Pregnancy update

Hello all... I had my doc appointment this morning for my glucose screening. For those of you that have done this before, you know you get the joy of drinking a liquid that tastes like the cheapest quality beverage that has a sugar concentration of 6 times the normal amount. This time around I had a red "fruit punch". I guess it could have been worse. I gulped it down and they started my 1 hour timer. Since I had Dwayne and the girls with me we decided to go take a tour of the Maternity facility next door at the hospital I will give birth at. The floor was silent and the nurses were very happy to see us. The rooms are huge and luxurious with private waiting rooms for family and friends. We were told that overall we get one on one care since they have a relatively low patient to doctor/nurse ratio. I am very happy about that! We eventually made it back to my doctor's office for them to test my blood sugar. The nurse said I had to score between 70-140 to pass. I got a 113!!! Whoo hooo!!! We were all so happy with the outcome. I have gained 5 pounds since last month so everything is looking pretty good so far! I am now 26 weeks along and the time is going by pretty fast! I continue to feel really well and am enjoying all the spoiling from the family.

Happy New Year to all and more updates to come....

6 months pregnant

Dwayne and I went to a holiday party at the Capital City Club here in Columbia. We had a beautiful night of fine dining and an incredible atmosphere. I would have posted photos of the club, but unfortunately my husband is not the best photographer! It was so nice going out all glammed up and feeling pretty. When I got home, my poor back and legs were aching!! I have not worn high heels in a while so I paid royally all weekend long. It was well worth it though!

Things I miss most

Here is my list of things I miss most while being pregnant....

1. Starbucks. I know the difference between decaf and regular so there is no tricking me.
2. Aleve and Advil. Tylenol is like candy to me.
3. Allegra D, I sure could use one right now!
4. Beer and Margaritas...especially on date night at a sports bar.
5. Complaining about my "fat" belly.
6. Wearing normal clothing.
7. Climbing stairs with ease.
8. Playing (badly) volleyball, badminton, or basketball with the girls outside.
9. Cutting grass. One of my twisted obsessions, I LOVE it!
10. Lifting things without my family screaming at me for being hard headed.

Other than those things, I really am enjoying my pregnancy. I am enjoying the attention and care I get from even strangers in the stores. My husband has been showing a 'sensitive side' that he will deny in a minute! I feel pretty this time around. My family is spoiling me. I get many more foot and shoulder massages. I get to sit and watch nonsense on TV with my legs propped up while eating whatever I want at that time. I love getting phone calls from all my friends and family just to check on me (it means a lot).

I think I can handle pregnancy for a few more months! ;)

Time sure flies!

I was sitting in the carpool line this afternoon picking my older child up when I glanced over at the vehicle next to me. I thought to myself, "I know that girl, but why is she in the driver's seat?". It dawned on me that I remember her when she was in the 5th grade and my kids were in kindergarten and second grade. Oh yeah, that would make her driving age! I have this problem of remembering most kids as just that...kids. I guess this is where I am accepting that I am getting older, but I am still cute dammit!!

I'm still here

I know I have been away from the blogging scene recently. I have been down with a cold for a little over a week now. Thankfully I am on the mend and I am starting to feel like my old energetic self again. We are also in the process of moving the girls into their new rooms. I did not realize what a big production it is turning out to be! It is difficult moving beds and furniture down a flight of very narrow and steep steps. Of course I am not lifting anything so the job is going very slowly. Those of you moms out there that know when you want something done you gain that super woman strength and get the job done! Well, I have to rely on being a supervisor this time :( I really do miss doing normal stuff, but have to admit that it is a little nice kicking my feet up and chillin' on the couch! I went to the doctor on Monday and he is thrilled with my progress. I gained 5 pounds in 4 weeks! I am still just all belly at this point so I will hang on to my regular clothes with hopes of getting back into them again.

