Life is too fun or not :}

I have just discovered that this is my 100th post!

Woo Hoo :}

And it appropriately falls on New Years Eve - a night for celebration.

Today found me finishing up putting away the Christmas decor. The house is pretty much back in order except for these people that I live with are still here during the day! What is up with that?!

Gabby is feeling much better and got to go to the dentist to get that tooth filled today. Our dentist is very good about having to re-schedule when the kids are sick. So, after the dentist (she did not have to have it numbed - YIPEE!) we went over to Coldstone to get her a cherry cheesecake shake - her favorite (and probably the reason she got the cavity in the first place but who cares :}) I also wanted to see how things were going in the cake department. There were 3 cakes in the display so I guess I know what I am doing all of next week. The day shift gals have a bunch of cakes made but don't have time to decorate them. I told them I did not care, I was on vacation and I'll be in next week to get it all put back together. They feel bad but it is not their fault.

When we got home, I started back on the laundry. Opened up the dryer and low and behold there was money! Woo hoo!! I just earned 40 bucks :} I was doing the girls' clothes so I knew that one of them had left money in their pockets. My guess was that it was Gabby's because she always puts her money in her back pocket. While folding that load of laundry, I earned 140 bucks!!!! That was some load of laundry. I did give the money back to Gabby because it was pretty much her Christmas money that she had left over from vacation. She was in her bedroom laughing the whole time I was folding that laundry. Then out pops a question that only Gabby could ask. One of her $20's was slightly torn and she asks.....

"Mom, if this twenty is torn in half would I have $40 dollars?"

I was still shaking my head in disbelief when I answered.

"No, Gabby, you would have a 20 dollar bill torn in half. That does not mean you would have twice the amount of money."

Yep, she is an A student that really needs to think before asking some questions. I blame it on her daddy :} Cause it doesn't come from my side of the family, unless you count my sister Janeie :} My daddy used to call her a dingbat so maybe I'll start to use that term.

I am still chuckling about this when the fighting begins. WHAT?! What is there to fight about?! "She was gonna....." "No I wasn't......" "So, I did......" "And then she did......" blah blah blah blah blah......

They need to go back to school!

Is anyone else out there getting the "What are we doing today?" question? I have made the same reply over and over. "I don't know what we are doing. I planned everything we did all of last week down to what we were eating every night so I'm not planning anything this week! If you wanna do something, let me know." I guess doing the laundry and running the vacuum doesn't constitute any fun for anyone other than me (big choking cough and ahem's inserted here). I'm tired and just wanna stay home but I'm sure we will be heading out to do something big and exciting.

We are headed up to my MIL's tomorrow after Abby's volleyball practice. Can you believe the kids have to practice on New Year's Day????!!!! I about blew a gasket over that one and told Abby she may not go just to prove my point (you don't own every day of Christmas break and there are some days that are off limits). Even my DH was surprised and annoyed. Enough ranting - SORRY!

I'm gonna crash for a bit before all the partying starts. Maybe catch a nap so I don't fall asleep at 8pm. A nap will definitely happen if I have to keep watching all the financial stuff my DH has on.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Jeanette

BOO - Sick Kid!

It is a good thing that we made it home!

Just in time to have a sick kid.
This is not abnormal for us.
We always have a sick kid over Christmas break.

Gabby went to Sam's with me this morning. We had just started shopped (from my two page list) when she says "Mom, I don't feel good." This royally ticked me off! I had just picked her up from home, she could have told me at home that she did not feel good and she could have stayed home. Instead she drags herself through the store 'cause I am NOT leaving a store once I get there. After Sam's I always head over to Walmart to pick up everything I can't get at Sam's. I quick dropped Gab off and told her to get the groceries put away and her clean clothes hung up before plopping on the couch. She was to get a tooth filled this afternoon and I figured she was just freaky out about that.

Abby & I headed out to Walmart. We just got everything put away when Gab announces I think I gonna throw up. I told her to get to the bathroom. She made it and the hurling began. She has been on the couch all day and I am sure I will get to sleep on the loveseat to keep an eye on her overnight. Course, my DH has been in his man cave (aka - basement) for the day and had no idea that Gabby was sick. Tomorrow the girls are to get their haircut and I rescheduled Gabby dentist appointment for Wednesday. Praying she will be better by then!!

My battery is about to die so I gotta run. I am too lazy tonight to run and plug it in :} Hey, I'm entitled - I went to two groceries stores today AND found a place to put it all!!

Hugs!

Jeanette

Disney @ Christmas.....

I can't believe I am getting to post again today but I have the vacuuming done and the laundry is well under way. I can't believe how much laundry we have. I am still working on the colored clothes!!! I think I am on load number 5. We are still waiting for Gabby's bag to arrive.

Here is the lowdown on our vacation. Please be advised that you may need kleenex for all the tears of laughter AND this will probably be a long post so grab your box of chocolates that I know each of you received from Santa and chill with me for awhile.

Sunday came early for us. We had a 6am flight in a town an hour away so we were up at 2:45am to get out the door by 4am or before. If you remember, the midwest was getting ice and snow last weekend so we decided to get out the door as early as possible without being ridiculous. We really did not get much sleep at all. The ice on the power lines started exploding off the power lines right about the time we headed for bed. Every once in awhile we head a huge BANG that would wake us up. Anyway, we were all excited to be heading south so we got rolling in record time.

Our girls were flying for the first time so they were a little scared. The first flight went great with little turbulence. The flight out of Atlanta was a nightmare. We did not have any airplane trouble just a screaming family with the dad yelling as loudly as the kids were arguing. I was lucky enough to be in the seat in front of the 2 year old that was happy to kick my seat for at least half the ride. I don't know about anyone else but I don't think it is EVER a good idea to have two young siblings sitting in seats by themselves without parental supervision. He's touching me, he won't give me that game......it just went on and on. Touchdown never felt so good! We landed in Orlando before noon and it was gorgeous - sorry but I must rub it in a little. The temps when we left was zero with way below zero wind chills. The temps in Orlando was about 75 degrees and sunny. It was like a breath of fresh air!

We dropped everything off at our rooms, changed into some cooler clothes and hit Hollywood Studios for a few hours. Not long after our dinner, Gabby and my DH started to not feel so well. We headed back to the hotel and were happy to see our bags had been delivered. Out came the Tums (cause I have traveled enough with my kids to know that Tums cure EVERYTHING) whether is actually does or not! We went to bed early because the two hours of sleep we had gotten just wasn't doing it for us. I know - your shocked!

Monday morning we slept in - like we did every other day! We only got to the park before 10am on one day. We headed for Animal Kingdom to get it out of the way. It is our least favorite park that Disney has. We did get the Fast Pass for Expedition Everest and while we were waiting for our time to ride we were people watching. The little boy next to us was inspecting his belly. I was laughing at him until - POP - our pops his winky dink. By this time I am roaring and nudged Bill to turn around. This as the people walking by have noticed it too. His mom was so absorbed in her magazine that she did not notice. It took about 2 minutes for her to look up and scream - OH MY NO!!!!! As the tears were streaming down my face......

Expedition Everest was AWESOME by the way. It was Abby's least favorite ride - don't think she liked the backwards in the dark loop that we did. The rest of us LOVED IT!!!!

We did the late Fantasmic show on Monday night too. Good show but it was cool so we were in our coats and mittens. The breeze was cold!!!!

