Daughter used Patches as an excuse for slacking off on her schoolwork today. Somehow I think she'll do better when she thinks about my threat of no trick-or-treating if she doesn't finish on time.

Tomorrow will be SERIOUSLY busy. I am babysitting a neighbors sons until she gets home from a Doctor's appointment, then grocery shopping, and the In-Laws are coming by to see the kids in their costumes. I still have to finish the kids pumpkins tonight before bed and I spent the evening painting all the trim on the first floor of the house. It was starting to look dingy, so I wanted to brighten it up. The next house we have is going to have wood trim stained and not painted. It gets on my nerves if it's not sparkling white. Yes, my name is Brandy and I am a neat freak.

In other news, my presence online is going to be a bit scarce for tomorrow and maybe wednesday. My laptops charger is DEAD, luckily we bought the extended warranty and DELL is a very accomodating supporter of it's merchandise, it's ben shipped out, but I'm not sure if it will be here tomorrow or not.! I hope you're sleep is deep and relaxing. Tomorrow is Halloween and we're so looking forward to the kids going trick-or-treating (Dh takes them around the neighborhood along ith the neighbors kids too) and I will be handing out candy. Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! B. *g*

So, I told Daughter to put all the junk on her dresser away, not to mention the clothes I had placed there earlier. She called down to me, laughing the whole time, that she couldn't put the stuff away because Layla wouldn't let her. Is this not too funny? I do love my Layla!! Hahaha!

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Things have been boring around here. Dh's car is fixed and didn't cost a thing, I love warranties! Had to buy Daughter a bra this weekend. And everytime it gets mentioned in front of Dh he gets red in the face and just ducks his head. The same man who helped me bra shop a few weeks ago, hunting styles with no wire and sizes, is embarassed by Daughter now wearing one. It's not even like she has actual boobs, it's more of a poking out issue. TMI? *g*. She is so proud of it but the way! Son keeps asking me what his sister is wearing under her shirt! Hahaha! It just makes Dh shake his head and look sheepish. He hates to admit his little girl is growing up.

Still reading all the fluffy books I got at the library last week. I only have about 7 left, though. And Halloween is the release date for Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich. I am so looking forward to this book. There is a pet rabbit involved and the premise sounds so sweet.

That's it for me, sorry guys. I made beef stew today and I have to go clean the kitchen and I still have to iron DH's work clothes. Y'all have a good evening and rest up for the week ahead. I am so looking forard to Halloween and so are the kids!! Goodnight, B.

p.s. please excuse any errors, I'll try to update and fix them later. Layla is laying on my arm and it's not easy to type when she does this!!

I know I've posted some cute pictures before, but come on. Isn't this precious? Butterscotch and Fireball propping each other up as they nap. Too CUTE!

Did I tell y'all that I made peanut butter cookies the other day and that by the next they were gone? G O N E! None of us could stay out of them. And I don't even like peanut butter much either.

Turns out the warranty information was CORRECT! They are fixing Dh's car at NO COST TO US!! Whew! That's a load of my mind. I was so worried. And it should be ready for pick up tomorrow, which is wonderful, because I was stuck home today while Dh took my van. Here's the funny part of that, if I had had the van today I might not necessarily have gone anywhere. It's the feeling of being trapped and not being able to go out that I don't like.

I would tell y'all about all the books I've been reading lately, but to be honest, they are all on the small side and not very memorable. Last week I did read Rumble on the Bayou by Jana Deleon. The heroine is Deputy Dori Berenger in Gator Bait who finds a "high" alligator in a swimming pool with a finger in it's mouth and a large packet of cocaine nearby. Printing said finger is what brings DEA agent Richard Starke to Gator Bait, who is searching for a master criminal no one has seen in over 30 years. Sparks fly between the Deputy and the Agent, as he constantly under-estimates her; and over-estimates his ability to handle the sleepy town of Gator Bait on his own without her help. A strong physical reaction complicates matters and spins both the Deputy and the Agent out of control. They must work together to solve the case of the cocaine and the criminal mastermind behind it's appearance in the small Southern town, and their lives will never be the same again. Secondary characters help make this book even more memorable and entertaining.

Anyway, that's it from me tonight. Sleep well, the weekend is almost here and you don't want to miss it by sleeping through it! Goodnight, B.

A really good picture of our late night visitor. Dh stepped out the front door the other night and the Opposum didn't even move when he took a picture of it.

Wild Kingdom on my lap. Yes, I am VERY, VERY pale skinned.

Blogger has been down for most of the day. This has been my first chance to post and comment. Have you ever heard the expressions "when it rains it pours" and "every cloud has a silver lining" ? Today was a combination of both, which is contradictory in action, but yet, not. Let's tally the day, shall we?

1. The In-laws came over and were very nice. They even bought us lunch and brought the kids some apples and pumpkins from their trip to the Mountains last week.

