Oreo is a catnip addict!

So we bought the kitties some catnip when we went grocery shopping yesterday. And they went as crazy as ever. Midnight becomes aggressive and territorial when around it, though he acts like a big doofus, too. Oreo eats it and then rolls all over the floor, hence the picture of her belly. We hardly ever see this belly and it's shockingly white! *G*

It's been a chilly, gray and damp day. We've had rain off and on and the clouds kept it sweater weather. Or, better yet-stay inside weather. *G* Since Daughter has her surgery in the morning and then I'll be with her in recovery all morning and early afternoon, I'm not sure when I'll get home. I hope y'all keep Daughter in your thoughts, please. I am freaking out because this is my baby. She's never had to have anything like this done before.
We promised her anything she wanted for dinner tonight and she asked for a burger from McD's. With a large order of fries. We let her have it, too.

I had the kids do two days of schoolwork today. Chris will be staying home with Son tomorrow and while he's a great company trainer and has also taught for the Air Force AND taught Continuing Ed classes at Community Colleges, he has absolutely no patience with the kids (Son especially) and is not familiar with our coursework at all. So, tomorrow he and Son are going to chum around and maybe visit the library while Daughter and I are at the hospital. As to whether Daughter will feel well enough to do her schoolwork Wednesday? I doubt it, but now she won't fall too far behind.

In the reading arena, I finally finished Fallen Rogue. It was a nice read, though the heroine was betrayed by the hero in the first of the book and then forgave him and became attracted to him way too easily. Then again, there were extraordinary circumstances. And that's all I'll say, I don't want to spoil it.

This is it for me. I have to be up WAY too early. I hope y'all had a productive and pleasing day. I wish a terrific and healthy Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

Patches endures another picture!

Patches is a sweetie and is enjoying the new kitty bed we picked up for the kitties at WW this week. To get this picture, I had Daughter take it. She only looked down, instead of totally away! *G*

We made it to the extended family lunch on time! A miracle considering Chris, Son and I were all in the jeep waiting on Daughter a good ten minutes. What takes a teenager so long to get ready? And don't say makeup because she doesn't wear any. *Sigh* I think she has her Dad's lateness gene. We picked up the rolls we were asked to bring on the way. We met with and sat with the only other family members we really get along with and seem to have the same attitude about things-Chris' cousin and his wife. Granted, to be honest, we don't fit quite in with any of them. I won't go into it, but part of it is where we live, the attitude we take toward these things and last, but not least, the fact that they don't understand our choices. Anyway, after we ate and chatted I headed to the basketball court with Son and we were joined by Chris a while after that. Son and I had a blast playing and were cracking up when we added Chris to the mix. I had no idea Chris could run that fast! He even showed off a few moves for Son. Son thought it was awesome that we were all playing with him, even Daughter joined in a couple of times. We really had a blast together. *G*
After that we said our goodbyes and headed to Aldi where we needed to get some groceries and then to WW for the rest. (Chris will go by Sam's for me tomorrow after work on the way home.) We picked up a lot of soft foods for Daughter. Pudding, jello, soup, yogurt, bananas, smoothies, ice cream and popsicles.
As for the surgery? I am really nervous but am not showing it to Daughter. Daughter is scared silly and trying to brave it out, but I can tell and am trying to be as reassuring as possible. MIL took the news of Son's decision better than we expected. As a matter of fact, she acted as though she knew he would not be staying with them. We'll know how she really feels about it soon.
By the time we were done shopping and heading home I was so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open on the way home. I wasn't sleepy, just exhausted. This back and forth energy level along with feet cramps, dry skin that is driving me crazy and propensity to cry when I am tired is letting me know I need to talk with my Doc. Unfortunately I know exactly what she'll say. *sigh* But, I'm going to take care of Daughters needs first.
After arriving home we put everything away and I had to sit down for a while. Son and Daughter watched a movie and we had a nice dinner. When we headed upstairs for bed I dragged out the ironing board and ironed Chris' clothes for work. While doing so I listened to Christmas music on the satellite and Pepper was, as usual, my little shadow and stayed near me. I was singing along to the music and she (funny as this sounds) seemed to enjoy it. We think she likes music because of her impaired sight.
In the area of reading I am a few more chapters into Fallen Rogue. So far I'm still liking the heroine, but don't have a good grasp on the hero yet. I hope I get a chance to read more soon. But, not tonight. I am up too late as it is and need to head offline.
That said, I hope y'all had a blessed day. I wish a low-key and pleasant Monday, especially as it's the last one of the month. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 45 minutes of basketball with Son and Chris.

Fireball can be a goofy boy!

I took this picture this afternoon while the kids were playing with their friends outside and I had just finished lunch. Fireball decided to sacrifice a little dignity to get my attention. Isn't he just the cutest? *G*

It's been another nice, sunny day here today. We ran by the library this afternoon to pick up a book that I had placed on Hold, The Lost an anthology with J.D. Robb, Patricia Gaffney, Mary Blayney, and Ruth Ryan Langan. After that we headed to Mass and then to Target to pick up an SD card for Chris' new cell phone so he could load music on it. We also did another bait and switch at Target where this time Chris distracted the kids while I picked up a few A for Christmas gifts. I bought each a new set of jammies and two toys for Son as well as iTunes giftcards.  Now I just need to figure out how to shop for Chris. I know what to get him, but ordering it and him not seeing it in email will be hard. I think I'm going to have to set up a new account just to shop on Amazon this year.
Oh, Daughter's things from Philosophy arrived yesterday afternoon and when I placed the order they asked what two samples I'd like to try. I thought Daughter would enjoy trying the gingerbread body wash, so that was one and to be a tiny bit selfish I chose the microdelivery exfoliating wash. I tried it this morning and WOW! Too bad it's so expensive, because I really, really liked it. And? Best of all, there were no ingredients in it that I'm allergic to and so far my skin isn't reacting to it at all. AWESOME! And Daughter tried the sample of body wash last night (how cool is it that it can also be used as a shampoo?) and she enjoyed it. Said it smelled good. She had asked me what was in the box that had arrived and I  told her samples. Technically that is not fibbing. There WERE samples in the box. That's just not ALL that was in the box. *G*
Oh, sorry to digress. After Target we headed home where we made stir fry for dinner with the leftover turkey and some squash and onion. It was fabulous. And also the only way you'll ever see me eat turkey leftovers since I can't stand roasted turkey but about once a year.
As for reading? I started Fallen Rogue by Amy Rench. I'm liking it so far. The premise is actually pretty original and the heroine is running but capable.

That's about it from here this evening. Tomorrow is the big extended family dinner we are expected to attend and I know we have news MIL will not like. They talked Son into staying with them Monday because of Daughter's surgery Tuesday but Son does not want to stay over and is actually terrified to do so. He also wants to be here to give his big sis a kiss and a hug before she has to go to the hospital so when we tell MIL that he changed his mind she's going to go ballistic. *sigh* The good news is the Church hall (it's the only place big enough) they're holding this shindig at has a gymnasium/basket ball court attached and the kids and I plan on spending as much time out there as possible.

I hope y'all had a fun and relaxing Saturday. I wish y'all a peaceful and restful Sunday full of smiles and maybe a nap. *G* Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: No and the thing tomorrow is messing up my Zumba schedule. Good thing we're bringing a basketball!

Layla needed some quiet time!

This is Layla's quiet place. It also happens to be my linen cabinet. She likes to snooze here away from the other kitties sometimes. I think she feels safe and hidden there. Not to mention a dark, quiet cabinet has to be a nice place to take a nap for a kitty. *G*

Another quiet day. We did leave the house later this afternoon after Chris' new phone arrived. He didn't like the other one he had ordered and sent it back about two weeks ago. He ordered yet another one this week and it's pretty nice, as a matter of fact-he likes it A LOT. After his phone arrived we headed out and visited Sam's to take back the tv mount and then by Kohl's for shirts for Son. I noticed the other day he was wearing the same three shirts over and over again and asked him why. He said the others didn't fit right. Sure enough they were short in the arms. How this escaped our notice I don't know except that he would have worn the same three shirts over and over anyway. He has favorites and likes to rotate through them. *g* But, by picking up a few shirts I know he'll remember to wear them. (A Ghostbusters shirt-because he likes the movies, and two Lego Star Wars shirts-because they combine his favorite things Lego's and Star Wars. *G*) Then we headed to the bookstore. YAY! I picked up Fallen Rogue by Amy Rench, The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay, Three Days to Dead by Kelly Meding and the latest issue of RT magazine. After that we headed home, stopping to pick up pizza for dinner. Turkey and all the trimming were great yesterday but I have a problem with turkey and have for years. I can only stand it a couple times a year. And since we know we're attending an extended family dinner on Sunday and that Turkey will be a part of it? Yeah, or rather-bleh.
We have had fun together the last couple of days. The kids and I have been playing a pretty cool card game. It's not a regular card game-it's Scrabble Slam. We had a blast playing it and trying to come up with words to fit. We've also played Rummy. Son is a little card shark with that. One thing I like about both games is that it allows us to do something together and they're also able to be used as teaching aids.

