Mrs. Incredible...or so they think

Just keep swimming....

2011-04-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

Barely floating

robbing peter to pay paul

this has become our new life since I began school.

I have no energy

I'm always exhausted

The house is a wreck

I'm doing to best that I can, or am I?

Why can't I just push through the exhaustion?

Irrational thoughts of how I'm supposed to be supermom,

where is she, this supermom?

She doesn't yell

She doesn't have piles of laundry

She doesn't have piles of bills, praying they can be paid

She doesn't have dirty dishes stacked on the counter

Her superman isn't exhausted because he's trying to help her

Her superman doesn't have to help, she's supermom

Funny thing is

Supermom doesn't exist.

We as women beat ourselves to hell and back

because we aren't perfect, our kids aren't perfect,

our home isn't always sparkling

and we're not always perky with our hair and makeup always on.

I hope my kids are happy.

I know we're going to make it through this, we will.

We have to.

I can't wait for the day that I won't have to miss a baseball game

to study.

I can't wait for the day to take them out to practice

or whip up a treat (last minute) for school

without worrying about a test.

This is a test for our family.

I always pray that we're making the right decisions.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah....

2011-04-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

So I understand that I'm a complete failure at blogging.

But, I'm ok with that!

I was thinking today that I pray my children have a passion that they want to persue. I never found that passion until I was 24 and then had the opportunity to persue it when I was 28.

It is very exhausting persuing a dream when you have 3 boys, a husband, a home, and still have to work to pay bills.

I know it's going to be rewarding in the end- and I do see the light at the end of the tunnel.

What I really hope that my children will, one day, see the hard work and determination that I put into persuing this dream and use it to fuel their fire of passion.

That being said I need to now leave to pick up Cole from school, and then attempt to work on my final research paper for English Comp II. Yay :)

Over a Year!

2010-06-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Wow..it has really been a year since I've posted.

That's sad.

Well, that's also what happens when you have to live life!

First and formost, I hate to announce that my grandma had passed away June 1st, 2009. Then in February my uncle passed away suddenly in a car accident. All within 8 months, my mom lost her mom and her brother. God bless her, she's hanging in there.

Now on lighter notes:

Family updates:

Me- I started my first semester of school on June 1st of last summer. I've completed 7 classes so far within this year with a 4.0 (apparently I'm doing better than last time!!).
We became pregnant with our third son in July, had him on April 13th in my third c-section.
Introducing Nathan Todd. He was 6lbs 15oz, and 18 1/2 inches long

My friend Stacy took those adorable pictures of Nathan! *She also has been calling me out several times because I'm slacking on my blog!!

Carl is doing well. He has only fought in 2 fights within the last 2 years and is 1-1 (the 'loss' was by decision not a KO thank goodness). He has found a different employer, who is wonderful. Only problem is, is that he took a $3/hr pay cut which hurts a bit.

Owen is doing great. He's going to be 8years old July 25th! I know- I can't believe it either!! He completed 2nd grade, but we've decided to have him repeat 2nd grade due to his maturity level. He's definitely bright enough, it's the paying attention and not worrying about what everyone else is doing that's the problem! He just finished his 3rd season of baseball and is doing awesome. Owen decided to not play football this year and to wrestle instead, which with his small stature I think will be great for him

Cole is getting so big! He'll be 4 years old July 6th (just a couple weeks!) and will start preschool in the fall. *sniff* He's not my baby anymore!! He is definitely going to be my rough and tumble ladies man. He's a riot!

All in all, we're doing well. It was a rough transition coming home from the hospital for me though. My OB and I decided that I was to start on an antidepressant for PPD (postpartum depression) the last trimester of the pregnancy- which we did. I honestly thought that this would alleviate quite a bit of the depression.

It did not.

I went a holy mess at home with myself. I was fighting with myself on the quality of my care for the kids, my husband, and the house. I basically was beating the hell out of myself for stuff you really shouldn't worry about when you bring a newborn home.

My OB and I switched my antidepressant, and now I'm speaking with someone to help with the crazy talk in my head. I'm seeing someone for the fact that I don't want to be on antidepressants forever- but need to take care of the crazy talk in my head so it doesn't come back and bite me in the rear.

If you made it through all this jumble...good for you!! *You get a gold star!

I'm going to make more of an effort to continue this blog for purposes of my sanity!

*I'll get back to you on that star ;)

It's been waaay toooo long!!

2009-05-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has.

Sorry I've been gone, but that whole 'life' thing kinda got in the way.

Well, how about a update on everyone...just to make sure that I haven't lost or misplaced any of them!

Carl: (hubby) Is good. Job is going alright, if working more hours for less pay is alright. (yes, that's sarcasim.) His boss is super nice, but the whole situation just sucks.
He has his next MMA fight this friday. *eeek* I know, the nerves are kicking in. Anyone have an extra xanax they would care to spare?

Owen: He finishes school on June 4th. (oh, lordy...I pray for patience) He started baseball, and is quite the ham! He is the smallest one on the team (once again), but he's quite the powerhouse! I asked him to stop growing...yeah, he told me he can't. (kid's too smart sometimes!)

Cole: Is a hysterical little crazy man. No, really. He's funny as hell, but insanely crazy. He loves hitting on the ladies (who can't say no to that cute little mug?!), jumping off of things pretending he's 'spidey man'. Oh, yeah...we're going to be venturing into potty training land here soon. Oh, joy.

Me: Yeah, I'm here. Barely. Work is sucking major monkey balls like normal. I actually completed course one of a cake decorating class at Joann Fabrics (oh, yeah...I'm a wannabe Martha). I start school on June first. I'm scared shitless. Yes and no, really. I'm scared that I'm going to screw it up again (like I did 10 years ago, holy shit! did I really just say 10 YEARS AGO?!?!)
My grandma's not doing so hot. She lives in Oklahoma, so my mom's going down this saturday. I'm afraid that this will be the last mother's day she'll be here. My mom's already so upset, and I almost don't want her to take this trip. I'm afraid that it will break her. *sigh*

So that's the update. Sorry that I haven't been around, I really haven't been motivated to do much lately. I'm going to try and do atleast one post a week.

Thank you all (*cough* Jaci) for checking on me!

*and I'll stay away from the light!

Optimism

2009-03-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Tiffany is having a fun time with Mr. Linky today. Optimism pays she says.

Optimism does pay. It puts a positive spin on about anything. Being optimistic also helps you stay a bit healthier.

When I was younger (before kids basically) I just flew by the seat of my pants. I was selfish, negative, energetic, crazy, and basically didn't give a shit.

Then I got pregnant with Owen.

My life changed. I had to grow up. With having children, you need to be optimistic.

Hoping for the best, hoping that you'll raise this tiny baby to be somewhat human.

Hoping to make it through the night with a screaming little guy.

Hoping he'll do alright when he goes to school.

Then hoping he'll be a good big brother.

Hoping they'll get along.

Optimism in my little world is thinking today will be a good day.

Owen will have a good day at school.

Cole will have a good day with me.

Carl will have a great day at work.

Optimism is needed everyday. You need to wake up thankful that your kids have working lungs to wake you.

I'm thankful for my family and optimistic that we'll all turn out wonderful.

(I don't know how much more wonderful I can become, but you get the idea)

Dear Clueless Stupid Woman,

2009-03-02T17:17:00.002-08:00

You excused yourself as you carelessly crossed my path as I'm trying to put my kiddie cart back into the 'cart corral'. That's fine. Until I see that you were the one parked right beside me.

You parked on my passenger side, 12 inches from my passenger side. Now you may not see what the problem is. You had plenty of room to exit and re-enter your car with no problem. Now for me, there's a huge problem. When you park that close to one's car, you leave very little room for a MOTHER to put her CHILD in their car seat. Now I could've barely squeezed my size 14 rear end through that open space.

Oh, how I cursed you under my breath as I climbed through the driver side back door and across the middle seat. Then to maneuver a 2 year old boy into his car seat, I was definitely heated.

So as I noticed that you were the stupid woman who parked so close to my car, I thanked you.

My exact words were "Thank you for parking so close, because I didn't have enough room to get my child in his seat". I believe your response was "Whatever".

Really? 'Whatever'? You look to be 26, maybe 27 years old. Dressed in your lovely dress pants, high heals, makeup perfect, and that's the best you could come up with?!

I hope that you realize that I truly didn't mean it when I proceeded to tell you that I hope your car got hit today. Well, maybe a little, but not enough to hurt you. Just enough to let you know that karma's a bitch.

And now I believe karma's going to come and bite me right in my ass.

Stupid woman.

You Can Call Me Satan.

2009-02-27T08:25:00.000-08:00

Yes. I'm Satan.

At least I feel like Satan.

I woke up feeling completely and totally EVIL.

No, it's not that time.

I think it's a mixture of trying to run a household, raise to boys, work full time, and then figure out how I'm going to throw school into the mix.

Yup. I'm a bit worn out.

I feel awful when I feel like this.

I yelled at the boys this morning a bazillion times (hubby had to work EARLY so I had them all to myself).

Now I have Aladdin on for Cole so I can have some 'me' time on the computer.

I bit Carl's head of a few dozen times this morning before he left. Then cursed his name when I found out he did NOTHING last night while I was at work. The load of laundry I put in the wash, still there this morning.

*sigh*

He helps quite a bit around the house, but not when I need it the most. Know what I mean?

I'll be better tomorrow. This is how I am when there's no freaking sunshine in Ohio.

I need me some freaking sunshine.

Have a nice day.

Yes, I'm still Satan.

Look Ma'!

2009-02-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

Look what I've taught myself how to make!

Oh, yeah. Just call me Betty.

This was one of the easiest little desserts to make!

In the February issue of Woman's Day (easy...my mom gave it to me...) they had a fantastic recipe on the front.

Petits fours:

Cut frozen pound cake into 1-inch cubes.

Spoon canned frosting into a bowl (stick with regular icing- not whipped), tint with gel food coloring as desired. Microwave frosting 10-15 seconds (I did 20) until it's the consistency of heavy cream.

(you may have to re-heat the icing several times throughout the icing process)

With a fork, dip each cube into frosting to coat. Let drip into bowl, tap fork to remove excess. (make sure the cube is coated all around)

With a dull knife, slide frosted cake onto foil lined baking sheet.

If using sprinkles, decorate immediately so they'll stick.

Using tube of decorating icing, pipe message on others.

I placed them in mini-cup cake paper holders. They stored great in the fridge.

They were definitely pretty tasty!!

Slacker

2009-02-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

Yup, that's me.

I'm a slacker.

We've had a bit of a stress the past couple weeks.

Here's a recap:

Feb 3rd- Carl has a dr appt. They've scheduled a MRI for Feb 9th. (explain later)

Feb 5th- Found out Carl may not have a job due to some stupid shit he did when he was 19 and 20 years of age.

Feb 6th- I had a dr appt, found out I wasn't dying of cancer. (I'm a bit dramatic, but there were questions!)

Feb 6th (also)- found out that they over looked my wiener husband's misdemeanors. Has a job! Yay!

Feb 9th- Carl's MRI. Don't get results yet.