New FO Business - Cash for Lawsuits Now

Hello everyone,

Just wanted everyone to know that I have developed a new division of Financial Options, LLC. This new division is called FO Funding. Check out the website http://www.fofunding.com/
Our team will provide advance cash for lawsuits and legal claims. If you are involved in an lawsuit and you need cash now. Call me! Dwayne -803-223-9385

If you're an attorney and you need cash to cover mediation, depositions, or some other case related cost. Call me! Dwayne - 803-223-9385

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Baby to the right

I am noticing that the little baby widget to the right is very scary! It is not as scary as it was in the earlier weeks but nonetheless, it is pretty creepy looking! It reminds me of the Ally McBeal baby! My crazy husband asked why the baby does not reflect our ethnicity. Only my husband would say that!

Cheesecake recipe

The holidays are here! This is my absolute favorite cheesecake recipe and it is very inexpensive. It tastes way better than any store bought one, Enjoy!!

Cheesecake Classic
Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes Servings: 10
Ingredients
2 packages (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened*
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 Keebler® Ready Crust® Graham 2 Extra Servings Pie Crust
1 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla


Directions
1. In large mixing bowl beat cream cheese on medium speed of electric mixer until fluffy. Add 2/3 cup sugar, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just combined after each addition.
2. Place crust on baking sheet. Spread cream cheese mixture in crust. Bake on baking sheet at 350°F about 30 minutes or until center is almost set.
3. In small bowl combine sour cream, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Carefully spread over cheesecake. Bake at 350°F for 5 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 3 hours.
4. Garnish as desired. Store in refrigerator.
*NOTE: Soften cream cheese in microwave at high for 15 to 20 seconds.

New style

I was in my favorite store the other day when I noticed these "pants" located next to the jeans and tops in the girls' dept. I was trying to figure out why there were pajamas in the regular clothing section. I asked my daughters what they thought of that and they responded "oh mom, those are actual pants that you wear just as if they were jeans or khakis". I was appalled! There is no way I could let my kids walk out the door looking like they just rolled out of bed. I then started to noticed more and more girls wearing them to school. Maybe I am older now and have lost some fashion sense, but I think it looks ridiculous!

What do you think? Would you let your daughter wear them to school?

Contest Winner

A couple weeks ago I posted about a contest that was being sponsored by Tanyetta of Days Like These. Well we have a winner! Sheena of Sophistishe.org is our lucky prize winner for guessing that we are having a boy. A BIG THANK YOU goes out to my girl Tanyetta for sponsoring this fun contest. I really enjoyed the cute comments and the name suggestions!

Congratulations Sheena!!!

Explanation of crazy husband

I just wanted to take a moment to tell everyone what was going on in the videos for my last 2 posts. You all know by now that my husband apparently lacks home training. Well, the actual ultrasound clip was obvious. Dwayne could not figure out the boy part thing. Now of all men, you would think he would have recognized that right away.*shaking head* If you could have heard all the thing he was saying to my doctor, you would have been either laughing or choking him. In video 2, he was so happy he started to skip, yes skip down the hall and do a fake cartwheel. There was this older lady going to the elevator and she was scared half to death cause she thought Dwayne was about to take a dive. That poor woman! I had to stop the camera so I could punish him for acting up. And I am having a boy????!!!..... Lord help me!

The results are in! (Part 2)

Check this out...

The results are in! (Part 1)

Today was the big day... the level 2 ultrasound. The one ultrasound that can possibly determine the gender of your baby. We all had minimal sleep last night because of the anxiety, but we were all there together and finally it was about to happen! Dwayne just had to snap a photo of me laying on the bed (stop making fun of my stretch marks!).

I know you're all wanting to know...is it a girl or a boy? Watch the video to find out! Be sure to turn the speakers up!



After the numerous phone calls, emails and text messages, I was totally exhausted. My first son Milo climbed on top of me and we took a well deserved nap.

Maternity blues

I went browsing around yesterday looking for some maternity jeans. I learned something...they are the tackiest things I have ever seen! I was getting so frustrated when I realized that no matter what store you go to, they all look the same. Of course when I did actually see something that was not too awful I could not find my size! I have been used to the low-rise jeans and pants for a long time now and it is hard wearing something that comes over my belly. *sigh* When I was pregnant with my girls all I wore were sundresses or overall shorts because I lived in sunny South Florida. We woke up to 36 degrees today so I am gearing toward long pants. I guess I should not complain knowing that my bulkiest days will be in the colder months. I better get used to looking tacky for a while. Okay, I am done feeling sorry for myself now.

