a bloodhound.

Feeling a bit better today, still exhausted and this drainage sucks. Think I may have to pick up some kind of vitamin soon for the tiredness. I cleaned up all the tools my Dh has left out in the garage and in my hallway outside the bathroom he's re-doing. While in the garage, I hurt another of my toes. Yes, I know, biggest klutz ever. And? I think I broke this one too. *sigh*

I haven't been able to read anything in the last few days. I've been busy and yes, too tired to read. And yes, you can be too tired to read. I didn't used to think so, but now I do. I still have this countdown in my head, too.I can't quite stop it and know it'll only get worse as the week wears on.

The kids are fine, Daughter is making me crazy and Son is tired and cranky. He doesn't so much have the cold anymore, as just the drainage and tiredness. He fell asleep tonight on the way home from running errands, WAY before bedtime. Poor thing. Daughter is dragging her feet on the book report she has due. Why? She makes up stories to tell her brother, but won't put them down on paper! Ugh! The aggravation!

The kittens are all fine. I gaveTurtle the wormer the Vet gave me to give her her this week, today. And since then she has had THE worse gas! And Midnight still has his! Ewwww! I swear, it's awful, but makes us laugh all the same. The kittens all swarm all over me. They must see me as some big Kitty-Mom, especially when they're sleepy.

That's it tonight. I just want to go to bed. I feel sooooo tired. Night y'all, B.

My beautiful Layla doesn't look happy does she? I'm not feeling very well today. I think I'm getting Son's cold and I've been running errands all day, so I'm wiped out.

I have a mental countdown of the 23rd in my head (the day my Mother finally passed) and I can't seem to stop from thinking of it. I wrote another post about, but didn't want to freak y'all out, so I didn't post it. I'll try to be warm and friendly tomorrow, but tonight, I just can't be.

Sleep well, B.

So, y'all like the new template? Good, so do I!

Thought I 'd give y'all another look at Turtle. Isn't she cute? And the best part is, she's starting to look more like a kitten, and not just an alien. Actually Dh and I thought she looked like an Ewok from Star Wars Return of the Jedi.

A friend suggested that I've not mentioned my Daughter in a while. Well, it's because she and I have been butting heads lately. She's great helping with the kittens, but mention cleaning her room, or doing other chores, or even just finishing another book report she has due and she is driving me batty! I think she's in the stage called 'pre-teen' now. And what's sad is, she still will hold my hand when we go out and will just come up and give me a hug, but tell her something to do? Aghhhh! The agravation is getting to me.

Anyway, managed to get my book at the library today. Also picked up Heart Mate and Heart Thief by Robin D. Owens, Not So Snow White by Donna Kauffman and of course Sleeping With Fear by Kay Hooper. The latter I've been trying to get my hands on for over a month now. I've never read a book by Robin D. Owens before, but have heard excellent things and decided to give her a try.

Oh, oh, the best thing happened. A week or 2 ago Lucy Monroe had a big blog party with guest bloggers and prizes. Turns out I won a prize and it came in the mail today: a book flap of Hell on Wheels, a bookmark from Texas Bad Boys and a postcard from Texas Bad boys by Karen Kelly, BEST of ALL an ARC of Southern Exposure. Weeeee! Too cool! I have such bad luck usually, but this month has ben nice so far.

That's it from me! Y'all sleep well and have great dreams, B.

WHOA! STOP! You're at the right place. I had Dh change my template and am going to give this one a try for a few days.

HA! A new picture. Had to take it with a camera phoone, though. My camera's battery is dead and it's not one of those that takes regular batteries. Oh, no, it has to take a special weird flat battery that only Best Buy carries.

Feels like I've been running all day. We're still putting the kittens in lockdown when we go anywhere, so that's fun. Whe we get up, we take them downstairs with us, but if we go out, we hustle them upstairs and close them up in our bedroom. Butterscotch and Fireball seem to have problems finding the litterbox upstairs, so we have to keep an ear out. Yes, I said an ear out, because they cry like crazy right before they have to potty.

