What's on your computer?

Seriously? I use this picture as wallpaper. What picture do y'all use? I could use a picture of the kids, but this picture makes me smile each time I see it. (whereas the kids make me yell sometimes, *g*)

Today has been busy and we didn't even go anywhere. I have been ironing, doing laundry, cleaning and generally been back to my normal self. I think the cold-from-hades is finally starting to loosen it's grip. I'm still coughing and uncomfortably in pain every time I do, but it's not as often! YAY! One step toward wellness.

I also have been making up a list of the books I am looking forward to releasing in the next 6 months. I do this often. Do y'all? Some are hardbacks and I'll wait for the library to get them and the others, well, I will haunt the UBS and even will buy some. I won't end up buying all of them, I change my mind often. But, it's fun making the list, and I can dream of all those lovely books. *g*

Chris defragged my computer this evening. It took a while and now is on a regular schedule to do so. He also installed another anti-virus suite on my computer. I was using AVG and it worked well, but I began to think of all the financial purchases and moving that I make online and asked Chris to make sure my anit-virus was up to all that. He decided to change mine to Avast. So, we'll see how it goes. Funny this is, I had seen an article on Avast a couple of months ago and mentioned it to him, he put it on his and has liked it. I have no idea why he couldn't have thought to put it on my computer without having to ask him! He said it was because he wanted to check it out first. Uh-huh. Right. He forgot me. I know he did. *g*

Daughter got in trouble with her Dad today. Chris told her if she didn't pay more attention to her chores he was going to take her new iPod Shuffle away. (She's had the thing glued to her ears since she received it AND she's been glued to the computer too, NOT doing her chores like she's been asked to do by me.) That's the part that ticked Chris off the most. That I had told her, and asked her to do some things and she basically ignored me. I understand that she's enraptured by her new "toy" but that shouldn't keep her from doing what's expected. *sigh* I do not like this "Tween" phase at all. Son, well, he's Son. So happy and sweet and willing to do what he's been told. *sigh* Did I mention he's been playing with a Whoopi cushion all day? *g*

Well, that's all from my day. I am feeling better today and tonight. I am trying my darndest not to cough, because it only hurts less when I curl into a ball. *g* I hope y'all had a peaceful and relaxing day today. I wish a delightful and happy monday for you. And if I don't "See" ya'll around beforehand, HAPPY NEW YEAR! B.

Exercise: No. Hopefully back to Yoga or the Y at least tomorrow.

Three times the regular!

More pictures from my cell-phone. *g* (It's usually upstairs and my camera downstairs. *g*) On the left are Fireball and Layla sleeping away on the kitty bed in our bedroom. Please notice that Fireball is a bed hog. Just like a guy! *g* On the right is Oreo, on my nightstand. She seems rather intense doesn't she? (Trust me, she is!)

Today has been gloomy and I have felt bad, the cold-from-hades is killing me, and that's all I will say about it. We dropped off our recyclables this afternoon, just like every other household locally, it seemed. Then we went to WW to pick up some groceries and made a point to pick out healthy foods for Chris to take to work this week. I made a big deal out of his needing to eat healthier and he has agreed to try his best. YAY! I really hope he learns something from this experience.

Chris was sweet this afternoon and picked up my library books for me. It's the little things he does, like this, that show me how much he cares. I know that must sound odd. But, it's true. And remembering these little things keeps me from wanting to show him in the floor when he snores! *g* And he snores alot. *g* Oh, and the books he picked up for me were recommendations from Amazon. (But, instead of buying them, I put them on Hold at the library.) Code of Conduct by Kristine Smith (whose name sounds familier, hmmm....) and The Reincarnationist by M.J. Rose. Both are new to me authors and both are not quite like anything I've read before, I think. But, I am willing to try them. Wish me luck.

And, that's my day. I hope wherever y'all were today and doing whatever you were doing, that you had a pleasant and enjoyable day. I wish a peaceful and relaxing sunday for you and best wishes for a lovely day.

Goodnight, B.

Exercise: No. GAH!

Midnight is a handsome, SILLY fellow!

I'm sharing two pictures this evening because they are from my cel-phone and a little smaller than the pictures from my camera. AND they are both of Midnight the resident Dumb-dumb. See, if we play the "voice game" with Midnight we usually give him the voice of the Easter Island-like head from Night at the Museum. You know, where the head say's "Dumb-dumb me want gum-gum?" OR does anyone remember the Andy Griffith show? Remember the gas station attendant, Gomer Pyle? He's alot like that character, incredibly sweet, but not too bright. The picture on the left is from Christmas Eve and after we had brought the gifts from the Out-Laws home, Midnight decided that one of the boxes made a lovely place to lie/lay(?) down for a bit (he shredded the tissue paper later). *G* The picture on the right is from another evening. Note the straw. This cat has a "thing" for straws. He will follow you anywhere as long as you are holding a straw. He's also been known to steal one from a drink every now and then. *g*

Today has been quiet and rainy. A perfect day for reading (and finishing) a book that you thoroughly enjoyed. And listening to the rain. I love the sound of the rain. *g* Anyone else? I'm not coughing as much today, which is a good thing because my chest hurts every time I do! I hope this cold-from-hades is going away. I'll give it until monday, and then I'm resuming my exercise, whether the cold-from-hades is gone or not. (I haven't been exercising because I've read that if you exercise when you're sick it can lower your immune system even more.)

Speaking of reading, I finished HOT by Julia Harper, which I loved and want a new book from her NOW! *G* And you can find my review here. The funniest thing is, I think I have met a few people like the character of Nald and Fish. *g* Thanks to y'all for letting me know what books you are looking forward to. It was interesting to see the answers and to see that some were books I have been looking forward to as well!

The kids have been on the computer again today. FUN! We even re-installed one of their games. And no, they couldn't have played outside, Hi! It was raining today!

OH! GOSH! I have totally forgotten to tell y'all two things! One, Chris was called by the Doctors office, remember when he went in for his physical? Yeah, his cholesterol was a little high! Ha! I have been telling him that for months. (Mine was fine when they tested it btw.) See, when he works he sometimes gets food out to eat. AND he loved fried chicken, shoot, the man loves anything that is bad for him. *g* He's SAID he's going to try and eat better and to exercise, but we'll see.

Okay, two. Christmas Day we had bought some nice kitty treats for the cats. We placed them in bowls so they wouldn't fight over them and set them down on the floor. They wouldn't eat them. My. Cats. Are. Weird. I ended up boiling them a piece of chicken, shredding it and putting that down (in seperate bowls). They ate every bite. *sigh* Crazy cats. I have crazy cats.

Um, a third but not funny thing is we took down our tree already. Normally we wait until New Year's Eve, but it was shedding at an alarming rate, so we went ahead and got it out of the house before it became a fire hazard. Or rather, more of a fire hazard. *g*

Okay, okay, a fourth weird thing. I told y'all we called to have the washer and dryer fixed? Yeah. They are sending two, TWO different people out to fix them. On two different days. One for the dryer and one for the washer. WTHECK?

That's all from me. I am the original boring Mom. I hope y'all had an enjoyable friday and that your saturday is restful and fun! Goodnight, B.

Exercise: NOOOOOOO! I can not wait to go back to the Y. Just as soon as it doesn't hurt to take a deep breath.

Now that the toys are open, it's time to PLAY!

Fireball is enjoying a moment with Santa Paws, the catnip toy we purchased for the kitties a couple of weeks ago. As a matter of fact, not long after this picture was taken, Midnight wanted Santa Paws so badly that he popped Fireball on top of his head and took it from Fireball! I guess all's fair in love and playing with a cat-nip toy! *G*

Today had been nice. Chris went back to work today, so it's just me and the kids. They have the week off of schoolwork, so are spending time playing and on the computer. (I monitor what they look at, trust me.) I have been enjoying the peace and relative quiet. Not to mention I started reading Hot by Julia Harper. You have to read an excerpt of this book! You can find it HERE. I think the premise is pretty original and the characters "Yoda" and "Spongebob" are hilarious.

I have been in a pretty good mood today, which is at odds with how my body is feeling. My chest hurts from all the coughing and I sneezed so much at one time, when I went to get a tissue, that I had to spray down every surface around me with Lysol. (I was afraid that the germs would get the kids. *G*) On top of that, I don't think the thyroid medicine is working. I have been so tired that twice today I almost fell asleep. Then again, maybe it's the Cold-that-wouldn't-die. *sigh*

I am anxious for several books to be released soon. Are there any books that y'all are looking forward to?

I didn't make it to the Y tonight. I am so tired and was afraid if I started coughing (something I would be sure to do) I would fall off the elyptical.

I hope y'all had a nice day and that your day was pleasant and without a bad moment. I wish a delightful, restful and fun friday! Goodnight, B.

After all that it's Nap Time!