2. We got Daughter to class on time and Son and I went to BAMM to play with the trains and look at the Christmas ornaments (No, I didn't buy any books.)

3. Picked Daughter up and went to visit Dh on his dinner break, had a good time just spending time together.

So far so good, right?

4. On his way home after working late and then stopping for a drink with a friend after work, Dh calls me to tell me he's on his way home, 2am.He calls back 5 minutes later, his car has DIED. Lights have dimmed, radio doesn't work, engine STOPS. It's the darned alternator that we'd had replaced in June. He's on the ramp for an exit 20 miles from the house. He waits and waits and wait for the tow truck. In the mean time, I get the kids up and go to the mechanics (he'll call them tomorrow about the car that just magically appeared in their lot) to pick him up. And wait. And wait. 45 minutes after he called the tow truck (2x as long as it took me to get there) finally gets there. Have I mentioned it's now 3:45 IN THE MORNING by the time we get home?

5. All I can think on the way home is 'how are we going to pay for this right now'? (Because the last trip was VERY expensive at $500.

6. Get home, look up the paper work from the last trip to the mechanic hoping the alternator is covered under warranty, and GOD BLESS it is!!! For a year! Yay!!! Parts and Labor are covered for an entire year and with unlimited milage to boot. Huge load off my mind. (Hopefully.)

7. Looking back over this, at least we were able to get Daughter to class and the tow truck did eventullay show up and the alternator is supposedly (knock on wood) covered under warranty.

So, see what I mean about conflicitng actions? I'm just hoping this doesn't cost us an arm and a leg again. Cross your fingers.

That's enough of my drama, right? I hope y'all had days less eventfull than this and that you are now curled up dreaming wonderful dreams (like I'm going to be in about 5 minutes, well, at least the curled up part). Have a good day, B.

Kinda reminds you of a picture of a python strangling one of it's victims, doesn't it? Yet again Layla and Fireball napping away the afternoon. I've watched how they interact. He waits until she's comfortable and asleep and then crawls next to her. If she doesn't take offense, she'll stay where she is.

I feel a bit better, but still feeling down today. I felt better after getting out of the house and going to library with the kids. I picked 2 Halloween books for my Son. Daughter picked 2 mythology books (we've been talking about it around here lately). And I picked up 16 books, 2 of which I had on hold and they finally came in, and 2 which were on the free shelf. The free shelf is hit or miss, sometimes they have 1 or 2, today they had over 30, most of which were set with Sheiks and Sultans. Not my usual cuppa, but I decided to try 2 anyway.

Tomorrow the In-Laws visit and as much as I usually grumble about it, I'm feeling lonely enough that it's okay with me this time.

I have a bad thing to confess. I haven't worked out since saturday. For me, this is a strange thing. I just haven't felt like it. I hope tomorrow I am able to get back on track.

This is it for the night. I hope y'all had a good day today. I also wish lots of sleep and a warm bed for you to snuggle into. Enjoy wednesday. We have Daughters RE classes and the In-Laws, so wish us luck. Goodnight, B.

Daughter took this photo of Athena. I have no idea the fascination of this basket for the cats. But, several of them like to climb in it.

My company is not fit for man nor beast tonight. A small part of it is hormones. The other is the feeling of loneliness I'm enduring right now. (Dh and I are fine. It's not that.)Have a good evening. Hope your Monday wasn't so bad, Goodnight, B.

What is it with cats and baskets. Well, technically this is a waste basket, but still! She was after a rubberband when she decided to get into the waste basket. Good thing I had emptied it earlier that day.

I didn't post last night due to Blogger issues. And, I didn't have anything to discuss. It happens. It seems to happen to me alot, but I try and bluster my way through it some days. Not only is this blog a way for me to reach out, but it helps me to put things down in print and it is also helping me develope some writing skills. Something I know will be useful when I finally return to my education.

Would someone like to explain to me a sure-fire way to make a 4 year old go to sleep? Son was bouncing off the walls all last night, and no, there was no sugar involved. When it came time to get up for Church this morning I was exhausted and he slept through getting dressed, going downstairs, getting in the van, and then attending Church services. As a matter of fact, he slept through the service and the return trip home. After being the one who carried him around all morning (and let me tell you THAT wasn't easy, he's over half my height and weighs 40 lbs.), I needed a nap when we got home. I did take one, too. I let Dh deal with the kids for a while, he is their father after all.

Do y'all realize I truly do mean it when I tell y'all to have a good night? I do. I want y'all to get lots of rest and recharge before facing the start of the week. Goodness knows Mondays are hard on everyone.

Also, I hate to sound selfish, but could someone send some good thoughts our way? I don't want to go into specifics, but just say that this month has been hard on us financially with many, many unexpected things. So, if you don't mind? If it's not too selfish? Thank you, B.

Fireball and Layla sacked out. He seems to be her nap buddy. Oh, and her belly is so pink because she cleans it so much her hair won't grow all the way in!

