Stacy D. Briefing

2010-10-20T16:45:00.002-05:00

Hello World! I've really had my nose to the grindstone this past month. Honestly, there just aren't enough hours in the day.

We've been working diligently on schoolwork. So far, (knock on wood) we are on target to finish up 1/2 of our workbooks in December. Hooray! If we keep up this pace, we will definitely have a long summer. :)

Weekends have been filled with "honey-do's". I've actually taken to making a list and checking things off as they are completed. No room for slacking here my friend. Just been trying to get things organized. No major projects, just unglamourous tasks that need completing. Such as, purging filing cabinets, winterizing yard, transplanting annual plants to new flowerbeds for the spring growing season, trimming shrubs, replacing outdoor light fixtures, etc. (Snooze fest!) Sorry, told you it wasn't exciting stuff. The boys ride bikes or play basketball as we grown-ups work. Ah, to be young again. Or single, is what Ricardo is probably thinking. LOL! Ricardo isn't a project planner like yours truly. :)

Speaking of Ricardo, the new job is going well so far. The first paycheck cleared- so we're off to a good start. :) He is having to build a credit/collection program from the ground up. So, he has his work cut out for him. Meanwhile the company is burning thru money like crazy, so he has to get it coming in quickly. So, it's exciting and stressful at the same time. But when things get too crazy, he can take a moment to collect himself and gaze out at this:

Nice view huh?! He gave up having an office with no view at his old job for a cubicle with a view now. I'd take a great view any day. How about you?

I've been hitting the weights pretty hard again. Building up some muscle tone. At least I hope that is what it is. The number on the scale isn't changing much, (in fact some days it's more than the day before) but I'm starting to see some nice definition from my efforts. I say it's from the weights, may be from all the dang digging and planting I've been doing. Ricardo is playing tennis 3x a week. But now that it is no longer 105 degrees out, we've been walking together in the evenings twice a week for 45 min-1 hour. I really look forward to those outting's to reconnect and just be sans kiddos for a minute. Does that make me sound horrid?

We watched a WONDERFUL family movie on FMN (family movie night) a few weeks ago. "Hachi : A Dog's Tale" A true story about a dog's love and loyalty. So beautiful! I highly recommend it.

And has anyone else watched/ become addicted to Nip/Tuck? I started downloading it on my pc off netflix. I allow myself to watch 1 episode a day as a little treat. I still have to squeeze my eyes shut during most of the surgery scenes; but the show itself is really good. Anyone else seen it? Anyone? Buehler???

Well gotta get dinner served, oldest off to church youth group, Ricardo off to tennis and take youngest with me to find a new dog bed this evening. A thrill a minute I tell ya! Will put posting on my list of things to do again soon. Or after reading this you're probably thinking..."don't bother, I can fall asleep on my own. Really!!! " LOL!

Daily 3:

Grateful for my family.
Grateful for our home.
Grateful for the release that exercise brings. Amen!!!

My New Favorite Kibble

2010-09-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

You know, I like to share the latest and greatest things that I've discovered. So please allow me to present my favorite new dog food. Not that I've partaken of it. I mean to say, let me present my dogs' favorite new food and the many reasons why I too think it is fabuloso. Behold:

BLUE -WILDERNESS SALMON FLAVOR DOGFOOD

1. My dogs don't just eat it. They INHALE it! They are so busy devouring it, that they no longer do the eat and stroll around the house bit. You know, leaving bits of kibble throughout the entire house for you to step on with your bare feet or smush with your shoes. But maybe that's just my dogs. Or more accurately, my Mastiff Harlow, with the severe underbite. But I digress.

2. All natural. If we befall upon hard(er) times, I feel good knowing that I can eat way healthier than we currently are, just by pouring some of their kibble in a bowl and adding some milk!

3. Ella's allergies and itching-GONE in less than a week.

4. NO upset stomach or intestinal distress from switiching over to this brand. None. Nada. Zilch.

5. And lastly, tho not most insignificantly, the poo. What can I say about the poo?!!! Except, it is soooo condensed and compact and healthy looking! And trust me if you la poop scoop after 2 large dogs and one mini me pocket pet, you really come to appreciate petite, dainty poop!!!

So, if you have a pet with allergies, or a finicky eater, are wanting a healthy dogfood or just want a new cereal for the breakfast table, I highly recommend Blue Wilderness Salmon Flavor Dog Food. Salute!!!

'Deadliest Catch' stars reportedly quit the show - MSN TV News

2010-09-29T12:30:00.000-05:00

'Deadliest Catch' stars reportedly quit the show - MSN TV News

Oh ,Say it ain't so!!! The heart and soul of the show- I miss you guys already!!!

Endings and New Beginnings

2010-09-29T00:00:00.003-05:00

Today is Ricardo's last day at his current job. Tomorrow he starts fresh with a new company. We all knew it would happen sooner or later. The writing was on the wall. In big ol' graffiti block letters.

Let me get you caught up to speed. Let's review the time table, shall we:

21 days ago Ricardo interviewed with a company who found his resume online. The interview went well.

19 days ago, the company requested permission to do a criminal background and reference check on aforementioned husband.

16 days ago the aforementioned company asked the aforementioned husband if he would work for them. Husband said he would consider it and get back to them the following day.

15 days ago, on the day that Ricardo was to give his decision, his current boss called him into his office for a "meeting." The shit met shinola. "Disagreement" "Discussion" those words would be understated. Things were said. Things that cannot be taken back. Things that could perhaps be forgiven over time, but never forgotten.

Ricardo up until this point didn't know if he really wanted to take the new job. He honestly prayed for God to give him guidance in his decision. For a sign if you will. God delivered. The meeting was a sign alright. Message received loud and clear.

So, 14 days ago Ricardo turned in his resignation. Which leads us up to today. The final day of his 2 week notice. Out with the old. In with the new.

Tomorrow he will fly to Los Angeles for 2 days where the company has an office. After that he will be working locally, with occasional travel. The job is 25% travel. They have offices in LA, Texas, Australia and the Philippines. Anyone want to guess which location he will be jaunting to the most?......

That's right! The Philippines! He will be in charge of hiring a staff over there and monitoring them. Interesting. Very, very interesting.

So, we shall see where this new fork in the road leads. It could be an absolute great opportunity. Or not. Guess time will tell. I'm trying to be supportive and optimistic.

I'm also trying to get everything organized for his new job. New clothes, shoes, luggage. Which means I've been busy ordering needed items and doing up laundry for his first trip to sunny California. Thus the lack of blogging. Between being supportive wife, mother extraordinaire, and Teacher of the month, there hasn't been a lot of down time.

Change can be scarey. But, change was definitely needed in this instance. I'll try keep everyone updated on how things are going as I know more.

Now on a much lighter note.....

Many of you have wondered and thousands have asked: "Stac, WHY on earth don't you have a cooking section in your blog?!"

Exhibit A:

The sheetcake. (Pronunciation: substitute short i rather than long e sound.)Sadly, no tampering of photoshopping was done. This is the actual cake BEFORE anyone had eaten any. Honestly, my baking skills are so subpar, my slogan should read : Stacy D Briefing- Home of the Ugly Cake! I'm free for catering your next Birthday party or shindig. Let me know! :O

What a day!!!!

2010-09-08T16:02:00.005-05:00

I'm going to try to describe the type of day we've had. Try. Let me just preface it by saying we are suffering the backlash of Hurricane/ Tropical Storm Hermine. Torrential rains moving thru the area. We've gotten 6.92 inches of rain so far today. Another 1-2 inches are expected. Pouring buckets. Big ol' buckets. Winds 30-40mph. Quite breezy to say the least. Got your mental picture? Okay, I'll proceed.

Despite the weather, it was Maestro's day to be groomed. Luckily, I didn't have to venture out. We have one of those services that come in a van right to your home. Quick. Convenient. Safe....Or so I thought.

At the end of the grooming service, the grooming van somehow popped out of gear. Started rolling forward towards our row of Arizona Cypress trees and the neighbor's fence behind it. The groomer jumped out of the back of the van, hopped into the front and got the van put in park with just inches to spare. Closely averting disaster. Yet, not fully.

In his haste to stop the vehicle, he left the side door open. Maestro jumped out of the moving van and took off running. In the rain. The torrential flipping rain.

I get a knock at the door. Instead of being handed my dog, I hear: "Maestro jumped out of the van and has run off!!!" Oh, you have no idea.

The feeling of fear for your pet. The feeling of deja-vu having lost a dog once before in similar weather conditions and never having found him. The feeling of utter dismay because you thought having your dog groomed in your driveway was perfectly safe.

I ran out of the house full throttle and started calling and searching for him. I search for 15 minutes before returning to the house. I figured at this point, I should really check back in with my unattended children. Make sure they are doing okay. Notify them what was going on. Give them specific instructions as what to do in my absence. And what not to do. Oh yeah, and put on some flippin' shoes and grab a rain coat. OY! I can't even do justice as to how wet I was. Although, I barely noticed with all the excitement.

I grabbed some shoes, my rain coat and called Ricardo to come home and help in the search. I notified Home Again Pet Recovery, as well as the neighborhood via e-mail. Then, I grabbed Ella and took her out in the torrential rain. Thinking that if Maestro could see or smell her, it might give him a sense of security and flush him out. Although, Ella is a wonderful dog, she is not a bloodhound. She got his scent took off after it, and then quickly lost it. Guess we won't be signing her up for search and rescue work anytime soon.

I could go on and on about what happened and all the chaos that ensued. There was the groomer, me, my husband, Ella, and the groomers boss who traveled 30 miles from his home to join in the search.

2 1/2 hours later. Maestro was found. The boss man found him wedged between 2 fences. I can't even describe it. He definitely found a semi safe haven. He was still exposed to the elements, but not prey to larger dogs or other danger. Nope. He had found himself a snug hideout. Not enough room to walk back and get him out. We once again had to use Ella to give him the courage to walk towards us. It took an additional 15 minutes. He was scared, shaking and hunkered down in absolute fear. Finally, after much cajoling, he came towards Ella and me. And we grabbed him. Although, holding on to him was a difficult task indeed. We were all wet. Not to mention caked in mud.

With 2 grooming vans now on sight, Maestro went back into one for a re-bath. And now that Ella was dripping wet and sloshed with mud and muck, she went into the other with the owner of the grooming service. I could only hope that there would be no further excitement upon exiting the van. But at this point I didn't dare place a bet. Who would have thought that a van could pop out of gear and a dog would jump out of a grooming van to begin with?!

While this additional hour of grooming was taking place, Ricardo and I took our turns showering as well. He had to get back to work. I had to sit down because my legs were shaking so bad, I didn't think I could stand much longer.

It's been an hour since all the hub-bub concluded. Maestro has quit shaking, as have I. But we are both just toast. What a day!

The outcome of the story was a happy one. Anyone who has ever lost a pet knows it doesn't always end this way. I'm thankful. Grateful beyond belief. And relieved that no one was hurt as well. Needless to say, the grooming (and regrooming) for both dogs today was free. But having our pup home safe and sound, not having to tell my children we might not find our dog, or having to tell them he was hurt, that is PRICELESS!!!

Today's Daily 3:

1. I'm grateful for all the help in finding our pup.

2. I'm thankful that all of my pets are microchipped in case the unexpected (or unbelieveable) happens.

3.I'm grateful that I stayed calm, cool and collected during this ordeal. I amazed even myself.(I'm not sure if the groomer knows just how grateful he should be... but he should be reaalllly grateful) Had the outcome been any different, all my future posts would have been from a prison cell.

Got Wood?

2010-08-26T13:03:00.005-05:00

In our quest to replace the flooring thru-out the house, we have now completed our second room. Hooray! We do one room at a time. We have 18 months to pay it off interest free. Then, we start on the next room. I have tabulated that it will take 9 years to complete our home. But, who cares. It's only time. And it helps build patience. And character. :)

Anyhow, the lucky recipient of room makeover #2 was Ol' Blue Eyes. I didn't get before shots. (Of course.) But here are shots of the freshly laid floor:
Here is a sample of the dust that accumulated on the ceiling and walls (as they did all the sawing of the pieces in the room instead of outside. Oy-Vey!) :

I cannot tell you how LONG it took to get all the dust up. I had to vacuum the walls people! Yet, it was worth it I must admit. But, don't take my word for it. Have a gander for yourself:

Viola! I'm so pleased and thankful. And Blue Eyes is over the moon excited by his room. Poor Baby said nothing of having to wait 3 summers with dark gray paint splattered on his old carpet from his Mom's "oopsie mishaps" while painting his ceiling. But, I digress. I'm amazed at how much better his allergies are as well now. No carpet to trap dander, dust, etc.

Anyhow, that's our latest renovation project. Check back in anther 18 months for the next room make-over. :)

*Oops, forgot my daily 3* So here goes:

1. I am grateful to spend everyday with my children.

2. That I get to hear the most beautiful sound in the world daily- their laughter.

3. That my children still think it's cool when I dance with them instead of humiliating. :)

What does this Symbol Mean???

2010-08-18T08:30:00.010-05:00

I saw this on the computer yesterday. It asked "Do you know what this symbol means?" So I thought about it. I came up with several possibilities. Do you know what it means? I'll give you a minute to guess....................................................................................................................................................

It is on all 2008 or newer vehicles and it is SUPPOSED to mean low tire pressure. Who knew? (Guess those amongst us who drive a new vehicle. LOL!) Now, we all know. Please share: What were your guesses? In the spirit of full disclosure, here's mine:

My 1st thought was: "Hmmmm, it reminds me of the stomach of the guy off the Operation Game." Cause it looks like a stomach with an exclamation mark in the middle. Don't you concur? (Or perhaps that's just what I saw on MY ink blotter...;)

My second thought was "It could mean I'm sooo full it hurts!" (Cause it definitely looks bloated. Don't you think?...again, maybe it's just MY interpretation, as I often feel like this) Then, I laughed and thought: ..."Warning: Gas Ahead!" Or maybe it is a public service announcement of some sort....Let's see: A symbol for bloating, exclamation mark....I've got it: "PMS AHEAD!!! THE NEXT WEEK WILL BE HAZARDOUS TO EVERYONE AROUND YOU!"

By this point the real answer didn't even matter anymore. I was just totally enjoying the possibilities. I'm just like that. Easily amused. Or a dork. pOtAtO/ pa-tah-to . But at any rate, I'm now thinking: can you IMAGINE the possibilities I could conceive at a therapists office with their ink blots?! (Soooo couldn't take that seriously.) A shrink's dream/nightmare (given their sense of humor or lack there of. I'm guessing the latter.) I can just hear it now as they lead me away in my nice, crisp, white jacket: "Stac, I now pronounce you, certifiable. Imaginative. Humorous. Yet, nuts just the same!" ;)

Today's Daily 3:

1. I'm grateful for the ability to find humor in things that other's don't, wouldn't or shouldn't find funny.

2. Puffy white clouds on a clear day. Beautiful!

3. To have known the love of several excellent dogs in my lifetime.

Things I Enjoyed this Summer...And the Beginning of the Daily 3

2010-08-17T09:55:00.008-05:00

As the summer comes to an end, I thought I would share how I spent some of my "off-time."

I started this book in April:

I finished it at the end of May. I must admit, at the time I was struggling to focus and finish it. But, I'm glad I did. Truly a life changing book. If you read it and apply some of the changes she suggests, you will be amazed at the difference in yourself. Honest. I feel so much better. Better than I have in a long time. All because I can relax again. Whew! It feels great!

And because I am soooooo relaxed, I could enjoy a few other fun reads this summer like:

I'm a nerd. If I like a book, I'll read it over and over. I read this one last summer as well. I pulled it out again this summer...and it STILL had me laughing out loud. If you are looking for a fun read-give this one a whirl!

Another book I found so intriguing:

One Thousand White Women. It is based on "what if." What if the government had traded 1000 White Women to the Indians in exchange for 1000 horses and a peace agreement back in the day. It is written in diary form. I really enjoyed it. Very thought provoking. And the characters will stay with you long after you close the book.

Speaking of books in Diary form:

Excellent! A woman who has been abducted for a year and is trying to get her life back. She narrates thru sessions with her therapist. Not a lighthearted read; but a good one. Makes you realize how strong the human spirit and the fight for survival is.

And if the thought of being abducted doesn't scare the crap out of you enough...

READ THIS ONE!!! Holy crappers! I'm forever nervous about being "in the system" now. You won't EVER look at donating blood the same way again. Promise! :)

Now this has nothing to do with any of the above, except I like them and wanted to share with you.

I don't like gummie candy. At all. But THESE are really the bomb! I actually look forward to taking them every morning. And secretly wish I could have more than two. :)

And for some more not so guilty pleasure:

I buy these at our local health food store. They are a nice alternative to chocolate cake, brownies, and muffins. So when you want to indulge a little, you can. Not like the real thing mind you; but, not bad. Not bad at all.