Why do pregnant women glow?

I get told daily that I am "glowing". Makes me wonder if people say that because they mean it or if they think they are supposed to. Don't get me wrong, I do not take it as a bad thing. I decided to do some research and here is what I came up with...

Your skin does take on a glow - and there is a physiological explanation for it. As your blood volume increases throughout your pregnancy, superficial blood vessels carry more blood which can be seen on your face. In addition, your oil glands are secreting more, so you naturally have a glow without any additional exertion.

Hmm, I'm still not sure I buy it, but people have been referring to pregnant woman as glowing for ages. Who am I to argue.

Help...

Hey everyone....

I am seeking some advice today about where to find an item. I am trying to figure out where I can purchase a rocking chair seat/ back cushion. It is a glider style of chair and I can't seem to find just the cushions anywhere! This photo is an example of what I am looking for and it can't cost an arm and a leg! Keep in mind it is for a rocker only, not an ottoman. Also it does not have to be fancy or super plush, just simple and plain. Thanks for any advice anyone can give.

Boy or Girl???

Tanyetta of Days Like These is sponsoring a gift card giveaway in honor of my 100th post! How cool is that?

All you have to do is guess the gender of my baby. We will find out on November 5th and the winner will be announced and contacted by November 6th.

Is it a BOY or a GIRL?? Your guess could win you a great prize!!! Here is the most recent photo of the belly for those superstitious ones!

This was one of those "Wait! I'm not ready yet!!" kind of photos. LOL!

100th post!

In honor of my 100th post, let's all eat cake!!

This is my 4 month baby bump shot. I have a little confession to make. The photos above were of me eating cake two separate times! We were at a wedding and Dwayne did not want a slice of cake. I insisted he needed to get a slice anyway. He said "no, I don't want it". I said "yes you do!" He says, "no really, I don't want it". I then said in a demonic sounding voice "GO GET THE CAKE NOW!!!!" I had two slices of cake... for the baby of course~!

Super Hubby

Hey folks! I know that most of my regular readers know how I feel about my husband most of the time. I usually hear this "How do you deal with him everyday?" or "Wow, you are a good woman" or "Better you than me". Last night he proved that he was not the man everyone thinks he is...you know, the crazy, badly behaved, outrageous, wild child kinda man we are all used to. He was Super Hubby!!! I have been having problems with my washing machine for the past couple months where I was not able to get enough cold water to flow. Eventually it came to a point that the only temperature I could get was BOILING HOT! Of course I could not wash certain things (probably anything) in water that was that hot. It turns out it was a water valve that was the culprit. I had to go to my sister's house to wash a few loads out of desperation. You do not know how significant a household appliance can be until it is down. I know it was just a week but when you have a husband and two kids (equivalent of 4 kids) you can't go that long with out doing laundry. Well, he was able to replace the part and my machine works as if it were brand new. Out of curiosity, I called a repairman to get a price and it was going to be a minimum of $55 to diagnose and about another $90 to fix. The part cost us $25 and I am sure I will pay dearly for the labor~!! So Dwayne, if you are reading, "YOU ARE THE MAN". Oh yeah, and he also replaced my shower curtain, replaced some light bulbs and batteries in the smoke detectors and then asked "What else do you need done?". Pregnancy has been the best thing that happened to me!

Pregnancy update

Well, so far so good. I have gained a whopping 3 1/2 lbs in 15 weeks! The doctor said I can have my "big ultrasound" on November 5th to determine the sex of the baby. This will be the longest 4 weeks I will ever have to wait! I wish I were like those nice parents that like to be surprised but dammit I'm not... I have to know!!!!!! I still have no feelings deep down inside that give me any inkling of if it is a boy or girl. Now if you leave it up to ALL my friends, family, and even the people that work at Walmart, they all say it is a boy. Well, we shall see. I will let you all know as soon as we find out. I am going to take the girls out of school early that day and the hubby will meet us. We are all so anxious!!!

