LIVIN AND LOVIN

A Recap in Pictures

2011-09-07T13:20:00.006-04:00

I can't believe I posted this pic...oh well let this be a before shot of me :)

Hubby made our Sunday Family Dinner as always!

Zach enjoying lunch pool side.

Zman and his cousin.

"Mom no more pictures!"

Love enjoying her lunch pool side.

My mom and my aunt...who is responsible for this wonderful trip!

My cousin Matt and Love

The kiddos enjoying an ice cream

Great kids!

Hubby and I having a great time at the "quiet pool" which had a separate area on the lawn right next to the water.

Hubby and Zman in the water

My bestest friend!

The cook and his "assistant"

Lot's of "techy" stuff going on all weekend...everyone either had a lap top, Iphone or I pod.

Love having fun...as always!

Me "winning"

Hannah and her Nanny

Impromptu family photo

Love and her cousin.

Homemade funnel cake

A Weekend Away

2011-09-02T11:46:00.003-04:00

This weekend in observance of Labor Day, the family and I are heading up to a beach we haven't explored before...Palm Coast Florida. I'm looking forward to absolutely nothing; no plans, no place to be except pool or beach side relaxing. Now we currently live in SW Florida and live 7 minutes from the beach. However, my aunt thought it would be a great idea for her to rent a 5000 sq ft house on the beach and invite our family, my mom and her brother and his family too...what was I supposed to say "no?"...I didn't think so!

I will be taking lots of pictures and sharing here.

What are you plans this weekend?

Eat your veggies...or Salad.

2011-08-25T13:05:00.005-04:00

On my quest to lose weight and more importantly eat healthy I have discovered these quick and delicious salad

Can you tell it was good?

It's portion controlled which I like so I know how many calories I am eating. My favorite salad is my own special concoction which includes greens, feta cheese, sliced pepperoncini, black olives, cucumber, tomatoes and Good Seasoning "Mild Italian" dressing with half a splenda...so good.

Today is the first day of many changes needed in my life...I will document all of these changes along with the blood, sweat, tears that will go into it...stay tuned.

Gotta Try This One

2011-08-18T12:10:00.004-04:00

Image Courtesy of www.jlohr.com

I'm not a wine drinker...I like my rum. However, this past weekend we had dinner with new friends. These friends whom we met are serious wine drinkers...I mean they had their own wine refrigerator where the temperature could be controlled. This J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon was the BEST wine I have EVER had. So I just had to tell you about it.

Go out and buy you a bottle and curl up on the couch and enjoy! Or have a glass with dinner.

This is from their website: "A particularly dense vintage, this wine is red-purple in color with a bright hue. Aromas of black currant, plum and black cherry are lifted by a bouquet of vanilla, toasted pastry and spice from a year of barrel aging. The palate is bursting with primary fruit and a broad, rich tannin structure."

I have no idea what that means but it's GOOOOOD!!!!

One Bad Apple Spoils the Bunch

2011-08-15T12:35:00.004-04:00

In an attempt to eat more "healthy" and to get my kids to each more fruit, I paid $3.99 for a package of 5 ready to eat apple slices w/grapes. This is what I found in my pouch...

I have to say it's been a challenge with staying on the healthy track...but I am determined to not give up. I am going to lose weight and be healthy. We have also taken the kids to see a nutritionist as well to talk to them about what foods to each and what to stay away from. I have to say it was eye opening learning about alternative choices and picking the right food.

My lil Love is overweight too. It's not her fault, it's our fault as her parents. We discovered that her whole life has some how always focused around food. My hubby is Italian and does all the cooking; pasta, home made meatballs, coq au vin...she loves it all. We also learned that we would put focus on food when it came to her...for example: We would go to the grocery store and pick up her favorite something and bring it home and say "we got you a surprise" and she would see what it was and then say "oh that's my favorite" or "I love that...thank you". And we were not meaning to hurt her or make her have this unhealthy attachment to food we just had no idea.