Dh is actually going at the new re-do quickly. He already has some tile down and has to take the others to be cut tomorrow. We're worried now about the other 2 bathrooms. If the one downstairs leaked, how about the ones upstairs? The In-Laws called today and wanted to know if we could come over, Dh let them know that we had a project underway and were a bit busy. They wanted to know what project, so Dh explained about the molding, the floor and the mold. They told him we should have contacted our homeowner's warranty company. Not a bad suggestion, it's just we wanted it taken care of NOW, not later. Mold isn't something you mess with, and we took a sample to be tested. But, Dh will see if they'll reimburse us for the costs of re-doing the floor and stuff.

Didn't get to pick up my book today, we were busy running to Church (I mean RUNNING, we were 2 minutes late!), and were'nt able to get to the library before they closed. But, I have until tomorrow at 9pm. Anyway, y'all have a good evening. I have laundry out the ying-yang to do. Sweet dreams, B.

The expression on Layla's face is funny. She's watching one of the kittens walk around. She is getting a little better at letting them get near her. She waits a minute before she hisses and stalks off. :o)

Son is feeling lots better today. No crying or crankiness. He's still got his cough and a bit of congestion, but other than that, he's fine.

We have another household project in the works. We noticed some water had leaked out of the cats water (we keep it downstairs in the half bath)and I cleaned it up and didn't give it another thought. Until. Until I noticed the molding on the floor now has water damage. Because the builders of this house used pressed wood molding. Dummies! So Dh has decided to replace all the molding in there and while he's doing that, he's also decided to go ahead and tile it as well. Aaaghhhhh!!! HELP ME!! He says he's confident he can get it done in a week, but a week without our downstairs bath is scarey. The mess , the idea of mess is already causing me stress!

The library called 30 minutes before they closed to tell me that Sleeping With Fear is in. It was too close to closing today, so I was unable to pick it up. I WILL be going tomorrow. Nothing much else going on here. I have more stuff to do around here, including keeping Dh on track with his new project. Y'all sleep well, B.

Another shot of the terrible trio! Aren't they sweet?

Son has a cold and is crying at the drop of a hat, so this is it for me tonight. I feel so bad that he doesn't feel well.

Have a good evening! B.

Meet Turtle. I took her with me today when we took Midnight to the Vet for his shots. Midnight now weighs 2 pounds and is in good health, except for a BAD case of ear mites. Which he just showed signs of yesterday. Turtle weighs 6 ounces and the Vet agreed with me that she is 3 weeks old.
I hate to say it, but besides doing my Yoga and harassing Daughter to finish her schoolwork, that's all I've been up to. Oh, that and teasing DH. I made his Favorite dinner tonight, but he's working until 11:30 every night, so I took a picture of a bowl of it (Spaghetti and meatballs) and sent it to him at work (gotta love camera phones), then I sent him a message that said 'oops, ate it all'. Hahaha! He texted me back 'funny'. I love yanking his chain. Sometimes it's hard to believe we've been married over 13 yeaars. I remember the first year we were married, I used to dump ice water on him while he was in the shower. (I only did it 2x, I think.) But, he got even, don't worry.
The EVIL library has finally added Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper to circulation, I am first in 'line' to get it, so I hope SOON.
That's it for tonight. Sorry, I'm tired from all the house stuff I've had to do, not to mention keeping 2 kids calm and collected at the Vets office. Goodnight, I hope your dreams are filled with all wonderful things, B.
***UPDATED: Midnight has had tummy trouble this week and the Vet gave him some medication for it. May I just say that he now has the WORST gas I have ever been around?!OMG!!! And he just wants to snuggle with me.........I need a gas mask, stat!!

Excuse Dh's arm, I wanted y'all to see how much Fireball trusts him. Isn't this too cute? He's asleep, by the way.

I had told Dh I wasn't sure I wanted another Ginger, but when I saw this little guys face (reminds me of a tiger cub) I couldn't resist him. We're still looking for Squeekie, I have a poster on my front door and a flyer taped to my mailbox, and we check the flyers we have on the poles in our neighborhood everytime we leave the house.

