I know you can't see this that well, but this is 4 of my Fur-babies (Midnight, Patches, Oreo, Fireball). I just loved it that the cats were all vying for a spot to see outside. I only wish a few more of them made it into the picture.

I spent today trying to get a few things like grocery shopping done and when it was over, I was so tired. And I made it home just in time to see "Men in Trees" (after I put everything away), I have so missed this show!!

Anyway, I have my feet up, for the moment, and a cat demanding attention (Layla) so all is right with me.Have a good evening and try to ge enough rest, especially since tomorrow is Friday! May your dreams be filled with all the things you love, B.

I snapped this picture of Fireball during one of his naps yesterday. I have no idea why his tongue is hanging out, but I about fell in the floor laughing after I took the picture!

Today has been busy. I had to go to Petsmart today for cat litter (40lbs.) and catfood (1 very large and 1 medium size bag). That should last me 2 weeks. I also found a winter coat for Son($25, good deal) along with hat and gloves and a pair of shoes for him as well. I felt bad that Son got so many new things tonight that I bought Daughter a purse with Tinkerbell on it. And NO, this wasn't Christmas shopping. He needs these things. *sigh* Kids are SO expensive. Also picked up a statuette for my Grammy for Christmas. It's of an Angel, which she collects. Lets see....I also helped out my MIL with a gift for Daughter, she gave me money to buy Daughter 2 books, which I did tonight while she was in RE class. After I picked Daughter up from class we went by Wally World for a few things(things for Dh for Christmas), sad thing is I have to go back tomorrow for my regular grocery shopping. Of course Wally World didn't have what I needed so I had to make one last stop at Target for another gift for Dh. Now I am DONE for him!! YAY!! So, I have the kids, DH, and Grammy out of the way. That just leaves the In-Laws and my dad and step-mother and her granddaughter. *sigh*

I finished Drop Dead Gorgeous by Linda Howard this morning. Blair Mallory has a deadline for her wedding to Lt. Wyatt Bloodsworth. 29 days is not enough time to plan a wedding with the Holiday season gearing up, especially when someone is trying to kill you! After nearly being run over in the Mall parking lot, crank calls and someone setting fire to her condo Blair has to wonder if her marriage will take place. During all of this Wyatt accuses her of being nutty and imagining things, but even he has to admit that when her Condo is burned down that maybe she isn't imagining someone after her afterall. While suffering a cuncussion, wondering if her fiance loves her enough to GET married, and playing marriage counselor for family friends, Blair must find out who is trying to kill her and why. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was a great sequel to the last Blair Mallory book, To Die For. It was great catching up to the characters and visiting as Blair and Wyatt finally get their HEA.

Well, I am SO happy to be home. Son is a sweet and lovely child, but I am happy that he is now sitting in front of Disney's Robin Hood, because he would. not. shut. up. All day, all afternoon and all evening. I love my kids, but am glad they are in another room right now! Anyway, y'all have a good evening and just think, today was the middle of the week. The weekend is only 2 days away now! Sleep well and Sweet Dreams, B.

UPDATE: Picture has been removed for safety reasons.
I thought I'd post this picture of the kids from tonight. We went to "A Dickens of a Christmas" tonight at one of the towns nearest to us. It was fun, to a point. There were just too many people there and the only public restrooms were in local businesses along the downtown(trust me with a 4 year old you need acessable(sp) restrooms). There was a man on stilts, a magician, Father Christmas, The Nutcracker performed in a store window, period costumes and some dancing (like the Virginia reel) and a tree lighting ceremony. All in all, we had a good time. This is the 3rd year we've gone and the attendance has tripled in those 3 years. As with other pictures of my kids, I will take this picture down tomorrow. We went with the In-Laws (the kids and I, Dh had to work) and had a pretty good time.

I had to put up the other book I was reading, it was slow going for me. I guess I'm just not in the mood for it, I'll go back to it later. I started Drop Dead Gorgeous by Linda Howard and already I love it! There's even a moment when the heroine 'Blair' makes reference to the fact that she has another book. *g* I found that hysterical. Thank y'all for comments on my migraine, I appreciate the thoughtfullness. I'm doing better today, just a small headache. Anyway, I loved reading about your favorite ornaments. My favorite ornament/figurine is an Angel kneeling and holding a candle, she also plays music, but I haven't put her batteries in in so many years that sometimes I forget she does play music (Silent Night). My Mother gave it to me when I was 10 yrs. old. I have alot of the ornaments that went on the tree when I was growing up, so now I get to share them with my kids as well as those we've added for the them.

In other news, I haven't heard from nor seen my Dad since I called him on his birthday in the middle of October, *sigh*. I guess he really has forgotten he has a daughter and grandchildren. The next move is up to him. I'm tired of being the one who is always trying to cultivate a relationship with him and my Step-Mother. And to change the subject, how is the Christmas gift shopping going? Like I reported before, I'm done for the kids, I know what to get my Dh and the In-Laws. I'm still stuck for my Grammy. I'm sure I'll think of something. Dh and the kids and I are going to a Craft Fair this weekend, maybe something will be there.