Not much else to share, unless y'all want to hear about all the laundry I've done lately or the fact that it NEVER seems to end? *G* I hope y'all had a fun and enjoyable Friday. I wish a low-key and relaxing Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: If y'all knew how many times we seemed to walk around Sam's tonight, or all around the bookstore? Yeah. My feet hurt by the time we arrived home. *G*

An Oldie but funny!

This picture is about two years old, but I think it's pretty funny and wanted to re-share with y'all. Layla is a pretty good girl in that she puts up with me and my antics. I love her to pieces and I guess she can tell, because she lets me do things like this to her. *G* Can't you just see the deep breath and sigh? And yes, she actually does do that. *G*

It's been a very nice Thanksgiving. We enjoyed watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade as well as the Dog show this afternoon. Chris started the turkey this morning (I get out of cooking it because he likes to cook the "big meat", not to mention I have been know to accidentally cook a chicken upside down. And it was still yummy-thankyouverymuch!) Since we made the dressing and dessert last night there wasn't much to take care of today.
The Outlaws stopped by this afternoon and stayed for a while. The kids mostly stayed outside and played with their friends today, soccer and football in our backyard. It's mostly been a pretty quiet and relaxing day. I have been watching all the updates on people heading out tomorrow morning for Black Friday deals and can't believe they are lining up already! One place here, an Outlet mall, opens at Midnight. It's crazy! Although, I have been looking online and seeing if I can get a few things that way without having to venture out. Then again, I'm also wondering if I can talk Chris into going to the bookstore tomorrow since our library is closed tomorrow and I'm out of books.
Speaking of books! I finished Heat Wave. It was pretty good! Albeit a bit brief. I wouldn't say no to reading another by "Richard Castle". *G* I have no idea what to read next. If I want to read tonight I'm going to have to pick something off my keeper shelves.
Oh, this evening as I was roving over Amazon I found their video on demand service and watched a whole 'webisode' of a show titled In Gayle We Trust. It was cute, and had several episodes where I was laughing. (Especially when an elderly man is asking what a certain button did on her computer and she says "Careful, that launches the space shuttle." *G* And best of all? It was free.
Um, when Chris brought home the new tv he also brought home a wall mount for it. But, when he went to put it up, I noticed (thankfully before he made any holes in the wall) that at the distance we'll sit from it and the height it would need to be hung, it would make us crane our necks. So, I stopped him and we're returning the wall mount, we decided-together, that we liked it on a height level with the chest we have it on right now.
That about it. I know this post is all muddled, but it's been a long day with lots of things in it. *G* I hope y'all had a Happy Thanksgiving! I wish y'all a fun and enjoyable Friday. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Never got around to it, just spent as much time with Chris as I could today. Not to mention laundry stops for no one, not even a holiday. *G*

Pepper sleeps, again, again!

LOL! I bet you think the only pictures of Pepper we have are of her sleeping. You'd be just about right. If she's not sleeping, she's playing or eating. She's a good girl who loves to be close to me when she's ready to take a nap. And she waits for me to wake up every morning, meowing at me until I pay some attention to her.

I was very happy to have the day off from school work today. We slept later than usual and were able to move around at a leisurely pace. It was nice. Especially since I didn't sleep well. The kids were happy to head outside this afternoon to play with their friends and I vacuumed, did laundry and cleaned the house. MIL called this afternoon and informed me that they would be dropping in tomorrow afternoon, so I was glad I had been cleaning. Chris won the debate for the tv. I feel like he works hard and we don't eat out, we hardly ever go to the movies or go out and if he wants a larger than I am comfortable with tv- well, then, he deserves it. I can only imagine what the Out-laws will think of it. (It came home with Chris. At least Sony makes a good product.) I kinda wonder if I can talk him into a smaller one. I've also been moving furniture around this evening. Whew!
I was going to go to Zumba this evening, but the kids were having so much fun with their friends I didn't have the heart to make them leave them. I told them instead they can play soccer with me tomorrow to make up for it.
In reading? I'm a bit more than halfway through Heat Wave. It's a nice read, but something about it doesn't flow as well as the actual show. But, that's okay. *G* I can still see bits and pieces of each of the shows characters in the books character and that makes it fun. I hope to finish it tonight when we go to bed.
We've taken care of the cornbread dressing for tomorrow and I've made the dessert that the family begged me to make-Chocolate Eclair Dessert. We're not much on pies and cakes, so the dessert will be perfect. Even Chris, who does not have much of a sweet tooth, was ecstatic we don't have to share this one with extended family.
All that above, and we still have a few things to take care of so I'm headed offline. I hope y'all had a Wonderful Wednesday. I wish y'all a Thoughtful, Thankful and Happy Thanksgiving! I know I am thankful for my family, my pets and my friends. Thank you for being there! Enjoy the Parade!
Goodnight and Blessings for a fantastic day! B.

Exercise: No, unless you count all the cleaning I've done today and moving furniture around this evening. Soccer with Chris and the kids tomorrow.

Bookends!

I can technically call the kitties that since they are in the windows on either side of one of our bookcases. *G* Midnight is on the left and Patches is on the right. Oreo is wondering which will get out of a window first and Butterscotch is trying to climb the arm on the treadmill so he can see out the window, too. This picture was taken last week when we had cool, but nice weather.

Another semi-busy day. I woke with another headache, but know this one was for sure a sinus headache. I hope I'm not getting the cold Chris had last week. If that stinker gave me his germs I'm going to get him. After lunch (closer to when schools get out here) the kids and I headed to WW to pick up a few things for Thursday. I had totally forgotten to pick up something for dessert and was asked by my family for Chocolate Eclair dessert, so I picked up the ingredients for that. I had to make another stop at another grocery store because WW didn't have my Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper and I am addicted to it. *g* It's my only source of caffeine during the day, no coffee for this girl. The kids and I headed home to put everything away and get things ready for their MA class. Speaking of which, the video that was shot of the class as a promotional for the local Y's classes is up on YouTube. It features Daughter and Son in several shots as well as their classmates. Daughter is featured more than most, probably because she is the most proficient of the MA teachers students.



After class we headed by the library to drop off a couple of books and DVD's of Son's. While there, Daughter ran in and checked to see if Son or I had any holds in. He had another video and I? I had HEAT WAVE by Richard Castle! WOOOOOOOOOOOO! I swear I came close to kissing that book! Guess what I'm going to start reading tonight? Go ahead, guess. *G*
After the library the kids and I headed home. Chris arrived shortly after and then headed back out to look again at the tvs at Sams. He wants a big one and I? Keep telling him that we don't need one. I'm not sure who's going to win this one.
While he was gone I made dinner with a little help from Daughter. She wanted to chop the onion, but made me so nervous I sliced it and then let her chop it. She also chopped up the meat for me as well. She said we let her help whenever she asks, but doesn't get to use a knife often. Hmmm, wonder why? *G* But, she did a good job and dinner was ready for Chris when he arrived home.
We watched DWTS this evening and I'll admit, I knew who was going to win, but still wished Kelly had. She was such a sweetheart and made the most improvement during the show.
It's late and I need to get things ready for bed. I hope y'all had a delightful day. I wish a Wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 2.02 miles on the treadmill and 20 minutes on weights.

Pepper sleeps in the oddest places!

I don't know whether she's trying to hide, or just liked to have the chair surround her. Pepper sure chooses the funniest places to sleep. Though it's usually near me, for a while at least. Although, right now she's asleep at the foot of our bed. *G*

It's been a long day. It started this morning with a phone call from the hospital where Daughter is going to have her surgery next week. Instead of sending me paperwork to fill out and bring in, they called to ask me questions about insurance and such. And then asked for a $500 deposit. Um, yeah, funny thing about that. Our co-pay for this procedure is WAY less than that. And I told the woman on the phone that. Then she wanted me to know if I wanted to go ahead and pay that today over the phone and she'd email me a receipt. Now, I checked the caller I.D. This actually was the hospital calling, however I do NOT give my financial information over the phone. She said we could pay our co-pay when we brought Daughter in for her surgery. She then informed me I'd be getting a call soon from a nurse who would questions about Daughter. Um, okay. I SO would have liked all this to be done in paperwork sent to me. Then I'd have things on paper. I trust that more than I do answering questions orally. When I went downstairs to pick up get my insurance card, I noticed "whoa, my head hurts". Bad. *sigh* At first I thought it was the worst sinus headache I've ever had in my life. But, no. It hurt when I was sitting or lying down and it was excruciating. I had to lay back down after taking something for it. Unfortunately it was with me for most the day. Add in schoolwork and for some reason Son would not stop talking today and squirming around and I gave up and gave the kids the week off. Our schoolwork is set up for a week at a time, so taking a day off here or there is difficult to work into our lessons. And I know their friends were going to have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off and I was going to have to give them (at least) Thursday and Friday off anyway, so I went ahead and gave them the week. Besides, I only give them a week at Christmas anyway. *shrugs* There was much celebrating and rejoicing for having the week off. Jeez. You'd think I was a harsh taskmaster or something. *G*
After all that I made dinner ahead of time and my headache started to lessen around 4pm. Thank goodness. Though it's been around a bit all night, just not as bad and bearable.
After dinner was fixed and put away the kids and I left to pick up another prescription from the pharmacy this evening. (It wasn't ready yesterday for some reason.) And then we headed to the Y for yoga. I was very tired at this point but wanted to attend class, thinking it might help. And it did. I felt more myself after class.
The kids and I met Chris at home and reheated dinner, homemade chicken noodle soup. It turned out quite well and perfect for our grey and chilly day.
I was ecstatic this evening to discover that the library had added Heat Wave by Richard Castle to the online catalog and it was available to place holds! YAY! You KNOW I placed it on hold. I've been waiting for a while to read this book. As for reading? I finally finished the first In Death book and am going to pick up the Devon Monk tonight.
Tomorrow is a busy day, with a trip to the grocery store for last minute items and cat food and then to MA for the kids and then back to pick up Neighbor girl and then to the library for their volunteer work.