I am writing this because I know other parents are dealing with the same thing. We are making better decisions when we are at the store and not bringing the stuff into the home. It's challenging because she walks around the store picking up everything asking if it's "healthy or whole grain"; she is learning but she is 6 and still trying to grasp why she can't have fruit snacks, ice cream, sugar filled yogurt etc...but we are doing it as family which I think has made it a lil easier. Zman lost 7 lbs just by not eating chips and junk...not that he needed to lose weight but he really listened to what the nutritionist said and followed it. Love and I will go this road together...because I'm her influence and I know she is paying attention to me and I want her to be healthy and I want to be healthy too!

Meet the neighbor

2011-08-10T11:34:00.003-04:00

Meet Love's BFF

He comes over almost every.single.day. And when he is not over, she is asking the following: Can Austin come over? Can I call his mom? Is he home yet? Do you think he is home yet? When we get in our community...can you go left...to get Austin?

And even though I sometimes get tired of having kids over every.single.day. He makes her happy and they play barbies together and he doesn't mind. I think he also likes us too since he asked me to take his picture last night because he too "is also a part of our family".

Where did the time go...

2011-08-09T12:40:00.004-04:00

Wow...I cannot believe how long it's been since I have wrote here...so much has happened and so much has gone on and I think "why haven't you been documenting it?" So here I am.

I am just gonna recap and say we are back living in Florida...South Florida near the beach this time. You see, Colorado livin is alright with some people, but this beach loving, sunshine soakin girl loves to be near water and Colorado is what some say "land locked". It was a great experience; picking up moving Cross Country, kids enjoying "snow days" and then deciding a year later "you know what, let's pick up and move again...because it's fun." So here we are...Zman is now 12 going into the 7th grade with his first "girl friend" and lil Miss Love is heading into 1st grade...where did the time go...

My Wife

2010-07-22T13:41:00.003-04:00

A thousand words to be spoken,
A thousand words to be written
A thousand birds to fly in unison
A thousand sounds to be played
A thousand flavors to taste,
Yet Only one word that I want to speak
Only one word my heart needs to write
Only one bird I watch fly away everyday
Only one song my ears need to hear
And only one taste I forever need
The word I speak is love,The word I write is you.
You are the bird that flies away every morning,only to return to my longing heart that afternoon,
The one song that plays is the song of us,
The only taste is of your lips, sweet, soft and
Perfectly made for mine.

Written by: My hubby
Copyright © 2009, 2010

LOVE HIM!!!!

I'm Back!!!!

2009-05-13T18:15:00.004-04:00

I know I have been a bad blogger...I don't know what to say other than I am having fun!

My mom and aunt came into town last week for Mother's Day weekend and I took my mom to a Food and Wine tasting...needless to say we had to help each other to the car we ate so much.

Then that evening a couple who lives down the street (who are way too cool) took us out on the town. We went to downtown Denver to see the Comedy Central CD taping of Nick Thune who was too funny...my ribs hurt from laughing. From there we hit a couple of bars/clubs and got our dance on. We got back to their house about 2:30 in the morning and just talked and hung out...once we hear the birds chirping at 5:30 am we figured we outta call it a night...needless to say that was the first time in a very long time that we got to bed when the sun was already coming out.

Saturday the hubby and I went downtown to LoDo street and browsed the shops kid free which was a nice break and then hung low on Saturday night...I am no spring chicken anymore so I needed to recoop.

On Sunday I took my mom and my aunt to Black Hawk, Colorado which is an old mining town turned into casinos. I was up $25 bucks but couldn't pull myself away but we had a blast. I was a little scared driving up in my rear wheel drive SUV (in Florida they don't come standard 4wd as they do here) up to 8000 feet to the casinos. It began to snow and I was a little scared if it kept snowing I would be stuck or loose control of my car. It ended up clearing up but remained a little cloudy so I made it home safe. That night Hubby went to Target and bought us a bunch of games so we stayed up late talking and playing Bingo, Blackjack and Clue...I forgot how much fun games are. I want to invite everyone over now and have a game party...with a little drinking ;0).