Tuesday we had planned to head over to Epcot but after waiting for an Epcot bus for well over 1/2 hour, we decided to jump over to the Magic Kingdom. Tomorrowland is our favorite area and I was crowned the Commando Commander for my 630,000+ score in the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger ride. We drug the girls over to Space Mountain cause we did not get to ride this 7 years ago when the girls were smaller. Abby is not much of a roller coaster girl but we got her to ride everything that we did. Space Mountain is a roller coaster in the dark. You can't see anything! My DH had yet another laughable moment when the gal in front of him lost her hair. YES! She lost her wig during the ride. She kept say "I lost my hair, I lost my hair!" My DH thought she was saying "I lost my head or I lost my hat". Her wig had dropped into his lap and he did not know it! All this while Gabby kept saying, "Dad are you alright, dad are you alright?" All because he was the only one NOT screaming! We headed for Splash Mountain right after and this is where my DH lost his hat - but we did get a great picture before it flew off!

Wednesday we headed over to Epcot. Abby and I did the green Mission to Mars while my DH and Gabby decided that they were too cool for the green and did orange instead. The Mission to Mars is a simulator ride. They both came off the ride a bit green around the gills so we decided to do a calm ride. Abby and I loved it - cause we are too cool to be sick the rest of the day!! They have revamped the big Epcot ball ride a little but it was still a bit dated.

Christmas day we decided to stay far away from the Magic Kingdom and just stayed at Hollywood Studios. We hit the big rides including the Rock and Roller Coaster before heading over to have Christmas dinner at the 50's prime time dinner. I'm telling you, that is one great place to eat. Great down home cooking and you are "related" to everyone while you are eating. Our waiter was Uncle George and he quickly named Abby "princess". He caught her with her elbows on the table twice and let her know that grandma would be out to have a chat with her if he caught her again. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and collared greens (if someone from down south would tell me what that is I would be grateful). It tasted like green beans and spinach but I am sure there was something else in there. Dessert was Dad's Brownie Sundae. YUMMO!

Friday found us bouncing from park to park to do some of the rides we really liked. We did head back over to Epcot after having dinner at the ESPN Club. We quickly went through the countries and headed home before the big Illuminations show. Both Gabby and my DH were having tummy issues again!

Saturday we went to downtown Disney to blow some time before we had to head to the airport. We were thankful that our flights were pretty much on time and we did not have any weather issues. We heard horrors stories! Our flight from Atlanta to Bloomington was pretty rocky. Gabby about lost it - she was terrified. She has decided that she is not really a fan of flying - the take offs and landings really worried her. I remember having those same issues the first times that I flew.

That pretty much does it for our trip - I could never write everything that happened to us while we were there. But it was good to get away - just as good to get home. Gabby's bag has just been delivered and we are happy to be home. Gabby has yet to get out of her jammies but I have a feeling that she will be spending hours tonight working on her nails and hair.

With that, I will leave you with the picture we have tons so it was hard to chose. I'll post a link to our pictures once I get them loaded into Picasa.

This is Abby and Gabby while we are waiting to be let into "It's Tough to be a Bug" show. They are standing in front of a huge ball of bug "dung" and have on their "bug eyes". It was a fun show and one we hit every time we go to Disney. We laugh at all the screaming kids that get freaked out by the huge bugs on the scream. Aren't we terrible!!

Hugs all!

Jeanette

Home & Happy!

Hi to all my blogging buddies!

We made it home LATE last night - with only one bag going MIA. Our plane got home at 9pm but with a plane load of missing bags and us being the last in line meant that we left the airport about 10:15pm. The one missing bag contains mostly Gabby's things and our toothbrushes, of course. A quick stop to CVS before heading home scored us some toothbrushes and bubble gum - because you can't find gum ANYWHERE at Disney and my DH was in severe withdrawal. We finally made it home about 11:15, drug the bags inside and started sorting - cause who can go to bed with all that laundry stinkin' up the bags?!

We had a great time but I'll have to fill you in later. I need breakfast and a shower in my own house with my own shampoo and my own bath wash. It will be next to heaven!

My washer is moving full force and we will be home all day today. Maybe I'll be able to get some pics loaded up for you to see.

The weather was in the 80's all but one day. It was wonderful to be in capri's and short sleeves again!!! We enjoyed our time (even with upset tummies half the time!) My guess is that our bodies can't digest "real" food and go into shock when eating meatloaf and mashed potatoes!! I did great but everyone else had issues. What is up with that???

Hugs to all and I pray that you each had a blessed Christmas!

Jeanette

Happpy Birthday Abby & Merry Christmas to All!

We are all excited today.

We celebrated Abby's 14th birthday with my folks and my MIL. They came over for lunch and cake. YUMMY!

Abby was born at 3:02 pm she weighed 6 lbs 4 1/4 ounces and was 18" long. I called her delivery time the day before. My doctor always asks his induction patients what time their baby would be born. I said 3pm as I was to be at the hospital at 11am (yes my delivery was fast but no less painful!). After delivery, he asked if I could come and schedule his deliveries for him :0}

After the birthday celebration settled down, we sat down to open our Christmas gifts. We leave for Disney EARLY tomorrow morning. We decided it was probably not a good idea to take any Christmas gifts with us so today was our Christmas Day.

The stockings were all hung by the chimney with care....

with a bag of M & M's in each one cause they are fun to share!

Gabby cashed in with some warm pj's and a cool camera :}

She is quite the ham!!

Abby got a mish mash of clothes and bags.....

My DH was a good guy this year so he got his Payton shirt.....

Me? I was very good! My kids got me some warm fuzzy socks, lipgloss & Sweet Pea spray from Bath & Body. My DH got me EVERYTHING on my wish list from Brighton. To say I am a VERY happy woman would be an under statement!!!

I don't know when or if I'll be able to blog from Disney so I'll say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all tonight! Stay warm and enjoy your Christmas :} Eat up some cookies and candy for me!!

God bless and HUGS TO ALL!

Jeanette

Ice and SANTA!!

I have been a slacker posting because I have made up about 40 of these this week plus one for Abby's birthday on Saturday.


That is right folks. I am busier at work in December with below zero wind chills than I am in July. IT IS CRAZY! I finished up at work today and won't be going back until January 5th. I am excited to be able to have some down time and not have to worry about when to go into work with my family at home.

Because of my slacking, I have forgotten to post some pictures of our Christmas tree. So, here we go.......

Banister...


Banister flower...


The tree, sorry about the glare!


And because we don't discriminate against any ornament, an angel and a Star Trek shuttle craft.

We are currently getting an ice storm and are praying that we keep electricity throughout the storm that is to last until about noon tomorrow. We shall see! My car looks like a huge block of ice :} Can you believe that the wipers don't work so well when it is freezing rain outside. My car actually made a cracking noise when I turned the corner on the way home. It was kinda funny and my DH made the statement that a car isn't supposed to sound like that!

Gabby has one more day of finals - math and spanish. She was happy to be done with biology and english today and software applications yesterday. If they don't have school they will have the last day of finals the day they return to school. Fun, eh?! She has spent countless hours studying in the sunroom. Abby pretty much has NOTHING going on at school so she really doesn't care if they have school.

We had our last Christmas party to attend tonight. On our way to the party, we were at a stoplight. My DH says, hey Santa! I look over to the car next to us and there he was. SANTA! This was the best Santa I have EVER seen in real life! I mean really - real white beard, white gloves, jolly red hat and suit AND golden rimmed glasses. I was just about to yell...



At the last minute I controlled myself!

Abby's 14th birthday is Saturday, all the Christmas gifts are purchased and wrapped. Tomorrow brings my day of cleaning. Packing for vacation has begun. At least me and Abby have started working on it. Don't know when Gabby will get to hers but I hope she will start by tomorrow night. We are planning on have birthday and Christmas on Saturday. We don't have room to pack any gifts to take on vacation with us so we will make our time Saturday night special by reading the Christmas story before openning gifts - just as if it were Christmas day.