After reading the instructions and putting together LEGO's and Son's new Spider Man basketball game, Layla needed a nap. So, she crawled up in my lap, bumped my chin a couple of times and then took a nap. Note the "My Mommy" paw on my chest. *g*

Today was spent with half of the day with Chris trying to figure out how to take the washing machine top off (we have a front loader) so he could try and see what was wrong. He threw caution to the wind and tried to do this because the repair people told us this afternoon that the EARLIEST they can get someone out here is JANUARY the 4! A Week from this friday. WTheck? A whole week without a washer that includes a weekend? Nooooooo! So, Christ tried but couldn't get the top off the washing machine. Seriously, it was toooooo funny watching him try and try and try. He could not figure it out! So, he tried an experiment, as long as we keep the loads small and turn down the spin to low, the machine works. Enough that I don't have to go to the laundry mat. I've never been to a laundry mat in the "regular" world. On an Air Force base where you don't worry about your safety, yeah. But, to the one in our town, where you have NO idea who will be there? With 2 kids? By myself? Um, no. I just would not feel safe and if that makes me a big wuss, then so be it.

The other half of our day was spent running errands. We took back the cold medicine (what? I was supposed to keep something neither of us could use? Chris is well again and I could never use it.) and then heading to the Mall to Children's Place (Cutest and best made, but affordable, kids clothes EVER!) to find a pair of jeans for Son. His current pair just develped holes and seemed to shrink within a week, but really he grew. *g* He has another pair that the Out-laws bought him that should fit, but for some reason, although the same size 6 that I just bought tonight, seem WAY bigger. WAY, WAY bigger. I can't figure it out, although they are another brand. We ended up picking him up not only a pair of jeans (and refusing to buy yet another pair of sunglasses, I swear he has 4 pair already, for real.) we picked him up a pullover sweater as well. This is the first time that we couldn't buy anything for Daughter while there. She has finally outgrown their clothes. Which I had already figured out considering she can wear a ladies extra-small (it will be a tiny bit big, but will still fit, so say her Tinkerbell jammies. *G*). Hickory Farms was tempting, but we were good and the SEE's candy kiosk (we don't have a full time store, only during Christmas) was WIPED OUT. They sold everything. You'd think they'd figure out that we need a store. *G* (My mouth would love it, but my clothes would argue. *g*) I was good and stayed out of Coldwater Creek as well. (But only because the taxes are due on the van by the 31st. *g*)

After the Mall we went to BAMM, where I used the lovely gift card the Out-Laws gave me. **(And someone else gave me a gif to BAMM too and I haven't mentioned it because I didn't want to make anyone feel left out?) BUT, I would like this friend to know that I appreciate the gift more than they could ever know AND that it made me cry. Seriously. Ask my kids. I'm used to giving, not receiving.*g* ** Where I purchased Hot by Julia Harper (who also writes historicals under the name Elizabeth Hoyt), The Haunting of Josie by Kay Hooper (a re-release from her early romance days, Shadowing Ivy by Janelle Taylor, and Remains of the Dead: A Ghost Dusters Mystery by Wendy Roberts. I also picked up some absolutely lovely Thank You cards to send out. What? I can't be the only person who still practices this antiquated ritual. Or to use another term: "My Mama raised me right". (That's my Southern popping out. *G*)

After all that we still went by B&N, another gift card from SIL and BIL, where I noted no new books that I wanted and treated my family to snacks and drinks from the cafe. After a quick trip to WW for milk, we came home, made taco's and have crashed. (And I almost fell asleep on the way home in the car.) Well, after folding all the laundry we were able to run. Did I mention the darks alone were 3 small laods. ALOT of darks. *g* And where Son is regaling us with his kareoke(sp) of songs off my MP3. (Note to self, pay more attention when buying songs off of iTunes and stop buying the explicit language songs.)

I'm off to bed to try and sleep and cough at the same time. I hope y'all had a nice day and that you were able to relax after the expectations of Christmas became past tense. I wish a thankful and smile-containing thursday for y'all. 'Night, B.

Exercise: Shopping should count. Really. How about when Son and Chris(Chris, because he spilled his coffee in his lap right after parking) stayed in the car and Daughter and I ran into WW to pick up Milk and made it all the way back to the car and Son had to potty and I had to run him in? Does that count? Please? *g* Hopefully I'll get back to it tomorrow, sick or not.

Blasted Directions!

Here's Layla trying to decipher the MANY directions we were confronted with today on behalf of Son and his new toys. She's trying her best to read them and understand what the heck the manufacturer means by the confusing words and images. Luckily I was able to figure it out for her and no harm befell the toys. *G*

Today was fun, in that we were able to see the kids faces as they opened their gifts. Son was hilarious as he tore open and tore open and after everything of his was opened, THEN he went back and looked at it all. He did the same thing last night at the Out-Laws. Daughter ADORES her iPod shuffle and has already spent half of the $30 in iTunes giftcards she's received. Chris and I don't really buy each other gifts. We feel that Christmas is mostly for the kids, but we did get each other something small. I bought him a Starbucks giftcard (he is addicted! *G*) and a Serenity graphic Novel. I totally surprised him with the graphic novel and he's kept it next to him all day. He gave me a giftcard to BAMM and an eyeglass case (for my glasses) that has a skull and crossbones on it. It's COOL! Oh and last night at the Out-laws Chris received an icky fragrance set (but we won't mention that or that it will promptly disappear without the gift giver knowing, okay?), a pair of slacks and a button down shirt, a pack of pens (and since he rarely gets regular office supplies at work, this is a good thing) and a multi-tool that he already has, but now he has one for the car and not just the house! So way to go for Chris! I received a bracelett watch (which I will never wear, but I won't tell MIL that, I don't like things on my wrists), a bottle of the Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Spray that I wear (and not the perfume that makes me smell like cotton candy, go figure *shrugs*), a purse spritzer of the same body spray, a sweater (WTG MIL! She FINALLY got it right, it only took 15 years!) *g*, and a gift card to B&N. Count me in as surprised and happy this year. It only took MIL 15 years to realize I would rather have books than clothes, but that if she gets me clothes it better be plain and dark colored. *G* Normally she buys me things she'd wear. She really tried this year and I am grateful! And I told her so, too. (Well, not like that, in a more polite manner, give me a break, I was brought up with better manners than that!) *G*

The kids have been on the computer for a couple of hours now, after Chris spent most of the afternoon reformatting the entire thing and even gave them limited access to windows. Each has their own login, password protected and Chris and I are the only ones who know the passwords.

The Out-laws couldn't contain themselves and had to stop by today. It just killed them that we are sticking to our decision not to travel around the city on Christmas Day. I was nice and kept my mouth shut.

Chris made dinner tonight, Teriyaki Glazed Cornish Hens! YUM! I chose this year and I chose this because it was the first thing he ever made me when we were dating 17 years ago. See, we can both cook and pretty well at that. (No bragging, I swear, well, I am bragging ON HIM!) But, after years of HAVING to be the one that cooks all the time, it is a treat NOT to have to cook.

No reading again today. We've been busy with the kids and having visitors. I hope to choose and read something later tonight. I'm crossing my fingers that's the case, because I NEED to read. *g*

I hope that y'all had a good day. That your hopes were carried along and that you knew kindness and happiness. I wish a restful and even-keeled wednesday for y'all. Goodnight, Love and Hugs, B.

Exercise: NO and I miiiiisssssss it! I may, well or not, go back to the Y on thursday. (Chris is off tomorrow and we have a visit to the laundry mat as well(We need to call back the repair people to see when they are fixing my washer), so not tomorrow.)

Christmas Eve! / Christmas!

Layla and her finery!


It's Christmas Eve in my house. We're waiting for the kids to calm down into a deep sleep before Santa can visit and eat the cookies the kids placed out (in a plastic container so the cats can't try to eat them first). The stockings are hung, not on a mantle, but a bookcase and since I'm sure that Santa is a very literate man he'll understand. *G*

This evening was spent with the Out-laws and Chris' sister and BIL. We had a light dinner and opened gifts. Son would not eat he was SO eager to open them and Daughter was as well. The Out-Laws enjoyed their gifts. (SIL and hubs were given a wooden photo box and thermos shaped like a shotgun-shell (they're hunters) and MIL and FIL were given a digital photo frame.) Chris and I remarked to each other that we picked good gifts this year because they seemed to really enjoy their gifts. No Midnight Mass this year, for some reason Chris is getting better but I am still sick and didn't want to give this bug to someone else. I tried not to get too close or cough on the Out-Laws tonight. (I did try to buy a Cold Medicine today, but I didn't read the warning until we were out in the car. Oops! It said seek medical advise before using if you have a thyroid problem. Well, number one, that freaked me out and two, my Doctor's office was closed so I couldn't call and ask if it was safe. So, no go.) We did stay a little longer than SIL and BIL to borrow their washer for a bit and ended up playing a card game called Phase 10. It was interesting and fun. I had fun at the Out-laws. GO FIGURE! *g*

For some odd, VERY ODD reason Chris has decided to clean the oven tonight, of all nights. Now my house is going to have that burnt smell for Christmas. I didn't say anything though, because seriously, how often does he clean! ANYTHING!