That's all from me. It's been rather slow today, thank goodness. I hope y'all had a pleasing and nice day. I wish a terrific Tuesday filled with friends and good books. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

Sisterly love means sharing!

Even when sharing means Fireball almost made her fall in the floor. Layla was there first, she kindly let Fireball snuggle and next thing she knew he was angling for the whole bed! Poor Layla. That's okay, she know he loves her. *G*

It's been another semi-busy day here. We managed to get moving on time today and I was able to take care of the ironing before we ate lunch and headed to have the pictures made that MIL insisted on. It took longer to drive to the session than the actual length of the session. And we have to go back in two weeks to look at the proofs. There were a few taken of Chris, Daughter, Son and I. A few more taken of just Chris and I and a few more taken of just the kids together. Which is what I wanted to begin with! *G* MIL met us there and since the deal she arranged was actually a charity fundraiser for their local Fire Department and was where the pictures were being taken. What is hilarious is this is the same Firehouse that Chris volunteered at almost 20 years ago. *G* Son had a blast because one of the Fireman there took him out to the truck bay and let him look at the trucks and even sit in one. Daughter thought it was pretty cool, too.
Afterwards we said our good-byes to MIL and headed by Sam's. I bought the kids a bag of clementines when I went grocery shopping a week or so ago. And they ate every last one of them. So, we bought them more this afternoon. While there we looked at tv's. The one we have is dying. As in it's taking longer and longer for the screen to unscramble each day when we turn it on. This is an expense I am not happy about, but know that if I miss Castle or The Middle or Criminal Minds I will not be happy. Not to mention the kids will NOT be happy if they miss Star Wars: The Clone Wars tv show. We're still looking and hoping the tv waits to fully die for just a bit longer. *knock on wood* If it's not one thing it's another, right? *sigh* Btw, funniest thing ever is to watch Chris and Daughter walking through Sam's and having a blast with all the samples. I admit. I even picked ONE up this time. A chocolate chip cookie. Yum. Who could resist that? *G* But, I swear they tried chicken wings, Chris tried shrimp, there were the cookies and pork loin, also there was cappuccino. *G* Son decided he didn't like the cappuccino, but he liked the cookie. *G* He takes after his Mommy. *G*
After Sam's we went by the pharmacy and picked up one of my prescriptions and I went in and had them change the top for me to an easy open flip top. My hands are so stiff in the morning it's hard for me to open the child safety tops. Not only did they change it off this prescription, they made a note in my file to have it placed on my others as well. It was a nice thing to do and I really appreciate it.
Then, we headed home. Where we took about an hour to just relax and spend together before starting dinner. I made meatloaf. Something we haven't had in a year or so, just to change up those regular recipes. Chris and Daughter LOVED it. Meatloaf is not a favorite of mine, but I made it for them not for me. *G*
No reading as of yet today. It's been a rather busy day and after dinner I cleaned up, so there went that time. *G* Hopefully I will be able to read this evening. Maybe. The weekend never seems to turn out very relaxing for me, or for finding time to read. Tomorrow I may sneak in a few chapters. *G*

I hope y'all have had a peaceful and restful Sunday. I wish a productive, stress-free and lovely Monday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Nope.

Butterscotch is waiting!

He's waiting for me to put food in the kitties food bowl. Every time their food bowl is empty and they hear the scoop hit the food in their food container I have cats twining around my ankles and meowing at me. Except for Butterscotch. He jumps onto the commode and waits. Patiently, which is SO not how most cats behave. *G* Look at that serious expression. He's just waiting for me to dump the food in, trying to motivate me with those intent eyes.

It's been a loooong day. We managed to get out of the house this afternoon earlier than usual so we ran by the library to pick up a CD Son had come in from Hold. Then we headed to the next city over to check out a tile place because we're hoping to tile the landing and hallway sometime early next year. We wanted to look around and see if this store which exclusively sells tile would be any cheaper than Lowes. Funny enough they were about the same. We've decided on slate, as we like the grey color as well as the variances in color among the grey. We'll start buying a little here and there until we have enough to complete our project. After that we headed to Mass where it was WARM inside. I was actually happy to have chilly weather when we stepped out.
Afterwards we ran by Marshall's where we just went to look around, but I found two small gifts for the kids. A Cross pen for Daughter who loves to write in her journals and write fan fiction and a pair of headphones for Son that will blink with the beat of the music he'll be listening to. Then we went to Petsmart (which is located in the same shopping complex) and found a new bird/feather/wand toy for the kitties. It was only $4. Awesome deal! *G* Of course the kids had to look at the kitties being offered for adoption and I swear my heart broke a little to see them in there. I told the kids to say a prayer they find their forever homes soon. I know I did.
We then headed to WW to pick up some eggs and ended up picking up some port wine cheese for me while there as well. So good on crackers for lunch. Yes, yes I am a cheese-a-holic. *G* Then we thankfully headed home where we made a quick dinner. By this time my feet and legs were killing me. Probably because I wore my loafers all day instead of my tennies. *G*
There's been no time for reading today, but I hope to finish up Naked in Death tonight. If I don't fall asleep first. *G*
Tomorrow is the portrait session that MIL arranged. Wish us luck. Chris and I tried to get out of it, suggesting that maybe it could just be of the kids, but MIL said no go. Darnit. The bad thing is the session is right in the middle of the day and will suck up a chunk of time I could be using to get the ironing done, as well as other things around the house.
That said it's time for me to head offline. I hope y'all had a relaxing and pleasant Saturday. I wish a peaceful and restful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: I walked around in different stores and around the church campus, does that count? *G*

Fuzzy Belly!

I would have called this Fuzzy Navel, but that calls to mind orange juice and some kind of alcohol. Since I'm allergic I'm not sure which. Pepper's belly fur is taking a slow time in growing back in. The other kitties had their fur back at this point, but she finally has some fuzz back. Isn't her tummy so cute? *G* And isn't she getting big? She has a lot of nicknames, too. The most popular are 'Miss Magoo' and 'The Baby'.  *g*
This post is late, late, late. Daughter borrowed my computer this evening to research a report on Joan of Arc and too forever! So, bear with me because I am so tired I'm squinting at the computer screen.
It's been a cool and sunny day. The kids were overjoyed their friends were allowed out to play today (they're not allowed out to play during the week). Once schoolwork was done and their friends were outside, I didn't see very much of them. Then later this afternoon the girls wanted to go to the library because they were having a special teen gaming event. (All kinds of games, board games, Wii, etc..) Neighbor Mom took them up there and I picked them up. While they were gone Son played outside with the boys and I cleaned the bathrooms. I know. Exciting, right? By the time I was done with all three it was time to pick up the girls. When we arrived back the girls and the boys played soccer in the back yard for a while and then when it became dark sat on our porch and goofed off for a while before everyone else headed home and ours came inside. While the kids were outside on the porch I decided I was tired of being tired (it was HARD to wake up today, I had to fight just to get up) and I stepped on the treadmill and walked for a while. Chris arrived home a few minutes before I was done and when I finished we spent a few minutes together before he made dinner this evening. Spicy Garlic Chicken, YUM! *G* Don't think I don't cook, though. We take turns. Not only that but for years since he got out of the Military I was the ONLY cook. It's just in this past year and mostly since starting this new job as an instructor with it's pretty stable and normal hours that he's been able to cook again. And he is a good cook, btw. Of course most of the meals/recipes he makes he stole from me! *G* And he doesn't bake. Speaking of which, anyone know where I can find a good recipe for cheesy beer bread? We don't drink, but have had a bottle of hard cider in the fridge for over a year now and I've been trying to think of something to do with it. If you think of one, please let me know.
As for reading today? I picked up the first J.D. Robb book- Naked in Death. For some reason I had the urge to reread it and while I have two books from the library to read, both are new-to-me authors and I am putting off reading them because I am afraid I won't like them. Stupid, eh? *G* Anyway, I am enjoying revisiting Eve and Roarke and watching the two meet and move forward into what I now know  is a great love while Eve tries to find a murderer and Roarke slips past her defenses. Reminds me of why I love this series so much. I can't wait for Fantasy in Death due out next February. *G*

That's all from me. It's been a pretty quiet day and evening and I've enjoyed it. Though I didn't enjoy much on tv tonight, until I found the Criminal Minds back to back to back episodes on A&E this evening. *G* I hope y'all had a fun and enjoyable Friday. I wish a happy and carefree Saturday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: 2.52 miles on the treadmill @ 6 incline.

