December 31, 2006

Welcome

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December 28, 2006

Baby Boy's 10th B-day


Here he is on his 1st Birthday. My little baby. I'm not going to write out a sappy letter... I'll spare you all the torment (plus I don't feel like crying). I just can't believe that 10 years ago at this very moment my baby boy was just an hour old. Where did the time go? I miss my babies!! I would do anything to go back - just for a few hours or days... or years! Happy Birthday T2, I love you! 10 - Double Digits - I can't believe it.

December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas To All

There is nothing better than a butter rum lifesaver. Yum!
Thanks for sharing Ty! ;o)
Hope you're all having a wonderful day!
~Happy Birthday Jesus!~

December 23, 2006

2 More Days

Well, technically less than that I guess. I can't believe it's almost here.

We just got back from Staples. I got some wrapping paper that they had on sale and some tissue paper. I finally found the dictionary my mom was looking for and also got myself some pens. Very exciting, I know.

The new Ford lot is right beside Staples and Taylor begged to go look around at trucks, so we drove through and let him look. After that we drove through Starbucks. I had to get another Carmel Apple Cider. YUM!! They are so good!

We're back home now. I still have quite a bit of wrapping to do. In the meantime our dogs are out and going crazy over the gifts under the tree. Andy our Yorkie knows exactly which one is his and is trying to get to it. It's really quite comical.
They're worse than the kids. Well, almost.

I guess tomorrow we'll be getting up bright and early to go to church with my parents and afterwards go to Texas Roadhouse for lunch, then come home. For our Christmas Eve dinner, we're just having little snacks. I got a huge box of 32 Hors'dourves (sp?) which include: artichoke crostini, prosciutto crosini and cheese and onion puffs. I also got little weenies to make. Not sure what else we'll have. Probably some different kinds of cheeses and crackers and fresh fruit. We just got a pineapple yesterday and some canteloupe. Nothing real big.

If I don't get back on here for a couple days, I wish all my readers (whoever you are) a very Merry Christmas. I hope you keep safe and have a wonderful time with friends and family during this very special time of celebrating our Savior's birth!

December 21, 2006

Early Christmas Gift And New Home

Yippee for me! I am officially on vacation. I was only suppose to have one daycare kiddo tomorrow and his dad came in at pick-up tonight and told me he'd just keep him home tomorrow. So... that's means I'm off work for the next 11 days. Yay! I'm not sure what I'm going to do with myself! All that time off to spend with just my own kids... wow, just think of the homeschooling we'll get done!

Not sure if I've mentioned it before, but there is a little village opening up in the next year or so right down the road from me. Now when I say village, I mean THIS. I heard of Simpler Times Village about 3 years ago in a county magazine. I read the article and thought "hmm, what a neat place". I didn't hear anything more for quite awhile until I saw something else about it in another magazine a few months ago. It was then that I strongly started thinking about actually living in such a place. I contacted the people starting the village and sent in my application and then found out just a couple weeks ago that they have in fact bought the land and are ready to get things started to begin their dream of creating the village. I am more than excited. Well, today I got an email from a reporter with our local paper and she wanted to interview me about the Simpler Times Village. So, I called her and we had our little phone interview. I'm not sure when the article will be coming out, but I can't wait to read it. I asked her how she got my name and she said Sarah (the wife of the couple starting this village) gave her my name as someone who was interested in moving there. I'm so happy she did! They did decide on some land a little further than I expected, but it's still pretty close to where I live now. Unfortunately it will be too far for my current daycare families I have now, but sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and jump! And we're looking at another year until things really start moving, so it's not like everything will be happening all at once. We've got plenty of time for planning and praying. I really feel like this is gonna be a great place to live. I'm trying to talk my parents into moving out there too. The good thing about that is that they were looking for a home in that area anyway, since it would be so much closer to my dad's work and our church. I'm really excited about this!! And the awesome thing is that this village will be zoned for home businesses. I've already talked to Sarah about having one of the village stores as my daycare/preschool and she seems to think it would work out ok. I would have the daycare on the bottom storefront floor and then the boys and I would have an apartment upstairs. I would actually be able to leave my job... even if it was just a few steps away, it would still be great to be able to leave the area! The kids and I are already busy thinking up floor plans. I'm sure I'll keep you all updated!

December 20, 2006

It's Getting Close

And I'm still not ready. It seems like Christmas has already happened. I was really in the spirit and all excited but it seems that in the last few days I've lost it. I'm still excited but not like I was. It seems like it's already happened and now it's over. It's so weird. Hopefully once Friday is over and my vacation has started I'll get back in the spirit again.

I had my interview tonight. It went ok. No yay or nay from the parents though. The only thing the mom said was that they'd call the week after New Years and let me know and bring the enrollment fee over then. So, we'll see. I'm not holding my breath cause I didn't get a very clear vibe on what they were thinking. I asked, like I always do, if they needed to give their provider notice and she said she didn't think she had to and there were no rules about it. I kind of got the hint from the phone conversation with mom last week that the current provider doesn't have many rules. I made sure to let them know at the interview that I have quite a few rules (I call them "policies" lol) and that I feel it's better for everyone and lets both parties know where they stand. But that's just me... I'm a "rules" kind of gal. When there are rules, things are much more cut and dry and easier to follow.

Other than that, not much is going on here. I may not have to work Friday. That would be nice. If I do, I'll only have one child so that won't be bad.

I'm going to go relax in my nice clean house... having interviews always make my house a little cleaner. Imagine that! lol

December 18, 2006

Ho Ho Ho Hum

Not much to say... just keeping up with my blog.

I had a pretty easy day. Only 3 kids. Tomorrow however we will have a full load. Only 4 more days and I'm on va ca tion! Yippee! I've made it very clear to my mom that we are not letting ANY sick kids in this week!! I will not spend my vacation sick! No way! I have too many fun things planned.

Last night I went to a Christmas party. They had a white elephant gift exchange. Of course, I went out and bought things instead of just finding old junk around my house. I figured if I didn't want it, why would I expect someone else to take it. Well, I should have just picked one of my own gifts since I bought something nice that I would like if I were to pick the gift... but no, I went and picked another one. Guess what it was... 2 pieces of charcoal... like from a grill. Ok, I'm sorry but that's going a little overboard on the "gag" gifts. The people who brought it said I got it because I was such a bad girl all year... okay? I was a tad irritated, but I laughed it off and just threw it away along with the wrapping paper right after I opened it. Other than that, the food was good and I had a real good time talking with a super cool lady!!

However, the 35 mile drive home in the pouring rain with only my passenger-side wiper working was not such a good time, but we made it. My dad has the day off tomorrow so he's gonna fix it for me.

Well, I don't have that much else to say. Life is busy and yet pretty boring right now. Just waiting for Christmas... waiting is the best part. The day after is such a let down. It just doesn't seem like it's almost Christmas... maybe it's all the warm weather. The season has just flown by! Make sure to enjoy it while it lasts!

December 16, 2006

Almost Done

I have almost all my shopping done. I still have a few more things to get, things I could have probably gotten today. It's not that I'm slow, it's that I always wait for last minute things until the last minute. It's fun that way! I like to prolong the Christmas experience ok. All the places I went looked busy on the outside but were fairly easy to get through and check out of, once you were on the inside. I took my mom and kids, but did my shopping by myself... it was nice for a change and I got ALOT done in very little time. I'm fast like that.

I got ANOTHER call for daycare yesterday. A 2 yr old little girl. The parents are suppose to come for an interview this Wednesday. I'm pretty sure we're going to have to get licensed again... calls are just pouring in. Thank you Lord for all the new kiddos! We sure need them! Now to just find room. Or another house/building and we'd be set! We're thinking of re-doing the garage into a preschool room and keeping the daycare room we have now as the infant room or my mom suggested that we build a seperate building around the back of our house. I'm not sure about that... I don't think we could get zoning for it, but it's a great thought. All I know is that after this dry spell, getting all these calls is so nice! I really thought this might be my last year for daycare. I guess God has other plans.

December 14, 2006

I'm Ready For One

December 12, 2006

2 Down 3 To Go

This is going to be a busy week. I have extra kids coming. PTL - more money for Christmas! Today we had 2 extra. It was busy!! Hard work, but fun! I love when I have older kids and we can actually read stories, do crafts and color. Today we cut, colored and glued a picture of a star and baby Jesus in the manger. I'll have to come up with more ideas for us for the rest of the week.

I got a lot of Christmas shopping done tonight. I'm so excited! Now for the part I really do not like... wrapping.

December 11, 2006

Is This Fair?

I have been trying very hard to keep up with my blog daily (and doing a good job if I may say so myself!). I have family members who shall remain nameless who visit here often. I may even have some friends who visit too... however, these people don't blog, therefore I don't get a chance to click my mouse and get into their lives. I don't get the pleasure of knowing what's going on each day in their neck of the woods. I ask you, is this fair? I think not. I think some people (and you know who you are) should get to bloggin! And step on it! Or I may do something drastic and move to a blog where you'll never ever find me. I'll change the names to protect the innocent (ha) and share all my exciting news with strangers. And that wouldn't be fun now, would it?!