That's all from me tonight. I hope y'all are enjoying the week and that you get plenty of rest tonight. Tomorrow is wednesday and thus the middle of the week. Sleep well, B.

Hi. I'm feeling sick tonight due to a migraine. Ugh. Anyway, I feel kinda slumpy like Layla is looking in this picture, so this is it for me tonight. Sorry. I hope y'all have a good evening and I'll try and post better tomorrow. Just to keep it a bit interesting, tell me about the Christmas/Holiday decorations y'all feel the most attachment to and if you're going to decorate at all! Goodnight, B.

UPDATED: The picture has been taken down to ensure a modicum of privacy for my children!

Here is the picture of my Munchkins that I was promising y'all today.I'll leave it up until tomorrow and then AWAY it goes. We visited Santa last night and I would post the phot that the Mall takes, but my scanner is dead. So, they let us take this one with our camera (if we bought a photo package, which we did).

Last night was BUSY. I had to give Dh and Son haircuts, clean both bathrooms of hair (this involves me on my hands and knees) and give Son a bath, do laundry and get a shower myself. I managed it all in the space of an hour and a half. I told Dh I get more done around here in an hour than he can in a day! He agreed.

Still haven't managed to read anything today. We had a dinner for Dh's extended family to attend and then I suggested a trip to the local outlet mall for a pair of Khakis for Son. (Already tried the mall the last night.) We had bought a pair last night, but the dressing room was packed, so we just bought them in his size. WRONG thing to do. They were HUGE in the waist. Son is tall for a 4 year old and wears a size 5 in pants, he's very slender though. So, I found a pair on sale at the Gymboree outlet (first time in there, the baby clothes are soooooo cute!), cheaper than the pair we found at the mall and they have belt loops, and that new thing they are putting in kids clothes these days, where they put elastic with button holes and buttons inside the pants so that if your kids (like both of mine) are slender, you can draw the waist in. Great invention for kids clothes! If I've bored you with all this Mom talk, sorry. Anyway, we just got home and are happy to be able to sit down. Aghhh. My poor feet. We've been on the go since 10am.

I'm going to get a cold drink, put my feet up and be lazy, for about an hour. Then I have more laundry and possibly some ironing, if I can't put it off until the morning. Y'all have a good evening and I apologize for the triviality of my post, but....well.....I'm boring!! Have a good evening, rest up because the week is about to start that idiocy that is monday again. Goodnight, B.

Hahaha! I LOVE this picture of my Layla. The attitude is present as always and she seems to be just "letting it all hang out". Sometimes a Lady she's not!

Sorry I didn't post last night. I was so tired for some reason, so we went upstairs early. And to honest, I had a boring day anyway! I did read an OLD Elizabeth Bevarly book, Moriah's Mutiny. It's amazing to see how books have actually changed over the years, it was written in 1991 but, the story still seems relevant to today. Yes, I do know it was only written 15 years ago! In other book news, I won an ARC of Donna Kauffman's soon to be released The Great Scot (a follow up story to her Bad Boys in Kilts featuring the 4th Chisolm brother) due out March 6 of 2007. The ARC arrived today and I cannot wait to sit down and read it!! Be sure to check out Donna Kauffman's blog, she does great commentary on the Reality shows and runs a contest just about every week.

Anyway, that's my post for today. I hope y'all have a good afternoon and evening and that you enjoy yourselves somehow! Have a good day, B.

Somedays it's just hard to reach the keyboard through all the fur! Midnight and Fireball decided the other day they wanted some attention. And I know y'all are jealous of my screensaver.

The day went well. The In-Laws came over and everyone was pleasant. It wans't bad. We all ate a good meal and the Dh did a great job on the turkey! Even the cats behaved and stayed off the table while we ate.

Nothing much else to share today, sorry. After the In-Laws left we sat in front of the tv and vegged out. (well, after the clean-up) We just enjoyed the day, and evening. I hope all of y'all had a day that went well. I'm finally off to bed. Sleep well and if you're off to the stores tomorrow, good luck! Night, B.

I thought y'all ought to see one of the reasons we laugh around here. Athena has discovered the fact that she can reach the toilet paper holder. (we use one that slides on and is attached to the wall only on one side). It didn't take her long to do it either. Layla used to do this as well. So much so that one year Dh gave me a figurine of a cat covered in t.p..

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I want to state that I am thankful this year for many things. I am thankful for: my family (even the In-Laws), my fur-babies, and I am very thankful for the friends I have made this year. I couldn't imagine my life with out y'all now.

Today has been spent almost as any other day. The kids were fine, although Daughter is driving me batty (starting to be a major theme). Dh FINALLY shampooed the carpet downstairs for me, I've only been asking him to for over 2 months now. But, I now have clean carpets. YAY! I also went ahead and made tomorrows dessert. Nothing traditional here. I made Chocolate Eclair dessert. It's yummy and my family loves it. We're just not huge pie eaters. I, um *looks around furtively* don't like pumkin pie and neither does DH. If the In-Laws don't like it, too bad, because the kids will end up licking the pan!