Unexpected phone call

This morning I received a phone call from my child's school. Whenever I look at the caller id I sort of go into panic thinking it is the school nurse calling to tell me something happened to my kid. Well, today was very different. The caller was a gentleman (mind you there are only 2 men at the whole school 1. the PE teacher and 2. the Assistant Principal) Turns out it was the Asst Principal, Mr. Brown, calling for the parent or guardian of Briahnna Ismail. I said, "this is Sheliza Ismail, Briahnna's mother". He then tells me he was calling about Briahnna. For one second I got a little nervous thinking "oh no, what could she possibly have done?" He then proceeds to say that it was a "good" call to let me know some positive things Briahnna has been up to. He said that she was displaying 5 life skills simultaneous such as respect, responsibility, organization, and so on...

Her ALERT teacher (talented and gifted program) did a write up on Briahnna stating that her reading level has exceeded expectations. The program requires that each student must complete 8 book responses by the end of the school year. Briahnna had completed 8 book responses by September and has made a goal for herself to have 25 complete book responses for the school year. Go Brie!!!!!

Mr. Brown congratulated me and thanked me for being a great parent by encouraging my child to be the best she can be. I told him that I was so touched to receive such a nice call especially with the busy schedule he keeps. He took the time to call me to tell me something so nice and I expressed my appreciation. He said he felt 10 times better than me because it is a pleasure for him to get to call a parent about something so positive. I am so proud!!! I will have to take Briahnna out for a treat after school today. That's my baby!!!

Prenatal office visit

I went for an office visit today to see the nurse to do some fun blood work and answer some questions. My appointment was at 10 and I got called back at 10:05. I was asked questions primarily pertaining to my previous pregnancies. I am in the process of deciding whether to have a vaginal delivery or c-section. I had a c-section 11 years ago with my younger child because she was breech. My doctor is a HUGE fan of c-section and does not believe in the vbac. It is ultimately my decision and I am having such a hard time making it. The nurse was sweet and did not advise me on what to do but did lend some helpful information on making the decision. If anyone has experienced being pregnant after 8 years+, and the last one was a c-section, let me know what you did and any advice you can give me I would appreciate it.

After speaking with the nurse, I was led back to the lab room to have 6 vials of blood drawn. I am so glad I am fearful of that because that was a lot at one time! I asked "what all do you screen for". I think I was told about 50 things and can only remember maybe 2! Oh, and I gained one whopping pound in the last 3 1/2 weeks! My appointment was so quick (less than 20 minutes). I remember when I was having my girls, appointments took forever and I would have to have to have my finger pricked so they could test my blood every time. I am glad I do not have to do that! I see the doc on Monday so I will update you all on anything new. I think I will be able to have my BIG ultrasound to determine the sex in less than 6 weeks. I am looking forward to it! I will post when I find out!

BBCDO Fishing Trip

The BBCDO- BAD BOYS CLUB DADS ONLY!!!

Today, Shelly had to put away the Honey- DO list because BIG DADDY is going FISHIN' . That is right FISHIN' not fishing (as ladies would say). This is my Manly-Man day and I was able to spend it with my Pops. The MAN that helped create the 8th wonder of the world.

I know the ladies are probably saying... " He needs to be home taking care of my girl, cutting the yard, painting, or something else besides doing some boring MANLY fishing".

Therefore, I have to say this for all the MEN in the Unites States of America and all the MEN globally.

Today I am man, Today I connect with nature, Today I connect with my brothers who bond over a simple pole, water, and bait. Today I ponder life and all it's mysteries. Today is the day my wife can not make me cut the grass, wash the car, or clean the gutters. Why? You ask me why? I'll tell you why. Because Today is the day I, as a MAN with my rightful HONOR as a MAN, I AM, goin' FISHIN' ---- NUFF SAID..

Memories of the 80's

If you grew up in the 80's you will get a kick out of these trends of that time...

Gummi Bears, Monchichi, Shirt Tails, Pound Puppies, Smurfs

Wrestling (Junk Yard Dog, Jake the Snake, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Andre the Giant )
Also the movies.....Breakfast club, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Buellers Day Off
Luke and Laura's wedding on General Hospital
Carebears, Cabbage Patch Kids, Rainbow Brite, Strawberry Shortcake, My little pony
Michael Jackson's thriller music video
Punky Brewster, The Cosby Family, Family Ties, Alf, A Different World
Princess Diana's wedding....I remember watching it, oh yeah and the Princess Di hairdo
The Bangles, Prince, El DeBarge, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Boy George, Wham, Madonna, New Edition, MC Hammer (and his pants), Whitney Houston (before Bobby Brown!)
BIG hair on the girls, neon colored clothes, jelly shoes and belts, Jordache jeans

The guys had a "tail" on the back of their head. Break dancing!
If you were around during that era, what are your favorite (and not so favorite) memories??