Anyhoo... on with my day... Does anyone else have boys around the ages of 9-12? Can you tell me why they feel the need to knock on things. I am so sick of hearing knocking noise that I'm about ready to ask someone to knock me out! Everything they walk by has to be knocked on. Walls, counter tops, doors, desks, tables, etc. If it can be knocked on, it is knocked on. And it's driving me crazy. Mainly during the day when I'm working, cause I'm always thinking it's a parent at my front door. Then I go to the door and there's no one there. And it's just plain annoying!

So, to keep up with the knocking, here's a knock knock joke for ya:
Knock Knock.
Who's There?
Isaac.
Isaac Who?
Isaac of Knocking Noises!

December 10, 2006

We're Watching...

Santa Baby on ABC Family.

We didn't do much today... didn't go to church because they only had morning church and then their Christmas dinner afterwards. So we stayed home and had a family day. We watched a very good PBS special about Jesus, read some Christmas books and made lunch. Tonight we went out looking at Christmas lights and then had our promised McDonald's. We asked my parents if they wanted to go downtown Indy to the 'Circle of Lights' but they were going to their friends' church and out with them afterwards. Maybe another night. We may try to go to the Pacers game this Wednesday. They're playing Detroit... my old team. There are so many things to do around Indy right now it's hard to pick!

Well, I'm getting off here so I can enjoy my movie... Have a great new week!

December 9, 2006

Avoid These At The Grocery Store

Do not buy any foods or groceries containing the following ingredients:
* Sodium nitrite (meats)
* Monosodium glutamate (soups)
* Aspartame (diet soda)
* Yeast extract (snacks)
* Hydrogenated oils
* High-fructose corn syrup

(From Dr. Mercola's Website)

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So today we were up pretty early. Taylor had his basketball sign-up and evaluation thing at 10am. He did really well and everyone there was SO nice!! It sounds like such a good program. It's call 'Upward', you may have heard of it. Anyway, this year for the games, they are going to shut the lights off, get the spot light out and announce the players just like they do at real games. I think the kids are really gonna like that, I know Taylor will! I guess they also provide a dinner/snack for the kids on nights they have practice so the parents don't have to worry about feeding them before and they have a concession stand during games and everything they offer is free. It only cost $40, not bad at all! We also got our schedule today, so that was nice. They only have games on Saturdays and my dad works every Saturday so I was a little bummed about that because he won't be able to come to all his games. However, there is a "Grandparents Day" in February, so I'll see if he can take that day off and go. I'm sure he will. I was very impressed with the whole program and all the people were so nice. I think this will be a great experience for Taylor.

Today is Chloe's birthday. She is 3. We decided to take her to Petco because they had Santa there today and you could get your dog's picture taken with him. So when the boys and I got back from basketball sign-ups, we grabbed Chloe and my mom and went. Well, the picture was extremely expensive and Chloe was very scared so I decided not to have it done. We even took her little Santa hat for her to wear, but she was just too nervous. So, we walked around the store and picked a new collar out for her and then went to the bulk doggie treats and stocked up on a bunch of different goodies. They were only $3.99 a pound. What a good deal! We'll have to go there more often. While we were in line, we met "Trina", another little Shihtzu. She was only 6 months old. Her owner was so nice. She was older and you could tell she just treated her little puppy like a queen. She was asking me questions about Chloe and I was asking her questions about Trina and when I asked her what kind of brush she used, she grabbed her purse and took it out and showed me. Now that is a committed dog owner... one who carries her dog's brush around. LOL It was cute. We tried to get the dogs to interact with each other but neither were interested. Chloe was just not happy about being in the store so we left. A dog rescue group was there and had cages with adoptable dogs down the center isle. I knew better, but I had to look. I walked down that isle and was in tears by the time we got to the end. I'm sure people thought I was crazy, but I just felt so bad for those poor little guys. Here we were, taking our dog out shopping for her birthday and those poor little things were caged and looking for good homes. It was sad!! I just LOVE dogs and I'm a total animal lover so things like that just get to me more than normal people I guess. I would have brought them all home if I could have. Although I overheard one of the women who ran the rescue talking to someone about how so many of the dogs were actually getting adopted today, so that made me feel better. Plus, they were all medium to large sized dogs and we really have no room for a big dog. I'll tell ya what though, if they would have had some small dogs, we probably would have ended up with a new addition to our family today. Cause I'm a sucker like that!

After that we ran through Wendy's and headed home. We need to run up to the library in a little while and maybe to the video store. I want to rent Al Gore's movie, "An Inconvenient Truth". Other than that, hopefully we can just stay in and relax. I may do some Christmas shopping online tonight. I've still got quite a bit to do. Only 16 more days!

December 8, 2006

Giving Providers A Bad Name

Day care provider charged in girl's death
By Anne Jungen - La Crosse Tribune

Authorities said the Onalaska, Wis. , home day care where a 15-month-old girl strangled in a playpen Friday evening was strewn with trash, liquor bottles and hazards for children, including a butcher knife within reach on a counter top and an open bleach container in the bathroom.The day care provider, 45-year-old Karen Peterson, was legally drunk that evening despite having seven children — one more than she was licensed for — still in her home."(Peterson) said she had a couple drinks, but it was Friday so she was trying to relax," according to the criminal complaint filed in La Crosse County Circuit Court.Peterson, of 718 Vilas St. in Onalaska, was charged Tuesday with felony child neglect causing death.Peterson told Onalaska police Sophia Mason was fussing, so she put her down for a nap between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. in a basement bedroom playpen, away from six other children in her care, according to the criminal complaint.When she checked between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m., Peterson said, she found the girl not breathing, with her head and arms outside the playpen and neck pressed against the side, according to the complaint.A plastic baby gate atop the pen was wedged against the child's upper shoulders and neck, according to the complaint. Peterson told police she did not know how the gate ended up on the playpen, and no adults or children had been downstairs since she took Mason there for her nap.Peterson said she carried the child upstairs, started CPR and called for help.Officers found a weeping Peterson and six other children, ages 2 to 7, standing around Mason's body. The girl had no pulse and was not breathing, according to the complaint.She was pronounced dead at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center .Cause of death was "positional asphyxiation due to crib entrapment," according to La Crosse County Medical Examiner John Steers.Peterson had a 0.08 percent blood-alcohol content at 7:32 p.m. Friday and admitted she had been drinking, according to the complaint, though "she immediately said that had nothing to do with the incident with the child."The level was preliminary, Onalaska Police Chief Randy Williams said at a news conference Tuesday, and results of a legal blood draw are expected within 30 days.The lower level of Peterson's home was "very messy, with stacks and piles of clothes on most of the furniture," officers reported in the complaint. Small flies flew out of a half-empty beer can, they reported, and several empty bottles, a half-drained bottle of vodka and a moldy glass were elsewhere downstairs.The bedroom where the girl had been had empty vodka bottles and glasses as well, according to the complaint.Police found an open bleach container, four razors, household cleaner and a pill of some type in the bathroom. Counters in the kitchen were covered with dirty dishes, food and a bottle of cleaner, according to the complaint, and garbage littered the floor. A butcher knife had been left hanging over a counter's edge, easily within a child's reach, the complaint stated.Family Resources Executive Director Jodi Widuch confirmed Peterson was a certified child care provider. Widuch declined to release specifics about Peterson's file, but said it had no indications her certificate had ever been revoked or suspended.Public defender Katherine Schnell said in court Peterson has been a day care provider for 10 years.Peterson was certified to provide care in her home for up to six children — three younger than 7 and three older than 7 — so she had one more child than permitted Friday.Widuch said homes are inspected initially and for re-certification every two years. In addition, at least one unannounced visit is made between re-certifications. She declined to say when Peterson's home last was inspected."We rely on information from the community to know we need to stop and do a check," Widuch said. "There are regulations in place, but parents have a role in this."Williams also encouraged parents to extensively research child care providers, including inspecting the home.Circuit Judge Roger LeGrand converted Peterson's $100,000 cash bond to a $100,000 signature bond Tuesday and she was released from the La Crosse County Jail. A preliminary hearing was set for 11 a.m. Dec. 13.
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Here's the link to the complaint: click here

December 7, 2006

Thursday

Today was our last homeschooling co-op for the day. It was sad but nice at the same time. I am Indiana History-ed out! I know enough about our state now and I'm ready to move on. And moving on I am... in February we go back and I have taken the position of "Geography teacher". I'm actually more excited about that cause I know a little more about it. Plus, we're going over all that here at home right now and for my youngest, it will just be review and he can go to class with a sense of security that he knows exactly what we'll be talking about. It was always nice when I was in school to have studied ahead and actually know what the teacher was talking about the next day. It's called being prepared. OH, but do not let me fool you, those prepared days were very much few and far between. I would do things so much differently if I could go back to school. Of course I'd be considered a total nerd now, but nerds are great! I want to marry one!

