tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78482064968469011932024-03-04T20:31:26.668-08:00Fairytales and MargaritasYup! That's me in a nutshell!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-83355751853737825832008-03-05T15:13:00.001-08:002008-03-05T15:13:51.449-08:00REMEMBERUpdate your reader, blogroll, linkies, please!<br /><br />Here's my new home: <a href="http://fairytalesandmargaritas.typepad.com/fairytales_and_margaritas/">http://fairytalesandmargaritas.typepad.com/fairytales_and_margaritas/</a>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-59942806688099159502008-02-12T13:44:00.000-08:002008-02-12T13:47:16.544-08:00Tell me what you think! I'm moving!So, here's a linky: <a href="http://fairytalesandmargaritas.typepad.com/fairytales_and_margaritas/">My New Blog</a><br /><br />Please update your bloglines or google reader and/or blogroll. I'm only going to post over there from now on. <br /><br />There was a learning curve, but I'm really liking it. I've got to upload more kid pics, but the bones are there.<br /><br />My blogroll is there, but on the About page. I put it on the main page, but it was too long and looked weird. <br /><br />Tell me what you think? What should I change? I'm working on a new header/banner, but that probably won't go up for a few days.<br /><br />Also, tell me if the Fit Friends logo is huge. On my computer, it is, but I resized and am hoping that my temp Internet files are just messing with me.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-62302714830807963502008-02-12T07:34:00.000-08:002008-02-12T09:26:29.090-08:00So, here's the scoopI'm switching to Typepad.<br /><br />Blogger is good, but I like the ability to create different pages for my blog and I like the formats of Typepad. And you can respond to your comments via e-mail (you can do that some on Blogger, but not if the person leaving the comment hasn't enabled it).<br /><br />For example, on my Typepad blog on the sidebar is says About Me. If you click it it brings up another page with my info. And you can store photo albums as separate pages, so each of my kids can have an album. Stuff like that.<br /><br />Plus, they have formats with 3 and 4 colums that I like.<br /><br />So, that's the scoop. It should be up and running soon. I'll just have to work on my header and other aesthetic things as we go!<br /><br />ETA: Here's <a href="http://fairytalesandmargaritas.typepad.com/fairytales_and_margaritas/">a link </a>if you want to check it out. Pardon the dust still floating about.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-91371074162190835572008-02-11T12:31:00.000-08:002008-02-11T12:32:10.164-08:00Don't worryFor awhile my blog may look weird. I'm actually moving to Typepad, so this blog may look weird for a bit. I'll give you a new link as soon as I'm done!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-52104141486295138812008-02-10T06:28:00.001-08:002008-12-09T09:14:21.625-08:00A Day at the Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kw86bMTr4cL1v_hwRkY6WWw-o6LCgk2o7IDoltm5zOW5x00E1RKgyiDqqUHPKR52KWU_vC04kjCaSqzwxtSthjzdrBYMnASJiJ09kRD9FBaTj-H24tjaSK1gg63uGsHr8gf0T11MBlo/s1600-h/P1030056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165371021929313986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kw86bMTr4cL1v_hwRkY6WWw-o6LCgk2o7IDoltm5zOW5x00E1RKgyiDqqUHPKR52KWU_vC04kjCaSqzwxtSthjzdrBYMnASJiJ09kRD9FBaTj-H24tjaSK1gg63uGsHr8gf0T11MBlo/s320/P1030056.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKAItI-hrEf4mjqSK_zXcjBYyoXJzJk8UTuakm1PL0KoeuTEmz-1vaZzhMJvLlx-5iIr8BlGdBMgzhhZ0zKf_5i91CvC8AM-IvSP79us6NHARl6xCOZ1kGW0Pz3hq0s5EXqrDMHMRVzE/s1600-h/P1030063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165371030519248594" style="DISPLAY: block; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oQ152r0KBQayZ6KcD7_V9i-vYSOLe9NI02V9t-kPPzhgCcDng9kUWA4qbrHspTubwGUjhroTQwpCBURurCdz7rOydAFRBuyzAkr-1NnFpSSZOxjXMzewlcH0gln_lLQ8IA4j_gPOHAY/s320/P1030066.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pFeEmVgx0VWBbD_RxLqZvxr0thtvwTUpJQ00jvxrely4PNWCWjwieyy8DF6Lhg3hxymWhX57VbT2VWc82trdb-iwHFOR4ymc8BCYjakZj7ESw1ev4dQ_TL8j93W4jUQNXyqg6Dw-11c/s1600-h/P1030076.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165371112123627266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pFeEmVgx0VWBbD_RxLqZvxr0thtvwTUpJQ00jvxrely4PNWCWjwieyy8DF6Lhg3hxymWhX57VbT2VWc82trdb-iwHFOR4ymc8BCYjakZj7ESw1ev4dQ_TL8j93W4jUQNXyqg6Dw-11c/s320/P1030076.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ecdp-xGGaDGT7XZlHImB2OfvMdp17LtabCwtmKGnRZaoJznKScILD3_wtoq0clHjWCRVO0wm3UG2THEJKQRKVhqu2FC509ap6u_wdBDaJVTSiyhgQ4u7BXE1oOWoPL71ltRCjCTipy0/s1600-h/P1030026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165367830768612978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ecdp-xGGaDGT7XZlHImB2OfvMdp17LtabCwtmKGnRZaoJznKScILD3_wtoq0clHjWCRVO0wm3UG2THEJKQRKVhqu2FC509ap6u_wdBDaJVTSiyhgQ4u7BXE1oOWoPL71ltRCjCTipy0/s320/P1030026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rRL-zHEO9SNoFsQWCPC5Jy9m4yPWsrsLkgWG46vqjiOH-9mXZdfCJzowGoYwkSVhK4Qj9ppcOyh0upSy-mHfGcVHZuTfl5-P1nzwO4nK_WV2XdqyGWIhnvYO9Ur3BSPM9v6h41Du_Rg/s1600-h/P1030034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165367839358547586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rRL-zHEO9SNoFsQWCPC5Jy9m4yPWsrsLkgWG46vqjiOH-9mXZdfCJzowGoYwkSVhK4Qj9ppcOyh0upSy-mHfGcVHZuTfl5-P1nzwO4nK_WV2XdqyGWIhnvYO9Ur3BSPM9v6h41Du_Rg/s320/P1030034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pze52GOljfop57Qwmfvxm_1VxbCZlJu8ByMuRsYf3cXKc7IQ8O0rCAv_ZqWP88kuHJdnXZSAxQaNffCpyef8RaolLQSoNxqEYLCITwn_4Rkh9V8GkNNED2OqOlViSDpmqaJFC6WcnDI/s1600-h/P1030035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165367847948482194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pze52GOljfop57Qwmfvxm_1VxbCZlJu8ByMuRsYf3cXKc7IQ8O0rCAv_ZqWP88kuHJdnXZSAxQaNffCpyef8RaolLQSoNxqEYLCITwn_4Rkh9V8GkNNED2OqOlViSDpmqaJFC6WcnDI/s320/P1030035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpb9xVh0z-Eue-nlN-flZ7Fi7bPCQo-L_7P8Vg4lN7gh-XYiBfr5U9i-gUYjB1PMUesil_sxXx6i60R9nLKhyVEDtosb4DhqbiZwC4hFqAATedrOdVywrGKrAkhJOy47WGBmz3guXLzU/s1600-h/P1030046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165367899488089762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpb9xVh0z-Eue-nlN-flZ7Fi7bPCQo-L_7P8Vg4lN7gh-XYiBfr5U9i-gUYjB1PMUesil_sxXx6i60R9nLKhyVEDtosb4DhqbiZwC4hFqAATedrOdVywrGKrAkhJOy47WGBmz3guXLzU/s320/P1030046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGdwC6xxKWo5HAr5HXm34pw8HIVwTtiL3JC3HuBSUo9cQRpvOAQgONEdSdTn5QqrXUysE1oNOUP1qADqKGVCEMA5rcozEd600t-RDsSrxJU8jWnj_BGzZeBpuP0xbpDC1UMjQszD0gvc/s1600-h/P1030048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165367912372991666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGdwC6xxKWo5HAr5HXm34pw8HIVwTtiL3JC3HuBSUo9cQRpvOAQgONEdSdTn5QqrXUysE1oNOUP1qADqKGVCEMA5rcozEd600t-RDsSrxJU8jWnj_BGzZeBpuP0xbpDC1UMjQszD0gvc/s320/P1030048.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVLX1t11MMq-iIpMGto_vfks-xklQat8_uAZrCe4JyenqE2fhd6PqNL1R84Eogq4O6dbaSVx0HiUR-0lS-K7dbJ5FBhj_7RomJH78iIWDutOvMBWanE2aId5UrRvFAqF8YE2fSkYX9Nw/s1600-h/P1030001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165363424132167202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVLX1t11MMq-iIpMGto_vfks-xklQat8_uAZrCe4JyenqE2fhd6PqNL1R84Eogq4O6dbaSVx0HiUR-0lS-K7dbJ5FBhj_7RomJH78iIWDutOvMBWanE2aId5UrRvFAqF8YE2fSkYX9Nw/s320/P1030001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNEW2cPnwcwb9lD6Tz3_Lki_xwabCPsmXhhgH6AUCHFCuIyqsW6LttQJLaJUmDEepzdf6LSUEEYhxNcslkzd7F0BqiaA0OJhP3OFuJGShuE1pQ9t7FZnEyyDVjsuyKuwmpPvSLdpUYf0/s1600-h/P1030008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165363432722101810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNEW2cPnwcwb9lD6Tz3_Lki_xwabCPsmXhhgH6AUCHFCuIyqsW6LttQJLaJUmDEepzdf6LSUEEYhxNcslkzd7F0BqiaA0OJhP3OFuJGShuE1pQ9t7FZnEyyDVjsuyKuwmpPvSLdpUYf0/s320/P1030008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIExMSHTs5mYsRCZX_P6wC8YSbZ-Pd2gbnv_QD78mMMnsbgmTkh5x6xn39rrH5B-59zRG9JlSoRudDzugrhY4SXLpfT6gqL77YIwgbZfgnif7rjlbzsyaQ1dTR5W3G3HSF0lO7kB8GzI/s1600-h/P1030011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165363445607003714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIExMSHTs5mYsRCZX_P6wC8YSbZ-Pd2gbnv_QD78mMMnsbgmTkh5x6xn39rrH5B-59zRG9JlSoRudDzugrhY4SXLpfT6gqL77YIwgbZfgnif7rjlbzsyaQ1dTR5W3G3HSF0lO7kB8GzI/s320/P1030011.JPG" border="0" /></a> Notice her super cool shoes?