Anyway, I wish a Merry Christmas to you all from me and my family (furbabies included)! May your life be filled with Blessings on His day. Love to you all. B.

No reading today. No time. I haven't much that piques my interest anyway, so I may wait another day before picking something.

Midnight was bribed!

Don't feel sorry for Midnight. Because he sat still for this picture he was given a kitty treat. *g* He enjoyed it and forgot all about the indignity of wearing the Santa Hat. *g*

I'm up late, or early, depending on your view. I forgot to post last night before bed, but it is hours before I normally get up. This blasted cold is making sleep difficult (sleeping sitting up is NOT fun). I may try and get a cat nap before the kids get up.

No laundry yesterday at all. My washer made a horrific noise last night while in spin cycle, and while it still worked, I am afraid to try another load of laundry, so will be borrowing the Out-Laws while we are over there this evening. And don't worry. We already cleared it with them. We're not just showing up with a load of laundry along with gifts and the ham. *g* Oh, and we called to have it repaired and (God Bless extended warranties, they are SO worth the money) they will call us back WEDNESDAY to set up an appointment. GAH! I guess I'll be spending some time in the local laundry-mat sometime this week. Luckily the dryer is working fine. *knock on wood* *g*

Since I didn't have laundry to do, I was able to read a bit and finished The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands. It was highly entertaining and I enjoyed it. However there were a few plot twists that were TOTALLY unbelievable, and yet believable according to how the character was written. It's hard to explain without spoiling any of the scenes. So I'll just recommend it if you are in the mood for a light (very light, think cotton candy), funny(the scene when the heroione is after cheesecake is hilarious!), quick read. There is, of course, a HEA and I can't wait for the next installment in the series in late January. I have no idea why the publisher decided to stack 3 of the books in the series in consecutive months(Dec./Jan./Feb.), but I'm not complaining! *g*

I hope y'all sunday was peaceful and if not peaceful then spent with those you love. *g* I wish you a joyous and happy Christmas Eve Day. B.

All my girly fur-babies!

Athena, Patches, Oreo and Layla are all in this picture! Of course we had to bribe them with a treat to get them all within a foot of each other, but hey, whatever works. *g* And I have decided that yesterdays Photo may be next years Christmas Card! *G* Chris agree's that it's just WAY too funny to resist.

So we didn't make it to Mass today. I rethought that decision when we all woke up coughing and sniffling. I didn't want to infect anyone else. The bad thing is, I still had to run to the grocery store to pick up a Ham for dinner at the Out-Laws on Monday. There is no way I'm shopping tomorrow! You'd think WW would be bad, but it was just a bit busier than a regular saturday. We came home after that. No reason to spread more germs than we needed to. *G* However, it was nice to get out of the house. I hadn't been anywhere since tuesday!

Other than that, and laundry (of course) there isn't much going on here today. I'm making chocolate chip cookies to replace the macaroons, because Son begged for them. *g* I just can't resist his cute face. *g* My MIL called today to see if we were attending a family thing tomorrow. Chris told her it depended on how we felt.

Are y'all all done with your Christmas shopping? I still have the neighbors gift to purchase. I was going to buy something this afternoon when we were out, but I couldn't make up my mind, until on the way home and even now I am wondering if it's the right thing. Ah, well. I have a back-up if I start to become too unsure.

I hope y'all had a fun day and that if you were out in public, things went well and that people were nice. I wish a peaceful and hopefully relaxing sunday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: HAHA! 'Scuse me. Um, no. Still dealing with this blasted cold.

Layla enjoys the Holidays!

Or not, judging by her face in this picture. Don't worry, she was rewarded for being such a good girl and enduring the embarassment of the Santa Hat. *g* AND I still have all my fingers, so it's a win/win situation.

Today has been another quiet day and also the 3rd day I've not been anywhere. I admit to being a homebody, but I wouldn't mind getting out of the house tomorrow. The kids still have the effects of the cold, but are their usual hyper selves, especially Son. *g*

I need some advice. Our neighbors gave us gifts, a toy for Son (that I had to let him open because he was asking every 5 minutes, and a statuette of a cat for Daughter, which she loves as well.) And they picked up some candy for all of us. I didn't get them anything because, to be honest, I dropped the ball and didn't think of it. What is a last minute BUT NICE gift that I can get them. They are super sweet people. The wife can't sit in theaters, she has a bad back (A very bad back=pins and rods), so no movie passes. Any suggestions? PLEASE?!

So, on to another topic. Remember the treat bags I was telling y'all about last night? For Chris' 'team'? He forgot them. Kid. You. Not. BUT, he did manage to come home for dinner and pick them up. So, I don't have to hurt him. AND he went by WW on the way home tonight and said that it was crazy! I believe him and wouldn't have asked him to go, but we are out of decongestant. We really needed some decongestant. *g* AND, AND he brought me home a book. And I didn't ask! I did last week, but the book wasn't out yet. BUT, BUT he remembered the book and looked tonight (without me asking) and there it was and he bought it for me! Awwww! He's such a sweetie! It makes all the times I want to smack him (like when he snores) all better. *g* Oh, and the book is: The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands. I have been waiting and waiting for this book!

Tomorrow promises to be interesting. We don't want to infect anyone, but we need to go to Mass. And then there is surely an errand or 2 to make. Which I don't mind. It'll be nice to get out of the house for a bit. *g* I hope y'all had a fun friday and that it brought some happiness to you. I wish a delightful and easy Saturday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: I would have to be able to breathe through my nose for that!

Santa (and Oreo) is watching you!

Oreo is full of attitude. Unfortunatley for her, she is mostly all growl and no bite. *g* If I sit down on something near her-she will NOT shut up. Not just purring and meowing, but trilling. It's cute, but doesn't last long, soon she's back to her old habits of shrinking down under my hand as I reach to pet her. Ah, the psychosis of a cat. *g*

Today has been quiet and low-key. We are all suffering under whatever the heck this torture of the sinuses is. I did have some good news today to cheer me up.

Oh, goodness. I have some funny and at the same time not-so-funny news for y'all. Remember last nights post where I did all that baking? Well, after I finished cleaning up the kitchen I placed all the cookies in plastic baggies and set them in the snack food cabinet. It wasn't enough to keep them away from the cats. One (or 2 because only 2 of them know how to open the cabinets) managed to get into the cabinet, shred the bags and destroy the macaroons. My money is on Midnight because he likes coconut. I have enough coconut to make more, but the mess........... Little BOOGERS! GAH!

I finished reading The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. It was a good book; and very interesting. I was led to believe it would be somewhat like the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. It wasn't, but I still enjoyed it. The female lead character must learn to navigate through her family and find her own niche, not only within her family, but within herself. There isn't a HEA, but the story was still satisfying and compelling. I can't wait to read another book by this author. I'm trying to start Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen, but can't seem to get into it right now. I may set it aside for another day or 2 and read something else.

Nothing much else going on here. Chris is taking treat bags to work tomorrow for his 'team', or I will KILL him, because I made them up tuesday night when I was exhausted. He better! Or I'll tell Santa. *g* Laundry stops for no one here, or rather no one sick. So, that's been still rolling through. YAY! NOT! *g*

Th-th-that's all folks. (Sorry, bad Porky imitation. I'm tired. Sometimes I get really silly when I'm tired, enjoy it.) *G* I hope y'all had a nice thursday and that no stress entered your day. I wish a fun and fabulous friday for y'all! G'night, B!

Exercise: Are you KIDDING? Uh-uh.

Even cats have manners!

Please note the crossed paws that Butterscotch is sporting. And the superior look on his face! If you could give him a voice (a game we play around here), what would it sound like?

Today has been puncuated with sneezing, coughing and "my throat hurts". It started last night with the kids. Daughter felt achey and ended up with a fever and Son started dripping and coughing. Everyone finally fell asleep and then when we woke today Daughter no longer had a fever, but did have a headache and sore throat, Son is coughing more that last night and the sniffles.....ugh! If he isn't told to blow his nose he sniffs, and sniffs, AND SNIFFS. Oh, and wipes his nose on his shirt sleeve. Eeeewwwwww! If that wasn't enough I woke with a sore throat and started sneezing tonight. *G* Oh, did I mention the cramps as well. Yeah, that's here too! *sigh* I decided to not go to Yoga tonight. I didn't want to infect any other kids in the childwatch AND I didn't think it would be good for the kids to go our in the chilly air and since we're supposed to get rain, that would make it the chilly damp air. They're doing okay though. Son is still his sweet self and Daughter keeps asking me why she's sick, what do I think she has, why her head hurts. And laying around on various peices of furniture trying to look pitiful although she told me herself she doesn't feel as bad as last night.

I still mannaged to make chicken and rice soup for dinner and played around with a recipe to create cinnamon-apple bread. It came out great! And yummy! I am looking forward to some tomorrow when I wake up! (I cheated, I had a slice tonight after dinner.) I have also FINALLY made the macaroons I have been planning to make for a week. I might even make some cream cheese sugar cookies that I just found a recipe for and am eager to try.