I have to say we moved to one of the coolest streets here in town. Everyone is so nice and welcoming...our neighbors who live directly across the street have kids Love's age so she is having a ball. We have already had both couples over our house as you know we love to entertain.

Zman had his first play at his new school yesterday. He was Horace Tabor...aka "the Silver King". He did an amazing job considering he didn't feel well. He is fitting right in and I am so thankful for this place.

I don't know if it's the altitude or just Colorado but everyone seems so friendly.

Let's see how nice they are when we are dressed to the nines in our San Diego Charger's jerseys for the Denver Broncos game come football season...bring it on!!!

I'm Back!!!!

2009-05-13T18:15:00.001-04:00

And Snow It Goes

2009-04-27T20:09:00.004-04:00

We are loving here in Colorado despite the crazy weather. Our neighbors have told us that the area in which we live really didn't have a bad winter and it's crazy how we are getting all this snow in April. Last week we had a snow storm. I had my first attempt trying to drive in the snow...and notice the word attempt. I had a job interview and I didn't get 2 miles from the house before I had to turn around as my car was losing control. I was so scared. People behind me were probably saying "move out of the way Florida" because they had a good look at my license plate going 10 miles per hour until the back end of the car was losing control. We knew rear wheel drive cars would not work well in snow but we figured we had at least until winter to get new vehicles...boy was I wrong.

But after sleigh riding and vegging out indoors due to being home bound we really enjoyed it...I mean living in Florida you don't have days like this...rain yeah but you can still drive in rain in a rear wheel drive car.

So after the snow came sunny high 60-70 degree weather, we had rain last night I awoke in the middle of the night to snow everywhere...and really coming down. We heard the news last night that there was a chance of snow in the foothills but heck how do I know if I am in the foothills?

By mid morning the sun was shining and by late afternoon all the snow was gone...gotta love it!

Here are some random pics over the past week of the kids enjoying the weather.

I will be back to update you soon. I am sorry for my "lack" of blogging; but I did get a job and with still getting settled and finding daycare for Love things have been a little hectic. However I am on Facebook so all my peeps hit me up there so I can say a little hello when I am absent on here.

I'm Lovin It

2009-04-16T12:28:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting. After unpacking, organizing and playing dress up with Love all day; who has time to blog. I am still looking for a job and if anyone in Colorado needs an Executive Assistant...hit me up!

These pictures were taken at a place called Daniels Park which is very very close to our house so you have to love that. It was truly breathtaking.

I was in the kitchen last night and Love told me that I am the "bestest mom in Colorado"...funny thing she is right!

We Made It

2009-04-08T13:02:00.008-04:00

View outside our local grocery store...a lot different than FL.

Love sleeping in the car.

Once we arrived it snowed and the kids were building a snowman.

View driving behind hubby.

Another view and a gorgeous day.

She cracked me up.

This guy saved the day!

I almost threw up...the trailer was defective...half the car was on the trailer the other half off.

This caused us to leave 4 hours behind schedule.

Love all ready before we left Florida.

Yes indeed. After 4 long days in the car with Love while Hubby had Zman riding with him in the truck it was quite the adventure. I have to say the ride through Kansas...LONG! We had a mishap when loading Hubby's car onto the trailer...see photos.

However we made it to Colorado last Wednesday at 4pm and an hour after we arrived it snowed...and the kids were already building snowmen...it was priceless and I am so glad they got to experience it. The next day we woke up to sunshine and the snow was melted...gotta love Colorado in April that is for sure.

It's so peaceful seeing the mountains everyday...they are amazing. I can't wait to explore everything Colorado has to offer.

Because You Talk Too Loud

2009-03-27T20:15:00.003-04:00

It's the eve before we begin packing up our moving truck to begin our journey to Colorado; all is quiet downstairs except for the sound of Spiderman playing in the background. On the couch sits Love contently on a huge couch with her crayons and her coloring tray on the cushion next to her.

Me-Whatcha watching?

Love-Spidaman...you want to watch wit me?