I had a pretty good day. I not only turned a book in at the library that was due today, BUT I made it to the UBS and got 5 books for $1.44. AND, I took my recyclables to the drop off containers. All in all, I felt like I accomplished something today.

Also, just to say I share news of my kids, Daughter made a 100 on her spelling test today, as usual, she's pretty good at it. And I've made a decision about the Homeschool Co-Op that is connected to our Church. I don't think I'll be taking the kids back to too many of them. I love our Church, but the Homeschool groups that I've belonged to in the past have been more enjoyable (by my thoughts) for the kids (mainly the Daughter). So, I think I want to find another one that concentrates more on the fun aspect of socialization rather than one that has classes in logic. Trust me, she gets a good education at home. It's not me making things up as I go along. Her curriculum is faith based, yes, but it is a good education. We're considered an 'Umbrella' school, her curriculum is that of a private school. Anyway, I have no idea why I feel like I have to defend myself for this decision, but that's just me. (We've never gotten support from our family for homeschooling.)

I think I've made enough people who read this angry tonight! I apologize for my mini-rant. I really did have a good day. I forgot to mention that the kids and I went by our favorite bakery and picked up creme horns for dessert tonight. And may I just say, mine was yummy! Have a great saturday! Sleep late! Enjoy the weekend. B.

Hahaha! Sorry, every time I see Layla like this it just makes me want to giggle. And doesn't she look ladylike and in SUCH a great mood? Hahaha! NOT!

I have done nothing today. Well, aside from the regular household duties. But, no reading (I'm out of books again.) and didn't even step foot out of the house. It was gray and overcast all day, finally raining this evening and the warm front we have had for a few days is now on the way out! But, the weather today just seemed to match my mood. I've just been "blah".

I'm just not perky and up-beat today, so this is it for tonight. Sleep well, tomorrow is friday and then the weekend will be upon us, HUGE YAY! Goodnight, B.

Someone tell me exactly what the fascination is with plastic bags for cats? My cats seem to love laying on them, crawling in them, and playing with them. But, I do admit, they'll run like crazy (well a few of them) if you shake one at them. (And yes, I do derive just a bit too much pleasure from that.)

Today was busy. Daughter had RE classes this evening, so after dropping her off , Son and I went to our usual haunt, Books-A-Million. But, I was very good and didn't buy any books. I do admit to buying the new RT magazine. Son loved looking at all the christmas ornaments and they have a light saber for sale there as well that he would love, but I'm not stupid (it's glass with neon). I did let him hold it for a minute and he tickled the lady at the help desk nearby with all his "WOW, Darth Vader's light saber!" comments. After picking up Daughter, I had to run by the grocery store for yeast (I'm in the mood to bake bread.) and DH called while we were there. He works about 5 minutes from there, and asked us to come by for his lunch (dinner) hour. We did and the kids met a few of the people their father works with. After all that, HOME!! Yes, blessed home. I forgot to mention during all this I had a sinus headache that started to radiate down my jaw-line (I was gritting my teeth from the pain), an hour at home with limited quiet and 3 ibuprofen helped. I'm still hurting and look like a zombie.

Oooh, forgot to tell you that Dh was messing around with sound files the other night and found that one "hello motto" thing. Everytime he'd play it Son cracked up! Now he cracks himself up by saying it himself, he giggles and we can't help but smile.

Also forgot to tell you that DH bought a bottle of wine this weekend. Since we know nothing about wine except that we haven't had any since we were first married and that we prefer white we chose a chardonay(sp). It was awful. I don't know if it was because it was inexpensive(not cheap, just not expensive) or just the fact that it had been over 10 years, but ewwww! Also, remember how I said I think I'm allergic to alcohol? (Something that occured sometime in the last 6/7 years, but never verified by a doctor.) I didn't get splotchy ALL over, but I did get a burning feeling on the skin around my eyes and the skin turned red, also my eyes felt 'heavy' and I felt flushed, all this after 3 sips. *sigh* I guess I'm really allergic, oh well. But I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. I'll just stick to Sparkling Cider for special occasions like New Years. I'm a freak aren't I?

Well, y'all, that's it from me tonight. I'm feeling sluggish and tired. Off to bed for me! Try to remember that today was Wednesday so that means the week is now half over. Only 2 more days until the weekend. Sweet dreams, B.

Okay is it just me, or does Fireball look cute propped up on my basebard. Note the cute pink paws! This just inspires an AWWWW moment.

The eye exam went great. It even had a fun new test. A white screen with a black square dot in the center. You're supposed to look at the dot and notice when the white developes ripples in areas, then you click this little clicky thing. It was fun! Kinda like a test of reflexes combined with an eyesite test. I did great! AND no more puffy air!! YAY!! Although my Dh would have had trouble with 2 of the tests. The astigmatism test used red and green squares, Dh is colorblind when it comes to reds and greens. He also would have lost it when the Doctor numbed my eyes with drops to do the pressure test. But, it was over within 45 minutes, I have my prescription and 2 boxes of contacts ordered and paid for.