Got Milk?

I am NOT a fan of milk but I do know how much I need to drink it during pregnancy. In order to make it appealing, I add Hershey's Strawberry syrup to 2% milk and it MUST be in a wine glass. My kids stay on me about drinking milk so I really would not have a choice anyway. I will "milk" all the attention I get from them while I can because once the baby is here I will be just plain old mom again. Oh well, I will be a princess while I can!

Caution...Baby Bump!

Here is a photo of me that was taken about 5 days ago. From the front you almost can't tell that I am expecting, but it is quite obvious from the side. I am 12 weeks along and feeling fantastic! If it was not for seeing the baby on the monitor and hearing the heartbeat...oh yeah and my new fat belly...I would not believe I was pregnant. Thanks to all my friends and family that call me or email all the time just to ask how I am feeling. It means so much. Even my bloggy buddies have been very interested in my new adventure. I think it is because everyone wants me to spit out a Dwayne Jr. and see what he will be like. We all know he is insane so if we have a boy...oh gosh, I will be committed to a mental ward!!! Imagine Dwayne and a "Mini Me". HELP!!!! On a serious note, thanks everyone for being so supportive.

Who is eating for two?

This awfully fantastic photo was shot by the master photographer and daughter of ours, Briahnna. Normally I would scream if you were taking a photo of me while I was eating, but in this case I am glad it happened. As you all can tell, me and my hubby were chillin' on the couch watching the evening news while eating ice cream as an after dinner treat. Notice I am eating out of a dainty tea cup and then Dwayne is eating out of the carton. Now it is my understanding that pregnant women eat for two, right? How many others is Dwayne eating for?!! Looks like he is sporting the baby bump instead of me! You gotta love the biggest kid in your life, your hubby! Look how serious he looks! LOL!!!

Volleyballaz!

On Sunday our family attended the USC Women's volleyball game here in Columbia. Our girls were a part of the ball crew. Their job was simple, keep your eyes out for the balls and pass them along to the next crew member so they players always had a ball ready when they are. Dwayne and I had to brace ourselves because these women were VERY strong athletes and we just knew one of the girls were going to get smacked by a loose ball. Luckily they managed not to get hit and made it through. Girls, if you are reading this... note to self: never turn my back! Check out a clip.

Free coffee sample

Please, when you get your free coffee sample in the mail...enjoy every last drop because pregnant women can't!! I still have like 3 or 4 ounces in the morning though. Bad mom!!

Watch out Alicia Keys!

On this past Friday evening, our beautiful and talented daughters took the stage for their piano recitals. Since they are a little more advanced than the other students, they were challenged to pick three or four songs to play. Of course they each picked four. Their performances were flawless and they made their mom, dad, grandparents, friends, and piano teacher very proud! Here are a couple video clips of the performances.

The Shoe Hunters

My new job title

I have officially changed occupations from being a SAHM to a driver/ Chauffeur. Since school has started back I feel like I spend a great deal of time behind the wheel of my car. I am always in the carpool line either dropping off or picking up children. I am the default picker upper to a couple parents at the school in the event they can't make it on time. My older child Chardonnay has made it on the volleyball team (go Lady Warriors!!) so she has practice every day of the week including some Saturdays. Then my little one Briahnna has her teaching gig (junior black belt instructor) 3 days a week both at her karate school as well as the after school karate program at her elementary. Funny how athletic my kids are as I have not a pinch of an athlete in my body. I guess their dad has a function after all! By the way, thanks to all of you for your well wishes on my pregnancy and for the advice. It is like being pregnant for the first time after having my last kid 11 years ago! Hope I know what to do!

Who am I again?