Haven't read anything new today. I did pick up 3 or 4 books at the library yesterday evening. I also picked up a Wallace and Grommit DVD for Son. He has Attack of the Were Rabbit, but turns out the library has a DVD of 3 different skits of Wallace and Grommit in it. Is it weird that my 4 year old Son now can say the word "knickers" with a British accent? If it is, don't tell me.

Y'all have a good night. Enjoy your time at home, maybe if you want read a favorite book or pop a favortie movie in and watch it. But, above all else know that you are appreciated, especailly by me. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Is it just me or does Layla just exhude attitude, or should I say cat-itude? Also, trust me when I say she can be very sweet or an uber-witch. But, no matter what, I love her.

I got the best mail today. Drool worthy mail. A SEE's candy catalogue. YUMMY! I have to tell you, I miss living near a store. When we lived in CA, we used to visit the mall where the store was located at least once a month and when you go in the store, they give you a free sample of candy. YUM. Now that we live here, they place a kiosk in our mall every holiday season. My kids love finding SEE's gold coins (chocolate coins) in their stocking every year. I hate to say it, but I think SEE's is better than Godiva. I. Kid. You. Not.
I did take the shoes back today and didn't feel as bad about it as I thought I would. I think I've become resigned to wearing my scruffy tennies until they form holes! *g* As it is, the tread on the bottom is gone. Makes for slick slippery walking in the woods when we go to the mountains.
I also made it to the UBS today and to be honest, only brought home one book.
I dropped of our recyclables, we are trying to teach our kids that this stuff is important, and dropped off some things to the library, went by the grocery store and picked up Sprinkles to make some sugar cookies for the kids and then, HOME!!
I tried a new recipe for the sugar cookies, and the kids liked the dough better than the cooked cookies!! Oh, well.

It has been rainy, windy and cold tonight. I'm looking forward to my shower and then a nice warm sleep. Y'all snuggle down and enjoy your evening. I hope your dreams are filled with unspoken wishes and joy, goodnight, B.

Y'all seemed to enjoy the kitty pile pictures, i.e. the cats asleep together. How's this one grab you? In it we have Layla, Midnight, Fireball, Butterscoth and Athena. I think they are CUTE!

We have been having internet problems tonight, so this may post or it may not. Ive been in a Holiday reading kick. I read The 6'1" Grinch by Tiffany White while on the treadmill this evening. It was cute. Holly Wilson is a Real Estate agent determined to find Noel Hawksley a home before Christmas. Unfortunatley for Holly this doesn't leave much time for all the Holiday preparations she wishes to make, because Noel keeps distracting her with his smile. Noel finally finds a home he wants, but it's Holly's! How is she supposed to find Noel the perfect home, when all she wants to do is play House with Noel? It was a light, flirty read that is helping me get in the Holiday spirit, because I have to tell you, all the Christmas stuff going on around me when it's not even Thanksgiving yet, is driving me batty and actually a bit depressing!

Did I tell you that I found a pair of tennis shoes on Saturday when shopping for the kids? I had a 15 percent coupon and they were on sale, so it was a great deal. Until I got them home to test them out on the treadmill and discovered one hurts the pad of my feet, I couldn't even make it half a mile in them. Every pair of tennies I've found this year has just not measured up to my old ratty pair of Nike's that are 2 years old. *sigh* So, back they go tomorrow. I am probably the only woman who y'all know who will ever utter these words "Shoe Shopping SUCKS!". (Shhhh, did you hear that? I think the world just froze for a second.) All kidding aside, I am the worst for shopping for myself. Unless it's books. That I love. But, clothes, shoes or purse shopping for me? I find tedious and depressing!

ANYWAY, y'all have a good evening and try to snuggle under your warm blankets tonight. It's chilly here and I'm thankful for the silk stuffed duvet we have(it's waaaarrrmmm and hypoallergenic). Be brave, because Fall is just getting started toward winter! Enjoy your dreams. Goodnight, B.

I had a post all written out, but somehow it disappeared, so as I am too tired to rewrite it, I'm posting a kitty pic and saying goodnight. Enjoy the cutie-pa-tootie pic of Fireball and Butterscotch. Sleep well and sweet dreams, B.

I'm not sure how to describe this picture for you. Okay, I know how, its just boring. In my hallway between the kitchen and LR we have a shelf that also has hooks for coats and such. We put the cats wand with the feathers through all the hooks. Now, normal cats may accept this. Ours however, aren't normal. They have decided that they need to play with the "toy" whenever they want. So, they climb whatever may be hanging there to get to the feathers! As you can see Fireball doing just that in this picture.

Today was spent finishing my Christmas shopping for the kids. The kids went to see Happy Feet (cute movie according to Daughter) with their Grandparents. Dh and I were afraid we'd be freaked out by not having the kids with us, but it was really nice. It almost felt like a date! It ended all too soon, we had to come home and face the fact that we have 2 kids who were dying to know where we had been and did we buy anything. DUH! Like we'd tell them. Anyway, everyone had a good time and we rounded it out by having some Greek food. YUM. I'm still full.

I'm sorry to say that I have nothing else to share tonight except that 1. I am sooooo tired, and 2. Comic Relief is on tonight and if we can distract the kids (the language and jokes are a bit risque) we're going to relax and watch it. Have a great evening, I hope your day was fun and that your Sunday is relaxing and peaceful. Sleep well, B.