Turtle is fine. She survived the night well. At first I was waking her up to feed every 2 hours, but then decided to let her sleep longer in the hope she would eat more when she woke up. And she did. Not to mention I wasn't getting any sleep, it takes me a while to get to sleep. Fireball climbed into her basket today and sniffed her. He climbed all over her, and she him. Gotta love the fact that most kittens never meet another kitten they don't like.

We stayed at home today and basically I did enough laundry for 2 families. How do 4 peple go through so many clothes? Most of it is Dh. He wears nice clothes to work, then comes home and changes into scroungey stuff. And then, there are the kids, who spill stuff, Son who has been known to draw on his clothes, and Daughter who cannot manage to eat without spilling SOMETHING on her clothes. You ought to see her eat Spaghetti.

Oh and Michele? Thanks to our discussion last week I have been eating chocolate all week. (Not for the usual reason, either.) I lay the blame at your feet. I had gone MONTHS without eating it. Well, I gues it's OK. I'm really enjoying my Caramello bar! Night y'all, I hear a piece of chocolate whipering to me now. SWEET DREAMS, B.

Say Hi to Butterscotch. He's the one that climbed out of the box the kittens were in, to go after his brother. He is the cautious, sweet one of the 2. He and his brother LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Dh. They both fell asleep on his chest last night.

I went to the shelter today to do my usual walk-through. After all this time ( a month) I'm begining to wonder if we'll ever find Squeekie. I had to fill out a report for this month for them. And OMG, a nurse from a hospital near me came in a brought a basket, I had left the kids up front while I did the walk-through (I asked first) and when I came out of the back and was getting ready to leave, I turned and my Daughter was looking into the basket. All of a sudden I hear this "squuuueeek" and look over, Daughter has this little kitten in her hands, the kitten looks about 3 weeks old, the woman who had brought it in said that someone had left it on top of an AC unit at the Hospital where she worked and that she took it home with her last night, but that her mother who lived with her and her kids was allergic, so she had no choice but to take it to the shelter. The lady in the office at the shelter told her that if a kitten was stil nursing (needed milk) that they would have to put it down. My heart stopped. But, I was going anyway because I figured maybe the office lady would relent, when the lady in the office said that she had no one to take care of it, they just couldn't take care of her at the shelter and yes, it would HAVE to be put down. Again, my heart stopped. The nurse who brought it in, turned to get the kitten from her Daughter and said she didn't want to but she didn't have a choice, she would have to turn it in anyway. I walked over to her and the office lady and I swear to you now, someone else took over my head. I said,"I'll take it. I can't let you put her down." The office lady said "I never saw this" (smiling) and the nurse and I worked out the details, she gave me the basket the kitten was in, a nurser bottle for kittens, a jar of kitten formula, a blanket for the kitten and a stuffed bear she said the kitten seemed to like. So all afternoon and evening I've been trying to get this kitten to eat. I figure once she's big enough we can find her a home(like fostering). For now we are calling her Turtle, because she likes to hide in the blanket and her coloring is that of a Tortie. Midnight climbed into my lap, up onto my chest while I was feeding her earlier and snuggled up to her. She loved it. Especially when he started to purr. I'm thinking he's one heck of a kitten. She snurfled up under his chin and went to sleep.

My kids were invited to a birthday party (invitation last week) for today, for a little girl in our neighborhood, who I don't even like. (She tells "stories" and outright lied to me one time she was here) and Daughter is grounded, so they didn't go, but I felt since the Mother was nice enough to invite both my kids and everything, we got her a small gift and Daughter took it over and came straight back. But, am I still a big fool, or is it just me? Next time, I won't be guilted (by me) into doing something like that. I don't know why I do that. I don't.

STILL waiting on the evil library to get Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper to be released into circulation. And now, I find out that she has another book just released, a re-release of hers titled Golden Threads, the library is ordering it, but no telling how long it will take to get it in. See why I call it the EVIL library?