Pepper, Cute and Crazy!

Here's Pepper attacking and biting my shower curtain. We have no idea why she loves to attack it, but she has a blast pretending it's out to get her. *G* And why is it we have almost every cat toy known to man and her favorite is the piece of plastic you peel from around the milk jug?

It's been a rather nice day. The weather decided to play nice and we had sunshine and it was warmer than yesterday-somewhere around 65 degrees. For the middle of November that seems a bit warm. My rose bush out back still has a few flowers/blooms on it. Just odd.
The kids were good about their schoolwork today and Son in particular surprised me when he he wanted to go ahead and take his Vocabulary and Spelling tests. I went ahead and let him. He made good grades on both and has been telling me since Monday, when we started his current Spelling Lesson, how to spell xylophone. *G* Chris called at lunch time, Son's sports glasses had come in and he ran out on his lunch hour and picked them up. He asked me not to tell Son, to let him surprise him, so I didn't say a word. I made the kids chocolate chip cookies after they were done and they went out to look at the leaves. Daughters science book had details on the inside of a stem of a leaf and she was curious, shared her lesson with Son and they both went to collect a few to study. While they were outside I swept, mopped and picked up around the house. I've also been doing laundry like crazy today. Other than that, I became tired and decided to take it easy this evening.
I did finish the Iris Johansen book and liked it, but am not sure I'd read another by the author. I'm not sure which book I'll read next. I know I have two others from the library, but I'm not sure which I'll pick to read next. I kind of want to go back and read the first J.D. Robb book. *G* I guess reading the latest last week put me in the mood.
Funny and weird thing. On our local news this evening we noticed that the newscasters background is now a table of poinsettias. Really? NOW? It's not even Thanksgiving yet. I am getting cranky over the fact that every year it seems the retailers are pushing Christmas earlier and earlier every year. WW and Target had decorations out before Halloween!
Other than all that, it's been a rather peaceful day. I hope y'all have had a bit of the same. I wish a fun and enjoyable Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Um, does cleaning count? No? Oh, well. Hopefully back at it tomorrow.

The BEST chocolate EVER!

This? This is my most favorite chocolate EVER. I LURVE the See's Bordeaux Bar. I can only get them once a year during the holiday season, so Chris has been known to by me four of them and give them to me for Christmas. *G* They last about 2 months and then they look like this. *G* Was it worth it? Every. Single. Bite. *G* And Chris had best (please, pretty please!) pick be up at least one more before they leave.

It was a particularly grey and wet day here. It's not even that it rained so much as it was just hanging in the air all day. It reminded me of when we lived in Mississippi. Only cooler. *G* I actually love days like this. I can stay in and really enjoy the warmth of my home, or I can go out and stand in it. I find it refreshing, though my hair tends to sproing every where afterwards. *G* Unfortunately, I had to drive in it this evening. My least favorite activity. And had to deal with snarled and slow traffic as the kids and I headed to their RE classes. Chris met us there and after picking up Daughter's Confirmation picture we headed out to pick my vehicle up some fuel. Unlike some people I could name (Chris) I panic when my gas gauge reads below a quarter of a tank.(Is it some kind of weird challenge for them, or what?) And if the light comes on? ACK! I almost hyperventilate. Yes, I know I am weird. We headed back and the kids rode home with me and we met Chris at home. We had a small and simple meal, mexican-Yum! And then watched a little tv and read. (I'm still reading Storm Cycle by Iris Johansen. It's taking me a bit because I have to fit it in around other things and I've been so darn tired I can't focus this week. Almost done, though.)  Well, I read. Chris was on his computer doing his schoolwork.
Other than cleaning, vacuuming and a couple of other chores, I've take it easy today and have noticed I'm not as tired. Granted, I'm still tired but not bone numbing exhausted.
I have talked to MIL today. We finalized the plans to have the family portrait made. I wish it were of just the kids, but know that MIL won't let me get away with that. *G* We decided on Sunday afternoon. Now to just find the time to actually fit it in.
Um, that's about it. It's been a rather slow day and I've enjoyed my rest. I hope y'all have had a nice day. I hope it was filled with good friends and smiles. I wish a Thankful and Thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Nope. Ran out of time actually.

Is it any wonder I get any work done?

Look at this mess! (Talking about the kitties.) This was taken the other day along with a few others. One of which I already posted. *G* And please excuse Layla, this is not her best side. *G* But, here you can see what I was dealing with. Fireball was in my lap, Pepper was behind my computer and Layla was sleeping ON my computer. Son was on one side of the table and Daughter was facing me on the other side. Have I mentioned how much I like antibacterial wipes? *G* I am glad the kitties love me so much, though.

It's been another tiring day. When Chris left for work this morning he left a little early and went by Sam's and ordered Son's sports glasses/goggles.
We had another late start for the kids schoolwork today and I don't know what's up with them this week, but it better stop NOW. After finishing we headed to the Y for the kids MA class. With Son still wearing his medal. *G* (He did take it off during class.) Someone was there during their class to take a promotional video for the Y's website to advertise the class. I had to sign a waver for the kids to be included. I didn't mind. I think these classes are good for the kids. While the kids were in class I went to work out. Five minutes on the treadmill and I was asking myself if it were okay to stop now. I haven't felt this tired in over a year. *sigh* I pushed myself and made it over 2 miles, but it took me longer that usual and I was ready to drop when I stopped. I knew there was no way I could do weights today, so didn't even try. I did clean up in the locker room and changed and went to wait for the kids. After class I did remind the teacher that Daughter will miss the class on the 1st of December for her surgery and that she can go to the next class, but not participate. (Which Daughter is gnashing her teeth over. *G*)
After their class we headed by the house to pick up Neighbor/Friend Girl so that she and Daughter could get in their volunteer time at the library. Son and I looked around. He found a movie and a book, but I didn't. That's okay. I still have books to read. (I have no idea why I've been so slow in reading this week. I think part of it's my attention span.) By the time we left the library it was starting to drizzle. Making the girls laugh. The running joke is that for the last month, every Tuesday we go up there it's raining. *G*
I dropped Neighbor Friend/Girl off, parked in the garage and dragged myself in the house. I let the kids get their own gear out of the jeep. And I SAT. Besides laundry I haven't managed to get much done this week (at least that's how it feels) and I don't like it.
Ah, anyway. Like I wrote above, I've been slow reading this week. I think part of it is that I am so tired. Poor excuse, but there it is. I hope this lifts soon.
MIL called this afternoon. She wants to have us head over to their local Fire Department. Something about having a certificate for a free picture. I don't know. I talked it over with Chris and we're okay with it as long as it doesn't take too very long. She's just weird about wanting a family portrait. As in has been bugging the whole family about it for a couple of years now.
Anyway, that's what's going on around here. Sorry, we're pretty boring. *G* I don't mind. I prefer it actually.
I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. One filled with good friends and maybe a treat or two. I wish y'all a wonderful Wednesday with smiles. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 2.55 miles on the treadmill @ 6 incline.

Guess who?

I don't know if Layla thought we couldn't see her at all, or whether she just wanted to find a spot to be alone. But, you have to admit, she looks funny and cute! *G* No wonder she's my special kitty, she makes me laugh.

It's been a long day. The kids were reluctant to pay attention to their schoolwork today. I don't know why, but it took twice as long to do their schoolwork today. To offset all that time at the table, when they were finishing up I decided to clean all the windows downstairs, including the glass storm door. Inside and out. I even washed the sliding door in the kitchen, inside and out. And let me tell you. These cats? When they see a kitty outside that they know doesn't belong? There is a lot of hissing and spitting. ON MY WINDOWS. *sigh* And I didn't know they'd done that with the sliding door because it was so low to the floor, unlike the LR window which is set higher in the wall. (I know about it in the LR window because I have to clean that one a couple of times a week.) If I hear a kitty hissing in the kitchen any time soon I'm going to hiss myself! *G*
After all that the kids and I left early to run by the Eye Doc's so I could pick up a copy of Son's glasses prescription, so that we can take it by Sam's and order Son the sports glasses/goggles. I had expected to have to wait a while, but they had us in and out in less than 10 minutes, making me WAY early for Yoga. But, it did give Daughter and I a chance to chat a little after placing Son in ChildWatch. I went into class thinking this was going to be a regular class. I left in tears. Because at 40 minutes into the class I became so overwhelmed with exhaustion I could barely stand it. I've known for a few weeks that my energy levels were going wonky again, but had no idea I'd find myself in tears again because of it. Bt the time class was over and I arrived home with the kids I was shaking inside from utter exhaustion. I rested and let Chris handle dinner. (Pizza, Son's request.) And I sat. That's all, just sat. I'm still trying to decide whether to contact the Doc or not. I don't feel as though she listens to me and I know she goes by numbers only on the thyroid tests, so if my numbers are normal, but I am exhausted? Well, too bad for me, basically. And I am reluctant to go through that.
On to better news! I am currently reading Storm Cycle by Iris Johansen. The premise sounded interesting and I am pretty fascinated by anything with Egyptology in it. *G* So far I'm only a few chapters into it, but it is pretty good. I don't remember reading anything by this author before, but I feel as though I have years ago.
Tomorrow is another run around day. The kids have MA in the afternoon with library volunteer time after that. I know the kids are excited to talk to their teacher about the tournament Saturday, even though he was there and was even a judge for a couple of the events. *G* I also need to let him know (or rather, remind him that Daughter will be missing two classes in December. At least two classes.)