Speaking of nerds... my dad is a dork. He went out and got my mom a new laptop for Christmas today. Just a few minutes ago my kids were all excited about something going on upstairs, so I went up to check things out and what do I find... My mom sitting on her bed with her new laptop. I looked at my dad and just shook my head. Then I said "18 MORE DAYS DAD!!! You only had to wait 18 MORE DAYS!!" We are horrible about waiting around here. I have already given my kids a couple of their gifts, and almost gave my mom one of hers yesterday when I got it in the mail. I bought her a bunch of stuff from the Paula Dean webstore (cause she really likes her). I got her a tee shirt, a pen and the special Christmas issue magazine. I almost gave her the magazine yesterday. Well, I thought she probably could use the recipes now, before Christmas. Oh well I guess I can wait. It's so hard though. I just want to start showing my kids what I got them NOW! I'm so excited!

Taylor (my youngest) is starting basketball practice this Saturday! I'm so excited! I really wanted him to play baseball this past summer (cause he's played for the last 4 years), but he didn't want to... so I was SO hoping that another sport would spark his interest and thanks to his little best friend Isaac, it did. I guess their games don't start until January, but they have to go to "try outs" this Saturday. It will be fun going to games again. I guess in this league they don't even keep score during games and it's all about the kids having fun. Sounds great to me!!

My best friend just gave her daycare provider her 2 week notice today. PTL!! I'm so happy she's getting her daugher out of this woman's care! It's not that she's abusing the kids (at least not by "legal" standards), but as a provider myself, I feel she has no business doing daycare! I may write more about her in another post but for now I'm just so angry that I don't want to get into it.

On a happier note... it's almost Friday!! Yippeeee! I'm ready for a break! Plus I really need to get crackin on getting the rest of my Christmas shopping done! It will be here before you know it! I can't believe this year is almost over!

December 6, 2006

So Sad!

Missing Man's Body Found

This just breaks my heart! Those poor people!
Can you just imagine what he was thinking towards
the end, knowing he'd never see his family again?
God Bless Mrs. Kim and her dear daughters.

December 5, 2006

yada yada yada

I'm only updating to be polite.
When I go through my usual daily reads, I feel this odd sense of excitment everytime a blogger has a new post. So, because I want all my readers to feel that same tingley way, here's my post for the day.

Where to start...

My dog is/was suppose to get groomed tomorrow, but I read on another blog, (the sister of the groomer's) that my groomer had an appendectomy early this morning. So, I guess Mr. Andy will stay hairy for another few days, or maybe weeks. I kind of was expecting a phone call though, telling me not to come. Maybe I'll get one later? I'm glad I was reading that blog. I would have hated to get all ready, get my dog ready and go out into the freezing cold for nothing. Geesh how dare her do this when my dog needs a haircut. JUST KIDDING!! Seriously, I hope she's ok and I hope she can make a speedy recovery so she'll be all better by Christmas!

I started a new daycare girl, YES, that's right... it's a GIRL... in this daycare of all boys, a girl has joined us. Though only temporarily. She'll probably only be here until the end of the year - which is just a couple more weeks. Oh well, it's extra money I wouldn't have had. She's really good. Her mom and aunt said she was a wild child.... naaaa, she's not! She's really cute and very well behaved actually. I looked at her today and thought maybe I could actually have a daughter someday.

I had 3 extra kids yesterday and then was very busy today with all my kids plus the new little girl and they all decided at 2:00 it was time to get up from nap. Let me tell you that made for a very long afternoon. Glad I got my Y&R watching in!! *wink* (that was just for my special friend... you know who you are!!) Anyway, tomorrow I'll only have 3 and that will be a nice break!

Ok, that's all I got for now... Plus I promised my youngest I would watch "Santa Clause Is Coming To Town" so I better go. Have a great night!

December 4, 2006

How One Tradition Got Started

I left my children's father in the summer of 1996. I had a 2.5 year old and I was 3 months pregnant. I moved to a state where I knew no one but my parents. Those first few months were hard. I felt pretty alone at times. I was also dirt poor. I had tons of bills to pay off while at the same time I was trying to make a new start for my son and I, and my unborn baby. We didn't have much to do back then. I was trying to find a job and didn't have any friends close by, so T1 and I would spend Friday nights walking around Walmart for hours on end, just to get out of the house. We never bought anything we didn't need, although I always made sure he got some little toy or new sippy cup. On Sunday nights after church T1 like to go to "Donald's" (Mc Donald's). He would ask almost weekly. We went a least once a month but often times it was just him who got to enjoy eating the fries we so dearly loved while I only got to enjoy the smell. Yes, we were that poor. Sure I could have asked my parents for a couple bucks so I could have had some fries too, but they were helping me so much I didn't feel like I could ask for another dime. Most of the time I was searching for change just to get T1 his fries. During the Christmas season T1 loved to look at Christmas lights. We would drive all around with our fries and look at lights. (Gas wasn't quite as expensive then.) We would drive all over our small town, just him and I. We also had an old Christmas tape of songs I had recorded off some of my parent's old Christmas albums. We would play that tape over and over. I remember a newer subdivision that we would drive through to see the lights. Everyone seemed to catch the Christmas spirit early in that subdivision and always had their houses so nicely decorated. I remember thinking to myself during one of our drives around this subdivision that I would love to live in this neighborhood but then in my next thought thinking that at that point I would have been happy just to be able to have enough money to buy McDonald's every once in awhile. Well, in 2000 I started my own business and was making pretty good money, not great but good enough to buy both my sons and myself fries anytime we wanted. In the summer of that same year we moved into the subdivision I had dreamed of living in all those lonely nights. We still drive around and look at lights and this year will be our 10th year of this tradition. Somehow in the last few years we've added hot chocolate to the mix. We have to have it while looking at the lights at least a couple times. And always on Christmas Eve! We usually go to the Christmas Eve service at church and then get our hot chocolate and hit the streets looking at lights and listening to our old tape of Christmas music. To me, it's better than any big fancy Christmas party. I hope that years from now we'll still be driving around with our hot cocoa looking at lights together. I think back to how lonely I was and how driving around was all we had to do, and I'm sure at the time I would have rather been doing anything but that, and probably felt a little sorry for myself at times. I think I even cried a few tears during those drives around town. Today however, I look back at my new little family and how even during those hard times we were still able to making something so wonderful out of something not so great, something money couldn't buy... we were making traditions. And those are priceless! I can't wait to rev up the old Christmas tape, grab some hot chocolate and drive around our subdivision. Maybe we'll even add some "Donald's" fries in this year.

December 3, 2006

Randomness

~ I did NOT want to get up to go to church today, but I did, and I even went twice.

~ I did not get breakfast this morning because when I went through the drive thru at McDonald's and asked if they had muffins, they told me they did, so I ordered one, but what I got was a PLAIN ENGLISH MUFFIN. And it cost 75 cents. I was referring to something more like a blueberry muffin, or apple cinnamon muffin... I did not say ENGLISH muffin! That's not a MUFFIN... it's bread! With little crevices in it for the butter to melt into. Oh, but I wouldn't know about that because mine came plain, without butter. Just a dry, hard, un-tasteful english muffin. Now you may scream "YUCK"! You may even puke a little in your mouth if you'd like.

~ I did not eat that nasty "muffin", so I had nothing to eat until 1:00 pm.

~ I had Applebees. The riblet basket. And I have been sick ever since.

~ My kids and I went to the mall this afternoon. Old Navy has some very good deals right now. Go there.

~After you're done at Old Navy, stop into Bath & Body Works and grab some 'Wickedly Hot Chocolate' body lotion. Go home and enjoy!!

~ I got my mom 2 more Christmas gifts today.

~The Colts lost, in a very close game. And there is nothing like watching a close game with strangers in the middle of the mall. Try it some time.


~ I have my own secret (well, not now) name for when I go into Starbucks and order (you know for when they make you give them your name and then call it out)... it's 'Cocoa' or 'Coco' (depending on how they spell it on my cup). Feel free to start calling me that if you'd like.

~ I did not have to use that name today because I went through the drive thru.

~ Can we say "YUM YUM YUMMY"!?! Have you tried the new Carmel Apple Cider? Holy Goodness! It's like biting into the bestest yummiest carmel apple you've ever had. Again, YUM! Go get one. Now!

~ We went to McDonald's on our way home. A different one. Miles away from the other one. I wanted to ask them if they knew what a muffin was but I think I should just drop it. Don't you? It was irritating at the time, but it's time to get over it. Wouldn't you agree?

December 1, 2006

Yippe Skippy

...It's Friday, YAY!

As I type, my little baby puppy Chloe is wrapped up in a fuzzy warm Elmo blanket laying on the couch asleep. She had a rough morning. Yep, the poor thing had to go to the groomers. Poor thing, HA! I am the poor thing who had to pay out 45 bucks! It's my fault though for letting her go so long. So, she's cold (cause she's bare) and tired (cause that's a lot of work for a little pup). I'm sure she'll be spending the next few night sleeping with me, so we can make sure she stays warm. I think tonight we're going to go get her a sweater and new collar anyway so hopefully she won't freeze too much when she goes outside. Next Wednesday is Andy's turn with the groomer. I hope he can keep a little more hair.