Anyway, that's it from here. Time to set my alarm clock for 2 hours. It's like having a newborn. Sleep tight, B.

Ok, this is the stupid, not so bright, really crazy, what the heck were we thinking , OMG aren't they adorable thing that we did. Meet Fireball and Butterscotch. And notice how Midnight is curled among them? Yeah, that's the reason for Fireball and Butterscotch. The sad thing is, we only meant to pick out one other cat, but......Dh and had to take the other as well because he climbed out of the box and came after his brother. We decided if he was going to tackle the big, strong, wild world to chase after his brother, then we couldn't say no. Actually, Dh couldn't say no. I refuse to take total blame for this!

The other cats were ignoring Midnight. They weren't hissing anymore, but they were ignoring him, and he was lonely for someone besides Son to play with. And then, Oreo started swatting him anytime he came near her. Not with her claws out, but more like, go bother someone else already, type of swatting. And everytime he started to try and play with her, she started growling. So.......I decided he needed a playmate. No, I hadn't hit my head. No, I hadn't been drinking (I can't, I'm allergic). So, there you go. The whole story. Yes, I'm a big goober, yes we know what we're doing.

Onto other news. I picked up a copy of Smitten the other day, by Janet Evanovich. It was a sweet book, but not the funniest of her re-released novels. So far, Rocky Road to Romance has been my favorite of those. In this book, a recently divorced mother of 2 boys needs a job, but doesn't want to work in an office. Instead she walks onto a construction site in her beighborhood and asks the foreman for a job. The forman takes one look at her and knows that she won't be able to handle the job, but hires her anyway. He admires her for asking for a job that she knows nothing about. Needless to say, he admores other attributes of hers and she starts to think all men aren't jerks. Add in a wacky Great-Aunt, a flasher with a paper bag over his head, and a dog who is the biggest scavenger ever and you have a cute, slightly wacky romantic story. I admit, I believe Janet Evanovich could write a shopping list and I'd like it.

That's it from here. Have a good night, sleep well, B.

Hi. I am tired. We went to Church this morning and barely made it on time. For some reason the alarm clock didn't go off and then we overslept. We had 15 minutes EXACTLY to get everyone dressed and out of the house. Somehow we made it, though. After church we did something really stupid. Really stupid. Something we probably shouldn't have done, but needed to do. I'll tell you tomorrow. Let's just say my soft heart did a summersault, and mine wasn't the only one. Dh is to blame as well.
After that fun errand we had to come home, change, and go to my Dad's where we apent 5 hours just realxing and gabbing away. My kids tell me everytime we go out there that thel love visiting my Dad and Step-Mother and that they don't want to leave. Son was really protesting tonight when we left. Dh and I enjoy it as well. We have a hard time etting out the door, because we don't want to leave either.
And after that? Home! Because we all didn't get enough sleep last night, rushed all morning and early afternoon. So, another day where this is a short post because I'm EXHAUSTED!!!! Y'all sleep well, sweet dreams and I hope Monday starts your week off gently, B.

Yet another picture of Midnight. I'll post more pictures of the other kitties tomorrow. This kitten is the sweetest thing, but when you have food nearby, watch out!

I have been tagged by Bailey, the tag is called One Book. So without further ado:

One Book that changed my life? I'm sorry, I can't name just one. There have been many books that I feel I've gained something from.

One Book that I have read more than once? Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie, I've actually read this book 4 times.

One Book I would want on a deserted island? Survival Skills for Dummies. They have a Dummies book for everything these days, this one has to exist, right?

One Book that made me laugh? Good grief, just one? Um, Manhunting by Jennifer Crusie. So many dates, so many injuries! Or Alpine for You by Maddy Hunter, who ever said vacationing with your grandmother would be boring?

One Book that made me cry? Little Women by Lousia May Alcott. Out of all the classics this is my favorite.

One Book I wish I'd written? Pride and Predjudice. This story has been told, retold, still published, made into movies and is adored and loved around the world.

One Book I wish had never been written? I believe everyone has a right to their opinions, whether I read them or not is my business. Censorship is not right, but helping children chose books that will benefit them rather than fill them with hate is needed.