There goes the snow plow again. I joke about our school district paying extra for the snowplow man to keep the roads open in order for school to stay open. We know that if our school is cancelled it must be bad outside.

Time for bed. Stay warm!

Hugs,

Jeanette

A day in the life of me :}

Prepare yourself.

I have an announcement.

I did not clean my house today.

I know!
Your shocked!!

I decided that I'm gonna clean later this week so that the house will be clean when we head on vacation. And then I should not have to clean again until everyone is back to school and work.

So, instead of cleaning I:

did laundry
ran the vacuum
cleaned out the storage room
ran the dishwasher
tidied up the house (does not mean cleaning just picking up all the stuff left by the other critters that reside in my house)
wrapped presents for the teachers at Abby's middle school
went to lunch with a girlfriend
went grocery shopping
helped my dad install an air purifier on our furnace
balanced the checkbook and savings account
made up a candy gift box for our neighbor
put together christmas cards and candy for my DH to take to work
helped Gabby decide her school schedule for next year

I did not think I got much done today until I looked at this list.

Whew,

I'm tired!

Oh yeah, the girlfriend I went to lunch this today had also been sick this weekend. I think I had a flu bug and not anything to do with food. It hit her like it hit me - BAM! We are both feeling better today and it was good to get back to real food. Love that sugar toast but my love for real food trumps it every time.

I better get my girls tucked into bed. Yeah, I still give kisses and I heart you to them each night.

Hugs to all!

Jeanette

Just what I needed....

Sorry I have not blogged in awhile!

Since my sickness on Tuesday I have been busy working and getting things ready for our vacation next week. The cakes have been flying out of the display and I have been running to keep up.

We decided to fly to Disney!

We are excited that we don't have to spend 18 hours in the car.
This also means that I need to check into the new regulations regarding hair care products - cause that is one of the most important items that we pack you know!!
I'll be picking everything up in 3 oz bottles so that it will all go through. I'll throw it all away before coming home - just don't need the extra hastle.

We hosted our last Christmas party yesterday. After the party I started not feeling so well - sometimes I have issues with different foods and never know what will bother me and when. I'm guessing that the cracker dip mixed with the potato soup was the trigger. It was yummy the first time around - not so much the second :{ OK, sorry TMI!!!

I did feel better about midnight and thought I would be good to get to church this morning. I hit the shower and about passed out before I was done with my 5 minute shower. Needless to say, I did not go to church this morning and my kids stayed home with me. My DH goes into church a good 1 1/2 hours before we do to help set up. With the church being 25 minutes away, I did not think it was a good idea to drive. They took really good care of me. Got me some breakfast (sugar toast cause that's what my mom always made me when I was sick) and lunch that settled very well. I think I was just weak from an empty stomache and a bit dehydrated too.

I have rested all day with my severely BAD bed head, my pillow, and blankie. A few cat naps in between all the football games and sappy Christmas shows on ABC family have pretty much been the highlight of my day.

I am excited that I believe all my Christmas shopping is done! Just need to wrap up a few more and call it done.

Merry Christmas everyone! Hugs and kisses too :}

Jeanette

The winner, the losers and drugs :}

I know ya'll are just waiting on the edge of your seat to find out who won the graham cracker building contest.

Drumroll please..........

TOWN SQUARE is the winner by a 7-4 vote. The creations are still sitting on our table but will probably find the garbage tomorrow. We don't eat them - too many licking fingers during the building process!

If any of ya'll have watched the news today you will know that our mobster governor was arrested today. Yep, he AND his wifey poo will get to do some jail time. I would love it if they put him in the prison that he has been trying to shut down to "save the state money". Did ya know that all you have to do to earn a Senate seat is to be the highest bidder?! Our other Senator stepped up and said he would request a special vote to elect our next Senator. Any other way would just be scandalous. Ya think?! If you remember back in this post, I was not real happy about this in the first place. Course, being from down state Illinois we are pretty much stuck with whatever Chicago votes in. The joys of government!!

Well, I have been sick again. I can't get rid of this cough and this morning I pretty much did not have a voice and was coughing and hacking all over the place. I asked my DH why he did not wake me up before the semi ran me over during the night. He laughed and said something about not waking a hibernating bear.... Wonder what he meant by that?!

I called my doctor and they refused to call in a script (which they have always done before) but they could get me in tomorrow. HELLO - I AM D.Y.I.N.G.! I can't wait until TOMORROW!! So, off to prompt care I go. An hour later, with no line in front of me mind you, I am finally out the door with my script in hand. No pnemonia or bronchitis but it is headed that way. Take the antibiotics for 10 days and stay on the Mucinex and Tylenol. I headed directly over to CVS to get the script filled.

Lady at counter - "when do you want to pick this up?"
Me - "I'll wait for it"
Lady - "It will be an hour to an hour and a half."
Me - "Seriously?"
Lady - "Yep" (she is just filled with useful info isn't she?)
Me - "I'll come back after my nap."

Do they seriously want SICK PEOPLE to sit at the pharmacy for 1 1/2 hours waiting for their meds?!

Now, hours later, I am ready to go to bed. I am feeling a bit better. I can feel my chest loosening. A good nights rest and I'll be tip top. Drugs are good!

Hugs friends & rest well (dodge them semi's)

Jeanette

VOTING BEGINS!

The big party is over and here is what we have to show for it!

Towne Square would be the title.
Complete with a fountain and cobblestone walkways
and lamp posts.

Next we have a tank.
Complete with gummy bear soldiers and
missle to air combat cannons.

I think both a VERY creative.
Now, is the fun part.

Let me know which one you like better.
The kids that worked on it are so excited that their work
is hitting the blogging world and can't wait to see who wins!!

Voting ends on Tuesday night AND you can even
poll you family to see which one they like best.
The more the merrier so let's have it!!!

Hugs!

Jeanette

Who will win?

Tonight we are having a care group Christmas party at our house.

Graham cracker structures will be made.
Pics and voting to come!

Later!!!

Jeanette

The cozyness of home!

We are getting more snow tonight.
The girls and I are all excited.
Because we can be happy about snow.
We are weird like that!

So, in honor of the newest snowfall,
I am already in my jammies and cuddled up
in my warm, soft and fuzzy pink bathrobe.
I know it is only 5:30pm.
What is wrong with that?

The girls are having breakfast for super.
It is leftover night so everyone pretty much
gets their own dinner.
They decided against lasagna and went for french toast sticks
and Abby added pop tarts.
What?!

I guess I must be a cool mom (or a really bad one) because
I just don't care!
I am simply shocked that they did not want
the lasagna. I have to say that next to my Aunt Phyllis,
I can make a mean lasagna.

I feel accomplished tonight.
I was able to get gifts wrapped today
AND
our Christmas cards will go in the mail tomorrow.

I got 10 cakes done at work and got home
before the snow started.
We are home for the rest of the night.

BLISS!

I need to get started on my next book club book
so that I can relax and enjoy reading it instead
of reading it to get it done.
It is a big one called The Given Day by Dennis Lehane.
I have no idea what it is about.
I just enjoy getting together with some girlfriends to
talk and enjoy each others company!

Enjoy your evening and stay warm :}

Hugs,

Jeanette

Dare to Wear - better late than never!

Mama Belle had a Dare to Wear festivity yesterday.

Of course,
I'm late at getting it all together.

Mama Belle I am far from a fashion diva
as you can tell from the pics.