So there you have it. A short list of things that I spent my summer indulging in. Just thought I'd share.

And for a final note:

I'm going to make a change on this and all future posts. In keeping with my de-stressing way of life and for appreciating all that I have in my life- I will begin listing 3 things that I am grateful for that day at the end of every post. Big things or small. Just my way of reflecting on, and acknowledging all I have to be grateful for. So here goes...

3 Things I am Grateful for Today:

1. That my family and myself are all healthy, happy and together.

2. The absolute, complete feeling of a relaxing sanctuary that my bedroom brings me every day.

3. The hummingbirds that come to my yard thru-out the day. Truly beautiful, graceful, fun creatures to watch and enjoy! Well Done Big Guy-Well Done!

RICARDO...MBA,CCE...etc.

2010-08-16T13:07:00.003-05:00

Ricardo can now add 3 more letters behind his name, CCE. He got the results back on his exam today. All those months of studying paid off. He passed. Hooray! Now he joins the elite crowd of fellow business pros who have this certification. (I think it is less than 10% of credit professionals who have this certification-But don't quote me on the exact number...cause numbers are Ricardo's biz not mine. :)

Anyhow, "The Board of Examiners" sent his test results to his office. They also sent him a plaque to acknowledge his achievement. As well as e-mailing his boss to let him know what Ricardo accomplished . (Although, I'm sure his boss will once again not give kudos where kudos are deserved. But I digress.)

So here's to you Ricardo to celebrate all your hard work and success! "Well Done! Woof! Woof!" Your family thinks your great with or without all those letters behind your name. Salute!

Like Bruce Says: Baby, We Were Born to Run

2010-08-12T14:48:00.008-05:00

Reality can be a harsh mistress. We've all been adjusting this week from Kansas time back to Texas time. Time is racing by with all that we have to accomplish before school starts next week. Some of us are feeling the time constraints. Others, are feeling constraints on their freedom from city life. Take Brown Eyes for instance:

Brown Eyes: "Mom, I really miss Kansas."

Me: "Ahhh! You do Baby?"

Brown Eyes: "Yeah. 'Cause in Kansas, you have room to run!"

Apparently, Bruce Springsteen isn't the only one who was born to do it. ;)

It's a Crockpot Life for Us...

2010-08-11T17:03:00.006-05:00

I've often said if we were wealthy, I'd hire a cook; so, I wouldn't have to. EVER. (She says sighing wistfully...) I can cook. But I don't enjoy it. At all. It's a chore. An endless chore. We just returned from our summer pilgrimage to Kansas. Wonderful Kansas. Where family and friends are plentiful and the cooking is done for you. After absolutely feasting on the delicacy's made by others, reality is hitting especially hard this week. Since reality is kicking my buttooski, I thought I'd share a little Orphan Annie ditty that I composed while cooking dinner today. Here goes:

It's a crockpot life for us.

It's a crockpot life for us.

No more fancy cuisine.

From the pages of a magazine.

It's a crockpot life!

It's a crockpot life for us.

It's a crockpot life for us.

No gourmet grub-or bakery.

Just chicken,... simmering.

It's a crockpot life..

It's a crockpot life for us.

It's a crockpot life for us.

Please take me back- to Kansas.

And cul-in-ary bliss.

It's a crockpot life!

A Conversation with Brown Eyes

2010-07-23T16:43:00.003-05:00

My youngest has entered the "question phase." Endless questions. One right after another. All day long. He never seems to get tired of asking them. Although, I must admit, I do get a wee bit weary of answering them after about the 1 millionth one. :) But, then I remember that there once was a time where he couldn't communicate with us at all. Would just have a melt down because he couldn't express how he was feeling or what he wanted. So, that makes all these questions seem like a beautiful thing indeed.

Today while we were swimming, we had another Q&A session. It went a little something like this.

Brown Eyes: Caesar and Disney are in Heaven right Mom?

Me: Yes they are.

Brown Eyes: But I'm going to live a long time right Mom?

Me: Yes you are!

Brown Eyes: Do they have pools in Heaven Mom?

Me: No they don't.

Brown Eyes: So, we'll just have to build one right?

Me: Yes, we will.

Brown Eyes: Both people and dogs will like that won't they Mom?

Me: (extremely choked up)...Yes son they will.

Maybe it's just the sun...and the son....But, I think that is one of the most beautiful thoughts I've ever heard.

New Tongue Twister

2010-07-14T19:36:00.004-05:00

I found myself wondering today how tongue twisters came about. Who writes them? What was their inspiration? I know that you do indeed see sea shells, sea shells by the sea shore. But, was there really a guy named Peter? Did he indeed pick a peck of pickled peppers? And exactly how many of these tricky tongue twisters are there circulating out there anyways?

Well.... today, there is one more. The author's name escapes me at the moment. I will say however, that this particular person is a female. I know that for a fact. And if I recall correctly, she is a less than graceful, (some might say "klutzy person") who may or may not have been in a hurry while shaving her legs. Perhaps before doning a swimsuit and going out to the pool. But I don't remember exactly. Or maybe I've mentally blocked that out. Anyhow, here is the latest tongue twister that is making people stutter... and wince:

Nerd Nicks Nipple Now Needs Neosporin.....

Try saying that 3 times quickly. Maybe while applying a BandAid. Let's just leave it at that shall we?

Family Fun Day with the Griswalds...

2010-07-12T14:18:00.012-05:00

We had a fun family Saturday this weekend. We went to our local Bass Pro Shops store. For those of you who have one nearby and have never been-go! It's oh so much fun. A true feast for the eyes . We went this particular Saturday to have pictures taken. They are offering photos this month (every Saturday and Sunday) with your child on the cover of a magazine. I'd explain more, but they are going to be Christmas presents. So, I don't want to give the surprise away. But perhaps I've already said too much. ;) Ours has also recently added children's workshops. This is what greeted us as we arrived on Saturday: The shot doesn't do it justice, but trust me, it was wall to wall children and parents. What could have this many people mingling about in such cramped quarters you ask?

Why...

Free birdhouses of course! We had to assemble them ourselves-luckily no hammer and nails required. Simply put Slot A into Tab B. So simple even the directionally challenged mom can do it. :) (Notice the lake in the background- sooooo peaceful to gaze out upon. Made the claustrophobic conditions tolerable. For those who are claustrophobic.)

Then came the fun part: The painting. Ohhhhh how all the kids (big and small) were crazy about the painting. Many a shirt, shorts, and shoes were splattered by the end of this workshop. I love this shot of Ol' Blue Eyes. He is talking with one of the other parents there, very mature and mannerly. Yet, this pic of his expression reminds me of how he looked at age 3 and 4. Hard to explain, but all you mom's know what I mean. Made him seem little again. So sweet and nostalgic. It was all I could do to restrain myself from hugging him right then and there.

Besides the workshops, they have HUGE acquariums chuck full of fish. MONSTER fish:

Darling monster fish that make you smile as they swim by.

And all thru-out the store are these wildlife scenes:

So realistic looking. I apoligize for the next shot. It really did look cool. But, I was too intimidated by my fear of heights to lean over and get a good shot. Nothing good could have come from it. All I could foresee was me leaning out too far and dropping my camera. Or leaning too far with my graceful self and plunging to the lower level. Humiliating. It's not the freak accident I mind so much as the thought of losing my beloved camera. There's plenty of dorks out there to replace me; however, a nice camera is hard to come by ya know?! But I digress. Anyhow, here's the pic:

Ugh! I'm getting lightheaded and nauseous again just looking at it. Sweet Baby J.

Also, they have the most realistic looking mannequins I have ever seen. Don't you concur?

I can only imagine the parties they have after hours. (You know, like in the movie Mannequin. Anyone remember that flick? Anyone? Buehler?....Buehler?)

Besides the workshops, photo opps and feast for the eyes with all the wildlife scenes, they also have a restaurant. We partook of some seafood while sitting at a table with an awesome view of the lake. Very relaxing. They also offered children's tackle boxes at aforementioned restaurant for 2.99. Just little plastic ones; but, cute momento for the kiddos none the less.

We spent the better part of the day there. It was really a fun family day that cost next to nothing; yet, will be remembered fondly for a long time to come.

3 More Days...

2010-06-29T17:28:00.005-05:00

Hello? Anyone still read this doggone thing? I don't blame you. I would have given up on me too.

We are FINALLY going to finish up our school year this week. Come Friday we'll be done...until the middle of August. Short summer. Again. But, can't bemoan that sad fact now. Looking too forward to some downtime. Any downtime. No matter how short. It is well deserved. And each second shall be savored and cherished by all.

It's been a gruelling school year. I know that (former) President George Dubya Bush was always saying "No Child Left Behind!" But, (I gotta be honest here) at times.....it was damn tempting. LOL!

Looking forward to catching up with everyone!

Ima X. Ahstead
:)

Happy Father's Day!!!

2010-06-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there! May your day be as special as you are!

And to my wonderful husband Ricardo :

Each day you show amazing patience, love and guidance. But enough about how you are with me....:) You are such an excellent Dad! You are never to busy to listen, teach or just hang out and have fun with your boys. The boys and I are blessed to have you and be loved by you.

We love you!!! Happy Father's Day!!!

Birthday Festivities

2010-06-19T19:25:00.003-05:00

For the wee one's birthday, we started off by having homemade pancakes and opening gifts. Then, headed out for the local amusement park. (These season passes are really coming in handy!)

We spent several hours riding numerous rides. After noshing on the local fare for lunch, Brown Eyes announced that, "He might be ready to go home now." (so sweet.)

So, we loaded up the truck and headed home. At which point, the wee one asked if we could stop by the grocery store and get some Birthday balloons. (Who knew?!) A clear over site on our part indeed. (I felt terrible!) So we stopped and Brown Eyes got to pick his own balloons. He got a superman balloon that plays the theme song when you tap it. (A huge hit!)

We spent the afternoon poolside cooling off. And wound up the day doing Mexican food, Birthday dessert and spending the evening just hanging out together.

The 8 year old started yawning by 9. Was asleep by 10 and the rest of us were soon to follow. A great day was had by all!

Happy Birthday Brown Eyes!!!

2010-06-18T00:00:00.010-05:00

8 years ago today, our wonderful family of 3 grew by 2 more feet. 2 teeny tiny little feet; but, what a difference they made. These 2 beautiful feet made our lives complete. These 2 little, willful, feet also opted for a path less traveled....

Due to a long, complicated pregnancy, my doctor decided to induce labor 3 weeks early. After 18 hours....It bears repeating, 18 hours of aforementioned induced, drug free, labor, (ooooh, I shoulda opted for pain meds! But I digress...) we discovered that little brown eyes was a gymnast. A gifted, gymnast who added an unscripted backflip into his Olympic womb routine. This flip caused him to now be a footling breech baby. And thus, made his dismount impossible. The Olympic judges...um, doctors, were totally impressed. Mommy- totally freaked out. An unfortunate added coincidence, there was little amniotic fluid left. We didn't have the time needed to see if he would flip back once again. An emergency C-section was the new plan of the day. Thus, began life with our youngest. Life unscripted.

The past unscripted 8 years have been an amazing journey. Brown Eyes you've taught us to live life as a celebration. Celebrating all life's accomplishments big and small. Celebrating spontaneity. Being a child again. Laughing at jokes with punchlines that may not always make sense. Singing songs of our own composition. Making our own rhythms. Using our hands as drumsticks and almost any object as our drumset. You've taught us how to break into uninhibited dance at a moment's notice. To laugh out loud for the sheer joy of it. To be heedless of what others may think.

Today we celebrate you Brown Eyes! You made our hearts grow another 100 times larger. You add inexpressible joy to our lives, just by being you. You make us all better people and the world a better place, simply by being in it. You are truly a gift!

So Happy, Happy Birthday Brown Eyes!! We love you more than words can say; but, hope you feel how much each and every day!

Love and Gratitude,

Mom, Dad, and Blue Eyes

Birthday Festivities, Food, and More Food...

2010-06-10T00:00:00.002-05:00

Birthday's are very important. Especially to children. So, we started a tradition when we had children that we still honor to this day. On each of our children's birthdays, we schedule a vacation day and do whatever it is that their little heart's desire. (Within reason, of course. :) The whole day is devoted to them-even down to the menu. We just think it is a neat way to make them feel special and loved. So far....no complaints from the peanut gallery.

On Blue Eyes special day he wanted to spend it at the local theme park. As we have season passes, this was not a problem. As for the weather, it was a little uncooperative; so, our visit was shorter than desired. But I'm getting ahead of myself here.

Let's back things up shall we. How does a 14 year old start his birthday you ask? Well, Iwent in to wake him at 8:30....only to find that he had been laying in bed awake with excitement for his day to begin since 6:00 am. :)

He popped outta bed and headed down for his birthday breakfast. As requested, Krispy Kreme donuts awaited him. He had 2 chocolate glazed and a glass of skim milk.

The local theme park opened at 10:30, so we left our house at 9:30 to make the drive. We arrived at 10:15, and got a front row parking spot. Saaaahweet!!!

Birthday boy wanted to start his day of thrills on a roller coaster. Followed by a bobsled ride. While the "big boys" were riding these, brown eyes and I went on a smaller roller coaster. A good time was had by all. In fact, little guy rode his roller coaster twice-back to back. We were the only ones on it-we felt way cool. :)

After about an hour of riding, little guy was hungry- so we ordered him an order of chicken fingers and fries. He devoured 1/2 and declared himself full. At which time, Blue Eyes said he wanted to save room for lunch....but he would gladly finish off what remained. He ate the remaining 3 large chicken strips and a handful of fries and drank an entire Powerade.

The weather cooperated the remainder of the morning and many a ride was rode. But, by early afternoon, the storms hit. We tried to wait it out; but, all the rides remained shut down- so we headed off to lunch.

We went to Blue Eyes local diner of choice. He ordered a TRIPLE meat burger, fries and a shake. (Not to mention eating the remainder of the unwanted meat patty from his little brother's burger as well.) As you can see, and I have rapidly discovered as well- teenage boys have a powerful hunger! I'm reminded of Joey Tribione (Friends) "Meat- GOOOOD!"

After lunch, we came back to the house. We opened gifts and commenced to enjoying aforementioned gifts.

For dinner, Birthday boy wanted Mexican food. He had a large order of Meat Nachos with Jalapenos, tacos, and and an Ice tea.

He followed it up with a serving of Birthday chocolate chip cookie and a large glass of milk. At which point he pushed himself back from the table and declared himself full at last! LOL!

Blue Eyes 14th Birthday had a few hitches in it as far as the weather was concerned; but otherwise, I'd say it was a smashing success. Here's to being 14!!! And to the amazing metabolism that goes with being a teenager!

Happy Birthday Blue Eyes!!!

2010-06-09T00:00:00.003-05:00

14 years ago today, life changed in ways I can't even begin to describe. Changed in ways one can't even comprehend. To say for the better....well, that is a gross understatement. Life was viewed through a whole new set of eyes. Lovely, beautiful, perfect eyes. 14 years ago today, 2 hearts were lost. And they instantly grew back 100 times larger than they were before. 14 years ago today, Ricardo and I held our future. Our life. Our whole world. For the first time. 14 years ago today, we were incredibly blessed. We became parents to this beautiful soul:

Happy, Happy Birthday Blue Eyes!!!May your day be as wonderful as you are. You make the world a much better place, simply by being in it!!! We all love you more than words can say. But, hope you feel how much each and every day!!!

Love and Gratitude,

Mom, Dad & Brown Eyes

2010-06-08T09:48:00.008-05:00

This:

is all that is left to be completed from our box-0-knowledge. I 'd show you what is left of our minds....but, I don't have a photo of mush. Guess if I was being really creative, I would have posted a pic of oatmeal. Or toast. But, you'll just have to settle for the mental image. Sorry.

We hope to be completed with this years work by the end of June. It is hard to say who is looking the most forward to some down time. We are all deserving of it, that's for sure. This year has been kicking our butts. Glad I only have 2 children, 'cause home schooling three could lead to insanity. As it is...."I'm right on the edge!" LOL!

Now on to happier subjects....

We have a new neighbor:

I couldn't be happier! A robin couple have decided out of all the homes to chose from, that this little tree in our yard would be perfect for them. (See resident at left on fence.)

I love Robins! They are my second favorite bird.( only to doves.) They remind me of Kansas. Because you can't look up into the sky in Kansas without seeing a Robin it seems. So, this helps me feel close when I am far away. But I digress. Anyhow,... they have provided us with hours of enjoyment when we are out poolside. Because ALL day long they do this. Stop on the fence (see above) to check in with us.

Then swoop down off the fence ...