I've already finished 2 of the books I bought at the Friends of the Library bookstore and am reading the 3rd now. The covers on books now have changed for the better, but the older books seem to do better at setting up the storyline and characters without throwing them into bed within the first couple of chapters. I hadn't realized I missed that until reading these last night.

DH recieved notice of his grades for this past week of class and so far he's keeping his 100 average! I am so proud of him. I have spent 13 years encouraging him to further his education and am so proud of how far he's come. I was telling him that this afternoon and asked him when it might be my turn. He suggested early next year. Now, here's where I admit a stupid thing. I never took the SAT's. I was stupid not to take them, but I felt that working was more important the saturday they were given at my school. In hindsite, I know I should have taken them. I DID take the ACT for a local college while Dh was in Basic Training 13 years ago, and passed(brilliantly in fact). Yes, I graduated High School, but I never attended college. I hope you don't think less of me because of it. I fully intend to further my education, but now I must confess that I am scared of the Math portion of the ACT again. It's been 13 years, I sucked at Math and didn't make it farther than Algebra 1. Science also, I hated Chemistry. Now History, Language Arts and Government/Current Affairs I adored. I also took a bit of Latin, flunked Spanish and French and aced Interior Design( you may have guessed this considering my furniture refinishing passion) and spent major portions of my youth studying music; between guitar, piano and voice. The other problem with returning to school next year for me? I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up! People interest me, History fascinates(sp) me and I adore books of almost any kind. Where does that leave me for choices in education? AGH! I considered being a librarian, but am too shy, well, unless it's discussing books! I'll figure something out.

Okay, time for y'all to be tucked into bed and dreaming wonderfull fluffy things. Which means I'm up too late again! So, without further ado, goodnight, B.

My book bounty. I found out that not only does one of my local library systems have books in the library for you to buy, but that "Friends of the Library" had a store. Near me. That was open today from 6:30-8:30 this evening. Only Mondays, though. As in, today during those 2 hours is the only time during the week that they are open. Weird yes, but also fortuitous. I had nothing to read and the library still doesn't have the books I've placed on hold in yet. These 5 books, plus an Aunt Dimity Mystery for Daughter and 2 books for Son, only cost me $1. YAY!! These books are old. Look at the Loveswept covers! They're all from the early 90's. I picked up: Midnight Hour by Debra Dixon, Ghost Whispers by Renee Roszell, Playing for Keeps by Marcia Evanick, Sweet Temptation by Marcia Evanick, and Gentle Persuasion by Sharon Sala. The Sharon Sala happens to involve characters from a book I have by her already, Always a Lady. I can't wait to dive into these!!

Yesterday afternoon our router DIED. D-i-e-d. Went kaput. It had been acting oddly for a week and I had been telling Dh that, but he doesn't pay attention to me whenever I have something to say about his precious computer equipment. HA!! Should have listened to me. So we had to have a new one. Fun. Did I mention that this happened at 5:30 on a Sunday evening, here in the South most places like Circuit City or Best Buy close at 6pm. Wally-World is 24 hours, but they don't have a good cross section of electronics. So we look up hours thinking that it might have to wait until tomorrow, meaning DH and I would have to share the tower computer, the one we have for the kids. AGH! No way. We lucked out. Best Buy didn't close until 8pm. YAY!! Of course it took Dh another 2 hours to go buy it, install it, and make it work. But still, yay, disaster averted. Now our router connection runs faster than it ever did with the old one.

Of course all that meant that Dh didn't cut my grass yesterday or get much of anything else done. I managed to spray paint a shelf to put in my Daughters room, sweep and mop the floor, laundry, and iron Dh's work clothes. He did the router. That's it.

Tomorrow I have my annual eye exam. I hate those. I don't let them dialate my eyes because I've really light sensitive anyway, and the 'puff air' test for glaucoma is hard for me, because I can't keep my eyes open. I blink. ALot. Drives the eye Doctors nuts. I hate the regular test too. "Is this one more clear than the first, or less? Is this one closer or farther away? Left or right? Better or no change? AGH! And I have to admit, in some states, without my contacts, I'm legally blind. At least, that's what I was told when I lived in Mississippi. My eyesight is so bad that when I'm not wearing my contacts I can't see facial features, and street lights look like big fuzzy stars. Blind as a bat. I LOVE my contacts, I've been wearing them for over half my life and can't imagine not being able to wear them (knock on wood). I'd have the Lasik surgery if they could do it with out my being conscious. But, since they can't, oh well. Want to know something funny? Dh can't eve THINK about me putting in my contacts. He starts tearing up and blinking rapidly. Same with even my putting contact lens solution in my case. ANYWAY.......

