update to the war in my brain...

Things are much better for me. I am continuing with my therapy and it seems to be working, the only drawback, that I've noticed is that I just don't "feel" creative anymore, but I think maybe I'm just making excuses. Anyways, thank you all for your prayers and your kind words of encouragement. I truly do appreciate them all!!

Top Ten for 2008....

This year, I've decided that I need to make a list of the top ten things I'm thankful for. Some will be obvious and others just might be silly, but I'm thankful nonetheless. And, by the way, these are not in any particular order, just in order of the way they spilled out of my brain.

I am thankful...

10. ... that my two gorgeous children are relatively healthy and have no serious medical conditions.

9. ... for my gorgeous husband who puts up with me and even cleans the house and does laundry when I don't feel like doing it.

8. ...for the smell of Downy fabric softener. Puts me in a good mood every time I catch a whiff!

7. ...for a clean house. Enough said.

6. ...for a place to live. Too many people don't have the privilege.

5. ...for friends who put up with my psychosis/neurosis, whatever you want to call it.

4. ...for facebook.

3. ...for my new job.

2. ...that I haven't totally screwed up my life and have made relatively good choices.

1. ...that God's grace is sufficient.

Hope you have ten things you are thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!!

my name is april and i'm a ...

facebook addict. Okay, there, I admit it. I said I wouldn't even use it, but now, hourly, here I am, checking to see if some blast from the past has found me. And you know what? Usually, it is something, or rather, someone that I've thought about many times and didn't know how to go about locating them. So there. I'm officially a facebook addict who doesn't even go on her myspace page anymore.

Have a great weekend!

help!!!....

I need birthday ideas for Little Prince's SIXTH birthday which is fast approaching - we're down to 24 days!!! And, I have absolutely NO ideas on what to do. There are EIGHTEEN kids in his class, plus another maybe ten kids that he just knows that I must invite, so it needs to be something economical (read: CHEAP) and yet cool enough for six year olds.

Now, the good news is that tonight we went to dinner where they have a balloon artist and Little Prince asked the guy if he could come to his birthday party....so we've got a start, but how much can one guy entertain that many kids?!?! The problem with having the party at my house is I don't have a lot of room outside for the kids to play...I was thinking of doing an "old fashioned" party, with the old standard party games that kids don't play anymore, like pin the tail on the donkey, etc.

So, here's the contest. I want your ideas and in return, you'll win my undying love and adoration! Let's all get those creative juices flowin'.

and the winner is....

Here's the pumpkin for 2008...isn't it great?? We took the kids to the "pumpkin patch" and this little guy won the prize! Here's a couple pics of my other little pumpkins, too, that'll have to make do until I can get the Halloween ones uploaded.


Hope you all had a happy haunting day and got lots and lots of treats!!

OH! On a totally different subject, Little Prince asked "Lauren" in his class to be his girlfriend and she said yes!! Could it get any cuter than that??? It's 330 in the morning and I need to get some rest. Peace out.

war...

Really. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing, but...

Apparently, the war inside my head is still raging and there doesn't seem to be anything (aside from medication) I can do about it. I got to thinking this evening that I used to do my best writing between the hours of midnight and two in the morning. I did my best housework. I did my best scrapbooking. They say that made me bipolar. Is that really true? Nah. I can't be bipolar. That's for criminals and weirdo, psycho people. Maybe I am just one of those people who actually IS a nightowl. Maybe I really CAN function on less than four hours of sleep a night. Maybe I'm just moody. Maybe??

Only problem with that thought process is that I finally burned out over the summer and unfortunately, those things that I was doing so well during my manic episode have faltered greatly. My house is a mess. I haven't done ANY scrapbooking since January. The calendars aren't updated. I just feel, I don't know.....blah. Did I mention my house is in a constant state of chaos?

I do not like the chaos. I do not like the mess. Right now I'm thinking I would rather be in my manic state, if that makes any sense. I see the shrink lady on Friday, so maybe she can offer some insight. I know that people who are manic depressive or bipolar as we now are referred to, almost always want to come off their meds becuase they feel fine or they feel better in their alternative state.....I don't know. I just don't know.

we're sick...AGAIN...

Took Princess K to the doctor, yet again, because she is full of snotty stuff and keeps vomiting at night time when she's trying to sleep....

anyways, turns out the amoxicillan isn't cutting it, so we've put her on a stronger antibiotic and decongestant, so hopefully, in the next day or two, she'll start feeling better!!!

It's never-ending, isn't it??

kids say the cutest things...

The other day, Little Prince says, "Gee, I sure do miss those good ole days"...broke my heart.

Princess K, for some reason, has decided to add the letter "h" between "s" and "i" when she says "wall sits"...I laughed hysterically.

Today, Little Prince asked me, "How was your day at work, mommy?" Could anything be any sweeter than that??!!?? And of course, the simple, "I love you mommy" gets me every time.

Kids. Gotta love 'em.

rain, rain go away...

It feels like it's been raining for days, and I think, actually, it has indeed been raining for days. Our pool is about to overflow and the kids haven't been outside in what seems like weeks. But, oh well, what's a girl to do?

Not much new in my life right now, EXCEPT, Little Prince has a new girlfriend named Lauren! We went to her birthday party a couple of weeks ago and the little sweetheart knew exactly what he wanted to get her...earrings!!So, we got her two pair of really cute earrings and she kissed him on the cheek to say thank you and has worn them every day since. Ahhhhhhh.....young love.

That's it for now. I'll try to be better at posting, but you know how it gets. You get home from work, fix dinner, do homework, get uniforms together, do a load of laundry, clean up the house, bathe the kids, fight with them to get to sleep and then you collapse into bed without ever sitting down on your own couch. Maybe it's not that way for all of you, but that's how it's been for me lately. No complaints though. We're all finally healthy and enjoying one another. So, goodbye for now, but I'll be back soon, even if it's just once a week. I promise.

Boring Friday....

Ever been at work and literally, had absolutely nothing to do?? Welcome to my day today, hence the posting of a long overdue blog! There's so much to update you on, too.
Little Prince has a little girlfriend....her name is Shelby and she's too cute! We went on a date last week. Took her bowling and then to McDonald's for Happy Meals. He's asking when we can do it again! He also started Kindergarten on Wednesday!! What an exciting and nerve wracking day!! But he had a great time and now I hear of no one but his teacher, Miss Claire!!!
Princess K's hair is growing out and she's looking even more adorable...pics to come soon!!
Have a GREAT weekend and I'll get back to looking for stuff to do.

I'm back....well, sorta....

