Picture Updates

So lots of pictures on this post, so if that kind of thing bores you don't continue.  

Christmas was a good one this year.  I had told the kids when they were writing their wish lists that this year there would be no electronics.  After the grumbling they asked why.  Why they have more electronic gizmo's and rarely take care of them.  So the lists had all clothes on them.  EXPENSIVE clothes.  

Even the puppies enjoyed their presents!  Bailey enjoyed hers a bit too much, she bit me when I went to move her and her bone.  She lost her present the rest of the evening.

But the best part of the evening was when MD finally opened up his box with the Hot Tub info in it.  I wanted to put something in there besides a brochure.  So I scoured the mall for Hawaiian swim trunks.  Do you know how hard it is to find swim trunks in December?  Well I do, nearly impossible.  Dick's sporting goods to the rescue.  Then my friend Jodi suggested SPEEDOS!  I was reluctant at first, but then the thought of it grew on me,  by the time I got home with them I loved the idea.

MD however was very confused.

His very next words "that is just not right"

We had to explain to him to look further in the box.  And the look of surprise was .................. priceless.

Felicia was so happy to be with her puppies.  Slept with them every night she was home.

Coming soon New Year's Eve Pictures

People should mind their own business.

My cousin is at the beginnings of a divorce.  One that he said he didn't want.  He misses his wife and misses the kids more. 

His wife and I are friends on FaceBook, well I should clarify we WERE friends on FaceBook.  She was publically trashing him and her friends just fed the fuel.  I never commented on any of her posts, but today I had finally had it.  But I still said nothing negative.  She was posting about how he wants to go to counseling.  I just said that I thought that was a great idea if she was wanting to try to work things out.  But it was going to be work on both sides.  (still trying to stay neutral).  Then one of her negative (and I mean super negative) friends then bashed me and told her he was the Devil.  WTH!  At that moment I deleted my comment, unfriended her, and sent her a note stating I hoped the best for her in whatever decision she made but I could not sit there and watch any more of the negative bashing that was happening on her page.

 I have to give my cousin credit, he never said anything negative on his page.  But that is the kind of guy he is.  I honestly can say I don't remember him every really saying a bad word about anyone.  He is the goofy type a guy who always tried to put a good spin on all things.

I know there are two sides to every story and I know my cousin in no saint.  And I know I may have gone overboard a bit by unfriending her.  But I really don't want to see that kind of negativity popping up on my page and especially about family. 

One of my New Years' Resolutions were to get negativity out of my life.  That was definitely negative, so bye bye.

Cousin's wife just replied to my note, stating she is not listening to anyone but herself, and she has agreed to go to counseling.  I certainly hope she is going into this with an open mind.

It is a chain reaction

So the ankle is doing well.  Still have it wrapped and believe it or not using vix vapor rub and salt.  Why?  A friend of mine FREAKED when she found out when I told her what happened with my leg.  She said her husband had a coworker whose wife was just taking a walk and sprang her ankle.  She developed a blood clot and died, from a sprang ankle.   So supposedly the vix helps open things up and the salt is supposed to thin the blood.  Go figure.  Don't know if it is helping or not but it makes her feel better.  And since she got MD all worked up, it calms him down also.  Bonus!

It seems now that I should have asked to Doc check out my shoulder also.  That is the body part that is screaming/burning all day today.  But I think I did the initial "hurt" the Monday after Christmas.  At our practice night.  I thought it was just my tendinitis acting up, but it got WAY worse after that night.  Now I am taking Advil (4-6 of them) for the last 2 days.  I never take meds of any kind if I can help it.  But every time I move my arm it hurts.  Guess I will be making an appointment with my chiropractor now.  GREAT.

Yep getting old sure does bite.  And all this snow is not helping with getting around.

Getting Old Bites

I love volley ball. Rather I should say I love playing Volley Ball.  Played Sand Volley Ball all last summer so when I was asked to play on an indoor league I of course did it. 

We had a practice night back in December, so we could get to know each other (I only knew one other person on the team) and learn how each other plays.  It was great.  I met some great ladies and had a good time. 

Last night was our first game.  And we were rocking that ball.  First game we won something like 25 to 12.  Then we started the second game.  We were rocking this one also.  Then 1/2 way through (guessing time) Jennifer and I were going after a ball.  I have no idea what I did, but I definitely heard it and definitely FELT it.  And straight to the floor I went.  To explain the sound, grab a piece of paper, hold it in your hands, now wad it up.  That is what I heard but really loud.  The pain, can't explain that one. Just that my stomach did flip flops for a while.  The next thing I see is Jennifer diving after the ball I missed (due to being on the floor) and hitting the floor herself.

I got the pain under control and finished playing the game.  I must say that I didn't do as well on one foot.  Har har har.  In the end we won that second game also.  We played the third for fun, so I didn't feel bad when I missed the ball.

MD made me go to Urgent Care this morning because when I moved my foot in certain directions it felt like someone stabbing me.  Did not get a very good night sleep.  I got xrays.  Luckily (and like I told him) nothing broken.  I tore and crushed a few ligaments and tendons but broke nothing.  Needless to say the doctor said no more volley ball for at least two to three weeks.  That blows.  And as for the gym, well no lower body workout only upper for at least 4 weeks.

MD is enjoying this.  He has been telling me for over a year I was going to get hurt.  Butt head.  But I am so not letting this little thing get in my way.  Besides doc said as soon as it started feeling better I can play again.

Getting old totally bites.  Youth is totally wasted on the young.

Hump Day Humor

Bumper Sticker Philosophy:                 

Life's all about ass: Covering It, Kicking It, Kissing It or Trying to Get It

It is definately going to be a work in progress

Sometimes I wonder......................... If I knew what I know now when I was young and deciding to have children................ Would I still?

Raising children are not for the weak at heart.  You must have nerves of steel and no feelings what so ever. 

You give these amazing little darlings your heart the moment you meet them.  You can't help yourself.  All it takes is the second you hold them and they look up at you with those tiny little eyes and your a goner.  While they are young they are the most loving little creatures you will ever encounter.  You are their security, their safety blanket.  They make you feel like an invincible giant, a super hero so to say.

Then they enter elementary school.  My little darlings still allowed me to kiss them goodbye before going into the school, getting on the bus, or running off with their friends.  But you feel it, little by little you are not their security or safety blanket.  By grade 6 you are no longer the super hero.  You are a source of money, food, clothing, rides. 