I have a huge aversion of athletic suits.
So, I picked up two.
The first one I'm not sure I'll wear out of the house.
The second I REALLY like.

Now, this last picture I decided to
pick up a pair of leggings and a tunic.
I haven't worn leggings for about 10 years.
I told you I don't have much fashion sense!!
Abby decided this was absolutely the
funnest thing she has seen in awhile.

No snickers, PLEASE!!
My legs may hear and feel embarrassed.
They aren't the same as they were 10 years ago.

I heard snickers AND laughter!
No worries - I won't be wearing this outfit
out of the house. It will strictly be a lounging outfit.

The girls will have a ball laughing each and every
time I wear them. But hey, who cares!

So, there you have it.
Oh, by the way, my kids had school yesterday!

YIPEE!

Hugs,

Jeanette

Snow Day?

The snow just keeps comin' down.
I just LOVE snow so I don't mind.

So, what do you think?
Are we gonna get the 7-9 inches they are predicting?

The girls are pulling for a snow day tomorrow
but I'm not sure.

EVERYONE needs to go away :}

I need to get the house put back together.
The girls will need to help if they have a snow day.
That will be joyful!
They will just love that....

OR NOT!

Abby and her school pals have been working on a
project since Friday.
It is finally in working order and after some really
long and heavily thinking days we are proud
to say that we have a "hot chocolate making machine"
sitting in the office.
It is one of those domino effect projects for science.
It is supposed to show Newton's law.
They did a really good job and you could hear the
wheels turning as they were thinking over each part.
At least they did not wait until the night before to get it done!

My mind is scattered tonight.

I don't know why.
Must be all the mind boggling football I watched this weekend.

GO BAMA
GO BAMA
GO BAMA....

Still UNDEFEATED :}
They play for SEC Championship on Saturday against Florida.

That said, I'll say good night and

Hugs!

Jeanette

Santa, I want a.....

Our city has the longest running Santa Parade in the nation.
Isn't that cool?

They actually announce it every year on the today show!

Woo Hoo - we make national news....
for a good reason!!

Gabby marches in the parade with the high school band
so we must go to the parade for the next three years.

Please Lord, send nice weather!

While we were waiting for the parade to start,
one of the local tv channels were interviewing kids about the parade
and Christmas.

The picture below shows the reporter and the camera girl.

The reporter asked the girls what they wanted for Christmas.

One of them replied...

"I want a tuba"

I think the reporter about wet her pants.

Every time a band went by with a tuba in it the girl started yelling...

"Mommy, a tuba, a tuba, do you see, a tuba"

It was hilarious!

Her mom had no idea she wanted a tuba.
How do you even wrap one of those?

Anyway, it was really cute!

Gabby's band placed 1st....
cause they ROCK!
(Gabby said to put that in)

We spent the rest of our day at home.

I let my fingers do the walking and got most of the girls' Christmas
presents bought along with a few birthday gifts.

Abby's birthday is just before Christmas and Gabby's is in early
January so we buy everything at the same time.

Our Christmas decorations are all up and shining brightly.
I will probably do some outside decorating but not much.
Just not into it this year.

Yesterday was spent with my DH's family.
We had the annual viewing of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
after we had lunch. This marks the start of our Christmas
season. It was nice to see everyone but just as nice to go home.

My DH's side has some marital issues with two of his sisters.
If I hear the one husband demean his wife one more time,
I think I'll body slam him!
Nothing makes me more angry than a man talking down
to his wife (or any woman for that matter).
Gggggrrrrrrrrr!

OK, off my soapbox....

Praying that ya'll had a great Thanksgiving Day
and an even better black Friday.

Hugs!

Jeanette

Laughter

The kids are done with school for the week.

They actually got to get out of school early today
so they could go to the dentist.
They love to go to the dentist.
Gabby actually has to have her wisdom teeth pulled
in the next year or so.
She also has a cavity.

I needed to get into work so my DH stepped in and
took care of getting them to the dentist and home.

As I sit here typing, I keep smelling the sweet smell of ice cream.
The smell stays in my hair.
Better than greasy burgers don't ya think?

I have had more than one person comment on me smelling like ice cream.
I think it is kinda funny.

Mani's and pedi's tomorrow!
YIPEE!!!

We had a sweet time of laughing during dinner tonight.
Abby made a comment last night that made me
look at her as if she was a blonde.

"Mom, what day is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on tv?
Is it on Christmas?"

Sometimes I think my kids should be on Jay Leno's "Jaywalking" segment.
They would probably win!

So tonight at dinner I reminded Abby of her comment
and she was slightly embarrassed.

It was good to hear simple unstressed laughter!
No ball practice, homework, projects, softball, orchestra, band.
Nothing - just giggles.

LOVE.
IT.

Life is sweet tonight.

For that I am grateful!!

Hugs,

Jeanette

Giving Thanks

Today was kinda my day "off".

I still had to do the vacuuming, laundry, grocery store.
But, I did not clean my house.

I feel a bit light headed from ya'll gasping at the same time.
I think the oxygen levels around the globe went down.

I know, I know....

I always clean on Monday's.

Well, NOT TODAY!!

Yesterday was our Feast of Thanks at church.
Our care group (a small group of folks that we keep track of)
was in charge of this event.

It was our churches first feast.
We did not know how the turn out would be.

We had a great turn out - about 380 people!!

Needless to say, after feeding 380 people, setting up and tearing down.
Our group was EXHAUSTED!

This, along with the fact that my throat started hurting on Thursday.
The feeling of a cold coming on.
So, I got to come home and crash.

That earned me the day off today.

I am taking my cold meds and popping Halls Breezers
to keep my throat from burning.

Ouch!

This usually hits me about this time every year so I'll do what I always do.
Deal with it until it knocks me flat and end up going to the drs. anyway after it has hit the broncitus level because the drs. won't give you anything until that point anyway.

I told my sis that I would make a list of 10 things I am thankful
for so I better get to it before I forget cause ya just never know when these drugs are gonna kick in.

1. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and for a
great church that teaches the Gospel.

2. Hostess 100 calorie pack cupcakes -
they are yummy and only 1 weight watcher point.
3. A warm and welcoming home.
4. A great husband and 2 sweetie pie teenage daughters.
5. My washer, dryer, dishwasher and microwave -
for obvious reasons.
6. My laptop - I heart my laptop!
7. My parents, sisters & brother, neices and nephews -
they always make me smile :}
8. Heated seats in my car -
cause there is nothin' like warm buns.
9. Our DVR - no explanation needed!!
10. My friends and blogging buddies -
life would be so much less interesting without you ;}

Tomorrow is my girls' last day of school for the week.
Wednesday I get my nails done and Gabby and I are getting pedicures.

I.
CAN'T.

WAIT.

Thanksgiving day will see us at my MIL's house.
We never know what will happen or who will show up.
Should be interesting!

Blessings until next time!

Jeanette

WHEW!

The Domestic Diva event is over.

It turned out GREAT!
The ladies loved it and we had A LOT of ladies :}

I must give kudos to the events committee -

Kendra (the fearless queen of the group)
Marli
Erin
&
Erica

You guys ROCK!

I found out tonight that Kendra reads my blog.
Who woulda guessed?

I thought I had my few followers but it goes beyond the few!

I'm so proud :}
Do ya see that proud look?!

I have to say I am happy that the event is over.
I started with the scratchy throat and general not feeling well yesterday.
Tonight I have taken some medicine that will knock me out but I'll sleep great.

My ankle is hurting a bit tonight.
I think I have spent too much time standing the past few days.
It popped a few times today too so it could all be part of the healing process.
It is not swollen just a little sore.