I got a job!!! After looking for months, one just sort-of landed in my lap - Praise God!! Talk about an answer to prayer. The hours allow me to drop off and pick up the kids from school and my boss is my mother, so when they're sick, she'll understand. So, needless to say, I've been a terrible blogger. Just can't find the time or the inspiration right now. So, I thought I'd take a moment and just update you as to the goings on around here....
Princess K's hair is starting to grow. She actually looks really cute with the new short 'do.


The kids seem to be enjoying "camp" each day while mommy goes to work. We moved to a much more affordable house and are enjoying it so much. We have a giant pool and the kids are out there swimming every day! Plus, it's on a canal so they've been fishing quite a bit with the hubcaps also.

I had a bit of a depressive episode last month, which is probably the main reason why I didn't write much. But, things are better now. I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I've stopped crying every day, so that's a step in the right direction. Anywho, hope you're all doing great and having a fantastic summer!

it finally happened....

I've lived the nightmare that I prayed and prayed would NEVER happen....

My five year old Little Prince decided to try his hand at hairdressing. Yep, that's right. He took the scissors to Princess K's long, lustrous, gorgeous locks and turned her into the achy breaky heart Billy Ray Cyrus!!!

Picture this...you're sitting at the computer, just finished a phone call and in saunters your precious little three year old, smiling ear to ear. You look at her, realizing something is different, but not quite sure what until she turns around and you see that all that remains on her head is a three inch strip of hair, the rest of it has been chopped as though it got caught in the Pampered Chef food chopper. Then, your son comes out and proclaims at his handiwork, "Look, mommy, now we can see her pretty face!"

Cut to a few screams of terror provided by yours truly and a "what do I do??" to the hubcaps. I did the first thing I could think of.

I made a quick call to my hair stylist, "I have a hair emergency" -- they got me in in ten minutes and the entire salon gasped in horror at my baby girl's lack of hair. Half an hour later and she looks adorable - it's kind-of a Katie Holmes/Suri Cruise haircut. Hubcaps thinks she looks like a boy, but this is better than shaving it and starting over!!

Three hours later and I'm still finding clumps of hair around the house, most of the evidence was lying in her closet. What I've found I've put in a Ziploc for her baby book, there's just SO much hair, it really makes me want to cry. Especially when she looks up at me and asks if its growing yet!

Hope your day was better!! Happy Wednesday.

I'm alive, well, sorta...

I know it's been FOREVER since I've posted, and this is going to be a quick one. I just wanted to let you know I am still alive, things are okay with me, going through a lot right now and just haven't felt "inspired" to write about anything. Thanks to all of you who have sent me emails and notes, I REALLY appreciate it!! I'll try to get on here SOON, I promise!

Happy Tuesday!

you say tomato....

So. As moms, I know we all anticipate the awkward moments when our little guys ask us about those certain body parts, right? I'm trying. I really am. I'm trying to be open and honest and give them technical terms - not 'wee wee', but you know, penis and vagina. I'm doing my part.

I know we've all heard the great V called v-jay jay by Oprah but I've got one better!! Drumroll, please.........
Little Prince has coined the term, "vajama" - sounds like pajama but the meaning is, oh, so much different!!

So, the next time your kids ask you what girls have (as Princess K has decided to ask me, literally, NINE times a day)...you can tell them boys have "enises" and girls have "vajamas". It sounds more fun anyways, don't you think?

Go Big....

Just a quick update....if you go to this site, you can see some amazing stories of what people are already doing with the money they received at church this weekend! So awesome!!

i've got five bucks....now what????

Today at my church our pastor spoke on generosity. I know what you're thinking, just wanting to collect more money...well, you'd be WRONG. What actually happened, brought tears to my eyes and made me so incredibly proud of Church by the Glades and Pastor David.

Over this weekend, Mother's Day - which is when we have record-breaking crowds, my church handed out $40,000.00 to its members to give back to the community to those in need, etc.

So, here's where YOU come into the picture. I received $5.00. I want to do more than give it to a homeless person standing on the side of the road. Send me your ideas!!!! I wish I had something to give away as an incentive for your ideas, but I don't.....sorry. The idea that does get picked, though, will receive the BEST shout out EVER!! Sound good??

Get busy!

~A

happy mother's day....

I think I am a lucky woman. I don't get breakfast in bed (although I don't get to sleep in either - ugh). My husband has to work on Sundays and must be there before 7 AM and I have to follow so that I can sing in the choir by 8 AM....so today, was an early to rise day. The kids (and hubcaps, for that matter) made me the GREATEST cards EVER -- Princess K's had a picture she had drawn of herself in the tub and Little Prince drew me a car with a satellite dish on top?? It was so much fun though, because they were just so excited that it was finally Mother's Day....I hope and pray this enthusiasm continues throughout life!!

Not much else to report. Oh! I am looking for a part time job, so if any of you live in this area OR know of something that earns MONEY that can be done at home -- email me and let me know, okay?? Thanks.

Well, I just wanted to get on and say HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all my blogger friends, whether your kids are born or not, or are puppies or kittens, here's to ALL womankind! Have a GREAT day.

~A

It's 2 AM...do you know where YOUR children are????

Mine are both coughing and wheezing and hacking and coughing some more. Poor Little Prince has been to the doc twice in the past week and still not getting better! Now, tonight (this morning, rather), Princess K can't quit the coughing and congestion. She's now half asleep on the sofa watching Curious George and here I sit. Wide awake. Only startled every few moments by her sweet, little, pitiful cough.

I HATE when the kids are sick. I feel so out of control. I am never sure whether to give them an antihistamine or a decongestant, Tylenol or Motrin....too many choices!! Anyways, if you think of it, please say a prayer for my little ones.

On another note, today something came out of my mouth that I just HAD to write down for future use....these words were actually muttered:

"K, do not bite the dog's tail - that's where poopy comes out!"

The best part, is that as I was saying it - I really believed it, but tell me, WHY did she think it a good idea to put the dog's tail in her mouth?? She thought it was hilarious. I know every day I must say something incredibly stupid like this, but this one stuck out.....how about YOU?? Please share!!

Until next time, have a great week.

AND, I can't wait to hear your quotable quotes!!

poison control???

I woke up Saturday morning being handed a bottle of Spider Man gummy vitamins by my son. He was asking for two of them. I look at the bottle, I look at him, I look at the bottle again and in my groggy state of half sleep, I realize that this was the same bottle I had purchased just the night before. This is important because there were only two vitamins left! Out of SIXTY!! Yes, Little Prince ate 58 gummy vitamins on Saturday morning!!!!

Quick, I dial poison control and go through the list of ingredients and thank GOD, there was NO iron --- my cheapness paid off! The very sweet lady at poison control did, however, tell me that he is not to have another vitamin for two months!!! For those of you who don't have the number posted - here's poison control, I now have it in my cell phone. It's 1-800-222-1222. Hope you never have to use it - although, I will confess...Little Prince is 5 and I've had to call at least four times! Boys will be boys.