Speaking of freezing... yikes, we are having 40-50 mile an hour winds and our temps are in the 30's. BUT, we don't have snow so I'm not complaining. And we have electricity! I'm very thankful for that!! One of my daycare moms came in this morning and said they had been without theirs since 5 am. I sure hope it's back on by the time they get home.

OH! I was sitting here on the computer last night, just reading through my email, nothing big, and I got an idea for a business my mom and I could start. I don't want to really get into everything yet since it's still very much in the planning stages, but I'm real excited about it. We've agreed to continue doing daycare and try to get this off the ground too, then my mom may just continue the daycare and I may end up doing this other business alone. We'll see. The only think I can say is that I've done some research, looked through all our phone books in the area and there are not many of these businesses around. I think I have a name (or two): "PA Associates" or maybe "PA Management". If you can guess what kind of business it may be by that, let me know.

November 27, 2006

I'm So Sick of Snot!

Nice title, I know... but seriously I am SO sick of wiping noses. I'm so sick of having to tell parents, "You know, this "cold" has lasted a month now, you may want to take them to their doctor". All my daycare kids but 1 came back with runny noses. And here I had thought maybe that over the 4 day weekend they would get all better and come back all well and happy. LOL - I should never fool myself into such thinking! This has only been going on since September.... we're going on 2 months now. One of them I know is teething and that's different, but when they're constantly coughing and congested they arent' just teething. Oh well, at least I'm not the one having to get up with them in the middle of the night.

So this weekend was a busy one... we got our tree and outside decorations up, along with all the decorations inside the house. Went to Muncie yesterday and didn't get home until 8:00 last night. Didn't do much when we were there this time. I do know I will never use their Walgreens to get pictures developed again! I ended up have to make 3 trips there yesterday because they messed up my pics. And I have NO idea what kind of picture cd they gave us, we've used them before but this one make you download a bunch of stuff just to upload your pics. I think I'll take the cd to our Walgreens and see if they can fix it. We've never had to download anything to get them before.

Last night instead of having church we decorated and had snacks. It was fun. Yesterday morning in church we actually sang HYMNS! It was nice to sing songs that I grew up with. The new worship songs, choruses, etc. are nice and a good change at times, but there's nothing like the old hymns. 'The Old Rugged Cross' was one we sang yesterday and I have to say I got alittle teary while singing it. Those old hymns have so much history and meaning behind them, it's hard not to get a little emotional sometimes.

Our dogs need groomed SO bad. I have to call the groomers this week. They aren't going to be too happy with me, I've let them go for too long and they are quite matted. Poor things. Of course they got to "go to Grandma's" with us yesterday. It's funny when you ask them if they "want to go to Grandma's?", they just go crazy. They jump around and whine and make noise until you pick them up and get them in the car, then they're fine. They're such good traveling dogs.

Well, I'm off to get some lunch and watch Y&R before another baby decides it's time to get up. I've already had one wake up and he hasn't slept for more than 20 minutes yet. I just left him in his bed making noise and I'm pretty sure he went back to sleep. Anyway, have a great Monday my blogging friends!

November 24, 2006

Black Friday

Am I shopping today? Did I get up at the crack of dawn to fight the crowds? Heck no. I'll sit at my computer in my pjs and shop online where the lines are short thank you very much. Although I have a feeling that at some point today I will end up being dragged out into the den of terror. I really need to get my hair cut and so does my youngest, so... I'm sure at some point I'll have to venture out into the deep darkness of Black Friday.

We had a nice day yesterday. It was just us and my parents. My mom cooked more than enough and it was all good! I made green bean casserole. I used whole green beans instead of french style, but I think next time I'll use the french style.

Actually, my day yesterday was rather productive. I cleaned out the kids' closet. Took all the "too small" clothes and put them in a pile out in the hall for Goodwill, took T1's "too small" clothes and put them over on T2's side, cleaned and rearranged their dressers, and did tons of laundry including both the boys' bedding and comforters. Poor T1, there is a bad side to being the oldest... we counted up his winter shirts and he's got about 12... counted up T2's, he's got 44!! Yep, 44. More than me!! How sick is that? And the funny thing is that kid could care less what he's wearing, if it matches or if it's in style. T1 on the other hand is very picky about his clothes, but I have to say he's got good taste for a boy. He likes basically whatever is "in". Right now he loves Tony Hawk clothes. OH and of course Abercrombie and Fitch. (maybe that's why he's only got 12 shirts! lol)

Today I have to clean the bathroom upstairs and maybe think about working on my room. UGH... my room is gonna take days. Maybe I should wait to start that during the week I have off for Christmas.

Well, I've just been told that we ARE going to journey out into the crazy retail world today, so I better go get into my shower. Have a great Friday!

November 23, 2006

Happy Turkey Day!

November 22, 2006

Cure Cancer In Your Sleep

"You can cure cancer in your sleep!"

In fact, such a claim is not at all outrageous. It's not even extraordinary. I have cured cancer thousands of times in my own lifetime, and so have you, if you're still alive. Every living human being cures themselves of cancer over and over again as their immune system locates and deals with cancerous cells in the body. Your immune system already knows how to cure cancer, and it has done so for decades.

The U.S. medical establishment claims there's no such thing as a "cure" for cancer, and yet every person alive today is a walking cancer curing machine. I suppose next,
the FDA will arrest people for exercising healthy immune system function because, to them, curing cancer is considered some sort of crime.

The only time cancer gets diagnosed in your body is when your immune system is unable to do the job it already knows how to do. And the way your immune system fails is if you don't give it the tools it needs: if you're suffering from nutritional deficiencies or
chronic dehydration, for example. It could also mean that you are poisoning your body with cancer-causing substances such as sodium nitrite (see related ebook on sodium nitrite) or chemical sweeteners, artificial colors, refined carbohydrates and environmental toxins such as the toxic chemicals found around your home. Common antibacterial soaps, for example, contain a chemical ingredient known as triclosan that, when combined with chlorine in tap water, generates highly carcinogenic fumes. Merely eating processed meats, recent studies show, boosts your risk of pancreatic cancer by 7600%!

*Read more here: http://www.allvita. net/news. htm

November 21, 2006

It's Party Time Here

Gobble Gobble...

We are having a Par-Tay here today. I have a little guy who seems to always miss out on all the fun because he is part-time and all the holidays (or days that we celebrate them here), tend to fall on the days he doesn't come. This year I decided we'd celebrate Thanksgiving on Tuesday instead of Wednesday so he could join us. We had our "Thanksgiving Feast" lunch, which included: Turkey, mashed potatoes, peas and macaroni and cheese. We read a Thanksgiving book before naptime and as soon as everyone is awake we're going to make and decorate Turkey Cookies. We will also be making Native American headbands with construction paper feathers and Turkey Handprints (only we're making our handprints with brown paint). We have another Thanksgiving story to read and then we'll watch A Rugrats Thanksgiving movie until the parents get here. Sound like a fun afternoon? Come join us!

November 20, 2006

No Milk or OJ For Me, Thank You!

Well yay for the women who just HAD to make it known to everyone in Vermont that they can breastfeed. Good heavens ladies, are you so bored at home that you just feel the need to keep doing this? What's the big deal? A woman was asked to cover herself up on the airplane, that's just common courtesy to others around you. Again... I think it's great that women can nurse their babies, but do we all have to know about it? It's still a boob people, whether a baby's (or should I say a TODDLER'S) attached to it or not. Show some respect to those around you, and then maybe you'll get some back! I mean, this child was 22 MONTHS OLD!! Almost 2 years old!! This was not a newborn who needed to be nursed! This child was PLENTY old enough to have a sippy cup!! Cut the cord people!! At that point it wasn't even about nutrition or the fact that this child HAD to be nursed. I think we need to draw a line somewhere! And sorry, but I don't know too many 2 year olds who know the meaning of "discreet" and that's what you need to be if you're going to nurse in public. Again, respect of others around you, ladies!

As for OJ - I seriously hope that someone just takes him out! One part of me wants to boycott his interview and his "confession" of a book, but another part of me (a very sick part) wants to hear what he has to say and read his confession. I'm hoping that my Fox station will just decide not to air it. That would make it easy. And I probably wouldn't actually buy the book, but if my library had it, I may feel the need to check it out. I have read "Nicole Brown Simpson: The Private Diary of a Life Interrupted" quite a few times. I just feel so sorry for the kids!

On the daycare front... it's been a Monday, that's for sure. We have one who still has a runny nose and another who is teething and just miserable. Not a fun morning. Especially when you were up until 4am. ugh Well, I was up until 2am sanatizing toys and then it took 2 more hours for me to finally fall asleep. I washed down every toy and everything else in the daycare room. I took all the toys in the kitchen, filled one side of the sink with water and bleach and the other with just water, took a toy, dipped it in the bleach side, then dipped it in the water and laid it out on a towel to dry. I had towels everywhere. Then I took my lysol and sprayed down everything that's downstairs, including all door knobs. I pretty much spray my lysol each night anyway, but thought I'd do that again just to be sure. Of course all the blankets were washed (as they are every weekend) and I cleaned the pack n plays down real good too. All I have to say is that whatever germs we had, they should be gone now!