I wanted to show you the self-satisfied look on Layla's face after she demanded space on my lap last night! Does she not look like if you crossed her she could decimate you? Trust me, when she crawls up on my chest at night and I'm wincing because all 16 lbs of her are on my chest and it's hard to breathe (HA!), I in no way want to tick her off. But, just because I an laugh at her quirks and her temper tantrums, I love her above all my other fur-babies, she is as close to a 3rd child (she and DH compete for 3rd)as I have. And she knows it!

I am so very tired tonight. I will tell y'all that I read On the Edge by Pamela Britton today and that I throughly enjoyed it. I'll review it tomorrow. Right now, I'm fighting not to cross my eyes and my head is starting to throb because I'm trying to concentrate. Y'all have a good evening. Enjoy your Saturday and try to have a little fun. Night, B.

You'll have to use your imagination just a little with this picture. Midnight was at one point draped over Layla like a coat, but by the time I got the camera out and took the picture he had started to move. Layla just let him lay on her, but looked up at me like "get him the eff off me!".

I haven't done anything much today. Just ran an errand to Wally-World for the things I couldn't pick up yesterday at the other one I do my shopping at. I also did a few things around the house, as usual. Of course, I also picked up a book at WW as well. Dashing Through the Mall, an anthology with Sherryl Woods, Darlene Gardner and Holly Jacobs. I'm halfway through it. So far I like it, but you have to remember this is an anthology when you start a book like this. The stories are short are sorta plausable, they just need an element of belief to make them work.

Anyway, not much else to tell y'all. I am boring as heck, you know? Have a good evening and don't forget that tomorrow is FRIDAY!! YAY! The last day before the weekend is finally here. My In-Laws are coming over on Saturday to babysit the kids so that DH and I can do a little holiday shopping. They're going to take the kids to see Happy Feet, the new movie about Penguins. Goodnight, B.

Layla and Oreo enjoyed the lovely weather we had the other evening, because it was nice enough to open the window in the living room. I thought it was funny to see that their tails are both curled under the window sill.

My headache is better, I'm not sure why but I haven't felt well the past few days and yesterday was the worst. My appetite has been off, I've been really tired and yesterday I felt sick. And no, I'm not pregnant. I think it may have something to do with the fact that my allergies bother me all year long. They affect me as soon as I step out of the house. I had to run to the library yesterday afternoon, so that may be it. I once told my Doctor about the symptoms for my allergies and she tried to give me the nasal spray stuff. Have y'all ever had to use it? Ugh! The most nasty smell ever. And I am very sensitive to smells, always have been. I'd rather have drainage and my ears stopped up, with the constant yawning that's automatic to unclog my ears, that accompanies the whole shebang.

Enough of that junk. I finished my book, Born in Death by J.D. Robb. It didn't have the violence that her others seem to have, but the story grabs you. Eve is investigating the murder of an accountant when she finds the accountants fiancee dead as well. The murders bother Eve as all do, but these bother her because this young couple were so in love and now their young lives have been cut short before they were wed, for greed. While investigating the murders Eve must also plan and give Mavis her baby shower and while doing so meets a pregnant frind of Mavis', Tandy. Tandy is alone after having moved across the world to start a new life and give birth to her child without the childs father in their lives. Mavis becomes worried when Tandy doesn't show up for her shower and begs Eve to investigate. Eve, under enough stress to solve the murders, decides to humor Mavis. But, right from the start Tandy's empty apartment worries her. Why would a woman getting ready to give birth disappear? Throughout the book Roarke is there to assist Eve and the usual characters are there as well, Peabody, McNab, Feeney and of course Summerset all help to round out another great book from J.D. Robb.

Today was full of errands. Gotta love visiting Target, Marshalls, Petsmart, the UBS and Wal-Mart all in the space of 4 hours, with 2 kids who annoy the heck out of you by asking for everything they see!! And now it's interspursed(sp) with " Oooh, I want that for Christmas" . Oh, joy. Just makes regular household shopping fun. NOT. Anyway, y'all have a great night. I'm going to listen to the rain outside, I just love the sound and it's relaxing for me. Stay warm, enjoy the evening and sweet dreams, B.

A big 'ol kitty pile on my throw. Oreo, Fireball and Athena all cuddled up.

Listen, I have a major headache. MAJOR. So this is it tonight.

I hope all of y'all have a good evening, B.

I give up on the reason for the fascination the cats have for my chair. Butterscotch decided to crawl up me last night to get to the top of my chair, but unlike Oreo, he doesn't sleep hugging the top. He looks cute doesn't he?

I've started my J.D. Robb book, Born in Death. I haven't made it past the first chapter yet. I can't seem to concentrate tonight. It might be because we woke up extra early today, the Son just couldn't seem to sleep last night. Which is weird because he was very tired.