I have also started The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. I'm finding it interesting so far. Oh, and I have played FreeRice.com for about 20 minutes this evening and it's addictive. In 25 minutes I had over 5, 000 grains of rice. *g* It's very, very bad that I saved the link to my favorites, right? *g*

And that's about all, not a very busy day as far as going places, but it's still been productive here. I hope y'all had a good day and that you accomplished all you set out to do. I wish a happy and smile-filled thursday! B.

Exercise: Nope, everybody is sick. GAH!

Layla is ready to be shipped!

I have no idea why cats love boxes so much. Is it the smell? The way it stays warm? Any ideas? Notice the not-so-pleased look on her face. She was asleep and woke up when I took the picture. So sorry to have disturbed your nap, princess. *g*

I have been on a rollercoaster of emotions in the past 24 hours. I don't know if it's the holidays, my hormones, that I'm tired all the darn time or the fact that today would have been my Mom's 58th birthday. One of those is enough to encourage tears, but all 4 together, well..... I swear I think Chris and the kids would have hidden last night at bedtime to escape. Today itself has been a bit better. I've tried to keep busy and have just now hit the exhaustion stage. And hopefully tomorrow, another year will have passed and I won't feel this anger, grief and sadness inside when another special occasion roles around. Until Christmas. *sigh* Which isn't as bad because I can concentrate on the kids and try not to think too much. Wait, that didn't sound right. Y'all know what I mean.

Anyway, today I managed to get up a couple of hours before the kids and wrapped everything. I even helped, um, one of Santa's elves wrap Santa's gifts for the kids. *g* I also made chili for dinner. Did I mention I add jalepeno's to it? *G* Last time I made Chris sweat. *G* LOL. Daughter and I were fine, though. I didn't make it as hot this time.

I also made it to the library today and picked up Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen and The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. (The last one was recommended on MJD's forum.) We also picked up 2 movies for the kids, Surf's Up and Mrs. Claus. Both were cute.

AND I made it to the Y tonight, but now I am so past tired that I am achey with exhaustion. So, I'm off to bed. I hope y'all had a pleasant day and that you managed to find something enjoyable. I wish y'all a wonderful wednesday and to remind y'all that Christmas is now less than a week away, let the craziness begin! G'night, B.

Exercise: 2.70 miles on the elyptical @ level of 8.

Hula Kitty!

We're a bit strange over our kitties. Some of their poses are just too easy to name. We call this pose Hula Kitty because Patches is twisting from one side to the other-and not at the same time. *g* All she needs is a grass skirt. (And not to eat it!)

I can not believe I forgot to post last night! I must have been more tired than I thought. I had laundry and ironing after our trip to see the lights last night AND I wrapped gifts as well. It was so funny. I admit to being a bit sneaky. While Chris was on his computer on our bed on one side, I was on the floor on the other side with the kids wrapping gifts for the Out-Laws and I also wrapped HIS! *G*And he never knew, until I held them up and showed him! And when the kids were in the other room, I sat on the floor in my closet and wrapped a couple of theirs too. (Hey, it has to get done SOME time.) Then again, Santa's gifts have to be wrapped as well and I have NO time to, um, help Santa. I actually am thinking of calling the Out-Laws and seeing if they would take the kids for a couple of hours one day this week. I MUST be desperate. *g*

That's about it for today. I have had a good day, but there isn't much to tell y'all. Sorry. *G* I did make it the Y tonight and may I say it was cold on the way there? I wore my capri's to class rather than have to change when I get there, because I hate to do that. What? Is that weird? Well, needless to say I was COLD on the way there! *G*

That's all she wrote, or rather, all I'm writing. I hope y'all had a good monday and that it was a pleasant day. I wish a delightful and smile filled tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

Having a good time.

I am SO sorry! I forgot to post last night! We went to McAdenville, NC to see the lights and the trip was a bit over an hour each way. Then when we arrived home I had ironing and laundry to do and the kids were hyper after being stuffed in the car that long........Anyway, I am sorry.

This picture is safe, of Son, notice how he has dragged down alot of his toys and is having a blast in the LR? Those lego's in the plastic bin are fun to try and keep in one area, believe me! (Not to mention the little buggers hurt when you step on them!)

Not much reading done yesterday, too busy. Or exercise, busy again. Jeez!

Anyway, have a great day and I'll try and have a better post for tomorrow, tonight! B.

My Darlings!

I don't like posting photos of the kids, but this one seems "safe". Ever since Daughter discovered this function on my cell phone she has been taking all sorts of pictures. I decided to turn the camera around on her the other night. *g*

Today was very busy. We managed to squeeze most everything in. Daughter now had slightly shorter hair and it looks good. At first the lady thought she wanted 4 inches off and I almost lost my breath, we like her hair short, just not THAT short!

OOOOH, I forgot to tell y'all what the cats did yesterday! I came downstairs yesterday to find a few pieces of t.p. on the floor in the downstairs bathroom. Ookay I thought. I looked around the hall and in the kitchen and couldn't find the roll anywhere. I checked the kitchen, no t.p. I walked back into the LR and didn't immediately see anything. Until I checked where we have the tree set up. Guess what? They had shredded the entire roll of t.p. behind th Christmas tree! I guess they wanted to get us something for Christmas! *G* I think we need a different type of holder. *g*

Anyway, I have been doing laundry on top of all things today and am now past tired. I hope y'all had a nice day and enjoyed yourselves. I wish a peaceful and restful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Nope, no time.

Layla is crowned Queen!

Anyone notice anything different about Layla in this picture? *g* Daughter was given this little crown by one of her friends and has enjoyed making Layla feel like the Queen she thinks she is. *g* And Layla slept through the entire picture taking process last night. (Please excuse the quality if the picture, it was taken with my cell-phone.)

Today has been okay. We made it to the library today to pick up a movie that had come in for the kids and I picked up The Family Stone to watch, for myself. I also made another trip to WW today. I know I was just there yesterday, but I don't like shopping for food without a menu planned out. The kids were pretty good and didn't ask for much, apart from something to drink. Daughter chose a small container of eggnog as her treat! *G* The drivers out today were a bit scary! Holiday driving rules must differ from regular ones. At least according to the rude and crazy drivers I saw. Even Chris commented on them as he went to the Mall this evening during his break, to pick up the last item for the kids stockings. *g*

As for what I'm reading, I'm rereading a favorite of mine right now. Mother of the Bride by Lynn Michaels is one of my favorite books. The first few chapters alone make me howl with laughter! It's weird, too. Because this book has been in the back of my mind for a few weeks now and I just gave up and decided to reread it. Has that ever happened to you?

Tomorrow promises to be busy. We need to have Daughters hair trimmed and also maybe make it to the UBS before Mass. Hopefully we can squeeze both in, but it will be hard. The kids and Chris are hard to motivate sometimes, but especially on the weekends.

I hope y'all had an enjoyable day and that a good book was involved somehow. I wish a delightful and smile-filled saturday for you. Best wishes for a great day! G'night, B.

Exercise: No time and no energy.

Boxed up! One kitty to go!

Last week when the kids brought home the stuffed animals that Chris' company made them, they were given these boxes to carry them in. Butterscotch decided to move into the recently vacated box and try it on for size. *g* Isn't he cute!

Today has been quiet. I've really enjoyed it too. I feel less tired today than yesterday and am hoping that tomorrow is the same, we'll see. I haven't picked up a new book to read yet. I have been busy with the kids and I had to run to WW for some more Breath Right things for Chris. NO WAY am I letting him run out of those things. Although, he does still snore with them, just not as bad. *g*

Any new book recommendations? I was just wondering what y'all were reading?

No laundry today. I need to mark that down in the calender! *G*

Are y'all ready for Christmas? I bought the last of my gifts (for my Dad, my Grandmother and my Step-Mothers grandaughter that lives with them) today. I have started wrapping gifts, too. I'm trying to get it all done now, because I hate being up until the wee hours of the morning Christmas morning wrapping all the gifts and getting about 2 hours sleep! Hopefully, the only thing left to do will be the kids stockings. I'm crossing my fingers.

And that's all from me. Another boring day in the neighborhood, a boring day in the neighborhood, will you be my? KIDDING. I have no idea why the theme from Mr. Rodgers just went through my head. Anyone remember that show?

Anyway, I hope y'all had a wonderful thursday. If not, I'm sorry and I hope friday is much better! Have a fantastic, fun Friday! 'Night, B.

Exercise: 2.66 miles on the elyptical @ level of 8.

If I get up for one minute!

I swear half the time there isn't a piece of furniture in the house that doesn't have a cat on it. I got up the other night from my chair to fold clothes and was gone for maybe 15 minutes, came back and Patches had stolen my seat! Layla likes to sleep on the ottoman, and actually the other cats do too! Is it sad that part of the reason I bought a chair with an ottoman was because I wanted the cats to have somewhere to sleep AND a place to put my feet?