I forgot to mention that since Chris' schedule has precluded me from shopping for the kids for Christmas, I sat down and bought a few things online today. *G* Neither kid knows and it is kinda nice that they will be delivered to the door. *G* How about y'all? Started shopping yet? Or done? I'm picking up a few things here and there and have been for a couple of months now.

And that's all from me this evening. I want to be horizontal soon, so I'm headed offline. I hope y'all had a low-key and pleasant Monday. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

Ah, the sleep of the innocent!

And Pepper truly does look innocent. When she's awake her eyes are always wide, round and dark because her pupils stay pretty big. We sometimes call her Miss Magoo. (You remember the old cartoon with Mr. Magoo? Uh-huh.) She jumped off the bed the other day and ran into the bathroom to see me and hit the wall beside the door. Poor baby. She shook it off, thought.

It's been a good day. The sun was shining and for some reason it's been kind of warm here-we made it to 74 degrees today. After lunch I was able to do the ironing and some laundry and then I headed to Zumba. There was a swim meet at the Y and I had to park out in left field. Literally. And had a pretty good walk to class. I didn't mind that too much, however there were so many people there for the swim meet that they were tailgating everywhere. Including on two sides of the aerobic room. We had people peeking in-you know, with their hands cupped around their eyes and on the glass windows? It was a very disconcerting for me. I felt very self-conscious. But, about halfway through the class decided those people weren't going to bother my good time and let it go. And I did have a blast. *G*
After class and my hike back to the jeep I headed home. I gave the kids a few minutes and to take a chance to cool down after my class. But, after about half an hour we headed to Lowes. We meant to go yesterday, but was just too tired to fit it in. So, we went today instead. While there we picked up a paint brush (because Chris said he'd paint the new chair rail for me) and to pick out a paint to to the lower portion of the wall with. I found a perfect fit. It's called colonial beige, which makes you think it is beige, only it's not. *G* I like it and can't wait to see it on the walls. After that trip out we headed home and Chris made dinner. Last night we'd had a rotisserie chicken we'd gotten from Sams. Tonight Chris took the leftover meat off the chicken and stir fried it along with some veggies and it was delicious.

Which leads to now. It's still early enough where I can make some brownies for the kids. And myself. *G* So, I'm headed off. I haven't read today yet, either. So am hoping to find time for that this evening as well. I hope y'all had a fulfilling and restful Sunday. I wish a harmonious and stress-free Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba! FUN! FUN! FUN! *G*
P.S. There are pictures of the kids trophies below this post.

Pictures of the kids Trophies!

These are Daughter's trophies and ribbon. We have no idea where she'll end up putting them, but have a feeling she's secretly ecstatic to have them. I say secretly because she'll smile and say she likes them, but inside you KNOW she's jumping for joy. *G*

Here is Son's trophy and ribbon. He is not so secretly ecstatic to have them. I know this because Son has been wearing the medal for two days. *G* I'm surprised he didn't sleep with it. *G*

The Kids Tournament!

This picture is of when Son was called up (right before sparring-hence his gear) to be placed as 3rd for his Kata. He was so excited to receive a trophy. *G* But, he was even more excited to receive a medal for placing first for his Weapons Kata (with the Bo staff).  There was a rather crushing moment for Son with the sparring. He made 4th place and waited until he was off the mat and been placed, but walking toward his father and I he started to cry. Poor baby. I had to explain we were very proud of him for doing as well as he did and that he TRIED and that was the important part.

This picture is of Daughter as she was getting ready to start her sparring with the teenage boy in her age division. He was about 2 years older than her, had about 4 inches in height and probably a good 25 pounds over her. She lost, but got a few points in. But, her instructor said she did well, especially considering the fellow she went up against was older, was a green belt (one rank higher than her) and that he has years of experience  in Tae Kwon Do, too. Daughter came in 2nd place for sparring, 3rd place for her Kata, and 2nd place for her weapons Kata. (She and the fellow had to compete with a black belt in their age division which I don't think was very fair, but hey. That's the way it was.) Oh, and Daughter almost "un-manned" the boy twice. *G* That's my girl! *G*

The Out-laws were there to help cheer on the kids. And we had a small scare with Son's glasses. We've put off getting his sport glasses because at our eye doc's they are almost $200 for just the frames. That's an exorbitant price for us for something we weren't sure he was going to stick with. But, today? He was hit in the face and bent his frames a bit. His second pair of frames in a year. Ack! Luckily Chris was able to bend them back. After running home for the kids to change, to rest for a few minutes and to have lunch after the tournament we headed back out. Our first stop was Sam's (Yes, again.) where we had to make a return from yesterday. (I accidentally bought too much rice.) While there I looked at the Eye glass place. They had sport glasses (basically sport goggles) for $64. And on top of that? They are on sale, so they're only $38! The lenses will only be $20! YES! So, Monday Chris will take Son's prescription in and order them. He's so excited and I am relieved that he glasses should be safe from here on out when he's in MA.
After Sam's we headed to Kohl's. I recently received an online gift certificate to Zappos and have been wracking my brain on how to spend it. Do I spend it on Daughter (though I just picked her up a pair of Chuck's for Christmas) or Chris or myself? Chris said no to him and Daughter and told me to spend it on myself. Easier said that done. I fell in love with a pair of shoes (and I actually do need a pair of dressy casual shoes) at Kohl's but was unwilling to spend the money for them on myself. So I put them out of my mind. Until I received the gift certificate. But, since I wear an 8.5 I usually buy a 9 in shoes to give myself room. Yes, I really do that. I like my shoes a tiny bit big. BUT, Zappos is sold out of the shoe I want in a 9. *sigh* So, I went by Kohl's to check sizing and fit. Sorry to bore y'all with all that. *G*
After that we headed to the Mall. See's Candy is back! We only get a See's Kiosk during the Holidays and we all adore their candy. I LOVE the Bordeaux Bars, also only available during the Holidays. We did buy one (and Chris and the kids each picked a small treat as well.) However, the service person was one of the most obnoxious people I have ever met. She did her job in that she offered each of the kids a sample. In a rude manner, btw. I was looking over the choices of boxed candy because we want to give the kids Karate teacher something for Christmas and he is a choco-holic. One of the service people had left a basket of samples on top of the candy we were looking at and I was curious and peeked inside. (I did not take anything.) The lady marched over and snatched the basket away as if I had rifled through it after spitting all over my hands or something. Or as though I were going to dump the whole thing in my purse. WTHeck? AND she gave me a condescending look! Excuse me? I was buying candy. I was looking at buying more candy later. I paid in cash and I could tell it killed her to have to take my money. Let me repeat I DID NOTHING. If the people who ran See's knew what kind of person was working in their Kiosk they would have a fit.
We looked around a bit after that. I'm trying to find stocking stuffers for Daughter and it's not as easy this year because everything she likes? Is expensive. I looked in Bath & Body (they sent me a flyer) and they had some lip gloss at $8 a piece. Whoa. I? Am cheap and while I love filling their stockings I set a price on how much I'll spend to do that, and that was a bit much. I'll check Target in a week or two. We left after that and headed to Ulta. I received a flyer this week from them as well. With supposedly $1 items. (Again with looking for the stocking stuffers for Daughter.) We get there and there are NO $1 items left. (I take that back, they had two inch emory boards. That's it.) WTHeck? They sold out THAT fast? *sigh* Oh, well. Maybe they'll send me another flyer later.
Then we headed to Target. Uh-huh. But, not for stocking stuffers. For detergent. They are the only local store that sells the Tide Free for HE machines. I've been wondering if it's the detergent that is bugging my skin. We'll see. We had one last stop. The sporting goods store. We picked up a sparring/ blocking tool for the kids. Basically it's a square foam rectangle with a handle. The kids BEG to be hit with it. *G* And LOVE to hit each other with it. And after that? We headed home. YAY!
We've made dinner and have been enjoying the peace and quiet of our home, as well as being able to put our feet up! *G*
Not a bad list of things done for a woman with only 4 hours sleep, huh? *G* I was so nervous for the kids and my skin was itching badly even after trying that new lotion that I couldn't sleep well. However, I have a feeling that won't be a problem tonight. *G* Tomorrow I have Zumba-YAY!