I wish parents would make tons of noise from the moment they bring their kids home from the hospital! That way these kids would know how to sleep through noise. ugh I have two kids who are up and it's only 1:30. One was in the other room crying and the one out in the living room heard him, so of course he has to chime in and start crying too. Then I have another one who can sleep through anything. He's in the middle of these two and he's just sleeping away. You can tell which parents make noise at home and which ones tiptoe around the house. I decided when I had my kids that we'd keep the same noise level we always had and if I needed to run the vacuum while my kids were sleeping, I did it. Of course now neither one of them can wake up to an alarm clock, so maybe I over did it there. lol Of course one of these little guys who are screaming at the moment (the one who thought he needed to join in) is way to spoiled anyway. And thanks to my mom, he's been too spoiled here. I love my daycare kids, don't get me wrong, but I don't spoiled any of them. It's daycare, you have to do what we do during the day and screaming isn't the answer here. It's not going to get you more on your plate at lunch and it's not going to get you out of taking a nap like the rest of the kids. Life just doesn't work that way. Trust me, these people are lucky to have their kids here, they get taken care of very well!!

Well, I really need a chocolate fix, so I'm off to grab some Annie's Organic Chocolate Bunny Grahams... if you haven't had them, you should try them. They're good!

November 19, 2006

I Need A Chef

I am horrible at coming up with meals for my family. I need help. I need a chef. I need someone who can write it all out for me. I'm hungry but I don't know what to make. It's so easy to get in the car and go through a drive thru or order food and pick it up. I'm lazy. I know this. You don't have to tell me this. We are NOT eating out today... we are NOT! I am making us a nice homecooked meal. What's so frustrating is that I just spent $99.33 at that-store-I'm-ashamed-to-shop-at yesterday and still, we have nothing to eat. Or that's how it seems.

Anyway, we didn't go to Muncie today. I did watch church tv though. I picked Mr. Smiley... aka Joel Osteen, for today's sermon. He had a real good message. He was talking about fear and about angels and God's protection. He made it a point to say that we don't pray to our angels and we don't give praise to our angels and that the only one we pray and give praise to is God. Of course I already knew that, but I was impressed that he made it a point to mention that, since I'm sure there are those who do think that if they pray to their guardian angels that they are going to be protected. I have an angel clip in my car on the passenger side visor... sometimes when we're driving and especially when we get on the interstate, I will touch it and say a little prayer. Kind of silly, I know, but it makes me feel safer.

Well, gotta go... it seems the kids are having issues. Not the human kids, the other ones. Chloe will not stay out of the bed in the kitchen that we made for Andy. She has her own cage in there with her blankets, but since Andy stays upstairs during the week, we made a little bed for him yesterday and today so he wouldn't have to lay on the hard floor. Seems that Chloe has decided it's hers. As usual.

If it's not the kids, it's the dogs. Have a great Sunday!

November 17, 2006

Again! UGH

I am sick... AGAIN! Why you ask? Because I have sick daycare kids and they just can't seem to get sick and better at the same time. It stinks I tell ya! One of my little guys is on antibiotics right now, another probably should be but heaven forbid his mom or dad take off work to take him and get him checked. I personally think he has an ear infection and if they all could just get on antibiotics at the same time and get better at the same time, maybe, JUST maybe we'd get some relief. So, I've been a big grouch today. Just knowing that I will probably end up in bed for the weekend makes me crabby. I like to have my weekends to do stuff too!

I didn't have any big plans, but I thought about meeting a friend tomorrow to watch the Ohio State/Michigan game. I just heard a few minutes ago that Michigan's coach just collapsed and died. How sad! Not sure of the details but they said that the game for tomorrow was still on.

So, I'm sitting here sucking down water and green tea, taking vitamins, eating healthy things like bananas and raspberries and trying to convince myself that I do not need meds to help out.

I am anti-antibiotic... especially for ear infections, but I can't tell my daycare parents what to do, so if all they're going to do is use antibiotics, then that's what they'll have to do. I did all the time when my kids were little. I wish I knew then what I know now! I think I'm going to try the h2o2 remedy. I'll let you know if it works.

OH and major bad news... they just opened a Mc Donald's about 2 miles from my house. It's gonna be so hard to be good!! Especially in the mornings! I love their breakfast! I wish they'd go organic!

November 16, 2006

God is Good!

He never fails. Everytime I need Him, He is there!

Again, for the second year in a row, (well, probably longer than that) He has provided me with what I need to cover the bills and make it possible for my kids to have a nice Christmas.

The kids that were here on Monday for the day; are back today, are coming tomorrow and all next week. Their mom called yesterday and asked if I could keep them on such short notice as she had a million things to do to get ready for the 20+ people that are going to be at their house for Thanksgiving. Of course I said I'd watch them! I also had 3 kids from another former daycare family here yesterday afternoon. Every little bit helps!

I'm so thankful, but there's also something in the back of my mind that is telling me to do something more than just give my kids a nice Christmas. Do I need to focus more on the true meaning of Christmas? Do I need to teach my kids something more about Christmas? I'm praying... and I know that it is going to be revealed to me soon. I am praying that I can give back what the Lord has provided for me. Maybe not with money, but perhaps with time or just with my effort.

Besides, there's nothing that we really need. We have more than we deserve now!

November 15, 2006

H2O2 Prevents Colds and Flu

Here's a great article I found on Dr. Mercola's website.

Hydrogen Peroxide For Colds and Flu

Dr. Mercola's Comment:
From what we have read, hydrogen peroxide works quite well and is supposed to be effective 80% of the time, especially if done when the symptoms first appear. While it seems contrary to what we have been taught about colds and flu we know quite a few people who have tried it with great success.
In 1928 Richard Simmons, M.D. hypothesized that colds and flu virus enter through the ear canal. His findings were dismissed by the medical community. According to Dr. Simmons, contrary to what you may think or have been taught about how you catch the flu or the cold there is only one way that you can catch the two, and that's via the ear canal not through the eyes or nose or mouth as most have believed.
Keeping your fingers out of your ears will greatly reduce your chances of catching them, but then again these two are microscopic and can be air-born and may land on or even in your ear. Once they have entered the inner-ear (middle-ear) there they begin their breeding process, and from there they have access to every avenue throughout our body to travel to and to infect and make us sick.
In 1938 German researchers had great success using hydrogen peroxide in dealing with colds and the flu. Their data has been ignored for over 60 years.
It is important to begin treatment as soon as symptoms appear. If treatment is started promptly effectiveness seems to be in the 80% range.
We have found remarkable results in curing the flu & cold within 12 to 14 hours when administering a few drops of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) into each infected ear, (sometimes only one ear is infected) The H2O2 starts working within 2 to 3 minutes in killing the flu or cold; there will be some bubbling and in some cases mild stinging occurs.
Wait until the bubbling & stinging subside (usually 5 to 10 min) then drain onto tissue and repeat other ear. A bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide in 3% solution is available at any drug store for a couple of dollars.
Although this method is perfectly safe for infant/children to use, the loud bubbling and stinging frightens them, they'll need someone they trust to put the hp in their ears. (don't get h2o2 in the eyes- if you do, flush with water)

November 14, 2006

Anti - myspace

I remember about 9 years ago when my mom got internet set up at her house. We were still living with my parents (only this time in their house - lol) and I decided one night that I'd just surf around. I swear I was on that thing for 8 hours. I didn't get to bed until 4 am. It's like you lose all track of time when you're online.

Well, thanks to myspace, that very same thing happened last night. It all started off innocently... my friend Gwen and I were instant messaging each other looking up past boyfriends and guys we knew long ago on Michigan's Correctional site. It gives all the juicy info on what people did and how much time they got for their crimes. So we're going through all the people we knew and looking up all the bad things they've done... well, around 11:00 she was a smart girl and went to bed, while I took a gander at myspace.

Now myspace is not new to me, but I guess I'm just not hip enough to actually feel the need to get on there so I rarely do. lol However, the amazing thing is, just by searching one name you can find tons of people. It's all in the "friends"... links galore. Which brings more links and so on and so forth. Of course I'm more mature now... I made myself shut my computer off at 2 am! TWO IN THE MORNING PEOPLE! I was online looking up people on myspace until 2 AM! I don't know what the heck happened. And the worst part about that was that I had been on the computer almost all night anyway. I added it up, I was online for 7 hours straight last night. And the worst part about it... when I finally shut the thing off, I looked over to see my youngest curled up in the recliner beside me fast asleep with two books in his hands.

I had told him we'd read before bed and when he came down with the books he'd picked, I told him to "hold on just a minute". Then when he asked if I was ready to read yet, I said "just one more minute honey". When he asked again it was "yes, I'm almost done". I guess he finally gave up. And you know what, I totally spaced it and totally forgot all about it.

When I went to bed I had a sick feeling in my stomach. I told myself I was too old to stay up that late and that I was sick because at my age, I need sleep. The more I think about it, I may have had that sick feeling for another reason. I totally failed as a mom!! I didn't know it in my mind, but I knew it in my stomach! I was just too tired to figure it out.