One Book I've been meaning to read? More classics, but seriously? Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper. Still waiting on the EVIL lirary to get it in.

Well, that was enlightening. Seems I feel guilted into reading more literature, but since life is full of things that don't make me happy, I'll stick with reading the ones that do. Like romance and my lite mysteries (cozies).

I spent the day yanking weeds out of the yard, well I spent an hour or 2 yanking weeds, cleaning an outside toy of Son's and chopping off a tree limb. In the heat and humidity. Now I feel like someone sapped every bit of energy I had. Good thing bedtime is close :o). I'm wiped out, so I hope y'all have sweet dreams and treat yourselves to something nice tomorrow, B.

Okay, I know you're scratching your head wondering "What the heck?" This is Midnight in the pouch-pocket on Son's new Windbreaker he got this evening. And no, Son didn't put him in there. I did. ( I was curious!)

So, the In-Laws came over today. They called this morning and annoyed the stuffing out of us by not taking no for an answer when they asked if they could. Dh told them I had plans today, I told them I had plans to day, and they insisted it was important and they needed to come over. They did say they wouldn't stay long. And they didn't. Know what the big deal was? They gave me some money to buy the kids some Fall/Winter clothing. And the big deal had to be today because our state is doing a tax fee weekend for Back-to-School supplies. To be honest I couldn't believe it! They came by, were VERY nice and then left after spending an hour with the kids so I could get my errands done. WHERE ARE MY REAL IN-LAWS?! The ALIENS HAVE MY IN-LAWS! Don't fret, I like the new pod people they replaced them with.

Do you know that buying clothes for kids, even without taxes on them, is not cheap? Thank goodness for Marshalls for Daughter's sake and The Children's Place for Son's. Each were bought one pair of jeans, 2 shirts, a sweater for Daughter, A Windbreaker for Son, a pair of loafers for Daughter and a ball cap and tie (Yes, tie. He loves ties.) for son. For $140. Doesn't seem like I bought much, does it? I swear money doesn't go as far as it used to. But, it was a gift to my kids from their grandparents. Scarey part is, Daughter looked closer to 13 than the 11 she is when she tried on her new clothing. Did I mention the size the loafers we bought her were? Um, yeah. They were a 7.5 WOMENS!! She's 11!!! I just thank goodness I don't have to worry about Bra's for her yet. Whew!

And me, I made it to the UBS today! First time in a month I've been there. Couldn't tell it though. They didn't seem to have much new. I did pick up The Honeymoon Suite by Lynn Michaels. I'm still waiting for the library to get Sleeping with Fear in stock. And waiting. And waiting. Next month looks VERY good for new releases. I can't wait.

That it for me, I'm up late and too pooped to pop! So off to bed, after cleaning the Living Room. Night, B.

Yet another picture from Son's view! (Excuse the vacumn cleaner, I had just finished and hadn't put it away yet.)