Feb 11th- Get results. No aneurysms, blockage, or clots. (MRI on head and up chest). Yay! Not dying!

Feb 11th- Owen hit a little girl at school. No I'm NOT kidding. He took it upon himself to smack her in the face because she was talking in gym class. Oh, how the shit-ith hit-ith the fan-ith.

Feb 12th- Spawn of Satan...oops, Owen was aloud to partake in Valentines merriment. Had a good day, thanking his stars!

Feb 14th (VD!)- Got called into work 2 hours before scheduled time. Got my ass handed to me in a pretty basket, yes, with a nice red bow. We were on a wait from 3:30 until 9pm. (I work in a restaurant, if you haven't guessed yet) O-ray-of-sunshine management wasn't going to send the people who came in early for them, home early. (oh, the foul words ran like little jackolopes in my head)

Feb 16th- Went to a friends house for playtime. Had a great time. Went home realizing there is NOTHING to eat in my house. Glad to know that we've been out of milk for 2 days, and hubby didn't bother to right it down!! (there's those jackolopes again)

*sigh*

We've had our good with our bad these past couple days/weeks. Positive thinking people, positive thinking.

So, how was your VD? Everyone loves a good VD!
(snickering like a 12yr old little boy)

*edited to mention the fact that both boys were sick through the beginning of this fun stuff. Owen had Fifth's Disease, Cole had pink eye- then Fifth's disease. Good times!

Lil' Livingroom Parade

2009-02-09T06:11:00.000-08:00

We had a little parade going on in our living room for Tuesday Whitt.

We enjoyed spending time and having fun in memory of Tuesday. I don't think my boys quite knew what was going on, but they had fun doing a parade with the toys!

They had to wear their hats of course, since it was a special occasion! (We were going to go for a walk, but colds and cold weather didn't permit)

Then we had a picnic! Our smiley-face taters were definitely tanned well! lol..

They definitely enjoyed their dinosaur chicky and smiley fries.

It felt good to know that others all around were praying and having their own special time for Tuesday.

I pray the Whitt family is graced with peace and loving family to get through this time.

Wagie Rides and Paper Hearts

2009-02-05T11:17:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, February 7th at 11:00 a.m., the Whitt Family is holding a celebration in Parker, Colorado.

They're having a wagon and bike parade to honor Tuesday with one of her favorite things to do - "wagie rides."

We all can't be there physically, but we can be there in spirit.

See this little button..

Grab it. Post it. Spread it.And on Saturday, have a little wagon ride yourself.

No wagon - go for a bike ride.

Too much rain - jump in a puddle.

Too much snow - pull a sled.

Heck, throw the pooches in the back of a pickup and take a slow drive.

Whatever you do - as one person, as a couple, as a family, as a group of friends - take a picture and post it.

Then come back here or to Lee on Monday, February 9th, and add your link to Mr. Linky.The goal is to create a virtual parade for Tuesday, to show her family and friends how her brief life touched so many.

To offer support in their time of need. And to maybe bring a smile.

We hope we did not over step our bounds in this effort.

It is heartfelt, and it is pure. We both felt the need to do something, anything to help these hurting hearts.

We hope this does in one small way.

Now grab that button and spread the word!

(I got this from Eudea Mamia at Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit)

Tamara over at Mad Boastings of a Cheapskate Mom is doing a wonderful thing for Tuesday also. Please go over and send some words of encouragement, love, peace, something heartfelt that she can send to the Whitt family in this time loss.

God bless that family. How my heart hurts for them.

So, What Do You Think About Pink?

2009-02-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

The color, not the artist.

I dyed my hair pink.

Not like this...

Here's some before...(now I just got off work, so don't mind the goofyness)

And the after...(now, don't mind the none-makeup...yeah, I'm a slacker)

I've always wanted to do something fun like this, so I did it!

My hubby HATES it with a passion! It's been 3 days and he's still not talking to me.

Seriously. He's picking a fight over hair dye.

He'll get over it, he'll have to!

I'll get it toned down in a couple weeks and then slowly fade it out.

Whatever! I love it!

Pray for Tuesday

2009-01-30T06:48:00.000-08:00

This little angel was brought to my attention from The Secrets In The Sauce.

Visit Tuesday, and please pray.

I couldn't imagine. My heart is breaking.

A two-year old with stage 4 cancer.

Please pray.

Pray.

Award!!

2009-01-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

Proximidade is described as follows:'This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes for self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.

Please give more attention to these writers!'This blog award should be sent to your favorite eight bloggers and they, in turn should forward to eight of their favorites. You should include the text for Proximidade (above) in your announcement blog.

I was given this award by Noah's mommy at Project Mommyhood.

I'm supposed to send this to my favorite 8 bloggers. Well the last time I sent out an award, nobody came to claim theirs. :(

So I'm going to thank Noah's mommy, very gratefully, but I'm not going to nominate anyone. My favorites are right over there in my blog roll. Please for give me for now following directions!

(you know you're going to love me anyways! *kisses*)

I've Come Back, My Love....

2009-01-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

It's so wonderful to get back into reading.

Until this past year, I hadn't read a book since before Owen was born.

(he was born in 2002, yeah, that's sad)

I used to be the type to sit down and finish a book within a day, if not hours.

I LOVED to read. I loved to get lost within anothers' story.

*sigh*

Well, I've come back to my love.

I, of course, got drawn in to the Twilight love (obsession).

I was planning on re-reading the series, but have decided to wait until the next movie comes out.

That being said, my sister had a book for me to read.

Finding Alice.

I really enjoyed this book.

I'll spare any spoilers, but if you've read it, feel free to email me!

Now, on to my next reading selection....

Confessions of a Slacker Wife by Muffy Mead-Furro.

I heard about this book from Dysfunctional Mom over at Putting the Fun in Dysfunctial.

She seemed to get a kick out of it, so I figured I try it out!

I'm about half way through and I'm really liking it. She makes me feel so much better about not being a Super-Wife (or Mrs.Incredible for that fact).

It's so nice to get wrapped up in a book and let the stress melt away.

Cheesy, I know.

But, in my world lately, I need to be able run away without actually doing it!

Serious Snow

2009-01-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, we had a some huge snowfall.

(this was before we got the negative degree weather....wonderful, I know)

Felt like showing off the pictures of the boys out playing!

And this was the wee-gremlin and the fit he threw when he came in...

Yup, those are my boys!

The Year of Change

2009-01-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

Yeah, well I didn't win my purse. :(

But hubby did find a new job. He has been hunting for about 10 months.

He's been miserable where he was at.

He got hired in this past week, and starts training on monday.

(think old boss was happy to get rid of him quickly)

Now the negative part.

We have to take a three dollar paycut. (the old boss was going to make him take a five dollar paycut)

There is commission and benefits, so that will be great.

I'm supposed to starts school in the summer semester.

This should definitely be an interesting year.

Hubby new job, less money, my miserable job, school, and one more item that I pray works out. It's got me kinda down today, and I'd love to share....but right now, I just can't.

Everything works out, one way or another.

I hope.

Girly Giveaway!!

2009-01-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

Yay! Another Giveaway that I *must* have!!

(no really, I'm in dire need of a new purse!)

Aubrey over at The Fam Five is having a Girly Giveaway!

What is she giving away, you ask?

A purse made by Hannah M. Shaw in my favorite color!!! GREEN!!!

It's adorable!!

It also includes this fun stuff!!

*2.5 fl. oz. Beauty Rush Hand Cream in Juiced Berry
*Very Sexy Nail Laquer in Nibble. It is a very pretty natural pink color and very neutral.
*Very Sexy Limited Edition Crystal Lip Glimmer in Lick. This is light pinkish in color. Will give your lips just a hint of color.
*"Hello Sexy" Nail File.

Oh, yeah.

That's what I'm talking about.

The contest ends tonight!! *gasp*

She'll choose the winner by the random number thingy and let us know!!

Quick, run! Run like the wind!

Oh, My New Love...

2009-01-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

My poor husband. He thinks I'm cheating on him.

Sad thing is that I am. *hangs head in shame*

But see, you don't understand. This *other* is beautiful.

New.

Fresh.

Picks up after itself.

Scares the children (sadly, my favorite part).

It's my new vacuum.

Remember when I first posted about my wanted new love (here)?

Well then remember when I won (here)?

Well my beautiful new love arrived the week before Christmas.

Oh, it's so wonderful. We dance around the house, cleaning the floor as we go. (scaring the wee one...quite entertaining actually)

*sigh* Here's some wonderful new pictures...

(Please don't mind my new love, we had just finished dancing throughout the living room once the Christmas decorations were put away)

Oh, my wonderful ladies at The Secret's In The Sauce, I thank you so.

*Sigh*

Excuse Me, It's My Uterus!

2009-01-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Yeah. This is an interesting topic.

I have a couple that like to come into the restaurant once in awhile. They tend to stay 2-3 hours and chat. Which is fine by me!

I love the woman. She's awesome. She's sarcastic and a smartass (like someone else you may know!) Now the guy. He's alright. He's nice and funny, but seems to believe he's in the Irish 'mob' in our area. (yeah, I know *eye roll*)

On to the uterus.

We were having a discussion about our kids. (They both have one kid each from previous relationships, but neither of them live with them.) We were talking about my lovely little monkeys when he asked me if we were planning on having anymore.

I said yes. We would love to have more!

Holy Hell. He stepped up apon his soap box and proceeded to tell me that I shouldn't have anymore kids.

BECAUSE:
1. The economy is terrible, and our jobs aren't stable enough to support another child. (yeah, I know)

2. Why would you want to bring another child into this shithole (his words) of a planet. There's not a good enough chance that your child would be able to cure cancer or anything else great. (no, I haven't hit him yet, even though I'm visualizing it..)

3. How are you going to go back to school when you have a baby at home with two other children. (seriously..don't think that's a problem you should be worrying about!)

4. Do you think it's fair to keep having kids when other couples can't even have one? (now this struck a nerve with me. I know quite a few friends who have fertility issues, and I feel terrible for them. Now he's starting to make me feel guilty for wanting to have more children)

Now through this whole preaching, he really wasn't being mean, but I wanted to knock him through the wall.

Where do you get the kahoena's to do that?!

I ended up telling him, then and there, that this was a decision that my HUSBAND AND I would be making.

Not even 5 minutes later when I was out of the bar, he walked by me. Making the comment 'I really don't think you should have anymore kids, this world is just a terrible place'.

My comment back:

"Well, the last time I checked, it's my uterus, not yours."

WTF?! Seriusly. People will never cease to amaze me.

2009

2008-12-31T18:07:00.001-08:00

This holiday season is coming to an end.

Exactly at 12am.

Wanted to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year!

Love you all and be safe!!

MHR #13

2008-12-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

To My Love

by Carl Kramer

So cold and dark, so empty and alone,

never knowing what real love was.

So fragile and closed, so hateful and cruel,

never to open my heart to anyone.

And then there was you.

So scared, so new,not knowing what was to come.

I gave you what little I had left.

Hoping that you would want me the way I am.

Timid and frightened, wanting to love again.

And then there was you.

A little relief from the beating that my heart took, trying to remember what it was like.

You showed me that it was real and true.