By Middle School you shaunt dare even think of getting a hug much less a kiss as they leave you for what ever the reason.  They are starting to "test" their boundaries.  Not all of our little angels will push their boundaries, or at least not with venom. But here in this wonderful institute that we send out children to learn...... well they learn.  Unfortunately it is not always what we wished them to learn.  Their circle of friends grow and you are not always able to keep them from bad influences.

Then comes high school.  And your loving little angels are hormone induces devils.  They talk back and say some of the most nasty things.  A goddess forbid you make them live by the rules that you have requested, enforced, and lived by all of their natural born life.  All you are to them now is a bank, a chauffeur, a cook, a maid.  And all hell will break out if you even get the notion to request their assistance in the upkeep of said abode.  I have been told many a time that "my room is my sanctuary and I will keep it as I see fit".  Clean their own bathroom, heaven forbid.  And before you know it they are speaking to you as you are some piece of dirt. 

That is where MD and I are.  Those retched teen years.  They make you feel you have lost control, or that you never had it.  They force you to be a drill Sargent, a police officer, and prison warden.  None of which are "good vibration" types of jobs.  Everything and I am not exaggerating here when I say EVERYTHING I ask turns into an argument.  Did you brush your teeth?  argument.  Time to get off the video game....argument.   Time to go to bed, time to get up.....argument.   Did you do homework, come to dinner, not make dinner, try talking to him, don't talk to him.  Everything is an argument.

Even telling him I love him in the morning will put him in a grumpy mood.  It takes nothing to "turn the switch"  and usually takes exrtreme measures to get him in a calm mood again.  But by the time I get him back he has already done to damage to the rest of the family.  Putting MD over the edge and getting anyone in the house involved.  Don't get me wrong the girls are/were NOT saints, but at least more manageable.  That could be the wrong word, I as/was not able to manage them, but they did tend to go with the flow (so to say) a lot more than the boy.  I don't understand why is he sooooo angry all the time. 

So like I said................ If I knew then what I know now............would we have continued having children???

Unfortunately I am a gluten for punishment and probably still would.  But may the goddess help me live through the next couple of years.  I am  at least a determined one, and he WILL learn how to be a functioning human being yet.  Not some thug is progress.

New Years Resolutions

As the holidays draw to a close every year, most people begin to contemplate, “What’s my New Year’s resolution going to be this year?” While you inevitably grow and make changes all throughout the year, there’s something refreshing and definitive about resolving to make changes at the beginning of a brand-new year. Many people even have a standing New Year’s resolution that they commit to anew every January, only to lose momentum somewhere along the way.

That is me to a T!  I fizzle out probably before March. So to help me get through my Resolutions this year I am not thinking of them as Resolutions, I am making them GOALS.  Goals seem to me to be more attainable.  And goals are a work in progress, and are we not all a work in progress?

It is also a list in progress, I think that also is what will help me complete them.  Not overwhelming just always growing.  That way it doesn't seem like to much to take on.  And most of it involves the "Clean Out" and "Start Fresh and Positive Energy" I wrote in previous post.

So here is the start of my Goals for 2011:

1.  Cut down on smoking (that way I will get use to less and then can quite)
2.  Get all the closets cleaned out (I got two done today!)
3.  Get the storage room clean out (I did 1/2 yesterday and will get to the other half when I get more room in the trash can)
4.  Try a new recipe twice a month (friends beware you will be used as guinea pigs)
5.  Get another two (2) bills paid off and keep them paid.  (last year I actually accomplished this and going to try again this year).
6.  Take my kids to Hawaii for vacation.  (I am currently saving money for this).
7.  Actually tell my kids every morning I love them and how much they mean to me.
8.  Kiss my husband every time he leaves out the door and when we go to bed.
9.  Grow a garden
10.  Recycle more.
11.  Get my family eating better
12.  Get more exercise (MD got me a membership to Golds Gym so that is a start)
13.  Smile more often even when I don't feel like it.

That is my start, I have other things in mind but to not overwhelm myself I will start here and as I complete one I will add another.  Obviously some will take the whole year.  But that will get me trained and use to doing them.  Let us see how this turns out.

Just remember when you are working on your New Year's GOALS expect that your plan can and will change. Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected things at us, and flexibility is required to complete anything but the simplest goal. Sometimes the goal itself will even change. Most of all, recognize partial successes at every step along the way. Just as a resolution isn't accomplished the day it's stated, neither is it accomplished the day you reach your goal. Rather, it's accomplished in many small increments along the way. Acknowledge these incremental successes as they come.

 Blessed Be!

1-1-11 Happy New Year!

We thank the Holly King for all that he's done.

And welcome the Oak King who brings the Sun.

We bid farewell to the darkness of the old year,

And welcome the light as Spring begins to draw near.

 

 

Wishing everyone a Blessed and Prosperous New Year!

Cleaning Out

Holiday decorations are down and put away.  The storage room has been cleaned out (mostly).  Going to do a few returns today as I didn't get Mikayla's pant size correct on the jeans she received for Christmas. 

Wanting to start the year "fresh" and "clean" and "rejuvenated" with no negative energies.  So this week is a clean out week.  A start fresh week.  Kind of feels good.

Now only to figure out how "clean up" other people's negative energies and I would be set.  That way their negative vibes don't intrude and taint my happy little world. 

Little Surprises are a good thing

As I posted earlier, I gave MD a hot tub for Christmas.  He has been wanting one since we moved and left our with the old house.  That has now been 7 years and I know he REALLY wanted one. 

Well yesterday I took him to the store so he could see exactly what he was getting and so I could put the deposit down.  We walked into the store and I took him straight back to the floor model.  When I got to it I stopped dead in my tracks.................it was $1,000 cheaper!   Oh, yea when my sales guy came over I mentioned the price difference.  He said it was for the floor model end of year close out.  Well, of course MD wanted the cheaper price, I wanted the colors I picked out.  So we compromised.  We picked out the BIGGER tub (in my colors) and it was still cheaper than the smaller tub I picked out.

YEEE HAWWW!

Then after taking Felicia to the airport to go back to home we (and when I say we I meant I) decided to stop at the casino on the way home.   We won (and now when I we I meant MD) $500. 

Definitely a nice day of little surprises.