Today had felt busy and hasn't been. The kids had RE tonight and I drove them there and rather than go to BAMM (You know I feel tired when I am too tired to go to BAMM), I sat in the van and read a book.

When we came home I had laundry to do and dinner to make. And I also have managed to vacumm, sweep and mop the floors (with a new environmentally friendly cleaner) and make a loaf of banana bread. I am too pooped to pop.

The book I mentioned before, A Tisket, A Tasket a Fancy Stolen Casket by Fran Rizer is definitely a fun book. I can't wait until the next book in this delightful new series.

That's all tonight. I'm headed for a shower and bed. I hope y'all had a wonderful wednesday. I wish a relaxing and smile filled thursday for y'all. G'night, B.

Exercise: Not today.

Fireball gets in the Holiday Mood.

Fireball sat very nicely for his Santa Hat picture this year. *g* Can't you tell he's just thrilled to continue our Holiday tradition? *G* Actually he was a good boy.

I came downstairs today to find 2 ornaments on the floor, which is actually better than I expected. Oh, and the ornaments they knocked off were almost unbreakable, so no worries there. The funny thing is, 2 of the cats were chasing each other around the tree this evening! Daughter brought the broom in from the garage and chased them away. They haven't been back since. *g*

Not much to share with y'all today. I've been doing laundry and we cleaned out the downstairs toy-box and Son decided to donate some toys to the Y's Childwatch program. I am so proud of him. I even explained that if he donated them, he doesn't get first chance to play with them when they are at the Childwatch. He said ok. Isn't he a sweetie? *G* Now we just need to tackle the toy-box in his room. *sigh* It's 3 times as big and I feel tired just thinking about it.

I'm not noticing a difference on the new medicine yet, at day 5. I have been tired a long time now, so maybe I am just not aware of a difference? Although I made it 10 hours yesterday without feeling as though I didn't have enough energy to walk up the stairs. I wonder if it's the med's or the cold being gone? Eh, well.

I haven't had a chance to read today. I hate typing that. I did make it to the library to pick up 2 books for Chris and a Hold that had come in for me. Chris now has 2 very BIG, thick books on Visual Basic. Which is hilarious considering he already owns one. Eh, I didn't mind. He is on mandatory academic suspension for 6 months because of the class he "failed" (he made a D) a while back and his inability to bring his grade above a B+ (which is his GPA right now) which is mandatory for a Masters Program from UoP. He wanted to work on his certifications anyway. And he's VERY good at it. I don't think he realized how hard the Masters degree would be. It's weird. I think it's that he thinks of his Masters as work, whereas he thinks of the certifications as fun. It's like a theory of a problem versus actual application.

I also decided to hold off on making the macaroons, because I found a new recipe to try and need another ingredient. You would not believe how many different ways there are to make a macaroon! Don't even get me started on the french version! *g*

That's it from me. I am tired and still need to fold laundry and grab a shower. I hope that y'alls day was productive and friendly. I wish a delightful and non-stressful day for wednesday! 'Night, B.

Exercise: 2.35 miles on the Elyptical @ a level of 8.

Athena checks out the tree!

Here is Athena, checking out the tree and trying to figure out the right angle to start climbing. And yes, right when the camera battery died and needed to be recharged, is when she tried and made it halfway up! And I missed it! Dangit! *g* I'm sure there will be other occasions to watch her though.

Today had been good. I woke up a bit tired but, as I am used to that, no biggie. The kids are starting the watch the calender for Christmas. Son is so excited I am suprised he can sit still.

Daughter is excited as well, but has learned to contain it a bit more.

I went to Yoga tonight and other than having a slight problem with my balance, did okay. Although our teacher was 10 minutes late, we still had a nice session and I enjoyed it as usual. Oh, and the book I mentioned yesterday is delightful, I haven't had time to finish it, but it's a fun book! *g*

Tonight we decorated the tree. The cats were scarce for this experience, but I have no doubt I''ll come down tomorrow to decorations scattered around. We don't have many breakables and those that are, are now on the very top of the tree. Everything else is metal, fabric or wood. I don't do a garland, when the kids were little I was worried that it would pose a choking hazard and we never picked it back up after the kids were bigger. What kind of decorations are on your tree? Our's are an eclectic of crafts, those from my childhood, and special ornaments Chris and I have picked up since we were married. Oh, and the lights, we go for plain white. What color are on your tree? Now I just need to wrap some of the gifts and I'll feel like I've accomplished something.

What are your favorite cookies? I will be baking cookies sometime this week and I am making maccaroons. They are Daughter and my favorite! Chris likes polverones (think mexican wedding cake cookies) and Son prefers the chips-a-hoy-tastes-like-cardboard ones. *g* I admit to being partial to peanut butter cookies, even though I don't like peanut butter right now. Yes, I know it's weird. See, peanut butter was one of the "safe" foods when I was pregnant and had gestational diabetes, so I ate it morning noon and night. I became burned out and now 5 and a half years later, I admit to STILL being burned out! *g* Except for cookies. *G* I may try the new recipe that MIL gave me, for a cranberry/lemon/coconut cookie. They are delicious! I would make Date Balls (I grew up with those.), but no one besides me will eat them and I don't need them in the house!

Anyway, I hope y'all had a lovely and stress-free Monday. I wish a delightful and productive Tuesday for y'all. Smiles, good thoughts and virtual hugs to each of you! G'night, B.

Bringing nature home for the Holidays!

So, want to guess what we did today? We went and picked out our tree. We left it in a bucket of water in the garage for a few hours while we cooked dinner and ate, and then Chris brought the stand down from the attic and put the tree in it. The cats were instantaneous in their reactions, as follows:
Layla-Eh, another tree, whatever.
Midnight- I wonder which branch tastes better? This one or this one? Ooh, or is it this one?
Fireball- I will watch from afar and then plan my course of attack.
Butterscotch- Nooooo, it's a green and tall monster! Help!
Athena- (who climbed the tree last year) I will watch these crazy people and then I will find the treasure hidden in the tree later tonight!
Patches- Interesting how the humans believe that cutting a tree down and placing shiny objects upon it will not wreak havoc.
Oreo- I think I remember this, but I'll have to smell each branch individially before I continue my investigation.

I promise you, I know these cats. If they're not thinking what I've written, they are thinking something very similar! *g*

Before the tree, we made a trek to the nearest Krispy Kreme for some doughnuts. I can't remember the last time we had them and we all had decided we needed some. *g* I admit a weakness for these, but I was good. I didn't have too many, and the kids will eat the rest of them this week, for breakfast.

I didn't pick a new book to read last night, because the library called yesterday and I had another book rom HOLD in. *G* I am quite happy with my library right now, they are doing better about the time you place a hold, to the time you receive your book (if it hadn't already been checked out and you were on a wait list). I now have A Tistket, A Tasket, A Fancy Stolen Casket by Fran Rizer. I noticed this book somewhere a few weeks ago online, and couldn't believe it when my library got it in! The premise sounds fun, so I can't wait to read it.

Not much else to share with y'all. Sorry, I've warned y'all before of how boring my days are. I like them that way though. *g* Chris and I made dinner together tonight, a rare occurance, as we both are more likely to just take over than to share. It helped that we made stir-fry and I did the meat and mushrooms inside and he made some shrimp for himself outside on the grill. *g* He also did the rice, too. Something for everyone, as Son would only eat the rice. *sigh* That boy is SO picky! *G*

Um, I was wondering, if y'all didn't mind I would like to send a Christmas card to each of you. Is this okay? If so, if you don't mind, please email me your snail mail and I'll get a card to you this week.

That's it from here. I hope that y'all had a peaceful and relaxing Sunday. I wish a stress-free and nice day for y'alls Monday! Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Back to Yoga tomorrow. I think the cold is finally taking a hike and I felt a bit less tired today.

Sharing doesn't always work well!

Oreo and Patches decided they would like to sit on the top of my chair. Unfortunately they didn't consult one another first. Notice that Oreo is not budging from her spot? Notice that Patches refuses to budge either? People can be stubborn, but no one can out-stubborn a cat!

Today was okay. Chris decided to try and put up some of his lights to find out that he needed replacements for a few strands. Guess what WW didn't have? Or Target? OR Hobby Lobby? OR LOWES? Yeah, the right sized replacement bulbs. After all that running around to find repacement bulbs, I told Chris that he could buy a couple of new strands this year, but not replace them all, and he decided to try the new LED lights. They are supposed to be more energy effecient. Um, okay. But, when we brought them home and he tried a strand by plugging them up, MY EYES HURT. No joke, that light is not a warm white, but a piercing white that is almost painful. We're going to try them, but shhhhhhhhh. Don't tell Chris I don't like them. I like them in theory, just not in actual practice.