So, that was Saturday. We sailed through the rest of the weekend and on Monday morning Little Prince was screaming in pain and holding his ear. Full blown ear infection, so I have him home from school today and this is my first opportunity to even sit down at the computer.

Any good news to report? Well, I submitted Princess K to a couple of modeling agencies and so far, of the five - three want to see her, so I'll keep you posted on all that! Very exciting.

Fill me in on your lives....I miss hearing from you.

Happy Tuesday.

and the search begins...

My kids have been AWFUL today. And I really, really mean AWFUL. Constant hitting, screaming and gnashing of teeth -- and that's just ME. Kidding, of course. But seriously, they seem to be going through this horrible phase of not getting along and it's beginning to send me over the edge. The big problem for me today has been that it's sooooo stinking HOT and since I ripped a contact lens, I have no sunglasses to wear that are prescription so when I'm outside, I'm in physical pain! So, I'm making them stay indoors. I know, NOT a good idea. They need out. They need to go play in the hose, or run around the cul-de-sac. Right now, though, I have each of them laying in separate rooms watching a movie. Little Prince - Ratatouille and Princess K - Polar Express. Maybe, just maybe, someone will get a nap out of this and if I am included, all the better!

On another note, I've started the dreaded job search. Resumes being emailed. Phone calls being made. All with my children SCREAMING in the background. Nothing says "professional" like two kids yelling over gummies in the background, right? Maybe if I can get them to shut up in twenty seconds or less I'll be considered for a management position. One can only hope.

for real....are you kidding me?!?!

I went to the salon yesterday for some highlights. It's been awhile and I was officially a brunette again...can't remember the last time I was a brunette. Anyways, as she's putting the lovely foils on my head, my hairdresser Nicole, starts yanking on this hair on top of my head.

ME: Um, is everything okay?
HER: Um, yeah, just trying to pull out this gray hair
ME: WHAT???!!???
ME: THAT WASN'T THERE LAST MONTH WHEN I WAS IN FOR A TRIM
HER: It's just one, but it's curly and doesn't want to come out (as she continues to yank away at my head)
ME: SILENCE

She then hands me the "gray hair" like it's a collector's item, or something to be put under my pillow. Maybe if I had put it under my pillow last night I would've awoken to a new item of jewelry or something...maybe? Nah. I didn't think so.

Anyways, this "gray" hair was NOT gray. In fact, it was WHITE and coarse and curly. Does this mean that I now have to maintain constant color? Yepper. Ugh. It just keeps getting worse for me.

So, here's hoping your gray is covered - mine is, for now.

Happy Monday!!

thanks Nickelodeon, thanks!

Okay, for starters -- I had THE MOST BESTEST BIRTHDAY, well, probably EVER!! I've never felt so loved, so appreciated and so liked. Thank you to all of you who sent me text messages and emails on the big day. Each and every one made me smile.

But onto more serious matters....have ANY of you seen the commercials for the Buxton over the shoulder organizer?? You know, the one that helps you find things in a flash???? Yes....that one. Well, my son, Little Prince, thinks I need to have one of those stylish "handbags" (that's what HE calls it).
Yep, that's me modeling the high fashion Buxton leather organizer - be sure to click on the picture so you can see it in its entirety! It's lovely. It holds an umbrella, all your credit cards, even a bottle of water! The reason my son knows every selling point of the Buxton?? Because Nickelodeon is EVIL. Evil, evil, evil. For some reason, they think it's a good idea to advertise for 70 year old women's handbags during the cartoon hours! Obviously it's working though, because my five year old knows that this handbag is JUST what I need to "find things in a flash!"

The other item he's dying for me to buy are Sketchers - so we "don't let laces slow you down!" Meanwhile, my little giant of a boy wears wide shoes and Sketchers do not come in wide widths so I had to spend twenty minutes convincing him that the Champions from Payless were just as cool!!! Thanks again, Nickelodeon!!

but I'm going to be 40....

I wanna begin this post by saying a big Thank You to all of you who have written the sweetest emails and comments on my last post. I truly appreciate all of the encouraging words, really, I do. So, THANK YOU!!!!

This is a weird week for me. As some of you know, I will be turning 33 on Wednesday - the 9th. Yep, the big 3-3. It's kind-of surreal. I can honestly say that I never thought I'd live to be this old. Is that strange? Not that some horrible accident or disease would take me, but just that 33 was OLD. My mother had me when she was 17 so when she was 33, I was 16, which, I guess to a 16 year old - 33 IS old, right?

I know they say forty is the new thirty and fifty is the new forty and so on and so on, BUT, this birthday is different....I'm not only IN my thirties, but I'm inching so much closer to that forty mark. Yes, in seven years (insert line from When Harry Met Sally), but I can see it on the horizon. AND, the fact that my babies are now five and three?!?!? When did that happen???? If the next five years go as quickly as the past five years - then forty is literally, like next week.

And I know we shouldn't get caught up on what number we are, but how we feel, etc., but, people do judge you based on that number. I'm at that age where I may not be as cool as I think I am. I may actually be a big dork and what makes me even dorkier is the fact that I haven't realized it yet!

Remember how we used to say to our friends, "if I ever wear _____, please put me in the home"?? Well, remember how we used to peg our pants?? Yep, it's coming back. PEGGED PANTS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????????

And, by the way, if you ever see me in pegged pants....put me in the straight jacket straight away!

Have a good one, peace!

blessed are the poor...

for they shall inherit the earth....

Don't know why, but that has been in my head for the past hour or so. Actually, I do know why...as, I've shared with you before, we are experiencing financial difficulties. Not difficulties like we can't afford groceries, but difficulty in figuring out how are we going to continue. I've been looking for a job, but with my husband's schedule, it really makes it a bit difficult with two kids and their school schedules. The bottom line is that my income hasn't been there for the past year and it makes things tight.

I know, I know, some of you are wondering, why on earth are you airing your dirty laundry??? Why? Well, I guess because I don't think of it as dirty laundry. There are a lot of hurting people in the world right now. There are a lot, and I mean A LOT of people who have things a heck of a lot worse than I do. I know that I am rich beyond measure. I have food to eat, I have a place to lay my head, I have two cars, I have two healthy children. I know that I am blessed.

But I also know that there are times in each of our lives when we don't feel blessed. We feel like our prayers are not penetrating the clouds above us. We feel like God has all but forgotten us.