Happy Holidays

Wishing all of you the happiest of holidays and brightest New Year!

I hope you follow your dreams in 2011 and remember the power of positive thoughts and actions. Please step into the new year with dignity and integrity, and when you can choose love...always love...with your whole heart!

Blessed Be!

Don't Tell Me To Have Faith in My Kids - I Know My Kids

So this year my sister has offered/suggested/requested that we have Christmas at her house this year.  She wanted my family to join her at her church then go to dinner at her house. 
I replied to my sister that we would have no problem coming to her house for dinner but we would not be interested in attending her church. 

Now before anyone gets wind up their skirts let me give you a little background here.  My eldest is die hard Catholic.  I have been studying Wicca (my sister thinks I am going to hell) and the rest of my family has no desire to attend her church.

To this she didn't reply and for that matter stopped talking to me for about two weeks.  Then she emailed me a dinner menu and asked that we be there about 4:30.  Told her okay.  Then she said that she wanted everyone to play rob your neighbor.  I told her I would talk to the kids.  She got mad at me and said was was for everyone not just the kids.  Yea no way MD was going to get into that.  She texted my kids herself (of coarse they said fine) then emailed me back and told me I needed to have more faith in my kids.  They said they were up for it.  Well THAT was two weeks ago.

Today I am getting crabbed at by Devin because he doesn't want to go over there.  He said my sister said they were coming over to our house.  Mikayla threw a fit about going over soooo early then wanted to know how long we were staying.  And Felicia thought the whole rob your neighbor was silly with everyone playing.  Too much of an age difference. 

My response:  All of you told your Aunt you would play/wanted to play so you are playing.  So there!  Make me look like an idiot, oh no you won't.

Ha I think I know my kids....my kids are home bodies, well Devin is.  I also knew that they would all not want to play games as that means staying longer at their Aunt's house and longer before we get home to have our own celebrations.

They are all now hoping we get a ridiculous amount of snow so MD will not drive in it.  Yea I know my kids!

VACATION

Vacation

Vacation

Vacation

Vacation

I am on vacation until Next Year!

I am going to put on my comfy sweats and keep them on for the next week and a half.  I am not answering my phone and I am letting the answering machine speak with all callers (because I know my boss and coworkers will call, they always do).  I am going to read all the books I just got stacked on the counter.  I am going to enjoy my kids watching them do their thing.  I am going to sit with my husband while we watch his football games(yes I will still be reading).

I am so looking forward to doing absolutely totally nothing and everything I want.

Happy Solstice!

What a Cutie -- Do these come in my age???

Jodi and I just watched Carlie St. Cloud.  Was not a bad movie.  But what sticks with me the most ........... This kids eyes.  These things could stop traffic, at least in my opinion.

I just can't say it enough Absolutely beautiful eyes. Just Love them.

You would all WISH you were standing at my house this evening when I got home.

We had a little ice accumulation last night that did not go away today.  When I got home from work this evening I noticed my driveway was as shinny as glass.  And that is saying something since I get home in the dark! 

I drove Monster Truck today since MD is in Kansas City for work.  Just so you know, Monster Truck is a big boy.  He is an F-150 that been lifted 4-inches and big 'ole tires put on him.  My co-workers tease me saying I need a ladder to get in it (sometimes I actually do).  Oh and it is so tall that the only way to get it in the garage is to back in otherwise you would hit the garage opening.

So I put this big bad boy in 4wheel high and start backing up the driveway, get almost to the garage and then do nothing but spin tires.  Once I let off the gas I just slide down the driveway.  I did this 5 times and every time I just slid back down the driveway.  So on the last try I put it in 4Wheel Lo and gun it backing up the driveway.  That time I FINALLY got into the garage.  Now I had to get the darn thing straightened out so MD could "try" to get the car in when he gets home this evening.  Sooooo back and forth I went until I got it straight enough on my side of the garage.

I went to the mailbox to get the mail and could NOT get back up the driveway to the garage.  I had to walk through the yard as not to fall and go through the front door.  Then I went and put fertilizer (we cant use salt on stamped concrete) on the driveway hoping some of the ice would melt.

Was comical from outside of the situation I am sure.


MD just got home, he couldn't make it into the garage either.  He tried 5 times and gave up and left it in the drive way.  And he laughed at me when I told him about my experience!

Today was a rough day for me.  Can't figure out why I am so grumpy about it.  It started before I even got out of bed, which in turn got Devin up late, which made him grumpy, which turns me grumpy.  So I took Devin to school and decided that since I was out anyway I went on into work early.

It was good for a while, but then it went down hill fast.  I work with a person that just crawls under my skin.  I try like crazy to get a long with this person.  Actually its more like avoid this person.  But today I could just scream.

I really dislike people who take advantage of a good thing.  Sit there all day barely doing any work then claiming a full weeks work plus overtime!

And my bosses don't do anything about it.  Yes they have been informed and don't seem to really care or at least they have not made a move to correct the behavior. 

At one time I figured if they were not going to do anything about it then why should I work so hard.  I tried to sit during the day and just read a book, surf the web, text on my cell, and just chat around the office.  I just could not keep it up.  I actually have work that I like getting done and doing a good job.

Luckily I have a few coworkers who know my moods and they take me outside for a smoke break.  Calm me down, make fun of me, and such.  Then we go back and I am better until she starts chatting again.

I need to develop a relaxation technique for work so I can get back into my "happy place" because other than her I really love my job and where I work.

Just a Question

MD and I have been discussing weather or not we should invest in another new mattress.  It seems that his beloved pillow top mattress actually bites.  We have not had very many good nights sleep since he ran out and bought this "wonderful" new mattress.

We have thought about getting the sleep number bed.  Many friends have mentioned that they love theirs.  I am just not ready to sink that much money in another mattress so soon.

But this discussion brought up another question.

Do they still make water beds?  And do people still use them today?

The first snow of the year/season. Not enough yet to have fun but just enough to cause trouble.

But we here at the MD house never worry about snow as we have our monster truck. And it can go through just about everything.


MD and I have decided that after we have our big breakfast of bacon eggs and toast we will head out and go to the grocery store. Devin has drained us of milk and lunch meat again.


MD said something this morning about the kids getting up and shoveling the drive.....I said this is Missouri, it will probably be melted by this afternoon.

That is when we have trouble. The snow melts and temps drop again and our driveway turns back to ice. No amount of shoveling will help that.