I had errands to run today. All quite boring, to the bank and the grocery store. Daughter is giving me fits almost daily now. I don't understand how she can be so sweet sometimes and then so belligerent(sp) others. And then her attitude toward her brother is worrying us as well. She is at times very nice to him and then others she'll call him stupid and yell at him. I am hoping it's all just hormones, but with kids you never know. I think it's time to sit her down for a talk (one where I try not to yell at her for a change) and figure out what her problem is. Although, I kinda remember this age (having been there myself) and the thought that my parents didn't understand me and even not knowing why I was acting the way I was, too.

Anyway, enough of the angst over Daughter. I hope you all had a uneventful monday. I also hope that you get plenty of rest tonight because there is something about mondays that hit hard and make you tired. Very tired. Gets some rest, B.

I thought I'd post this picture of Midnight and tell y'all about his very strange favorite thing to play with. Straws. I've a whole bunch opened and sitting in a container (upright) on my counter. One evening I saw him jump on the counter, grab a straw and then take off through the LR with it! And then there's the fact that if we leave a cup/glass out, he'll make sure no one is looking and steal the straw right out of your drink. I figure I throw away about 3 straws a day, that he's taken.

I don't have much to say today, I'm sorry. It's just that I've been doing stuff arond here today and because it was an early morning for us all, we're all tired. So, I'm drawing a blank for something to blog about tonight because my brain is TIRED. So, I hope y'all get plenty of rest tonight for the Monday that is approaching all too fast! Goodnight, B.

I wanted to show you yet another side to Athena. This is her demure look. Hahahah! Um, okay, more like," I swear I didn't do it, you believe me don't you", look.

Hey, has anyone tried the new version of blogger yet? I didn't notice much difference with the Beta version they were touting for the last few months. However, I did notice that it didn't have the flag button at the top, and to be honest I like that button. I have run across a few icky sites while blog-surfing a few times.

Not much to tell y'all today except that tomorrow my fanny is going to be in front of the library doors as soon as I'm able. The automated system called me today and Born in Death by J.D. Robb is IN!!!! YAY!! I can't wait to read this one, Mavis supposedly has her baby. I'm still waiting on the library to get in You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy, My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding edited by PL Enrod (it's actually a compilation of short stories, Charlaine Harris has an entry), and I gave you my heart, but you sold it online by Dixie Cash (I love this series of books, the author is actually sisters and they are funny). The library has these, it just needs to catalog them and put them out for circulation.

Just so you know, Dh is doing well in school, still has a lovely A average. Daughter is still giving me fits at her small rebellions. Mostly dragging her feet when it comes to schoolwork. And Son is doing well. He's been playing with the computer lately, he loves the Lego site! My foot is still bugging me, but I stayed off my feet as much as possible yesterday and it was much better today. Well, until I went about my day like it hasn't been bugging me, now it's a bit sore again. Don't worry though, I'm off the foot now, and will try not to overdo it, although it's driving me crazy not to be doing anything.

Tomorrow begins the weekend, and don't forget that it's also VETERAN'S DAY. Don't forget all that the members of the Armed Services past, present and future, have done for our country and others. So, Thank You to all Veterans. B.

I kid you not, I think Layla is looking at Fireball like "who invited you up here". She doesn't mind Butterscotch too much, but sometimes Fireball's need to be around her borders on obsession and she gets aggravated with him. I've told you before, my Dh says she's the only cat he's ever seen who can go from purring and loving to Witch is 2.4 seconds.

I picked up 15 books at the library last night. One of which, was Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris. I didn't like the first in this series( Grave Surprise), but love her Sookie Stackhouse books and even her Aurora Teagarden series and Shakespeare series. I thought to give this series another chance, but there is something about the main character, Harper Connelly, I just don't like. *sigh* I'll still be a huge fan, just not of this series.

I see by the comments yesterday that I am not alone in my fascination with movies like Flower Drum Song and the King and I. I also like Throughly Modern Millie and Auntie Mame. Does it seem to you that movies of this type have disappeared from our modern movies? Yes, we have cinematic masterpieces and such, but what happened to movies with hardly any violence or sex? Am I the only one that has noticed that even movies marketed to kids now, are PG? I may let our kids watch a few PG movies, but there are no R rated movies allowed any where near my kids. Am I wrong to shelter them this way? I don't think so. I read an article a few years ago that says kids are going through puberty 3 years earlier than they used to. 3 years! Excuse me while I try to slow time a bit. And I didn't mean to go off on a tangent.

Hee! Sorry to get on my wild horse! I just meant to say that I enjoy the older movies for being entertaining and sweet. Yes, sweet. ANYWAY, y'all have a quiet evening and enjoy the fact that tomorrow is FRIDAY! YAY! The weekend is almost here! Sleep well, B

Daughter took this picture of Athena tonight. She is a strange little girl, a bit wild. Not wild as in feral, more like wild "I wonder if I can climb the shower curtain wild". She looks like she's angry here, but she is actually sweet. She reminds me of a Van Goh painting, with her colors all swirled.

I did make it to the Library today, Dh went with us to help out because I still don't walk well. We mananged to leave with a back-pack filled with books, most were mine, 6 were for Son and 2 for Daughter. Dh got a DVD, Kung Fu Hustle. I almost picked up a DVD of Flower Drum Song, a movie I have loved since I was a teenager.