And into their tree home. Back and forth, forth and back, all day, everyday, til dark falls. Then it is beddy-bye time. ( Cause...Rules are rules! ;)

Here's both of them together. Cute huh? I'm guessing we will be having little ones hopping about trying to earn their wings soon. I can't wait!

You can be sure that I am being most diligent in my duties to protect them, their home, and their upcoming offspring. I've always got a watchful eye out. So rest easy Kansas, you're transplants are doing just fine! ;)

Now if you'll excuse me, we gotta get back to oatmeal and toast. I mean schoolwork. Ugh!

2010-05-23T21:05:00.003-05:00

Stacy desperately wants to come out and play.

But the schedule doesn't allow any time in my day.

There's schoolwork, errands, and landscaping galore.

Not to mention all my glamorous domestic chores.

Please forgive my absence.

I'll be back in June.

I can't wait to catch up with everyone!

See you real soon!!!!!

In the Pink

2010-05-07T11:11:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous day! We had local homeschoolers in the park day. Spent the day in the local theme park. Loads of fun! The boys absolutely loved it! Ricardo said it made him feel like a kid again. In fact, everyone had so much fun-we bought season passes.

This means we will be spending both boys birthdays at the park, as well as occassional weekends and weekday nights. Halloween as well as Holidays in the Park this fall is included as well. Really looking forward to it!

Just hoping I don't look like this everytime after we go:

Just a wee bit pink today. Thinking 50spf definitely did not stand for "Stacy Proof Formula." Also, might I add... Waterproof/Sport Formula my *ss! LOL! Thankfully none of the men folk got burned in the outing. Must be a testosterone thing. ;)

Reason I won't win any Mother of the Year Awards #987

2010-04-29T17:35:00.005-05:00

Okay, perhaps I shouldn't be sharing this little story....but I will. Because, that's what I do.

Backstory: Darling hubby Ricardo LOVES 2 1/2 Men. I've bought him the DVD's as gifts in the past because he loves them so much. We lay in bed most nights watching them before we go to sleep. We quote lines back and forth to each other from this show almost as much as we do from "Friends." We often watch this show together as a family. Our boys have even started grabbing the DVD's to watch on their own sometimes too. We didn't think it was much of a problem.....until now.

Have any of you seen the episode "Weekend in Bangkok with 2 Olympic Gymnists" where Charlie reluctantly takes Jake out to grab some Uncle Klucky's Fire Roasted Chicken? Well, my boys have. Repeatedly.

The other day Ricardo was working late. The boys and I had dinner without him. While dining on Chicken Quesadillas, I was conversing with Ol' Blue Eyes. After finishing the conversation, little Brown Eyes starts a conversation of his own. It went a little something like this:

Little Brown Eyes: Hey Mom?

Me: Yes?

Him: Just eat the fricken chicken!

Me:......What?!

At first I was totally flustered. Not because I was angry with him-not at all. Didn't have time. I'm too busy thinking "Oh Shit!!! When did I say Fricken in front of him? And what will his Dad have to say about this?!"

Cause as you all know, it was me who dropped the "F Bomb" in front of my kiddos a few years back, only to have my eldest innocently repeat the word in front of his Dad at a later date. Then throw me under the bus when his Dad asked where he heard the word..... :)

Anyhow, my mind is going a million miles an instant. "Shit, shit, shit!!!" While I'm simultaneously looking from one son to the other with an expression much like a deer caught in the headlights. Then, Ol Blue Eyes laughs and says:

"He's repeating that line he heard on 2 1/2 Men."

Then, I started laughing. Hysterically. I was saved. Oh, it's not in any way, shape or form proper....but it's pretty fricken funny! Even his Dad thought so when I later told him the story.

We will be having a talk with him about that not really being an acceptable word to use.....just as soon as we can do it without laughing. ;)

I'm the Bob Uecker of Favorites

2010-04-22T14:29:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I got to be honest. Yesterday's post was mostly about making my sweet sis laugh when she got to the bottom of my goofy poem. Truth be told, I'm really the Bob Uecker of favorites. You know the old joke "I'm sitting in the front row. That's right! If they turn this place around- I'd be sitting in the front row!"

So in full disclosure, (cause you know I'm all about keeping it real. ;) Here's the ACTUAL list of Dad's Favs'. It goes a little something like this :

1. Wormie/ Tam

2. Tam/ Wormie

3. Wormie's best friend

4. ALL the Melcher girls

5. Any and All of the girls who have ever worked at the store with my Dad (for the past 50+ years....)

6. Evelyn the coonskin cap wearing, bicycling hunter-trapper.

7. The Dentist

8. The Proctologist

9. The Tax Auditor

10..... Good Ol' Stac

Yep, that's me, sitting pretty in the 10 spot! Course, if you turn this list around... I'm still the undisputed#1! But all joking aside, we all know Dad would NEVER play favorites. And truth be told, everybody knows I'm really Dear Ol' Mom's Fav.............. Once again, sweet sis is howling with laughter! ;)

Birthday Thoughts...

2010-04-21T00:00:00.012-05:00

Being 43, not as I thought it would be.
Looks-gone. Brain-mush.
And I pee when I sneeze.

Sagging where there once was firm skin.
Aches and pains...
Oy! Where should I begin?!

Just a matter of time til Hubby wants someone new.
Something younger and hotter.
Perhaps, age range 22.

Sand in the hour glass,
It's almost gone.
Someday too soon...
buried under some lawn.

Yet, I cherish each day.
Watching my boys blossom.
And knowing I'm Dad's favorite...
Yep, it's still friggin' AWESOME!!! ;)

A Chilling Experience

2010-04-16T10:04:00.009-05:00

Been an interesting week around here. You know how they say, "You never know what you have until it's gone?" Well, they are correct. Guess what decided to up and leave us this week:

That's right. Our refrigerator. Oh, it didn't get up and leave. But, the compressor quit working. So, it might as well have just walked right out the door. I was so disgusted, I didn't even clean the front or the inside off after I unloaded all the spoiled food out of it. So there! Something about unloading gross smelling meat and melted ice cream- it just puts you in a foul mood. Go figure.

So we've been "camping" all week long. This statement makes Ricardo laugh.

Me: This is like camping huh?

Ricardo: HOW is this like camping?!

Me: Cause we are having to rough it.

Ricardo: What?!!

Me: You know-No ice. No cold beverages. No cooking. Just living out of an igloo cooler.

Ricardo: THAT is nothing like camping you dork!

Me: Well, it's as close to camping as I want to get!!! Having my comfy bed, bathroom, air conditioning and of course cable are the ONLY things making this week tolerable. Well, that AND the take out food.

Ricardo: You're funny.

Me: I'm being serious!

Ricardo: THAT is what MAKES it so funny!!!

Me: I'm thinking I wouldn't do so well on "Survivor" huh?

Ricardo: Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

As disgusted as I am about a 5 year old refrigerator breaking, I've decided to look on the bright side of things. Like exhibit A:

5 years ago, to get a refrigerator with an icemaker/water dispenser, you had to get a side by side. Which really makes you lose a lot of space in a frig.

But NOW they make these babies:

The whole top is the frig:

And the bottom is the freezer:

Which is also great, because NOW with any luck- I won't be dropping frozen food on my feet all the time. Or at least if I do, it might hurt a lot less since it doesn't have so far to drop. (?)

The new frig has a lot of cool features. But, one of my favorites is the LCD light. Kind of looks like aliens have landed huh?

Here's hoping THIS frig lasts longer than 5 years. And to being able to pay this puppy off in the next 12 months before the interest free period expires on the Home Depot card. Ugh! That pressure turns my stomach more than the smell of the sour food!!!

Saturday's Project Reveal...

2010-04-15T00:00:00.005-05:00

What in the world were we doing outside all day Saturday you ask?

Why, installing a basketball goal of course.
Any parent who has ever had to read the words "some assembly required" will understand why this little project took the better part of the day. :) And why all of these pictures were taken in the dark. Because, even though night had fallen, the boys couldn't wait to shoot some hoops.

Being Novices, we expected to be good at this with a little practice :

But some of us had uncanny natural ability. Wanna guess who?

That's right! This little 1/2 pint right here. Nothing but net Baby!!! 3,4, 5 times in a row.

We were all a little surprised-no one more so than Brown Eyes himself. He was air-born most of the evening jumping for joy!

It may have taken hours to install,

But I bet there will be even more hours spent having a blast together. :)

Saturday-A Dog's Eye Perspective...

2010-04-14T00:00:00.007-05:00

You know it's been a busy weekend, when you are still writing about it halfway thru the week. Two days to talk about Friday and now two days to talk about Saturday. (Yes, it's going to be another 2 part blog...sorry, I got a lot of pics. :)

So Saturday, we were busy in the front yard. I won't tell you what we were doing until tomorrow. But I'll give you a little sneak peek preview.....

Whatever we were doing had some of us wishing (more than anything else in the world) to just be out front with us:

While others sensed whatever we were doing might involve danger....so it would be prudent to observe with caution:

While still others, had an added degree of difficulty. They couldn't see what the f*#@ was going on- they could only go by sound:

It took all day; but, it turned out really cool! Tune in tomorrow for the reveal.

THE END.

The Lake Part Deux: Speed Racer

2010-04-13T00:00:00.006-05:00

Now it is little man's turn to drive the boat. The gratuitous before driving shot:

Brown Eye's driving technique- Starts off slow....

Now see if you can guess exactly when he picks up speed. Ready. 5....4......3.....2.....1....

Driving like Speed Racer and he can't even see over the dash! Oh, this just cracks me up!!

All too soon, Dad decides it's time for some supervision and slower speeds.

"Oh Man!!! Buzz Kill!"

Spring Fever? I prescribe water. Lots and lots of water...

2010-04-12T00:00:00.002-05:00

Friday I got a case of Spring Fever. Got it bad. Real Bad I tell ya. Should've been doing schoolwork all day. But by afternoon, it was just too nice to be held hostage by the educational system any longer. Wait! Aren't I the educational system???....YES. I. AM....Hmmmm. Don't I have final say in what the boys are learning? Why,... YES. I. DO. So without further adieu, I motioned that they should be learning about the great outdoors on this fine Friday. The motion was passed. ;) Ahhhh, victory. I was feeling pretty powerful.

Then, I thought I would see if my powers could supersede the career sector as well as the educational. I texted hubby Ricardo at work....

" Sunny skies. Winds 12mph. Boat just BEGGING to be taken out....."

Got reply back: "Give me 20 minutes."

Wow! My powers of persuasion amaze me sometimes! I'm like the almighty OZ!!! I must remember to only use my powers for good, not evil. HA!

But seriously, check out this PERFECT day on the water....

It was absolutely perfect. GORGEOUS I tell ya! A not to be missed kind of day. Don't you concur?! I was feeling like Miss New Jersey (from "Miss Congeniality")

Pagent Host: "Stacy name your idea of the perfect date."

Me: "April 9th. Not too hot. Not too cold. Maybe, just a light sweater" Ha! ( Sorry. Ahem.)
Continuing on....

Our boat is nothing fancy. But she sure is fun. She's reliable. Safe. And pretty if I do say so myself. And when she tops out she can go 50mph. Which doesn't sound that fast....but on the water- Woohooo! Feels like you are flying!

Course only this guy is allowed to take her this fast. Why, just look how manly he is. So in control. So capable of handling any situation.

Hey Captain....How you doin' ?! ;)

Course, being Captain is great. But you know what else is fun. When your boys get old enough to drive and you can just kick back and relax.....

That's right. I said boys. As in plural. Check out driver number uno....

Being a teenager, he looks down and adjusts the stereo first before anything else. Because as any teenager knows, good tunes are crucial when driving. LOL!

Then, once some cool tunes are in place, it's cruisin' time buddy!

Hard to believe in a few short years this one will be behind the wheel of something other than a boat. But as Scarlett would say, "I'll worry about that tomorrow."

As for today, I'm just relaxing and enjoy the sunshine, the waves, and my awesome family.

Tune in tomorrow for the pics of Driver Number Two....Hysterical!!!

Random Thoughts...

2010-04-08T13:55:00.004-05:00

Been quite busy with school work, house work, yard work, etc. But here's some thoughts that are sticking in my mind....

Did ya'll see this story- "Airline lifts 70 year ban on pilots flying while on anti-depressants." Now, perhaps it's just me...but if my pilot wants/needs antidepressants-LOAD HIM UP!!! Because while taking antidepressants MAY cause a slight chance of thoughts of suicide....a depressed pilot flying while NOT on antidepressants almost certainly insures the probability of the plane going down. Don't you think???!!!

Why is it that the mere thought of not buying landscaping almost causes me as much pain as the actual act of installing it???!!

Why does it take an effortless nano second to gain a pound....and hours on the eliptical to work it off???!!!

Why is it that if you are an average person who has an affair, you're a "cheater." Yet, if you're a celebrity, you're a "sex addict?" Does a couple of million entitle you to a fancier title as well as all the other numerous perks?!

Am I the last person on earth that hasn't joined Facebook? (Surely, there must be someone else.) I miss the old days of just having lunch with someone. Picking up the phone and calling. WHY is it that "communicating" can only be done online?! I'll have to blog about that someday......Haaaaaaaaaa!!!

That's what friends are for....

2010-03-30T13:09:00.004-05:00

It took lunch with a couple of friends to realize, my problems are really small and insignificant compared to the plight that others are dealing with. Alright, so I have a husband who likes to have the latest and greatest techno gadgets. So what.

At least I have a husband who is faithful, who comes home every night, who loves me (although I will never know exactly why.) We have a home to live in, food to eat, our health. We have 2 beautiful children and 3 great dogs. Life is good.

If my husband wants a new phone, so what. Don't sweat the small stuff. I mean there are people out there with much bigger problems than mine. Like my 2 friends for instance.

The first one, has intimacy issues. Ever since I dumped him years ago for Ricardo, he hasn't been able to settle down. Bless his heart! He keeps wondering around aimlessly. Dating one woman after another, trying to fill the void in his heart. It's so pathetic. He tries to hide this void with a brave smile; but, I still know what he is feeling inside. And he's not getting any younger. The thought of him growing old, alone... Sometimes I just want to cry. But I can't fix others problems. Live and let live.

My second friend, God love him. Is a single parent.Trying to make ends meet. He has to worry about all the mouths he has to feed at home. And how he is some day going to put those little ones through college. The magnitude of his burdens, that I will never be able to comprehend in a million years.

I figure, if these two guys can get up day after day, face their huge problems and still smile-surely I with my minuit annonances can do the same. Thanks for helping me see the big picture guys. For Perspective. Forthe ability to count my blessings. I appreciate the talk!

Let's do lunch again soon....Real soon. ;)

Things we are NOT going to talk about today...

2010-03-29T08:45:00.007-05:00

Turns out Ricardo has found the one thing that the Apple iphone does NOT have an app for...dropping it in the bottom of the frickin lake!!!! UGH!!! And that is all I'm going to say about that.

I'm just going to say that accidents happen.

I'm not going to say that perhaps one should be a little more careful with their things.

Or, that there is such a thing as learning responsibility.

I'm also not going to say that parents should teach their children responsibility. Because it sets a pattern for life. For example: Growing up if I would have left my bike out and someone stole it, I definitely would not have gotten a new one. I would have had to have gone without. (Unlike, say when husband lost bike and got a new one....)

Nope. I'm not going to talk about that.

What I am going to talk about is the EXCEPTION to the rules of responsibility. Like how if you NEED something (ie: for work) you MUST get a replacement (of equal or greater value) for the item that you lost. No matter the cost. I was not aware of this exception to the rule. But I am now.

Apparently, if YOU NEED something for work, you HAVE to get a replacement. You can't get a cheap replacement either. Oh nay! It must be top of the line so that you can do your job properly and communicate with you fellow workers.

Hmmmmmm...

I too have a job. My job is very important as well. I'm on call 24/7/365 My job is being a wife and stay at home mom. I don't have a title, but if I did...it would be El Presidente of Domesticity.

And as President, I too have NEEDS.

Hmmmmm....

I wonder if I also went to the aforementioned lake. If I too accidentally dropped my wedding ring into the dark, murky, bottomless waters...that would require me to get a replacement of equal or greater value as well wouldn't it?!!!Girls, meet my upgraded exception.

I'm thinking that if perhaps I had the kahunas to do something like this, it would be the end of the exception rule. It would also most certainly help me communicate a message of great importance to my fellow workers. The message of responsibility. And accountability. And perhaps even keep future accidents from happening.

But alas, we are definitely not going to talk about that....But a girl can dream. ;)

The Blind Side

2010-03-28T12:37:00.002-05:00

Have you seen it? We watched it last night. Truly one of the most touching, beautiful movies I have seen in a very long time. Adding it to my all time favorites list. LOVED IT!!! Let me know what you think.....