Me-Sure (she moves her crayons and clears a spot for me on the couch)

Love-You hab to be berry quiet...ok?

Me-Why?

Love-Because you talk too loud and I can't even hear it!

Me-Oh I'm sorry.

Love-Its ok mom

As I sit next to her I begin asking questions because she is engrossed in the movie

Me-Is this Spiderman 1 2 or 3?

Love-Spidaman 3

Me-Oh who is that?

Love-Dat is the Gween Gobwin

Me-Is he bad?

Love-You now who killed hid father? Peta Parka

Me-Oh no...is this scary?

Love-No it not mom...sshh watch it...it's ok weally.

The Countdown Begins

2009-03-25T10:20:00.005-04:00

I am going a little stir crazy being in a home that seems so bare yet surrounded by boxes.

Tomorrow is the day we pick up our moving truck and begin loading it for the start of our new journey Saturday morning at 6am. We are all experiencing a range of emotions...except Love...everytime we are leaving the house she says "are we going to Collar ado now?" God bless her; to be so little and have no idea what is going on just that you are moving to a new place...for all she knows it's right up the street and the minute we step foot in the car she will begin asking "how much longa, are we dare yet?" She has no idea we are in for a long road trip. I am so excited, yet a little nervous too.

My hubby will be driving a 24 foot truck towing his car...he has never done this before and I am a little nervous for him. Please keep me and my family in your prayers while we make our way across country to begin our new journey in Colorado.

As I Sit Here

2009-03-17T19:51:00.004-04:00

...among boxes getting ready for the move. It's out of balance somewhat as we don't know the exact date that we can make the trip. The tenants who are currently residing in the place we will be renting haven't communicated the exact date of their move out prior to 3/31.

I am ready to know the day we load up the truck and make our way. I was hoping it would be a week from Thursday now it could be the following week.

I have packed up Love and Zman's room; meanwhile all that sits is the toys/boxes/furniture that is ready to load on the truck. The living room is packed up and bare except for the tv that we were going to sell but decided to bring with us and the sectional which again we were planning on selling but decided we had room.

This has been one stressful move. Mostly because I am not working and I am in limbo. I am looking for a job in Colorado but I can't fully focus as I am stressing about the details of packing and moving and can't give 100% to finding a job. This is the first time I have been unemployed in a very long time and not have something lined up...so this is weighing on me too.

Colorado Here We Come

2009-03-16T19:55:00.006-04:00

We are moving...next week!!!! I am so excited yet scared too. I am looking forward to moving to a new place, meeting new people and having a fresh start. I am a lil apprehensive about the drive...it's going to take us 3 days with stopping for 2 nights to refresh...it should be interesting though as I will have Love and Brutus with me and hubby will have Zman.

Our prayers have been answered and God is working his plan...things are falling into place and I am ready for our new journey.

I will be a little bit absent for the next 2 weeks as we continue to pack up and start out on our new journey next week!

Wish us luck...promise to be back with great "road trip" stories!!!

I Not Mad At You

2009-03-10T13:34:00.003-04:00

I was heating up Love's leftovers from dinner the night before and she was dictating what she wanted and what she did'nt want.

Love-I only want the chicken...no bread K mom.

Me-Ok...do you want chips too?

Love-No

Me-How about apple sauce?

Love-Yes pwease

I am cutting up the chicken tenders and she notices that I left a little piece on the baking sheet

Love-What about dat one?

Me-Just eat what is on your plate first...you have a bunch.

So once she is finished she walks over to the stove and notices the chicken is gone.

Love-What happened to dat piece of chicken?

Me-I ate it...I'm sorry don't be mad (pretending as if I am crying)

Love-I not mad at you mom...look at my face do I look mad (with a huge smile on her face) Give me a hug...I not mad!

Calgon Take Me Away

2009-03-04T13:31:00.004-05:00

I have been stressing these past few weeks hence the lack of posts...please forgive me. I just didn't want to blog about what so many people are facing right now.