I must sign off.
My meds are kicking in and I'm tired.
Work for just a little while tomorrow and then I'm home for the day.

Friday's at home are becoming a habit that I am really liking!

Hugs to all!!

Jeanette

Domestic Diva Event

I've gotten some questions about the Domestic Diva event we are having on Thursday night so I thought I would fill you in on all the great classes we will be having.

Budget Saving Tips
How to Study Your Bible
Party Planning on a Budget
Card Making
Holiday Home Decorating
Simple Gifts
Making your own Baby Food
How to Make a Turkey & Holiday Traditions
Self Defense
Cupcake Decorating
Candy Making

Each class will be 1/2 hour long and each lady will get to pick 3 classes.
We will start the evening with cheesecake and ice cream pumpkin pie from Coldstone.
All good baptists much have food at every event ya know!

I made it to the candy store today so I can finish up the few candy items that I need to do.
The girls and I will have a great time working through all the candy supplies I picked up.

turtles
chocolate covered popcorn
peanut butter cups
caramel cups (same as peanut butter cups but with caramel)
peppermint candy
chocolate covered peanuts
chocolate and carmel covered pretzels

Raise your hand if you can make enough candy to use up 10lbs of milk chocolate!!
I always buy the 10lb bag because I will use at least 1/2 and it is still cheaper than buying it by the single pound. If I don't use it all, I'll ask around and see if anybody can use it.
I'm sure I'll get some takers! Plus it lasts A LONG time if I don't.

We laugh about the location of the candy store.
It is in a not so great part of town.
(code for ghetto)
But, it is have best candy store in town.
Michael's, Hobby Lobby and Wal-Mart may not have what you are looking for but the Decorator's Grocery will!
This couple have been in business for YEARS (meaning they are ancient themselves) and so sweet. He always runs the OLD adding machine - no cash register here - writes out your ticket by hand and answers all your questions. She keeps the shelves stocked and generally runs around the store (that is probably all of 400 sq ft) keeping everything in perfect order.

Just another sign that Christmas is on its way!
The annual chocolate sale at The Decorator's Grocery.

LOVE IT!

Now that I have made you all hungry for all the candy, I'll let you go for the night :}
No, don't thank me - really - I'm here for you!

Hugs!

Jeanette

What a busy week!

Today has been my typical Monday.
Cleaning,
laundry,

grocery store,

pizza for supper.

Tomorrow brings bible study.
I am doing a Precept study on Daniel.
I goes perfectly with my two year precept study on Revelation.
It takes ALOT of work each week but it is so worth it!

Thursday night is the Domestic Diva event.
I think I have my talks under control.
I'll need to make cupcakes on Thursday morning and
some frosting so we can decorate them that night in class.

Most of my candy is made but I need to pick up a few more things
that I can only get at the candy store.

Saturday night we are going to Joseph and the Technicolor Dream coat play.

We are going to be VERY theatrized by the time this month is over.

Sunday is our Feast of Thanks after the church service.

Let's just say that come next Monday,
I'm taking the day off!!

Gotta go pick up Gabby from softball clinic.
She helps the younger kids on Monday nights.

Hugs to all!
Jeanette

Seems like a re-run of last Saturday!

I am on the mend!

My ankle is feeling much better and I just hobble around a little.
Still sore but at least I can function.

I'll continue to rest it during the day and evening hours but for the
most part, I will no longer be waited on.
And I was just getting used to it!
My DH actually took 1/2 off work to take care of me.
I chuckle about this because he came home,
asked if I needed anything,
went downstairs to work out,
got a shower, ate lunch,
asked if I needed anything,
and headed back downstairs to watch what he wanted on tv.

I was pretty much on my own for the afternoon, even though he was home.
Good thing I didn't have to run the vacuum or iron the clothes.
No wait, I did that before I threw myself down the stairs!

Anyway, today brings a basketball tourney
single elimination means they will only play 1 game today and will be done for the week.
Because they will lose - played this team last week and got pounded.
Just practices after school.
YIPEE - a semi normal week!

Gabby and DH went to a football game.
The team that beat us last week will get beat this week by the team that beats
EVERYONE in the area.
Gluttens for punishment they are!!
You know that weather we got last week?
Cold, windy, rain/sleet/snow?
It's back!!

After Abby's ball game, she & I are going to come home and make some candy
for the Domestic Diva event on Thursday.
Carmel and chocolate covered pretzel rods,

simple colored chocolate in molds,
peanut butter cups,
chocolate covered popcorn (always a fav)
peppermint chocolate with candy canes crushed into it.

This weekend is for the diva event,
next weekend is for us!

I always make a ton of candies for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
It is hard to have around the house but after awhile,
you just don't want it any more!!

I can say that and sound semi normal right?!

Backing up a bit,
last night we headed 1 1/2 hours north to see a play that my neice was in at school.
They performed Seussical the Muscial.
It is basically a musical of Horton Hears a Who mixed with a few other Dr. Seuss stories.
She was the Cat in the Hat.
It was the perfect part for her and they all did a great job.
We always cringe when we hear that a high school is putting on a musical.
You just never know if the kids can really sing or not.

It was a late night for us but we all slept in this morning.
Me?
I crawled out of bed at 9:20.
It felt GLORIOUS!

I need to grab a quick lunch and head out the door to catch Abby's ball game.
Ya'll have a great day and stay inside by the fireplace and keep warm!

Oh yeah - ROLL TIDE!

Hugs!

Jeanette

She shoots, She scores & multi-tasking!

Last night Abby had her last home basketball game.

It was parents night for the 8th graders.
Meaning, parents were recognized and given a flower
by our daughters before the 8th grade game.

The game was over before it even began.
We played an undefeated team.

We are so proud of Abby.
She made 1/3 of the teams points for the night.

Thanks right folks.
ONE THIRD
of the points were made by Abby!

So how many points did she score?
I knew you would want to know!

1
UNO
One

The final score 51-3.

Sad isn't it?!
We are proud of her for her contribution to the team.

On the other hand....
would you please be in prayer for her teammate, Ashley?
She fell on her wrist last night and broke it in two places.
She was not at school today so we are praying that she did not need surgery.

I was getting all my work done around the house before
getting my nails done and going into work.
So, while carrying an empty laundry basket and a full hamper,
I missed step number 11, 12 & 13 on our stairs and fell on my ankle.
At first I thought it was broke.
But I was able to move my toes and move my foot front to back.
I decided to see if I could walk on it and I can.
Although limping through my day I got to my nail appointment and
got 6 hours in at work to get the cake display all filled back up.

I know I should have stayed at home and rested it for the day.
Now it is painful and swollen.
I am still limping but have been on the couch since I got home with ice packed on it.

I called in to cancel the time I was to spend in the nursery tomorrow for Mops.
I feel terrible about cancelling but if I can't walk tomorrow I won't be of any use to anyone.

Tonight has been interesting.
The girls have been running around doing what I usually do.

Gabby just started a load of laundry and it took 3 trips of instructions before she got it started.
At least they are willing to be helpful and it was the last load of laundry left to do!

Tomorrow will be spent resting again.
I am hoping to hit the local candy making shop on Saturday
to prepare for my diva's talks next week. I was planning on
making candy this weekend but it looks like I'll have to whip up something next week.
If things are no better tomorrow, I'll be visiting my local prompt care for an x-ray.
Pinky Promise!

I have always said that housework and exercise is dangerous to your health.
My girlfriend has broken her wrist while house cleaning and

her knee while exercising.
I think I have proven my point don't you?

Hugs to all!

Jeanette

Do this and this and this...............