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmN2ZXctmoA0jDzwCOOj_h8xUnavd-b_E89tL2ra2k4IARnPCLZuJYtZvbMcbfkEi5nWo6l95sRI4Jo31DJuV0MN6J8IFeN9j9VOsJnxlgNfaUcE55_pvnXADxmNdtJMGeSVZlM0YsWU/s1600-h/P1030016.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165363454196938322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmN2ZXctmoA0jDzwCOOj_h8xUnavd-b_E89tL2ra2k4IARnPCLZuJYtZvbMcbfkEi5nWo6l95sRI4Jo31DJuV0MN6J8IFeN9j9VOsJnxlgNfaUcE55_pvnXADxmNdtJMGeSVZlM0YsWU/s320/P1030016.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_8c42O91allHKP4IW2ZKSYTzaBMPLXlbg62ZWMk5RR67rAdpiTAWW7rThQva1ILH_eozKj6UTmuFzSrqHR4pcRObs5oTph8EprNLVDyC3fMdmE1VwUFtODFjg6AgYKbWJGgZcjQcuOI/s1600-h/P1030021.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165363458491905634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_8c42O91allHKP4IW2ZKSYTzaBMPLXlbg62ZWMk5RR67rAdpiTAWW7rThQva1ILH_eozKj6UTmuFzSrqHR4pcRObs5oTph8EprNLVDyC3fMdmE1VwUFtODFjg6AgYKbWJGgZcjQcuOI/s320/P1030021.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love this picture. I was underneath the plaything and that's Xander.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">BTW, Corey, see how I'm following your tips?</span></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-39402656011234474062008-02-06T14:32:00.000-08:002008-02-06T14:53:00.068-08:00It my FAULT! Part 1No, I'm not taking the blame for anything. I would NEVER do that (ask my husband).<br /><br />I'm talking about one of my faults. And there are plenty, maybe I'll post a series of blog posts on them. <br /><br />The one I'm talking about today is my need for change and constant action. I cannot sit still. Not in an ADHD way, just in a life way. I can't "settle down". Is it the Gemini in me?<br /><br />I am constantly wanting to go on vacation. And not just a want, like, "oh, that would be nice". More like a yearning, a calling to get in the car and GO. And it won't be surpressed. The longer I go without "getting out of town" the more depressed I get. <br /><br />And I'm constantly signing up for new things. Whether it be classes or magazine or committments. I'm always wanting to learn more, do more.<br /><br />And I'm always trying new things. I love trying new gadgets, new foods, new crafts, etc. I actually get mad at my husband when he orders a burger AGAIN at a restaurant. I'm always trying to get him to try something new. I get tons of cookbooks and cooking magazines and am constantly making new things. I love to try new things.<br /><br />Doesn't sound too bad, right? <br /><br />Except that I get overwhelmed sometimes. In the quest to try new things I usually try TOO MANY new things. And then I don't know how to back out. <br /><br />And my NEED to travel can become costly! Luckily, we live somewhere that we can drive to Vegas, drive to San Diego, drive to LA, drive to Mexico (although I don't suggest it) or even drive to another city 2 hours away. <br /><br />And sometimes, MAJOR life decisions are hard for me. This is my current problem. I have to admit, I've never had the same job for more than 3 years. Until my current job. I never even worked for the same company for that long. But, I'm going on 8 years with my current company and 4 years in my current job. And I'm starting to feel the need for change. Which, wouldn't be bad since my boss is retiring in two years and I'll have to find something anyway.<br /><br />Except, I feel like I need to change NOW. I am starting to get that depressed feeling I get when I'm stagnant. And I don't like it. I wish I could just tell myself to ride out the next two years. I've got a sweet thing going. I only work two days one week, three days the next. In my mind I know it would be best to keep this up for at least another year and a half until Jocelyn could start preschool. But, my mind doesn't always listen. Something tells me I need to move now. Is it intuition? I don't know. <br /><br />So, I started looking at jobs. I found one that I know I would LOVE (for however long). I will apply for it. The worst that can happen is that I don't get it, at least I don't have to find another job right now. But, if I did get it, I would have to go to a SIX WEEK TRAINING! Would I survive, probably. Would it be hard as hell? Yes! But, at least I'll apply and then wait and see.<br /><br />In the meantime, I've got a few more months until we go camping again. Maybe I should try knitting or something in the meantime!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-55745784389445817602008-02-02T10:04:00.000-08:002008-12-09T09:14:22.783-08:00This is what's keeping me busy<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQcPxlGoltZV17NQvhiDcG95lc-T8w3t7umQysrPRNLNGYEsBsxub-pCBbexXMYXX8DIw7tmF36TfTdn63ByFioL1c2RoXeBzVqRFM7WKni09D3znW9ZpevK5icVv3YTkRRO63vFDSlk/s1600-h/P1020961.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162448925843391122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQcPxlGoltZV17NQvhiDcG95lc-T8w3t7umQysrPRNLNGYEsBsxub-pCBbexXMYXX8DIw7tmF36TfTdn63ByFioL1c2RoXeBzVqRFM7WKni09D3znW9ZpevK5icVv3YTkRRO63vFDSlk/s320/P1020961.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is my front entry wall. I've been framing all sorts of pictures to make a gallery wall. I still need to fill in the blank spaces, but got the majority of it done. It was a lot of work going through all my old pictures then cropping them to the right size, printing them and framing them. But, I'm really happy with it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RfD7ErDixnlgeBxWYp7t7jz6MHSGI-WXvdEiQP61EPRbl031fhrAthkfu067nfhV9xOF1nxwC07mIx9xsBTFYaimuewcEPZ3tyoZK6BOJkqjOosdYcXhrCwwY1HqTZ_1FjZNmxegs2M/s1600-h/P1020962.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162448934433325730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RfD7ErDixnlgeBxWYp7t7jz6MHSGI-WXvdEiQP61EPRbl031fhrAthkfu067nfhV9xOF1nxwC07mIx9xsBTFYaimuewcEPZ3tyoZK6BOJkqjOosdYcXhrCwwY1HqTZ_1FjZNmxegs2M/s320/P1020962.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is my favorite picture from the photographer. It's a 16X20. It's so perfect because we're all conforming to the composition of the picture, except Xander. And that's how it is in life in general!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qyRJ1UHxcL4sFyjjLUaqN_CCCumThpxxxwRKWgKsCDF5TITWJfAzU4lieMPnAhl8XjgeRgMW04LdUBb0Nkojk9M2_cZ1X-gpHikkELN5NsAQ7tdDk9qabdvscpXLXHY3PkZfTCTwP8I/s1600-h/P1020963.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162448938728293042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qyRJ1UHxcL4sFyjjLUaqN_CCCumThpxxxwRKWgKsCDF5TITWJfAzU4lieMPnAhl8XjgeRgMW04LdUBb0Nkojk9M2_cZ1X-gpHikkELN5NsAQ7tdDk9qabdvscpXLXHY3PkZfTCTwP8I/s320/P1020963.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here are a few more of the family shots. I know it's hard to see. The one on top is a picture of mine and Robert's legs and the kids sitting next to us. Then there's a family one in the grass. On the bottom it's all of us sitting on a bench looking at the ducks. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOOiaDGwRUqFD7zHM7XJkGO-IVimMy9_DWPz1Q711yNS1iHi7eE0p0ndCLLGTQiaSTTNQ_WldV4skUL9VXi5ZD5NWFae2cnZCwyQVBBu4KQJysy_uIe-3BS0Njbg2Zt3Ijl6cCYI3cwI/s1600-h/P1020964.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162448947318227650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOOiaDGwRUqFD7zHM7XJkGO-IVimMy9_DWPz1Q711yNS1iHi7eE0p0ndCLLGTQiaSTTNQ_WldV4skUL9VXi5ZD5NWFae2cnZCwyQVBBu4KQJysy_uIe-3BS0Njbg2Zt3Ijl6cCYI3cwI/s320/P1020964.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here's Xander's collage. Robert and Carissa already had there's done awhile ago.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DXQMHyJm1HIMLSFojWOgz-7OKsfPpIUuTP5oToA8vN_Rm3Yqk-N7tt_kidRGZaBToZrzSmasXyf4z32tAxaJOua1IpOcUhklPk2gORSOHuG5QyggaTdOgkDl-YfhM6PoiIETiXkR77s/s1600-h/P1020965.