Everything Old is New Again...

2010-03-23T13:37:00.006-05:00

Well we FINALLY closed on the refi today. Hoo-f'n-ray!!! Now our old house is newly financed. 20 more years and this baby is ours all ours. Be interesting to see if either is still standing that many years in the future. :)

The closing took 1 1/2 hours. Ugh! Course I'm married to "Mr. Contract". Read all the fine print. Ask all kinds of questions. Which is good I guess. I mean, ONE of us should understand what we are doing. :) But after the umpteenth time of stopping to ask a question, I told Mr. Contract that perhaps he was just over thinking this. He smiled, chuckled and admitted that perhaps I was right. We have 3 days to review everything and back out if needed.

I then sweetly said, that it's simple, if they tell us to sign-we sign. If they tell us to drink the kool-aid...we drink the kool-aid. The lawyer laughed so hard at that comment, I thought he would fall out of his chair. Almost as hard as my husband had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing when I said this while signing the numerous pages:

Referring to signing my name on documents as there were multiple signing spots for multiple applicants....

Me: (Asking lawyer)..."Now, Do you want me under him or beside him?"

At which point "Mr. Contract" became "Mr Horndog" and nudged me with his knee. I then looked over at him, saw his expression and then had to bite MY tongue to keep from howling at how Ricardo interpreted my innocent question. OMG!

We made it thru the closing with no other questions or bloopers. And barely 2 steps out of the lawyer's office, Ricardo informed me that since I was "under him" this morning, I could be on top tonight if I wanted.....To which I replied, "I'll have to read all the fine print first and then get back to you!"

We really should get out more....or perhaps less would be preferable to the general public. :)

If Only they made a pill for Stupidity

2010-03-22T15:57:00.009-05:00

If they invented a pill for stupidity, I'd have to take double the dose. And if I were to tell my life story, I would have to title the book: "I can do Stupid all by myself." Seems like my entire life has been filled with one act of stupidity followed by another.

As Ima always says- If you can't set a good example, serve as a horrible warning to others! I will now share my latest act of stupidity with you. Hopefully, keeping others from making the same mistake. ("Don't be a Stacy!")Although, I seriously doubt anyone else is this stupid....but I digress. I have been taking meds for GERD. Seems like anything I eat gives me heartburn and/or acid reflux. Not very fun at all. But there are worse things in life-so I just deal with it. I usually take my GERD meds at lunchtime since I take my thyroid meds in the morning. (Yes, I am just a walking pill bottle. :) But yesterday, I took my GERD meds at breakfast. I was already having "issues" while eating breakfast, so I decided to get a handle on things.

Fast forward to lunchtime. Darling husband Ricardo suggested Mexican food. We hadn't had it in months, so I agreed. Mistake. Without thinking, (which is how I mostly live my life) I popped another GERD pill before we ate. After swallowing, I realized that I had already taken one that day. Looked it up- symptoms for overdose were headache, nausea, accelerated heart rate, and in extreme overdose in lab rats-death. It said to contact poison control or seek medical treatment in case of overdose. Whatever.

Since I am not a lab rat, I didn't worry too much. What could one extra little pill possibly do?! Seems like quite a lot when coupled with the high sodium content from Mexican food. I spent all afternoon and evening bedridden with a horrid headache and elevated BP. My blood pressure spiked so high at one point, Ricardo said we would be doing an ER visit if it went any higher. But I told him they can't treat stupid...they can only monitor it. ;)

My blood pressure is almost back to normal today as the meds and sodium leave my body. But the effects of my stupidity still linger. My chances of eating any Mexican food in the future is pretty slim. Sodium is no longer a friend of mine. As for taking multiple doses of medicine in the future, I shouldn't have to worry about that any longer. As I'll be purchasing one of those memory medicine boxes with the days of the week on them. (Seems they're no longer just for the elderly.) Which with any luck will rule out stupid incidents with meds in the future....providing I can remember what day of the week it is. :O

Good for the Heart and Soles

2010-03-18T14:40:00.007-05:00

As one who is always on the cutting edge of technology and fashion, (insert hysterical laughter here) today I am bringing you the latest and greatest invention of present time....

Skechers Shape-Ups fitness shoe.

As you can clearly see, they come in both men and women's sizes and styles. And as you can tell, Ricardo and I, being the ultra cool, hip people we are (insert more hysterical laughter) both have a pair.

Of course, these shoes are supposed to shape you up. Toning muscle, firming cellulite, correcting posture, etc. But may I say they are also OH SO COMFY!!! That 2" wedge is like walking on a marshmellow cloud! We both LOVE them!

We have been walking together in the evenings. 30 minutes. Just the two of us. No kiddos. No dogs. No distractions. Just two married people getting fit. Conversing. Laughing. Reconnecting.

These shoes not only have been wonderful for our soles....they've been wonderful for our souls as well! Any shoe that can keep both you and your marriage in tip top shape, is definitely something worth sharing with others. :)

The Latest Poop

2010-03-17T12:41:00.004-05:00

Slow newsweek around here. Getting ready for Spring, and all that entails. Have all the rose bushes trimmed back, trees pruned, pre-emergent down on the ground, have "spot killed" weeds, cleaned and readied the pool and purged the house of junk....all fascinating stuff I know. But, that's just how we roll at Casa De Excitement.

With ANY luck we will close on the refi next week. (Says the girl who claimed we would be closed by now.) But patience is a virtue....I've got to get me some of that someday! I'm hoping we get to close next week. Ricardo's car had to go to the shop...cha-ching so am hoping that the mortgage payment we should get to skip in April will offset the repair/maintenance costs that we just had to cover in March . It's always something isn't it?!

Maestro is recouping just fine from his ballectomy. He is back to nibbling on un-nibbling items again. Among these, one of the posts on my banister. I firmly scolded him and said if I caught him chewing on it ONE MORE TIME I would return him to the vet to have something else removed. I don't know what, but doesn't matter, I think I got my point across. Pups and children.....their a lot of work, but their worth it. ;)

Finally, and most importantly, In keeping with the title of my post, let me say that last week we did our follow up appointment with the Gastro Doc. Little Brown Eyes had a complete bloodwork-up done (again) as well as stool samples. (TMI?) And today we got the reports back. I am pleased as punch to announce they found NOTHING wrong/amiss/peculiar going on. Can I get a Woo-Hoo?! They tested for everything from proteins to parasites , Celiac Disease, to you name it. I think we pretty much turned over every stone....nothing lurking underneath. Woo-Hoo! (It bears repeating! :) We do another follow up appointment in June just to re-check. But, am beyond thrilled that it seems my child is just....small. And as we all know, some of life's greatest gifts come in small packages. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

The difference 2 numbers make...

2010-03-11T16:44:00.006-06:00

Let me start off by saying that all my pets have a microchip. Having literally LOST a pet years ago, I NEVER wanted to experience that hurt again of not knowing where they were or what happened to them. So, I am a strong believer in microchipping.

Having said that, may I also say-once microchipped....maintain your account at your own risk!!! Today, I logged on...or rather TRIED to log on and update my pet's weight, etc. I entered the wrong password. So I tried again. After a few attempts it locked me out of the system. It said to call Home Again to regain access to my account. So I did.

Or I thought I did....

May I just go on the record as saying there is a WORLD of difference between 1-800 HOME AGAIN and 1-888-HOME AGAIN!!! One is the pet service center. One, not so much! Holy Crappers!!! You can only imagine my surprise, WTF factor, and then embarrassment when after dialing the 1-800 number I heard the following prompt:

"Hey there lonely guy, are you wanting to talk to horny girls just waiting for your call...."

What????!!! Oh. My. Word. No!!!!!!!!

I love to shock people, but it isn't often that I am on the recieving end of the shock. Today I definitely was. I'm still reeling (and giggling) at my mistake. What a difference 2 numbers can make!

And How was YOUR Day?!

2010-03-10T10:13:00.004-06:00

There was much confusion in our house yesterday...

As well as worry...

Some were both confused and worried, like this little guy...

His day started by a trip to the vet's office. And he didn't return home until last night. Our little one nut wonder went in for his neutering. He had a second testicle that had not dropped, so they had to go into his abdomen and retrieve it. Ouch! Thus, the dazed and confused look on his face.

Everyone was relieved to have him back home. No one more than Maestro himself. He's a little tuckered out still today, but I have no doubt he'll be back to running with the big dawgs in no time. In the meantime, we'll have to come up with a new nickname for him. Because, one nut wonder was sooooo yesterday. :)

Another Sign of the Apocalypse

2010-03-05T17:41:00.004-06:00

My husband Ricardo has been called many things by many people. Reliable, Dependable, All-American, Trustworthy, Easy Going....you get the point. Some things he is not associated with is Rash, Tempermental, Easily Agitated, Confrontational- those are more likely words you will hear associated with my name. :)

Yet yesterday after listening to his boss belittle him for about 20 minutes, my mild mannered husband stood up and angrily uttered these words:

"FINE! I GET YOUR POINT! I MADE A MISTAKE! I'M SORRY! NOW, DO YOU WANT TO FIRE ME OR WANT ME TO QUIT?!"

Holy Crappers! If his boss was half as stunned by this as I am- I assure you, he was still quite stunned. I don't blame Ricardo for his remark. I support him. I applaud him. I admire him.

The boss quickly back pedaled; but, Ricardo is having none of it. He's pissed. And he never gets pissed. While this may not be a sign of the end of the world coming. I believe it is a sign that the end of my husband's employment with this company is rapidly approaching.

In the meantime, when people describe Ricardo and I- at least we will have some of the same adjectives in common! :)

Medical Mystery, Headcold and Stupidity....Oh My!!!

2010-03-04T07:39:00.007-06:00

*The following is a true story of why medical mystery novels, headcold and ditzy do not mix.*

As aforementioned, I have a headcold. And have recently discovered Michael Palmer medical suspense novels. And we all know that I'm a ditz. Now there is medical proof that the 3 should not be mixed.

I started reading another Michael Palmer book, "Silent Treatment." Oh so suspenseful. I love supsense books; but, they make me very, very nervous. Last night I took my NyQuil, snuggled under the covers and read my latest guilty pleasure until my eyes got groggy. Then I dozed off to sleep. At some point in the early morning hours, my NyQuil wore off. The head congestion came back, and my ears started that high pitched ringing sound. You know the one- the kind that only the person with the headcold and neighborhood dogs can hear. Anyhow, because I'm such a ditz, in my sleep...I thought the ringing sound was my monitor, and that I had flatlined. I gasped and sat bolt upright in bed. My heart was beating a million miles an hour.-Thank goodness! -Proof that I had indeed NOT flatlined. Then, I was so relieved and somehow amazed at my own level of ditz that I started to giggle.

Darling husband Ricardo, awoke to the sound of my giggles and asked what was going on. I then explained what had happened and we both had a good laugh. Then dozed back off to sleep.

Upon awaking this morning, Ricardo asked how I was feeling. I said that the ringing was gone, but now my ears were making that popping sound. Giggling again, I said that thanks to this book at some point today, I am sure that I will hear my ears popping and stop, drop and roll- thinking it is gunfire. We both busted up laughing again.

All of the aforementioned leads me to believe, that I don't need to read medical suspense novels, or have a doctor's opinion to declare myself legally brain dead. LOL! :)

Woman on NyQuil Speaks...

2010-03-02T15:08:00.005-06:00

I'm sitting here typing this post, because I'm too inebriated to drive. :) Yep, momma done got herself loaded up on the meds. Stress? What stress? Let's all just chhhhhiiiiillllll. :)

I've discovered that I reeeeally should get out more. As when I took NyQuil last night, I told Ricardo that it tasted like a fine liqueur. I was wishing I had some Ice Cream, so I could pour NyQuil over the top. Honest. Then I laughed and said since we are all sick we should play quarters, but with NyQuil. Then I got to thinking...cause I'm an idea person.... Picture if you will, a doctor's office. In his waiting room instead of armless chairs and magazines on tables...Barstools gathered around mini tables. People clustered around, wearing Breathe Right strips on their noses. Nurses serving up shot glasses of NyQuil. I'm thinking that maybe, people wouldn't mind the wait time so much. Perhaps even make people look forward to going to the doctor. Yep, that's me-revolutionizing the health care industry one idea at a time.

Today I'm taking antibiotics, and NyQuil Daytime Formula. Not as satisfying as the night-time formula, yet still enough to make me a wee bit loopy. So, I'm sure more ideas will come to me before the day is out. I will forward the relative ones on to the White House posthaste.

But I'm not just spending my freetime revolutionizing the health care industry, no sirree. I've been reading as well. In the past 4 days I've knocked off 2 books. The Kitchen House and The Second Opinion. The Kitchen House, was heartbreaking and disturbing. But perhaps it's just the NyQuil talking. However, I LOVED The Second Opinion. It is by Michael Palmer. (Don't know if he's related to Robert Palmer.) He writes medical suspense novels. Very well I might add. I don't know much about medicine, (other than my experience with the aforementioned NyQuil); but, I found this book fascinating and suspenseful. A side note, he is a doctor,and has a child that is Autistic. The main character in this book is a Doctor with Asperger's Syndrome. I found it interesting to see an Autistic character that was written so well for a change.

Anyway, if you are looking for something good to read, I recommend The Second Opinion. And if you're looking for a good dessert liqueur, I also highly recommend NyQuil. :) And if you're thinking I should probably just sleep it off, I will take your advice. Ta-Ta for now....

The Book Reviewing Lush ;)

Hiatus Ending Soon!

2010-03-01T14:16:00.004-06:00

Hello. My name is Stacy, and I've been in a funk.

"Hello Stacy!"

Finally working myself out of stress induced funk, and have now become lucky recipient of common cold. *Cough, sniff, deep sigh. *

"Hello Elvirus!"

Common cold was received from husband after traveling for work. Fly the friendly skies my ass! Slogan should read "Fly the nasty, germ ridden skies, bring home an unwanted souvenir for you and all your loved ones!" But I guess that slogan wouldn't sell as many seats. Although it's the damn truth, and there should be truth in advertising!

Now the kiddos are coming down with the junk too.

"Hello Children of the Crud!"

But, once we get over this little slice of life, things should getting back to normal. Or our version of normal at least. :)

We've been working on refi-ing our home. It just drains you. All the proof of income, debt to income ratios, and yet another appraisal. Then it's hurry up and wait while everything moves at a snail's pace. We have been waiting on the results of the aforementioned appraisal. Apparently, appraisals are only good for 60 days. So last year's appraisal was no longer considered valid. Whatever! I think it's just their way of sticking you with yet another expense. (Everyone channel Joe Pesci with me here...."They F*%k you at the drive-thru!!!") But, now our new appraisal is back, we should be able to close on our refi by the end of the month. Providing there are no other obstacles to overcome *And there was much rejoicing!*

The new loan will not be able to recoup all the sleep I've lost, or the stress I've endured wondering if it would go thru. Nor will it get back all the hours I've put into coming up with backup plans if it didn't work out. The new loan will however, enable us to take 5years off our existing note, at a lower interest rate, and enable us to get enough equity back to pay off one of our vehicles. Thus saving us money now as well as later. So, I'll take the trade off!. :)

In other news, Ricardo is still awaiting news from the job he interviewed for months ago. Apparently, they are still very interested in him, but are in a hiring freeze right now. So we will see if that ever amounts to anything. In the meantime, he is keeping his eye out and ear to the ground for other opportunities. I'd love for him to be able to find a place where his efforts are actually appreciated. All bosses are not created equal that's for sure. Somedays, it's all I can do not to kick his current boss in the ass. Ricardo says there is a good reason I am no longer in the work force. Don't know what he could possibly mean by that. LOL!

Hope to work thru this uncommon funk and the common cold quickly. I hate being out of sorts. Discombobulated. But the common cold only lasts for 7-10 days, and my sense of humor never stays gone for too long; so, I hope to be back to posting irrevelant rantings and realizations soon. Just wanted to stick my head out of the sand (or my ass) long enough to say "Hi! I'm still here! Thanks for still stopping by! I appreciate you! And, I'll be back soon!"

2010-02-17T00:00:00.003-06:00

After we finished frolicking in the snow, we adjourned to a warmer climate-the house. But I couldn't help capturing some shots of the beautiful snowfall.... So peaceful. So serene. So......

Wait a minute! Robins! (I love Robins, they remind me of Kansas.) I thought when you saw the "Robin come ba ba bobbing along" it was a sign of spring. I think these poor little fellows were misinformed. But we can always hope! :)

The Wonderful Snow Day

2010-02-16T13:38:00.010-06:00

Last week we FINALLY had the long awaited day that all kids long for-The Snow Day!!! In these parts, we don't get snow hardly ever. And when we do, it is only a dusting of it. Not enough to get too excited about, let alone do much with. But, this was an honest to goodness snow day! Who knew when we would get this kind of white winter wonderland again. We had to make good use of it. And we did.... Behold the snow elves. They helped to create a bevy of snow creatures. Although, it should be noted that some helped a little more than others....