Why do other people's lives seem so interesting to us? Why are we so concerned with what others are doing that we forget or ignore what's going on around us? I know there's a Bible verse to go along with this, but I just can't find it right now.

Tonight is reading DOUBLE night!!! The computer will go off at 7:00 sharp!!! And no more myspace!!

November 13, 2006

Now What?

I have a housefull of kiddos today. I've been up since 6:30. Had breakfast, been to the bank, changed two diapers, played with puzzles, shook the rugs and actually had time to get online to make this entry.

I have 2 kids here today that I watched last year. Their mom is a stay at home mom but she got very ill for about 6 months last year and was so weak she could not care for them herself. A former client that goes to their church recommended me and so I had them for quite a while. Unfortunately it's under sad circumstances that I have them today, but it's nice to be able to see them again. They're real cute and at the age that I love (preschool).

So I saw my best friend and her daughter this weekend. It was a short but sweet visit. We picked up Applebees for dinner, took lots of pictures and just hung out. We'll have to get together again soon, and for a little longer next time.

Yesterday we ended up going to Muncie again for the day. We went to church in the morning and did some Christmas shopping in the afternoon. I got quite a bit of my youngest son's done. He stayed at the house with grandpa while me, my mom and T1 went out. Right before we left I realized we did not have his inhaler. T2 had taken it out of my purse and not put it back. Luckily my mom had kept some Benedryl there, so I got that out and told my dad if he had any problems he could have that. I also said that he probably needed to make sure that he dind't run around or get too active. So, me my mom and T1 go on our merry way to do out shopping and are at Best Buy when I get a call from T2. He's wheezing and wants to know where his inhaler is. I calmly tell him we don't have it and to have grandpa help him with the Benedryl. Thank goodness we were at the check out and less than 5 minutes away. So I'm on the phone with him, talking him through his breathing, having him go outside and breathe in the cold air, etc. When we get to the house, he is doing much better. As we're talking about the situation my dad chimes in and says he missed half the Colts game because he took T2 over to the playground. Umm, didn't I tell someone to make sure my son didn't get too active? But of course it was T2's idea and grandpa can't say no to his grandson... so what are ya gonna do?! I decided after that, that T2 needed to rest and take a little nap. I laid down with him and slept until 5:30. We left about 6:30 and I came home and cleaned up for today and went to bed. I do have to add that I was very disappointed with Toys R Us. They didn't have hardly anything that was on T2's list. Best Buy on the other hand was a shoppers dream come true. We walked in and the guy at the door asked if we were looking for something specific, I told him what we wanted, another guy said he'd take us right to them, we went there, they had the exact one. Then he showed us the games that went with it and they had the exact two that Toys R Us didn't. We were done and at the check out within a matter of minutes. It was wonderful! I'd have to say it was my best shopping experience to date!

There were about twice as many people in church yesterday than there was last week. Very exciting! I hope that church just grows and grows. They have such nice people there. It's a very comfortable church. You can go there and just be yourself. The way it should be.

Well, guess I'll go help my mom with the kids. Have a wonderful Monday!

November 10, 2006

Today...

... They are putting up the Christmas Tree in Times Square.

... We only have 2 daycare kiddos.

... We are having Chinese for lunch.

... Young and the Restless is gonna be good.

... My best friend is coming.

... I get to see her daugher for the first time.

... The weather is beautiful.

Today is Great!

November 8, 2006

It's A Sad Day, My Friends

Waking up to learn that the Democrats have gained power is not a happy feeling. I blame this on the nonconfrontational Republicans and their unwillingness to get out and vote. And yes, I voted. Everyone in my house who could vote, did so. It's just not an exciting thing to know that their first order of business will be for, and focus on abortion (at ANY stage in pregnancy - how sick is that?!) and the legalization of gay marriage. And here they "claimed" all along it was about the war. Hmm. Guess not. Sad day. OH, and I must make another comment here and you can agree or disagree, but deep down in your donkey hearts you have to acknowledge this... with all the "gliches" at many of the polls yesterday, if Republicans would have taken the House, there would be some major drama, whining and protesting on the Democrats side. But us Republicans, we take the high road. What's done is done.

Anyway... on to brighter news. I decided to make it my goal this year to buy all my Christmas gifts online. I love that amazon gives free shipping (when you buy enough) and I got many of my gifts on there last year. Well, I thought that was what I'd do this year too until I started comparing prices. On two items that my son wants, I can buy it from Toys R Us and save $13 PLUS if I spend $75 or more (which I will) I'll get a $10 gift card. So far I have two of those coupons, so hey, that's $20 for another gift. Then I have another coupon for a $5 gift card if I buy the movie "Cars" at Toys R Us. Not a bad deal. Amazon can keep their free shipping. Although now I will have to go out and face the public, but I think I will be ok knowing that I'm saving money. I'm actually having fun finding the best buy and grabbing all these coupons. I was in CVS this morning and got a coupon on my receipt for a buy a Reeses Cup and get a "Big Cup" free, well of course I stopped and used it right away. I'm a sucker for free things.

We only have 2 daycare kids today... what a nice break. Now if they'll both take decent naps it will be a good day around here. I never heard back from that crazy lady about daycare. I don't think I would take her child now even if she did call. It's been too long and she's too weird. I don't need that hassle right now. The money wouldn't even be worth it at this point. I think I need my sanity more.

Taylor informed us that we're having a party tonight. We're renting "Cars", having nachos and cheese, popcorn and carmel cashew turtles. We really know how to party around here, don't we?! Call us "Party Animals".

You know what though, I love my life!!

November 6, 2006

This Week

Has officially begun. Although technically it began yesterday. (Sunday is the first day of the week.)

We went to Muncie with my parents yesterday and stayed all day and went to morning and night church. While I was in church I closed my eyes and just envisioned the church full. They only have 10-20 people per service. The church was hit hard by the former pastor and all his IMMoral doings, so I can understand why they lost pratically all their members. I just wish people would give it a try and fill it up.

I decided last week that I am going to stay Nazarene. My kids are 5th generation Nazarenes and I'd like some sort of tradition/legacy for them to follow. So, we'll either be making the long drive to Muncie each week or we'll find a closer Nazarene church in our area. I really feel that I need something that already has a children's program so that my kids can benefit from it. Although I've also wondered if I shouldn't offer to start a children's program at my father's church. My kids are really the only kids who go there, but it would be nice to have something in place if they had any visitors with children. If that were the case we would probably move there. I would have to do daycare there and the church use to have a daycare and has a seperate building for daycare, but my dad said it has a horrible mold problem and I wouldn't want it. He also mentioned that it probably wouldn't be a good idea to start another daycare after everything that happened. So, with only negative thoughts on that, it makes me think that I'm not suppose to go there. I really like where I live and it really feels like home, but I would go if God said to.

So we got up early Sunday, got ready, let the dogs out, got them ready to go (they love going to Muncie) and left by 7:45. We ask the dogs if they "want to go to Grandma's house?" and they go crazy until they are able to get in the car. Chloe rides in her travel crate in the back seat between the boys and Andy rides upfront with me in the passenger seat on a blanket. He likes to ride in the front and usually lays down the whole way. The only time he gets up is to look out the window or to give me a kiss. We ran through Mc Donald's for breakfast, then went to my parents "weekend house" and ate. Went to morning church and out to Applebees for lunch. We were going to go to Cheeseburger in Paradise but we looked at their menu before we went in and didn't really think it was a Sunday lunch/dinner type place and my dad really wanted a good steak. I had the riblet basket, as usual. Their ribs were really good. Later that afternoon my mom, the boys and I went to Target, Starbucks and Casual Male (to find some pants for my dad). My dad stayed home and took a nap with the dogs. He said he'd been sleeping for awhile and Chloe jumped up on his lap and woke him up. She's like that... always has to have attention. She doesn't do well when we go away and will whine until I hold her. Since we shopped all day and were still there, we went to night church too. Taylor was so tired he laid down in the pew and slept the whole time. I wish I could have joined him. I was so happy to get home and get in my bed.

I had a daycare interview last Wednesday and the lady still hasn't made up her mind if they are coming here or not. I'm thinking that if it's taking this long then they won't be, I just wish they'd hurry up. I've already let her know I'm not holding a spot for her. I'm kind of leary of her anyway. When I asked if she'd need time to give her current provider notice, she said they weren't going to. That's just rude in my opinion. I wouldn't want someone to do that to me. I have the provider's number and I feel like calling her and warning her that they are leaving. I would want someone to do that for me. Although I have a contract that says they have to give me at least a two weeks notice, so I'm pretty much covered. She keeps emailing me with questions that were already answered at the interview, but I just keep answering them. If it wasn't close to Christmas, I'd just let it go and tell her I don't think we'd be a good match. Unfortunately I need the money so I'm having to suck it up, play nice and let her "think" the ball is in her court. And that's not pretty on me! At. All. I'll tell you what though... if she decides after all this that they're not coming here, I'm calling the provider and giving her a heads up that they're leaving. Would that be mean?