Y'all have a good evening. Try to recover from Monday. Sleep well and dream big, B.

Midnight and Fireball are best buddies. Can't you tell? Not much to say today. I've worked hard around here today and am very tired. Take the kitties example and hug one another. And when you think about it, please visit Bailey and offer your condolences and sympathy. Have a good evening and above all, "love one another". B.

See what you can get when you shop wisely? Athena shares most cats fascination with plastic bags. And yes, we watched her carefully so that she wouldn't suffocate.

All kidding aside, please visit Bailey and give her your best regards. Her Mother lost her battle with Alzheimers today and I am sure she could use the good thoughts and any prayers you may give for her.

We didn't get much done today. We did manage a few errands and had dinner out, a treat for us. Afterwards we came home and spent the evening together. No fights occured between the kids and even the Dh and I just sat around. I hope your day was as relaxing. Tomorrow will be the opposite, with lots of yard work and household chores to do. *sigh* No rest for the wicked, or should I say those that were lazy on a Saturday. *g*

Have a good Sunday. Unlike us, rest and relax for the start of the week is only a day away! Sleep well, B.

Another picture of Layla, but with Butterscotch this time. I'm very tired tonight, so this is it. Have a good Saturday, sleep late if you can! Goodnight, B.

Is this not one of the sweetest things you've ever seen? I just HAD to take a picture. Layla and Fireball seem to be getting along fine, at least in this picture.

As yesterday, today was pretty much boring. The In-Laws did come over, but they just showed up out of the blue this afternoon without calling unlike the "evening" they told my Dh they were going to come. They woke us up. I had decided to take a nap because everyone was cranky today for some reason and I had a sinus headache. They stayed for over 2 hours, but we had an okay time. They did tell me that Dh's sister knew he didn't have to cut their lawn and it somehow came up about how the whole "schedule" came about, not to mention the remark his sister made about me not being part of the family. MIL said she was sorry to hear about all the hassle, and I told them we didn't mind helping out, ever. They are going on vacation next week to the mountains (guess Dh and I DO have something in common with them after all),and I'm glad for them, this will be the first time they've gone anywhere since FIL's surgery.

Tomorrow is Co-Op for the kids. The only thing that makes it bearble is that Dh will be going with us. Afterwards he will go on to work and the kids and I will do some errands.

Bailey has placed an up-date on her Mother's condition on her site. She needs all the prayers and hugs she can get, so please don't forget her.

I'm off to do a few things before bed. Have a good day tomorrow, try to stay out of trouble on Friday the 13th. Anyone remember the Movie Saturday the 14th? It popped into my head today. Anyway, get some rest. Goodnight, B.

People who own cats are sure that their pets have "looks"(expressions). The same type of people, and especially children have whenever something occurs. There's the angry, smiling, disdainful, interested (curious), or utter satisfaction. Try and tell me that Oreo is not looking on with an expression of utter disdain for the whole picture taking process.

Nothing much to tell y'all today. I've been doing laundry all day and trying to prepare myself for the visit from the In-Laws tomorrow. We've managed not to see them for almost 2 weeks. We know how much they adore the kids, so we don't mind the visit too much. Dh didn't have to mow their lawn this week, either. Seems SIL and her hubby didn't make it over to the In-Laws to do so until late last week, therefore the grass won't need it until late this week, maybe not at all. And FIL did get out on his riding mower and do their back yard. I told y'all this whole "treat them like an invalid" thing wasn't a good idea. But, SIL always thinks she knows better than anyone. When FIL first 'early retired' ( for medical reasons) he bought a brand new Dodge Ram Hemi pick-up truck. She had a fit. Thought maybe he was going senile. Tried to do an end run around her parents to get FIL's Doctor to violate patient/doctor confidentiallity(sp). She tried to get us to help her. I told her no way, that she needed to trust BOTH her parents and that if anything were horribly wrong they would tell us. Then I told her that she'd better let her parent's know that she was concerned and wanted to talk to them frankly. Luckily she did so, because her Mom (my MIL) was about to have fits over SIL's behavior. See what I mean about Dh's family. I just try and stay clear of all the manipulating.

I've been reading, but mostly re-reading some of my favorites. Like Janet Evanovich's re-released romances, The Rocky Road to Romance and Manhunt. I've also read all the books I brought home from the UBS last week. Looks like it's time for another trip there.

That's it. Sorry. I wish I could regal you with stories filled with mirth and laughter, but today was ordinary. Filled with chores and children. I hope you sleep well and I wish good dreams for you where you feel special. Goodnight, B.

I am still trying to figure out why all the cats love my chair. Fireball decided when I got up to refill my soda after dinner last night, that he was going to steal my seat.