Sorry to be so abrupt, but that's it for me right now. I'm hurting, my head is swimming from a combo of pain, allergies and tiredness. I wish a good night for you filled with snuggling under warm covers and sweet dreams, B.

Fireball and Athena are willing to sleep in the middle of all the mess DH left outside the downstairs bathroom. (Dh is STILL working on the molding.) If I wasn't worried about how to use his circular saw, I'd try to do it myself.

So, I didn't make it to 4 miles on the treadmill last night. I made it to 3.5. I, um, had heard my foot make a snap/crack type noise the other night when I lifted my Daughter up to reach something. It was sore for the day and I thought it was okay, so I went ahead last night and worked out even when I was sore. BIG mistake, by the time I went to bed, I could barely bend my foot to climb the stairs. This morning the pain woke me up. I gave in and took a pain pill tonight, motrim wasn't working. The stuff (generic Lortab left over from when my back had a pinched nerve) is strong and my head is spinning.

Thank all of you for your advice on what I could give my Grandmother. My Grandmother is a special woman, I won't go into too much detail, but will say that when my Mom and Dad were married and my Dad adopted me as his own, she immediately made me feel like I belonged, to her as one of her real grandchildren. She gave me my first romance. She has always been a great woman. It saddens me to think of her age and that she is getting frail. But, if I know my Grandmother the way I think I do, she won't let this surgery get her down for long.

I didn't make it to the library today, my foot, and the fact that it has rained since late last night and I don't like to drive in the rain. I do it when I have too, but this wasn't a "had to do" thing. Now, Daughter has RE class tomorrow and I will drive her to that even if it's raining. I also have to go Target to look for a certain Lego set we are tryng to find Son for Christmas. Dh has been to 2 different Wal-Marts and Toy R Us and none of them have it, they seem to be out of stock. Amazon shows that Target has it, so we'll see. This is one of the last few gifts I need for the kids. We picked up an i-Dog for Daughter. I made sure, sneakily, that she would like it before we picked it up. Oooh, speaking of Daughter, she now has 2 bra's and is wearing them everyday. I knew she would embrace one of the 'rites' of woman-hood! Dh is still a bit uncomfortable with the fact that his little girl is growing up. It was so funny last night, when I had to un-hook her because we all know it takes a while to get the hang of it, and she had come into our room to get my help. I was busy and told her she'd have to wait a second, and she said that maybe her Dad could get it. I looked at him and he had a look of horror on his face!! Hahahaha! Sorry, it was just so funny.

That's it from my part of the US. Y'all have a good evening and stay warm. I hope your dreams are full of promise and fun! B.

I'm not worried about posting this picture because Son's face is hidden. I just wanted y'all to see that I am not the only kitty lover in the house. Son loves all the fur-babies and even though he sometimes gets over-eager with them, he is always careful. They end up hurting them alot more than he ever hurts them. Butterscotch and Fireball are enjoying the attention, can't you tell? *g*

Dh and I are struggling with the decision for our vacation next year. It will have been over 7 years since our last vacation. (Not counting moving cross-country. Because trust me, moving with 4 cats, 2 cranky kids and a short-tempered traveler DH, is NOT fun.) We are trying to decide between taking the kids to DisneyWorld or taking them to Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, Virginia. Now to most DW would be the obvious choice. Until you sit down and crunch the numbers. Do you have any idea how expensive DW is? Tickets for the the 3 days would cost almost $800! Not including lodging or meals. JEEZ! Add all the things like lodging, meals, fuel (it's within driving distance), souveniers (you KNOW kids can't go and not ask for stuff) and it will cost us almost $1600. Um, that's alot of money and I'm enough of a grinch to think I'd rather keep it. It wouldn't cost as much to take them to Virginia (we can still drive) and be able to do not only Colonial Williamsburg, but Busch Gardens as well. Ah, who am I kidding? I'll probably give in and cringe every time we pay for something at DW. I do have to say, I think DW is for kids. I was an adult when we took our Daughter 8 years ago, and I have to say the only one having a great time was her. Dh and I were like "this is DW?"
What would you do? And the reason we're talking about it now is that Dh has to put in for his vacation time for next year, soon.

I'm out of books to read again. I'm going to try and make it to the library tomorrow. Cross your fingers! I've combed over my bookshelves and am getting rid of a few and also am having to face the fact that I can pretty much remember the plot to each of my keepers. I did pick up one book I haven't touched in a couple of years, I still remember the plot, but am hoping all the finer details have escaped my memory. Moonlight and Mistletoe by Maggie Daniels. I've had this book for YEARS!

Okay, I have another hard topic for you. Have you started or finished, or are you somewhere in-between, of your Christmas shopping? I am somewhere in the middle of it, and I was worried to realize we only have 48 days left. Yes, go count on your calender, 48 days. Seems like there should be more right? Nope. We've decided not to be "big" about it this year, so that the kids will appreciate what they recieve more, and lets face it, we buy them stuff all year long, why go nuts one day of the year? (Tax season is celebrated around here.) I do have another question/opinion for you. I have NO IDEA what my Grandmother may like. She's 85 and just had surgery on her knee, but before all this she had a more active social life than I ever had. She's a great lady and special to me. I am clueless, care to help a girl out on what I might pick out for her?