I started the Wendy Roberts book, Dating Can Be Deadly last night, but only read a few pages last night when I thought that it seemed familiar. Then it hit the second big scene in the first chapter and I realized, I had read this before. I tried the second chapter tonight and I am certain now, that I HAVE read this book. *sigh* Ah, well. I also read the Mob Princess book by Todd Strasser last night (before the Wendy Roberts), it's part of a series, but I've decided not to read the others. It just didn't leave me feeling right at the end. The good news is the library called today and one of my other HOLD books is in. I hope to pick it up tomorrow.

I made blueberry muffins this afternoon and enjoyed them. *g* And have, of course, been doing laundry today. Tonight we watched National Lamppon's Christmas Vacation, one of Chris' holiday movies. Other than that and running errands, we haven't been up to much. I hope y'alls day was comfortable and happy. I send a heartfelt wish for a peaceful and relaxing Sunday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Meet Angel.

The cheeta is wearing Daughters new balloon hat and the animal is what both kids picked at the Holiday party last night. (They had a ton of choices, but what can I say, they are their Mom's kids, it had to be a type of cat. *g*)It's original name is Freckles, which is what Son decided to go ahead and "name" it. Daughter didn't want the same name for hers, so I came up with Angel, short for Angel Kisses. Something we call real freckles here. *g* And yes, that is my tired self holding up the stuffed cheeta. (With the stack of books from the library beside me.) *G*

Speaking of the library books, I have already read one of them. I started and finished Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. It was, all in all, a cute and quick read. However, I like the humor in the movie version, rather than the almost sad and miserly tone the book had. I did not like Luther at ALL in the book, until the last couple of pages. Eh, this is MY opinion and it is unusual in that I will like the movie better than a book. Now I just need to pick another book to read!

I forgot to tell y'all one of my favorite holiday movies was on last night, and it was a slighlty cleaned up version (as related to language), so Daughter watched it with me for the first time. The Ref with Dennis Leary is a hysterical and not so typical holiday movie, showing that sometimes the perfect suburban family, isn't so perfect, or happy. And the one scene where the grandkids are tying up and gagging their parents and grandmother are hilarious! Oh, and there is a wrap-up in the end that implies a happy future for all.

Um, the Out-Laws visited today. But, they called first, from Sonic where they were picking up ice cream for the kdis to see if I wanted anything. Now, I love these people, but could they not have taken my NO answer with some grace? Uh-uh, I had to tell the 5 times that no, I didn't want anything, but thanks for asking. 5 times! I think it really bugs them, that I won't usually buy me anything when we are out together with the kids. No, I mean SERIOUSLY bugs them. It's almost fun. *g*

Except for laundry, schoolwork and getting the ironing out of the way, next to the visit from the Out-Laws, that's my day. I did start my new medication today, at least they are small and a pretty violet color. *g* I'm off to pick out a book, take a shower and try not to fall asleep before I've read a chapter or 2.

I hope y'alls Friday went well. I hope you had a nice day and were happy in some moment. I wish a fun and silly saturday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Um, sadly, no. Still coughing and with the Out-Laws visit........ I will do better and back at it VERY soon.

Brand New for You!

Look! *G* A Brand new Holiday photo for y'all. Patches wasn't quite happy when we brought out the Santa hat, but she was a good girl and only gave us a suspicious eye, keeping a look out for laughter at her expense. You have to give these cats credit. They put up with alot! *G*

I feel old. Like 100. Today has been jam-packed with errands and then the Holiday party. We made it to the pharmacy to pick up the new medication and I was told to take it in the morning AND that I would see a MARKED improvement in energy. Gosh I hope so, see my old comment. *g* After the pharmacy we ran by the library and picked up the 6! books that had come in. YAY! My library doesn't suck right now! I now have:

1. How To Lose an Extraterrestrial in 10 days by Susan Grant. (The premise appealed to me.)

2. Unzipped by Lois Greiman.

3. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. (I've heard some great comments about this one. And I do like Christmas with the Kranks.)

4. Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta. (Another book with good buzz.)

5. Mob Princess: For Money and Love by Todd Strasser, a YA. (It peaked my curiousity at BAMM.)

6. Dating Can Be Deadly by Wendy Roberts. (Her newest book is getting raves, thought I'd start with one of her earlier books to see her "voice".)

So, I now have quite a few books to choose from. *g*

Then there was the Holiday Party. This year they gave away stuffed animals again, kinda like Build-a-Bear, but not, still nice though. And both kids chose a Cheeta? I think that's what it is, whatever it is it's cute. And the Balloon guy was there again. He made Daughter a Rudolph hat and Son a Balloon gun. (I wasn't thrilled with that, but Son LOVES it.) After that we hit the buffet and it was catered this year. There was a seperate buffet for the kids with chicken nuggets, mac-n-cheese, cheese sticks, grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh fruit, cheeses and cookies. Not bad, eh? Then there was the adult section of the buffet set up in stations. One station had sushi (Chris loved it!). There were Santa Fe Chicken Taquitos, St. Louis Meatballs, cheeses, fresh fruit, veggies, little pizza bites, seperate carving stations with roast beef and fried turkey, shrimp stuffed mushroom caps, shrimp and cheese grits, and then there was the dessert station. There was some kind of cheesecake Empenadas(sp) that were FABULOUS (I had 2, sue me, it was a PARTY!) and the usual cookies, brownies, chocolate bundt cake and chocolate covered pretzels. Can I just say being able to munch on carrot sticks and little tomatos was heavenly? (I am the only one that likes that kind of stuff in our house.) Son didn't like any of it. Kid. You. Not. *sigh* Picky dang child! Actually, the chicken nuggets were dried out (over-cooked) and the cheese was kind of hard. He didn't even like the pizza bites and Pizza is is FAVORITE food. Daughter on the other hand tried a bit of almost everything and Chris was had a great time. After we had eaten we went and had the kids pictures taken with Santa Claus. They looked so cute and innocent up there! (SO not real life. *g*) Then we left and Chris went back to work. The kids and I ran by WW to pick up milk, juice and peanut butter. Want to guess what I left without and that Chris is at this moment picking up for me? Yeah, the peanut butter. *sigh* And now, we are home, and have been for a while. I am in my chair and don't have the energy to get up. I'm not kidding, I am exhausted. I hope the medication works. I really do.

And that's our day. I hope y'alls thursday was a bit more uneventful and that you had the energy to deal with it. I wish y'all a Bright and Wonderful Friday. Hugs, Prayers and Good thoughts to you all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Um, no. Too much to do, not enough time or energy for it all.

A Festive Oldie but Goodie!

We are eagerly anticipating the cats reactions to the tree we will eventually put up this year. After all, they have terrorized the little tree we are using for a countdown, so there is no telling how they will react to a 6ft tall live tree in the LR. And the picture? Well, it's from last year at this time and we haven't taken any new ones this year, yet. But, I wanted to put y'all in a Holiday mood, so........Here's Fireball! *g*

Today I was feeling a bit better, so I ventured to Yoga tonight. I was thankful that we had the easier teacher and that she decided to focus on breathing tonight. *g*I was a bit tired after class, but figured after being sick, that was normal.

However, I do have something I am worrying about tonight. I somehow missed a call from the Doctors office this morning and didn't check the machine until this evening. The Doctor told me they would only call unless something showed up in the test results. So, now here I am freaking out and counting down the hours until I can call them first thing in the morning. Please cross your fingers for me, that it's nothing major.

No reading today. Maybe tonight. Son's schoolwork took longer than usual because he wasn't paying attention and Daughter, well, she never pays attention. *g*

Oh, and here is the review for P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern. Trust me, it's nowhere near as good as the book! *G*

Tomorrow night (thursday, I'm up late, worrying) is Chris' company's Christmas party for the employees families. There is supposed to be a buffet and games for the kids, not to mention pictures with Santa. The kids are looking forward to it. I hope it's as much fun as last year.

I hope that your wednesday went well and that you had some happiness in your lives today. I wish a fun and joyous thursday for y'all and if that's asking too much-well, I wish a pleasant day to y'all. G'Night, B.

EDITED TO ADD: I am okay, they think I have an underactive thyroid and are going to try me on medication for 6 wks.

Blurry, but Furry!

Please excuse the bit of blurriness this picture contains. I took it with my cell-phone camera because I knew if I had run downstairs to grab my camera one of two things was going to happen. 1. I would have fallen down the stairs. Or! 2. By the time I had run back upstairs, Layla would have moved. *g* She was a little curious about the blanket chest the other morning when we were putting the blankets back up for the day. You have to love cats and their curiosity!

Today had been very quiet. I didn't go to the Y again today because my coughing has increased and I didn't want to fall off the elyptical. *g* I am eager to go back, but not to the point where I make myself sick-er.

I did read a book last night (and stayed up late to finish it) P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern was one of the most emotional reads I have ever had the pleasure to cry through. Trust me, as I read I kept looking over at Chris and then I'd cry even harder. That said, it is a delighful book full of survival, frienship, family and above all-Love. I'm going to try and do it justice and write a review, just as soon as can formulate words past fabulous, wow! and ooooooooh. *g*
And I will finish my other book, it's just that I peaked at the first page of this one and there was no closing the book until I had finished.