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162448955908162258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DXQMHyJm1HIMLSFojWOgz-7OKsfPpIUuTP5oToA8vN_Rm3Yqk-N7tt_kidRGZaBToZrzSmasXyf4z32tAxaJOua1IpOcUhklPk2gORSOHuG5QyggaTdOgkDl-YfhM6PoiIETiXkR77s/s320/P1020965.JPG" border="0" /></a> And here's Jocelyn's.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162449497074041570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2t_QuhyAgGrJlv5Ch4qNI4cXsM1Ib4SLXelS5Si3eK_ob2jPP318TCQ_MURUQD7RnAfgwwGYuH2PjY7X_n6-iYkNBjjbEtoGnTROa7Ptr5UszGK1zfrbEGACUdAyMSHaNTz1L7GFD7k/s320/P1020967.JPG" border="0" /> <div>And when I'm not framing pictures, I'm tattooing my son!</div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-14358561969773373092008-01-29T13:52:00.000-08:002008-01-29T14:02:25.354-08:00Have you everBeen so pissed at someone that you didn't know what to do? Been so frustrated that you just didn't know how to get through to them? Tried talking to someone about what was bothering you only to get nowhere?<br /><br />It seems that I'm in this place more often that I would like. I think part of it is that I still haven't learned "not to sweat the small stuff". So, small things bother me. And I can't let them go. And I take everything personally. Everything.<br /><br />I try so hard to let things roll off my back, but it doesn't happen. Deep down my confidence cracks. Sometimes people don't even know that they can affect me this way. They may say something completely off the cuff and nonchalant and I'll sit and worry over it. I try to just let it go, but I can't.<br /><br />But, I've learned a way to get past it without affecting anyone else. I write a letter to the person. I tell them how I'm feeling and how what they said affected me. I tell them how I would like them to handle it differently next time. I get it all out. <br /><br />Now, you're asking, how does this not affect anyone else? Because I don't give it to them. I just sit on it. Sometimes I think about giving it to them, but usually not. I hold onto it for a day or two. Until I feel better. Then I shred it. <br /><br />It's so freeing. I feel like I'm letting things go, yet I haven't projected my insecurities onto someone else. I've handled them myself. And it's teaching me that I can't change other people, but I can change how I'm affected by things they do to me.<br /><br />I actually find that I'm a much more peaceful person this way. I used to be very confrontational with people, now I just let things go (in my own way).<br /><br />How do you handle frustrations and conflict?Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-4334376382573157222008-01-23T08:10:00.000-08:002008-01-23T08:18:51.675-08:00HAIR!So, ladies, do you love your hair? <br /><br />It seems like, as women, maybe men too, we have this love/hate relationship with our hair. We hate ours and love everyone e<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lse's</span>. If our hair is straight we want it curly, if it's curly we want it straight. We're always striving to have someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">else's</span> hair, Jennifer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Aniston</span>, Victoria <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Beckham</span>, Dorothy Hamill (maybe not so much <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nowadays</span>). <br /><br />I know I do. My hair is stick straight. And fine. It sucks because it's always limp. If I have it cut shorter then sometimes I can get some volume. But, I really like my hair long enough to put in a ponytail or clip. I've considered a perm, but do people still get perms? Or is that too 80s? I would like just a bit of wave in it. That way I wouldn't have to blow it out every morning. Of course, damn genetics have given one of my daughters the complete opposite. Thick, curly hair. Which she hates. She tries to straighten it all the time only to have it come out completely frizzy. What gives?<br /><br />And what about color? I've had every color under the sun. It's been purple, orange, red, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">blonde</span>, brown. Right now it's pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">blonde</span>. I'd like to go towards my more natural light brown, but I'm not sure. It's been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">blonde</span> for awhile now. And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">blonde</span> covers all the gray. You cannot believe how much gray I have! I'm thinking of doing brown with highlights, but the maintenance scares me. I usually get my hair cut every 2-3 months. With highlights I'd have to go more regularly. <br /><br />The good thing is that hair grows back. It's the one thing that I'm willing to take risks with. I've had hair down past my butt and hair shorter than my ears! I've had all sorts of colors and combinations. Bangs, no bangs. Layers, no layers. I like to have fun and experiment with my hair. Because I know that it'll grow back.<br /><br />So, what about you? Do you experiment? Do you love your hair?Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-2294414275701770862008-01-17T06:35:00.000-08:002008-12-09T09:14:22.974-08:00My new addiction<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156454409912727730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppa8Ow0cJHUZ9nbdF80SNfuRkrSFMghLaJWI1QqaY9his6g4_qmPVIPWaBZjdRunE4S_YIhleWZHMrQW7AwI4L7ojZ_8Zg4bV7C95BSvhXxq4kQf5pv43lqNj7PxGHxK8ahtKO1WmI9g/s320/choco_mint_bottle.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Yum! <br /><br />Believe it or not, I just started drinking coffee a few months ago (thanks Starbucks!). <br /><br />In high school it was cool to drink coffee after a night on the town. We'd all end up at Perkins in the wee hours of the morning and everyone would order a coffee. Except me. I thought it tasted awful. So bitter. <br /><br />Everyone told me it was an acquired taste, but I wasn't able to acquire it. (Same with beer if you must know.) I just went on with my life without coffee. As an adult I was always offered coffee, but would decline. But, I have to admit I felt like a loner sometimes. (I must have issues, who feels like a loner because they don't drink coffee?)<br /><br />Then the whole Starbucks explosion happened. And I was even more of a loner. Everyone was always talking about it and carrying around their white cup with the big green logo. I felt like I was missing out on something. It MUST be great if everyone else does it. <br /><br />So, my first try was a regular old latte. I thought it tasted awful. It tasted like what I thought coffee grounds would taste like. Awful! But, I kept on. A friend suggested a Pumpkin Spice Latte. This was better, but still needed some sugar. THEN, someone suggested a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Frappacino</span>. Um, yeah. The addiction began. THOSE are good! And so many flavors. <br /><br />It didn't help that our grocery store put a Starbucks inside. Every time I went shopping I had to try it. Peppermint <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mochas</span>, Eggnog Lattes, Gingerbread Lattes, Iced Lattes in the summer. Yeah, I've tried them all.<br /><br />But, it was getting expensive. So, I decided to buy myself an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cappuccino</span> maker. I'm sure I'd save a ton. I ended up getting a real bargain on a great one at Target! It was only $50 on clearance when they were selling for $200 at Amazon. <br /><br />I love it! I love that I can make whatever flavor I want and that I can add more or less espresso (I still like it weak) and that I can use my flavored coffees to make it. We made Eggnog Lattes with real egg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nog</span>, not just the spice, YUM! And my newest obsession is the International Delights creamers, in particular the Chocolate Mint Truffle. I add a little to my milk when I froth it. It's SO good. I end up drinking quite a bit of coffee thanks to these yummy flavors.