It is what it is. It's like my son says, "you get what you get and you don't get upset." I love that!! What a great way to live your life, don't you think? Why get stressed out about money, weight, jobs, relationships??? You don't have to .... you're dealt the cards you're dealt...deal with it. You can make it better or worse. But don't get upset about it. Don't be ashamed of the cards you're dealt. God has allowed those cards to be dealt to you. He has something better in store. Something that you wouldn't be able to attain on your own if you never went through those/these hard times.

My mother-in-law wrote something today that really resonated with me, I don't know who said it but here it is:

"Be kinder than you think necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

How true that is.

And as for the earth? I'm waiting for it. I know God has many blessings and riches awaiting me. Maybe not during my lifetime, but I will see it one day.

isn't she lovely?????

Had a friend take some pictures of Princess K yesterday....here are a few of my faves.....



My house was shown today - so here's hoping other people start coming to take a gander...really not a whole lot has been going on. Oh!! EXCEPT....
My children were playing 'house' tonight when I heard, with my own ears, my son say to my daughter "I don't have a mommy, my papa gave these to me" - referring to the shoes I bought him today! Gotta love 'em, right?
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!
Peace.

uh...i think i just threw up in my mouth...

Um, okay, I was at the mall today. To be precise, I was eating in the food court nasty Sbarro's pizza and Chick-fil-A, YES, all at the same time, but that's not what this story is about.

So, I'm sitting there with a girlfriend and my Princess K when I look around because I hear a baby fussing. She was fussing because she didn't like what her mommy was feeding her. So, she did what most babies do...she spat it out.

No, that's not the gross part. The gross part is that the mother, while the baby was trying to spit it out, kept trying to shove it back in the kid's mouth with her OWN finger. No, not gross yet, although, kinda. So, I'm watching this progress and thinking to myself, "why is she shoving that food with her finger into that kid's mouth?" Just as I turn to look away, this mother PUTS HER FINGER IN HER OWN MOUTH AND EATS THE FOOD THAT THE KID WAS TRYING TO SPIT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I literally had to turn away and start chanting because I just couldn't handle the thought, the texture, in fact, just got the shivers again now....that's how gross it really was. ICK, ICK, ICK.

Well, I hope you weren't eating while you read this, but if you were, I am very sorry. Have a wicked Thursday and keep coming back as I will be launching something you will all be interested in over the next couple of weeks!!!

sunday morning rain is falling.....

It hasn't stopped raining here today. At one point, I was locked out of the house, traipsing through the water to the back yard to see if by some miracle I had left the back door unlocked (I had NOT) and as I'm walking through the lake that was my backyard, the water had come up over my ankles. Now, keep in mind, I was wearing three inch wedges and had to roll my jeans up. It was awful! I cannot remember the last time there was that much rain in such a short period of time.

So, I've got a lot to update you guys on. One, I changed shrinks!!! Yeeeee-haw! I am now going to a woman who seems very empathetic and couldn't believe the man I had been seeing said that it was my fault I was gaining weight...never mind that the medication he has had me on causes extreme weight gain. He was just rude. So, no longer seeing him. She also gave me a more detailed diagnosis and explanation as to why she was diagnosing as such.

Finally, I put our house on the market today. Just too expensive right now. Until I get busier selling, there's not a whole lot I can do about it. I'm not sad or upset or anything. In fact, kind of looking forward to not having the responsibility.

I also wanted to share a couple of pictures of Princess K from her birthday, but of course, I can't leave it at just one.
This, I just had to share because I thought the cake was SO fantastic! It's a Barbie cake.
And, finally, this picture was snapped today as we hopped in the van to go to church. Couldn't resist. She's such a cutie - I know, I'm a bit partial!!
Hope you have a Magnificent Monday!!
PS: the title of this blog is a Maroon 5 song. How appropriate!

my sweet princess k....

Well, it's happening. She's growing up. My baby. She turned three on Thursday and I saw my future, along with hers pass right before my eyes. Pretty soon she'll be a teenager. Then she'll be driving. She'll go off to college. My baby. One day she will leave our home and start a life of her own. She'll get married and have kids of her own. I only pray that I God will allow me to see it all.

She's started to look like me in a lot of ways. Makes it a little bit harder for me, to be quite honest. We don't like to punish or deny ourselves anything, right? How can I punish or deny myself at three? She's such a sweet child, but in a flash, she can be cruel (flashback to Billy Joel "Always a Woman").

It might seem like I'm favoring my girl over my boy. I don't think that's what I'm doing. It's just so different. Little Prince breaks my heart, too. They are my love, my life, my all. So not sure if I'm doing the best job of being a mom that I can. Do I yell too much? Do I give in too much? Am I making them egotistical? Am I making them have low self esteem? Am I too strict? Am I not strict enough? Am I giving them too much junk food? These are the thoughts that, seriously, I believe, keep all moms up at night.

Here's to some sleep for all of us. Goodnight. Sleep tight.

sorry if I got you fired....

but you should not have been yelling at, pushing, jerking around the girl in your care!!!

Today, I took the kids to the park and met a friend with a brand new baby. We spent HOURS there. It was a fantastic day....high 70s, very low humidity, crayola blue sky blue with a few white puffy clouds scattered around. Picture Perfect. Until my eye spots a group of mentally handicapped "kids" and their three caregivers. One of the caregivers is being absolutely ridiculous to this poor girl.

My friend and I sat and watched to see what exactly was going to happen. When the woman smacked the girl in the head (for the second time, mind you) - I decided I must call the police. This girl was sitting in the sand, and apparently the caregiver did not want her to be sitting in the grass, so she yanks on her arm to pull her up and when the girl doesn't follow the "caregiver" smacks her in the back of the head!!!

Luckily, the police took my call very seriously. VERY seriously. I was able to get the license plate number of the van they were driving and give the police the direction in which they were heading. The traced it to a home in the next city and that police department went to the house. Turns out it's a group home and the woman who owns and operates it ended up firing the "caregiver" (a term I'm using very loosely) on the spot. She filed an abuse report and called me to let me know - on another note - why did the police give her my phone number??? But anyway, she wanted to make sure I would be able to identify her if called upon. She also informed me that the kids in her care are all non-verbal so it just re-confirmed that I did the right thing.

I had a nice chat with the owner and fully believe her - I don't think she had any idea this was going on - the woman she fired had only been working for her for a few weeks, she said. Oh well. It made for exciting drama in my world. I felt like I was on some secret mission as I stood next to my minivan waiting for them to drive by so I could sneak a peek at their license plate!!

The craziest part was that I actually started to second guess myself. When I first saw them, the hairs on my neck stood up!! If that doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will. But my gut was telling me something wasn't right and to keep watching. But then, after I made the call, I started saying to my self, well, if someone called the police every time I yelled at my kids, I'd be serving ten years in a state penitentiary. But then, common sense came back to me and reasoned that these are people who are being paid to care for others, number one and number two, these are children who are not competent, children who cannot and do not have anyone fighting for them.