I don't have much else to share. I am tired, actually exhausted. I hope that y'all had a wonderful tuesday. I wish a delightful and fun wednesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Nooooooo. And I hate the sense of inactivity.
P.S. Check out the extra post below!

I married into an ......odd family.

While I can look at these pictures and appreciate the artistry involved, I can't help but think that I married into a family where they like to play dress-up. Chris' Sister and BIL are very active in Civil War re-enactments, but they are starting to diverge their interests into other areas as well. (They own a cannon, yes, you read that right and an AK-47 and an M-16). And this is their 2nd jeep. The picture with the Jeep was this years Christmas card, and while I can admit they both look quite dashing, I am also a bit, um, miffed that they are both wearing rank and ribbons un-deserved. (That might be part of my past as an Air Force wife rearing it's head.) So, I just wanted to share these pictures with y'all and make sure y'all understand we are actually the NORMAL ones. *g* B.

Fireball does his best to look innocent.

He may look innocent, but trust me, he and his cohorts are NOT. So, remember when I told y'all we bought a spray to keep them away from the tree? Yeah. It doesn't work. As a matter of fact, they really like it. I knew that buying something different than what we really wanted wouldn't work. And it doesn't. For the past couple of days we've come down to the tree bare of little ornaments and the garland we put on it. I think the cats saw it and went "Oooh, shiny!" *g* We have another idea for a repellant(From the Martha Stewart website), but have yet to make it. It calls for: 1Qt. of water, 4 tbls of red pepper flakes and 2 tbls of garlic powder. You're supposed to let it soak it over night. You strain it the next day and put it in a spray bottle. At least it's organic. Now I just need to make it! In the meantime, the tree will be placed in the closet overnight. *sigh* Little Boogers!

Today was the visit to the Doctor, where, suprise! I have a cold! Well, duh! Also, the bumps were EXACTLY what I thought they were! (Sue me, I searched webMD.) She told me half the time they have no idea what causes them and that it could be a result of a sensitivity to something. Ooookay. I was told I have a very mild outbreak and that they usually use steroids to treat them. Um, no thanks. (And that's what I told the Doctor, too.) I then asked about the fatigue and failure to lose weight. (As a matter of fact, I have gained 2 pounds! WTHECK?) When everyone is telling me I look like I've lost weight and although my clothes fit the same, they fit better. So, they stuck me like a pin cushion and took blood. EEEEK! They are going to test my thyroid and white count. Fun times! Gah! Cross your fingers they figure it out. Oh, and no Y and Yoga for me tonight. I figured I'd actually give my body a break and that way I'd get better faster.)

The good news is, I did get a chance to read more of Divorced, Delicious and Desperate by Christie Craig. (I am really enjoying this book, I just wish I had more time to read it!) AND to make matters worse, or better, the library got in one of my Holds this week and Chris picked it up for me. P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern. (What? I have been meaning to read this for ages, and the forthcoming movie reminded me.)(I told y'all my reading was eclectic.)

I hope y'all had a better day than I have. (My arm is still sore from that Damned (yes I cussed! So would you!) needle.) I wish a delightful and joyful tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Counting Down the Days!

My kids are going nuts. Every day I am asked how many more days until Christmas. Gah! I have over 3 more weeks of this! And to try and make it more fun this year we decided to put an ornament behind each door to place on the tree each day. (This is not out tree, tree. We'll get that later.) And because I know y'all love the kitty pictures, I've enclosed one of those as well. Note Oreo's less than pleased expression. *g*

Today I have been trying to rest, but haven't been able. I miss those days before I had kids that if I didn't feel well, I could lay on the couch or stay in bed and rest. HA! I wouldn't trade my kids for anything. But, that's just not possible now. And Chris is clueless. So, I've been busy today doing laundry, ironing and taking care of things around the house. I also made dinner tonight (from scratch!) and to give him his due, Chris did try. But, we made French Onion Soup for dinner and he can't cut the onions and it even bothered him to saute them as well. *g* By the time it was time to eat I was exhausted. But, it was nice and warm. And Chris and Daughter loved it. (Son ate something else, as usual.)

I did also manage to run to WW and pick up stocking stuffers. Except for Gift cards for my Dad and Step-Mother and my Grandmother we are DONE! No more shopping. Yay! Oh, stocking stuffers for the kids: silly putty, stickers, markers for Son, Fairie pencils for daughter, candy, lip gloss for Daughter, small bottle of Baby Soft perfume for Daughter, $5 for each, fun money,and there was somthing else for Son I can't think of right now. Hmmm. I'll check the bag later. I hope I didn't forget to get at least one more thing for Son. Oh, and they also get fruit in their stocking as well. If you can't tell, we don't go overboard at Christmas. We set a limit for the kids gifts and stockings. They get all kids of things all year long, not just from us, but from their Grandparents as well. And good golly, just wait until Christmas Eve at the grandparents, they open all the gifts from them then and it usually looks like a toy store blew up!

Would you believe I haven't felt like reading? Scary isn't it? I think it's because I'm sick. Again.

Tomorrow is my Doctors appointment. Cross you fingers. And the bumps? Yeah, I changed lotions and they are starting to fade a bit, but they still hurt. GAH! Eh, maybe she can tell me why I am so darn tired.

I hope that y'all had a restful sunday, that you took time to just.......be. I wish a delightful and stress-free beginning for your week tomorrow. Goodnight, B.

Name that Toy!

So tonight we went to PetSmart because we were looking for a natural spray repellant to keep the kitties away from the mini-tree we are using to count down the days to Christmas. (We place one ornament on each day.) And when we left we had the spray AND a new toy for the kitties! It's a small catnip filled dog wearing a santa hat. (Chris picked it out.) Midnight finds it Yummy as he spent the rest of the night playing with it and wouldn't let any of the others try it out. Um, and I just picked it up and it WET! Ewwwwww!

Tonight has not gone as planned. I started sneezing and coughing last night and had to take a benedryl to breathe so I could sleep. When I awoke today it started all over again, along with a sore throat and feeling like a mess. So, we didn't make it to a local parade tonight. Chris didn't want me out in the chilly air for hours. I felt guilty and told Chris he could have taken the kids and he said that it was something we were going to do as a family and without me there wouldn't be the same. Awwww! He was sweet! But, I still feel guilty, and sneezy.(Is there a dwark named guilty? How about coughy? *g*) I am so glad I am done with the Christmas shopping, except for a tree and stocking stuffers, and now just need to wrap everything. Daughter and Son are going to try and "help" Chris put out the outdoor decorations tomorrow, so I will try and get some wrapping done then. Are y'all all done with shopping? How about the wrapping? What were some of your favorite things to get in your stockings when you were young? If you haven't guessed, I'm looking for ideas for the kids stockings this year. Son is sorta easy and Daughter will be slightly difficult, there are only so many lip glosses and nail polishes I can stick in there!

No reading today, fighting a sinus headache and it won for a while. Hopefully I can dive back into my book when I go to bed.

I hope y'all had a nice, pleasant, enjoyable saturday. I wish a restful, relaxing and peaceful sunday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Well, it felt like exercise to get dressed and come downstairs today, does that count? *g*

Ore and Daughters shoe, it was lurve at furrrrst sight!

What is it with cats and shoes? Especially shoes that have had FEET in them? Oreo went into lovefest mode, rubbing all over Daughters shoe the other night and she acted like it was made of catnip! You SO could not pay me to go NEAR that shoe! *g* (Although I am the one that ended up picking the pair up off the floor and putting them away.)

Today has truly been an uneventful day. Well, except that I had Chris make a Doctors appointment for me for Monday. I'm having some kind of weird reaction to either my medication or something. (No, it's not the new cleaners, haven't hardly used those. And this started a couple of months ago.) I'm getting weird little painful bumps on my legs. They stick around a couple of weeks and then disappear, but I now have 6 of them, at the same time, which is harder to ignore than one every now and then. So, wish me luck. And I apoligize if that was TMI.

I also makde it to WW for groceries today. Exciting, yes? NOOOOOOO. Son was eager to spend a dollar he had on a toy. Ever try telling a 5 year old he can't buy very many toys with a dollar? Gah! And trust me when I say I think the boy has every matchbox car out there, so no, we didn't need any more of those. *g*

After getting home, I made dinner for Daughter, Chris and I and Son ate something else. Nothing new there, I swear I feel like I run a restaraunt. Oh, and Son bought a candy bar with his dollar, and bought one for his sister as well. *g* Awwww, too sweet.

I STILL haven't gotten a chance to read much today. I have been doing laundry and groceries, the kids and everything. *sigh* I did get to read a bit before bed last night and I am loving Divorced, Desperate and Delicious by Christie Craig. It's funny and cute and I'm not even half-way into it!

And that's it from here. I am tired, again. I hope y'all had a good friday. I wish a delightful saturday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Nope, I took the day off.