Dh had a training day at work, so he had to go in early. The good part of this is that he got off early. Like 3:30 this afternoon early. The bad news, he didn't cut my grass like he was supposed to do. He had some paperwork from work and then went outside, after not hearing the lawn mower start up for a awhile I went to investigate and found him talking to our neighbor. Nice guy, hard to stop chatting with him, though. While out there we did notice that someone had broken our kitchen window. I couldn't tell from in the house because the window is above the sink (also double paned) and I leave the blind on that window shut. I leave the stupid blind in that window shut because I am too short and can barely reach the cord to open them, let alone pull them up! Okay, I admit it. I'm kinda short. I'm around 5"5. It's funny, I can't clean the window above the bathtub in the MB either. I can't reach it, even when I stand on the rim of the tub. Dh thinks it's funny. I did my best to paint the bathroom downstairs too, only even standing on a chair I still can't reach up to the wall near the ceiling. I guess it's my fault that we didn't notice the window was broken.......although I heard a big bangy/thump the other night and woke Dh up so he could go investigate (Isn't that one of the reasons to get married? So you don't have to be the one to investigate strange noises at 3:00 in the morning?), but he didn't see anything. And no, there is no way the cats could have done this. Not unless they got out, grew until they were at least 5 foot tall and could carry and fire a BB gun. Yup. A BB gun. Because the glass is still up, we can tell there were 2 shots to the window. And there are a bunch of tenny-boppers in the neighborhood. (No it wasn't my kids even though we have a BB gun. It's the only gun I'd let in the house and it looks like a 9mm.) We've seen some of the teenagers walking down the street with a BB gun before. Also, they like to cut through our yard and someone rang my doorbell the other night while Dh was at work and when I looked through the peep hole there was no one there. So I did a bad thing. I slid my hand holding the BB gun under the blinds in the front window and tapped on the glass with it, so they'd maybe get scared and go away. We've had a problem with some of the teenagers in the neighborhood since we moved in, but can never prove it. Which is why our next house will be set on land in the middle of no-where!!

I had my book that found a buyer, mailed off today. The only thing that is good and yet bad about selling books on Amazon is: they have only 2 work days to be mailed off. If you don't have it mailed within that time frame, they won't let you sell on the site anymore.

Daughter is still driving me batty. I am SO NOT loving the attitude from her these days. And now Son is picking up on the "don't listen to Mommy until she yells" thing. But, he's more worried about it when I tell him he's been bad. He's sorry when I scold him, she is just trying to push my buttons. *sigh* If this is how she is now, it's gonna get ugly when she's a teenager. And it's hard on me, because sometimes she can be really sweet, and then others I just want to lock her in her room until she turns back into the sweet little girl she used to be.

That's all my whining and complaining tonight. I'm off to bed where I hope when I wake up it will be a nice day, but I'm not holding my breath. Goodnight, may Angels visit your dreams, B.

HA! The little one, aka: Athena, sneaks in a swipes the toy!! Notice the shocked looks on the other kitties faces. Never underestimate the little ones of the world.

To be honest, I don't have much to share today. I haven't been anywhere. I DID manage to sell one of the books on my bookshelf that I've only read once, on Amazon and have to ship that out tomorrow. Ummmm, I should have done some hosework today, but for some reason just didn't. I took a day off. It was nice. I also want to remind y'all to keep sending prayers to Bailey. She needs all the happy thoughts she can get too, so pop over with a joke or 2 as well.

That's it for me, I'm tired and off to bed. Can I just say, thank you all for conversing with me over this past year. It has meant so much to me and I just wanted to say "Thank You". Don't worry, or worry, because I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to still bug y'all with my weird posts! Anyway, have a good evening and get some rest. Maybe if we close our eyes long enough, the weekend will come faster? Nah, guess not. Sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite, B.

Butterscotch is taking a small nap in the kitchen. Doesn't he look sweet? Can I just say that my Son takes the greatest pictures? And I have to tell you, Butterscotch looks sweet, but he is STRANGE. We've noticed he has a thing for ears. He has to clean all the cats ears. It's just weird.

Warning! The following portion of this post contains personal information!!

Okay, I mentioned the Bra Wars yesterday, right? It's me against them. I detest Bra shopping in the worst way. First, I hate under-wire. HATE. Then there's the whole fabric issue. Yes, fabric. Do you go cotton? Nylon? Plain? Lace? Lined? Un-lined? Padded? Aghhhhh! It's. Just. Too. Much. It doesn't help that I happen to have a large rib cage. Yes, I'm overweight, but all that is located under my waist, not above. (I have the whole hourglass thing going on, just a larger than average hourglass.) It's not possible to buy my bras at Victoria's Secret, I wish! Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a pretty, non-wired, 40C, not made for someone named Bruenhilda, bra? And may I just warn you, Playtex is just weird, way weird, in it's sizing.* I'm about to go with Too Much Information!!!!!!!* I am a C cup, Playtex had me in a B, with a little room to spare, WTH? After trying on over 10 bras I ended up buying 2, one of which I bought was exactley like I was replacing and the other was made by the same company. Did I mention my family was with me? Did I mention my DH is a saint for HELPING me pick out styles and rooting through the racks for my size? I kid you not! Isn't he the greatest? Oh, trust me he was rewarded. (Very well in fact. *g*)

We return you to the regular blog now!