I have been having a really bad problem recently, even more so since finding out I was pregnant. I can't seem to remember anything. I literally have a thousand sticky notes and anything I can grab to write on posted all over my house in order for me to remember the smallest things. My husband and children have been extremely patient and understanding with me. I think everyone else thinks I am losing it for sure. Maybe I need to do those word search or crossword puzzles to get my mental juices flowing. A girlfriend of mine is pregnant right now (1 month ahead of me) and she is having the same problem. It really makes you feel like there is something wrong with you.

Does anyone have any advice for me? Were you this bad during your pregnancy or do you know someone who was this way?

Freebies

Hey all, here are a couple great links for some freebies. Enjoy!!

Tetley Tea Bags

Curves cereal

Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste

Always

Momfiles news

Hello friends! I wanted to share with all of you my great news. I am expecting!! I am 8 weeks only and thankfully not sick or tired. My hubby is behaving so nicely (shocking). He has been catering to me and has just been extra nice unlike his normal annoying self. You mean all I had to do was get knocked up for him to act right? For those of you that are regular visitors of Days Like These, there was a post made on a certain friend that is expecting. Okay, the cat is out of the bag, it was ME!!! I had to process everything before I could say anything about it. I was going ballistic at first thinking "I have not had a baby in 11 years, what am I thinking?" Then reality set in and now I am so excited I can barely stand myself! I am not due til early April and will keep everyone posted. The number one question I have been getting is "I bet you hope it is a boy" Both the hubby and myself have no preference and will be pleased either way. We just pray for a healthy baby (just no twins please!) I certainly appreciate all your prayers as we take this crazy journey into parenthood all over again.

Free antibiotics!

Publix supermarket chain said it will make seven common prescription antibiotics available for free, joining other major retailers in trying to lure customers to their stores with cheap medications.The oral antibiotics, the most commonly filled at the chain's pharmacies, will be available at no cost to anyone with a prescription as often as they need them, Publix Chief Executive Charlie Jenkins Jr. said Fourteen-day supplies of the seven drugs will be available at all 684 of the chain's pharmacies in five Southern states.The prescription antibiotics available under the program are amoxicillin, cephalexin, penicillin VK, erythromycin, ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and ciprofoxacin.

Blockbuster coupon

If anyone sends you this coupon via email, you might want to read this. For those of you that like to double dip (I do!) you better save yourself the embarrassment!

Condie Jr

I came across these photos of my now fifth grader Briahnna when she was in the second grade. They had a class project where each student was assigned a famous American that has made great accomplishments. She was given Dr. Condoleezza Rice. The setting for the assignment was a "wax museum". When the teacher gave the signal to start each student had to recite five important facts about their famous person. These photos are so cute! It was worth every bit of the 30 bucks I spent on the wig! She was so cute!!

Wordless Wednesday

What vegetable are you?

Check out this great quiz from the fine folks at Juicy Juice and Nestle. You can find out what kind of veggie you and your kids are! Then you can print up a coupon to try the new Harvest Surprise Juice. They put veggies in the juice (to trick the little ones, I'm sure)! My children and I are all sweet potatoes~!

My girls

Tonight I cooked a traditional Guyanese dish that is similar to Chinese noodles with veggies and beef. The girls thought it would be fun to break out the chopsticks. They are determined to figure out how to use them even if it took an hour to eat. They both vowed to not cheat by using a fork. It turned out to be fun for them and they went back for seconds~!

aaaahhhh!!! Snake!!!!

I had something happen to me this morning that scared me to the point that I thought I could be having a heart attack. Last night the hubby and I went to bed very late trying to get our internet and multiple digital phone lines straightened out and functional. We have been have experiencing a lot of problems with all of those things. We did not get to bed until about 2am and woke up at 6:45 cause hubby had a very important meeting to attend. Remember, I had very little sleep so I could not really see straight or comprehend things too easily. I snuck downstairs to my office to check my email like I normally do. Okay fine, I was also signing up for a couple free samples (I can't help myself!) :)

Anyway, I was getting up from my chair to walk upstairs to go on mom duty when I looked over at the trash can right next to me and this is what I saw.

~Now keep in mind, I was very sleepy and could not focus too well.