<br /><br />And, now I can finally fit in. I think I feel more "adult" now. Coffee was always something that adults drank and I always felt childish when I didn't. It's weird because I don't feel a need to conform in most areas of my life, but this one really bothered me!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-20545520837071069942008-01-14T09:36:00.001-08:002008-01-14T09:45:20.128-08:00Parenting Advice #1I'm no expert on parenting. I'll make that really clear. But, I have picked up some tidbits during this 13+ year trek. I figured I might share some of these little bits of sanity with you all, seeing as I've received most of them from my good friends. Most of the time, I say, "Whatever works!" Things may sound weird or totally off the wall, but some of them really do work.<br /><br />Today I'll share my way to get teenagers to open up. Our problem started in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pre</span>-teen years, about two years ago. We were getting to the point where we always got one word answers. Sometimes we'd even be shunned when trying to talk about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">embarrassing</span> or controversial things. We'd hear, "Ugh, I don't want to talk about it."<br /><br />Great! I always hope that I'll be that "cool" mom that my kids will feel comfortable talking to about anything. (Maybe not everything, but most things.) It crushed me to get the cold shoulder. I really wanted to be better and breakthrough to her.<br /><br />So, where did I go? To my online mommy friends, of course. And one of them told me something that worked for her sister. And lo and behold, it does. And it's simple.<br /><br />Just get a notebook. And leave it available at all times. And let your child know it's there and that it's always open for them to leave notes about what's bothering them or if they want to talk about something that's uncomfortable talking face to face. <br /><br />I swear, it works like a charm. Pretty much every discussion we've ever had about sex has been in that notebook. But, that's fine with me, because there have been plenty. And if this is the way it needs to be done, at least it's getting done. We've had some two hour long "discussions" this way. Passing the notebook back and forth. <br /><br />I think it's just a really non-threatening situation. She's in her room, I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">where ever</span>. There's no "tone" to the writing. No raised voices. No crazy faces and rolled eyes. No judgement. We each actually take the time to think our thoughts through and then write them down.<br /><br />We've had some major things happen this year. Most are chronicled in that notebook. I'm not sure if I'll save it or not. I'm sure it'd <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">embarrass</span> the hell out of her when she gets older. <br /><br />But, for now, it works. And for that I'm thankful!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-88861651111761196822008-01-11T06:32:00.000-08:002008-12-09T09:14:23.638-08:00How different could they be?My children, that is. It's so crazy to se how different they all are, even though they've been raised by the same people and they're made from the same DNA.<br /><br /><br /><br />Case in point:<br /><br /><br /><br />Robert's birthday was in October. When I asked if he'd like to invite some friends from school to his party he thought that was a good idea. Now, knowing my child, I decided to press it a little further. I reminded him that if his friends came over he'd have to play with them, he couldn't hide in his room.<br /><br /><br /><br />See, he had a teacher visit about a month before his visit. (They do that here, the teachers come to the home and play games or read books in the home environment.) But, the first ten minutes he spent hiding in his room. And he'd already been in class for months at this time. And the rest of the time he interacted with her but didn't say one word. Not one for the whole hour. That's just the way he is. He's an introvert like his dad. It's not that he's really shy, it's just that he'd rather be around a few close people. He's not into the big crowd.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, he thought more about his party and decided that he just wanted his family here, cousins, grandparents. So, that's what we had.<br /><br /><br /><br />Xander's birthday was yesterday. When he woke up I said, "Happy Birthday big boy!"<br /><br /><br /><br />To which he replied, "It's not my birthday! Where are my friends? Where's the cake?"<br /><br /><br /><br />See, he is just like his mama. I love to have parties, love to go to parties, love to meet new people, love to mingle. I LOVE to have people over to the house, be it 2 or 200. That's my thing. I'm in my element in those situation. And Xander is the same. He loves to perform. He loves to have people around. He LOVES to make people laugh.<br /><br /><br /><br />He was bummed to find out that we weren't having his party until NEXT weekend.<br /><br /><br /><br />But, we did take him to TGI Friday's, where they sang to him, although he said he didn't like it, he was grinning the whole time. And we did let him open the presents from us last night.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154233263280634018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFEPzC8GErqy9bNtxSMokquG6zUhmLy29s8WCymKpOK80LEvcUH3FmRqnpHJ71Yfd4mDyNpd9_cgXiRmPYWe0lLs1xVarhwl4cMP9bIpa5EpXTuzHAVjU05nEny59Nu2AhT4Wb_tWD-M/s320/P1020916.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154233254690699410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4Y92UqCuvNlrsY2JQZJC6_O99U4_huplbH_SZ0jeTgkWzOJ4bHq8sXvyKH5amDIyjA4joRkkGluV3UelGSgywFt7u3YLEJdMtA3JXaVWGRqlZQrdwRl0L5tHTx5-0KUIMtqBByt_EBA/s320/P1020923.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154233211741026434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidPP8qFlZcmw_pQUs7QGv2eo-SvrsOV5AnMzMDRx3Jlm1bBJPAHqi5JOJ0QsHcJS58xU3G8uw-dcHQLyXQD_JZxr57DEnVVgFVZb5kg7v1n3eZBMIt8j2_T7RqSZu-SFgx00Y1GTAFkc/s320/P1020926.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154233207446059122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpXprUyCdYhZ4wnro9UAStRU4FfuTSIJ4omAbiLg15_IH2fqLOSWP-cdt3gPSjTid7zEu-VaUWYgKb_Vy-oEZUvsZWe369I_ObLLEJ64VuOj07e9xo-jspqVbp-NN0zVywYj3Pwxb8P8/s320/P1020932.JPG" border="0" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-523251663188090502008-01-09T08:54:00.000-08:002008-01-09T09:18:55.493-08:00I fell off the wagonPretty much any wagon I could fall of, I did. Except the one that Lindsay Lohan fell off. I'm good on that.<br /><br />I've fallen off of the blogging wagon. I took my time off and now I'm having a hard time getting back on. Part of it is my blogging guilt. I feel bad posting something new when I haven't read all the entries that my friends have posted over the last few weeks. I have to admit that I'm trying to get caught up, but it's overwhelming. I subscribe to 85 blogs. That's a lot of reading! For some reason I feel guilty pressing "mark all as read" or writing a new post that I know will solicit comments when I haven't commented in weeks. But, I'm just going to push on. I'm sorry that I missed your recent posts. If you have one that I should definitely read, like say, you named a child after me or you declared a special day just for me, then let me know. I'll definitely look it up. I have scanned some posts from previous days, but didn't take time to leave a comment. For that I'm sorry. If I try to start from scratch, I think I'll do better.<br /><br />I've fallen off the weight loss/control wagon. Although, I jumped back on on Monday. I started a new 12 week Body for Life challenge. I worked out on Monday, and I'm still feeling it! I am so sore. I've been doing well on my eating too. No sweets and limiting carbs. I'm not following the eating part as much this time as I went four months without watching my eating or exercising and only gained back two pounds. My goal is to lose eight more pounds, but really, I just need to tone up and feel better. I really noticed a difference when I ate crap all the time. I just didn't feel very good.