Well, anyways, that's all she wrote. I'm exhausted, you know, with all my crime fighting, I have GOT to get some shut eye.

stop this train...

AAAACCCKKKKK!

Wanna know why the real estate industry, as a whole, is in free fall???

I have the answer. The banks...those big guys who are taking people's property back...the big guys who made the loans to begin with....yep, them. They are not willing and ready to deal. Plain and simple.

I had a deal pending that is Freddie Mac owned and they, no kidding here, were going to let the deal go because of $1100. Not $11,000 - ELEVEN HUNDRED. My buyer wasn't going to pay it. Seller's agent never disclosed that the seller wasn't going to pay the transfer tax. So, I had to make a decision. I chose the door that had a commission check behind it. I'm allowing it to come out of MY side of the commission. Totally not fair, but I'd rather have something than nothing, right? Plus, this is a client I want to LOVE me, as she'll be purchasing more....and SOON.

This debacle is what I've been dealing with for the past two days. It's very frustrating. People honestly think that Realtors do not DO anything all day long - we just drive around in expensive cars, show people a few houses and collect the big check - HA! - I wish! They have no idea what goes on behind the scenes on their behalf. Yes, we have slow periods, but when the s*&# hits the fan, you have to take care of the problem right then and there and if you don't, you don't get paid and you certainly won't be called to handle the next deal.

Okay, so the frustration is out, I've vented....for the most part. LOL At least in the business arena. The other areas? Well, I'm not allowed to write about those....LOL. I will one day though. You wait and see.

My son had his first sleep over this past weekend....Friday at our house and then he and his friend went to the friend's house on Saturday...they say they're "brothers" and decide that they're going to move into the others' homes on any given day. So cute. Best buddies they are. It's such fun to watch them develop socially, isn't it? Six months and Little Prince starts kindergarten. I can't believe it! Can't think about it now or I'll end up in tears and unable to finish typing.

Life is moving way too fast. Do you ever wish that your life could have its own soundtrack with the music swelling at all the good parts? I think that if I had a soundtrack to my life right now it would be John Mayer's (who, by the way, is my boyfriend, he just doesn't know about it yet) song...Stop This Train

No I'm not color blind
I know the world is black and white
Try to keep an open mind but...
I just can't sleep on this tonight
Stop this train I want to get off and go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't
But honestly will someone stop this train

Don't know how else to say it, don't want to see my parents go
One generation's length away
From fighting life out on my own

Stop this train
I want to get off and go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't but honestly won't someone stop this train

So scared of getting older
I'm only good at being young
So I play the numbers game to find away to say that life has just begun
Had a talk with my old man
Said help me understand
He said turn 68, you'll renegotiate
Don't stop this train
Don't for a minute change the place you're in
Don't think I couldn't ever understand
I tried my hand
John, honestly we'll never stop this train

See once in a while when it's good
It'll feel like it should
And they're all still around
And you're still safe and sound
And you don't miss a thing
'til you cry when you're driving away in the dark.

Singing stop this train I want to get off and go home again
I can't take this speed it's moving in
I know I can't
Cause now I see I'll never stop this train

(think I got 'em now)

If you don't have Continuum...download it! The entire album is awesome. But this especially, is one of my favorite songs. It's one of those where you want to be driving late at night, all alone, with the windows down on a warm summer night and the stereo turned up real loud. Or, if you're not alone, have the love of your life sitting next to you and the other loves asleep in their seats in the back. Yummy.

soccer moms rock.....

Went to see my shrink today. Not the greatest visit to date. I made him laugh. He just made me MAD. Apparently, and, well, you know, it has no reason to lie, but the scale said that I have actually GAINED THREE POUNDS. Yes, that is correct. I've been doing Weight Watchers for almost two months and have GAINED weight. Of course, HE says it's not my medications...nooooooo, couldn't be that. It's that, and I quote, 'you're not making wise food choices." That's when I wanted to take a fork and stab him in the face. But, I digress. Back to my weight.

Is this the way it's supposed to work? 'Cause, really, not diggin' it. It wasn't enough that I not only am hauling around a couple of muffin tops, but it's really turned into a four tier wedding cake around my middle. My pants are too tight, my shirts are too tight. I'm just plain uncomfortable.

I've been sticking (for the most part) to the plan...eating the number of points allotted. Maybe, though, they didn't mean that I could have as many of the cakes and fudge bars each day, maybe I'm supposed to actually eat that green stuff and lean proteins? Maybe. I don't know. I really thought that it meant I could eat like 19 of those delish cakes and would still lose weight. Can't find that answer on the message boards anywhere. So, it's back to the drawing board.

I thought I had found the solution...thought, okay, I'll take that SlimQuick stuff AND do the WW and surely, the weight will come off. Fast forward back to shrink's office where I do not admit I'm taking anything, but simply ask the question, "can I take any supplements to help me lose the weight?" I thought he was going to slap me. Of course, he had to be a kill joy and say no, that it would just speed me up even more and that is NOT what I need. Maybe that's why my heart rate was up to 102, I thought to myself - I shall never admit that little tidbit to him. So, no more pills for me, at least not that kind of pill.

OOOOOOOhhhhhh....the coolest thing happened this week, too! Came home Monday and lo and behold there was a box of the most wonderful cleaning products from Swiffer and Febreeze and Mr. Clean. I had signed up for free cleaning products if I agreed to write a review....so, I should probably do that now, for fear that if I don't, I will most assuredly forget.

So, NOW, they're making these awesome swiffer duster cloths that have the scent of lavender febreeze - so great and they really do make dusting, especially around the little areas (like in the entertainment center) much easier. AND, my favorite of all the items was the multi-purpose cleaner made by Mr. Clean with the scent of lavender febreeze - I immediately had to clean the outsides of all my kitchen cupboards. So, do I recommend? Highly. They even smell good.

As for the title of this blog.....just thought it was appropriate to say that soccer moms do, indeed, ROCK. And, by soccer mom, I mean anyone over the age of 30 who may or may not have children but are starting to get the feeling that they may or may not be acting age appropriately and then discover that other people think of them as "eeeww, soccer mom" - there should honestly be a day that is celebrated with BBQ and fireworks JUST for young, hip moms. If only I were president.

Have a GREAT weekend!

off with their heads....

Mojito lost his marbles today. What a sad, sad day. The poor pup is being dragged down by a clear cone collar around his neck and quite honestly, it just might be one of the saddest things I've ever seen. If I knew where I put my camera, I'd show you!!