Okay, I think I've bugged y'all enough tonight. I am going to go walk at a very swift pace at a medium height on my treadmill for about 4 miles and try to help burn a few of the calories that the Pizza I had for dinner contained. It was worth it. *g* Goodnight, sleep tight, B.

Oreo's eyes are almost hypnotic. Sometimes she just stares and you have to wonder if she is imagining us in a giant mouse suit being chased by her. Yes, I know my imagination is warped!

We haven't been up to much this weekend, as a matter of fact we haven't anything. Sad I know. We had plans to get things done around here, but somehow they just didn't get done (except for laundry). We have all been so tired lately. I guess it was time to catch up on some rest.

That's all from me. I hope you have a good evening. I'm going to spend time with my family, iron Dh's work clothes and do some more laundry. Stay warm, and smile just once! B.

You know I love my Layla! I love all my fur-babies, but Layla is special to me. Here's Her Royal Highness in one of the kitty tents we have. Doesn't she look pleased? Hahaha!

So, y'all think I'm doing the right thing about the family. Thank you so much. All your kind words are going to help boost my confidence when it comes time to tell everyone our plans. *sigh* It was so much easier when we lived out of state! See, I'm the nice one, the peace-maker, the one who hates to disappoint anyone. So this is what's best for us (dh, the kids and myself), but it's going to make Dh's family upset, and possibly angry.

I forgot to mention that I found Dh's claddaugh ring. It wasn't where he SWORE it was. And it wasn't that he lost it that upset me, it was the way he bit my head off when I made a funny comment about losing his wedding ring. Men, can't live with them, can't reach the top shelf without them.

Son is sticking to his picky eating habits. We had spaghetti tonight for dinner and he still won't eat regular sauce. I had to give him buttered noodles with parmesian cheese on top. The funniest thing though? He ate 4 pieces of texas garlic toast. 4 pieces!! Daughter wouldn't eat red meat until she was 5. It looks like Son is going to be the same way. It's not even like we eat alot of red-meat, but Son won't eat ANY meat. Do you think he's too young to classify him as a vegetarian, or should I just be patient? Um, thinking about it, can't really classify him as a vegetarian anyway. He only likes a few vegetables. *sigh* Kids are hard work! *g*

I'm still reading, I have reviews for Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich and Santa Baby an anthology with an original novella by Jennifer Crusie and re-issues by Lori Foster and Carly Phillips. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed Thanksgiving, it is vintage Evanovich, misunderstandings, humor and romance. The only thing missing would be the early Grandma Mazur type that was present in a few of her other earlier books. Megan Murphy has enjoyed her time in Colonial Williamsburg. While walking home form her part-time volunteer job as a ticket taker she is accosted. By a rabbit. When it's owner tracks the rabbit he is instantly smitten with Megan. She doesn't know what to think about the new town resident, Doctor Patrick Hunter. However she does think he's cute, too cute for her recovering self-confidence after being dumped at the altar. Mix in a baby, his and her meddling family. Thanksgiving holidays when the most either know how to cook is a t.v. dinner and you have a fun, light romance designed to warm your heart on a cold evening!

Santa Baby, is an anthology with Jennifer Crusie, Lori Foster and Carly Phillips. Hot Toy is Crusies contribution, a brand new Novella that has her classic humor and romance. -Trudy Maxwell is determined to find the years hottest toy for her nephew. She doesn't want to destroy his illusions of Santa, like hers and her sister's was when they were children. Nolan Mitchel happens to be at the disreputal toy store Trudy hopes will have the mythical McGuffin she is searching for, and does find last years model. All heck breaks lose as Trudy fights to keep her hands on the toy for her nephew, and off Nolan. Nolan never called after their 3rd date, and Trudy has often wondered why the man she thought might be "the one" disappeared from her life. Turns out Nolan is not exactly the man she thought he was, but does that still mean he's not "the one"? Christmas Bonus a re-issued novella by Lori Foster. Eric Bragg has been in love with his Boss' daughter for years, however his Boss dies leaving Maggie Carmicheal, the Daughter, in charge. He doesn't want Maggie to be uncomfortable and think that the only reason he wants her is because he wants the company. Maggie is tired of keeping her desire for Eric at bay. She's ready to persue Eric, until he's either out of her system or falls in love with her, as much as she loves him. Little does she know that her machinations are just the thing to spur Eric on in his pusuit of her. Will Maggie find the love she desires, or will she find that Eric's only pursuit is head of the comapany? Naughty Under the Mistletoe by Carly Phillips explores a lawyers need for love, but not with the man she at first targets for a one-night-stand. Maxwell Carson doesn't know the elf who kisses him under imaginary mistletoe, but he know he wants to get to know Antonia Larson better after she ignites sparks with her kiss. Antonia thought at first Max was his twin brother Stephan. After discovering the man she kissed is not the man she intended, she still wishes to have her one-night-stand, this time with the man she kissed, for he is the "right" twin after all. After dinner, a night of passion and a mis-understanding, these 2 find that one night might not be enough for the both of them. Hope these rather boring critiques of mine don't turn you off buying 2 of the best books I've read in the last 2 months.