I haven't had much of a chance to read in the past few days. I've been meaning to, but we kept busy yesterday and today was spent running more errands. Some weekends are relaxing, but this one wasn't. I felt like we were playing catch-up all weekend. Which made us do a very bad thing. We overslept this morning and we weren't able to make it to Church. For which I now feel very bad. We're trying to set good examples for the kids. This wasn't one of them. Double guilt.

This is Dh's week to cut his parents lawn. Let's hope he gets to it quickly. I don't want to hear a word from his sister about not making it ver there on the days she scheduled. It's enough, I think, if we are able to make it the week she scheduled.

That's it for the night. Sorry if I made you blush or shake your head in exasperation(sp). But, this is my forum to talk about things in my life and this is what's going on in my life! Have a good nights sleep, you're going to need it. Monday is coming too quickly this week. Night, B.

I know this isn't the best picture of Athena, but I thought you'd like it anyway. It's hard to get her to sit still! She is one small ball of energy.

I could regal you all about the great Bra wars that took place today( let me just say I HATE bra shopping), but I recieved some saddening news. Bailey needs all our prayers right now, so please remember her through-out your day.

Goodnight all, sleep well. B.

Sorry, no kitty picture tonight. I haven't taken any in a day or two. I promise to have another up tomorrow.

Today I have been to the UBS, where I found a few books, but not the pile I was hoping for. I did pick up Elusive by Kay Hooper, an anthology containing 3 stories. I also picked up 3 other category, which I don't normally read, but these sounded pretty good. A Little Office Romance by Michele Dunaway (HAR, Oct 2000), Catching the Corporate Playboy Michele Dunaway (HAR, July 2002), and Midnight Cravings by Elizabeth Harbison (SSE, May 2003). Funny, I didn't even notice until now that I picked up 2 books by the same author.
I also made it to the library to pick up Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich. I am so excited that the library managed to get it on the shelves the same week it was released!!! I can't ever remember that happening before.

I have been compiling a list of about to be released or soon to be released books that I am looking for, and decided to share it here.
1. You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy, Oct. 2006
2. Girls Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky (will be a new to me author), Oct. 2006
3. My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding, an anthology edited by P.L. Enrod, Oct. 2006
4. Rumble on the Bayou by Jana DeLeon, Oct. 2006
5. Santa Baby, an anthology with Jennifer Crusie, Oct. 2006 (late Oct.)
6. Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich, Oct. 2006 (late Oct.)
7. Drop Dead Gorgeous by Linda Howard (A Blair Mallory book), Nov. 2006 (late Nov.)
8. Sleeping with the Fishes by MaryJanice Davidson, Nov. 2006 (late Nov.)
9. Born in Death by J.D. Robb, Nov. 2006
10. I Gave You My Heart, But You Sold It Online by Dixie Cash, Nov. 2006
11. Rough and Ready by Sandra Hill, Dec. 2006
12. Bit the Jackpot by Erin McCarthy, Dec. 2006
13. Venus Envy by Shannon McKelden, Dec. 2006 (late Dec.)
14. White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz, Jan. 2007

That's my "look for" list for the next few months. At least what I have been able to research dates for, for now. I'm always on the look-out for books. I will admit, I usually stick to the same authors and rarely try new ones, but if the premise sounds good I am willing to give the author a whirl. I do have to say, of the 14 books listed above, only 2 have authors I am not familiar with.

Not much else going on. But, why can a trip to Wally-World for one or 2 items, turn into a $30 trip? I went in for shampoo and windshield wipers and came out with SO much more! AGH!
Anyway, y'all have a great night, maybe sleep late tomorrow if you can, and I wish happy dreams for you. Have a good weekend, B.

Meet Athena. She is aptly named. The first night here she tried to take on all the other cats. Athena is a resue kitty. One of the local rescue agencies gave a woman my name and number because they thought we might take her in. Dh and I felt like we needed some type of absolution for the horrible accident that occured a few weeks ago, so we agreed to give her a home. The other babies have accepted her with no problem and we are keeping an extreme eye on her. In this picture she is sitting in Son's lap, for she is a lap-baby, (as long as you're on the floor).

I haven't read the book I checked out of the library yet. I've been looking over a few of the others. I'll read the one I mentioned yesterday, A Very, Merry Christmas, tonight when I get on the treadmill since I'm usually on there for a long while (about 70 minutes). I have placed Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich on hold for the library, hopefully it won't take them a month to get it in and to me. But, I won't hold my breath.