I haven't had time to read last night or today, we've just been too busy. I hope to make that up before I sleep this evening. We'll see if I can keep my eyes open long enough to do so! *G*
I hope y'all have had a lovely and relaxing Saturday. I wish a restful and peaceful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: No. Too busy, yet again. Zumba tomorrow!

Fireball and his nap Buddy!

Fireball enjoyed a nap yesterday on Son's bed. He also seemed to enjoy Buddy, Son's bear. *G* Fireball was so comfy he didn't even bother to raise his head when I was in there putting up some laundry and I had to snap this picture so I used my new phones camera. (Yes, I carry my phone with me everywhere.)

The next picture is of the recovered rocking chair seat. This is the fabric I found at WW. Bear in mind it's actually a tad darker than it looks in the picture. And it was also taken with my cell phone camera because I was lazy and didn't want to grab my camera and worry about hooking the camera up the computer tonight.

We had a good start to the day and have gotten everything needed done. Thank goodness. Son made 100's on both his Vocabulary test and his Spelling test today (and I was worried about his Spelling test). Daughter didn't do badly, but didn't make her usual 100 on her Spelling test. But, I understood, her words were based in French.
After their schoolwork they played soccer outside with their friends (after practicing their katas) and had a good time. I gave them over an hour for that and then we headed out to start grocery shopping. We hit traffic right away because of a wreck. It took over 40 minutes for a trip that would normally take 20, but it was okay. The kids and I made it to the first store and were almost done when Chris arrived from work after he was off. I wanted to give him time to make his decisions on his lunches. After that we headed to Sam's where I saw the cutest sweater I asked Chris to sneak back and pick up on Monday for Daughter. We even went ahead and grabbed our turkey for Thanksgiving while there. (And um, maybe some granola for me. *G*) I saw the most gorgeous and delicious looking vanilla bean cheesecake that made me drool, BUT I was good and didn't buy any.
We then headed to WW where we finished up the rest of our grocery shopping. I also picked up some new lotion, Lubriderm for sensitive skin, and hope it works. (The good news is it states right on the front that there's no lanolin in it. YAY!) After all that we headed home, in separate cars-but with both trunks full. *G* We unpacked everything and by we, I mean Chris and I. Funny how kids scatter when there's work to be done.
I did take time this afternoon, while the kids were outside, to vacuum and sweep and then read for about 20 minutes before gathering the kids up to go. I'm still reading Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb, I was just in the mood for it and am enjoying it. Especially all the shopping Eve seems to fit in without even thinking about it and the fact that it's making Peabody snippety. *G*

Tomorrow we have to be up very early in the morning. WAY early for us for a Saturday. The kids have their MA tournament in the morning and have to be there early for registration. The Out-laws are supposed to be there tomorrow, but I haven't talked to them since early this week, so I'm not sure they'll still be there. The kids are very nervous and Daughter is especially nervous, which is weird because she's so GOOD, but she said she was nervous because she can't perfect a certain move with her Sai's. Son? He's a bit nervous, but too young to understand, which is why we only entered him in one event. Please cross your fingers for them.

Well, that's it from me. It's been a long day and I'm tired. I hope y'all had fun and fabulous Friday. I wish a relaxing and enjoyable Saturday for y'all. (It'll be a LONG day for us.) Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Um, no. I should have tried to fit some in today, but didn't. *sigh* I DO have Zumba on Sunday. YAY!

Do cats drool when they sleep?

No, really. I am curious. I wonder if kitties drool when they sleep? I'd hate for Layla to short out my computer. *G* Doesn't she look comfy? She actually fell asleep on my hand as I was using the keyboard. Her head is a lot heavier than it looks. *G*

It's been a pretty regular, nice day. The sun was shining and while it wasn't warm, it was less bone chilling than yesterday. The wind finally died down this evening, too. *G* Son practiced his Karate for a while after he was up. And then kids and I tackled their schoolwork this afternoon (I have mentioned they do their schoolwork in the afternoons, right?).  As soon as they were done we headed out for the Eye Doc so that I could pick up my contacts that were ordered last week and then we ran by the library where I picked up Watchmen , the movie, for Chris and I picked up 3 other books as well: Storm Cycle by Iris Johansen, A Kiss Before the Apocolypse by Tom Sniegoski, and Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk. The last two are new-to-me authors and I am wary but interested in trying them because the premise of each book caught my attention.
After the library the kids and I ran by WW where I picked up some fabric to re-do the cushion on my old rocking chair. I had dithered back and forth whether to try and make a new wooden seat for it, but it might be beyond my amateur wood-working skills. So, I picked up some lovely burgundy fabric to play off the light colored walls and carpet and with my darker draperies. Um, tmi? Sorry. I like to decorate. *G*
In my reading world, I finished the book I was reading last night with the anti-hero. Some of the medical descriptions were a bit gross, like say-when the dude tore out his own tibia, making a crude knife out of it and killing another guy with it by stabbing him in the heart. Bleh! For those squeamish like me? Pass on that scene. Though it was kinda cool in an icky way. After that I picked up the Heather Graham book I checked out last week- Deadly Night. I didn't like it as much as the other Flynn brother book I had read, Deadly Harvest. But, it was a decent read. I have no desire to read the other book in the trilogy, though. Next up? For some reason I wanted to reread Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb. I have no idea why, but it was on the shelf and I'm a couple of chapters into it now. (This was before my library run this afternoon.)
This afternoon while the kids were doing their schoolwork and I was with them, I started dinner for this evening. Chicken pot pie, YUMMY! *G* It was requested by Chris AND Daughter. *G* I let the filling cool on the stove while the kids and I were gone and made with the pie crusts when we arrived home.
And that's it. Not much else to share. It's been a full, but pleasant day. I hope y'all had a pleasing day, one filled with good books and smiles. I wish y'all a fabulous Friday. (We're grocery shopping after schoolwork, yay. *G*) Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Nope, ran out of time.

Did I have on my kitty attracting perfume today?

I love all my kitties. Very much so. But, sometimes? I have to wonder, why do they love me? I know y'all can't see behind my computer in this picture well (and how ironic is it that I'm looking at a picture of my computer WHILE I'm on my computer? *G*), but the baby (Pepper) is asleep there. Then there is Layla who has decided she loves my computer. To nap on. And lastly, there is (I know y'all can barely see that. either) is Fireball on my lap. For some reason all three decided today that I was emitting some kind of homing beacon while Son and I were going over his spelling words. *G* Aren't they cute and sweet?

It's been a chilly, grey, windy, drizzly day here and I would have enjoyed every minute of it- if I didn't have to drive in it. Unfortunately, I did have to take the kids to their RE classes this evening. The river near our house is close to flooding the low-lying bridge over it, though that's not a main road anyway. Just a short cut we take to make it to the interstate. Luckily it was okay when we left this evening for the kids classes. But, more rain and it won't be.
I was white knuckled all the way over to the kids classes. The wind was fierce and felt like a giant, invisible hand shoving at the jeep most of the way there. I hate (and y'all know I don't use that word lightly) driving in the rain. It scares the snot out of me. But, we made it safely and after dropping off the kids, Chris met me and we headed to BAMM. I wasn't after books this time (Since most of the ones I want right now are either Trade, which I can't afford, or are not due out until the end of the month. Not to mention I'm trying to be good and patient and wait on the library to get in some of my holds.), but rather my first perfect Extreme Dark Hot Chocolate. Ahhhhh. It was yummy. And while there I picked up a stocking stuffer for Daughter off the clearance rack. For $1. *G* Chris ordered the same thing I did but had a shot of expresso added. He likes coffee, sometimes. Bleh. I'd rather have hot chocolate or tea.
Oh, anyway, we left and headed back to pick the kids up. Then headed home and fixed dinner. Since most our usual tv shows were preempted for the CMA's, we didn't watch much television. Instead I typed up the next 10 weeks of Son's vocabulary tests since my trial of iWorks is expiring within the next few days and won't be buying the program for a couple more months. And we WILL be buying it. It's so easy to work, especially for someone who is as big a techno-goober as I am, that it makes me a bit teary to think of having to borrow Chris' computer and the Windows version of word on the partition.

I have also been reading this evening. the Josh Bazell book I picked up, Beat the Reaper: A Novel. The book is strangely engrossing. The main character shouldn't be sympathetic and yet is. I like his no no-nonsense attitude and also the nonchalance of which he speaks of everything. It's premise is of a Doctor working at a hospital who comes across the one man who knows who he really is, a former hit-man for the mob who entered witness protection. Interesting, right? It really is.

That's all from me. It's been a long day and I'm looking forward to reading more of my book with it's anti-hero. I hope y'all had a Wonderful Wednesday, especially one filled with interesting books. *G* I wish a thoughtful and thankful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Nope, took the day off. Tired and sore anyway.