Your touch so gentle, you saw right through.

All the pain and distrust disappeared that day the love consumed me.

Felt so perfect, so right.

Still hesitant to let anyone see who I really was.

And then there was you.

Believing in me, trusting me, loving me unconditionally.

Letting go of all the fear, anger, and regret.

Knowing that it's ok just to be who I am.

Crying, laughing, talking, sharing emotions that I tried to hide for so long.

All because there was you.

This was written by my husband. He really is a great man. We've been through so much, but each day we get stronger.

MIA

2008-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

I appologize that I haven't updated in a very long time!! (well, about a week)

*yeah, like I have a cult following or something.

We've been very VERY busy over here!

Christmas shopping, wrapping, baking, WORK (*hurl*).

It's sad. I honestly have not been enjoying this Christmas season at all.

Hell, oh- I mean work, has been stressing me out.

Then nothing's done around the house due to working.

Then it's an ongoing trainwreck from there.

*done complaining* (for the time being)

Sunday was my last day at work until Friday!!! YAY! I'm starting to relax a bit and trying to enjoy the Season.

We're having Hubby's family over for dinner tonight, then fun Christmas festivities from then on!

I really hope that, with whatever holiday you celebrate, that you have a wonderful Christmas and an awesome New Year!

You bloggy friends truely are wonderful!

Love you!

Christmas

2008-12-12T07:41:00.001-08:00

*Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,

not Happy Holiday!*

Please, all Christians join together and

wish everyone you meet

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christ is "The Reason" for the Christ-mas Season!

This was definitely a post close to my heart. My work has us answer the phone saying 'Happy Holidays'. We're not aloud to say 'Merry Christmas' because we might offend someone.

Yeah, I don't follow directions very well! ;)

Mine! Mine! Mine!

2008-12-12T06:45:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm yelling like a bratty little kid fighting over a stupid toy.

Only thing is, that it's not a stupid toy.

It's pretty!

It matches! (*gasp* matches? I don't comprehend...)

It's a FIESTA!!! *oh yeah* Doing a little *shakey*shakey* dance

One of my favorite crazy women is have a freaking AWESOME giveaway!

Who is this wonderful crazy woman, you ask?

It's only Jaci over at Ravings of a Mad Housewife!

Go HERE to enter for the matching dishes!!

It's truely sad that I don't have a matching dinner set! :(

Head on over and tell Jaci I said 'Helllloooooo!' (Mrs. Doubtfire, anyone?)

Yay! I Won A Award!!

2008-12-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I was given this award by Young Momma over at Perfect Pen. She always has some fun stuff going on over there! *Yay*

Now I get to bestow this upon some of my fellow bloggers. *sigh* Just so hard to choose!
My sister Tara @ Exhibit A
Stacy (one of my bestest! ;) @ My life with 3 boys and a Fat Cat
Natalie (another of my bestest! ;) @ Hi, my name's Mommy...Oh, wait! Natalie!
Jaci @ Ravings of a Mad Housewife
Sissy @ My Kids Might Be Martians
(I love you two, Jaci and Sissy!)

Young Momma also decided to Tag Me! Here goes! (oh, and I've cheated...all that I've given the award to are my tags! May not be eight, but it works!)

Mis Ochos

8 TV shows I love to watch:
1.ER
2.Grey's Anatomy
3.The Real Housewives of Orange County
4.Nip/Tuck
5.Biggest Loser
6.Dirty Jobs
7.Top Chef
8. (yup, ran out)

8 Things That Happened Yesterday:
1.Went and bought more Christmas lights
2. Took the recycling out (seriously a HUGE amount!)
3. Played with the little gremlin
4. Did a butt load of dishes
5. Caught up on Grey's online (gremlin was napping)
6. Caught up on ER online (still napping)
7. Went to work (blah)
8. Played some Gameboy in bed after work

8 Favorite Places to Eat:
1. Olive Garden
2. Longhorn
3. Italian Oven (RIP)
4. Home
5. Mom's house
6. Gionino's Pizza (dine in area)
7. Kramer family parties (AWESOME German potatoes)
8. Burger King (Hi, my name is Karol. I'm addicted to fast food)

8 Things That I Am Looking Forward To:
1. Christmas with family
2. Helping with Owen's school Christmas party
3. Spending time with my friends
4. Watching the boys on Christmas day- it's awesome
5. Getting a nap
6. Hopefully taking a trip to Oklahoma
7. Someday quitting my job
8. Starting school to get a 'big girl' job

8 Things On My Wish List:
1.Healthy Family
2.Hubby to find a better job to make him happy
3.For me to start school, and do great
4.For us to buckle down and get rid of the debt we have
5.To lose 40lbs
6.For Grandma to get better
7.For Mom to get out her funk
8.For everyone in the family to get along

That was my 8. Like I said above, the friends that got the awards are also tagged! I'm going to go take a nap.

MHR #12 How we met

2008-12-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

(I'm slacking, so you get My Husband Rocks Friday on a Saturday!!)

Today, the topic is how we met.

Our story is not easy, it's been a very bumpy road. Every couple endures pain and struggling, we were no different. Marriage is a blessing, but it's also hard work.

August of 2001.

I was working at a restaurant as a server. I was only 20 years old, and in a very selfish state of mind. Still partying, using questionable substances, but I knew it was starting to get old.

Carl started working at said restaurant as a bus boy. He had dyed blonde hair (this was 7 years ago, he thought it looked good), and had a severe bad boy look (more of the 'thuggish' look, actually). He was not my usually style at all, but he was cute.

What really got me was the way he worked. The bus boys at said restaurant worked their tails off for the servers. Busing tables, carrying large trays, getting needed items from the kitchen, making them salads, just about everything. He was a very hard worker. Very respectable, and did I mention cute?

I was very shy around him, I don't know why since he was not my style at all. I had two friends that I partied with frequently that worked there also. I got up the nerve to ask him over to their apartment. He said yes!

Carl and two of his buddies showed up at the party. (I was seriously giddy, there was just something about him) We talked and his buddies hit it off with my friends. We all had a good time. Nothing happened that evening, it was honestly just a good time had by all.

I find out later through some people at work that Carl had a girlfriend. 'Well that sucks' is all I could think.

Well we went about our work and nothing happened for about a week.

Until his friend decided to tell Carl's then girlfriend that he had messed around with me at that party. Huh? Seriously? I laughed.

I laughed even harder when I found out she broke up with him because of him messing around with me. Seriously? I've always hated that drama crap.

September 2001

He invited me to a bonfire at his friends' house, because he was single now (*eye roll*)

We really hit it off that night. We talked about all the problems his girlfriend and him were having, and the fact that his friend was an ass for trying to start drama.

That night we had our first kiss.

Then it was us from then on.

(ex tried to start more trouble down the road, but all I could do was thank her for believing the lies.)

Merry SITSmas!!

2008-12-02T04:59:00.000-08:00

Merry SITSmas!

I hope everyone feels all warm and fuzzy with the bloggy love! I feel honored and privileged to be apart of some thing so amazing.

Here are a few of my favorite people that I know in real life and have met on SITS:

Natalie
The Red Headed Mama
Jaci at Ravings of a Mad Housewife
Aubrey at Fam Five
Lex at Life and Crimes of a Mom
Oh, yeah....

My boys are tickled to have Christmas here, and I hope so also for you! Here are a few of my boys favorite things!

Don't forget to go visit Tiffany and Heather over at The Secrets In The Sauce, they're giving away prizes each hour and a $200 gift card to Target!! Who doesn't need that?!?! Nicki is next in line on Mr.Linky!

HOLY FREAKING COW

2008-12-01T05:12:00.000-08:00

I WON!! I WON!!! *SQUEEEEEEEE*

I posted about a month ago (here)about the ladies at The Secret's In The Sauce giving away this Bissell Vacuum!!

Some SERIOUS happy dancing going on over here!!

I think my poor husband and kids think I've 'officially' (yes, there have been questions of slight craziness) lost it.

I'm ok with that.

Hell, I have a new vacuum!!!

*SQUEEEEE*

I love getting mail!

2008-11-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

I had taken part in an auction where the proceeds went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer.
Lex was auctioning off her beautiful jewelry that she makes herself!! She raised $140! That's awesome!
(she also did my blog-makeover!)

This is what I 'won'! It just came in the mail today!!

*squeeee* (that's my excited squeal)

I'm honestly very grateful for Lex. She's a great woman with amazing talent!

You need to go visit her over at Indelible Creations, she's doing a great price at Christmas blog makeovers!

Thank you Lex. I really appreciate you taking your time for an awesome cause. You are a very talented woman!
(*extra thanks for the extra! they're beautiful!)

MHR #11

2008-11-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

I have done a My Husband Rocks post in a few weeks. *bad wifey*

I'm not the most easy person to live with. *gasp* I know.

He's still here, and still trying to make me laugh.

Since we have two little gremlins (said with the utmost affection, of course), we don't get to go out together very much.

I bought us ticket to go see Jeff Dunham on Sunday Nov.30Th.

Holy crap he's freaking hysterical!

Here's a taste if you've never heard of him:

None the less, we're very excited for a REAL date night! Honestly we haven't had one in FOREVER!!

I know he's excited because this is his favorite comedian, and he gets to spend the evening with me without the gremlins underfoot!! YAY!!

Crock Pot Creation # 4

2008-11-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

*This one I actually got to try!!

Creamy Cooker Chicken
by Violette Harris Denney from Carrollton, GA
(makes 6 servings)

1 envelope dry onion soup mix
2 cups sour cream
1- 10 3/4oz can cream of mushroom soup
6 boneless, skinless checken-breast halves

Directions

1. Combine soup mix, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup in slow cooker.
Add chicken, pushing it down so it is submerged in the sauce.

2. Cover Cook on Low 8 hours.

3. Serve over rice or noodles.

My weird methods
I didn't have anymore chicken breasts so I used frozen bonless chicken tenderloins.

Hubby, Kids, and My Thoughts
Hubby said it was like the pork chop recipe that we did a couple weeks ago. Boys ate it up! I loved it over rice, it was a very simple meal.

All in all, another winner! *yay*

Stolen

2008-11-19T07:47:00.000-08:00

Let's see if you can follow this....(kinda funny they way I stole it!)

I was at my favorite site, The Secrets in the Sauce and was reading the 'Saucy' blogs.

I happened upon a wonderful blog titled The Road Less Traveled. (a must read)

She happened to read a post on Tiffany's blog.

Tiffany stole it from Jori,

who stole it from Cara

who found this awesome site called Where The Hell Is Matt?.

*whew*

That being said, here is the video that I stole from Mrs.DeMiranda.

It's a amazing.

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Crock Pot Creation #3

2008-11-13T06:48:00.000-08:00

Yeah, tuesday I completely forgot to crock pot for hubby and the kids. They managed though, nobody was starving!

Chicken and Vegetables (can you tell I'm starting with the easy stuff?)
by Jeanne Heyerly in Chenoa, IL
(2 servings)

2 medium potatoes, quartered
2-3 carrots, sliced
2 frozen chicken breasts, or 2 frozen drumstick/thigh pieces
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 cups shredded cabbage
16oz. can chicken broth

Directions

1. Place potatoes and carrots in slow cooker. Layer chicken on top. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. Top with cabbage. Carefully pour chicken broth around edges.