One more than before!

If you count carefully, you will see 4 cats on my cabinets. From Left to Right: Midnight, Athena, Fireball and Patches. (Athena's eyes are glowing.)(Please excuse the mess on my counters, it didn't last long.) And the mess on the refrigerator? Sad to say it looks like that ALL the time. *g*

I know some of y'all wonder why I am at the Y so much. When I was 9 I was diagnosed as Manic Depressive and entered a trial drug program. One of the things about the drug was I was no longer allowed to sweat. Which meant no exercise and practically no playing. I was taken out of school and was tutored at home. This went on for a whole year. By the time I re-entered school, I was considered strange and different and by then I was also heavier than all the other girls my age. Being sensitive and a bookworm also did not endear me to the other kids. And so I continued to gain weight, because by that time I didn't LIKE to exercise. Fast forward until I was pregnant with Daughter and ended up with gestational diabetes. I ended up gaining a whopping 7 pounds the entire time and when I had her, I actually weighed less than before. (Weird, I know.) But, slowly I put the weight back on. Then I became pregnant with Son and again diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I gained ALOT with Son. I was also told after I had him, that I was pre-disposed to diabetes and another pregnancy could bring it on for life. AND that even a bad case of the flu at that point, could bring it on. I have tried for years to lose weight, but no matter my diet and occasional workouts I can't lose weight. So, to be healthier for my kids (and myself) I am attempting a lifestyle change (for almost a year now). I exercise regularly and I play WITH the kids outside. I may not be losing weight, but I am healthier and for that I am grateful. So that's my strange and toooooo looooong explantation. *g*

Ummmm, what else? Want to know the mess I came downstairs to today? Seems the cats shredded another toilet paper role and strew it across the LR AND they somehow got ahold of Son's Advent Wreath that he made in RE last night and which I had put ON TOP of the tv armoire before we went to bed last night. *sigh* Oh, and they knocked over the LR trash and had paper out of it as well. I swear it's like having a houseful of toddlers. One of these days I will take a picture of their destructiveness (it is TOO a word. Now.). Well, no I won't take a picture because I would be too embarassed to show y'all a messy room. *g*

No chance to read today. I've been too busy cleaning up after the cats and the kids. AND the kids schoolwork. AND to the Y. And made dinner from scratch, again. Fun times!

I hope y'all had a good day and that it was peaceful. I wish a fun or at least happy day for y'alls Friday. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 2.68 miles on the elyptical @ a level of 8.

Three nosey cats! (Sung to the tune of three blind mice.)

The bookend brothers are back and with Midnight between them, they truly do look like bookends. Aren't they cute? This picture was taken about 2 weeks ago when we had that warmer weather.

Today when looking over Son's schoolwork, I came across a strange little quirk. "Make the Reading Ladder cards: bu, cu, du, fu, gu, etc. Make ABCconsonant flash card for each of the following two letter combinations that often end words: -st, -ss, -ck, -sh, -nk. These cards will make your Reading Ladder Card Game more challenging. [Caution: Some combinations may result in inappropriate words.] "That's the funny part. Go ahead, put together a word or two. I'll wait. *g* Figure it out yet? *G*

So, today the kids had RE and I really didn't want to go. I have been so tired lately and really just wanted to rest, but I gathered steam and took them. Then, since I am ME. I went by BAMM looking for the latest Romantic Times Magazine, unfortunately they didn't have it. However, they did have Divorced, Desperate and Delicious by Christie Craig. I've seen this book around the internet and have been eager for it's release. *g* I also picked up a historical (which is ODD for me), Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake by Laurie Brown has an unusual premise and is set in contemporary AND regency times. And I picked up Satisfaction by Marianne Stillings (this book is a companion of sorts to Arousing Suspicions as it has the other Darling brother in it). And I bought all these because in Januaury I am going to have to limit my book purchasing thanks to Chris' employers new pay timetable. I now have at least 6 books in a TBR stack. (I've already started Divorced, Desperate and Delicious. WHAT? I've been waiting and waiting for it!) I'm trying.

After arriving home from RE I made dinner (From scratch!) and have sat in my chair. The sinus headache has returned and I am ready for bed. I hope y'all had a lovely wednesday. I wish a fabulous thursday for y'al' and if not that's not possible, then at least a comfortable and cozy day. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: No. Too tired today.

Patches waves HI!

You'll have to forgive Patches. She seems to have forgotten which paw she's supposed to wave with. *g* Luckily I can interperet(sp) cat for you! *G* Now, the look on her face is saying she's waving HI with a certain toe on her paw, but I'll be nice and not tell y'all which one! *G*

As I am sitting her typing this my Son has figured out how to make farting noises with his hand and underarm. *g* I am so proud. *g* He's become fascinated with learning how to make himself burp and making all sorts of unpleasant noises lately. Is this a guy thing? A 5 year old thing? I have to ask, because Daughter never really tried to do all this.

Today has been quiet. I awoke with a very bad sinus headache and it took all day and many ibuprofen until it was manageable. This evening I didn't feel like going to the Y but had to return DVD's to the library and while out I figured a bit of time at the Y wouldn't hurt, and I could always stop and leave. So I did and actually felt better afterwards. I have no idea if it was the exercise or if the ibuprofen I took before leaving the house finally kicked in.

I finished the Penelope book last night. It was light and yet not. It was a YA and the novel is actually based upon the screen play, but basically it is about a Girl born under a curse carried by her Father's family and after having been hidden away for 25 years has had enough and broken free of her exile. In the end she learns that beauty is only skin deep and that true happiness comes from within. And of course there was a HEA. *g* (I can say this book is safe for young readers, around 12+, as there is no actual sex or violence.)

I don't know if I'll write a full review of it or not.

I also read The Last Noel by Heather Graham. I was a heavy psychological(sp) thriller. There was violence, but that is to be expected in one of her books.

Now I can't make my mind up what to read next. I have a few books, but can't decide. Oh, the horror! *G*

To be honest, I am caught up on the laundry so I can't regal you (re. bore you stiff) with tales of that. Just wait until tomorrow. *g* I hope y'alls Tuesday was happy and smile filled, but if not, I am sorry and will be sending you good thoughts. I wish a wednesday filled with light and memory making moments. Good night, B.

Exercise: 2.66 Miles on the Elyptical @ level 8.

P.S. If y'all like my kitty pictures then you need to visit this site: The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee. The kittens are fostered and adopted out. Beware! They are adorable. If I lived closer I would SO be in trouble, but they are located in the Northwest.

I'm BAAAAAACK!

Well, I've been here the whole time, but my KITTY PICTURES are back. Note the stylish new kitty cube we bought over the weekend. Isn't it lovely? The first night we brought it home and set it in the LR the cats crowded around it. Then they climbed inside it. THEN, THEN they figured out that the top will collapse if you try to stand on it. *g* When that was discovered a fun time was had if a kitty was in the tent and another wanted in the tent. *g* Of course the kitty IN the tent wasn't too thrilled. *g* Amazingly no one bothered Layla when she took her turn in the new tent today.

I have my computer back! I have my computer back! I am thrilled! Can you not tell my by all! The! Exclamation! Points! *g* The cord didn't arrive until almost 6pm. I had given up and even Chris had. He was on the phone with Dell asking where the heck my cord was when it arrived. *g* He hung up on Dell when I called and told him it had arrived. (He was on Hold, don't worry.) And then Dell called the house and for the life of me I couldn't put the numbers to his cell phone number in the correct order. Seriously, I had to hand the phone to Daughter and have her tell the Dell Dude the number. Even then, they sent part of the wrong cord. Kid You Not. At that point I became speechless. The power pack cords to the computer is 2 parts. One one of those parts was a 3 prong that they somehow thought would fit into the 2 prong part they also sent me. WTHeck? Luckily the part I still have fits. When I told Chris he was incredulous and he emailed the company to let them know what had occured and the utter idiocy it took to send it.

Ahhhhh, enough! So, you'd think my day got better from there on, right? Nope. I was running late leaving to get to Yoga and accidentally left the garage door up. That wouldn't have been so bad, but Daughter forgot to lock the door leading to the garage from the house. (She was the last one out of the house.) By the Grace of God, I came home and discovered my HUGE mistake and nothing was disturbed. (I did make the kids wait in the locked van while I checked the house out for intruders.)

And by the way, THANK YOU FOR THE HEAD COLD! Y'all know who you are. (Dru and Melissa)*g* I would blame my lack of sense today on that, but I just realized I ate NOTHING since last evening until we came home after Yoga today. No wonder I felt a little detached and 'foggy' today! DUH!

That's my day, aside from the laundry, laundry and more laundry. Oh, and lets not forget the ironing I need to do right now. *sigh* I hope y'all had a better day than I did and that your day was full of smiles. I wish a bright and happy day for y'all wednesday. G'night, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga

P.S. I'm reading Penelope by Marilyn Kaye with an Introduction by Reece Witherspoon.