How sad that I thought it was a snake! In fact it was the old phone cord that I put in there last night. I screamed sooo loud that my kids thought there could be an intruder in the house or something just as bad. I could barely breathe for like 20 seconds. I felt so stupid afterwards. Now if my hubby was there he would have done a video blog post and probably talk so much trash about me. Now that is quite a way to wake up in the morning I have to say! I sure did not need coffee today!

Funny photo

I could not help it, I got this in an email and loved it! Good way to keep away unwanted guests!

Signs you were a child in the 70's

• You made cakes in your Easy Bake Oven.
• You made snow cones with your Snoopy Snow Cone Machine.
• You made Shrinky-Dinks.
• You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape recorder up to the speaker.
• You wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer. (top of my list!)
• You thought Olivia Newton John's song, "Physical" was about aerobics.
• You had the Donnie and Marie dolls.
• You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers.
• You had a crush on Deney Terrio from Dance Fever.
• It was cool to have the "Dorothy Hamill" hairstyle.

Great kids

Yesterday I spent most of my day running my mother-in-law around to doctor appointments and left the girls at home. They had a job... babysitting daddy! Well, daddy worked late the night before so he had to take a much needed nap. This made the job easier for my girls. Well, I do not have your average children. Do you know what they did while I was out? They cleaned the house! Not just picking up a few things but they actually cleaned the house. Everything from washing and packing dishes, vacuuming, dusting, picking up, cleaning their bathroom, sweeping, and laundry! I did not even ask them to do it. I asked if there was something they wanted and they said "no, we just thought we would help out". Those girls have really made my month. I am just so blessed to have them and appreciate the young ladies they are growing up to be. I am taking them today to a couple places to let them pick out a few trinkets for the thoughtfulness they showed me. Here is a photo I snapped of them. They are going to be great moms and wives one day. Maybe 30 years from now if you leave it up to daddy! I love my babies!

Boys will be boys

We went to a birthday party the other night and the hostess had a bag of balloons for the kids. Look who got to the bag first...

The bad boy himself.

The best bargain ever!

My sister bought me the best gift today and you would not believe the cost. For those of you that read my blog regularly, I am sure you have figured out that I LOVE coupons and freebies. Well, my sister was so sweet to get me a cute new coupon organizer from Walmart. Now this is not just your ordinary coupon organizer. The reason for that is because she paid only ten cents for it! Yes, you read correctly ten cents!! The nice plastic ones normally go for about 3-4 bucks. I was whoo hooing like a mad lady with excitement~!! As you can see I have already made the tabs for each section. My old coupon holder was pathetic so I needed an upgrade like you would not believe! Thank you so much to my wonderful sister and best pal!!

Cell Phones in public places

I had to take my mother-in-law to a Doctor appointment this morning to see her orthopedic surgeon. The waiting room was full of older people in general all speaking about their surgeries, aches, pains, and health problems. I sat there and just listened as I waited patiently. All of a sudden it got really quiet as everyone grew restless waiting. In walked a young guy dressed in hip-hop gear, bling bling and all. He sat down apparently to wait for someone he dropped off earlier. His cell phone rings in a catchy tune and he quickly silenced it. You should have seen the look on all the old ladies faces of sheer disgust. Then there was this very professionally dressed older gentleman that is retired from the military. Another bout of silence comes again and then here is goes....ring ring (cell phone). All the old ladies look over at the young guy when in fact it was the older very professional gentleman's phone that rang. He picks it up and starts having a personal conversation (very loudly at that). As soon as he hung up, it rang again and this time it was an old military buddy of his. Now folks, there were several signs posted around the waiting room that was entitled "Waiting Room Etiquette". Number one read something like this: "Please refrain from cell phone use since it is disruptive to other patients as well as a possible interference with medical equipment." Now this man sat there and bragged about how high he ranked in the Air Force and how many men were under his command, but did not take a moment in the hour and a half he was waiting to notice the sign that was right next to him! The interesting part is that the same old ladies that found the young guy annoying did not seem to have any problem with the old man blabbing away on the phone. It is really peculiar how people can judge someone by their appearance and not have a single clue about that person's behavior.

How cluttered is your mind?

My Mind is 42% Cluttered

My mind is starting to get cluttered, and as a result, it's a little harder for me to keep focused. Try to let go of your pettiest worries and concerns. The worrying is worse than the actual problems!