I just finished watching American Idol. Um, okay, of the girls, I like Brooke (earthy, blond, innocent) and Carly (Irish, tattooed), oh and I also like the other blond girl who sold her horse, can't remember her name, though. The other girls, ugh. I'm so sick of the constant "licks" and Mariah and Whitney-esque movements with their voices. If you can't sing a single note straight - you can't sing. Just an opinion. But I really think the boys are SO much better this year. That little David kid melts my heart every time he opens his mouth! This is the first year I've been able to watch all of the episodes - thank GOD for Tivo...so I'm really looking forward to it.

Oh, so back to Mojito....my kids were so excited when he came home this afternoon and unfortunately, we did not do a good job as parents in warning or explaining the procedure that poor pup had just undergone, but that they needed to be gentle and not to get him excited, jumping and running, etc. So as I'm cooking dinner, Little Prince begins the questions:

LP: why did mee hee toe go to the doctow today?
HC: He had to have surgery
LP: Huh?
HC: They had to cut off his balls
ME: ***clanging and sputtering out of the kitchen with evil eye***
LP: Huh?
HC: You know that sac under your wee wee?
LP: yeah
HC: They cut that off so that he doesn't get a girl pregnant
ME: ***again, evil eye out of the kitchen***
LP: huh?

THEN, like a light bulb went off in his head, the hubcaps decides that's not the appropriate line of conversation! (UH, DUH!) And explains it in a much more scientific and general way.

About an hour later, Princess K starts asking ME if the doctor cut off Mee Hee Toes wee wee....and, was I sure? And "did he go to the hofpital? Yes, that's how she says it. Pretty darn cute, if you ask me.

I can only imagine what the conversations at school will be like for Little Prince tomorrow. Apparently, when you go to the doctor, your wee wee is going to get cut off....however, that's might be better than my friend...and you know who you are...whose husband told their son he was going to tie it in a knot if he didn't start shooting straight in the bathroom....you be the judge.

snip, snip Mojito!

Hee hee. Tomorrow is the big day!! Mojito loses his manhood...I think he might sense it, too. Has not been his normal annoying, yippy self. Kinda seems like he's a little bit depressed, but I guess I would too. Nah, if womanhood is defined by ovaries, they can take 'em!

I've started looking for a job. Real estate is not cutting it anymore. I'm actually trying to get in good with the banks and start doing broker price opinions, that way, I can stay home with Princess K and my kids won't have to be at "camp" every day all summer long. AAAAGGHH!!

I really don't want to go back to work, at least, not in the "traditional" sense. I do not want to have to commute (really bad here!), I don't want to have to dress a certain way and I sure as heck don't want to leave my house. I haven't had a "job" since 2002. The thought sends me to that place. You know, that place where I just want to crawl back into bed, pull the covers up and sleep and dream of days when I was seventeen and not a care in the world.

Today, too, I was watching Oprah and Henry Winkler was on...I was very inspired by him. He had all of these obstacles, he was dyslexic and didn't know until he was 31 and NOW, he writes kids' books and tells every kid he comes into contact with "you're going to be great, you have greatness"...what an encouragement. Sometimes I wish people in my life as a child had been a bit more encouraging. No one ever told me I could NOT do anything but they never really said I COULD.

I have sung since I began, and maybe before, I began to speak. My voice teacher wanted to submit an audition tape for Star Search. I sang in church and got standing ovations. My first public performance was before 1500 people. I'm told every day that I have this special gift. I know I have a gift, but why did I not pursue singing as a career? Why did I not think I was good enough? Why did I sell myself short? And, more importantly, why do I think I'm not good enough at a lot of things? Am I sabotaging myself or am I just being realistic?

good to be back....

It's been far, far too long since I've written. It's not fair to say "I've been so busy", because the truth of the matter isn't that I've been too busy, but rather, just haven't had much to say. Yes, me, the one who never shuts up. I guess, I just haven't had very many coherent thoughts...or at least thoughts that I felt I should share with people.

It's been a rough sort of week for me, professionally speaking. Someone who was a friend of mine actually fired me as their agent! And then turned around and put an offer on a house within 24 hours. The kicker of it was his excuse "God told me it was time for a change". PUHLEEZE. At first I was double ticked. Still am, really, because that's just not the way you treat people. Especially when I've been "helping" he and his wife since before Thanksgiving.

They changed their minds on what they wanted every other day. They changed the locations, the age, etc., kind of the important things that help a Realtor know where to look. AND, when we'd find something that they liked, he'd put in ridiculously low offers. So, to say that I was getting frustrated with him, is just the tip of the ice berg, so I guess it's a blessing in disguise.

I attended a commercial real estate investing seminar in Orlando and learned so much that my brain is still trying to hold in all the information. There are a lot of conflicting thoughts in there, fighting for space. You know, movie quotes, phone numbers of old friends and boyfriends from high school and what the names of the American Idol contestants are. So, it's been a bit tricky putting this new info into motion. Becuase of that event, my father and I have started a new company. We're partners and I'm very excited about it. Praying that we can get it launched successfully. We have three agents in multiple states looking for property for us. So, we shall see.

AND, yesterday, I got my hair chopped off. It's a very short bob, slight stacking in the back with bangs! I haven't had bangs in forever. I don't think hubcaps is all that thrilled with it, but it was time for a change. Besides, it's just hair. It grows back and if it looks really bad? I'll do what I've been doing. I'll wear a hat.

Oh, and the kids!! Princess K is addicted to High School Musical 2 - and might I add, so is mom...we sing and dance all the moves. Little Prince is smelling his hands all the time. I think he might be OCD. Driving me crazy, but he's such a sweet boy.

I've missed hearing from and reading all of you, my blogger friends. I will be catching up over the next couple of days!
So good to be back!

there's no place like home....

I realized this evening that I (pretty much) start all my blog entries the same. I guess becuase I write how I speak, maybe? Who knows. Anyways, auntie em, there's no place like home. Ain't that da truth?

I left home this afternoon to spend the next four days in Orlando at a seminar/conference on commercial real estate. Doesn't that sound like a grand time?? Oh, and did I mention I'm with my dad? Just kidding. He and I will have a lot of fun, even if the conference turns out to be a dud.

I also realized this evening, that I'm raising a rocker. No kidding! He was in the back seat singing "I.....wanna wok and woll all night....and party every day...I" - nothing cuter than a five year old who can't say his "r's" singing the words rock and roll....just too dang cute.

And, my daughter is still putting fruit down her pants. I don't know where she gets these ideas...it's not like I'm shoving grapes down my britches. Her father isn't shoving bananas down his pants! Today, though she moved on to something else. Are you ready for it? Golf balls! Not one, but TWO golf balls. Couldn't find the camera fast enough and missed the shot of the year.