Veteran's Day for us means that the kids are out of school.

I headed off to bible study this morning while the girls stayed home and chilled.
After study I went home to get the girls.

They got to go get some immunizations.
Two of them.

Gabby gets totally freaked and cries before they even touch her.
I told her it was easier when she was a baby.

We made a quick run over to work to do a cake that was due tonight.
The cake display was hit hard this weekend so I know what I'll be doing the rest of the week.
They have a new promotion going on with the cakes so for the next three days, I'll be spending at work. There is a new cake that needs to be put out as well.
Gingerbread something.
I'm not sure how well they will go over.
For some reason the pumpkin pies don't move so well in our store but they move a ton in the other store. It is always hard to forecast what will and won't sell.

Guess I'll just go in and bang out some cakes from 10-5 tomorrow.
My back will most likely be sore but the display should look great!

I have an Events meeting tonight for a gig at church.
We are having a Domestic Diva's event on the 20th.
Basically, we have asked ladies of the church to come and speak about a specific subject.
This is usually a large event because the ladies want to learn how to do something new.

I'm doing a cupcake decorating class and a candy making class.
I am hoping to get to the "saving $$ at the grocery store class"
Many young moms will head to the "making your own baby food class"
along with the "card making class"
or "decorating for the holiday's class"

There will be pretty much something for everybody (how to defend yourself).
It will be fun and I can't wait to get it over with!
That will mean there is only one week until Thanksgiving.

I love spending time with family during the holidays!
It is so relaxing and we usually think back to the good old days with the "remember when" question.

I
LOVE
IT!

I need to be getting my family feed so I gotta run.

Tomorrow night is a basketball game so I'll have to figure out what to throw in the crockpot.
Chili sounds wonderful!

Stay warm!

Hugs,

Jeanette

Football and Saturdays

Baby, it's cold outside!

Today was the high school's football playoff game.
It was snowing.
The wind was blowing.
The heaters were brought out to the field.
The fans were wrapped in blankets and layered in many layers.
Hoods and mittens abounded.
Hot chocolate was everywhere.

I have decided that I am definitely a fair weather football fan.
We left at half time with our team down 21-0.
Yep, they pretty much decided that they did not really want to play.
So, we decided that we were not going to watch.
Final score 28-14.

I came home just in time to start watching the Alabama LSU game in my nice warm and cozy basement with my jumbo cup of hot chocolate and my blanket.
This is how I like to watch football.
Forget the freezing weather and the wind.
That just makes for a bad hair day!

It would be completely wrong if I did not tell you who won the Alabana game.

OF COURSE!

ALABAMA won in OT.
They are still NUMBER 1.

WOO HOO!!!

Yesterday was my DH's birthday.
He wanted low key so we did low key.

Subway for dinner and, of course, a Coldstone cake for dessert.
Opened presents and watched Get Smart before we all fell asleep and headed for bed.
We are one rockin' family aren't we?!

Hugs!

Jeanette

Let's add insult to injury shall we?

I was just listening to the news.

I know,
BAD IDEA!

I had wondered earlier today what was going to happen with the Senate spot
that Mr. Obama has left open for us in Illinois.

I had not had time to look it up yet to see how we get another senator.

It seems that our govenor gets to place the next senator.

WHAT?!

ARE.
YOU.
SERIOUS?

Folks, for the second time in two consecutive govenors, the head man in our state (democrat) is being investigated for wrong doing (fraud and conspiracy).
The previous govenor (republican) is now doing time for federal corruption charges.

So, you see folks, you can't trust the voters of Illinois as they tend to vote people into office that are questionable in character.

I can hear ya'll now...

Sure, now you tell us!
Could you not have mentioned this BEFORE the election yesterday?!

Sure, I could have

BUT WHO WOULD HAVE LISTENED?

Now, all we can do is pray.

Pray for this new president.
Pray that his heart will be softened toward our Lord.
His title of President will mean nothing when he stands before the
Lord of Lord and King of Kings to answer for his deeds.

The book of Daniel says that God places and removes kings.

I believe this will all my heart.

Hugs!

Jeanette

Why?

Why am I the only one that knows when the garbage can is full?

Why am I the only one that can put the recyclables in the recycle bin
right outside the back door?

Why am I the only one that can put dishes in the dishwasher?

Why am I the only one that can see the "clean" button lit on the dishwasher?

Why am I the only one that can change the toilet paper roll?

Why am I the only one that can put my shoes in my closet?

Why am I the only one that can hang up dirty towels/wash clothes?

Why am I the only one that can tell that the vacuum needs to be ran?

Why am I the only one that knows how long food needs to be microwaved?

The answer....

Cause I'm the mom!

I guess you could say I had a rough day.
I think it is more that I am frustrated that I seem to be the only one that
cares that the above mentioned issues are even done.

Seriously, am I the only one in the world that asks why?

It is going to be a long week....................

Hugs!

Jeanette

The Braces are Still Here!

I totally forgot to tell ya'll that Abby still has her braces on.

Can you believe it?!
She was told that they would put her retainer on.
They did.
They took the wire off her bottom teeth, put the retainer on and left the braces on.
They want to make sure that her teeth don't move.

She was devestated!
I can't blame her either.

I was a bit miffed that I took her out of school for a 20 minute procedure.
I thought it would take a good hour for them to take off her braces
so I scheduled her during the school day.

When it was time to schedule her again they wanted to know if I wanted the same time.
Ah, let me think....

NO!

I would like a 4:30pm appointment so my kid doesn't have to get out of
school early for another 20 minute appointment.

Course, then the coaches expect you to schedule everything around all the sports practices and games. I have stopped doing that.

If they have an appointment, they will miss practice so they don't miss school.
I think I have had to re-schedule about 5 times this year and I simply
refuse to do it again!

Off to have some supper.
I'm thinkin' some leftover potato soup.

Hugs!
Jeanette

Life

The girls had a 1/2 day of school today.
Teachers institute.
We were all excited.
My mom took us out to dinner and then we went shopping for pj's for the girls for Christmas.
Grandma and grandpa always buy the kids pj's for Christmas.

I got a pair too!

Gabby was thrilled to find out that she got a 100% A+ on her biology test.
She did a dance.
Something similar to this....
(you may want to turn it to mute, Elaine uses the h.e. double hockeysticks word)




Ok, well maybe not that bad but something very similar!!

The kids in her class could not believe that she did better than they did.
I think that is pretty low on their part but she sure ruined the curve for them :}

Tonight we finally got to try Patrice's potato soup recipe.
It is AWESOME!
My kids LOVED it.

YUMMO!

THANK YOU PATRICE!!!

We have enough to last us for at least the next few days but, hey,
leftovers are great aren't they?!

Still working on Christmas for my girls but at least they have given me a few ideas.

Off to do more shopping!

Love & Hugs,

Jeanette

Snow?

Can you believe that when we were heading home from Abby's basketball game that is was snowing? Not a lot but you could hear it hitting the windshield like rain.

The girls thought is was cool.
I love snow so I thought it was cool too!!

Abby is getting her braces off tomorrow - at least her bottom ones.
She is excited and can hardly wait.

I can't believe that we are not done paying for them yet and she is getting them off!
I'll be happy when that bill is totally paid for!

My Christmas shopping is just about done for my nieces and nephews.

My girls are a different story.
Their birthday's are in December and January too so it just makes it worse.
I'm thinking a digital camera for Gabby but I'm not sure.
She hasn't come up with anything that she really wants either.

Abby has requested a few things and I ordered them for her today.
I do all of my shopping online.
So far I have only had to pay shipping on 2 items.
Much better than having to go from store to store don't ya think?!