I'll let you guess which one is which. :) But, I'll cut him some slack. This is his first real snow storm. Exciting stuff! Is there a person in existance who has not tried to catch a snowflake on their tongue at least once? I think not!

Behold our creations:

The snow robot.

Le Snowman

Le Snow Dog. :P

And Le Beautimous Snow Lady. (Note the "frilly hat"-tres chic!)

A wonderful time was had by children of all ages and children at heart. The snow creations are now nothing more than a memory...but what a memory it is!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2010-02-14T00:00:00.005-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you have enjoyed the very romantic prelude posts (courtesy of My husband Ricardo) leading up to this very special day of love. Some men truly have a way with words don't they?!

This is for my Loving Husband Ricardo. To let you know, that I know, that you do really mean well. I have borrowed these lines from a Keith Whitley Ballad we used to dance to once upon a time...

The smile on your face, lets me know that you need me.
There's a truth in your eyes, saying you'll never leave me.
A touch of your hand, says you'll catch me if ever I fall.
Yes, you say it best....
When you say Nothing....at all!..... ;)

I love you Pookie!!! Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!!

Ricardo's Touching Hallmark Moment #3

2010-02-13T00:00:00.004-06:00

Ricardo and I were talking, like couples do, about past relationships we were in that just didn't have what it takes to succeed. In his attempt to flatter me, this is the next Hallmark Moment that transpired....

Me: "I once had someone tell me that I was TOO Nice. That I'm the type of girl that a guy marries and he just wasn't ready for that."

Ricardo: "I've always thought that you were the type of girl that a guy marries. That's one of the reasons why I married you."

Me: "Ahhh, thank you Honey!"

Ricardo: "Your Welcome Baby. And that guy saying you were TOO NICE, just goes to show that he didn't really know you like I do at all !"

Me:"Ahhhh. Wait...WHAT???!!!"

Reason #2 Ricardo doesn't work for Hallmark

2010-02-12T00:00:00.003-06:00

Here's another inspirational conversation from my beloved Ricardo on Marriage and Divorce that didn't quite make it to a Hallmark Card....

Me: Please promise me that you will never leave me and we will never get divorced.

Ricardo: (Taking my hand and gently rubbing it.)"Don't worry. We won't get divorced and I won't leave you."

Me: (worriedly asks)"How do you KNOW???"

Ricardo: (tenderly replies) "Because we both know what it takes to make a marriage work."

Me: (melting inside from his sweet comments, I curiously ask:) "Ahhh,... what's that?"

Ricardo: (continuing to hold my hand sweetly replies)"... We both know that no matter how BAD things get, you just suck it up, and stay in it for the kids!!"

*I'll spare you the lively Q&A that followed THAT little enlightening, romantic comment* ;)

If Ricardo Wrote for Hallmark- Card #1

2010-02-11T00:00:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day, THE day of love is right around the corner. Romance is in the air. Flowers and candies are being bought. Men are practicing their smooth moves and romancing skills. In the spirit of romance, the next few days leading up to V-Day, I will share with all of you some classic phrases my own Romantic Ricardo has uttered to me over the past many years. Lines that made me love him even more.....or perhaps inspite of what he said. Lines that didn't quite make it onto a Hallmark Card; but, perhaps should have. I'll let you be the judge....

Ricardo's Flattering words about PMS:

Ricardo: "Honey, you must not suffer from PMS huh?.... Cause I don't ever notice you being any bitchier than any other day of the month."

Me: "Ahhhhh! That's sweet! Wait a minute....What???!!!"

The Power of Words

2010-02-10T13:49:00.007-06:00

Lines, Lines, and more lines. I don't stand in them. I remember them. Lines from T.V. shows. Lines from movies. Real life lines from real life people. I remember these sometimes profound, sometimes trivial words and quote them often. It is a gift and a curse. For those around me when I start quoting, it can be a curse. For my poor husband who can have any dialogue, large or small, ever spoken by him, quoted back to him-it is indeed a curse of the worst order!!! For me though, it is mostly a gift. A gift with no practical purpose whatsoever in most instances, yet a gift none the less. Some days as scattered as my brain is, I consider it a true gift indeed to be able to recall ANYTHING at all. HA!

One gift I received was 14 years ago. I was pregnant with my first child. I was nervous about so many things. Big things. Small things. Inconsequential things. I never had any complaints when I visited my doctor, only worries. Many of them. One day, my doctor said something very wise. Something truly profound. Something that I will remember til the day that I die. A quote that is useful in not only pregnancy and labor, but most any situation in life. I shall now share these words of wisdom with you.....

"DO THE BEST YOU CAN DO. THAT'S ALL YOU CAN DO. AND WE'LL SEE WHAT YOU'VE GOT."

I don't know how many women he might have said that phrase to. I only know how much it meant to me then and now. Years later, that mantra still gives me needed courage during trying or uncertain times. Yes, the power of words...a true gift indeed!

Occassional Baby Fever

2010-02-03T15:42:00.004-06:00

Oh My!!! I miss these days! The sweet smiles. The grunts. The feel of a baby sleeping on your chest.

Excuse me while I have a post hysterectomy moment. Sometimes the heart just longs for what the body can't have. Anyone else relate to this syndrome? Anyone?? Buehler??!!

Casa De Crazy Canine- A 3 Ring Circus

2010-02-03T00:00:00.006-06:00

Do you ever find yourself wondering what goes on in a household with 3 young dogs? One of them a rambunctious 6 month old puppy? Well wonder no more. I'm about to give you a glimpse into our nightly, chaotic, crazy, fun as I'll get out lifestyle.

Behold, Mild mannered lap dog. It's a fun way to spend your day time hours. But come nightfall...

He's an Instigator of Trouble!!!

"Play Time" usually starts with a little nip to the paws or jowls. A sure fire way to get some one's attention.

The growling commences and the little one's weaving, ducking and dodging ensues. . Notice how he willingly sticks his head inside the jaws of death?! What a dork!!!

The fun is just getting started when, with no more effort then it takes to swat a fly, Ella goes for the "smack down move." Yes, she does in fact have his head pinned under her leg. What you don't see is his hind legs wiggling back and forth a mile a minute as he continues to bite the underside of Ella's front leg.

Also not seen until now, Harlow waiting in the wings. It's like tag team wrestling. When one big dog "taps out", the other runs into the ring. She waits until Maestro frees himself from the pin-down. The moment he starts running laps.... (Yes, he runs laps as fast as he can possibly go around our T.V. room. Hysterical!!!)

She then charges him and proceeds to stick his entire head inside her mouth. He loves it! I can't decide if he is more like a dentist looking for cavities or a lion tamer sticking his head inside the jowls of the lion. LOL! This goes on until 1, 2 or all of them completely wear themselves out.

These are the nightly antics that go on at Casa De Crazy Canine. Loosely translated, "House of the Crazy Dogs!" It is really a sight to behold. Before anyone reports us to PETA for cruelty to small animals, let me assure you....

A picture is worth a thousand words. Look at that tongue, those mischievous eyes, the frisky posture, that wet, slimy, matted fur from dog slobber (yuck!) THIS little guy is absolutely loving EVERY SINGLE SECOND of the shenanigans he starts!

SPECtacular!!!

2010-02-02T10:46:00.004-06:00

The SPECtacular unveiling is here....

Viola!!! My son with the stigmatism can now see clearly again.

Although it doesn't take glasses to clearly see that, he is heartachenly handsome. And older looking, don't you think? Between the glasses and the "stache" shadow ;) ... I dare say he could pass for 15!

Here's the profile view with the cool cutouts. It almost looks as if he is gazing off into his future huh? I am having a Billy Ray Cyrus moment here, "Ready, Set, Please Don't Go!!!!" Excuse me, my own vision has suddenly become very fogged up.

Monday Morning Blues...

2010-02-01T17:10:00.002-06:00

Ever wish the weekend was just one day longer?....Him too!

Unfrigginbelievable!!!

2010-01-29T17:03:00.007-06:00

Today's mystery photo: Anybody want to take a guess as to what it is? Anybody? Buehler?

Take a guess and then sing along to the latest song that I have composed in it's honor. (*note: sing to the tune of Sesame Streets "One of these things is kinda different song"*)

One of these arms is kinda different.
One of my arms just doesn't belong.
The phlebotomist didn't know what she was doing,
she drew my blood all kinds of wrong.

... now my song is done.

Wait!...
I want to beat her ass.

Yeah, NOW my song is done. :)

WHO in the name of all that is good and decent, let this inept woman quit practicing on oranges and start amputating innocent humanbeings???! 3 pricks and a bruise this size is telling me that PERHAPS, just MAYBE, this isn't her calling!
PERHAPS, just MAYBE she should find a different line of work.
I say this with the utmost respect, but...I would honestly rather have a strung-out, heroin addict draw my blood next time, at least they will know how to hit a friggin vein!!!!!
Octay Leevay!!!

This post has been brought to you by:

Quick Clot Brand Band Aids
and
The letter U
(As in Unfrigginbelievable!)

Your regularly scheduled posting will return next week. Thank you!

Once upon a time, in a Quaint Little Neighborhood, there stood a Sweet Little Home...

2010-01-27T10:00:00.005-06:00

When Ricardo and I were married, we rented a townhouse. We scraped and saved every dime we could from our humble salaries and saved for a place to call our own.

After a year of saving, we bought our first place. We could not have been more thrilled. We loved our first place. It was so much more than just a house, it was a well loved home. The home I spent many a month on bedrest in. The home we brought both of our newborn boys to. We had wonderful neighbors. The friendly helpful kind. So many memories.

I found out today that the house has been foreclosed.

It saddened me that after we moved, the house never knew a moment's love from it's new owner. I would drive by often and shake my head at it's downtrodden condition. I just wanted to pull the weeds, water the grass, fix the landscaping stones. It also took everything I had not to get out and bang on the door saying, "Why did you buy it if you weren't going to take care of it?!"

As you can see, they posted pictures of it online. Oh the many wonderful times we had in this living room. Ricardo and I sat on the floor by the fireplace eating Sonic burgers the first night we moved in. It was summertime, the fireplace was off- we were just dorks! My beautiful boys both took their first steps in this very room.

Oh, the kitchen. Many a meal was served here-good and otherwise. I lovingly chose this beautiful wallpaper. I still love it to this day. My Ricardo and I laid the tile in this kitchen ourselves. My knees still ache just thinking about it. And the pot rack. I used to love having all my pots and pans hanging from there. (*side note-it's driving me crazy that the person did not reach up and straighten the potrack before snapping this picture. CRAZY I tell ya!*)

I truly am sad that this well loved home has fallen on such hard times. I hope that someone will buy it and show it all the love it deserves. I hope that the walls will once again be filled with family and laughter and love. I for one will always hold it dear to my heart. We didn't have much financially speaking when we lived here; but we were rich I tell you! Rich!!! It will always be a beautiful memory to me. I wouldn't change a thing.

Okay.....

Perhaps I WOULD rethink the paint technique I did in the dining room! (snort, giggle.)

I hope those of you who are sentimental fools such as myself will understand my feelings for our first home. Thanks for indulging me on my trip down memory lane.

Mr. Roger's Quote...

2010-01-26T21:14:00.008-06:00

I am a lifelong admirer of Mr. Rogers. I have loved him since I was little. I used to watch his show daily. I honestly can't describe what a warm feeling he gave my soul as a child. What a warm feeling it still gives my soul now, just thinking of him. All of you fellow Mr Rogers Neighborhood fans will know what I mean.

Sometimes as a grown up, there are a lot of problems we all face. Problems we don't like to share for fear that someone might not understand. Things we don't mention because we are too ashamed, or afraid, or embarrassed to mention them.

I came across this qoute from Mr Fred Rogers today:

"Anything that is human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scarey. The people we trust with that important talk, can help us know we are not alone."

What a wise man indeed! I love this quote. I love the man! And I love all of you for letting me voice my concerns, opinions, problems, and skewered views since I started this blog. For listening, for understanding, for giving advice, concern, help, and love. You are all amazing people! Each and every one of you! And I am a very lucky person indeed to have you to share my burdens and blessings with! Thank you!!! Thank you for reading, for sharing, for laughing and for just being you! You indeed make it a beautiful day in my neighborhood!

I spy with my dialated eye...

2010-01-25T15:14:00.003-06:00

1/2 of our family had eye exams this weekend. Brown Eyes had his vision checked a few weeks ago at the pediatricians office. (Passed with flying colors.) And Ricardo has had lasik, so he didn't need one either.

Blue Eyes has been having headaches a lot lately. We were not sure if it was from using the heater so much, allergies, or eye trouble-he has a lot more reading to do now at the high school level. So we thought best to get it checked out.

Hubby thought I was also due for an exam. Last time I had my eyes checked, was 25 years ago. I guess it was indeed about time. Every 25 years sounds about right. At this rate, I probably only have 1 more eye exam left to go in my life. Which is a good thing, because....

The first thing that we had to do was the glaucoma test. Neither of us had ever had one of these preformed before. We didn't know what to expect. Blue Eyes kindly says, "You can go first." So, I bravely stepped up. All I can say, is I'm glad I went first.

For those fellow glaucoma test virgins out there, let me describe it for you: For the glaucoma test, you prop your chin on a bar and rest your forehead against another bar. Then they have you stare at this laser looking light inside their machine. While focusing on the light suddenly...Poof! This puff of air traveling around 100mph blasts into your friggin eye. Exsqueeze me??? What kind of sadistic freak came up with this test???! Who thought the human eye becoming a pebble in a reverse slingshot was a great idea???!!! Your eyeball is literally slung to the back of your brain at the speed of a rocket. Then the spongy brain matter ricochets it back into it's socket, like a metallic ball in a pinball machine game. It is quite an experience. And not in the I can't wait to have it done again way.

Note, it doesn't actually hurt, at all. Not even the slightest. I just have issues. I can't even do eyedrops. The mere thought of doing eyedrops makes my eyes water enough to flush out whatever is in there. Watching someone put contacts into their eyes freaks me out. The idea of having to ever put contacts into my own eye, makes me want to hurl. So, you can imagine my response when the guy calmly says, "Now, lets do the other eye." Haaaaaaa! Haaaaa! We tested it alright, but the second shot of air was much more gentle. As I had his testicles craddled in my fist.

Okay, so I didn't actually DO it....but the thought crossed my mind. :)

Blue Eyes didn't mind the test. He isn't burdened down with eye issues. He is burdened with poor eyesight though.

Turns out Blue Eyes does indeed need glasses. The Eye doc says that this type of vision impairment can sometimes go away completely in a year or two. Other times, it leads to near sightedness(?). For now though, he only has to wear glasses when he is reading, doing computer work, or other close up task items. The future, who knows. If he has his Daddy's eyes, Lasik may very well be in his future. If he has mine, it definitely won't be. LOL!

We spent about 30 minutes choosing frames. We chuckled over the Harry Potter frames. We oohed and aahed over the Tom Cruise, Top Gun aviator frames. In the end, Blue Eyes chose some nifty rectangle, brown, non metallic, plastic looking frames with cool cutouts on the sides/parts that go over your ears. As you can tell, glasses lingo is my life. LOL! Suffice it to say, I will just post a pic when the new lenses come in. I think he looks quite handsome. And I should know, my eyes are 20/15 vision. :)

Which brings up this thought, why is it that all the handsome, beautiful people have poor eyesight? And all of us ugly cretins can see all our numerous flaws just fine?! Where's the justice in that? Neither here nor there, I just thought the irony was worth mentioning.

Art Tutorial by Ima Jo King

2010-01-19T20:33:00.008-06:00

As a home school mom, art is a very important part of our curriculum. I feel it is so very important to let the kiddos express their creativity. Find the budding little Picasso's within their souls.

For the following art project tutorial, you will need:

Plain unlined paper

Pens, pencils, crayons or magic markers

Your handy dandy glue stick

A little imagination

And....

A few dead flies ( Note to PETA*humanely euthanized of course*)

Give the kiddos free reign, and viola:

Masterpieces! I guarantee you won't find anything like this in the public school system, No Sir!!

We titled this one "Take a Flying Leap off a short pier"

For the romantics at heart, "I only have flies for you, Baby!"

And for a little bathroom humor: "Hey buddy, your fly is open!"

Remember to support the arts! And as I always say: "If you can't set a good example, serve as a horrible warning to others!"

Til next time...

Art Instructor Extraordinaire,

Ima Jo King

Hammies n Gluts and Thighs...Oh MY!