I am collecting unemployment for the first time in my entire working career (16 years) and it's going to be rough for a while. On the bright side we did sell our house on a short sale so now we are left with the uncertainty "now where do we live?"

We have been wanting to move to Colorado for a long time now and it seems the best time is now. I am currently not working and Zman will be out of school soon so now may be the best time. I have heard that Colorado is doing a lot better than Florida during these hard economic times and the crime here in Florida has gotten out of hand. It is no longer a great place to raise kids.

I have been applying for jobs in Colorado as well as Florida but really hoping to get a job in Colorado. It's difficult applying in another state as you are most likely looked over for someone who already lives there. If anyone reading this blog knows someone in Colorado looking for a hard working, organized individual...hook a sista up!

In the meantime I am going to keep taking baths to help relax me...(and have a couple of Bacardi and Diet Cokes)now excuse me while I find me some Calgon.

The Mailman Came Today and Delivered Me Something Other Than Bills

2009-02-27T12:37:00.006-05:00

My friend Missy sent me a package that arrived today. It couldn't have come at a better time. It sure did brighten my day.

Love was on her way upstairs to take a nap and she yelled "you got a packedge". I said "what package?" she replies "wight dare mom" pointing outside our front door.

Look what I got...Ok Love got stuff too. Her and Zman will definately enjoy the crazy straws!

Missy, Thank you so much for brightening my day!

Happy Friday!

Love Don't Stop

2009-02-24T11:49:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was Day 1 of me being at home with my Lil Love. I must say I think I may be her favorite parent now.

We woke up yesterday morning and got Zman and Hubby off to work and decided it was a good idea to curl up in my bed and watch her shows (because we take turns and it was her turn) for a little while. I think we got our energy at 9:30 and we got up and took showers.

At that point is when the food topics set in; she wanted lunch at 9:30. I explained that it was breakfast time and I could make her a waffle, she settled on it.

10 minutes later...

Love-I hungwy mom

Me-What do you want for a snack

Love-Ummm I want sometin in a can

Me-It's not lunch time yet, you can have that for lunch

Love-When is lunch time?

Me-11:30

Love-Oh man...what time is now?

Me-10 o'clock

Love-But I want shells with meat balls pwease mom? pwease?

Me-In a little while ok.

Love-Okkkkkkkkkkkk

5 minutes later

Love-Can I have lunch now?

Now What?

2009-02-20T09:54:00.003-05:00

Today is my last day with my current employer. They broke the news to me on Monday...hence why I have been a little down and not posting.

I am now in the stage of Now What?

Love is happy though she wants to do make-up on Monday and play dress up. Zman is excited since I will be home when he arrives from school...he asked me the other night "mom will you make me a snack or something when I get home?"

Last night when we were done working out at the gym hubby said to me...

Hubby-Starting Monday you will be doing all the stuff around the house

Me-Like what?

Hubby-You know cooking, cleaning, taking care of the kids because you will be home.

Me-Oh no...I won't be doing any cooking; we know how that turns out.

Hubby-Oh you can make a couple things

Me-Like what...eggs and bacon? Bologna sandwiches?

Happy Birthday Love and Zman

2009-02-17T08:40:00.006-05:00

Daddy and Love

Love "cheese"

She is sooo excited about opening presents!

Her cake

Her aunt, grandma and Melanie

Hubby and I trying to help Love take the pic.

All her loot.

I love how she smiles here.

Getting ready to blow out the candles.

She was kissing me and then the camera didn't go off so this is her next pose. Love her smile.

We told her to make a wish and she closed her eyes so tight and put her hands together as if she was praying...I love this photo!

"Yay I did it Daddy"

Our Rockstar and his band!

The book he wanted. (Very interesting I might add)

I bought these sparkler candles and he got a little scared when they were sparking; hubby got hit with the spark and said it hurt a lil...what was I thinking!

Opening his loot!

One of his Club Penguin plushes he wanted.

Another one

Opening more presents.