Well, it's late and I've got a looooooooonnnnnggggg day tomorrow. Have a Happy Thursday. Peace out.

OH - and for those of you who care....I've officially lost ZERO pounds in the past two weeks! ZERO. So when I get home on Sunday - the fight to win begins....that's right, I'm going back to the gym. UGH.

won't you be my neighbor?

Today was a great day, aside from the fact that after I got home from showing homes to a client, started dinner (well, sort-of, it was mac and cheese in the blue box) and got the kids and their friend inside the house and cleaned up, my doorbell rang.

Standing on the front porch is my local police officer. I open the door cautiously, holding back Mojito from licking him to death. He says to me, "ma'am, would you mind talking to me about your neighbor?"

Me: uh, uh, what would you like to know?
PO: well, he says your kids are driving some scooters?
Me: No, they don't have scooters, they have the little Jeep power wheels
PO: Well, he claims that your kids were on his property and that the Jeep got stuck under his car and his daughter had to move it
Me: I highly doubt that, see, officer, last year, this very same crazy man stood in the middle of the street yelling at me and another neighbor about how we don't watch our children and just let them run willy nilly around the neighborhood, how we allow our kids to draw on his driveway and that he is the owner of the sidewalk. You see, sir, the man next door is CRAZY. He has a camera pointed at the driveway and another camera on the back side of his house. He keeps the window of his front door boarded up. Quite honestly, sir, I wouldn't be surprised if he's got a meth lab in there, or maybe he's producing porn in the garage. I really don't know. All I do know is that under NO circumstance was my child or children EVER on his property. This I know because each and every parent on my street KNOWS that the kids must stay off of his driveway.
(I took a breath here)
Now, Officer M, my father was watching the kids, so if by some mistake, one of them crossed over onto his property, I apologize, please let him know it will never happen again.
PO: Thank you ma'am. I'm not writing a report but here's my number if you have any problems. Maybe you could have a barbecue and invite him over and become friends.
Me: Mmmmmm, yeah, I don't see that happening. And, I would like it if you wrote up a report, just so there is a record someplace of this man's lunacy.
PO: Okay, well, uh, have a good evening. Sorry to bother you.

Can you believe this guy????? Aack!!! This man is completely insane. I swear to you, in the three years we've lived here, they have had ONE guest!! Seriously. (I am a nosy neighbor, in case you were wondering) So, I'm waiting for your ideas on how to plot my revenge....remember, there are cameras so it has to be fast and I can not be identifiable. Ok?

On another note, it's midnight and I just now realized that I've been walking around with my underwear on backwards. How on earth did I not notice? I mean, they're not a thong, so I guess, maybe....but, no, I think I just was having one of those days.

Happy Thursday to you all!! Don't forget -- post ideas!!

oh no she didn't....

Today was one of those hysterical days where everything that comes out of the mouths of the babes just sounds really silly. I know we've all thought, "oh, there's something I'd never hear" - but here's just a few of the things that I have uttered most recently...

"K, get the lime out of your underwear"
"K, don't suck the dog"
"K, don't put coins in your panties"
"K, I'm serious, get the lime out of your underwear"

I wanted to post the picture of the Princess with a lime in her underwear, but, decided it might border on distasteful. So instead, I will describe it for you. It all started when Princess K decided to put a lime in her shirt - around the belly area. "Look, I have a baby in my belly"

Fast forward ten minutes and all of her clothes have come off, except the little pink panties. The pink panties that now house a very large sized lime in the front! I really, honestly, tried not to laugh. But seriously? If you saw your almost three year old with a lime in her underwear, you'd react just the same - you'd grab the camera and laugh until you cried, which is exactly what I did!!

So instead of embarrasing her for life with that picture, I've decided to post a photo that shows just how girly and sweet she really is.
I pray you're having a good week so far. And, yes, I've joined Weight Watchers. Will report on progress next week, after I've done it for a full week....so far, so good, though. Peace.

friendship

I just hung up from a lengthy phone conversation with one of my oldest friends. We haven't spoken to each other in over ten years and until last year had no contact whatsoever. I'm so thankful and happy that we are now "together" once again. Isn't it amazing how you can not talk to someone for such a long time and pick up right where you left off??

She said to me, "I feel like I know you again"....me too. I can't wait for our kids to meet each other and to play, maybe in the surf, or maybe in the mountains.

I also think how incredible it is that we were not in each other's lives and still ended up on the same path....kids the same ages, same faith, same values. Life is so much more wonderful with a friend. A true friend.

She knows all about my dorkiness in high school and loves me just the same, or rather, loved me just the same. We were so alike, most thought we were sisters and deep down, she is my sister. I love you, RS. Thanks for a second chance.

holy cow!!!!

I'm not responding to my recent venture on the scale; but, rather, I am shocked that it has been SIX days since I last posted anything! Wow.

Hmmmmmm, what to tell. I saw my shrink again. Gained three more pounds. Found out my insurance pays for Weight Watchers. Starting this week. I just need to lose 20 lbs., that's it. I'd be happy with 15 but ECSTATIC with 20. Definitely. Will go online and sign up. Tomorrow. For sure.

I did read a book over the weekend. Can you keep a secret? by Sophie Kinsella - basic chick lit. It was eh, pretty good. I also saw 27 dresses - it was cute but if you have any friends who are expecting - go see it with them because apparently it can help induce labor. My friends Amy and Jen and I went Sunday night. I looked at Jen and said "you're having that baby any day now" (EDD was Feb 8) - she went into labor that evening!!!!! Pleased to announce little Hannah Lynn was born yesterday evening! She's just a tiny little five pound darling!! Can't wait to get my hands on her!

Also, have you ever noticed how everything seems cooler if you add "licious" to it? As in, bootylicious? Yea, I thought so too, so I've coined "vomitlicious" - it really could have multiple meanings and uses, like

a. you're covered in baby vomit - yeah, you're vomitlicious
b. you're so full of food - you could become vomitlicious
c. you've had five days of cleaning up puke - yep, again, you're vomitlicious

Vomitlicious could even be a smell.....as in, you smell vomitlicious - that lovely aroma of vomit and peanut butter and jelly.

Have a Happy Happy Wednesday and I'll try to do better this week. Oh, and any of you who have ever done WW, HELP! LOL

i've been tagged!

Okay, so I've never done a meme before and am very excited (and scared) to do one finally! Thank you, Smitty76...this ought to be fun!