2. Cover. Cook on Low 8-9 hours.

My weird methods:
This one I definitely doctored up a bit because it was only made for two servings!
I put 3 chicken breasts instead of two. I did not use cabbage because I don't think the boys would've liked that. I used 3 potates, 2 carrots, and 3 garlic cloves, and an extra splash of chicken broth.

Hubby and Kids Thoughts:
Hubby said it needed more seasoning. Kids ate it. Both said it was alright, but nothing fantastic.
So we'll see if we attempt this one in the future!

I'm Done. I Quit.

2008-11-12T09:48:00.001-08:00

That's what I want to scream (while throwing anything within reach) at my a**hole bosses.

Back story:
I've been employed at a certain restaurant for almost 4 years. I've been bartending 1 1/2 of those years. I'm a good, hard worker. Teamwork, neatness, quickness, politeness, and manners are my strong qualities. I actually do above and beyond what is expected of the bartenders there. I'm not tooting my own horn, but I actually have strong work ethics. *gasp* Work ethics? What's that? If you'd work in this restaurant, you wouldn't know the meaning of that.

There are two drunks that come in that I don't deal with. The one has walked out on his bill 4 times, but is able to come back in the next day to pay and receive more drinks because 'he's a paying customer'. (paying customer, my ass. waste of space is more like it) The other is a mouthy drunk. I definitely know how to handle my own, but I don't put up with shit either.

We have another bartender who is a joke. But the managers think she's the savior of the bar. She gives out free drinks (all the time, which is TERRIBLE for our liquor count!), she hangs all over the guys (she's engaged with an 11 yr old son), and acts like she's 13. She's very immature and extremely unprofessional. But the bosses think she's the best thing since white bread.

Last Night:
So last night I go into work at 4. I went into my bosses office to ask for a raise. Now mind you, bartenders always have made more than the other employees. I explain to him the reasons that I know I deserve a raise (as stated above). He checks to see what I'm currently making, and when my last raise was.

'I see you received a raise in August of 2007'. Um, yeah, I was making less than minimum wage then, that's why I asked for one, and that was over a year ago. I'm barely making minimum wage as it is now. He'll see what he can do. Whatever.

The end of the night comes, and my front of the house manager is making conversation with our customers (our employees mostly). Someone makes a comment on how the bar used to be so busy with regulars (our one fantastic bartender got fired 3yrs ago for something stupid). My manager had the balls to say that the 'other bartender' has more clientele than he's ever seen.

I'm sorry, what? Just because she hangs ALL OVER them, free drinks all night, and provides them with illegal substances (that she does outside on her 'smoke break')makes her clientele awesome? What a joke. This is a family restaurant, not a strip club.
The manager has to unlock the back door for me to leave. This is the following conversation.

Me: Tell me, do you think I'm doing alright back behind the bar?

Him: Well, yeah.... (I felt there was something underlying with that)

Me: Well, what can I do to improve?

Him: Well it just that 'other bartender' seems to be more...

Me: Layed back?

Him: No, she's caters more to the guys.

Me: Don't you mean she hangs all over them? (I'm starting to turn red here)

Him: Well if that how she's making us more money, I guess it works.

Me: Well I don't find it necessary for me to hang all over anyone. I cater to everyone. I don't kiss ass, though. Is that bad? (sarcasm was all over that one)

Him: For your standards, no.

Me: (f@#$%ing fuming now) Alright, bye.

For my standards???!?!?! I'm sorry, I didn't realize that I needed to be a skank to work at the bar here. I'm sorry disgusted, sickened,and furious.

I'm going to find another job. That's it. I bust my butt for nothing. There's no encouragement here. I'm not asking for a cookie, just a simple 'thank you' or 'good job'. I do more than anyone ever has behind that bar.

I'm going to find another job, work out the bills, and find a school for a nursing program so I don't have to work in another restaurant after school.

Oh, the Nastiness!

2008-11-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

You know it's a sad sick world when you find people making things out of tampons.

Yes, you heard me. Tampons.

I happened to come across this hysterical blog called Glitter Gone Bad.

Glitter Gone Bad posts about crafts gone wrong. It's funny and scary at the same time.

Please, if you're the crafting type, don't use feminine hygiene products as crafts supplies.

That's just really freaking nasty.

Crock Pot Creation #2

2008-11-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

Made it to #2! *Yay me*

(seriously groggy this a.m. so bear with me if this doesn't make sense, or if I mess it up ;)

Pork Chops and Gravy
by Sharon Wantland in Menomonee Falls, WI
(makes 8 servings)

8 pork chops
salt to taste
pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. oil
2- 10 3/4 oz. cans cream of mushroom soup
1 large onion, sliced
12oz. can evaporated milk

Directions

1. Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Brown in oil. Drain. Transfer to slow cooker.

2. In separate bowl, whisk together mushroom soup, onion, and evaporated milk until smooth. Pour over chops.

3. Cook on High 3-4 hours, or Low 6-8 hours.

Variations
To increase flavor, stir 1/2-1 cup sour cream, or 1/4 cup sherry, into mixture during last 30 minutes of cooking time.

My weird methods:
Really didn't have any with this one, oh except that I only had 6 pork chops, not 8 and it worked fine.

Hubby and kids thoughts:
Once again hubby thought it was great! All he had to do was make up some rice and a veggie and it was game on! Owen loved it! Cole was being his normal pissy, picky self.

All in all, another winner! Yay!

Crock Pot Creation #1

2008-11-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

I'm not a cook. I can bake and love to try new recipes. With that said, I'm attempting to teach myself to cook. I can make a mean roast beef, lasagna, and baked ziti.

That's about it.

Until now. I've got a crock pot and the Fix It and Forget It crock potting book.

I feel bad that I work 4-5 nights a week and I leave hubby to fend for himself and the kids. (don't feel too bad, his cooking is awesome)

So here's the first of many (hopefully) recipes I've tried out.

Pot Roast- by Carole Whaling in New Tripoli PA
(8 servings)

4 medium potatoes, cubed
4 carrots, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3-4 lb. rump roast, or pot roast, cut into serving size pieces
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 bouillon cube
1/2 cup boiling water

Directions
1. Put vegetables and meat in slow cooker. Stir in salt and pepper.

2. Dissolve bouillon cube in water, then pour over other ingredients.

3. Cover. Cook on Low 10-12 hours.

My weird methods:
Apparently I have a small crock pot, because I could only fit in 2lbs of the roast.
I cooked it on High for about 3 hours, then switched it to Low because I started late.

Hubby and kid's thoughts:
He thought it was awesome! The boys thought it was great because they didn't have to wait for daddy to cook!

Over all it was a winner! *yay me!*

(oh, and it's sad, but I don't think I'll get to try any of these because of work!)

Paramore's Decode from the Twilight Soundtrack

2008-11-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

Decode from Paramore Spain on Vimeo.

Oh, be still my heart. I found Julie on Blog Around the World, and she had this AWESOME video! Her hubby has been working on the video!! (Me *so* jealous!)

Thought I would put this out there for my fellow Twilighters!!

(Oh, I'm so team Edward! *sigh*)

Me lovey this, long time!

2008-11-05T17:10:00.000-08:00

You see this? I want this! No, scratch that, I NEED this!! (especially since I'm currently using my parents hand-me-down from 1892)

Now, you need to go here to enter for the contest. Um, but remember...I need this, and it would be a lovely Christmas present to me!! :)

I tell ya, those ladies over there at The Secrets in the Sauce are freaking awesome!!
(come join...we'll let you live, I promise)

Stuck in My Head

2008-11-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

Why am I stuck?

I see me, where I want to be..

It's there, right at my fingertips.

so close,

just..can't...get...there.

I have support,

I have the love,

I don't have me.

Who am I?

I am a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and a friend.

Wait, aren't I a woman?

Are you sure?

I'm not.

I feel stuck in my head, my mind.

Sometimes it's hard for me to come out.

Everything else comes first.

Me? I'll get there.

Hopefully, I'll find me.

It's hard to find yourself...

over...

and over again.

One day, maybe I'll be unstuck.

One day.

Mother of the Year

2008-10-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Completely lost that award.

Yup. Gone.

(like I was in the running :eye roll: )

I go to pick Owen up from school on Friday. A teacher was holding his hand, she informed me that Mrs. Teacher (his teacher...not her real name, duh.) wanted to speak to me. She was handling the kids in the gym, so we had to walk down the hallway to go see her. He was terrified (which he should've been, I was fuming)

She informed me that he was hitting a boy in gym class (playing, he's not malicious at all) and got sent back to his room. She proceeded to tell Owen how he was too smart to be acting out in class the way he has been.

This is how his week went:
(punishment chart- move your name each time you're in trouble, first it's a warning, then 5 min time out, 10 min time out, 15 min time out and letter home, 20 min time out and trip to the principle's office)

Monday: Good day! No name moving
Tuesday: Moved name 3 times- talking out, not listening, and not doing work
Wednesday: Moved name 3 times- talking out in hallway, not doing work, and misbehaved in swim class (misbehaving in swim class results in standing on the wall at recess for the rest of the week)
Thursday: Moved name 1 time- talking out
Friday: Got sent back to class from gym class

Mrs.Teacher and I decided to do daily behavior charts instead of weekly, hoping to curb this behavior.

She also told Owen if he moved his name this week he wasn't going to participate in the school's Halloween parade.

That boy was petrified of me. In good reason too. I was beyond embarrassed! I was practically in tears when we left.

We got back to the house (MIL was there to watch them, so I could go to work) and he got sent straight to his room. He got spanked (*gasp* yes I spank), he's to not get out of bed until 4:30. No calling for grandma, nothing. He gets up, and NO toys, NO t.v., he's aloud to color- and that's it. (I think MIL was a bit scared of me at this point)

And through all this punishment, the only response (other than crying, of course) was to know if he could go trick-or-treating.

Nope.

Yes, I said it. I took away his trick-or-treating. He knew he messed up big.

If he has a good week, then we can go trick-or-treating in my hometown on Friday night.

So far, he had a good day yesterday.

We honestly don't think he's ADHD, trust me, I've seen that.

I just pray that Carl and I work hard together on him to straighten up. He's 6, I wish he could be a kid a bit longer. He's such a loving, energetic, caring boy. I don't want to crush his spirit. But it's not looking that way. He just loves to play, but he needs to learn to listen and respect. I'd hate to see him held back, and that would be awful. He'd be worse if that happened. He's at the top of his class academically, but not in the maturity area.

Oy. This will be me, soon, I'm sure.

Houston, We Have a Big Boy Bed!

2008-10-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

Well we've had the big boy bed set up for 2 months, but we're starting the switch!

My lovely hubby didn't take down the crib because he wanted to do an easy transition. *snort* NOTHING'S easy with this little gremlin!

Carl decided to put him in his big boy last night without checking to see if the mattress pad was on, if the sheets were washed (they were brand new), or to cut his juice habit off at an earlier time. None of the above were done. *eyeroll*

He was trying, I can't complain too much with him trying!