I'm thinking maybe some cool earrings for Gabby for her birthday but I'm not sure.
She doesn't really need clothes which is a shocker.
Abby requested no jewelry. She is not a huge jewelry girl.
So with her I am stuck.

I would take any suggestions that anyone may have for teenagers.
I haven't heard what the big thing is for this year.

Life is pretty boring this week.
Volleyball is over but basketball is still going.
At least we are down to one sport!!

Time to get the girls to bed.

Hugs!

Jeanette

What NOT to wear to weddings!

Today we had a wedding to go to.

That meant that tonight we had a reception.
It is interesting to see what people wear to weddings.
For some reason, people feel that it is ok to wear things they would not normally wear!

Note to the 70 year old Marilyn Monroe look alike.
The white flowy halter dress looked ok on Marilyn 50 years ago.
Not so great on you!

I am not trying to be mean!
REALLY!!

It is just WRONG!

Um, let's just agree that you will NEVER wear that dress again, ok?!

Now, on to the gal whose bra was plain to see across her back.
She had on a low plunging back dress.
Really pretty until she turned around and her bra back was completely exposed.
I don't think this is what the designer had in mind.
I'll just leave it to say that this dress is retired until
you pick up the correct undergarments to go with it.
You'll thank me for it later!

The bride and groom, along with the bridal party looked VERY nice.
8 attendents each plus 5 flower girls & ring bearers/bell ringers.
A full blown Catholic ceremony that lasted well over an hour.
(This was foreign to us as it has been about 15 years

since we have been to a full Catholic ceremony - communion included.)
The reception had over 400 people in attendence.
Complete with a sit down dinner and an open bar.
The cake was gorgeous and yummy too -
cause that is what it is all about you know!
I can not even imagine how much money was spent today.

The bride is a cancer survivor so today was very special for her family as I know many of them were thinking that they did not think she would live to see her special day.
Of course, she is REALLY tiny in height and weight.
I'm talking maybe 5 foot and 90 lbs.
She was beautiful!

This one's for you Tom & Ashley!

Congrats and God bless you :}

Hugs,
Jeanette

Done, finished, through!

I am done!

I have finished my fall cleaning.
I thought for sure I would have to see a chiropractor before I finished.

I washed all the windows inside and out
which is why....

it rained yesterday

AND

today.

It is all my fault!
That rain has hit EVERY window in the house.

At least we can see out of them again.

Course, if I had seen this before I did all the work it sure would have saved me some time!

http://www.afs.enea.it/fabio/dog_screen_clean.swf

All the carpets got cleaned and the hardwood floors have a great shine.
I have a tip about how to get your floors to shine.

Tea!
Brew up some tea - no sugar of course (light if your floors are light)
I used a wash cloth and simply wiped the damp cloth on my floors and they look great!
No sticky mess or residue either!

I had to get my grout cleaner out to get my tile grout back to the right color.
I love this stuff!
It works great!!


I have concluded that the carpet on our main floor needs to be replaced.
Our plan was when the dog was gone we would replace it.
He has been gone for 2 years and still no new carpet.

Maybe next year!

Time for me to get into my pj's and chill.
It has been a tiring week.

Tomorrow we have a wedding to go to.
I am excited as me and my DH have not gotten out by ourselves in awhile.
I am ssssoooooooo looking forward to

dinner and

CAKE!

There is NOTHING like wedding cake for dessert.

I am completely drained tonight and just want to sleep so I'm signing off.

Hugs!

Jeanette

Report Cards are in.............

Drum roll please..............

dadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadada

Both girls got all A's and B's on their report cards.
We also got their testing scores from last spring.

Gabby tests very well in Math.
She scored 97% in math.
Meaning she did as well or better than 97% of the other people that took this same test.

Whew!

We don't take much stock in testing scores and get really frustrated that the schools tend to teach toward that tests. We like to see old school type teaching.

On another note.....

I have begun my fall cleaning.
Every spring and fall I clean the house top to bottom.
Mostly working on washing windows and window coverings and cleaning the carpets.
So far I have the master bedroom, bath and closet done along with the girls' bathroom and the spare bedroom.
Tomorrow I tackle Abby's bedroom and the 1/2 bath, office and laundry room.
Thursday is Gabby's room, family room and sunroom.
This will leave the kitchen, dining room and the basement for Friday.

I have majorly cut back on my work hours this week in order to get my house done.
I know it seems extreme but I feel so much better settling into a clean house for the winter.
It is really hard to wash windows in the middle of winter ya know!

My washer and dryer continue to hum and I have a stack of magazines that need gone thru so I can get rid of them. Everyday brings more magazines and no time to go thru them so I better get that task done.

Random thought.....

Anyone start their Christmas shopping yet?
Only two months left, better get going!

6 nieces and nephews down, 7 to go!

Hugs!

Jeanette

Awards everywhere!

Within the last week I have been awarded two different awards.

My sister, Julie, awarded me the BFF award which I think is REALLY cool because we have not always been BFF's. Thanks, Julie, hugs and kisses coming your way!

The second award is from Mimi. This one comes with instructions. I am to list 6 things that make me happy. So here goes:

1. My family - they may be crazy but they are all mine!

2. Sunny days.

3. Sleeping late (at least 9am)

4. A clean house with all the laundry done.

5. Chocolate and all forms of dessert (this is unexpected right?!)
6. DVR's

Before I say good night I thought you would get a kick out of our latest Gabbyism.
Gabby was home by herself and was wanting to put in a pizza for supper.
She sent me a text asking if she was supposed to take the pizza out of the packaging.

Ah well, let me see.
Only if you wanna eat it!

That's my girl!!

Time for bed.

Hugs,

Jeanette

Dog Tired!

Not just tired.
I'm dog tired.

Both girls had games today.

Gabby had a volleyball tournament.
Abby had a basketball game.

In towns about 40 minutes apart.

My DH had choir practice today so I was elected to try to make it to as many games as possible.

I started out with a volleyball game.
They won in 2 games.
DH was to head over to the volleyball games at 11am.

Head out to basketball game.
Both the 7th and 8th grade team won.

The highlight was that Abby made her first 2 points EVER
AND
she fouled for the first time EVER!

Really, this is an accomplishment. She has been very timid on the basketball floor.
This is her first year playing so she is still learning the game.
She did really well today!

Back to the volleyball games.
While I was gone they lost two sets so that threw them into the losers bracket.

They won the next set and headed into the consolation championship game.
They won their last set to become the #1 Losers!

Cool eh?!
They even got a trophy.

We finally made it home (after picking up dinner at Subway) about 7pm.
Basically, we sat at games from 9:30am to 6pm.

My rear and my back HURT!
Bleachers must have been made by some person as a joke.
They are not real seating for ANY length of time.
I have decided they are an evil plot by children so that after parents sit for any period of time they are unable to chase them down because they can't stand up straight!

Quick question, totally off subject.

Have you had to turn on your heat yet?

Mimi, you don't have to answer - you are probably asking what I am even talking about. I am sure you rarely have to use heat in Southern California!

I turned ours on this morning.
It was cold in our house (and outside with it being about 38 degrees this morning)

and it felt wonderful to heat the house up a bit.

Hugs to all!

Jeanette

Them Boys just need to STAY AWAY!

Apparently Gabby is a very popular girl.

The other night we were sitting together and she got a phone call from a boy.
He happens to have a girlfriend on her volleyball team.

He was asking her to come outside so he could talk to her.
She kept telling him that she couldn't but he kept pressuring her.
You know how it goes,
come on,

it's no big deal,
just for 5 minutes.....