Um, a few days ago I shared my views on a book with y'all and the author commented back. Even though she was very gracious, I felt bad and gave serious consideration to not posting an unfavorable review again for anymore books. But, with a lot of support from family (Dh) and friends, I decided to continue on the way I always have. Besides hardly anyone knows I exist anyway!!
I had to brave the unbearable heat and humidity today to visit the Shelter again. And again we were filled with sadness when Squeekie wasn't there. Did I tell y'all what happened the last time I was there? There was a girl in front of me bawling about how they had picked up her cat and she wanted it back. Well, you have to pay an $85 dollar fee if you don't have your medical records to show your animal has it's shots. She was crying that they'd picked her cat up a few houses down from her house and that it was on her street and she shouldn't have to pay and that she loved her cat and wanted it back. The lady told her that there was a fee, that if she didn't pay it they would have to either adopt it out or place it down. This upset the girl very much. She kept professing her love for the cat, turns to me and asks me if I think it's right they are asking for a fee for her cat.( If you let it out and it doesn't have tags, then you should be prepared for this situation to occur. ) I just shrugged when she asked. Anyway, she gets on the phone and calls her Dad or boyfriend. Back and forth, her crying and talking on the phone, she gets out her credit card prepared to pay the fee and asks how many days will they hold her cat before they place it up for adoption, 3 days. BUT, the woman at the desk tells her that it's not a sure thing that the cat would be put in the adoption ward. Then the girl asks how much it would cost to adopt her own cat if she came back in 3 days. Again, the woman tell her there's a chance the cat could be put down instead, but that the adoption fee is $85. This all went on for 15 minutes and finally someone came to take us for a walk through. When I was leaving the lady who gave me my tour was asked to take her back for a visit to her cat. I don't know whether she came back and paid the fee or whether she just left the cat there. My point being, if she loved the cat and had the money (the credit card WAS out) then she should have shut up and paid for her cat then and there!
Did I bore you? Sorry.
Hey, I read Tara Janzens newest release Crazy Love and it was great! I now know what all the hype was about and will be looking for the others in the series that came before this one. Dylan Hart is the top man for the Special Defense Forces group that operates out of a garage in Denver. Skeeter Bang was recued from an abusive father after he sliced her face with a liquer bottle, by another of the SDF group. She has trained with the best of them and has the making of a great operative and has even been out on a couple of missions. Dylan just wants to keep her protected back at the building that houses the group and refuses to consider her, because secretly he not only is in lust for her, he loves her. Skeeter just wants him to see her as a grown-up and then maybe he'll stop being so fascinating to her. Add an Ex-CIA operative who is out for revenge and a maniac bent on capturing Hart and you have one rip-roaring book that ends before the reader wants it to!!
All right, that's it for me. Y'all have a good evening (I'm up late.) Night, B.

It is hard to type one handed, for all of you that may have wondered. It is possible, but not easy. Midnight loves to lay (lie?) on me no matter that I may be busy at the time.

Hey, have I mentioned that Midnight has a nose like a Bloodhound? Every time we eat, even if he's in another room, he tracks us down and try's to climb us in order to get to it. He's relentless. It's cute to watch that little nose twitch, too. And don't worry, we don't give him people food.

We lost power early this evening for about 5 minutes. It's been so hot lately that I think everyone running their air-conditioning was a bit much for local systems to handle for a few moments. It freaked my kids out because it was already dark at that point and I had been in the middle of vacumning upstairs. Luckily we keep flashlights stashed all over the house for such occasions. We learned our lesson this past winter when we lost power for 4 days. Dh is almost spastic about wanting to buy a generator now. (the winter thing.) Men are so strange. Anyway, the kids did not enjoy the small, tiny brown-out and were very happy that it ended quickly.

That's it from my mundane day. Y'all make sure to treat yourselves to something tomorrow. B.

Son took this picture of Patches, too. Somehow her head looks tiny compared to the rest of her body. Patches is so funny about some things. She likes to sleep laying against the wall in the living room. The same wall, all the time, the same spot on the same wall. She sleeps with Daughter at night, though. And it seems that Squeekie was her role model is at least one area. She carries a blue grosgraine ribbon up the stairs while crying in this pitifully high meow. The sound alone breaks your heart. But, I always tell her what a good girl she is and pet her a minute.

I had my walk-through at the shelter yesterday. It was a lot cleaner there and the lady who took us through this time was nicer. She took us through once last week and remembered us, as well. It is always so depressing to go there. But, I just don't want to take the chance that he might be there. I know the kids feel the same way. Son wants to believe that he'll come home any time now. So do I.

I picked up Tara Janzens Crazy Love tonight. I kept hearing great things about the series and saw a review in Romantic Times that looked good. If I like this one, I'll go back and read the others.

Um, I may seem really strange and moody through this blog this month. Especially the last 2 weeks. My Mom passed away 3 years ago on the 23rd and then my birthday is on the 31st, so I am going to apologize now if I seem like I'm on a month long road to PMS. Bear with me.

That's it for tonight. I'll save the details of mall hades with the kids for tomorrow. Night, B.