<br /><br />I've fallen off of the savings wagon big time. I really went overboard this Christmas. I got a lot of good deals, but I still bought way too much. And I went out the day after Christmas and bought a TON of new stuff for next year. Including my white tree. I'm so excited. It will now mean that we have three full size trees and numerous smaller trees. Everyone thinks I'm crazy. But, I'm getting back on that wagon too. Starting with not eating out and not buying anything online. I know I can do it. I'm thinking about putting a deposit down on a cruise for next year. That way I'll be forced to curb my spending and have something to look forward to.<br /><br />But, there is good that's come from my break too.<br /><br />I've become addicted to the Wii. Seriously. We have such a good time as a family playing it. It's just so fun. We play a lot of board games as a family, but this is so much more interactive. It's tons of fun. We just got two more remotes for a total of four so that we can all play at the same time. <br /><br />I spent a lot of quality time with my kiddos. I was off for almost their whole break. We had fun playing with their toys and reading their new books. We went to Chuck E Cheese and had a "fancy" dinner on New Year's Eve. We visited a lot of family and had a lot of fun.<br /><br />I started a new family website. I don't give my family the link to my blog because sometimes I need a place to vent about them. And I don't want to feel the need to censor myself. So I started a family page for pictures and videos and journal entries. My family is all on the East coast, besides my parents, so I think it'll be fun for them to be able to check in.<br /><br />So, I'm getting back on my wagons. And going to go better than ever. Thanks for sticking around!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-86971006059101892852007-12-31T11:28:00.001-08:002007-12-31T11:33:07.596-08:00I have not dropped deadmaybe from exhaustion, but I'm still here. But, I haven't been on the computer in ages. When I'm home I try to stay off as much as possible. And I actually have already had 12 days off, and I'm working today, then 6 more days off. So, not much computer time<br /><br />We had a wondeful Christmas. I have found places for most of the toys! Yay me! My parents came down yesterday for dinner and some Wii competition. Let me tell you, that thing is addictive! And so fun for the whole family. Even Xander gets in on the action. We love Mario Party 8, Rayman Raving Rabbids (thanks Bubblewench!) and Wii Sports. The first night my arm was SO sore from playing tennis. And Carissa and Daddy like to box. But, they get all sweaty and out of breath!<br /><br />We had some portraits taken the day after Christmas. I haven't seen all of them, but you can get a sneak peek <a href="http://leahsimmers.blogspot.com/2007/12/sneak-peaks_29.html">here</a>. If you live in the Tucson area, I highly recommend Leah. She is just wonderful. And a lot of fun too!<br /><br />On the 6th, I'll be back in action. Look for lots of meaningless posts!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-89504181926273897292007-12-21T07:21:00.000-08:002008-12-09T09:14:23.934-08:00A little holiday cheer<a href="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020752.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020752.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020750.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020750.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020730.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020730.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020748.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020748.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020660.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020660.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020690.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020690.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020726.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020726.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020723.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020723.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020728.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/P1020728.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU4yxgsOVepX_35cOttwR-jm2GmgD_baKcFB1YWQW1nkeKazKGvb9Vvm0h4SqIvLr5ImupLZX-ZuuvdU5M0yKcpxD2CLd96f4s-6pH88t6A96DwIGjiYrCi4UePqkfHBz_Oej2YvFpiE/s1600-h/P1020746.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146449798918636370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLU4yxgsOVepX_35cOttwR-jm2GmgD_baKcFB1YWQW1nkeKazKGvb9Vvm0h4SqIvLr5ImupLZX-ZuuvdU5M0yKcpxD2CLd96f4s-6pH88t6A96DwIGjiYrCi4UePqkfHBz_Oej2YvFpiE/s320/P1020746.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdgrtfIQ8fps-s8JUyDKqicT1w0o-O1REtz18-Jy0pE2L4qNH4FD2qEZzeTWZ9wVZUm5sFBUvBBfztVLhzkRJIuW941TcYbUSPLUQwvsjQRg7oQ0RNRYNVKDy8sOZrXQLoGnQx87X4ts/s1600-h/P1020742.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146449807508570978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdgrtfIQ8fps-s8JUyDKqicT1w0o-O1REtz18-Jy0pE2L4qNH4FD2qEZzeTWZ9wVZUm5sFBUvBBfztVLhzkRJIuW941TcYbUSPLUQwvsjQRg7oQ0RNRYNVKDy8sOZrXQLoGnQx87X4ts/s320/P1020742.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Quick update: My mom e-mailed me back feeling really badly. She said she thinks she's going through a depression or menopause because she's not just like this with us, but in life in general. She's trying to get some help. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-75409216087921628002007-12-18T09:35:00.000-08:002007-12-18T09:59:38.695-08:00Sometimes families suck!Sometimes I hate the holidays. I hate the juggling of family obligations. And the guilt. Oh, the guilt. I wish sometimes that the grandparents and everyone else could remember what it was like to be a young family and have to juggle everything. I wish they could remember not wanting to travel with young children. And wanting to be in their own home for Christmas day. I wish they would remember what it was like to spend Christmas as a small nuclear family and have the extended family 2,000 miles away. <br /><br />But, this isn't the case. And there aren't 2,000 miles separating us, but 110. You would think it would be so much easier, but it's not. And I know that I put some of the guilt on myself because I'm a people <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pleaser</span> (it's a flaw I tell you). <br /><br />I just sent my parents a big ole e-mail about Christmas and visits in general. I pray they don't get mad or defensive. I didn't intend for that at all.<br /><br />Let me give you some background. I am the oldest at 32. My brother B is 25 and my brother M is 22. I have four children 13, 7, almost 3 and 1. B has three children 10, 4, 1 and M has one child almost 3. B just recently got married. M lives with B and his family. They live 20 minutes from my parents. We live 2 hours from my parents. B and M and their families are ALWAYS at my parents house. Pretty much every Sunday they are there. <br /><br />We, on the other hand, are not. And herein lies the problem. It's hard to get four kids packed up, make a 2 hour drive, hang out (and mind you it's never just us and my parents, B and M and their families are ALWAYS invited when we visit), pack up again and drive home. And it's pure chaos when we're there. B and M are still pretty immature. They cuss and get the kids all riled up. The talk about inappropriate things and generally cause trouble. My mother is usually in the kitchen making snacks and getting kids drinks and taking care of one of my brother's little ones. There is no time to actually visit or have a conversation. <br /><br />So, we don't make the effort very often. But, we do invite my parents down to our house. Especially for birthday parties and things like that. But, at least half of the time they make excuses and don't show up. This year they've come to our town (I can't even say house, because one time they came for a soccer game and left from there) four times. And don't even get me started with Thanksgiving last year. <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ok</span>, I'll spill it anyway. I've ALWAYS done our own Thanksgiving, since we've been married. Both families are always welcome, but we always stay home and do our own thing. Last year my parents were supposed to come. But, my dad decided to go golfing that morning. And he was gone for two hours longer than planned. By the time they go on the road the traffic was awful so they turned around and went home. And I had crying kids at the dinner table because they couldn't see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mima</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Popa</span>.