Fast forward to this morning. I took the older gremlin to school, and the 2 yr old gremlin and I went to the laundrymat to wash all of the comforters.

*taking a 2yr old to a laundrymat- not a smart idea, but surprising he was very good!

Then we came home, made up all the beds, and then I took down the crib.

After lunch came nap time. *gasp* Duh-du-dunnnnnn.

(overlook the holy blind and green shag carpet, that's to be updated later!)

Nap time went fine. He layed in bed for about 30minutes just looking around, then finally fell asleep!

We'll see how tonight goes!

MHR #10

2008-10-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

We've made it to #10 post about how My Husband Rocks!

He cleans the cars.

Helps with the laundry when it needs to be done.

Does dishes, when they need to be done.

Helps Owen with his homework when I'm at work.

Helps keep Cole from climbing the ceiling.

He still tries to keep me sane. As hard as our marriage can be, he still tries.

That's all I could really ever ask for.

*************************************************************************************

Just a friendly reminder to go on over to visit Lex for her giveaway!! She's also doing auctions of her awesome jewelry for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Wave of Light

2008-10-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

I cannot even begin to fathom the pain of the loss of a child.

Every family that has been through this tragedy will be in my prayers.

Oh, How I Love My Secrets in the Sauce....

2008-10-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

The wonderful ladies are at it again! Now we're having a Blogathon!! WOO-HOO! I honestly can say that I've 'met' some awesome women over there, and the bloggy love is amazing!! One of my best friends, Stacy, brought this wonderful site to my attention. (Thanks, Stacy, like I needed another addiction. Oh, and Carl thanks you oh-so-much!)

The site is dedicated to sharing blog love, and getting new (and old) blogs some attention! Now who doesn't LOVE some attention? (now this attention-loving-whore is all for it!!)

My first ever blog added to my blog roll was Jaci (pronounce Jack-e, get it right or she'll throw down!) over at Ravings of a Mad Housewife. I thought the name of her blog was interesting, and the rest was history!

Now Jaci ended up getting a blog-makeover from Lex at The Life and Crimes of a Mom. Lex's site is Indelible Creations where she does blog layouts and gorgeous jewelry.

I found the next hysterical woman at SITS. Melissa over at Stretch Marks is as real as they get. She has an awesome outlook on life, and a sarcastic sense of humor to go with it! (my kind of woman!)

Mama Kat always has something going on over in her neck of the woods! Mama's Losin' It shows us how to cook with the kids, write some crazy stuff, and she's got a great sense of humor! I'm sure she's getting all kinds of acknowledgement with this blogathon!

Now, last but not least, is Amanda. She has a split personality. No, really, she does! She's a nice mommy over at My Kids Might Be Martians, and a REAL mommy over at Mama's Other Side. She's a freaking riot! (just a heads up- she does have a potty-mouth on Mama's Other Side!)

Those are some amazing women that I love to read that I've found on SITS. I can't wait to see who I get to meet through this blogathon!!

He rocks #9

2008-10-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

It's that time again!! I'm going shake things up a bit today! I was visiting one of my favorite blogs the other day when she did this fun way to describe the one you love. Maternal Mirth did this for her daughter. I figured I'd do this for the hubby!

Here goes!

This is what he's been learning. He's currently 1-0.

This is how he'd like to think our family is...

But this is how our family REALLY is...

He refers to my youngest as Stewie...

He refers to my oldest as Squirrel Nuts (only in our home..and please don't ask me why, I still haven't received a complete answer!)...

Even with the obscene names he calls the boys, he's still...

He makes an honest effort to love me.

We've had our ups and downs...

But at the end of the day...

Fun Giveaway!!

2008-10-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

You may wonder who did this wonderful blog layout for me? Well the miracle worker's name is Lex! She did such a amazing job, and was so much fun to work with! She's doing an awesome giveaway- a custom blog redesign!

Since she's already worked her magic on my blog, I plan on Paying It Forward to a friend if I win! (oh, I'm so not telling who I have in mind!!)

Pay Lex a visit and tell her I said Hi!
Oh, and you need to visit Candid Carrie. She's helping Lex out by shamelessly advertising! (love you ladies!!)

He Rocks #8

2008-10-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

It's another friday!!

Here's why I think my husband rocks.

The other night (2am-ish) the stupid smoke alarm kept chirping. Not a very pleasant sound. I realized that the batteries must have gone out.

So I'm awake. I asked Carl to get up and take the battery out so it wouldn't wake the boys (and so I could sleep!).

At first he said no, and rolled back over. Nice.

Just a reminder, I'm 5'3" (on a good day). There's no way I could find a step stool tall enough for my short behind to get up there! And I wasn't dragging a kitchen chair all the way up to the second floor!!

Then my loving husband out of the kindness of his heart (and the sharpness of my elbow) decided to take the battery out. It's nice to know that I could wake him to do something for me in the middle of the night, and to have him still love me!

I'm Baaaack!

2008-09-28T18:39:00.001-07:00

We got back last night about 10pm-ish. (that's ohio time)

Oy. It was one heck of trip!!

The trip down (Nags Head, North Carolina) took 13 hours, because of all the stops due to these two!

Now Owen wasn't really sure what to think of the ocean, and cole wanted nothing to do with it. He was happy throwing his sand toys everywhere.

The weather was INSANE! We got there on a saturday and until thursday it was hurricane winds. Cole wasn't having the beach at all. So we played inside for awhile. (yes, the house had arcade games that we could barely peel the kids away from!)

Now on one of our nights of drinking, (yes, the kids were sleeping, geez) we went crabbin'. (like clubbin' but crabbin', ha. nevermind) This man here, aka my hubby, was the main source of our entertainment. He loved to chase him some crabs.

Then we hit up an aquarium. (don't mind the glare, the sharks were getting out of hand- had to keep them in line) And threw in a lighthouse.

Here's the gremlins. Yes, I admit, they're beyond weird.

Oh, and that crazy weather? Here's some pictures of that and some dumbass who drove his truck on the sand up in Hilton and got smacked by a wave. That's when he said 'Buh-bye truck' cuz it was gone, it ended up done in Kitty Hawk.

Found out that my son is an entrepreneur.

One more evening of fun drunkeness. (we went with my good friend Stacy and her crazy hubby)

We had ONE beautiful day, on friday, for the beach. (oh, buddy, I got crispied)

And the trip home was just as long. 12 hours back to Ohio with 5 Disney movies.(thank you brother-in-law for letting us borrow the portable dvd player!!)

Vacation is awesome, but it's good to be home!!

(for some reason my spell check is not working, please be nice if I butchered a few (dozen) words! Thanks!)

I Know You're Going to Miss Me!!

2008-09-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well, my lovely bloggy world. I'm going to be leaving you.

Not forever, please don't cry. Only for a week.

Yes, a whole week.

No, I don't know what you're going to do without me, but I'm sure you'll be alright.

I'm sorry, you can't go with me. I'm afraid my husband won't like the idea.

No, he still doesn't know about you.

Shhh, it's alright. Yes, I do love you.

I'll be back before you know it.

This will be our first family vacation!! It's sad, but Carl and I have been together for 7 years and this is OUR first ever vacation together, also! Thank goodness, because if I don't get out of here it may get ugly REALLY fast!!

*Note to self, when kids pass out, bust out the alcohol. Any kind. Just.get.me.a.drink.now.

I will see you all soon! (not too soon, no offense!)

Please Be Gentle

2008-09-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

Please be gentle.

You tend to pull on the strings.

The strings that are connected to my heart.

Sometimes you hold them gently,

Sometimes you yank, pull, and even tear them.

Why? I gave you them to hold dearly, as a prize possession.

How can you just be so careless with them?

I know you're here with me, for us.

Please, be gentle.

I don't know if I can hear that anymore.

Why do you blame me when they're not perfect?

I thought we were a team. Oh, but when you need us to be. Not when I do.

You say these things in front of them. You honestly wonder why they don't listen to me?

That's why. When you talk to me the way you do. The nasty things you say.

Right in front of them.

Do you want them to think that of me?

Quit pulling them the way you do.

They're becoming thin, ragged, and tattered.

I pray they'll heal, but I'm not sure.

You keep pulling them the way you do, they're going to tear.

You're going to tear all of them, and then you won't have my heart.

Please be gentle.

He rocks #7

2008-09-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

It's that time again!!

I work nights, so Carl has the boys when he gets off work. He feeds them (can't be picky about what!), bathes them, and makes sure that Owen has his homework done. If he didn't help like he does, this house/family/kids would sink faster than the Titanic! It's awesome that he's put up with me now for 7 years! 7 YEARS. Wow, that's a very long time in my book!!

2001

2008-09-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

I met my husband, Carl, on September 9th, 2001. I knew there was something very real there. I remember going to school on the following Tuesday. I was in my psych class, when I notice people in the observation room (all glass windows) were watching t.v. I thought they were watching a movie. I saw a plane crash into a tall building.

Class ended. There were two girls I chatted with while we waited for the next class to start. I remember being outside on a patio area, when kids just started leaving. That's when we found out about the Twin Towers.

Carl lived closer to the school than my parents house. I drove over there with my heart about to fly out of my chest. He was up watching the news. We sat there in silence, holding hands, and I cried and prayed for the families, friends, and everyone that was helping.

That day will be forever etched in my memory, and my heart.

I remember sitting on the couch, with Owen who was 2 months old, watching the one year anniversary of 9/11. I was sobbing. It was heart wrenching to see the family members, friends, and complete strangers gather together in remembrance.

Fast forward to 2003. Carl proposes to me. We decided to be married on September 11, 2004. Our dating 'anniversary' was September 9th. The 11th happen to be the Saturday closest to our date. We decided not to let some terrorists take our day away. We wanted that day to have a positive remembrance.

Carl and I are celebrating our fourth wedding anniversary today. God bless the families and friends who have lost in the tragedy. God bless our friends and families who witnessed us on our very special day four years ago.

I'm too young for this...

2008-09-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Conversation between Owen and I after I pick him up from school (last week)

O: Can I have Haley *lastnamehere* over to play tonight?

Me: Not tonight, mommy has to work.

O: I want her to come over.

Me: I don't know Haley's mommy and daddy. Maybe after I meet them, and talk to them, maybe we can meet at the park or something.

O: I know her. Haley *lastnamehere* (like knowing her last name means anything *eye roll*

O: 'Bye Haley!' yelling over to the swings

Me: Oh, that's Haley! She looks like a nice girl.

O: She my girlfriend.

Me: Girlfriend?

Haley: 'Bye Owen! I love you!"

Me: (WTF?!)

O: Mommy, why did she say that?

Me: I think she was just playing (not knowing what to say)

O: She's my girlfriend and I'm her boyfriend.

* now I'm sure what you mothers of boys would say to this. I was thrown for a freaking loop here. WTF?! I have to explain why he can't have a girlfriend???

Me: Now what would you do if she kissed you?! EW!! Girls have different germs than boys, and you don't want those germs

(gimme a break, it was the first thing that came to mind)

O: Ew.

Me: You can be friends with girls, but you don't want a girlfriend until you're WAY older!

O: Okay, mommy.