2010-01-18T14:33:00.003-06:00

This will be a short post, as it even hurts to sit. My hammies are spazzing, my butt is twinging and my quads are quivering with pain or laughter (I can't be sure which.)

In my quest to get into shape and shake things up a bit, I got off the eliptical machine...and turned on the T.V. I tuned into exercise t.v. on demand programs and worked out to Cathe Friedrich's Leg Workout. An hour of lunging, lifting, squating and bending with weights. Feel the burn...Now and Later!

I'm a die hard Denise Austin fan...LOVE her! But I gotta say, if this pain is any indication of how quickly my thighs and butt are gonna firm up-Cathe and I are gonna be great friends! ( Does that make me a masochist?!?) I am going to try to do her workouts twice a week to make my muscles respond to a different type of workout and hopefully firm up faster. (We can only hope.) Thursday, I'm doing her Bicep and Tricep workout-so if you don't hear from me that day, it's cause I'm too sore to even type.

Anyway, as I live under a rock, I just wanted to know if anyone else had ever tried her workouts before and what you thought of it. If not, and you are looking for a good exercise video, I recommend giving Cathe's a try. I got this one free off the television. Nice to know I'm finally getting my moneys worth from cable. Now, if you'll excuse me I'm off to find my other little friend- Motrin. :)

Much relief, Many smiles, and a few fries...

2010-01-14T16:41:00.003-06:00

Do a little Dance. Smile a little smile. Rejoice tonight! Yeah, rejoice tonight!

Here's to doctor's who can read tests correctly, and alieve a parent's worries!

Our first visit to the GI doc was a success. He thinks the problem lies with the test and not the child. We will retest in 4-5 weeks, but he doesn't have any concerns at this point. None. Nada.

Can not tell you the relief I'm experiencing. Amazing feeling! I shall rest well tonight. And be thankful. Oh so thankful! Makes everything else seem so small by comparison.

A special shout out to Jen, you are amazing!!! I can't thank you enough for all your time and concern helping me wade through the muck of medical jargon, worry, etc. Your too wonderful for words! I am not worthy!!! But I shall continue to try....

Now, I am off to have dinner with my family. A celebratory meal indeed. And what better way to celebrate good news, than with a Happy Meal?! McDonalds here we come!

2010-01-10T10:43:00.009-06:00

Just to update, we got brown eyes bloodwork back on Friday. It showed that he didn't have hyperthyroidism, which is good. The results came back with other "concerns" though. Appears his humperdinks are high and his winkydinks are low and she is concerned about his gromecule levels.

Okay, so these aren't real words. Now you know how I felt when she was reading off all the result information to me and I was trying to write it all down. I felt pretty stupid. I hate feeling stupid. So, I have been busy researching things on the internet. Mistake. Nothing like a little research to enlighten you... and send you into a panic. I just wanted to know what she was talking about, not have the bejeezus scared out of me with the possibilities of what it might or might not be.

We see a Gastroenterologist on Thursday. The pediatrician said he would do labwork and an ultrasound. I already checked, he doesn't do his labwork or ultrasounds in house, so we will have to go to labs to have all that done. May I just say, it really pisses me off to have to go to a lab to have work done. It's like a friggin cattle call at these lab facilities. All kinds of sick people. No one to cater especially to children. Why don't doctors do labwork in house anymore? Can you not have one person on staff to draw blood? Can you not have a friggin ultrasound machine sitting in a room so we can get answers right away? Is it too much to ask? Or is it too friggin much for them to spend??? If you are a parent, you don't want to have to sit through a consultation on what or what not might be wrong with your child, only to hear "we will know more after the tests." THEN to have to wait more time to have tests done, and THEN wait even more time to get those test results back. It's too much wait time for people who are worried about their children's test results. I just don't understand. I want answers now! I want results people! Good friggin results. Hello???!!! Ugh! God grant me patience, and please grant it to me now.

So, after the results with the gastroenterologist, we may or may not need to see a Nephrologist according to our pediatrician. I thought the doctor was telling me I needed to see an Astrologist, (I'll spare you THAT humiliating conversation) until she spelled it out for me. I looked up Nephrologist on the Internet. After finding out what one is, I would much rather see an astrologist thank you. But we may be getting ahead of ourselves. A Nephrologist may not even be an issue. I could wait my whole life to see one of those.

My son doesn't act sick. He's not listlessly lying around. He's skinny. But he eats, honestly he does. He runs around, he is ornery, he laughs and jokes. He just doesn't act sick. So I just can't believe he could be otherwise. I can't wrap my head around otherwise. I damn sure can't wrap my heart around otherwise. I'm thinking that the pediatrician is "concerned" because she too is a mom. She just doesn't want to leave any thing lurking out there. Right? An ounce of prevention kind of thing? What all good doctors do? Bloodtests can be off for the most innocent and innocuous of reasons right? It doesn't necessarily mean anything right? These would have all been good questions to ask her when she was giving me her list of what's off and what to do next. I was just too flustered and busy writting stuff down to ask.

So we will await our appointment on Thursday. See what that brings. Good news I pray. I'm trying not to worry. (Insert hysterical laughter here.) When I start to freak out, I go work out. I've logged 3.5 hours on the eliptical and weight machines in the past 24 hours. I'm sure I'll log on at least a couple of hours today. It wears out my mind and body so I can relax, not think. When I get too sore to work out, I will just join my husband on his little island getaway. The island of Denial. It's right next to fantasy island. There, everyone is fine, money is never an issue, things will all work out for the best, no one has any worries. It's a lovely place I've been told. I'm sure I would love it too if I would just give it a chance. Unfortunately, I was born in the land of worry. Nestled between the countries of stress and overreaction. It is landlocked and there are no planes, trains, or ferries to get me to any friggin' islands. In my country, we worry. It's our national pastime. We have 3 day holiday weekends set aside to celebrate worry in all it's glorious forms. In fact, at this years parade, I'm going to be crowned queen!

I will let everyone know what is going on as soon as I do. I'm sure it is nothing. Everything will be fine. I'm probably just over reacting. It's what I do. Worry-Overreact. Overreact-Worry. It's not as bad as it seems. "Concerns" don't necessarily mean there are "problems." Mind over matter....Hey, what do you know! Getting to Denial Islands isn't so hard after all. Wait a minute....If I squint really hard....yep, there it is... I see friggin Mr Ruark and Tattoo sauntering towards me now carrying tall drinks with snazzy little umbrellas. Maybe 2010 will be a good year afterall!

Reining it in- AKA: the long winded post

2010-01-07T16:16:00.006-06:00

I'm going to call 2010, the year of Reining it in. (It sounds much better than 2010: the year of stress overload. ) "Reining it in." That's the phrase I keep repeating to myself over and over, almost like a mantra of sorts. "Rein it in, Stac. Rein it in."

Weight-"Rein it in!" There are a million excuses, all of them very plausible. Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Lack of time, etc. But at the end of the day. They are still just that, excuses. Meanwhile, the weight doesn't care. It just keeps adding up. Unless, I "rein it in." So that is what I have been doing the past couple of weeks. Trying to find more me time, trying to lose the extra lbs. I read that you must exercise/burn 500 calories or eat 500 calories worth less a day to lose 1 lb a week. That made sense to me. Finally a number and a situation that I can grasp. So that is what I have been doing. I'm down 2 lbs so far in 2 weeks. So, call me crazy, but I think they may be on to something. :) Numerous more lbs. to go....but I'm "reining it in." Or at least trying damn hard to.

Blood Pressure- For the first time in my life my blood pressure is high. Ricardo's blood pressure is also high for a first in his life. Hmmm. Could be a combination of stress, lack of sleep (yes the insomnia again.) financial strain and diet. But, I'm trying to once again "rein it in." I've been exercising, eating healthier, checking my blood pressure 2x a day, and keeping a record of it. I plan on giving myself the month of January to see if I can lower it naturally. If not, I'll refer to a trained physician, since I have never been to medical school. I do know however, that anytime blood pressure exceeds your bowling scores-it's not a good thing. (Even if you are a crappy bowler. ;) As for Ricardo, he is eating healthier, but that's about it. We'll see who's approach is better or if it makes a difference come the end of the month I guess.

Stress- I'm TRYING to get a better grip on that. It's a very hard thing for me. I'm a worrier. That's what I do. I've been waking up at night with my heart racing like mad. Guess it's anxiety coupled with insomnia. I just need to quit stressing about everything and everyone. Easier said than done. Stress is a killer, and I need to be here for my family, so I'm trying to "rein it in." It just seems like such a waste to throw my talent for stressing away though. I've taken stressing to almost an artform at this point in my life.

I tried to alieve one of my worries today. I took brown eyes to the doctor for an exam. With back to back illnesses this summer and fall, he is down 3 lbs. Doesn't sound like alot, but when you are skin and bones-every ounce counts. Even with 3 meals and 2 snacks a day, and added protein powder and vitamins, I can't get his weight up where I would like it to be. He is in the 5th percentile for weight. Way down on the bottom of the charts. It stresses me.

I take it as a failure as a parent that I can't get him higher up despite my best efforts. I've read books upon books on Autism and Finicky Eaters. I've incorperated scads of new ideas and strategies to help him eat more Eat better. He's come a long ways from where he used to be. I'm thankful for that. I just want more. Perhaps an optimist would say "Hey, at least he's on the charts!", and be satisfied. But, I still worry-endlessly. I just want him to be the best, healthiest, brown eyes he can possibly be.

Anyhow, because I try to be a good parent. And because I want him to be the best, healthiest brown eyes he can possibly be. And because I don't want there to be anything overlooked... I had them do bloodwork to see if there are any underlying factors that may be hindering our weight gaining efforts. (ie-hyperthyroidism, diabetes, anemia, etc.) I know. Bloodwork. Ugh. I have been making myself sick over the bloodwork. Worried he would scream, visions of forcefully holding him down have driven me crazy the past couple of weeks. I must say though, he acted stellar. Incredibly brave. No screaming, no tantrums, model patient. He acted waaaaay better than a couple of other girls I recall having their fingers pricked-let alone having a needle jabbed in their arm. He said it hurt, and he wanted to be done-but no screaming, no drama, no tears. Totally impressive! Ricardo and I both were amazed and thrilled. So much so, that he got to go toy shopping afterwards as a reward. Or to alieve our guilt over subjecting him to such a horrendous thing. POtAtO-PatatO.

So, now we just have to sit back and wait for a few days to get the results. I'm hoping for nothing but good news. But I'll still worry without ceasing until I know for sure.

I also feel better having stood our ground on the no more vaccinations (philosophical exemptions, if you will) debate with the new pediatrician. It's good to have that load of stress off my shoulders. The doctor was much more supportive than the receptionist in this matter. She may not have been overjoyed with our decision, but she did understand our choice. And she said if he has had adverse reactions, he shouldn't get more vaccinations. As for the receptionisit, she can go suck an egg! If your child has all their vaccinations, kuddos to you. I applaud you and your decision. I just can't in good faith give mine any more vaccinations at this time. He's had bad reactions in the past. And I'm not going to risk any regression from the great advances that he has made by subjecting him to more vaccines at this point in time. Some people judge those who don't vaccinate harshly. I'm willing to put up with people's judgements. But I also say, unless you've been put in the situation, you just don't know. And until you can guarantee me 100% proof of NOTHING adverse happening, I say "first do no harm." Meaning-no vaccines for us por favor.

In other news: Ricardo is also awaiting news of his own. That is adding to our stress levels substantially at the moment as well. This news could change our lives for the better (we hope), and we could really use better right now. I hate to say more at this time for fear of jinxing it. Perhaps I've already said too much as it is. So never mind. Delete that. Let's just say, we are stressing. Stressing and hoping. Hoping and stressing. Our own little dance version of the two step. Here again, we just need to "rein it in" and see what happens. For better or worse, we still have each other. But can't we puhleeeze just have better????

If you are still reading this post, I commend you for your patience. I know I've been all over the map. Just be thankful you are not living with me. It's dizzying to say the least trying to keep up. I hope to post happy, calmer posts in the days to come. Until then, if you don't hear from me, know that I'm just trying to rein it all in.

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-03T10:40:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!!!

A new year means, out with the old.... In with the new....

"Doo" that is. Wait! Doo-yuck! That didn't sound right at all!!! ... New HAIR doo I should say!!!

Hope everyone's New Year is off to an amazing start! Here's to fabulous things in everyone's future!!!!

Merry Christmas to All...

2009-12-25T18:25:00.013-06:00

We all had an excellent Christmas! Everyone loved their gifts. There was one gift that when opened had people and pooches alike exclaiming: Are you FREAKIN kidding me???!!! But, I assure you-it is indeed true!

This Christmas the boys received the gift of music:

They became Band Heros!

There was some assembly required:

But once we got it all up and running...

Everyone thought this gift was "Saaaahweeeeettt!!!!" (Please see above and join in. Give me your most high pitched rocker scream..."Saaaahweeeett!!!")

We spent ALL afternoon jamming to some great tunes. And ALL afternoon while we were singing, drumming and strumming to near legend status, Harlow girl slept through it all. Please see below:

While we wailed away ....

And sang some soulful ballads:

Harlow slept on...

While we strummed some killer riffs....

Harlow dreamed on....

Song after song. Harlow snored along.

Finally, at the end of our afternoon concert, we yelled: "Thank you and good night!"

And someone replied:

"Ah Nighttime! I thought it would never get here!!!"

Hope your Christmas 2009 was wonderful as well!

Merry Christmas to you All! And to ALL a good night!!!

Looking forward to Christmas Break...

2009-12-21T17:18:00.005-06:00

Well Christmas time is upon us. You know what that means...CHRISTMAS VACATION!!!! We have been plugging away at our "Box-o-Knowledge." Now there is just two more days to go. Two more days to get to a stopping point. Two more days until we are done until after the New Year. Two more days until we all get to rest. Which is a good thing. Because quite frankly, we all NEED a break.....

Apparently some of us more than others! ;O

Guess in dog years, this semester has been 7x as long!

Have you seen it?

2009-12-18T11:10:00.005-06:00

We are always so behind in the times because we never see movies in theaters. We only watch them on DVD/Netflix. Soooo, I'm always commenting on a movie 6 months or so after the fact. That being said, have any of you girls seen this flick yet...or remember seeing this movie a year ago?

The critics may not have given it very good reviews, but Ricardo and I enjoyed it. It isn't going to win any awards. But, that's alright. Because, sometimes you just want to relax and be entertained. We laughed and laughed through the whole movie. And the panty scene in the restaruant...one of the funniest, most laugh out loud till you cry, scenes EVER!!!

Just wondering if you found it as humorous as we did...

It's not Tolstoy, but it's a start...

2009-12-17T22:34:00.005-06:00

After months of learning letter sounds and blending them together, someone finally read their first story!!! "The Big Bus" may not be much of a page turner, but it's a HUGE accomplishment! Way to go Brown Eyes!!!

The Boys Bathroom...

2009-12-17T19:19:00.005-06:00

I'm all about giving the people what they want. ;) You ask for it-I try to deliver. So without further adeau, here is the boys bathroom (Without the boys this time. )

The aforementioned shower curtain: The close up of faux painted walls. (Or faux paux walls/ceiling if you're not into that kind of thing. LOL!)
And the beadboard treatment as an accent along one wall. You can tell from the door, that we did the beadboard 5ft high. Then added hooks for hanging towels etc. This comes in soooo handy in the summer time after the boys go swimming.

I was trying for an lodge/ summer camp kind of feel. I already had the paint left over from the other rooms, so I just had to buy glaze. The dog pics above the toilet were leftovers from our other house. All we really had to buy was the shower curtain, crown molding , beadboard and hooks. The labor was free, as Ricardo and I did it all. So this bathroom was done reeeeally inexpensively. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. And more importantly, the boys just love it.

3 Prefixes I can do without...

2009-12-14T13:20:00.002-06:00

I had my hair done on Saturday. (Love it!!!) While the color was processing my stylist left to run an errand. As I sat there with eyes closed in relaxation mode, I heard a snippet of a conversation from the stylist and client next to me.

Client: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Stylist: Yes. I have one brother and one 1/2 brother.

The comment has stuck with me for the past 48 hours. I'm not judging his comment. I'm just curious as to why he feels the need to specify. I really wished I could have gotten him alone for a moment and asked. Why? Do you think your heritage is more important, or less? Do you not like your other brother so you feel the need to qualify it with the 1/2 prefix? Or have you been raised with that prefix, so it comes naturally to you?

I hear it often. "Step sibling." "Half sibling" "Adopted Child." I really would like for someone to answer the question "Why?" Why do you feel the need to specify the exact nature of your relationship?