Almost!

Does it not look like Butterscotch is tracking something. It's the intent look in his eyes, the "just a little more......" look. *G* Did I tell you he now walks around at night meowing at Daughter's bedroom door? And when I called his name the other evening, because I thought maybe he was lonely (HA!), he PRANCED into my bedroom. Not ran, not stalked-he PRANCED. His nickname of Twinkie just makes more and more sense.

It was another typical busy Tuesday. The kids and I managed to get through most of their schoolwork before we had to leave for the MA class. I forgot to mention that it's been raining since late last night/early this morning and was dreary and cool out. Normally, I love rain. I find it soothing and comforting. However, I dislike having to drive in it. We had a small stop on the way and then made it to the Y on time. Their teacher was sick, but still taught class. I'm not sure if he should have done that, but he said he thinks he had a cold from not being properly attired when hunting this weekend. Is it bad I wanted to dip the kids in Lysol right then and there. Or that I really, really wanted to share the hand sanitizer I carry in my purse with the teacher? But, the kids enjoyed their class (they sparred today) and I enjoyed my workout, too.
Afterwards we headed home to pick up Daughter's friend so she and Daughter could have volunteer time at the library. While they looked around the library for something to do, Son and I looked around, read a few magazines (Did you know that during the Bush admin the Secret Service had to climb onto the roof of the Whitehouse after India, the Bush's cat?) (Gotta love Cat Fancy magazine.). We even picked up our Holds. I found another book I thought Son might like (and he does, so far), Herbert's Wormhole by Peter Nelson. And I picked up Beat the Reaper: A Novel by Josh Bazell. I saw a copy of this book while we were at Target this weekend and it sounded interesting. And it is. I read the first few pages at the library and it's very focused and draws you in. I really want to read more. Now.  *G*
After the girls were done I drove everyone home and we finished the little bit of schoolwork we had left. Chris arrived home and started dinner and since then we've had dinner and watched a bit of tv. I was SO glad to see a certain person leave on DWTS. Chris and I like the show Sherri on Lifetime. It's pretty funny. *G*

Other than a few more household things to take care of, it's bedtime. So that means I'm headed off line. I hope y'all had a terrific Tuesday. I wish a wonderful and slightly wacky Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: 2.14 miles on the treadmill and 25 minutes on the weight machines.

Meet Bug-Bug 3000!

This is Bug-Bug 3000, he is Son's creation. Son dragged ALL his Lego's downstairs last night and set about "creating". *G* We think Bug-Bug is pretty cute. *G*

Also, I've included a picture of the chair rail that Chris installed yesterday. I had hoped he's paint it today, but no. However, he did take care of a few other things for me and he had a paper to write for school. The painting will get done, either by him, or myself, soon.

It has been a pretty okay day. Like I wrote above, Chris did take care of hauling off a few items we needed to get rid of and he also had to write a paper for school. The kids and I took care of their schoolwork and then I handled a bit more laundry and vacuuming the house. I also made beef stew this afternoon and had it simmer until this evening when I added dumplings. I don't know what it is about Fall, but stew always tastes best then. *G* I left the kids with Chris this evening when I went to Yoga this afternoon. I was disappointed to discover my favorite teacher wasn't there this evening, instead we had another woman whose classes I usually try to avoid. (She does yoga for the athletic benefits, doesn't seem to care that some of her students can't do half the poses she can do, and doesn't give options for the poses-whether you're level 1, 2, or 3.) My hands and wrists have been bothering me a lot lately and I knew her class was going to make them hurt. *sigh* And it did. Good thing I bought ibuprofen in bulk at Sam's last time I went grocery shopping. *g*
Thank y'all for the suggestions for lotions. I hope I can find one I can use soon. My face is flaking and I'm already a shy person who has no aspirations for her looks, but I don't want to scare people, either! *G*
As for reading? I started Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts. I figured I'd read it next since I picked it and the J.D. Robb book before the others. I do admit I cheated and peeked at the end. What? I heard there were tear inducing moments! I needed the reassurance! Also? The excerpt for the next book in the quartet looks like it may be pretty good, too.
Tomorrow things go back to normal for the kids and I. They have MA and then Daughter has library duty. I reassured the librarian last week that her volunteer work wouldn't stop and I meant it. I think it's good for Daughter. Right now she's a typical teenager, she needs to be reminded the earth doesn't revolve around her. *g*
And that's it from here. It's late and I'm tired and need to head offline. I hope y'all had a nice day, one filled with a good book and smiles. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Yoga.

Leave the sun where it is, please!

Layla was content to laze about while the kids were working on their schoolwork the other day. Since I had my computer scooted to the edge of the table she couldn't nap in front of it. She decided to nap leaning against Son's lesson plan book instead. *G*

It's been a loooooong day. Chris tried to "forget" he had work to do this afternoon with my chair rail, I wouldn't let him get away with it. Before lunch I cleaned the outside of the kitchen cabinets with some Murphy's Oil citrus wood spray. It smelled lovely and did a good job of cleaning. We then cleared the furniture away from the walls so Chris could measure for the chair rail and I decided to take the rug we have in the kitchen outside and "beat it". I had forgotten how heavy that thing is! But, still did it. *G* After I brought it back in I headed upstairs to take care of laundry and ironing. Lots of both. Gah. Then arrived back downstairs in time to help Chris move the furniture back into place so that the wood filler for the nails could dry, we could get around in the kitchen and, you know, make dinner. *G* (Breakfast for dinner, yum. Son ate like a fiend! *G*) Tomorrow he's supposed to paint the chair rail and pick up one two more pieces because I liked it so much I want it in the hallway, too. *G* Eventually we'll pick a secondary color and paint the walls below the chair rail a different color than the upper walls.
And that's my day. It sounds short, but four loads of laundry and a stack of ironing take time, not to mention make it pretty warm! *G*
Btw, I need some advice. My skin is drying out at an alarming rate. I drink loads of water, so that's not it. We've used the heat a few times in the past week and I'm sure that has something to do with it. Here's the advice I need. Anyone know of a reasonably priced HYPO-ALLERGENIC lotion I can use? I am allergic to shea butter and lanolin so anything with those is out. Not only is my face peeling, the skin on my legs is itching so bad I am trying not to claw my skin. I have some Oil of Olay (supposedly hypo-allergenic and non-pore clogging which after using about 3 times last year left me with weird tiny red bumps. I used it ONCE this week and now I have those same bumps across my cheek. So please? Suggestions?
I DID get to read last night, just for a bit. I've almost finished the J.D. Robb book. It is a great read. I love her books. Really, really love her books. *G* I only have about 3 chapters left to finish and then I'll start on another of my library books. And no. I have no idea which will be next. *G*
I hope y'all had a Blessed and restful Sunday. I wish y'all a productive and stress free Monday. (Wish us luck, Chris is taking the day off to take care of a few more things. *G*)

Exercise: No. No time today.

Pepper helps Daughter!

Pepper wanted to help Daughter with her Vocabulary on Friday. Here she is snoozing next to our dictionary. *G* I guess she's hoping to help by the process of Osmosis. *G*

It's been an interesting and busy day. Chris and I let the kids sleep late and spent some time together snuggling. *G* It was nice. So often we don't take the time to just "be" together without doing other things or different activities in the same room. We headed out early today. First stopping by the library to pick up Son's (and my) Holds at the library. I had two books in: Hissy Fit and The Fixer Upper: A Novel both by Mary Kay Andrews. I like her writing style and her humor in her books. I also picked up Deadly Night by Heather Graham. It was on the shelf and I had read one of the other books in the Flynn brothers trilogy, but not this one. And I know I still have the Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb books from earlier this week. I hope to read them this week. It's hard on the weekends for me to find time to read and unlike my usual self-this week I've been exhausted by the time I get to bed and have been TOO tired to read. It's been disconcerting. But, I am hoping now that our busy week is over, this next week will be better.
After the library we headed for lunch. For the first time in months I had a burger. (And when I say months? I mean at least 4 months.) Then a small trip by the bank and we headed to Mass. After that we headed by Target. I was determined today that I was going to get serious about Christmas shopping for the kids. I've picked small things up here and there until now. So, Chris and I did our usual distract and deploy technique. We walked through the store and I sneakily pointed out the items I knew the kids wanted/would like. (Granted this was a small trip, but it felt good to get a couple big items.) I then distracted the kids in another part of the store while Chris went to "look around a bit" and he picked up the agreed upon items and purchased them and snuck them out to the jeep. *G* I love it when we work together like that. *G* I wanted to get some things now because Daughter has her surgery in a few weeks and after that she's supposed to take it easy for a couple of weeks after that. Meaning our excursions out will be diminished and shopping online? Not always the best thing. Especially with toys and such, or so I've noticed in pricing things this year.
After our trip to Target we headed to Lowes where we picked up  some chair rail-ing for the kitchen walls. I sit with my back to the wall during our schoolwork sessions and I always worry my chair will scrape the wall. So, I kinda informed Chris we were buying some this weekend. *G* He's a good sport and went along with it. If not, I would have done it on my own. And I know for a fact I could install it myself, but I want him to do SOMETHING around here.
After all that we headed home and made a quick dinner. Since then we've been chatting and I told the kids I wanted their Christmas wish lists. Their grandparents are going to be asking about this any day now anyway and I wanted to make sure we were headed in the right direction with our purchases so far. (We are. *G*)
It's time to head for bed. It's been a long day. We walked around and around and around Target, not to mention Lowes. (I love Lowes, I could walk around in there for hours.) I hope y'all had a relaxing and enjoyable Saturday. I wish a restful and peaceful Sunday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: Nope. But, in good news my neck/shoulder thing seems to be doing better. YAY!
P.S. Send well wishes to Melissa please. She had surgery this week!