Well, I'm off to drink some orange juice and relax. I want to get to bed at a decent time and keep up with my sleep this week. I also am going to make myself remember to take my vitamins and wash my hands pretty much 24/7. All my daycare kids are sick with colds and we've been dealing with this on some level for over a month. I had something a few weeks ago so hopefully my turn is up. But, just in case, I'm going to do everything I can to prevent myself from getting ill. Why, you ask. Because this weekend I actually HAVE PLANS! I get to see my "niece" who I've never seen before. Oh and I get to see my bestest friend in the whole wide world of 16? 17? years. We are amazing friends because to anyone on the outside looking in, you'd think that if you put the two of us in a room together neither would make it out alive. To the naked eye, you'd never imagine that we could be bestest friends, but we are and yes, we are spoiled brats who disagree on many things, but we never really fight. We tolerate each other because we are truly bff. And always will be.

November 4, 2006

Saturday

I love Saturdays. Today I was up by 8:30 but didn't get in my shower until 11:15. Then I was hurrying because I had to get to the bank by 12. I had to go to a different bank to cash the people's check who only came on Monday and quit on Tuesday. I just wanted to make sure the check was still good. I've had people cancel checks on me in the past so I didn't want to take the chance of depositing it into my account. I was happy to find that it was a good check.

I was going to try and go shopping with my friend Jenny today, then the phone rang and it was a friend of Taylor's. I had forgotten that I had told him on Thursday that they could get together today... So I went and met his mom at 1:00 to pick him up. She'll call later and come and get him. They are outside playing right now. Levi (Taylor's friend) is alot like him. Very easy going, loves everything the world has to offer and is just a really good kid. I'm glad Taylor has friends to spend time with. I know they say that socialization is a huge problem in homeschooled kids, but I disagree. Yes, my kids have a smaller group of friends, but they are still socializing. And I'm sorry, but I would rather have them socializing with a small group of well behaved kids than a huge group of kids in public schools who aren't being taught manners, morals, or how to act appropriately. What's the big deal? I don't have a huge group of friends, but the friends I have are good friends with good morals. I pick quality over quantity.

Well, I'm hearing banging out in the garage so I better go be a good parental figure and see what's going on.

November 2, 2006

Just Some Thoughts

Because I don't have a topic... this is what's rolling around in my brain right now.

-I do not like it when I'm downstairs and my kids are upstairs fighting and I have to hear doors open and shut continuously. Hate it! It gets on my nerves more than anything. grrrr

- I also do not like it when I have to send my kids to bed early and under bad circumstances. They've had dinner so I don't feel too bad for them, and they also had about 453 warnings that they better KNOCK IT OFF or they'd be going to bed early. THEY chose bed.

- Some lady in our paper wrote in and said how she would be voting next Tuesday and how important it is to vote this year because of the all day Kindergarten thing (she has 3 children and is FOR it)... she said, and I quote: "most parents work 9-5 jobs and can't come home and babysit"
WHAT?? Since when did having your children at home become babysitting? I swear I'd like this woman's number!

- There's another article in our paper today that talks about the bullying situation in our town's intermediate public school. It talks about a 6th grade girl who was being bullied so badly that she was on the brink of an emotional breakdown. To that the principal of the school said that "the bullying is just a minor problem". Hmm, MINOR huh? A girl is on the verge of a emotional breakdown and that's just a little minor problem? The girl refused to go back and thank God her parents didn't make her. She is now in a private school and hopefully isn't being bullied any more. (I'm so glad I homeschool!) The sad thing is, this issue seems to be one that is ongoing. It's ALWAYS a subject in our paper.

-On a good note... the kids at co-op were awesome again today!! I can honestly say I love teaching right now. I love the kids in the class and most likely will volunteer to teach that class again next semester.

- On a bad note... I didn't hear back from the lady that I had an interview with last night, so most likely that means that they aren't coming here. She said they would call tomorrow and bring by the deposit. Well, neither happened, so I'd say it's a no. Which means no extra money... which means I'm back to worrying about Christmas (or lack thereof) and bills and all that fun stuff.

And now that I have myself all depressed and thinking about what I'm NOT going to be able to get my kids for Christmas, I think I'll go upstairs, let them get up and read to them. I'm such a horrible mother! OH and thanks Chris... Thanks for being a good dad and for paying for and supporting your responsibilities. I know you can't right now because even though you're 34 .5 years old you still have the maturity of a 15 yr old and decided a while back that it would be fun to rob a woman at gunpoint in a Walmart parking lot (getting only $4 out of it -bet you feel dumb!) thus getting yourself time in the big house. Not that you were paying child support anyway... oh ya, and I heard from my lady at friend of the court that you got 45 days added on to your current sentence for not paying that support. You deserved 45 YEARS! Oh well, it's a nice Christmas present to me just to know that you'll be sharing your eggnog and Christmas day festivities in your jail cell with Bubba. I hope there's lot of mistletoe and I hope you took your chapstick! Loser.

November 1, 2006

It's November?

I can't believe how fast 2006 has gone. I can't believe Halloween is over and Thanksgiving is on its way. We don't have any plans for Thanksgiving again this year... just us, at home, alone. Boring! I should be using this time to volunteer somewhere, but I don't know where. I'm sure my mom will make a big turkey dinner and we'll have fun, I just miss the whole family getting together in Michigan and I miss going to the Fantasy Of Lights parade every year. What I haven't ever done is the Black Friday early morning shopping thing... and I seriously doubt I'll do it this year either. That just does not excite me to think about having to deal with the crowds of people that do that every year. I don't like shopping that much anymore anyway and I REALLY don't like crowds, so I think I'll just stay home and sleep in that day.

Ok, I figured out how to go Trick or Treating and have it be not-so-bad of an outting... you take your ipod! (Or you borrow your son's) It was great... I was walking along to JT and singing "I'm bringing sexy back... them other boys don't know how to act..." into my flashlight and the best part was that I was absolutely OBLIVIOUS to the world around me. Other than the cold air blowing in my face (brr) and making sure it was MY kid who was next to me, I didn't hear a thing. That meant NO KID NOISES - YAY!!! Don't get me wrong, I love what I do for a living and I love little kids, but after 5:30 pm I do not want to hear ANOTHER. CRYING. SCREAMING. KID. NOISE. Ask my parents... I refuse to go out to eat on weeknights because regardless of where we sit or who is in the place when we arrive, we will no doubt have 6 tables of screaming brats surrounding us by the time our order arrives. And after 5:30, I'm done hearing those kinds of noises!! Which could lead to a whole other topic/post of WHY parents aren't training their children to behave in public these days, but I'm too tired from last nights rocking out to care. And I'm hungry and there's a ham and cheese sandwhich waiting for me in my kitchen, and Y&R is on.

So, I'm out ya'll!!
Oh and P.S. - I have an interview tonight, pray it's a good match.
The lady actually brought her kids to trick or treat at my house last night. My mom was the "candy passer-outter" and I heard her talking to this lady and then I heard her say "Yes, Tonja's here"... so I went to the door and the lady just starts talking to me like I should know who she is and I just sat there looking at her like I had no idea... (which I didn't). Finally she told me who she was and that we had an interview scheduled and I was like "Oh, ok" (still wondering who the heck she was) and then it hit me and I tried to be all happy and inviting, but by then it was too late and she probably thinks I'm a total snob. But HEY how was I suppose to know. I was still in JT mode. I will apologize tonight. If they still show up. lol

October 31, 2006

1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back

That's how I feel today. Every time I think I'm getting somewhere, I get knocked back a couple steps. I feel like one of those blowup clowns that you knock down and they keep popping back up. I guess the good thing is that I keep popping back up, right?

Long story short... I woke up this morning around 8:00 and felt a strange peacefulness in my house. No kids were screaming and it just seemed too calm. I knew before I got out of bed that the new daycare kids did not come back. I got up, walked downstairs and asked my mom what happened. She said the mom called, they didn't like my contract so they weren't coming back. She wanted me to call her at work. So I did. She explained that they didn't think I should have paid holidays/time off etc. I didn't say anything and didn't defend it, I didn't feel like wasting my time. Then she said her husband would be over to pick up the check and bring me one for just yesterday and to get their things. I said "Ok, bye" and that was that. I'm pretty sure they also didn't like that fact that I asked them to have their kids dressed before they brought them in the mornings, but oh well.

Before I even walked downstairs I had this song in my head. I keep playing it over in my mind. I know He gives and takes away... but I will still choose to praise Him. Something good is coming my way. He's proven that too many times for me to worry!

Blessed Be Your Name
by Matt Redman
- - -
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

October 30, 2006

Devil's Night

Tonight is "devil's night", which doesn't mean much to us Hoosiers, but if you live anywhere near Detroit you know what happens on such a night as this. Nothing good! What is wrong with people? I've never been overly excited about Halloween, but if you take the fun/good part of it and only focus on that, it's not so bad.