I guess I'm more than merely curious, I'm a part of the equation. I myself am a "half." A "non biological." It bothers me. Immensely. I was raised with the comment of not "really" being someone's daughter. It would come at me from out of the blue. I would be in public and be introduced as "Stacy so and so." Then came the qualifier: "You know she's not really his, she's REALLY so and so's daughter." Really??? Really?!!!

I even heard it from my own mother more than once. Whenever it was convenient for her, (like after they divorced and I repeatedly asked to go live with my Dad after she remarried) she made sure that I knew "He's not even your REAL father!" Really??? Really??!!!

Another example, my middle sister (upon getting angry with me one day) announcing, "You're not even my real sister! Your just my 1/2 sister!" Really??? Really???

I don't consider my sisters, "half sisters." I never have. I never will. I don't "gel well" with aforementioned middle sister. But, I would never consider her my 1/2 sister. She is my sister plain and simple. If in need, I would still give her an organ, etc. As for my youngest sister? I know for a fact that she doesn't qualify me as a half sister. Nor do I condsider her anything other than my sister. Unless I were to say she is also my friend.

I just think that life is hard enough without adding monikers that aren't necessary. Or necessarily kind. Everyone wants to fit in. To be a part of a whole. It doesn't matter "half" "step" "adopted" "biological". What matters is love. If you put time, effort and love into raising a child, they're yours. End of story. Think about someone else's feelings before you apply a prefix to someone's situation. And if you need to qualify that someone is a "half, adopted, or step" than perhaps you should look deeply inside yourself and ask why exactly that is. Maybe there is something lacking in YOU not the other way around.

I admire Jada Pinkett Smith for coining the term "bonus child." She gets it. She truly understands. There really shouldn't be any step, half or adopted...only bonus. I feel so blessed and so grateful for my family. My Dad, my sister. My wonderful husband and sons. I also feel blessed to have "bonus" family in my life. People that don't have DNA that matches mine, but who the word friend just doesn't seem adequate enough. People who love and care for me as much as I do them. People who accept. People go to the mat for each other time and time again.

So lets do away with half, step and adopted. Let's add words like bonus family, chosen family, etc. It might just make a huge difference to someone. It would also be the start of making the world a much kinder, more accepting place.

Behold...My Grasshopper

2009-12-11T00:00:00.011-06:00

It is no surprise to anyone who knows me, how much I love my boys. My love for them is so immense, it is immeasurable by current standards.

It is also no surprise to anyone who has ever met my boys, how different they both are in personalities. Both are wonderful, kind, beautiful, and lovely little individuals. That being said however...I must mention that they are indeed INDIVIDUALS. For example, ONE abides by rules and regulations. Never tries to push the envelope. Not even a smidgen. He is a model citizen. A poster child for good behavior. I admire and respect him immensely. He has achieved what has always remained elusive to me.

The OTHER ONE is another matter entirely. He LIVES to shock, amuse, and entertain. It is a desire in his soul too stong too be denied A sense of humor, too large to be contained. He has bent the envelope so far apart, that the aforementioned rules have come flying out and scattered upon the floor. Upon which, he just looks at them, shakes his head, and giggles at so absurd an idea as rules. Sadly, I identify with this pint sized rebel all too well. I have seen my past become my future...and it scares me. More than just a little.

Here is just the latest example of Brown Eyes' wacky sense of humor and compelling desire to shock people:

Yesterday, he announced: "I have to go potty." He giggled, grabbed the camera and headed for the bathroom.

Upon seeing this I said: "Brown Eyes, what are you doing???"

He replies (laughing hysterically): "I'm going to video myself going to the bathroom."

To which I reply: "Brown Eyes! Some things are private."

Still laughing, he says with attitude (and I quote): "And obviously, SOME things are not."
Then.... he SLAMS the bathroom door in my face.

Much laughter (on both sides of the door) and a few minutes later, he emerges. Proudly displaying this self portrait:

The image is Shocking, Funny, Breaks all the rules of Propriety, While still managing to be impossibly cute.

I couldn't be more proud!!! :)

Much love and admiration Grasshopper!

The Ironies of Life...

2009-12-10T08:30:00.009-06:00

Life...it's always something isn't it???!!! I'm thinking of making a new and improved board game with some of the ditzy real life scenarios that occur in my everyday "Murphy's Law" existence. My whole life seems to involve doing or saying one inane, dorky thing after another. In fact, I can't tell you how many times my hubby Ricardo has uttered these words: "That's alright Stac, you just sit there and look pretty!" Too many times to count that's for sure.

Here's an example of a little scenario that happened to me this morning...

Woke up. Fed dogs. Got coffee. Logged on laptop to check e-mails. Had 23 awaiting me. 3 from my bank (never a good sign). ALL of them overdraft notices/fraud alerts. (An even worse sign!) I have 3 overdrafts so far today-and it is only 7:30am. I'm getting the impression I should just go back to bed and call it a day. With all the overdraft charges I have already incurred, it is really the smartest, most economical thing I can do at this point. Don't you agree??!!

I paid all my bills on the 1st, like I always do. Notified hubby-all the bills are paid. However, it is going to be tight until next payday. We MUST not do anything foolish. Watch our P's and Q's. Be frugal. etc. Ricardo suggested transferring money from our savings account at one bank over to our checking account at yet another bank to tide us over. Sounded like a good idea at the time.

Only, imagine my surprise this morning...when instead of depositing money into my checking account...it WITHDREW money FROM my checking account. Money that wasn't in there to begin with. Yeah, it's all chuckles at this point. Chuckles and overdraft fees.

I notified dear sweet husband Ricardo of the mistake. He went down to our local bank with the checking account, notified them what happened. Reversed the transaction. And had them waive the fees. (He's very good at that sort of thing.) Now we just have to sit tight for the 48 hours it takes to have the money moved from one account to the other. (As our savings account bank is somewhere else entirely.)

I gotta say, Ricardo was none too happy about the situation. Not at all. I tried to explain that it was an innocent mistake. Could have happened to anyone. Nothing to get all flustered or upset about. After all, he's the credit/finance man. Surely, he's seen that kind of thing happen before right?!

I told him I loved him. I also told him not to be too hard on himself. As you see,... he was the one who made the "oopsie" reverse money transfer to begin with, not me..... Life sure can be ironic at times huh?

I will have to ponder upon that little irony a little. Right after I finish sitting here and looking pretty. ;)

Have you ever noticed...

2009-12-09T00:00:00.002-06:00

Have you ever noticed how children will inevitably wear white to the dinner table EVERY SINGLE TIME you cook spaghetti or enchiladas??? Or maybe that just happens in my household. Great Googley Moogley!

A HUGE "shout out" ;) and Thank you to who ever it is that invented Shout Liquid Gel!-I just LOVE YOU for making my life easier!!!

Sometimes it's Hard to Be a Woman...

2009-12-08T15:57:00.006-06:00

Yes, sometimes it is hard to be a woman. I know I'm not saying anything new. And it is nothing that every female hasn't had to deal with at one time or another in her lifetime. Whether it be the daily shaving of your legs n pits. The coloring or highlighting of your hair. The facial masks, lotions and acid peels to stave off aging of the face. The PMS, the monthly cycles, or the ultimate in woman hardships-pregnancy and childbirth. It is indeed not always easy to be a woman.

I'm not saying it is easy to be a man either. Don't get me wrong. Ya'll have your hardships as well. But, and here is the big BUT...women love you no matter how you look. You put on a few "lbs."...fine by us. More to love. You lose a little hair...it doesn't faze us. You get gray hair...we think you look more distinguished. ETC. Also, society is a little easier on a man's appearance I do believe. (Please correct me if I am wrong.)

That being said, society does judge a woman's appearance a little more harshly. And women especially will judge other women. Usually not to their face, mind you. But, a "Tsk tsk...I'm so glad I don't have (enter horrible affliction of your choice here) like so and so...."

Today, I took the bull by the horns so to speak. I decided to squelch the whispers. Give people something else to talk about. I dealt with my own latest horrible affliction- (Que scary music here...da da duuuum...)...facial hair. Yep, I admit it- I had it. Since my hysterectomy a few years back, I don't have quite the estrogen I once had. Poor, sad, little, uno remaining ovary can't keep up with the demand I guess. I first started noticing a few downy soft facial hairs popping up above my lip. Then, spreading to my chin. Then my cheeks... Next thing you know, I look like freakin Chewbacca!!! (Well, except for the height difference. But I digress.)

So, today I took a few "me moments" and opened up a "Moom Hair Removal Wax Strip Kit" I had ordered. Before I go any further, let me say these little all natural oil strips REALLY do work. Now, let me tell you HOW they work...

You gently warm up the strip between your hands. Alright. I figure, if a little warming is good-really warm is better. So I took it to the next level. I held my little strip right up to my electric fireplace. Yep, made it niiiiice n toasty! Then I applied it to my face per instructions. But I'm not stupid. I applied ALL the strips at once. I didn't want to do just one strip at a time and wuss out if it was too gawd awful painful. (Yep, I'm a thinker I am! :)

Next, I waited for the wax to cool a little. Wanted to make sure I got all those little hairs attached to it. Like they say in the military...Leave no soldiers behind. No sir ee!

Then, I ripped those little suckers off as hard and quick as I could. No gentle removal of the band aid here. We are talking lightening speed.

Let me tell you what it sounded like: Deep breath, RRRRRiiiPPPP, ...YIPE!!!...followed by hysterical laughter. Yeah, cause I had like 5 more to go you see. It was all shits n giggles for about 3 minutes there. No pain-No gain Baby!

But now, WOW!!! My face is as smooth and soft as a baby's butt. It also has red stripes where it looks like I took a belt to my face. But I'm sure the soothing chamomile oils (or whatever they are) will calm that down in no time at all....Like a day or two.

In the meantime, I am enjoying this new improved(?) hair free face of mine. Now, if I could just quit giggling and humming...."Sometimes it's hard to be a woman...."

Not yet a Man Cave

2009-12-07T21:26:00.005-06:00

Every guy should have a place to get away.

A place where they can be loud.

Boisterous.

Where they can jump up and down to their hearts content.

On cold, wet days like this,

Our garage is converted into-

A Not Yet a Man Cave....

BYOB-Bring your own bounce! It's a hit with this 13 and under crowd!

Happy Birthday Ricardo!!!

2009-12-05T00:00:00.003-06:00

You gave me your name.
And two wonderful boys.
You can give me a headache.
You bring me countless joys.

We've been together for 23 years.
We've shared much laughter,
and cried a few tears.

Sometimes you make me crazy mad.
But life without you,
Would be rather sad.

So on this, your special day.
Please note,
I'd have it no other way.

Than to spend the rest of my life with you.
In good times, in bad times.
In all that you do.

For I love you so much,
Sometimes it hurts.
Which reminds me...your present.
You're recieving "Life Alert!" ;O

2009-12-02T09:31:00.005-06:00

Today's forcast is certainly interesting....

We have rain puddles. A few feet over, we have ice crystals...And right next to that we have snow flurries....

I don't know what the technical term for it is. And by the time I figure it out, it will have melted. Meanwhile, the boys want to know if this qualifies as a snow day! :0

4 Day Weekend

2009-11-30T09:16:00.012-06:00

Did everyone have a lovely Thanksgiving? Did you take advantage of the long weekend and relax? Face the frantic mobs and go shopping? Trudge down to the basement or up to the attics and sort through all the boxes trying to find your holiday decorations?

We had a busy weekend around here. Thanksgiving weekend is always a little frantic. We have children you see. They think that as soon as the Thanksgiving meal is over, we should IMMEDIATELY start bringing out all the Christmas decorations. I on the other hand, believe that we should take advantage of the of the 4 days to get some much needed miscellaneous home improvement project(s) done. While Ricardo, believes that the 4 day weekend should involve football and fishing. Sooooo, that is what we did.

Friday we set up all the outside Christmas decorations and lights.

These lovely snowman siblings are outside our front door waiting to greet you upon your arrival. Aren't they just all kinds of cute?! Ignore the present in front of them. I needed something heavy to keep them from toppling over if it got really windy. I placed some bricks in a box, wrapped it, and placed it in front of them. Ricardo laughed and said someone would probably take the gift. I said, the wrapping job is so hideous that they wouldn't look twice at it. HA! I can't wrap gifts to save my life. Missed out on the "beautiful wrapping gene" entirely. It's sad really. Almost tragic. But I digress....

We also got all the Christmas lights up.

Some people prefer clear lights. While others prefer multi-colored lights. Which type are you? I always think that clear lights look so elegant, while multi-color lights look so festive and fun. As you can see, we are in "multi-color mode" around here. Purdy-Purdy don't you think?

But what are lights without an inflatable???!!!

Or a little "yard art?"

Check out the little pup at the back of the sled howling. He makes me laugh.

Alright, so that was our Friday.....On Saturday, we transitioned from outdoor lighting, to outdoor landscaping.

Our poolside was a mess I tell you. All the grass was growing up in between our trees and shrubs, choking them out. We had those recycled tire tree rings around all of them. They were supposed to keep grass from growing up and around your plantings, while keeping them hydrated at the same time. Notice I said SUPPOSED to. In reality...Not so much. So, ripped up each one and placed edging and mulch around our landscape.

But before we did that, we had to put down weedscreen to keep the grass from growing through. Yards and yards of weedscreen. With cutouts around each individual plant. It was quite the chore.

We had to do this on both sides of the pool.

But don't you think that a little mulch can really make an area look nice?

And that A LOT of mulch can make it look even better??? :) *Note* -The grass left behind the bed here was not from laziness by the installers. We had to leave it alone for drainage purposes. Ugly, but necessary. Thank you-Mgt.**

In between these projects, Ricardo managed to watch 3-4 football games and go fishing twice.

Which leads us up to Sunday evening. We then decorated the inside of the house. Stockings were hung. Garland was strung. And trees were .....

well, what ever it is that you do with trees. "Put up?" Makes it sound like you are putting them away? "Assembled?" Makes it sound like you made it yourself. Oh I don't know what the proper term is. Just leave it at- "We put the flocking tree up." Hee Hee. Yep, still tickled by the word "flock" in all it's forms. I know, its "flocked up"...but some things will never change. ;)

Which leads us to Monday morning. I will say, there is nothing quite like a 4 day weekend to make your husband question WHY he married such a goal oriented, gotta get it done gal. On the bright side, after a 4 day weekend-he was more than ready to go back to work...so he could rest. HA!

I am now off to our regularly scheduled scholastic and housework program. No rest for the wicked. Yep, I'm a busy, busy gal! Guess you could say "I'm flocking busy"....if you were the immature, almost juvenile, laugh at anything type of person. ;)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend! Now, bring on Christmas!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T00:00:00.005-06:00

Wishing everyone a day full of laughter and much to be thankful for!

Twas the Month Before Christmas....

2009-11-25T00:00:00.007-06:00

Twas the month before Christmas.
And all thru the house,
Not a child was stirring.
Nor was my spouse.

I awoke early.
Logged on the laptop.
Did all my Christmas shopping,
Wearing Jammies and flip-flops.

No standing in long lines.
No waiting for hours.
Got all that I needed.
And then hit the shower.

My family heard me exclaim,
As I jumped with all my might.
"Free Shipping to my doorstep...
How fantastic! What delight!!!"

Going Clubbing in your 40's

2009-11-22T18:15:00.006-06:00

In my 20's clubbing was something I looked forward to. Took hours to prepare for. Once there, I spent hours dancing and drinking and laughing hysterically with friends. After closing the club down, we'd usually all go out for breakfast. Then the next morning, I might wake up with a headache. I might also vow to not do it again...til the next weekend.

Clubbing takes on a whole new meaning in your 40's. Oh, I still go clubbing. I went today as a matter of fact. Went with my husband.( Who was giving me such a hard time, I mentioned I might try meeting someone new once we got to the club....Hee hee!) We even took the kiddos with us. Sounds shocking I know! But then again, clubbing in your 40's means an outing to the local Sam's Club. There is no preparation beforehand; except, preparing a shopping list. There is no drinking involved-although, now that I think of it- it would definitely make the whole outing a more pleasant experience. Perhaps drain the box of wine before you reached the register. Hmmmm...Would be much easier to load it in the truck. :) Alas, there is also a whole different type of dancing involved too. Dance moves that include swaying from side to side with your cart to get out of the congested aisles. There is no unpleasant headache the next morning to contend with however. No. The headache starts the moment you see your total on the register. Shocking indeed!!! Buying in bulk can add up quickly.

I sometimes miss the good ol' clubbing days of my 20's. But I do have to say, when you go clubbing in your 40's...you definitely have a lot more to show for it. Just ask me, I have the receipt to prove it!

Anticipation...

2009-11-19T08:36:00.003-06:00

When you are a pup, there must be a lot of things that are difficult to deal with.

But amongst the most trying things of all....