She wanted some candy!

For some reason I look at this picture and have song lyrics running in my head...."I want Candy......" I know the song isn't speaking of actual Candy, but it fits. *G* Son decided to dump out his Halloween haul in the middle of the LR floor this evening and Layla promptly decided it was hers. All hers. *G* She was nice enough to get off after a few minutes, though. *G*

Our last test day of the week. Son wasn't troubled, he only had one test left as I spread his out throughout the week instead of waiting to take them all today. Daughter, however, chose not to do that (we try to give her SOME control over her schoolwork, just not a lot. We try to pick our battles.) instead she chose to wait to do them today. All of them. Yeah, no. She'll be working on a few this weekend, too. Oh, well, maybe she'll listen to me next time. After finishing his last test today Son started working on a book report. One where the curriculum creators give him his topic sentence. I am not fond of this device and Son had already written his book report when I read back through the instructions and realized they'd started this in his schoolwork this year. At third grade level I am not happy with the narrow constraints of the topic sentences they've given him. I understand why, just not at this grade level. We are used to it with Daughter's work, but this is our first run-in with the device in Son's schoolwork. And I repeat, I am not happy. This weekend he's going to have to rewrite his whole book report. HE is not happy. Hopefully we'll be able to use a bit of what he's already written. *sigh*

In other things, I've done laundry, swept and mopped the floors, cleaned the bathrooms, filed some papers, and sorted mail and catalogues into the throw away and recycle piles. I'm trying to take it a bit easy to give my neck/shoulder time to heal a bit. But, it's not easy for me to do.
I didn't read last night, as much as I wanted to, I was just too tired. I was asleep rather quickly for me. I hope to take the time to read tonight, though.

That's it from here. I went NO WHERE today and it was nice. Too bad I felt too tired to really enjoy it. I hope y'all had an enjoyable and fun Friday. I wish a relaxing and pleasing Saturday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: No. I'm trying to rest. Sort of. As much as I am able. *G*

Layla and MIdnight Snuggle! Again!

I took this picture this afternoon as Midnight and Layla took advantage of the sun in the kitchen and decided to snuggle behind my computer. For all the stupid things Midnight does (like try to open the garage door thereby making it so I have to repair the weather stripping he's clawed up, or trying to escape out the front door so he can roll all over the front porch, or play big brother to the max and try and start a fight with Oreo.....) um, yeah, I was saying? Oh, right, it's moments like these, when he's so giving and caring that make me forget about all the trouble he gets into! *G*

As with last night bear with me, I'm being slimed as I type, by Pepper who knows it's bedtime. *g* Afterwards I'll have to go wash down. Again. She so silly and cute we don't have the heart to fuss at her when she slimes us (I say "us" but she really only slimes me.) or when she thinks it's fun and okay to shred the toilet paper. With her teeth. *G*
As for today? It's been a draw. When I awoke and put my contacts in I noticed that one was bothering me, checked it and noticed it had a tear. To save a bit of money (and so insurance would cover my next tow boxes) I had just placed my last pair in last week. (Extended daily wear.)  So, no spares could be found and I'm freaking out. I know the boxes they ordered for me yesterday won't be in until sometime next week. And the thought of wearing my glasses over the weekend was not a fun thought as I haven't had the prescription updated in them for almost 3 years. (It's either contacts or glasses, but the money for both is hard to do for us. And I prefer contacts.) Luckily I remembered when I was in to see him last year he gave me a sample pair of contacts to try-because I have a slight astigmatism to see if they would fit better. Also lucky it hadn't quite expired yet, so I was good to go. And what do you know-they do fit pretty well.
Then there's the fact that I have either pinched a nerve, or torn a muscle because if I do a lot and especially with my right arm? I have a pain that seems to wrap around my back (around my shoulder blade) to the front of my collar bone. And no, I have no heart issues at all. It's only bothering me when I move around a lot, or in certain ways. I've switched out my pillow for another tonight, just to make sure it's not that. And I may even dig out my heating pad.

Anyway, when the kids finished their schoolwork today I had Son looking for his tie everywhere and Daughter went with her friends up and down our street to help her friend sell cookie dough for a school fundraiser. ( I was SO tempted but very lucky we don't have any checks. *G*)
After a while Son finally found his tie, I corralled Daughter back to the house and to change and I changed and we headed out to meet Chris in the Church parking lot since he was coming straight from work for her Confirmation. Everything went well and we are so happy it's done and taken care of now. We're also very proud of Daughter who worked hard for this. We gave her the medal we'd bought for her last night telling her we thought her outfit needed a little something. *G* After the Mass there was a reception which we attended and after chatting with a few people for a bit headed home. It was late but we had a light, late dinner and then vegged for about an hour before heading to bed.

As for reading? I started Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb last night and had to put it down when I couldn't keep my eyes open any more. I'm about a hundred pages into it and can't wait to read more, though it's getting pretty late I am hoping I can read a few more chapters tonight.

That's said, or rather typed, it's time for me to get some rest. I hope y'all had a friendly and smile-filled day. I wish a fun and fantastic Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Took the day off to try and rest. Yeah, um, cleaning the blinds, do linens in laundry and vacuuming are about as restful as I can get. And I need to fold the load of whites in the dryer........ *G* G'night!

Time for another oldie but cutie!

I don't know about y'all, but for some reason today I needed a good laugh and this picture always makes me laugh. *G* This was taken when Fireball was a kitten and caught sticking his tongue out when napping. Ever notice how kittens do that?

Y'all will have forgive any grammatical errors in this post please. Layla decided it would be a magnificent idea to cuddle up ON my arms while I was posting. *G* I'm guessing she's feeling a bit needy tonight. So shows the picture I managed to take with the photo booth feature. *G*Silly girl!
Today turned out to be not as busy as I thought it would be. Daughter informed us last night that the RE coordinator had given her entire RE class off for the next night. Meaning they didn't have class tonight. I left it up to Son if he wanted to go to class or not and he opted to take the night off, too. Worked out well, though, because I had been worried about making it over there in time after my eye exam this afternoon. (Not to mention we were there last night, would have had to go tonight and then again tomorrow night? Way too much time driving back and forth.) So, it was nice not to have to rush in traffic everywhere this evening.
I did run by the library before my eye exam today because this was their day to close early and I had Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb in from Hold as well as Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts. *G* AND they hadn't received their transfer of books when I was by there and when we returned home this evening we found out there is yet another book in for me.
After picking up my books we headed for the eye doctor where I was happy to learn that my prescription hasn't really changed because at my strength they only raise the strength by .50 and only one eye changed and at .25 anyway. *G* The doc said that too strong and I would have serious headaches. I said no thanks. *g* So, exact same prescription. *G* Unfortunately he may not have dilated my eyes, but he did put drops in to test the pressure. Fun. Better than the puff of air they used to use years ago, though. *G* I even enjoy the peripheral vision test with the squiggly lines and clicker button. *G* Kind of like a video game for your reflexes.
After the eye exam we headed to the Y since I didn't have to drive to the next city over I had time to take Zumba. I have missed this class during the week SO much! I had a good time and then the kids and I headed home. I helped Son study again for a bit and then Chris arrived home and we made dinner together. We've actually had time to enjoy each other this evening and it was nice. *G*
As for the new phone? It works well. For the five minutes I've used it. Son has had it in his hands longer than I have. *G* It came with a few game demos. *G* Not to mention I was right when I wrote that Chris was playing with it last night because right now? He has it again and is playing with it!
As for reading? You know as soon as I finishing typing the last letter of this post my face is going to be in one of the new books I picked up today. Want to guess which one? *G*
That said? I'm off. It's been a long day and I'm pretty sure I ache all over. Again. Growing old bites. Either that or my meds need to be adjusted and y'all know my Doc won't do a thing but look puzzled over why I would ask to be retested for new levels. (And my eye doc took my blood pressure today, said it was some new thing they had to do. Huh? Anyway mine was 112/70. Um, yeah, little low. And I was a bit anxious. I always get motor mouth at the eye doc and have no idea why.
ANYWAY, geez. I hope y'all had a lovely day. I wish a Thankful and Thoughtful Thursday for y'all. We have Daughters Confirmation in the evening. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: 1 hour Zumba.