I heard all of this.
It did NOT make me happy.

She kept telling him no and I finally got on the phone.
I told him if he wanted to talk to my daughter, he needed to ring the door bell and ask to come inside to talk with her.

We was surprised by this!

His reply:

You would let me in?

Yes, you may come in.
I don't turn away my kids' friends.

Gabby called the girl from her team and she headed over to our house.
She arrived the same time the boys did.
Apparently they had decided that they needed space and he needed to talk to a girl - I don't know why he chose Gabby. She has NO boy experience!

He and his buddy rang the doorbell and they came in.

I introduced them to my DH (who, by the way, is pretty muscular thru the chest and arms). I think that surprised them and slightly scared them too.

That is a good thing!

I did ask that he not pressure my kid into doing something that she was not supposed to do.
He had no idea that asking a girl to talk outside is something that would not be ok.
Although she told him multiple times that she was not allowed to be outside with a boy by herself.

His reply was a sincere apology.
I was surprised and happy that he respected our rules.

So he and his buddy sat in the kitchen and talked with the girls for about an hour until I told them they needed to head home.

By this time it was 11pm and they had to walk home (we did offer rides).

They said thank you for letting them come in.
Apparently they have tried this same thing at other girls' homes and were turned away and not allowed to come in.

I told them we have our rules and that Gabby was not allowed to date or be alone with a boy until she is 16. They laughed and said they were not interested in dating Gabby but understood that they did fall into the second part of that rule.

I think I may have to write another Dear John letter!
If you missed that post, you can check it out here.

Each and every day our girls get older and I get more terrified!

I really wish that Patrice lived next door to me.
I just know that her boys would look out for my girls and keep the bad guys away!

Well, it was a good thought anyway ;}

Hugs!

Jeanette

Aunt D, this one's for you!

I know many of you read my sister's blog so I am sure that some of you know that our aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer today.

After I received the news, I decided that this was not a coincidence - nothing is with God. HE is all knowing and HE knew before my aunt was born what was going to happen on this day.

So, in light of this news and the huge event going on at school tonight,
it was the perfect time to dedicate my efforts to my Aunt D.

The t-shirt table - get yours for only $10. LOVE the colors!

Close up of the t-shirt. We now own 3 of them!

This is the rows of tables that holds all of the great donations that were given to be raffled off. Some to the highest bidder and others just by dropping in a ticket to be drawn.

A great picture of both freshman teams!
(Gabby is in the front row, 4th from the right - number 18!)
We actually played my alma mater and it was really cool to see both teams dressed in pink. Our girls are in the light pink and the other team in the darker pink. Isn't cool that they are all mixed together?! The other team had really cool pink heart socks too - I really could have gone for some of those!!

The gym is all decked out with pink balloons and the crowd was AWESOME!

Let the games begin. Gabby is the one on the right.

The team in action!

Gabby serving.

The freshman won their set in three games.
The sophomores lost in two games and
the varsity won in two games.

The most exciting games were the freshman games because they were actually close and the girls were really into the game.

Folks were very willing to hand over cash for the great cause of raising money for the Susan Koman association. I don't know how much was raised but I do know that a large amount of cupcakes were sold and I was just so happy to be rid of them.

Sorry that I don't have pics of the cupcakes - people were pretty much surrounding the table the whole night and I would not have gotten much in the way of cupcakes anyway - just backsides.

It was a crazy busy day but it was worth all the hard work!
I was finally able to taste the cupcakes - I had two - what? I did not have any supper!

Aunt D know that I was thinking of you tonight!
I love you and will be in continued prayer for you and Uncle S.

Hugs!

Jeanette

They Love Me! Well, at least one does ;o}

Do you text with your kid?

I do!

That's right.
We text each other just about every day.

Tonight she actually texted these words:

I love you mom.

All spelled out, no abbreviations.

I just about started to cry!
I will NEVER delete that text from my phone.

Just when you think that your kids are disconnecting with you and would, of course, rather spend time with their friends......They pull out the words that would allow them to break HUGE rules and still survive without brutal punishment.

I may have to remind her of this statement tomorrow morning when I am texting her to GET OUT OF BED! followed by a growl on her part.

I text her from my bed in the morning and tell her to get out of bed, while I stay in bed for a few extra minutes. Is that bad?

Hugs!

Jeanette

CUPCAKES ANYONE?!

This is the week folks.

500+ cupcakes will be delivered to the school tomorrow.

YIKES!

We are so excited for Tuesday to come and go.

Tuesday is our Volley for the Cure event.

Tomorrow we will be deocrating all the cupcakes that did not get decorated at home.

Thankfully, I have at least 325 that will be delivered already decorated. I have to shout out a huge THANK YOU to all the ladies that agreed to help.

I have the 3rd batch of cupcakes in the oven now and have 2 more to go. I just want to make sure that we have enough and don't want to short change anyone.

Gabby has practice tomorrow from 8-9:30 and then the decorating will begin. I'll head to the grocery store quick and then go into school to start collecting cupcakes. There are worse things that could be collected right?! I have no idea where all these cupcakes are going to go. I guess the lady in charge will have that all figured out right?!

I just got a phone call asking if I would come to a meeting at 4pm to go over the schedule of the night. The answer to that would be - aaaaahhh, let me think........

NO!

Baking cupcakes...........REMEMBER?

I don't really care what the schedule is for the night. I just got enough cupcakes and that was all I was in charge of. I'll be there from lunch time until after the varsity volleyball games about 9:30pm. By that time I will be exhausted. I just hope they are planning some good food at the concession stand that night. I'll be needing some pizza and chocolate or chocolate and pizza in what ever order. You know what I mean?

I am excited for the night though. Not only will it mean that the work will all be over. I just can't wait to see what the gym will look like all decked out in pink. Don't you think it will look cool?!

Gotta run, cupcakes are waiting!

Hugs,

Jeanette

4 Things I don't want to Admit....

Alright, Patrice, over at Blessings Amid Chaos tagged me.

Can you imagine that someone would actually ask these things of me?!

I must admit 4 things I don't want to admit.
This will take some thought.

I'm sure my sisters could help me out with this by just remembering back to our childhood. I am drawing a complete blank.

Let me think......

1. I LOVE to read People magazine while waiting in the doctors office.
(I know - I'm terrible! Who really needs to know about those people in Hollywood! Most of them are twisted and bizarre but I just need to know!)

2. I would love to have my "girls" lifted back to where they should be. Gravity and pregnancy have taken a toll on my body.

3. I wish that someone would come to my house and do the fall cleaning. You know, clean the carpets, wash windows and window coverings. I just don't want to do it this year. I am known among my friends as the woman whose home is always clean and tidy. I just wish I wasn't the one doing all the work!

4. I won't leave the house without my hair and makeup done. I wish I could go out and not care but it is a hang up that I have.

Now you know.

Do you think any less of me?

Please, take my flaws and like me anyway!

Hugs!

Jeanette

I May Never Hear This Again!

This video made my day!

I was not able to get home to take my nap before picking up the girls from practice but while making supper Abby made a statement that I had to catch on video.

Now, that makes up for me having to go into work today!

I spent 6 hours count them.
SIX HOURS decorating cakes.
I don't know how many I did. I just know that they were all done when I left and I'll be heading in tomorrow to do some fill ins. I need to make 6 cake batter confettis and 3 cookies and cream.

Next week I can't get in much so I need to add some cakes to the back up freezer to fill in when I am gone. That way the kids can fill the display with cakes from the rear freezer and the display won't be empty when I return.

Time to get into my jammies and relax for the rest of the night.

Hugs!

Jeanette