Waiting for your little brown eyed buddy to wake up so you can play!!!

Good Boy Maestro!!! Patience is indeed a virtue.

Tis the Season...

2009-11-12T10:12:00.003-06:00

Well, it's that time of year again-catalog season. Catalogs with food for yourselves and others during the holiday season. Clothing, toys, furniture,fishing supplies, pet supplies, gift ideas, you name it-We'll get it. Daily. Then after Christmas, we will receive all the "Post Holiday Clearance" catalogs.

The sad part of all this, many would say it is the amount of paper used to print these catalogs. However, we are recycling fanatics. So, every possible thing that can be recycled at our residence, is indeed recycled. Today's catalog is sent off to the recycling plant. Destined to become tomorrow's toilet paper, grocery bag, perhaps... even another catalog.

No, the sad part of this is my reaction to the catalogs. I get giddy with excitement. I peruse nearly every single one. It's like being mailed a treasure chest and not knowing what you will find inside. The beautiful presentations of food that I will never make, let alone eat. The extravagant holiday tree and holiday decor that you will never find on display in my home. The abundance of gift ideas that had not been previously thought of. Useless items I didn't even know existed. It's like a sickness really. The need to look at these catalogs. A greater sickness still, the joy that all this visual stimulation brings me. If they had scratch and sniff catalogs, it would probably send me over the edge with excitement.

So, my question to you today is....Do you love the catalog season or dread it? Do you read yours, discard it, or opt out of receiving them all together? Are you a catalog junkie? Or do you think I am just a sad, pathetic individual who should seek treatment as soon as possible?.....Never mind. Don't answer that last question. But if you know of a good medical facility....you could send me their catalog. :O

55 Hours

2009-11-10T13:39:00.004-06:00

55 hours doesn't seem like a long time. It didn't seem like a long time spent in a vehicle driving because I was so busy gabbing like a schoolgirl. 55 hours wasn't nearly enough time to indulge in my sister's fabulous cooking. Yummy!!! To reminisce with a sister and father you love more than words can say. To visit with wonderful friends you cherish and don't get to see nearly enough. While these moments are transpiring, you want time to stand still. But, time flies by in a blink of an eye. Yet, there was some true quality time jammed into those 55 hours. Smiles. Laughter. Hugs. As well as precious new memories to hold close.

However, 55 hours seemed like an eternity away from all my boys and critters. It was so wonderful to wrap them back up in my arms again as well. On the surface it didn't appear that much had changed in the short time I was away. Yet, in 55 hours my teenage boy who was the same height as me when I left...grew a 1/2 inch taller than me when I returned. His shoe size also grew 1/2 size larger. In 55 hours, my youngest son had another tooth emerge where a gummy grin had previously been.

Seems 55 hours can make a dramatic difference in your life and of those around you. It can bring you rest, relaxation, joy, bliss, fantastic memories, and even personal growth. It can also remind you that time is a fragile thing. Something we should not take for granted because we don't know how much we are guaranteed.

So, I am now resolving to seize onto every moment and make the most of it. To spend more quality time with those I love. To find more time for myself and self improvement. To make a difference no matter how big or how small. To try and remember how precious the gift of time really is.

Heading North for the Winter

2009-11-05T16:47:00.003-06:00

Okay, so maybe not for the winter. :) More like heading north for 55-56 hours and then turning right around and heading south again. But 55-56 hours without husband, children and pets will feel like an entire season. I will be excited to see everyone in the great state of Kansas. I will be excited to gab like a schoolgirl all the way up there and back. I will be excited to finish a thought, a sentence, a meal uninterrupted. Take a few deep breaths. Relax. Be responsibility free.

And then,after 55-56 hours, I will be even more excited to see all my boys once again. All my assorted critters of all shapes and sizes. To hug and kiss all of the aforementioned repeatedly. I will think thoughts and finished sentences and uninterrupted meals are over-rated. I will welcome all my responsibilities with open arms. I will be excited about all my chores. The cooking, the cleaning, the bill paying, the.....

Okay, everything is true except for the last 2 sentences. I really don't think I will ever be excited about those things.

Now, I'm off to spend the rest of the evening with my wonderful family. Then tomorrow I'm off to see my wonderful extended family and friends. Also, saying a little prayer that we will all stay safe while we are together and apart. Amen.

Love Is....

2009-11-04T09:56:00.003-06:00

Love is .....a soft, warm puppy! We are pleased as punch to introduce you to an early Christmas present.... Maestro the Magnificent. A 4.5 lb little bundle of love sent to help heal a family's heartache.

Yes, love is definitely a soft, warm puppy....

No matter what the size!!!!

2009-11-01T14:53:00.003-06:00

Our neighborhood really does Halloween up right. There is plenty of Halloween decor in the yards. Pumpkins and ghosts a plenty. And on Halloween night, all the neighbors are outside passing out candy and visiting. To make it even better, one of our neighbors has his own "party business" so, every Halloween he passes out his party favors....Popcorn from his popcorn machine, cotton candy-fresh spun, and Frozen Margaritas from his Margarita machine....with refills too mind you. :) I used to be able to hang with the big dawgs once upon a time. Shoot, truth be told I could bark louder than anyone. Ha! But not anymore. Uno Margarita for me por favor...no barking allowed. :) But it is a fun evening just the same.

But the best part of the evening-getting to see my boys dressed up in their costumes! Course I always have to snap a few pics. I ask you, when is the best time to capture the images? Before the big event, when they are too impatient to leave? After you return, when they are eager to dive into their goodies? Or after they get all "hopped up" on sugar-when you can get some real action shots??? I always do the before photos. I only get a few in before I hear "Come on! Come On!!! We are ready to leave!" :)

All that being said, here are this years costumes.... (cue the music please)...."da da da dummmmmm" (thank you!)

Brown Eyes went as....

The cutest Cat in the Hat EVER!!! :)

While Blue Eyes went in a costume designed after some comicbook/story character he invented and wrote several short stories about....

The Adventures of Muscle Man....(patent pending. :) Doesn't he look buff? And strong? And capable of rendering aid to those in need???

Just look at one of his many good deeds from last night...

He used his ultra strong muscles for good (not evil)- by helping his favorite aforementioned feline friend by hold up his drooping hat.

Rain Rain Go Away!!!

2009-10-29T12:33:00.006-05:00

We have been getting quite a lot of rain here the past few days... weeks...months. I mean a LOT of rain...

Our backyard is beyond saturated! It is grotesque!!! I am REALLY tired of all the rain.

Some of us however, remain unfazed....

Any other Rescue Ink fans out there?

2009-10-27T09:47:00.002-05:00

I really don't get a lot of television time around here-go figure. But there is one show that has made it onto my DVR series recording list-"Rescue Ink" on National Geographic Channel. Have any of you seen it? Love this show! Love these guys!!! They take animal rescue to a whole new level. They are amazing! If you've seen this show or read their book-let me know what you think. Tell me which one is your personal favorite and why. And if you haven't seen or heard about them, try checking them out on the National Geographic Channel on Friday Nights. I'm putting a link to their website below.

Welcome to Rescue Ink

2009-10-26T14:59:00.007-05:00

Let's review some of the Love Rules this Monday shall we:

Love your Spouse unconditionally.

Encourage your Spouse.

Pray for your Spouse.

Guard the Golden Rule- Treat your mate the same way you want to be treated.

No Double Standards-be as considerate to your spouse as you are to strangers and co-workers.

Practice Philippians 4:8 -If there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.

Remember Song of Solomon 6:3 - I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine.

Read and re-read until the urge to slap the rudeness out of someone who so richly deserves it subsides. Amen.(Hypothetically speaking of course. :) Now if you will excuse me, I am off to meditate.....

Cleaning out the Clutter

2009-10-24T18:15:00.006-05:00

Today was a beautiful day- if you were one of the lucky one's who were able to get out and enjoy it. I was not. The rest of my crew got to enjoy the warm sunshine and gentle breezes while riding bicycles outside. I recruited Ricardo to entertain the troops while I set to the task at hand.

The task itself was monumental. Cleaning the boy's rooms. As any parent will tell you, children are hoarders of the worst order. Everything is sacred. Nothing can be thrown away. And it is all far too valuable to part with. Only a fool or very brave soul will try to sort thru the wreckage and decide what to keep with their child in the room. Tears and wailing will ensue. The children will cry as well.

It took me 3 hours; but, I did it!!! Yea Mommy!!! You can see the floors again. Which reminds me I need to replace their worn out carpet; but, that is another project for another day. As for today's project... All the debris is gone. It no longer looks like a tornado came thru and left everything askew. The bookshelves are all dusted and organized. Nothing is under the beds. Toys are in toy boxes, etc. Just ask me where an item is. Any item. I can tell you. :) Man, what a feeling of accomplishment!

So, although I didn't get to enjoy the afternoon outdoors-I will sleep much better tonight. One less project to do. One less eyesore to gaze upon. And if any of you are fellow Suzy Orman fans like me...you know: I have now made room for money. She says that you can't have money coming in, if there is too much clutter in your existing life. (Only she phrases it so much more elegantly.) Judging by the three bulging 30 gallon trashbags I hauled out to the trashcan, I should have oodles of cash rolling in....and now, I have ample room to put it too! :)

Doggone Busy

2009-10-23T11:00:00.004-05:00

I keep trying frantically to get everything done on my list of things to do-it's just not possible. I need more hours in the day. I'm thinking 36 ought to do it. Yes, 36 hours in a day would probably allow me to complete this backlog of chores and get caught up. I was thinking about petitioning for longer days in lieu of daylight savings time. Or maybe just asking people, who weren't going to take advantage of their extra hour when we "fall back"-if they would mind just giving that hour to me. Instead, I think I will just petition to be a dog in my next life. More to the point-one of MY dogs. Let me show you.....

Morning-

Afternoon-

Night-

It truly is a dog's life!!!

Why men go to the bathroom in groups...

2009-10-20T11:59:00.002-05:00

Need a laugh for today? Here's a little potty humor for you. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzZ-lCeeFAU&feature=player_detailpage

Public Service Announcement for the Ladies...

2009-10-17T19:43:00.005-05:00

This is a public service announcement to all the ladies out there. Please wait 30 seconds for the annoying beeping sound that always precedes these announcements (or warnings as the case may be) before you continue reading this post..............................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................

Stacy D Briefing has issued the following public service announcement...when you are in a "funk"-it probably isn't the best time to make any radical decisions about your hair cut or hair color. Repeat-......When you are in a funk it is probably NOT the best time to make any RADICAL decisions regarding your hair cut or hair color!!!! You may damn well regret it. That is the end of my public service announcement. Thank you.

Also, under the random thoughts by aforementioned deranged woman...either I am an incredibly cool wife (which I'd like to think I am.) OR I am incredibly naive and stupid and it will come back to bite me in the butt. (Definitely wouldn't want to be THAT girl.....again. She was pathetic. :)

Ricardo has a boat slip that he shares with another partner-a woman. This is just someone who answered his ad about splitting the cost of a boat slip for fishing purposes.He hadn't known her previously. I've never met her before. But my oldest has. Anyway, she is married and has children as well. But, back to the story. My husband announced to me earlier today that his fishing slip partner and him are going to take our boat out and go catfishing tomorrow morning. Alone.

Now I'm thinking, alright, no worries. Despite what "Harry" says, it is indeed possible for men and women to just be friends. Your marriage is good. You have trust. You have love. You have fidelity. You are a cool, trusting wife! You rock Stac...........................................................
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Let's hope I don't live to regret this-much like the hair. ; 0

2009-10-15T00:00:00.017-05:00

The weather has been rather gray, rainy and downright dreary here lately-with patches of heavy, long lasting fog thrown in just for good measure. As I went to open my blinds this morning to see what the day had in store for me, I was met with a very pleasant surprise....

My sweet little hummingbird friend was perched on one of the shrub branches outside our window. I quickly ran and got my camera. (The first shot is me peeking my camera thru the half opened blinds trying to get in a good shot before she flittered away...or fluttered away, or hummed away 0r whatever it is they do so fast.)

I've discovered we have a family (friends? acquaintances?...gang??!!) of 3 hummingbirds that come to our yard. I've seen them all together at one time. (No, seriously I have. No, I wasn't drinking at the time. It's true. They were all together. And yes, I have moments of sobriety. But I digress.)

Anyway, THIS one is usually perched on a branch somewhere out front or out back. And she always looks like this...

No, she's not giving me the eye! She's just always puffed up. At first I thought maybe I was just always catching her preening herself. But then, I thought...maybe she is going to lay eggs soon. She is pretty poofy. Is she expecting or just slightly overweight? A um, Stacybird so to speak...

So I looked it up and....

In warmer climates, hummingbirds DO "double brood" if they have had an unsuccessful first nest/hatching OR if they had their eggs/raised their young early enough in the season to have another batch. How exciting would that be???!!! More hummingbirds -hooray! Welcome to the neighborhood friends!!!

I'm excited to think this little momma might be expecting again. I hope she stays. It is a nice area to raise a family.

And if she is just a little poofy....well, I'll take her under my pudgy wing. We can workout together. See if we both can't firm up our feathery parts. If she wants, we could give up all that yummy Southern Pollen Dean cooking and start eating Jenny CrEGG??? ;D

Eavesdropping Video

2009-10-07T14:35:00.001-05:00

Everyone knows I've been having a hard time finding my sense of funny lately. I had a friend send this to me this morning. It really helped. In fact, I laughed out loud. If you need a laugh today, here's hoping it will help you too! Enjoy...

Eavesdropping Video

The Touchstone

2009-10-06T12:42:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to say Thank You so much for the kind words and thoughts. The past several days have been incredibly difficult to say the least. I don't know when normalcy will resume. Or a tear free day will pass. It's not there yet. Not by a long shot.

I received an unexpected phone call from the vet's office yesterday. The voice message said they had something for our family. A token to remember Disney by. This is what Ricardo brought home:

It is an actual replica of Disney's pawprint that the vet's office made and then painted for us. I find it to be the most thoughtful, beautiful totally unexpected gesture of condolence I have ever heard of.

I can't describe how much it means to me. There are not enough words. I'm also not able to put those words together cohesively at the moment. I will say that this beautiful gift has become my touchstone. I don't know how to describe it. It is giving immense comfort and strength in an unbearable situation.

They also sent a lovely card on grief:

It has many facts on grief.That it is Physical, Mental, Emotional, Social and Spiritual.That you will feel impact from all the aforementioned areas. That it is natural and normal. That it can last for a long time. That there is no right or wrong way to grieve. How men and women grieve differently for example. (Which came as a great help.) How women want to talk and remember-men not so much. How it is normal to hear sounds of your lost pet or see movement out of the corner of your eye that is not there. (So you-and others- know you're not going crazy.) It also stated that euthanasia is one of the most difficult decisions you must make in life. (Word!) That, if you struggle with guilt, you must remember that you made this decision from love. A decision to spare your pet further suffering.

I've read the postcard over and over. I've read your comments numerous times. I've also caressed the touchstone more times than I feel comfortable admitting to. These tangible items, together with the thoughtfulness of our vet and her staff, and all of you is overwhelmingly comforting. It is strengthening.

Thank you! Much love...

P.S. I promise my future posts will be more upbeat. I too grow weary of the downer I have become. Thanks for your patience.

Disney 11/15/98-10/01/09

2009-10-01T18:45:00.008-05:00

Things quickly turned this afternoon. No schoolwork was accomplished. Disney's health nosedived. He lost his equilibrium and couldn't walk a straight line. Shortly after, he started seizuring. I held him close wrapped in blankets and talked and loved on him, while the seizures came and went repeatedly. I called Ricardo to come home because Poo wasn't doing too good.

With heavy hearts the two of us drove to the vets office. Not a word was spoken on the way there. The vet offered little hope. I knew in my heart there was none. What remained of hope had all slipped away when the seizures started.

All I could do was hold him close to me. The vet gave him a sedative first. I rocked him in my arms for a few minutes crooning my love and remorse to him. He just kept his nose to mine, breathing in my scent. I swear it was like he was trying to suck in as much of it as possible to remember me by. It broke my heart. But, I understood all too well. I was holding on to him so tightly. Memorizing his scent and the soft, silky touch of his hair against my face, the feel of him in my arms.

When I had to lay him on the table to do the injections, I buried my head into his and held his body tightly. I whispered my love to him. And I held him close. I did not faulter. I made sure he knew I was with him until the last second. I held him long afterwards. I thought leaving without him would be the hardest thing I would have to do today. I was wrong.

Coming home to a house without him in it is worse. Every little thing is palpable. It is unbearable. I miss him beyond words. I'm sure as the reality of it all seeps in it will be worse. Jen, you described it perfectly. Raw. That is what it is. Raw heartache. Raw, unconsolable, heartache.