<br /><br />So, starting in October, they didn't come to Robert's birthday because M had a custody issue with his son that weekend. And they didn't even <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">attempt Thanksgiving</span> this year. Then Carissa's birthday party was on the 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span>, but my mom was sick and they had a court date with M. So, they were going to come to our holiday open house on Sunday, but my mom was sick again. Not that I don't think she was sick, but jeez, something ALWAYS comes up. They never seem to be able to make the two hour drive, yet I'm usually there once a month and at least every other month so that they can see the kids.<br /><br />This brings us to Christmas. Back at Thanksgiving (I made the trek up the their house the Saturday after so we could be together) we decided that we'd do our Christmas on the 22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nd</span>. I wanted to do Christmas Eve because I knew my dad would appreciate that if we couldn't be there on the actual day, but B said they had to go to his wife's father's house that day. So the plan were made. We planned the day for my husband's family around this, everything was good. We were going to try to convince my parents to come to our house on Christmas Eve since they'd be alone. <br /><br />Except, last night we get a call from my mom saying that B decided they COULD do Christmas Eve. They'd just have to leave around 3:00. And it would mean a lot to my dad if we could switch it to that day. My initial reaction was anger. I was already upset about the cancellations for the last two weeks and this set me over the edge. Why am I now made to feel guilty? I was the one that wanted to do Christmas Eve in the first place! <br /><br />Maybe I'm being spiteful, but I told them no. I told them that we couldn't do it. I told them that we hope to persuade them to come to our house to see the kids. By then the kids would have opened a lot of their presents and we were going to make a gingerbread house. I also told them how we feel neglected and that we feel that we always make the effort to visit, yet they never do. I told them that I am upset that my brother's children seem to come first and that sometimes we like to visit without everyone there (which I've said to them before, but my mom always tells me how much my brother likes to see the kids play, so I guess his opinion is worth more than mine). I hope they take it well.<br /><br />Do you struggle with this? Why is it so difficult? I hope that when I'm a grandparent I'll understand and go with the flow. I'm sure it'll be hard not to see the kids and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">grandkids</span> on the specific holiday day, but I think I'd also be willing to go to them if that's what works. Or to celebrate the season. It's not about the specific day, is it?Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-65050664758442911502007-12-12T09:44:00.000-08:002008-12-09T09:14:24.774-08:00Saving my behind (in other words, Getting Caught Up)Whew! After the last week or so, I've got awards piling up. I'm definitely honored. I've got more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bling</span> that Puffy or P <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Diddy</span> or Sean or whatever the hell that guy calls himself.<br /><br />First off, <a href="http://www.camikaos.com/">Cami</a> wants to get me in bed. I mean she invited me to a slumber party. What fun THAT would be! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143144533516249922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7geLbbZcHKALd-g428eVweKCZTsFeHAiBZIwqEsMHY6HaU7IMEdPpRPKO-riSmc1lHXD0UMGHR7q0YxF7yqLIsFwp5SKhoqkXCNW5uRgBBovB7HQEi8H-G1zXwq1avIGffYU1U6m20A/s200/pyjamaaward.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>To the party, I would also like to invite:</p><br /><p><a href="http://jeffandlisaevansfamily.blogspot.com/">Lisa</a>- we actually had many a slumber party in our day. And what fun we had. </p><br /><p>and</p><br /><p><a href="http://somedaywewillsleep.com/">Veronica</a>- since she's up anyway.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Next, Cami also gave me this lovely piece of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bling</span></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143144533516249906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLn9xnHJXrfsPz4QvBlv_LKYvdILYatB3C4BepNj5FkdxN4T3Z9QsOmvShP8ctTscC58BzndxI4OFdQCy7gLnbStUBkb59juQYFZO8sQ_MKoyJhe7PC5ZHSJOvebXpcGV1aHDk7u8MpRU/s200/mad+skillz+little.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>I'm not sure that my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">skillz</span> are that good, but I try.</p><br /><p>I'd like to pass this one on to:</p><br /><p><a href="http://boricuaintexas.blogspot.com/">Ingrid</a>- who has mad writing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">skillz</span>. </p><br /><p>and</p><br /><p><a href="http://pozing.blogspot.com/">Meghan</a>- who has mad photography <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">skillz</span>.</p><br /><p>and</p><br /><p><a href="http://providencehandmade.blogspot.com/">Stephanie</a>- who can create anything out of fabric. Seriously! She had J's b-day dress and a quilt for her when she was born. This woman is TALENTED!</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Then, <a href="http://dixiechick-dixiechick.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Dixiechick</span></a> gave me this award, because I enjoy pimping out my friends.</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143144537811217234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YrDv_slIfwIDpoBnnVFEgRUKfESJUjzjGWoH7LhXvrZGyqgWedWpFLMWhd5MNDjwqGywgTuWXv4l-DpHOFwdUnagkI5vKtBxUUNNFb9V40pbK7Oc3Ytj0NZLz3CUPvTNQCu02VSLzZI/s200/underblogger.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p>And then she gave me this:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143146930108001122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQlqKQYqsOpbPRMvEUv1w6ctzg45EU8LlFgxpe2UGhxKDw7bJrAXL_zkMU5I9q_27FV9U3gmarRDPHRiV7s4XG48B9zUTCIMwknsvbZ4FcfU6GyvmWqJySURg4R16nb9Yw9s1QwoMUSk/s200/award150.gif" border="0" /></p><p>Which I would like to pass on to:</p><p><a href="http://sybillaw-sybilcrankypants.blogspot.com/">Sybil</a>- Since she had a few extra bananas at one point.</p><p>and </p><p><a href="http://mooshinindy.com/">Casey</a>- because that woman can <a href="http://mooshinindy.com/2007/11/05/why-cody-hasnt-left-yet/">cook</a>!</p><p></p><p>Whew! I feel better now.</p><p></p><p>But, there's one more thing. That lovely tattooed woman also tagged me for a meme. So, here goes:</p><p><strong>8 Things I Am Passionate About</strong></p><p>my kids</p><p>my husband</p><p>my job</p><p>anything Disney</p><p>equal rights </p><p>chocolate</p><p>the Internet</p><p>sex (I mean, that's a given, right?)