Md and I went shopping today and finished up our Christmas shopping. And just in a nick of time, as we started home this evening it started snowing. Weather reports say we have a snow advisory tomorrow until Noon.

You know what that means................ all day curled up on the couch with a blanket and a book. I just got a bunch I ordered off Amazon delivered Friday. So I have plenty of reading material to keep me busy for a while.

I am so happy that it is snowing. I mean if I have to put up with the cold then I like it to be pretty.

High Road is for the Birds

So s I have mentioned in a previous post that Mikayla had a little incident at school. She was in an argument with another student (friend) that resulted in the student taking a swing at her which she blocked. Student then swung at her again an ended up slapping Mikayla in the face.
Instinctively Mikayla threw her dink that was in her had at the student. And in doing so doused several other students. Both Mikayla and the student received 5 days out of school suspension. Okay fine school rules, you can't even retaliate or you get suspended. To not get suspended she would have had to stand there and take it, or try to walk away and still take it.
Today was Mikayla's first day back. I received an email from her principle and this is how our discussion went:

Principle: I just met with Mikayla about the total for the clothes. She will need to pay $192.40 for two pairs of boots, some sweaters and some leggings (they were all light colored clothing). I asked that she bring it to me next Monday, or by next Wednesday at the latest. I told her it would be best that she bring cash, as I did not want you all to spend extra money on money orders, nor did I want your name on a check going to another family.

ME: I want the clothes that she supposedly ruined before I pay for them. If you don’t mind. If they don’t want to give them up I don’t want to pay for them. I don’t mean to sound snotty about this, but if the girls are going to stand around and encourage the dispute that was going on between Mikayla and Student then I don’t see why Mikayla or rather I have to pay for ruined items. But I understand your position. Therefore I want the clothes before I give up the cash.

Principle: Would it be okay if I gave the other parent your phone number (let me know which one) so that you can discuss this?

ME: I would rather they did not have it. If they are claiming their clothes are ruined and cannot be worn and are wanted retribution for them, they should have no problem giving them to you. After you have received them I will give you the money to hand out.

And I was wondering, where did the amount of $192 come from?

Principle: Unfortunately, I’m not in a position to get those items for you. Two building administrators (one of whom was Mr. Head Principle) determined the items were ruined. The two who had clothing items ruined were innocent bystanders who had their backs turned to the entire incident; in fact, they actually saw nothing that had occurred. The girls’ clothes were covered down their backs and the sides of their legs, and both of their boots were covered on the sides and backs in hot chocolate. The $192.40 comes from the information for the clothing for the two girls (one was an outfit that had just been purchased; the total also includes replacement costs for both girls’ boots). Because restitution is part of the suspension, if Mikayla does not pay the fine by next Wednesday, she will be added to the fine list.

My question is really? I have to pay for clothes that the school determined was ruined and did not even bother to get cleaned but will not let me have even at the exurbanite amount?

Oh and being on the fine list means you don't get report cards or if you are a senior you don't get to graduate.

Anyone who has any legal background I would love to know if I have any ground on which to stand? I don't have a problem paying for the ruined clothes I just want the clothes.

An acquaintance told me to let them know I will be filing a claim in small claims, that way they would have to bring the clothes. I just don't know. What I do know is I am really erked!

Today Devin has his quarterly appointment with his neurologist. First my question is......Why do doctor offices schedule you for 9am but you don't even get to a little room until 9:45? I mean really like I have nothing else to do....I did have to take off work and my child is missing school.

Anyway Devin is now officially 5'11.5" tall and 126 lbs. The kid weighs less than I do and he is 6 inches taller! Doc had us sit after taking measurements and tested reflexes. He asked questions

Question number one (as always) how have been things going
Devin: Now, okay I guess.
Dr.: What do you mean now? Did you have problems before
Devin: Just school drama.
Dr.: What do you mean drama
Devin: People fighting, acting stupid, other people arguing and such. My school has too much drama going on.
Dr.: Are you fighting
Devin: No, well not at school. (me thinking UGH
Dr: How are your grades? How is your behavior going at school
Devin: Eh grades have been better. Attitude is fine
Me: no his grades are not fine, first quarter they were all As, Bs, and Cs. Now they are Cs, Ds, and Fs. His "attitude" is argumentative to say the least.
Dr: Is he taking his ADHD meds and the Behavior meds
Me: Yes and it is when he started back on ADHD meds his mood and grades plummeted

Dr then asked what time is Devin going to bed, Devin answered midnight to 1. Dr. wanted to then know when he got up. I told him I start attempting on getting him up at 5:30 am and he finally flies out of bed at 6am and runs out the door at 6:19 for the bus. Dr wanted to know what time he got up on the weekends. I said anywhere from 10 to 2pm. Dr seems to think a lot of Devin's "problems" are lack of sleep. Said we need re re-train his sleeping habits. Dr also mentioned that even though Devin thinks he needs the ADHD meds he believes that they are not helping and in fact are another thing adding to his "grumpiness". He now wants to try this sleeping aid. I said that Devin has been on sleeping aids before. They got hi to sleep but never stayed. Dr. said we are trying a new med, this will help him get to sleep and stay asleep. So of course I asked what it was going to be like trying to actually get him up. Dr explained that if Devin got enough sleep it should be no problem (after a while) on getting up on time

UGH more med changes, and in 30 days he wants to possible adjust. Then after we get his sleep patters they way they should be he will ADD ANOTHER medication for his "attention" problem. How many drugs does this kid have to take?

Wondering if I can find herbal alternatives to help Devin so he does not have to take so many meds. Off to the wonderful Internet knowledge search.

Brrr it is cold here!

Weather report told from the St. Louis Zoo.

Baby it's cold outside!

Current Temp 24 (with wind chill 16)

High today 31

Low today 16

But I am wondering if the cold really caused his condition (tee hee)?

Tis that time of year

Blessed Be and Hello!

It is that time of year that I get stressed over what to get who and who to get what. This year I am falling behind again. Well sort of. MD is done, not only is his Christmas present bought but it should cover his birthday as well (seeing how I am going to be paying for it all 2011). Felicia is completed as of today! And my parents....well I am 1/2 way there.

Devin and Mikayla have been no help and are proving difficult this year. Although they gave me a few clothing ideas. But since I said no electronics for them this year (they have way too many now) they said they have no idea what else it is they are wanting. That right there shows that we give them too much all year long.