If I see this:

I may turn into this:

*think I just developed a few dozen more grey hairs and need a drink NOW.

My cherry has been popped!

2008-09-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've won my first award!

I thank you, I thank you (bowing to the row of trucks my little gremlin has placed on the kitchen floor).

I guess I need to thank the hysterical lady that has awarded me this wonderful acheivement.
Sissy? Sissy? Ah, well, she's drunk again, talking to the plant. Well thanks Sissy! (we'll have to sober her up when we're done here!)

Alright, now for the next round of nominations! Here are some lovely ladies who I think are definite brainy material!! (These are some really awesome ladies! #1 and #2are very good friends of mine, and #3-#5 are awesome reads!! )

1.The Red Headed Momma
2.Mommy Nat
3.Momma's Losing It
4.AppleJoos
5.Ravings of a Mad Housewife

Mommy Brain Reports is on the lookout for some Brainy Sites! Do you know of any? Perhaps they have some really interesting ideas, super cool content, or they have some incredible posts that make you really think… Maybe they are your inspiration, or they have helped you out in your quest to be an awesome blogger yourself. Are they someone you can turn to at a moment’s notice for help or advice? Maybe they’re just someone who has encouraged you to be.. well.. You! In any case, you have to know someone who you would deem a Brainy Blogger! You should let them know how you feel!!! THANK THEM FOR BEING BRAINY!

1. Think of at least 5 bloggers that you believe to be “Brainy Bloggers”

2. Post it on your blog for all to see! Let them know you’ve awarded them by email, twitter, or via a comment on their blog!

3. Share some linky love and link back to both the person who awarded you and back to http://www.mommybrainreports.com

4. Come back to the Brainy Blog Headquarters to sign our Mr. Linky and then pass it on!

5.Grab the code from HQ - use it in your post, and/or add it to your sidebar! Don’t forget to link up the person who nominated you for the Brainy Blogger Award!

Bulk Order of Xanax Please

2008-09-06T08:36:00.001-07:00

I'm seriously going to pull my f*#@$ing hair out.

Trying to get Owen to go to school yesterday was horrid. He screamed and cried for 45 minutes telling us that he didn't want to go to school. I straight told him, you don't go to school you get to sit on your bed ALL DAY with no toys or t.v.

I finally got it out of him (10 minutes) before we had to leave, that he didn't like the projects they were doing. He wouldn't tell me what kind, because of course he couldn't remember. He said they were too hard. I told him it was alright to raise his hand and ask his teacher for help. He told me that she said it was for him to do all by himself. Then do it as best as you can.

Today, we have flag football practice. He was so excited to sign up, and all that stuff. He was sobbing AGAIN because he didn't want to go. The past 45 minutes was f*%#ing torture to all of us. I told him you wanted to sign up and play, so you're going to do it. We do not quit, you finish out the season. 'mommy, i already know how to play!'

Are you kidding me?

I tried to explain that it's awesome to learn something new each day/practice, because that how you become great at something. I even tried to explain how the Browns (kid loves him some Browns football) have to practice so they can learn new plays and become better.

Didn't work.

I'm stuck. This is not my kid.

I don't who stole mine and replaced him with this demon child, but I want my Owen back.

Words of wisdom, anyone?

He rocks #6

2008-09-05T13:20:00.003-07:00

It's that time again!! This time it's just for being nice. We had my sister's 21st birthday over labor day weekend. He knew he was going to have to drive, and I was worried about that. He sometimes gets pissy about not drinking when around drunk people. He did awesome!! He was fun, and wasn't crabby at all!! Gotta love him for making it fun for everyone!!

My kid's a freaking magician.

2008-09-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Cole has to be a freaking magician. Has to be. I had just changed his diaper before we left to go to target. We get there, walked around a bit.

Then he starts saying 'Wet, Wet!'. alright. He was holding his leg b/c it was wet. My first thought was his sippy cup. (ALL his freaking sippy cups leak)

Nope. Not the cup.

The whole back of his shorts were soaking wet. He had completely filled his diaper in a matter of 30 minutes and it was over flowing.

Went to the bathroom, changed him, went out to look for a new pair of shorts. See I had planned on going to the park where Owen was having his football practice.

Yeah, had to go home (target didn't have ANY boy shorts AT ALL), get a new pair of shorts to go to the park.

I swear. I looked that white-trash mom with the kids with no pants on.

HOLY COW!

2008-09-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

The lovely ladies over at The Secret is in the Sauce are giving away a Cricut Expressions!!!

*shaking like going through crack withdrawl* I MUST HAVE IT!!

I saw a demenstration of said item at a Joann Fabrics a couple months ago, and couldn't stop drooling. Seriously. It was pretty gross.

My mom had to peel me away from it, think she thought I was scaring the lady.

Go to the site, 'roll call' (comment) each day for a entry, or you can post this on your blog for extra entries!!

Oh, how I hope to win!!!

Second Hand Breakfast...

2008-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

*Sigh*

My loving husband will make breakfast in the morning, sometimes.

When he makes this said breakfast, it's pretty much buffet style.

Except on one plate. *sigh*

He'll make 6 eggs, 3 pieces of toast, and it's basically a free-for-all.

Now, I'm usually in the shower for this. By the time I get out, it's a 'Oh, honey, breakfast is getting cold!'

On this one particular morning, I came downstairs, and saw the plate sitting there.

The boys (including the grown one) had already had their pick of the eggs and toast.

(I honestly don't know why he doesn't use separate plates, think it might be a lack of coffee that clouds the judgement..)

I take the rest to the computer desk, and eye my scrumptious breakfast.

It's still hot, thank goodness, or it'd be really gross. I go to pick up a piece of toast, and that's when I notice it.

All the pieces (3 half pieces) have little bites taken out of them. Apparently, Cole couldn't decide which one he liked best.

Not even two seconds after I notice the little gremlin bites out of the toast, the culprit comes running up to me.

'Toast! Toast!' my gremlin screams. Making his final decision, runs off to see what's new with the Mickey Mouse Club House.

*Sigh* I'm so used to the pure craziness in my house, I just continued to eat my second hand breakfast.

One of My Favorite Things....

2008-08-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love me some rock 'n' roll. So happens that my sister and I were not able to go to see Linkin Park in Projekt Revolution.

:be still my heart: We were devestated.

Even more devestated to find out that one of my regulars' daughter sat on two tickets. The hooker didn't go. Next time I see her....

Ok. Ok. I'm alright. We were able to see them the last two times they toured. They are fantastic in concert.

We WILL be going the next time. No.if.ands.or.buts.

My sister is basically obsessed. I think she secretly believes that she'll marry Chester Bennington (lead singer).

Hell. He is pretty darn hot!
Here's my one of my favorite songs. Enjoy!

Punish me...

2008-08-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

For I have been a bad, bad, blogger. It's been a very busy week, getting Owen ready for school, work, house..you know, the normal routine!

Awhile back I was reading one of my favorite blogs ( Ravings of a Mad Housewife )and she was going to get a blog makeover! The lovely Lexi at Indelible Creations was doing a giveaway, blog makeovers for a heck of a deal!! I got in on that really quick!!

Lexi was awesome to work with and we got it all done in just a few days!

I :heart: my new blog! I feel like a new blogger! (yeah, yeah, I'm cheesy, I know)

Tell Lexi I said 'Hi!' when you stop by to check out her goodies!!

I

2008-08-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

I AM ...a very emotional person

I WANT... to have 10 kids. Of course my sanity and financial stability have hindered that.

I HAVE ... awesome family and friends who I don't think I could live without.

I WISH I COULD ... Keep my kids safe and innocent forever.

I HATE ... that I turn red faced and cry at everything. When I get mad, sad, frustrated, embarrassed.

I FEAR ... that I won't raise my kids right.

I HEAR ... people think that I need to do more for myself.

I SEARCH ... for patience and peace.

I DON'T THINK ... I'd ever love anyone more than I love my husband and boys.

I REGRET ... nothing.

I LOVE ... my family, friends, softball, and chocolate.

I ACHE FOR ... something. I haven't found it yet.

I ALWAYS CRY ... at weddings, graduations, when I'm tired, mad, angry, upset, embarrassed. I always cry.

I AM NOT ... a mean person.

I DANCE ... whenever I get the chance.

I SING ... when I'm by myself.

I NEVER ... wash our cars.

I RARELY ...scrapbook. I love it, but don't have anywhere to do it!

I CRY WHEN I WATCH ... The Notebook. Every.single.time.

I AM NOT ALWAYS ... an emotional wreck.

I HATE THAT ...I'm so hard on myself. I'm not good enough- for me.

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT ... if I should go back to school. I don't know how I feel about spending that kind of money on myself.

I NEED ... to be told that I'm beautiful. Every woman does. But we don't nearly hear it enough.

I SHOULD ... be taking care of myself better than I do.

I stole this from one of my favorite blogs! Melissa over at Stretch Marks is an awesomely funny woman! She also writes some truely beautiful stuff.

My Husband Rocks #5

2008-08-15T06:14:00.000-07:00

It was too funny when I got home from work last night. Carl was sitting on the computer downloading music. Just wasn't his normal rap, it was the nostalgic R&B. He looked at me grinning, saying that he had missed me and was thinking about me all night. He's too funny sometimes. I can tell he's really grateful for us.

I do love him, and am very thankful for him.

Dear Mrs. Know-It-All

2008-08-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let you know that I'm truly disappointed on how you handled yourself the other evening. You had asked how old my son was, and I replied his age (just turned 6). You proceeded with asking what grade he was entering, and I replied his grade (first). Mrs. Know-It-All, you then decided to degrade my decision on sending MY child into his schooling on the younger side.

My son's birthday happens to fall in the end of July. My husband and I have both struggled with what time to put him in school. WE do not need YOU to tell us when we should have sent him in. WE both decided to put him in on the early side because he was ahead of his preschool class. We voiced our concerns with his kindergarten teacher, and she worked with us all year. Just because you held your kids back, does not mean that your way was the right way. There is going to be an age difference with all the kids in every grade. I really can't believe that you heatedly told me that I was wrong to put him early, because he would take attention away from kids who actually are old enough(and deserve)to be there. Seriously?

Then you think that sending him early will have the result of having him put on medicine for ADHD?! I believe that's backwards. His kindergarten teacher told us that she can not hold him back academically. If we were to hold him back, then he'd be bored. Which would result with him getting himself into trouble, and considered for the ADHD label. I honestly can't believe that you had the audacity to tell me that I was wrong.

Yes, you are completely entitled to your opinion. Just not when it comes to MY child. I believe I was the one to give birth and raise him, was I not?

Rot in Hell,
Karol

(the ladies over at The Secrets in the Sauce are having a Mr.linky party! Stop by and show some serious loving!)

Tag!

2008-08-08T09:42:00.001-07:00

Thank you Kirstie for playing a lovey game of Tag! This is my first one, so be gentle. I'm sure you're all waiting anxiously for my random information..well hold your horses!

Rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Write 6 random things about yourself
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them
5. Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.

Random things:

1.I'm obsessed with fast food. (no wonder i can't get motivated to lose this baby weight)

2. I rent movies every tuesday.

3.I HATE putting laundry away. I'll wash, dry, and fold. Screw the putting away part.