</p><p><strong>8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die</strong></p><p>watch my children become adults</p><p>meet my grandchildren</p><p>go on a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Mediterranean</span> cruise</p><p>deliver a baby (like me help deliver it for someone else, I've already delivered four of my own)</p><p>have money in my savings account</p><p>travel the country in an RV</p><p>figure out Windows Vista</p><p>meet Johnny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Depp</span> (I can dream, can't I?)</p><p><strong>8 Things I Say Often</strong></p><p>Ass is a bad word.</p><p>Even when you call Daddy an ass it's still a bad word.</p><p>We don't say the word poop unless we're in the bathroom.</p><p>For the love of God...</p><p>I'm going to kick you out of the kitchen!</p><p>Get down!</p><p>Stop telling your brother what to do.</p><p>I missed you.</p><p><strong>8 Books I Have Read Recently</strong></p><p>Term Limits by Vince Flynn (a good thriller)</p><p>Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn</p><p>The Kite Runner</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Pinkalicious</span> (great kids book)</p><p>When in the Hell is Dora? I mean, Can You Find Dora?</p><p>How to Talk So You're Kids Will Listen and Listen So Your Kids Will Talk</p><p>Bedtime for Frances (my favorite story as a kid)</p><p>I can't even remember another one.</p><p><strong>8 Songs I Could Listen To Over And Over</strong></p><p>Christmas Canons by Trans Siberian Orchestra (I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG, not to mention it's a version of the song that I walked down the aisle to)</p><p>Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance</p><p>No One by Alicia Keys</p><p>Hotel California by The Eagles</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Jovi</span> (pretty much anything)</p><p>Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol</p><p>Fire and Ice by Pat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Benetar</span></p><p><strong>8 Things That Attract Me To My Best Friends</strong></p><p>honesty</p><p>support</p><p>laughter</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">reciprocation</span></p><p>patience</p><p>intelligence</p><p>common beliefs</p><p>the ability to listen</p><p><strong>8 People Who Should Totally Do This Meme</strong></p><p><a href="http://nowiknowwhatlifeisallabout.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Keara</span></a></p><p><a href="http://jeffandlisaevansfamily.blogspot.com/">Lisa</a></p><p><a href="http://sara-n-dipity9702.blogspot.com/">Sara</a></p><p>And anyone else who feels like it.</p><p></p><p>There, all caught up! Check back tomorrow before I leave. I'll give you a glimpse at the Polar Express last year!</p>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-53308347651812137762007-12-08T20:52:00.000-08:002007-12-08T21:06:52.591-08:00So. Far. Behind.Ugh! I'm so far behind on posting. I have awards piling up (thanks friends) and memes to do (um, yeah, thanks). But, I have been doing my Christmas baking. I made 30 loaves of bread and tomorrow will make fudge and truffles and holiday bark and rum balls. Then, next weekend, I'll make a ton of cookies. And we're going on The Polar Express on Thursday and Friday and we're having a Holiday Open House on Sunday. So, yeah, I'll see you when I see you.<br /><br />But, I am currently watching the Saturday Night Light Best of Will Ferrell (who is my favorite), so I'll leave you with my favorite bit of all time. Enjoy!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YvX5TChyUUM&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YvX5TChyUUM&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-64878358166491539682007-12-03T15:37:00.000-08:002007-12-03T15:45:37.288-08:00I made it! I'm still alive!So, I made it through the party. Let me tell you, those girls have more energy and talk louder than anyone I know! They just didn't stop, not once. Yeah, not even to sleep! Two of them did crash out from 2:30-6:30, but the other two didn't stop at all!<br /><br />Let me suggest that tie dying shirts should NOT, I repeat, NOT be done by crazy sugared up 13 year old girls. There was dye flying everywhere! And I had just had the carpets cleaned! But, the shirts were a major success. They came out really cool and the girls loved them.<br /><br />As for the sundaes, um yeah. I didn't put out the wipe cream. Although I warned them that when giving a written list of demands, next time they better be spelled correctly or they'll get what they ask for. <br /><br />Chubby bunny! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OMG</span>! This was SO funny. I have some pics that I'll have to upload. They were stuffing those marshmallows in there. And drooling and spitting them out. Brought back some crazy memories.<br /><br />They did a lot of hopping in and out of the hot tub. And they even jumped in the 60 degree pool! Crazy girls.<br /><br />They also played Dance, Dance Revolution. I don't know how these kids get so coordinated. I couldn't pass one level, but they just kept going and going.<br /><br />We gave Carissa a digital camera for her birthday and they had TONS of fun with that. Thank God it was still the innocent fun, not the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">myspace</span> teen porn type of fun.<br /><br />I don't know if they made prank calls. As long as they did it from their cell phones, that's fine with me. I just didn't want angry people calling my house back because they didn't block the caller ID. One day I'll have to share some of my best prank calls (you remember those days Lisa)!<br /><br />Unfortunately, the little ones didn't sleep. There was too much excitement in the house. They went down around 10:00 and then were fitful until 5:00 when they decided to wake for the day.<br />So I was very tired last night. Add to that the fact that one of the parents was mad that his daughter missed church, so he didn't pick her up. At all. She called and called and he wouldn't answer. Finally at 5:00 last night (they were supposed to leave between 10:00 and 11:00) he called and told her to have me bring her home. Real nice!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-47043069060859996212007-12-01T06:33:00.000-08:002007-12-01T06:38:23.869-08:00Glutton for punishmentThat's me. Why is it when you're a parent you sacrifice yourself for their happiness? Or your sleep to be exact. <br /><br />Not only have I had babies in my bed for the last three years, tonight we've invited three 13 year old girls to spend the night. <br /><br />Next week is Carissa's birthday. So, tonight three of her friends are spending the night. Did I mention that they're 13? <br /><br />They already have a "plan" of what they're going to do. Some things on the list were: play chubby bunny (you know, where you cram marshmallows into your mouth), make prank calls (oh the fun I had doing this, they will NOT be doing this though), decorate T shirts (we're doing tie dye), play games, truth or dare, make sundaes (they listed the ingredients they want, one was "wipe cream", dare I put out the Preparation H?) and go in the hot tub.<br /><br />No where on this list is SLEEP! Say a prayer for me. I don't so much care if they stay up all night, but PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD don't wake up the other children! I can send the older kids home the next day, the younger ones stay with me!Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-21638212121806832072007-11-27T11:49:00.000-08:002007-11-27T12:07:20.862-08:00Get out the Kleenex!What is it about this time of year?