He got a radio control plane

They both had a great time. After the party they went to their Aunt's house with their cousins for a sleepover and Hubby and I had the house to ourselves. I will do a post about our Valentines Day next. We were exhausted that night as we had an impromtu party Friday night that went until 2am (pictures to follow) and then we had the kids party at noon on Saturday. Needless to say we were passed out tired at 11pm on Valentines Day but hubby did make me a 3 course dinner...Yummy!

I Need More Time

2009-02-13T15:05:00.002-05:00

I think we have all said this a time or two but I need more time today. We are having a little impromptu get together tonight.

Tomorrow Love turns 4 years old...she is my Valentine Baby. Valentines Day has special meaning for us; not because of the day as Hubby doesn't recoginize it and believes we should show our love and appreciation everyday of the year not just on this day. Hubby proposed to me in our local paper 10 years ago on Valentines Day. His greeting read:

"I thank God for our gift and for bringing you into my life. I only have one question to ask will you be my wife?"

I was 8.5 months pregnant when he proposed and we had no idea that Zman would be born 2 days later February 16th (by emergency c-section). It amazes me how much we have been through in 10 years. We have had lots of ups and downs but I can't imagine being with anybody else. Even at times when he gets so upset with me or vice versa he is my best friend we are so much in love that it's what gets us through the hard times and makes us so thankful for the good times.

So tomorrow we are having a birthday party for Love and Zman. I think this will be the last year for a joint party. We really did it this way because of costs associated with throwing two separate parties. Zman has been so generous in having a low key party this year. He said to me the other day "mom we don't have to have a big party; afterall you did throw me a surprise party last year". Isn't he sweet?

Funny thing is myself and my brother have a birthday 2 days apart. (ironic isn't it?)

So I have a lot of running around to do for tonight and tomorrow and still figure out time to squeeze my work out in. I have been busting my butt at the gym these last couple weeks working out sometimes 6 days a week.

I have a little surprise for hubby tomorrow; we are staying in and cooking dinner...well he is doing the cooking you all know how well I do in the kitchen...if you don't read my post below.

Have a great weekend; Happy Valentines Day...and remember make every single day special for the one you love...just so they know you were thinking of them!

Waffle Sandwiches

2009-02-11T14:46:00.002-05:00

You know when your having an off day/week when you are attempting to cook an easy dinner of soup and sandwiches and it goes wrong.

I was heating up chicken noodle soup in the microwave (Love won't let me cook it on the stove) and I was attempting to make grilled ham and cheese sandwiches in our sandwich maker.

I was wondering why the cheese was pouring out the side but chalked it up to the cheddar cheese melting. When I took the sandwiches out of the machine I realized it had little squares on it...I thought it was cute and cut them up and served them to my kids. It was that minute that I reached for the sandwich machine to clean it up that I realized I just made my kids waffle sandwiches...yep it was the waffle machine not my sandwich maker.

I made myself a drink after that!

Love Wants a Baby and More Food

2009-02-09T15:02:00.008-05:00

Well she wants hubby and I to have a baby but Zman wants nothing of it.

Love-I wanna baby mom

Me-No way...your my baby!

Zman-I don't want another baby...Love is enough. Besides then I will have someone else to take care of.

Love-I not a baby...I gonna be this many (holding up 4 fingers) wight mom.

Me-Right

Love-I wanna lil baby I can take care of pwease? pwease?

Maybe looking at old photos from them being babies prompted this discussion.

It's so crazy to think back when they were so little and depended on us for everything and now Love is running the house.

I'm doing the dishes, here she comes "I can do the dishes mom"
I'm vacuuming, here she comes "I can vacuum mom"
I'm dusting, here she comes "give me dat I do it"

Next I'm teaching her how to drive so she can run to the store to get milk because she drinks this stuff non stop. Not to mention how much she wants to eat. Once you serve her before she eats she is asking for more after she is done. And this repeats for about 5 times. The minute she is done eating she wants a snack. When you tell her to wait, let her food settle she is asking again 5 minutes later telling me "my tummy seddel now".

Note: We have actually left the table, she is still eating

**********************************************************

On another note I participated in a Valentine Swap hosted by Belle. My partner was Diane and this is what she sent me...Thanks Diane!