This writing everyday is getting hard.....not sure I have anything else to offer up. So until tomorrow.......... here is hoping everyone stays warm and healthy.

SAM I AM

MD's new play toy and consumer of his time and money is a 1988 Suzuki Samuri. For anyone who does not know what that is, it is a type of jeep looking vehicle.

No it is probably not worth all the money he is putting into it, but for some reason he had to have it. And Mikayla is dying to drive it.

He was coming home from a job one day saw it parked in some one's yard so he stopped. Negotiated a price and brought it home. When I came home and never even saw it parked in the garage. Devin enjoyed making fun of me for that. I know, how observant am I? But you have to understand, MD had TONS of stuff in our garage. So much so that we can barely park 2 cars in our 3 car garage! And right now no cars get in. Besides Mikayla was with me when I got home and she too walked right past it and didn't even notice it either.

See what I mean??

And he "cleaned" the garage before he brought SAM I AM in. What's with the SAM I AM you ask? Mikayla named it right after he brought it home. They have been trying to get some version of the name for personalized plates. Goobers both of them.

Jeff arrived bright an early Saturday morning around 8:30 AM, he didn't leave until 1 AM Sunday morning. And I think he is coming back over today. How they could spend all day in that garage and breathing in all those fumes is beyond me. I only saw them when they came in to eat (yes I was the good wife and prepared lunch and dinner for them).
Mikayla has tagged the jeep as hers. MD has already let her drive it around the neighborhood. (Ummmmm she is only 14 what was he thinking and it is a manual 5-speed transmission.) They banter back and forth all the time on weather or not she will get it when she is 16. MD tells her we do not purchase cars for the kids. We only Match what they have saved for a car. She said she will have no problem paying for SAM I AM(I would have called it POS I AM) when she is 16. Then with a flip of her head she turns to walk into the house, but as she gets to the door she turns and tells her father.............................. "Make sure you do a good job on my baby dad". And proceeds into the house. MD always laughs to himself and shakes his head when she does this. It is cute when they discuss SAM.

Devin said that IF anyone gets the car he should..he is older than Mikayla. Funny thing is, is that I think Mikayla will get her license before Devin does.

I read somewhere that to "properly" Blog one should write something everyday. It could be anything at all but just get into the habit of doing it everyday.

If I did that I think I would bore you all to death. But then again this is supposed to be like a journal right. What is going on in my life and how I feel. Right..... boring.

So here is my shot at writing today:

Today MD is working on SAM (his Suzuki, jeep thing), his latest toy. Devin is still asleep and Mikayla is still at a friends for a sleep over.

I am reading, trying to learn more of Wicca and it is incredibly interesting. I have found that most of the beliefs are the same as mine. I do not care for organized religion. Every time I have gone in the past I feel as if I am being judged and lectured. "Do as I say not as I do". It has been pretty much how I felt about religion all of my adult life. The only reason MD and I got married in a Church is because that is what my father said we had to do if we wanted him to pay for our wedding. We wanted to get married on a beach at sunset. But at the time we could not afford to do ourselves. So church wedding it was. Next year is our 20th anniversary, we are going to go to a beach (we are thinking of Hawaii) and renewing our vows on a beach at sunset, as we had wanted to do in the first place. I can't wait.

Anyway, Wicca seems as it would be an easy "religion" to fall into, it is just that I cannot seem to find anyone else to talk to about it or ask questions locally. Postings I have read stated that Covens are still very secretive and sometimes difficult to locate and even harder to get into. So I am going about it as instructional still. Getting all info I can get my hands on.

Off for reading then some house chores. Oh and Brrrrrr it is cold outside winter has come with a tight grip.

Lessons Have Been Learned

Mikayla has learned a lesson the very hard way today. little back ground..................

I was just about to walk out the door to go to work this morning, and before I could get out the door Mikayla called. Stating I had her homework (which I did, it was her Bucket List project) and she needed it by first hour. So off I went to her school instead of to work. After all she didn't have her homework because of me.

I get to the school not 10 minutes later, call her on her cell and tell her I am out front. She said she was in the principals office and can't come out. I asked her why she was there and did I have to come in. She started crying saying someone hit her and yes I needed to come in.

So I go to Ms. Principles office, I know it well as Ms. Principle is/was Devin's and Felicia's principle also. I peak my head in and she smiles (remember we KNOW each other) and asks what's up? I stated that I was told Mikayla was here. She nodded and smiled asking if she was one of the "hot chocolate girls". Not understanding what that meant I told her I suppose so if that included a girl hitting a girl. She rose from her seat, explained to the person sitting in her office she needed to leave and walked toward me. As we both made our way out of her office we ran right into Devin. We both in stereo told Devin "go back to your class". He laughed and did just that.

Mikalya as you can tell was NOT in her principals office......she was in the BIG PRINCIPLES office. UGH that means you are in some serious trouble. Great. I am asked to sit in some chairs and wait........and wait.........and wait........and wait. Finally after what felt like forever but was actually only about 40 minutes I looked at my phone to check the time. I noticed Mikayla texted me asking me where I was. I replied I was in the chairs and asked where she was. That was when Ms. Principle came out and asked me back.

So apparently Mikayla and this girl have been having words for the past couple of days (according to cell texts and FB comments) and it all came to a head last night. Decisions were made that they were "meeting" up this morning to throw cuffs. Mikayla admitted as much. Then I was told that the girl threw first, Mikayla blocked it. Girl threw again and this time caught Mikayla and royally made her mad. She had her hot chocolate in her right hand (her dominate) and chucked it at her. Or I should say all over her. So Girl gets suspended because she threw first, Mikayla gets Suspended 5 days because she retaliated.

Only upside is that she said Mikayla gets to complete all missing work. So basically she will be home schooled for the next 5 days.

I am hoping that she learned that there are better ways to handle a person who is bullying a friend. But yet I am proud of her for standing up for her friend.