<br /><br />It makes me all sappy and weepy. Even though I'm not hormonally pregnant this year (imagine that)! Maybe that's why this year is even worse than normal. <br /><br />I am trying to cherish every holiday with my kids while they are little. I swear, I get panic attacks just thinking about how they will get older and move out. And what if they move far away and we don't spend the holidays together? That causes me some serious heart palpitations! I know my parents are having a hard time with this. All the kids are grown and out of the house. We now have to coordinate with our small immediate family, plus in laws, plus extended families. We'll probably do Christmas with my parents the Saturday before Christmas. This leaves them all alone for the actual holiday. I invite them to come to our house (as we don't like to make the kids travel on Christmas day), but I know they won't. I makes me sad to think that someday that might be us (although I'm pretty sure I'd rather drive two hours to my child's house than spend the day alone).<br /><br />This year is the first year that Jocelyn can appreciate Christmas decorations. Seeing her eyes light up the first time she saw the Christmas tree brought tears to my eyes. Pretty soon it'll just be routine to her and not awe inspiring . And that makes me sad. <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Xander</span> is just starting to understand the whole "Santa thing". It's so funny to hear him ask his questions about Santa and how he gets here and gets the presents here. He doesn't understand why he didn't get a "Diego camera" the other day, right after he sat on Santa's lap. It's so cute to see his innocence. In a few weeks we'll go on our yearly trip to The Polar Express. I can't wait to see his reaction this year. I'm sure <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">that'll</span> make me all teary too.<br /><br />And then every day our radio station grants "Christmas wishes". People write in about people they know that are going through hard times and that might not be able to provide a Christmas for their children. Then the radio station grants the wish. They give the family clothes, toys, gift certificates to the grocery store, a Christmas tree and usually they help with their utilities and rent. It gets me every time. Every single time. I drive to work bawling like a baby. It's amazing what people can do for each other.<br /><br />And then the commercials. How about the commercial when the son (he's in his early 20's) buys and suit and shows up unexpectedly at his mom's house for the holidays? Sobbing like a baby here! They tug at my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">heartstrings</span>! <br /><br />I guess I'm just turning into an old sap. I'm happy with my current life and I get all weepy when I think about how it has to change. I wish I could just freeze the kids in time. I don't want them to grow older. I want Christmas to be special and cool for them forever. I always want them to spend it with me. I want everyone to get everything they want for Christmas. I want to believe in the good of people everywhere.<br /><br />So, pass the tissue please.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-33618580174274892252007-11-26T13:12:00.000-08:002007-11-26T13:16:45.706-08:00I am thankful...-for the fact that I got to come to work today. Peace and quiet, amen! Just me and my computer. No one to cook for, no one to yell at for removing all the Christmas tree ornaments.<br /><br />- for the cow that gave me my lovely hamburger for lunch. I am SO sick of turkey. It was nice to eat some MEAT!<br /><br />-for my boss not giving me too much to do today so I could finish my online shopping and start catching up on blogs.<br /><br />-for my van that held all of my Black Friday purchases. It was a tight fit, but they all got in there.<br /><br />-for my friends and daughter who got up at 3:00 a.m. to shop with me. We even made the news!<br /><br />-for my husband, who braved the attic and got down all 2384798754 boxes of Christmas decorations so that I could put them up yesterday.<br /><br />-for my credit card company not denying any of my purchases this weekend.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-11047049563056282582007-11-21T20:43:00.000-08:002007-11-21T20:44:23.804-08:00Happy Holidays!<a href="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/36478_A_004_1.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a350/lopezgang/36478_A_004_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-26730654833220418422007-11-20T10:28:00.001-08:002008-12-09T09:14:25.059-08:00Thanks, I needed thatThanks for all of the hugs yesterday. They were definitely needed. Fortunately, I think we've got things at school under control. She was telling the truth. The principal got right on it and spoke to everyone involved. The school is taking action. The school resource officer (a sheriff's deputy) is also involved. I believe we have come to a solution that everyone is happy with. Needless to say, it wasn't easy coming to that solution. I feel for the other family because I don't believe that what was done was malicious, but that it was a stupid mistake. But, we have to honor Carissa's feelings and make sure that she is validated and feels that the situation was handled properly. And I don't want her to ever feel that we dropped the ball and left her hanging. But, what an ordeal.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />**********************************************************************************<br /><br /><br />On a much happier note, ages ago, the wonderful <a href="http://www.jobeaufoix.com/">Jo</a> presented me with this lovely award. Thanks you so much! <br /><br /><br /><br /><p> </p><p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134993690797580802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeSIoa8wsZ7xzZbTtMx25x6H-pOsr3L0O9taWBzCDE9NPxt52ZNuQaR1u-Ym6DVvvcra_C0TnSWorx9VFeIrAx_TUhcwgc4ZqCmp1W0NzqPeFw4711f_pDuS1lJDeqfobCns8YbZkEHk/s320/cactus.jpg" border="0" /><br />I would like to pass this award on to:</p><p>Heather who is <a href="http://queenofshake-shake.blogspot.com/">The Queen of Shake-Shake </a>.</p><p>Casey from <a href="http://mooshinindy.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">moosh</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">indy</span></a></p><p>The queen of funny <a href="http://www.iambossy.com/i_am_bossy/">BOSSY</a> (I know she's hugely famous and has millions of votes and awards, but damn she is SO funny.)</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.jobeaufoix.com/2007/11/07/i-made-someone-laugh-so-much-their-head-fell-off/">Go visit Jo </a>to pick your copy of the award. And pass it on!</p><p> </p>Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7848206496846901193.post-15745074480181230482007-11-19T08:38:00.000-08:002007-11-19T08:46:16.686-08:00I need a hugLet's just say that things aren't all happy, happy, joy, joy right now.<br /><br />I, myself, am feeling overwhelmed lately. With Christmas and all the planning involved and feeling guilty when we don't get together with everyone on Christmas dayand the anxiety over spending money.<br />With the kids and all the work involved, not to mention Science Fair and doctor's appointments and schoolwork and soccer and baseball and and...<br /><br />Robert is miserable on midnights. It's just not working. I think he's going to switch to day shift next time. It'll suck because he'll be gone from 7:00 am- 7:00 pm, but at least he'll be happier. And feeling better.<br /><br />And something happened to Carissa the other day and it sucks. Not to go into details but it really sucks. And we're having to get others involved. And it sucks that it even happened. But, what sucks worse it that I don't know that I completely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">believe</span> her. See, she lies a lot. And very convincingly. Like with tears and drama, the whole nine yards. I really think this happened, but because of her history a little tiny part of me is doubting her. And I HATE that I feel that way. HATE IT. I wish I could just believe her and support her, but instead I'm wondering if this is going to turn on us and that she's going to be lying. I pray that she' s not (not that I really want this thing to have happened, but I really want her to be telling the truth). <br /><br />So, can I just get a hug? Thanks.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07389148318166547545noreply@blogger.com10