How Cluttered is Your Mind?

Take the TEST!

Cooking tip

Hello, I just wanted to share some information with you all when cooking dried beans. First I suggest that you soak your dried beans overnight. The next day when you are ready to cook them drain all the water out that the beans were soaking in an fill your pot up with fresh water. Bring your beans to a full boil. It might look a little something like this.

Kind of nasty looking huh? Most people don't realize that if you do not boil the gases out of your beans a couple times you end up eating it! Yuck!! Once all that white sediment comes floating up to the top you can drain your beans off and fill your pot up one more time and bring back to a boil again. It should look like this.

I would say that looks so much better. You might think it is a lengthy process but it really only adds about an extra 10 minutes on your time. Hey, you might have wasted that time doing mindless junk anyway! Beans are so good for you and they are full of fiber and protein, oh yes and very affordable. Enjoy!

More free samples!

Sign up for your free Downy sample!
Print out a $2.00 off coupon for Scott Tissue.
And last, get a Celestial Seasonings tea sample.
Enjoy!!!

Cool tip

A friend of mine sent me this link: freecycle.org
It's a gifting site where people give things away instead of throwing them away. Each group is local to its own community. Check it out!

Gift idea

My kids have a birthday party to go to on July 6th for a 10 year old girl. I have bought this sweet child school supplies in the past as a gift. Now most people would think it was a boring gift, but her mom emailed me last night and requested I do the same this year. Moms are very practical (for the most part). I would be overjoyed if people would buy those types of gifts rather than senseless junk. No offense to anyone reading this that might have given my kids gifts in the past! ;o) he he! The best part of giving this type of gift is the cost. Not only are you giving something very useful, you are not spending a fortune. Gee, wonder if I have any coupons...

Laugh at yourself

Last night I was in Target with my two daughters shopping for some health and beauty products. We got all we needed from the list except one last item, body lotion for daddy. We get on the right aisle and started to look at our choices. It is very important to get the right product when shopping for my husband because he does not like "girlie" lotion. He likes feeling like a manly man so it takes a couple extra minutes to find just the right product. I was torn between two brands so I had to do what the girls in my family do... the sniff test. There was a new version of Vaseline Intensive Care with Cocoa Butter. Now my husband likes that kind of stuff. I reached to the top of the shelf and grabbed one (the price was really good). I flipped the cap open and took a whiff. I could not tell what it smelled like so I gave the bottle a little squeeze. All of a sudden the lotion squirted out all over my face and up my nose! My girls started to laugh uncontrollably and so did I!!!! I laughed til there were tears in my eyes and my stomach was sore. Now think about how awful that looked! The girls kept telling me where to wipe it off and every time I thought it was gone, they would see more. Needless to say, I will know what the lotion smells like for at least a week! I am so glad that I know how to laugh at myself. Looks like my girls will be talking about this one for a couple weeks. Now if the hubby was with me when it happened, he would talk about it for years to come~! Oh, I did end up buying it!

What happens when dad is watching the kids

They play with mom's digital camera!!!

They get most of their silliness from their crazy daddy!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's day dads!! What would we do without you?! As a tribute to my wonderful husband, I thought I would do something creative this year. I decided to scrap him! You know, make a couple scrapbook pages of him! He loves being a business man and he LOVES himself so that was my starting point. Here are the pages and keep in mind I am not very talented with this kind of stuff so no making fun of me!

Musical blogs

Don't you just hate it when you visit a person's blog and all of a sudden you start hearing this cheesy music that just won't stop!? Then it turns out to be the day that you computer decides to lock up on you! ERRR! Annoying! My apologies to those of you that have cheesy music on your blog! LOL!

Nosey Folks

Now this is so wrong. The other night there was an accident across the street from my house and my tacky family decided to be nosey. Notice the dog (Milo) on the floor at the bottom left corner. Well he could not stand that he was not in on the action and wanted to see what was going on....

They decided to let poor Milo see and be a part of their nosey neighbors club. Now all of this was going on at midnight. Notice which one of the "responsible" parents was on the floor with the kids! LOL!!! That's my crazy family and I absolutely love 'em!