What's on your Bucket List

Mikayla was assigned to do a bucket list for school. This is what she wrote:

1. Bungee jumping
2. Fly a plane
3. Ride in a hot air balloon
4. get a job
5. get my own house
6. get married
7. Invent something new and useful
8. Win the lottery
9. guest star in a TV show
10. Jump out of an airplane (ahhh girl after my own heart)
11. write a book
12. own over 10 TVs (competing with her dad who owns 8)
13. get a talking bird
14. meet Johnny Depp
15. have a Hollywood star
16. Own my own company
17. become a hair stylist
18. Trash a hotel room
19. biggest paint ball war
20. Build something
21. Move to Italy
22. Move to Ireland
23. invent a new flavor of ice cream
24. name a star after someone (I have done this 4 times)
25. fly to the moon
26. become weightless
27. experience a tornado
28. go to the Superbowl
29. find a new element
30. be in a movie
31. go to a very fancy hotel (I hope this is not the one she trashes)
32. invent my own Six Flags ride
33. shoot a gun
34. become an artist
35. find the other end of a rainbow
36. Buy a Lamborghini
37. own a mansion
38. live in Chicago (sounds like she wants to move in with Felicia)
39. meet the President (I wonder if it our current president she wants to meet)
40. Volcano Surfing (this one she got from me)

I absolutely love some of the things she wants to do with her life....thinking maybe I could help her out with a few as she gets older.

So whats on your bucket list????

Shhhh Can You Hear The Silence???

It is Sunday 8:51 pm. And it is seriously quiet around the homestead this evening.

This morning we got Rolland (Felicia's friend from university) packed up and got him on his way back to Truman. After which we got Felicia packed up and on her way back to Chicago. She hitched a ride with a friend of ours son. He is heading to Chi town to see a hockey game and is going to stay with Felicia. So for free room he is giving her a ride home. Saaaweett deal for me, saved me an airline ticket.

We put up all the Christmas decorations and the tree yesterday so that left me with nothing to do today. So I picked up my BF Jodi and shopping we went. We bought MD his Christmas present. In a million years he will never guess what he is getting this year! And he is trying, but I will never crack.

But since he doesn't read this blog I can tell you. I am busting to tell.

It's not white though, it is cobalt blue with dark grey sides. MD has been going on and on for years about getting one. Just something else has always come up and we never got it. Sooo now he is getting it. But I did get a killer deal on it, or at least I think so. I have been looking around for the last 4 months. I am wrapping a picture of it in a box within a box within a box so he will never guess what is under the tree. The hot tub of course will not be delivered and set up until January. Can't have it before Christmas so a picture will have to do until January.

But now I sit here watching It's Complicated (laughing so hard I want to pee my pants) and the house is still so silent (except the movie and laughing). Strange how Felicia will either calm things down or wind them up. But quiet is good. I'll take it over the alternative.

Blessed be and I hope all of you had a "quiet" holiday.

Watch for what one wishes for.................

Yep today is Thanksgiving. And I hope all who happen across this post are found to be in good health and cheer.

I have ALL my family once again under one roof, just as I wished.

What WAS I thinking. In no time at all the arguing and teasing commenced. Oh dear Goddess it is like they are small children again, except then they were easier to manage. Time to separate them to diffuse any possible explosions.

And to add to that, it is impossible to go outside. The winter weather in Missouri has decided to finally show up. Yesterday was 24 hours (or at least felt like it) of rain. Sometime hard sometimes soft, but always falling. This morning the rain has turned to sleet, with rumors of possible snow. So we are now cave dwellers, locked up together. Pretty much why I am held up in my recliner in the office reading and writing you. Devin is at the computer with head phones and now the only noise he makes is the tapping on the keyboard. Felicia and MD watching football in the family room and Rolland with Mikayla playing some video game in the upstairs loft.

Is this what it is going to be like at holidays? Together but not? Well at least it is quiet now and leaving me wondering how long it will last. And when will they ever get along.....quietly?

Cooking round one done

Today I finished my white/dark layer cake and all but put the finishing touches on my apple spice cheesecake.

Dad I know when you read this you WILL start drooling. But this is a big no no for you mister. But you can at least enjoy the picture.

The layer cake really doesn't look like much, that is not until you cut into it and see the layers of white and dark chocolate. Bummer that my chocolate was melting off the strawberries before I took the picture.

The Apple Spice Cheese Cake needs the finishing touches of whipped cream to "dress" it up. But that will have to wait until Thursday. Cream spoils too easily. (the brown layer on top is apple butter.... YUM)

The Pumpkin Creme Brulee is also awaiting finishing touches Thursday.

So now all my desserts are complete save for the pumpkin pie MD has requested I make. I said I would head out to a store and purchase one. He said no you have to make it. The man has no idea what he is asking.................seriously I have never made pumpkin pie.

The Ethics of Harry Potter

Check it out, I just read that a school in Massachusetts is now offering a new kind of Sociology course based on Harry Potter.

The first book about a boy wizard named Harry was released in the US in 1997, which means that if you were an elementary school student (and part of the target demographic) then, you're probably a college student by now. Bridgewater State is tapping into that market by offering a sociology course based on JK Rowling's characters, and how they interact within the Potterverse.

"The Ethics of Harry Potter" is a seminar that relates the actions and motivations of Harry and his friends (and of course, his enemies as well) to the ideas of Aristotle. "(The series) speaks to fundamental questions of the human condition: What is justice? Courage? Good? Evil? Every person and every culture must ask and answer these fundamental questions."

Where were these kind of classes when I was in college? Would love to hear from someone who takes this class.

YESSS

My boss totally rocked today!

Background is I was supposed to be on vacation this week. For 11 years I have always taken this week off. Due to some changes in our clients billing requests and this being a pay week I was schedule to go into work today and tomorrow.

I went into work at 7 am to get a head start on things. When payroll was completed I started working on invoices. I presented everything to the boss before 11am. An hour later when I had not seen any progress in getting things done I ask him if he was going to be able to get to the invoices today. He said sure that he would be able to get the lump sum done, why did you want to leave early? I said no I was going nowhere today but I did not want to be here tomorrow.

Then about a half hour later he started piling invoices on my desk. Not only did he get our "lump sum" invoices completed he got our "time and material" invoices completed. As he placed the last invoice on my desk he said that any that are not completed will wait till the December billing period. Then told me to have a nice rest of the week off.

Yea he totally rocked today!

Are You Ready???

Thanksgiving is 4 days away. Are you ready? Have you purchased your turkey and other items for your meal? If not be prepared for some major lines at your local grocery. The one near my house gets crazy around the holidays.