4. I make a REALLY good chocolate martini

5. I lick the salt/flavoring off of potato chips before I eat them. (yeah, yeah, I know, I'm gross.)

6. I still sleep with a body pillow in my bed. It's my boyfriend. Don't ask Carl about it, it's a touchy subject.

People that I'm going to subject to this merriment. This is just something goofy to lighten your day! Have fun!

Mollie
Natalie
Stacy
KristinH
Kristin
Anne

MHR #4

2008-08-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

Random pictures of the hubby and kids

I do love him. Right now, it's hard.

Good laugh

2008-08-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

TV Reviews

I about laughed when I saw this another's. Not sure how to post her site, but it was a good time!

I'm just tickled that I'm not elementary level!

(please, no offense to anyone how gets the elementary level)

Short post, have fun figuring out what you are!!

Friday #3

2008-08-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Today it's well needed. Sometimes it's hard to find something to praise about your husband. Especially if it's been a rough day. It's needed and it also helps remind you why you love him, and to be thankful.

That being said. Here's my third session of My Husband Rocks.

Carl is such an awesome dad. We have two wonderful little guys (six and two) who give us a run for our money.

I think Carl's favorite time with the boys is on weekend mornings. We take turns getting up with them, but since I work evenings when Carl gets up I go back for a nap.

It's cool to wake up and they're playing games, reading books, or my favorite is when Owen tells me they went for a bike ride. Carl will just load Cole up on his bike and Owen on his own, and they'll ride up to the convenience shop right up the road.

It's just so cool to watch him be the father he never had. He's an amazing father, as well as my husband.

So I lived through it...

2008-07-30T06:10:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm still alive. Barely.

I got them both to nap after Owen's football camp. I would've napped also, but I was screwing around on the computer (insert big eye roll here).

Woke them up, took them to the sitter, and I was on my way to work. So excited to go to work, can't you tell?

The sitter calls me to see if Cole has had diarrhea. He was a little runny yesterday, but not too bad. Think the gremlin's getting more teeth. Fabulous.

Anyways, Owen had told her that Cole was stinky. It was EVERYWHERE. Down his legs, up his back, in his shoes, and all over his clothes. The kid was so upset!

She called me, with Cole screaming in the background, to let me know what had happened. He didn't have any extra clothes (bad mommy, I know) so he was in his diaper.

Hearing my kid screaming in the background was not helping my day any. I told her that if he didn't calm down soon, to call and I'd come get him.

He did calm down. Thank goodness.

I didn't get home from work until 11pm. Passed out in bed, and here I am. I seem to have a bit more patience today (the gremlins are grateful, I'm sure).

We're going over to Owen's buddy's house for lunch and some play time. Then it's nap time and I WILL NOT be screwing around on the computer this time! :)

Hope everyone has a wonderful day in Bloggy World!

I don't think I can do it today

2008-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

*I try not to complain too much, so I apologize in advance.
Ugh. Yesterday was SO rough.

Owen didn't listen to me once, talked back BAD all day, threw fits, and acted like a complete brat. (sorry Stacy about him hitting Aiden) Then Cole was just plain screaming all day. He screams to be funny, loud, mad, angry, sad, everything. He can talk, but he loves to scream. He threw fits all day yesterday too.

This morning, I'm already done. Cole has been pissy, cranky, and screaming since 6:15 this a.m. I think he's getting his 2 year molars. He's being medicated.

I need to be medicated. Seriously.

The only upside to today is Owen has a little football day camp today 10am to 1pm. And I have to hit up Sam's club with the screaming banshee.

Ugh.

Then I get to go into my personal hell called work.

I don't know how I'm going to make it through today.

I really don't.

Oh, dear husband....

2008-07-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Oh, dear husband,

I think I may have to hurt you. Check this out. Saturday after Owen's party we went home to nap. The boys went right down, and I was on my way (don't be giving me crap for napping, I love my naps, especially when I have to work!!).
Carl tells me that he's going down to the new tattoo place that opened up in town. Just to check prices for the pieces we would like, and to see if there was anyone he liked there.

I go to bed (with a migraine after all the fun six-year-old fun).

I get woken up (still with the migraine) by Carl.

Carl: Well, your tattoo will be about $60-$100. Mine was about $100, and didn't take too long.

Hmm. I'm still half asleep trying to process what he's telling me. He tries to sneak out the door.

Me: Um, didn't take too long? Get your ass back in here.

Carl: What? (with a shit-eating grin on his face of course)

Me: Take off your shirt.

Carl: Alright!

Me: No. Take it off.

He proceeds to take off his shirt, and I see two large bandages on both of his sides.

Me: Are you kidding me?! We were supposed to get these done together!! I can't believe you did that!!

Carl: (stuttering at this point) Well, they were able to fit me in, you and the boys were sleeping. I thought it'd be okay.

Me: Whatever.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's really not that big of a deal. Except for the fact we were supposed to go together! I'm more jealous than mad! He's got 5 and I have 1.

So I'm going to get my nose pierced and my tattoo next week. Hmmph.
He got the boys' initials.

Mouthy Monster turns 6!

2008-07-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

My mouthy monster (aka Owen) turned 6 on friday. I can't believe my baby is 6. I love him very dearly, but lately I don't like him very much. This is a very trying time at the moment. He talks back to everything, doesn't listen, and throws fits. It's like he's going through his terrible two's again. Enough complaining.

We had a birthday dinner at my mom's last sunday for Owen. He definitely got some cool toys!
His big Optimus Prime that we've been looking for, for the past two years!

He got a new bike, that we were blessed with by an old family friend!

Then we had an awesome party at Putt-N-Stuff on saturday.
my little monkey Cole trying to escape...did not succeed...we will be picking him back up tomorrow..

Owen and his buddy Dylan

Owen trying to escape also...he'll be picked up next week...

Owen, his buddy Dylan and Jack, completely beating the snot out of each other....no broken bones or blood so we're good

All in all, they had a great time. The kid made out like a bandit of course! Now on to first grade!

I'm saucy!

2008-07-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

The lovely ladies at The Secrets in the Sauce have declared me to have a 'Saucy Blog'!

That's pretty freaking awesome in my book! Guess that means I have to stop slacking and get some more good stuff going!

How about some help from my fellow SITS ladies (and gentlemen if you're stopping by!), anything anyone would like to know? I'm game for anything!

*Bring it on SITS* (heading now to put my fightin' gear on)

It's Friday!

2008-07-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

My husband has so much energy, it's hard to believe it. He's such a worker, it's awesome. I work full time (bartending/serving) at nights and he does insurance in the day. We only need a sitter 2 days a week for 2 hours. It works for us.

I don't have any energy at all. I'm home with the boys during the day and I work at night, getting home about midnight. Then it starts all over. I get the main essentials done around here, dishes, laundry, vacuuming (can't spell either), and dusting. He does whatever I don't get done! Yesterday he took a half day and came home with tiles, and stuff for the bathroom.

Our bathroom is hideous. Everything is pink. The toilet, sink, tub, carpet, and the wallpaper is pink floral. Klassy, I know.

So he pulled up the carpet last night and started putting tile down! (the adhesive kind for now)
He's so awesome at starting things. I love him for being as helpful and wonderful as he is.

The Dreaded Question

2008-07-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Another random converstation with Owen.
(driving in the car)

Owen: 'Mom. I have a serious question to ask you.'

Me: 'Um, ok.....'

:Now I'm thinking. Crap. What did we leave out? Oh, no. Is he finally going to ask why daddy was in the shower with mommy? (which by the way, was to save on water, you perverts)

Now I'm waiting for the question, cringing.

Owen: 'Do frogs have ears?'

Me: 'WHAT?' (thank you for not asking anything that I DID NOT want to explain!)

Owen: 'Do frogs have ears?'

Me: 'That's a very good question! I'm not sure. We'll ask daddy, or look for it on the computer.'

Owen: 'Okay.'

I'm now SO relieved. I did look it up and they have inner eardrums.

So, yes. Frogs do have ears. Just so you know.

Dead Animal

2008-07-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

From the mouths of babes, as they say.

(Leaving the grocery store)
Owen: (scrunching face) "Mommy! I think Cole pooped!"

Me: (rolling eyes) "Fabulous."(Looking at Cole) "You couldn't wait until we got home?!"

(Get to car, unload, and proceed to do a diaper check)

Me: "Cole...did you poop?"

Cole: "Nooooooo...."

Me: (peeking down the back of his diaper, seeing nothing) "Owen. He didn't poop."

Owen: "Well he must have had a stinky fart! It smelled like something crawled up his butt and died!"

Me: (head down, laughing, tears rolling down the face) "Owen!"

Owen starts repeating what he said.

Me: "Owen! I know mommy's laughing, but we don't say that!"

Owen: "Why? You're laughing!"

Me: "I know. It was funny at first, but we don't say things like that. It's bad manners."

Owen: "Oh, okay."

*Note to self: talk to husband about what he says around the boys. God knows what else will be said!

My Husband Rocks

2008-07-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

I'm now taking part of "My husband rocks" fridays!

I was having a very rough couple days, (complete with pity parties and everything)and this is what he responded to my craziness:

First off I love you. I think we are made for each other. We have a great family. I don't think your nuts I think you have so much to do it is very hard not to be stressed out. With having 2 kids with you at all times and working as much as you do I would feel crazy to. As for getting in shape I feel you can do it. We need to start small and go from there. You are beautiful and we need to start doing the little things alot more. We have so much going on it is hard to do that but I will try my best. We can do any thing together if we try. I cant wait to see what we do in the next 50 years. If you haven't killed me first. So I think we just need to start something together no mater what it is, lets just do it. I think we can take some of this money and go to the beach with are friends we need a VACATION, so lets make it work. I love you very much. Oh, by the way I didn't chose you, it was meant to be.

This is why I love him. He keeps me sane. He's such a wonderful man, husband, and father.

Busted!

2008-07-18T05:05:00.000-07:00

Picture this. Your youngest is caged in the playpen and the older is being entertained by the babysitter (pick a movie of your choice...I know we're bad parents).

You need a shower.

Your husband needs a shower.

What are you to do?

If you were to each have a separate shower, you'd just be wasting so much more water than if you combine the shower time......get where I'm going with this?

Honestly, it was an attempt to save water. (girl scouts promise)

Now, here's some entertaining dialogue:

Owen: (slams into the bathroom) "Daddy!!! Where are you??" (he freezes)

Carl: (looks at me) "I'm in the shower.."

Owen: (drawn out) "Where's moooommmmy?"

Me: (trying not to laugh) "I'm in the shower..."

Owen: (for some reason, in utter shock) "You're both in the SHOWER?!?!"

Carl: (about to fall over laughing) "We're trying to save on water, Owen."

Owen: (exits with a slam of the door)

Carl and I: (laughing our asses of!!) "Did that really happen?!"

He's FIVE (about to be six)!! Why would that be weird to him?! He doesn't know anything about that stuff!!

We are locking all doors from now on. Especially during 'mommy-daddy' time!