Hair and Farts?

2009-02-05T10:10:00.003-05:00

The other day Love wanted me to play with her. We started off playing Barbies and she insisted on putting Ken's clothes on Barbie. She was having a hard time getting the tight fitted dress on Barbie so she thought it was easier to just throw Ken's big sweater on her.

We then had to play dress up. She got into her toy box of goodies and pulled out her dresses and shoes and modeled them.

Next it was time to play hair salon. She was doing my hair and using her blow dryer that only sounds as if it's blowing air but it's not. She gets a kick out of it because it doesn't make her hair hot like when I use the real blow dryer. I asked her what the name of her salon was and she replied..."Love's Hairntown". When I repeated the name with a lil giggle she replied "no it Love Hairnfarts"

Then she proceeds to say "Awwww Rachel yo hair is gorgeous!"

Are you Ready for Some Football...or Just Ready to Party!

2009-02-02T19:35:00.008-05:00

How was your SuperBowl night?

Good Friends + Food & Wine = Great Time

2009-01-30T12:26:00.005-05:00

Last night I met up with about 9 girlfriends for a "Girl's Only" dinner hosted by a fabulous interior designer. We all worked together at my last company. It was interesting how our lives have evolved since starting at the company and now each of us have moved on. Some of the girls had been there so long that their children were 5 and 6 when they started and now are all grown up; some already driving and some getting ready to drive; except my kids; I was one of the younger ones there (I am enjoying this time before my kids start to drive yikes). We had the best time talking about raising kids, marriage, money and best of all sex.

It was like our own Sex and The City night. We gathered round a huge square table that could easily seat 30 people on all 4 benches surrounding it and laughed til our heart was content. We had appetizers and wine...some ladies had beer and got caught up in the moment that it was 2 hours later we thought we should start on the main course.

I made the Columbia Restaurant's 1905 salad; recipe can be found here. I have never attempted this before because as you know I don't cook let alone attempt recipes that call for a teaspoon of this and that. My hubby was going to make it but he forgot and was gone all day yesterday accompanying Zman on a field trip to St. Augustine (poor guys it cold and rainy all day).

After I finished making the dressing (in between sufficing Love requesting her numerous snacks and hounding me about when lunch and dinner would be ready) (seriously folks; it was tough enough being off during the Christmas week. The kids drove me crazy expecting to eat 3 times a day plus snacks...I'm not cracked up for this stuff) it tasted very...um garlicky?

So I texted hubby during his trip while he was fending off the rain:

Me-My dressing tastes horrible

Hubby-Oh sorry baby the recipe can be found online

Me-I know that is what I followed.

Hubby-I only use 2 garlic cloves

Me-Now you tell me I used 4 which is what the recipe calls for

Hubby-LOL

I didn't think it was funny. First off I have no idea what a clove is. Is it the little thing within the bulb (is that what it's called a bulb)? So I think I may have used 5...who knows.

I was very indecisive about going; it was raining really bad and it was cold and it was quite a drive getting there. Hubby was going to be home later due to the distance the trip was from our home and I didn't want to get to a dinner party late so I pawned Love off on my neighbors. Love was thrilled as she loves playing with her almost 2 year old daughter.

I got in the car, salad/dressing and all and then couldn't remember what the address was. I turned on the GPS and was frantically trying to get a hold of one of the girls to get her address.

Nobody was texting me back quick enough and by this time it was 5:30 I was supposed to be there by 5:30 so I dragged myself back inside lugging the salad and said I would stay home. But then I thought about missing the last dinner and wanted to have fun with these girls so I trecked back out to the car lugging the salad again and got the text from one of the girls with the address. Plugged it in the GPS and Austin Powers guided me directly to her front door and then told me I was a "groovy driver baby". Love that!

I was so glad I went. I truly had a blast. I hope we continue on this monthly ritual so we can stay connected and laugh our asses off. I am funny normally but after a couple of glasses of wine there is no holding back. The hostess was hysterical when she found out her daughter had a brazian wax...that is just one of the topics we spoke about.