We have not one but two turkeys. One we fry and the other we roast in the oven. I haven't decided if I am going to use a brine or injection yet. Guess I better decide soon. I am usually off work the whole week of Thanksgiving. I need that time to prepare all the food that I make (crazy since there will only be 7 at dinner this year) But this year, thanks to my companies new billing practices and payday ending this week, I need to work Monday and probably Tuesday. So today is a get my house clean and cook like a freak day.

Today I will be attempting to make an Apple Spice Cheesecake and Pumpkin Creme Brulee. If it works I will have pictures later.

Did you catch that I mentioned 7 at dinner this year? With my parents wintering in Florida and my sister doing I don't know what this year, it will be just the 5 if us (Felicia is making it home from Chicago for the holidays!). The additional 2 are some close friends of the family. Jodi (a friend of mine) has both her boys out of state. One is in school in Arizona and the other ............ well currently he in at Camp LaGune (spelling) in North Carolina. But by the time Thanksgiving gets here he will be in Afghanistan. There is no way I am letting that girl spend the holiday by herself. The other is one of Felicia's besties (as she puts it). Rolland still attends Truman but is heading to Chicago to spend time with my girl. Then they are coming here for Thanksgiving. He is from Alaska, it is an expensive and long trip for a short holiday. So he is spending it with us.

Devin's mood is still ......... grumpy, disregarding, and self serving. This makes crazy holidays a bit harder to handle and the stress level in the house in building up. You can feel it. Mikayla does not help any situation either. She adds to it. Picking arguments with Devin, telling us how WE should handle him, and telling us what SHE will and will not do, and demanding things (rides, cell phone and such). Still wondering what we did so well with Felicia and not with these two. Keep your fingers crossed that an emotional bomb doesn't go off.

Cravings

Today I woke up with the desire to cook. And not the heat something up kind of cooking. I mean make the mess in your kitchen and yourself kind of cooking.

I went to the grocery store and loaded up on some major food. So for this evenings dinner I will be serving pan seared scallops in a white Parmesan cream sauce served on a bed of angel hair pasta and sprinkled with bacon. A Cesar salad and garlic cheese bread. For desert we are having angel food cake covered with blackberries and strawberries and topped with whipped cream.

Now I had to invite some friends over because my kids will never eat what I have made and I made A LOT. And this particular meal is not good as a left over.

YUMMY

PS Just a little thought..................I cannot wait until Devin turns 18, graduates from school, and moves on. Sad but true.

Thursday

Today MD is supposed to be coming home from North Carolina. I can not explain in words how I feel about this. But giddy will do.

Maybe now I will sleep ALL NIGHT. This getting up in the wee hours of the morning is for the birds.

Just another day

Tuesday

MD is out of town for work in North Carolina. He is there until Thursday. Last night was hard to sleep without him. Then just when I was kicking the REMs the phone rings.

1 AM!! And of course it is for the child that does not even live here anymore. The boy apologized and said this was the last number he had for her, that he was a friend from high school. I said she lives in Chicago now I can't remember her cell number as I was sleeping and he can FaceBook her to get in touch with her, then hung up. It took what felt like forever before I was able to go back to sleep.

The kids have actually, so far, been tolerable. Actually Devin has a GIRL over tonight. So far she seems to be a good influence (on this only time will tell). He has been in a very good mood and playful. Even sat to dinner with me (and the girl), then he cleared dinner dishes.

Mikayla is not talking to me because I took her cell phone for the F's she received on class work last week. Devin has yet to surrender his phone due to his F's but I am not pushing it until the girl leaves.

I hope tonight I can sleep better, I hate it when MD is gone. His snoring has become my white noise. Cannot believe I actually miss it.

Heavy Sigh....................

Friday was a wild roller coaster ride. Wind in your hair can't catch your breath whip lash ride. The day started out quite, peaceful, and just me time. Got into reading/finishing a book I had just started (Fallen). About 11:30 ish we took off for the requested DRUG TEST. We have never had to do this before and we are only doing it now because 1. his grouchy attitude 2. his constant disregard for rules and 3. he flat out admitted to Ms. Probation Office that he has in fact partaken in smoking pot.

After which we headed to his meeting with Ms. Probation Officer. We go into their "chat" rooms. The chat started off well. Then WHAM it dropped, whip lashed you around a corner while dropping 100 miles an hour. I became the worst parent in the world of parents. Ms. Probation Office got mad, so much so that she swore. Now this is the most patient soft spoken lady I have ever met. And to see her get angry with him. I WAS GLAD TO SEE IT. But with him blaming me for all his woes and the end of the world, I was done. Got up and walked out. Left him there to face his music on his own.

Oh and his drug test was negative.

Ho-Hum

I wanted to post something, anything. Seeing how it usually helps clear my head out. But as I sit here staring at the screen trying to put in writing something about my day I come up blank. Don't get me wrong, I am in constant motion. Getting up at the wee hours of 5am and on the go until I drop back into my bed around 10pm. Just nothing interesting, or at least I am not thinking so. You know what I mean?

For instance today: Actually woke at 4am, probably because I was hot as hell (wonderful early menopause I guess). Fall back asleep after kicking off all the covers. Then at 5:30 MD wakes me asking WHAT I was dreaming about. He stated that I was enjoying myself quite a bit and making noises and talking. I said well if I was talking then you should KNOW what I was dreaming. He just laughed at me and rolled over. What a butt head. Oh wait I guess I could have gone into what I was dreaming about. Would have made for interesting material for sure. But probably quite embarrassing on my part. Gotta watch what books I am reading that's for sure. They are starting to leave subconscious impressions.

Finally getting up at 5:45 to get the kids up for school. Then head to the kitchen, clean up last nights dishes, smoke (yes I do), get kids up again, straighten living room, get Devin his meds and usually get him up again, then hustle them out the door Devin at 6:15 for the bus and Mikayla at 6:45 for her ride (she refuses to ride the bus when she has friends that drive). Then I hustle to the shower and get ready for work, getting me out the door by 7:30. Work from 8 to 5 (usually no lunch). Stop at store on the way home for milk and whatever I feel like making for dinner that night. Get home, search out kids, ask about chores, homework and what nots. Get dinner going, help with homework. Taxi whomever I need too to wherever they need to go. Try to hit the treadmill for 1/2 hour (yea not usually happening). Also try to hide and read for a spell. Go to bed.

Yep that is my life pretty much everyday. Boring right?