I know I'm not the only one with these kind of stories! Make me feel better and let me know yours!

He's alive and well!

2008-07-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, my husband is alive and well.

I, on the other hand, barely made it through!

We got up there early, my friend Trisha rode with me. My sister, her love muffin, and a bunch of Carl's friends met us up there. Thank God I had all them there, because I would have passed out, thrown up, and lost it. Probably all at the same time, if that's at all possible.

We thought he was going to be the #10 fight out of 12. NOPE! He was #2! Which actually was better for me, so we didn't delay my heart attack.

After the first fight, I was in tears. I didn't want him to get hit like that guy did!! He got his ass whooped! And of course I had someone make a stupid comment to me.

"Aren't you afraid he's going to break something, or get really hurt?"
(this coming from a girl I met a whole 20 minutes ago)

"No, bitch. Didn't think that was going to happen at all. Aren't they going in to play 'ring around the rosie'?" Now, I really didn't say that. But it did put me into another set of tears! Stupid people...do we not stop and think before we talk? Didn't think so...

To continue on, it was amazing to see him walk out like he did! (yes, it was a turn on)

He didn't get any face shots, (thank you Jesus, I will be nice now.) he did get a few knees to the ribs and a leg kick. He took down the dude in the second round!!

HE WON!!! It was so awesome to see him accomplish this! He honestly is really good at what he does, and he's only going to get better!

I didn't throw up or pass out. Which was very surprising! I did cry a few times.

Now he's thinking about another fight at the end of august. Fabulous. Atleast my heart has time to heal!

This is my hot husband and I after the fight. You can see the relief on my face!!

GIVE ME ALCOHOL

2008-07-11T10:07:00.001-07:00

I'M A LITTLE STRESSED.
Woops. I'll stop with the all caps. Alright. Let me explain.

My dear and loving husband has been training for his first MMA (mixed martial arts, cage fighting) fight for about 4 months now. His fight is TONIGHT. *TONIGHT* Yup. I'm freaking.

He loves it. He found something that he has a passion for (other than me and the gremlins, of course). His instructor has the utmost confidence in him. Carl knows he's ready.

UM. HELLO?!?! Anyone ask me if I was ready? Well, I'm NOT!! I believe in him, but ugh. I don't know how I'm going to handle it!! I can handle seeing other people fight, but my husband?!?!

I'll say it again, GIVE ME ALCOHOL. Mom's going to have the boys, and my friend Trisha is going up with me. I'm SO having some shots right when I get up there! (it's by Quaker Steak & Lube- I guess they have a outside arena)

Oh, and top off my beautiful Friday, the boys had their yearly checkups today. You know what that means. SHOTS!!! Woo-hoo! Bring on the freeze pops!

*sorry, got excited when I wrote the word 'shots'. Not *those* kinds of shots. OK, let's continue.

Owen went first. Scheduled to get 2. Ha. We had to bring in another nurse to hold him down. You would've thought that they were stabbing him repeatedly with a dull knife. Beyond embarrassing. Completely mortifying experience.

Cole got his finger pricked for iron, and a shot. I handled him while the nurse took Owen out to get suckers.

If you ever need a form of birth control, come with me to the pediatrician. Holy Hell.

Dear Lord,
Please grant me patience with my children, and lots of alcohol for tonight.
Oh, and don't let my husband get too much of the shit beat out him.
Thank you,
Karol

The Gremlin has turned 2!

2008-07-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, folks I said it. *2* As in two years old and the terrible two's. The year that the devil himself comes forth and bestowes his evil ways upon such a cute little child.

Yes, I believe that my child has now become the spawn of satan himself. Sad, but true. You may see such a cute little blonde with blue eyes, but come into our home. Please. I'm inviting you to witness all that is un-holy.

The terrible banshee cries over ever.single.toy. Heaven forbid that his brother plays with something he was *thinking* about playing with. He will unleash his horrid raid for all toys.

'Try to reason with him', you say?

Ha. I laugh at that.

'Remove him from the situation', you say?

You truely make me giggle.

Time-outs? Taking toys away? Spanking *gasp*?

Yes, for I have tried them all. I pray for an exorcism very soon to have my little man back. Until then, I will have to bathe him in holy water and tie him to the crib (i really hope you know i'm joking. if not, good luck).

Here's some Gremlin birthday photos for you to enjoy and comment on how I must be crazy to call him 'spawn of satan'.

Check this out!

2008-07-06T17:48:00.001-07:00

This site is awesome!! DEFINTELY would love to have some extra $ to my bad addiction, Target!!

Fourth of July

2008-07-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

Well, we definitely had a 'booming' fourth of july. We really didn't go out on friday (lovely freaking work), but we went down to New Philadelphia on Saturday. Why does it always seem that we when have family functions, my DH turns into Dr.Jekyl and Mr.Hyde?! Must be his time of the month (yes, I'm a firm believer that men have PMS too).

N-e-hugh. We ended up going to mom's for dinner then drove down. We don't do the all-day events without naps. It could turn into a brutal massacre without naps. We got to ride the merry-go-round and the little airplanes. The boys had so much fun!

Then the fire works. They are freaking amazing! We had 35 long minutes of ooo's and ahh's. This was the first year Owen didn't need his trusty earmuffs (thank goodness). Cole did awesome. I really believe that he was so tired, he really didn't give a crap (as long as his ears were covered). At the end everyone was nice and exhausted and ready for bed (sooo including me!).

We didn't get home until midnight, so I was thinking 'awesome! they'll sleep in!'. Oh, buddy, was I wrong. Owen woke up at seven on the nose. Seriously? Seriously. Owen was whiney, and Cole was his normal wild self.

I hope that everyone had a happy and safe fourth of July!

Now some pictures for your viewing pleasure!

I swear, I'm crazy.

2008-06-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not just kooky-crazy, I really believe that I could be clinically diagnosed crazy. My head is so mish-mashed (made up word #2) it feels like potato soup.

I also believe that working full-time as a bartender (I get home between 11pm-12am, not REAL bar hours, thank God!) and being home with the boys all day is burning me out. I have NO patience for them at all! I feel awful, but they are too much right now!

Owen is really mouthy and doesn't know when to stop. I've tried everything. Time-outs, taking toys away, no t.v., taking privileges away, spanking (yes ladies and gentlemen, I do spank. I'm ready for the flames), and I'm tempted to start washing his mouth out with soap!! I'm at a loss with him and pray that we find something that works soon!

Cole is starting his wonderful era as a two-year old. Fan-flipping-tastic. He's such a cute little monster though, then he starts screaming like a banshee. Everything Owen has, he has to have. Even if we hand him an INDENTICAL toy, he has to have the one Owen has. UGH.

Don't get me wrong, I love my boys more than life. But I'm losing it. Seriously going bonkers. My poor husband. He doesn't know what to do with me!

So if any of you fellow bloggers out there have the miracle remedy to raising kids, working full-time, and keeping a woman from being admitted...let a sister in.

Think I'm off to drown my sorrows in a few (dozen, don't let me fool you) margaritas. Oh. Wait. I have to go to work tonight. Freaking Awesome.
Tootles says the crazy.

Introduction of a Super Hero

2008-06-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

:Cue super hero theme song:

For I am Mrs.Incredible. I have go-go gadget arms, super hearing, super sight, super-human strength, the ablility to clean a blow-out diaper in mere seconds, and that's just the beginning of my amazing-ness (yes, I tend to make words up, humor me and go along).

:now time to deflate ego:
Just for the record, I SO don't look like those supermodel super hero types at all! I'm a frazzled, sarcastic, caring person, mother, wife, friend, daughter, and friend.

Meet Mr.Incredible. He truely is an amazing man. I can honestly say that he trys
daily to keep me sane! He helps with the house and the boys as much (if not more) than I do! We both work full time and are raising two handsome boys, so we're just a tad busy! I guess I could name him some cute, lovey name for privacy reasons, but I don't really have any (any that I want to come out of the bedroom, that is). Mr.Incredible normally goes by Carl. We've been together almost seven years, married four in september. Through all the ups and downs, the past fews years have been awesome.

Now on to the rest of our family!

Super son #1. We'll call him Dash for the moment. (definitely likes to think he's the fastest) He'll be six in July. He just finished kindergarden with flying colors (well....almost...his attention span can only last so long...hmm...sounds like most guys I know). He's definitely a bright little guy. When I say little, I mean little. There won't be any Micheal Jordan height coming out of this family tree! Dash normally goes by Owen. He's a very good boy, except at the moment. He's tempting his fate with his mouth at the moment. I somtimes believe that he wants to meet Jesus early! We'll get through it, atleast I hope so.

Super son #2. We'll call him Jack-Jack. He will be two in July (that is if he makes it that far). I really thought that Dash was a handfull, ha, not so much. This child (if that's what you would prefer to call him) is beyond wild. He finds it funny to run in circles around the kitchen table, yelling. He's actually a very sweet and loving boy. We tend to call him Cole at times. Cole and Owen feed off one another and tend to become so loud that I'm sure Metallica fans would cringe.

I've done enough typing at the moment. I just put the boys down for a nap. Yes, I still make my five year old take a nap. Only when he's not listening and he needs one! I'm heading to sleepy land now myself. Had to work last night, and I'm exhausted.
Peace out homeslices.

Mrs. Incredible...or so they think

Just keep swimming....

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah....

Over a Year!

It's been waaay toooo long!!

Optimism

Dear Clueless Stupid Woman,

You Can Call Me Satan.

Look Ma'!

Slacker

Lil' Livingroom Parade

Wagie Rides and Paper Hearts

So, What Do You Think About Pink?

Pray for Tuesday

Award!!

I've Come Back, My Love....

Serious Snow

The Year of Change

Girly Giveaway!!

Oh, My New Love...

Excuse Me, It's My Uterus!

2009

MHR #13

MIA

Christmas

Mine! Mine! Mine!

Yay! I Won A Award!!

MHR #12 How we met

Merry SITSmas!!

HOLY FREAKING COW

I love getting mail!

MHR #11

Crock Pot Creation # 4

Stolen

Crock Pot Creation #3

I'm Done. I Quit.

Oh, the Nastiness!

Crock Pot Creation #2

Crock Pot Creation #1

Paramore's Decode from the Twilight Soundtrack

Me lovey this, long time!

Stuck in My Head

Mother of the Year

Houston, We Have a Big Boy Bed!

MHR #10

Wave of Light

Oh, How I Love My Secrets in the Sauce....

He rocks #9

Fun Giveaway!!

He Rocks #8

I'm Baaaack!

I Know You're Going to Miss Me!!

Please Be Gentle

He rocks #7

2001

I'm too young for this...

My cherry has been popped!

Bulk Order of Xanax Please

He rocks #6

My kid's a freaking magician.

HOLY COW!

Second Hand Breakfast...

One of My Favorite Things....

Punish me...

*I*

My Husband Rocks #5

Dear Mrs. Know-It-All

Tag!

MHR #4

Good laugh

Friday #3

So I lived through it...

I don't think I can do it today

Oh, dear husband....

Mouthy Monster turns 6!

I'm saucy!

It's Friday!

The Dreaded Question

Dead Animal

My Husband Rocks

I