That's it for me tonight. I've been on here longer than I meant to. I hope y'all have a good evening. Stay warm and enjoy your weekend, B.

Midnight and Fireball are sharing some lurve! Actually they are sharing my chair. I've told you how many times I will be sitting for a moment, get up for a SECOND, come back to find my chair occupied. Is it just me, or does Midnight look prettier than when we first brought him home? His fur is all sniney and feels like velvet now.

Yesterday was spent running everywhere. We had Mass for All Saints Day, a trip to Bath and Body for some body spray (for me), and a trip to Wally-World for groceries for the next 2 weeks. Now, I say that I bought groceries for the next 2 weeks, however there will be many other trips to the Wally-World for things we run out of. The coolest thing about yesterday was the fact that I had made up a grocery list, and then prompty forgot when we left the house in a rush to not be late to Church, but I managed to get EVERYTHING on my list (and a few extras) except for 1 thing. Teryaki sauce. May I just say we use that stuff more than any other family I have ever met? (Daughter's favorite lunch is stir-fried noodles with teryaki sauce. ) Oh, and Son has discovered that the chicken nuggets from McD's actually contains.....chicken. He's been eating them for years, and just now noticed. He's got this weird thing where he'll only eat the breading on chicken tenders and now, chicken nuggets. *sigh* Is this kid ever going to eat normally? He is so picky when it comes to eating I just want to bang my head against the wall sometimes.
I know sometime in the next couple of weeks there is going to be a big to-do over the fact that DH and the kids and I aren't going over to the SIL's for Thanksgiving this year. Part of it stems from the details over the FIL's surgery and the mowing the lawn issue and the fact that even though DH and I have been married for almost 14 years, SIL does not see me as one of the family. (this bothers DH) Another part of it deals with the fact that since we don't go to their type of Church and we don't like the Civil War re-enactment stuff, and we don't have the same friends AND they don't respect our choices as regarding faith......We just don't feel like being there this year, surrounded by all their friends and the In-Laws. We're a family too, and we would like a holiday where we can just spend it together, just the 4 of us. Is there anything wrong with that? This won't cause the biggest thing, though. The fact that we're not going over to the DH's parents for Christmas morning will. Dh has to work Christmas day from 6am-3pm. So we're not going to be opening gifts until he gets home, the In-Laws are going to have a fit! We will try to make it to the family Christmas party though, hopefully that will soothe the MIL some. Oh, and as far as my Dad goes? He and my StepMother won't care. I am so tired of not feeling like I belong with my Dad, that I'm about ready to give up. I'm tired of making all the effort. I don't feel like he cares about me anymore. I have DH and my kids. Thats all I really need. So do y'all have these types of hassles with your families?
Sorry to dump on y'all.
Other than all that, things around here are fine. Except that Dh lost his claddaugh ring recently and didn't even notice. He had taken it off because he's gained so much weight it didn't fit well anymore. He set it down and then it went missing. And he didn't notice. AGH, MEN!! I made a funny comment (I thought) about how his wedding ring had better not go missing and he about bit my head off! Oooh, bad thing for him to do. He's a bit in the dog-house now, and knows it. Oh, and I found his claddaugh ring. HA!
It sounds like I'm in a bad mood, but I'm really not. All this just weighs on my mind. My Mom's nickname for me was "the worrier".
Anyway, that's it from my neck of the woods. I hope y'all are all snuggled inside away from the cool evening air. Have a good evening, B.

I'm posting these pictures of the munchkins, but will take the one of Daughter down later tomorrow, because you can never be too careful. Son dressed up as Darth Vader and even went around saying "trick-or-treat" in a low vaderish voice. He even told the Dh that "you don't know the power of the darkside". Dh cracked up laughing, but thought it was too cute! Daughter dressed as a renassaince maiden (Guinevere). They went with Dh and the kids across the street around the whole neighborhood, but were safely inside the house by 7:45. I actually had candy leftover this year! Not to mention the bounty the kids brought home and that the In-Laws brought when they came to see the kids in their costumes. Can you say chocolate? YUM! Although, my favorite were the atomic fireballs! We're all riding a sugar high right now, but will crash and burn later. And my excercise? HA!! Haven't done any yet this week. But I will.

Bailey has a great joke on her website, so pop over there and have a laugh.

The nerve damamge in my hand is acting up. Dh is telling me to go to the doctor, but I hate going and having to explain everything and then having them look at me like I'm nutty. What are your opinions? Also, my ac adaptor came today. I love overnight shipping and extended warranties!

Lucy Monroe has placed one of the poems I've written and posted on here before, on her site. (It's under the fun stuff section of her site.) I am so honored that she liked my poem enough to do that!

Let's see......I babysat today, Dh carved the kids pumpkins, the kids went trick-or-treating, we ate dinner late, had a bunch of candy and am now cleaning up the mess from tonight. So, this is it for me, have a good evening. I hope y'all had a great Halloween and that you pace yourselves with all that candy! Sweet Dreams and be happy that tomorrow is wednesday, and All Saints Day! Goodnight, B.