Though tomorrow I may have some interesting news. Devin and I have a couple of places we need to visit. He is NOT looking forward to them but we were told it is required. Will let you all know how THAT goes tomorrow.

Determination

Determination:

- The act of coming to a decision or of fixing or setting a purpose.
- Ascertainment, as after observation or investigation
- the settlement of a dispute, questions, etc as by authoritative decision
- the decision or settlement arrived at or pronounced

I guess you get the idea.

One of the “NEW HOUSE RULES” is the cell phone would be taken away a day for every F received on an assignment. That went for both Mikayla and Devin. I informed them that every Monday I would check the parent portal (we can see all kinds of things going on with this school-parent web access) and review the last weeks grades received. If any F’s were received then I would get the phone.

Mikayla has had a HUGE problem with particular rule. Sad thing is when I started the rule she had no F’s. Then the next week she received one, the following was two, and then this Monday when I checked she had 3. Trying to prove something????

Monday night I presented the printouts of her grades. She stammered this is stupid, why am I being so mean, Devin blab la blab la. I told her it is what it is and she could not argue with me. She was warned and the grades were in her hands, "hand over the phone".

WELL………this afternoon I received a call from my youngest child. She explained that one of the F’s were extra credit. I said it did not matter WHAT it was for, the grade was recorded and went against her final grade therefore it could not have been “extra credit”. She stated that the teacher is emailing me regarding this grade and that the web site WILL BE corrected. She then proceeded to another F stating that it was NOW a score of 15 out of 15 and therefore an A.
She then went on saying that she wanted her phone back and that I needed to stop this silliness with the F’s. I laughed and told her that it is not I that she should be upset with. She needs to stay on top of her teachers and let them know that I am checking regularly. She stated she did just that and repeated “I want my phone back”.

Holy crap the kid went after her teachers! I defiantly am raising them to stand up for themselves and do right……at least the girls that is. Or maybe I am raising Debaters or Lawyers. Definitely not going to get walked over.

Just goes to show:

A Gremlin Lives in My House

What a whirl wind week. Devin FREAKS out because his girlfriend breaks up with him. That I think he could have dealt with except it was because the "made out" with one of his friends at a party. That is what really made him mad.

So huge fits were thrown, threats of going out to fight with this friend. THANK THE GODDESS he just went on Facebook a swore like a sailor and complained about life. I will take that form of venting over destroying any part of my house and property which he is so known for when he gets that upset.

Then today his probation officer shown up at school for one of their meetings. He found out that I held up my threat. He didn't seem that upset.. Yes that would be weird he is always upset when I talk to his probation officer. When I arrived home from work I was anticipating a huge yelling match. When I opened the door I got nothing at all what I expected. He CALMLY talked with me about what they discussed. Told me how scared he was. That he knows he messed up over the weekend. But he told me Sunday night that he was going to be better and he meant it (which actually this week he HAS been pretty good). We talked I mean talked.

About an hour later he came up to me discussing math and how easy it has been and how he is going to ace this upcoming test. Then asked if I would take him to the school football game. When I dropped him off he walked to my side of the car leaned in and said "come here and give me a hug". IN FRONT OF HIS FRIENDS EVEN. Then walking away he said "love you".

Now I would normally NEVER EVER complain about this. What mother would. I mean really this is always what I wanted from him. To do what was asked, do well at school, be considerate of his family. But this has rarely ever been something Devin has done. And when he has been like this he either has wanted something and/or never lasts more than a few days.

he even just now called to ask what he should do about a situation at the game. One of his friends got into some trouble with a police officer at the game. Devin said he walked away, but didn't know what he should do. I told him to either catch up with his sister or I could come pick him up. he chose his sister, and said that there was no way he was going back where his friend was, he didn't want to be associated with him. He can't afford to get in trouble.

So here I am loving the moment, and biting my nails waiting for the other shoe to fall.

The Boy Is Going To Learn the Hard Way

After Friday Nights adventures, Mikayla and Devin were both told that they were grounded. For a week. I will give Mikayla kudos as she pouted but threw no fits. And she refused to had out candy saying "I am not handing candy to the little monsters". Okay she WAS going to be one of those little monsters but whatever.

At dinner (which I ate cold with having to answer the door ever other minute) MD asked Mikayla why she was not out with her friends for Halloween. REALLY!!!??? She replied, um dad I am grounded, remember. He just looked at me and said really it's Halloween.

I am now totally dumbfounded. He is the one who said they were grounded! Anyway, he told her that she could go if she still wanted. I then mentioned that he has to let Devin go also. He said oh no. Again though his offences were worse I said you can't undo for one and not the other. At that point Mikayla informed us that Devin was gone and no longer at home. Again REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I verified her statement by checking the entire house for him. And yes he was gone! Little Shit! I went straight to the computer, pulled up facebook, found his girlfriend, and sent her a note: Girlfriend, please let Devin know I am calling Shae (probation officer)tomorrow, thanks, Devin's mom. (remember I took his cell phone away for poor grades)

Oh, yea that got a VERY quick response. He called (now I have girlfriends cell number ha ha) and tried explaining that they were just trick r treating. I repeated the fact I said they were grounded. He PROMISED not to be home past his curfew. At this point I was mad, and when I am really mad I usually just say whatever is in my head. So I just called him a liar, and that he has to now deal with his own consequences. He started pleading at that point and I hung up. He called back and pleaded some more and I hung up. He couldn't have been that worried, or maybe he just figured that since he was in trouble anyway he might as well make the most of it. Because he didn't come hoe for another 2.5 hours at his curfew.

Yes I am going to speak with Probation Officer about what I can do with him. Of course I want to try to handle this on our own before she has to get further involved, because that is a road I really don't want to have to go down again. But he is going to have to learn he can not walk all over me anymore. Now I mean business, well I always have but he didn't believe it so now he will.

I informed him last night that he would be grounded a month. If he wants to see girlfriend (which is why he keeps leaving) then she needs to come here. He will get a job, he will not receive any more tardies at school, he will not receive any F's on assignments, he will do chores, he will stop cursing, he will jump threw any hoop I give him and not argue about it. He was soo scared that I was "turning him in" he agreed to everything. Tonight I will have him sign an agreement and let him know that Shae will also be signing it as a witness. Though I am sure she is going to have some amendments, which he is going to have to deal with.

I hate that we have become a Jail house, but I have been given no other options.