My Dh is doing well in his first class for his Master's. Last week he recieved a hundred percent for participation and content. I'm very proud of him, and accidently told him so in the "Mom" voice. You know, the one that you use when one of your kids does something good, the one where your voice kind of goes up? He just looked at me for a minute and said thank you and then we both cracked up laughing! But, I am proud of him.

That's it from our little world. Tomorrow is Co-Op, but I haven't decided whether or not to go yet. There's no class this week, it's basically just a playdate at a local park. I AM going to go to the UBS tomorrow. Except for the few library books I picked up, I have nothing to read and if you know anything about an avid reader, you know I need back-ups!

Y'all try and relax tomorrow, after all it'll be FRIDAY! Sleep tight, and may your dreams contain happiness, B.

Um, Layla must be mellowing in her middle-age! She doesn't seem to mind that the kitties curl up with her and sleep. I find it fascinating that the same cat that snarled, hissed and hid when they first came to live here, lets them do this.

I made it to the library today and they had a book that I was wanting to read that I was afraid they wouldn't get in for a month or more. A Very, Merry Christmas, an Anthology with Lori Foster, Gemma Bruce and Janice Maynard. I'm looking forward to reading this as Lori Foster's story has a character that was in another anthology she took part in. I picked up a few other books as well and found some cute Halloween books for Son.

I ripped into Dh today. He wants to go back to the mountains this weekend and hike some more, and as much as I would like to do that I know that there are too many things to be done around here to do so. Unless, of course, he thinks I'll be the one to do everything while he's at work. But, I just can't do everything. On top of that aggravation, Daughter is giving me fits with her schoolwork and I'm at a loss of how to punish her. You ever just feel like grabbing your hair and fussing? Ugh! Right now my family could try the patience of a Saint!!!!

Don't mind me, I'll get over it. Y'all have a good evening and smile with the knowledge that tomorrow is thursday and after that friday, and after that....THE WEEKEND!! Sleep well, be sure to get lots of rest. Night, B.

Midnight is probably wondering why I get on this treadmill and walk and walk and sometimes jog and never get anywhere! Actually in this picture the speed is on about .07 and he's chasing the "red bug" (the laser pointer). The cats go nutty over the laser, and will sometimes jump over each other or even knock into each other in an attempt to get "the bug". It's very funny to watch.

I'm feeling kind of useless today. I have been thinking of getting a part-time job, seasonal only, to have a bit of extra money for Christmas. Unfortunately I haven't worked in over 5 years and besides family, I have no personal references. I keep to myself and my family, except for my friends on-line. So, I might as well be whistling in the wind at this point. I thought about talking to my MIL about her side business of light cleaning, but that would mean I had to spend more time with MIL and GOOD GRIEF NO, I don't want to do that. She would drive me around the bend.

That's it from me tonight. I've got a bit of laundry and other things to take are of. Y'all have a good night and I hope your dreams are sweet and fluffy, B.

Aren't rainbows beautiful? This one was seen from our neighborhood on a day that it rained for about 5 minutes! Just one of those gray days that's cool and makes you want to bake something. (I made chocolate chip cookies.)

I'm recovering from my weekend today. I woke up this morning and felt like I'd been run over, I was so stiff and sore. And the funny thing was, this wasn't from the hike we went on saturday, but the cleaning frenzy I was in yesterday. Who knew clipping shrubs would use so many muscles? Not to mention all the other stuff.

I really hate to tell y'all this , but that's about all that I've been up to today. Boring, yes! I need to hit the treadmill, I sleep better if I excercise at night. Not to mention I have too many other things to do when I first get up, and the thought of excercise when I've just woken up is....UGH! Anyway, I hope your Monday wasn't too traumatic for a start of the week. Have a good evening and get lots of rest to prepare for the rest of the week. Night, B.

More head-to-head sleepy loving from our house. Butterscotch and Midnight are buddies. Actually, they all get along pretty well.

Today was loooooooonnnggg. When the alarm went off for Church all I wanted to do was roll over and go back to sleep. But, I behaved and got everyone up and moving. Afterwards, we ran an errand at the Mall (took my perfume back, they changed the formula. It made me smell like cotton candy!! Granted, it was supposed to be Warm Vanilla Sugar, but c'mon cotton candy?) Oh, and I buy the vanilla because every perfume I wear ends up smelling like vanilla on me anyway, no joke. Every perfume. ANYWAY, after our errand it was home to do everything that didn't get done yesterday. *sigh* Now, I am so tired. Of course, it would have helped if the kids hadn't been bouncing off the wall when we got home last night and wouldn't settle down to go to sleep until it was late. I know there is a deep crash coming tonight. They will be sacked out soon. Yay!! Don't get me wrong, I love them, I want them to go to sleep so I can go to sleep!!

No reading done again today, too busy with everything else. I hope y'all had a good day and that y'all get plenty of sleep to start Monday off on the right foot! Goodnight, B.