So this morning I had a bright and early interview at 7:30 am. They came, interviewed, decided it was a go and left the kids. That was a first for me. I don't think I've ever had anyone do that in my almost 7 years of daycare. The parents seem real nice and the kids were good. The 18 month old was real good. He just played by himself all day. The 6 month old was a little unhappy about the whole thing, but I'm sure it was hard being in a new place. He cried a lot but hopefully we'll get him into a routine and he'll be adjusted and happy in no time. They are part-time so it shouldn't be bad. I have another interview on Wednesday for a 3 yr old. Of course a boy... I have ALL boys. Just like I've always had. I've had girls here and there, but always more boys. They're easier anyway!!

Taylor seems to be feeling better today. It was SO nice out that he played with the neighbor girl for a good 4 hours this afternoon. He's still outside in the backyard now. It will be hard to get him in tonight. It's been so long since we had nice weather and today was just beautiful. Now if it can be this nice tomorrow night for the kids. Actually it could just stay this nice all winter and I'm sure there wouldn't be any complaints. Except for maybe the kids who want snow.

Well, I am T.I.R.E.D. so I am going to go put my feet up and relax. I worked hard today!

PS- I have officially lost all hope for marriage... I can't believe Reese and Ryan are over. Say it isn't so!!!!

October 29, 2006

An Hour Earlier

It's such a honor to be among the other states that participate in Day Light Savings Time. After living here for 10 years I was kind of getting use to not having to set the clocks back each Fall and ahead each Spring... but as of last Spring we joined in. Cause who said Hoosiers can't party with the best of 'em.

I should be getting ready for church right now. We were going to start going back to "our" church (the one that isn't my father's) last week but I was sick. Today I am on the schedule to greet but guess what... my son is sick. Yes, poor Taylor who woke up yesterday morning looking like he had been ran over by a truck, looked at me and said "Mom, I'm not doing so well today." Umm ya, I guess not. So needless to say I had to make a quick dash to CVS because although we had meds for colds and for fevers, we did not have meds for "colds AND fevers". He pretty much laid around the house all day. And of course because I'm such a MOM, my date night got delayed. We still went out, but only to Kohls- because by golly my kid wasn't on his death bed or anything!! There's always time for shopping!! And shopping we did do! We were only gone for a couple hours and Taylor called about a zillion times so really it was like I was there by his side the whole time. He only had one request and that was that we bring him back some gummy worms. Such an easy to please child! I took his temp before he went to bed and it was at 102. So ya, I think we should stay away from church today.

So... if for some reason aliens mess with my brain and I decide that marriage would be a good thing... I found a house, and it's one of God's. It's in a small town about 20 minutes from me and it's an old church. They only want $92,500 and it's about 7,000 sq feet. It's super cute! It's an old white country church with a steeple and stained glass windows. Wouldn't that be neat to make into a house? I think so. They have a place added on to the back with what looks like classrooms and I thought it would be a perfect place to have a daycare or a preschool. Of course if I ever get married, I won't be working. That is one of my stipulations. lol

Speaking of daycare... I guess I have two new kids starting on Monday? They were suppose to come over for an interview yesterday but the mom called and said the father wasn't home from work yet and that he wanted to come too, so she thought they would just forget the interview and she would just tell her boss she'd be a little late on Monday morning and just stay for a few minutes longer to talk when she drops them off. OoooKAY. Hmm, odd. Well, I guess because she's never had to have daycare before (family has always watched the kids) I'll give her the benefit of the doubt that she has no idea how to go about finding daycare. On the other hand, this could be scary. I've never met her or her kids so I'm kind of taking them sight unseen, I don't usually do that. Although I guess I could look at it as being in my favor because she'll have to sign my contract before she can leave her kids and she won't really have time to disagree with any of my policies. lol I think I'll call her today and ask if we could at least have a phone interview. Hey, as long as she remembers the check (and it's good), I think we'll be ok. Unless of course her kids scream all day... then we will have issues.

Well, I think my sick child is up, so I better go see if he needs anything. Have a great Sunday!

October 27, 2006

Fast

Is it just me or did this week go super fast? Not complaining, just saying...

Yesterday was crazy, as is most Thursdays. I had to run errands in the morning and teach in the afternoon. The kids were actually really great. I was so impressed with them. I had my lesson all figured out but needed something else to fill my hour... as I was in the Dollar Store I prayed to God that He would help me figure something out. Just then I looked and saw a roll of packing paper. You know the brown paper you wrap boxes in. Well, it just popped into my head that we could use that to make a timeline. So I grabbed it along with some bribing tools (aka candy) and we were on our way. The kids LOVED the idea of making a timeline and I gave each of them their own date and what happened and had them write is out and draw pictures. The best thing was that they were actually working TOGETHER!! They decided they needed to make a line straight down the middle of the paper, so one boy got his ruler out and they took turns helping make the line. I couldn't believe how great they did. Of course one of our "active" kids wasn't there so I'm sure that helped.

After co-op Taylor wanted his friend Isaac to come home with us for the evening, so we brought him home. Of course after playing for a couple hours they decided it was too early for Isaac to go home and that he needed to spend the night. I don't think I slept all night. I couldn't get to sleep until they were asleep, then I got up to let Chloe out at 2:30 and looked in their room and both my boys were fast asleep but Isaac was up and watching tv. I asked him if he was ok and he said yes, so I just went back to bed. I saw the tv go off a few minutes after that so I hope he got some sleep. They got up late this morning and Isaac left around 10:30. Now both boys are upstairs napping. lol Oh the good ol days of sleepovers.

Tonight Rick's coming over and we'll probably just order pizza. He said he has a surprise for me... I'm sure it's jewelry. Later we'll carve our pumpkins with the boys and maybe watch a movie. We also need to make a trip to the Halloween store to get the rest of their costumes. I also need to get some goodies for the daycare party Tuesday. I think my parents are going to pass out candy this year. Last year they were both working nights and I had to take the boys out, so our house sat dark. I hate not passing out candy. I feel like if your kids go out someone should be at your house to pass out candy too. Give and take.

Tomorrow Rick and I have a date night. I'm not sure when the last time was that I actually went out with him and didn't have the boys. He said he'll make all the plans... that could be scary. We could end up in Vegas. I think I'll add my two cents and ask for dinner and shopping. I haven't been to Lord Ashley's for awhile. It's a small cozy, candlelit place with great food. Maybe we can go there and then to Kohls. I need a new outfit for Sunday. I am greeting at church and I need to look good. LOL

Here's to the weekend...

October 25, 2006

What's Up

Not much going on around here... yesterday the daycare kids were pretty crabby and tired. (Need I say more on how my day went.) But last night was better. As soon as the kids left, we all (my parents, my kids, Rick and I) went to Applebees for dinner. While there, we saw my preacher's wife and some local "celebrities" (The Burds) and had a really good time just eating and talking. Then me, Rick and the kids went to Walmart. Rick bought the kids tons of stuff (we really need to talk about the spoiling!!) and I had to get some things. I was SO excited... I found Gerber 2nd foods for 25 cents! I bought 48 jars (or rather Rick bought me 48 jars). Since I have 2 daycare babies that are on 2nd food, this was a steal. And since I use the Standard Food Allowance for my taxes and get $1.96 for lunch, paying only 25 cents is a major steal!! Then we came back and watched Nacho Libre. I have no comment on that movie... all I can say is I don't think I'd actually sit and watch it a second time, but it was ok the first time. The kids also got Monster House and watched that this morning.

I ran up to the library today and got two books that look very interesting. They are: 'Jerusalem Countdown: A Warning to the World' by John Hagee (I like him) and 'Every Prophecy of the Bilble' by John F. Walvoord (never heard of him). I also got 'Little House On The Prairie' which is the second book in the series, but they didn't have 'Little House In The Big Woods'. Maybe I should wait and get that one first. I'd like to read them all to the kids this fall/winter. I know they are boys, but I just LOVE those books and since I get to be the teacher, I guess we'll read them. My grandma got me the whole set for Christmas one year when I was little but they've been packed away somewhere forever and I'll probably never find them. Maybe I should just go to Borders and get the whole set for myself.

Well, I did it... I signed up to be a foster parent... but not for a child, for animals. lol I know, WHAT AM I THINKING!?! There is an organization here in Indy called P.A.W.S. and I've wanted to work with them for a long time but every time they've had an opening, I have had something else planned for that date. They sent me an application to fill out yesterday and as soon as they get it back they'll call and set up a home study and soon after I'll get a foster puppy or dog. We can't do cats because of Taylor's allergies but then again, I wouldn't really want cats anyway. I also signed up for other small caged animals like hamsters or gerbils. I'm kind of thinking there won't be many of those though... I mean they're just hamsters! Anyway, my mom is freaking out... she says she can just picture me ending up with a whole house full of dogs, but that won't happen. It's like the daycare kids, you love them but you know they aren't yours. If the doggies are going to a good home, I'll be happy for them. I hope I get a little puppy that still needs bottle fed... awwwww!! And I hope my dogs aren't too jealous. I'm sure Andy will hate just about anything we keep, but Chloe will have a ball. I can just picture her playing the mommy role to any puppies we get. Plus Andy won't play with her and she really wants another puppy to play with. What's one more dog anyway?!

So, that's what's happening around here. I'm off to start one of my new books while the daycare kids are still sleeping.