So here are the instructions:
Archive Meme Instructions: Go back through your archives and post the links to your five favorite blog posts that you’ve written. But there is a catch:

Link 1 must be about family.
Link 2 must be about friends.
Link 3 must be about yourself, who you are… what you’re all about.
Link 4 must be about something you love.
Link 5 can be anything you choose

.
Link 1: HERE
Link 2: HERE
Link 3: HERE
Link 4: HERE
Link 5: HERE

Now, just a little bit of explanation - I try not to write about my friends and family in such a way that anyone would recognize them so some of these links may not be totally relevant. And I also came across this and had to add it. Good luck getting it out of your head! LOL

Hmmmmmm....now I tag Keri and Dawn at stripeycat and thoughts from along the broken road. Can't wait to see your posts!!

Have a great rest of the day!

the crack....

yep. we went to the crack for dinner tonight with my parents. you know, cracker barrel...my kids' favorite toy store on earth!

little prince finally went back to school and now is complaining that he doesn't feel well, is tired, thinks he's going to throw up and hubcaps said he felt really warm .... could this week get any better?

saw my doc today ... more on that another day when I feel like divulging all the gory details...not a great visit, but one that made things a bit clearer for me.

oh. and apparently, i've forgotten my brain at the door, because our insurance changed with hubcaps work and i allegedly signed up for the wrong plan! hopefully, they'll let me switch to the one i thought i had signed up for!! double ugh.

i tivo'd american idol, so i'm sure after i watch, i'll have something to say about the lack of talent that is being constantly perpetuated on our society.

hope you're all having a productive week. i'm looking forward to the weekend.

am I the only one???

Totally bizarre thought for the day - - do you think that when we look in the mirror we actually see what the rest of the world sees, in a literal sense?? For instance, when I look in the mirror, I will notice that my nose is crooked. But when you look at me, do you see that not only is the nose crooked, but it's green and boil covered? I know, I know, gross. This is a thought that keeps me up some nights.

For example, does a severely obese person really know that they are obese? Do they SEE it?? Kind-of a reverse anorexia. The main reason I wonder this is because those who deal with anorexia always look in the mirror and see themselves 'fat'....so it would only make sense that the rest of us, who might have a challenge with weight, see ourselves thin.

So, yeah, these are the thoughts that cloud my head, day in and day out. Do ugly people know that they are ugly? I am almost 33 years old and I swear to you, I have been asking people these questions since I was 11. Anywho, hope you've had a great Monday, have a terrific Tuesday and hopefully I'll have something with more meaning to talk about tomorrow! OH - I will!! I go see the shrink tomorrow, that alone will give me something to vent about, and the vet, yippee!! What a thrilling day awaits for me.

could it be my hair?

School started back on Monday. Did Little Prince attend?

Nope.

He's been home all week because our house has been struck with THE PLAGUE. What's even better is that we don't all have the same symptoms. We each have gotten a different strand. Lovely, right? I've had a fever for two days, achy body and today, I awoke to the sensation of razor blades going down both sides of my throat.

Convinced I had strep, I hauled myself to an Urgent Care this evening after hubcaps got home from work, sat in the waiting room for an hour....

side note: I did almost finish a book I've been reading, so all was not in vain!

...had the throat culture, ONLY to find out, nope, not strep. The doctor said "I can see why it feels like razor blades - your throat is disgusting" - gee, thanks doc. On a good note, he did say that I looked much younger than 32 (almost 33). Must be the hair.

So yesterday, sickness and all, I showered, put makeup on and dressed myself and went to get my hair done. I couldn't cancel with twenty minutes notice!! So maybe, just maybe, my additional low lights made me look younger? Nah, I didn't think so either. Too funny. But this doctor went on and on and on about how the women in Florida look so much older than they really are because of the sun damage. Yikes. The strange thing, though, is that even though everyone knows you should wear sunscreen EVERY day - there are A LOT of people who don't. I love to go to the beach. I love the look of a tan, but honestly, I buy it in a can. I wear a hat, a t-shirt, sit under the umbrella and yes, all of my makeup has SPF 15 or higher. Not something I'm willing to risk for the sake of vanity. Can I get an 'Amen'??

Alright, so the soapbox is put away for now. There is nothing new to report. Just trying to get and STAY healthy. AND, maybe, just maybe, get the Little Prince BACK to school on Monday.

Welcome, 2008!

Well. 2008 is not starting off the way I had hoped it would. My big deal that was supposed to close this month has gone down the toilet. That was my catch up fund. Now what??? Thinking about selling the house. Simply cannot afford to keep it. Plain and simple. The market has tanked so badly that it will be YEARS before I can get out of it what we've put into it....
I found a great blog last week written by a mom who is a millionaire (self-made) - and the biggest lesson/advice that I've learned from reading her posts is that they were able to attain financial freedom by NOT owning a home. Used to. Downsized and took the difference (and the equity) and invested. Hmmmmmm, sounds like a great idea to me. I know, I know, too simplified, BUT, I do believe in the adage that you never really own your home, it ends up owning you. In this market, it just makes more sense to rent. At least for my family. Especially when my income literally is down to nothing...oops, sorry, I made 25% of what I had made the year before!! How's that for job stability?
Oh well. Life goes on, right? These are not the things of great importance. Both kids have developed really bad colds and Little Prince has a fever tonight. This is the greatest time of my life, in terms of my family life. THIS is what is important. It's sometimes hard to focus and remember those things. We get sideswiped by the mundane, the bills, the mortgage, the maintenance, all the things we "think" we need to have right now. We think we're poor, until we see that we have so much more than 90% of the rest of the world. We are truly blessed. God is good all the time. And all the time God is good. As one of my favorite songs says, "I'll praise You in the storm."
Have a great upcoming week!

princesses, pee and poop, oh my!

So, now I remember WHY, exactly we didn't have a dog. I've been successful at gettting two human beings potty trained. I thought I was done cleaning up pee and poop all over the house. Boy, was I wrong.
A few days before Christmas, we were given a beautiful puppy (about 14 weeks old). He's a Havanese and we fianlly settled on the name "Mojito".

Well, Mojito was being paper trained by his previous owner - I'm crate training. The first time he had seen grass was two weeks ago when he came home with me...needless to say, he does not like going number two on the grass. The booger will play outside for twenty minutes, come inside, and literally, within two minutes in the house, he's left his deposit somewhere in the house! It's beginnng to get a little bit frustrating! Argh!! If any of you have any ideas, please share!!
We've taken down all the decorations (except the outside lights, of course!). And today, as I sit here it is not even 50 degrees...unheard of in Fort Lauderdale. My kids are even wearing winter coats and little Prince insists on re-enacting The Christmas Story scene where the little brother "can't put my arms down"!! Kids are so funny.
Princess K is pictured here modeling her new threads from Gran:

Have a Happy Thursday, I can't believe the weekend is already here.