I was told my salad tasted great; good thing these girls liked garlic!

*once I receive pics from the other girls, ( all I had was my camera phone) I will post them! And Yes I am crazy like that...taking pics of the food vs my friends but to my defense I took a couple but the Google Camera takes forever to take the picture and by the time it did they had changed positions.

What? I am a pain in the ass?

2009-01-28T16:33:00.003-05:00

At work today I was trying to reach someone in regards to a buyer who is purchasing a home through my company. I kept calling her and leaving messages, sending her emails etc. I then called the realtor and advised her I needed certain information or we could not go forward.

The woman at the mortgage company called me back while I shopping at Target (shhhh dont' tell) and left a message that started off "Rachel you are a pain in the ass...but I mean that as a huge compliment. I wish everyone worked the way you do that was on my staff. Please call me back and have the operator page me. I really want to talk to you; I love the way you work!"

So I called her and we talked and she did ask for my resume so I sent it to her...hey if this gig doesn't work out I need a back up...or the money could be better and I need that.

I wonder where this could go???

On another note the focus group I talked about in my previous post...GUESS who won the extra $20??? Your right ME!!! I arrived and was the 2nd person there and they did the drawing 15 minutes before the start of the focus group and when she reached in and pulled out a name I just knew my name was going to be called. I came home with $100 bucks cash for giving my opinion on local news station commericals in my area.

If you are interested in finding out how to do this in your area, do a Google search of "paid focus groups". If you live in Florida (central) and want the name of the company who arranges these in our area email me.

Now to decide which shoes I want...or maybe a pair of sunglasses. I would say new pair but I bet you can't believe I live in Florida and I don't own a pair of sunglasses. (I know I know I just always go right to the shoes)

Randomness

2009-01-26T15:17:00.005-05:00

Tonight after work I am going to a focus group. Here I will give my opinion on a topic and leave with CASH in my hand...$80 cash. They have drawing 15 minutes prior to the start for those who arrived on time so I have the chance to win an extra $20. Hmmm...what shall I buy with my $80...or possibly $100?

In other news Zman got all A's and one B on his report card Friday. He is the smart one in our family. We are very proud of him!!! I always tell him we only accept A's (calm down, he knows we will do whatever it takes for him to excel if he is having trouble) because I want him to work hard and not settle for less than he deserves. In doing so he realized on his own that he needed to study more...without us telling him.

Last year one of his girl friends Dary got her report and as we were walking home I asked Zman what he got on his report card...he told me "all A's". And then I asked Dary "what did you get" she replies "some A's, some B's and a few C's". I then shout "what C's?" and she procedes to tell me "at least they are not F's".

Later that night I was talking to Zman and I explained how some kids settle and they look at it like "well a C is better than an F" which it is but then it's easier to settle instead of working harder.

Soooooo who shows up to play Friday night; Dary. When she was leaving I said "Dary what did you get on your report card?" "straight A's" she said. "I am so proud of you" I said to her and she said "thank you" and funny thing is she remembered our conversation last year about the C's.

Afterward Zman seemed a little jealous.

Zman-Wow you are really proud of Dary aren't you.

Me-yes; she worked hard.

Zman-Are you more proud than me?

Me-Of course not; you are an excellent student and I am very proud of you. But I will be proud of your friends too for working hard.

Zman-Yeah ok.

He always gets rewarded with a good report card; I wonder what he will be picking out...probably a new video game!

Love Video

2009-01-23T08:24:00.002-05:00

I Need...

2009-01-22T13:49:00.004-05:00

I Like:

Ris
by BCBGirls

Ok...I don't NEED I just WANT. A girl can dream right? And I want them in black and orange too.

Funny thing is I found these in the Macy's book that they happen to mail me...I don't know every other day. I was trying to show to hubby last night but he wasn't interested...he was too busy rocking out to his Ipod while he downloaded music, so I asked Love her opinion.

Me-Love look at these shoes.

Love-Awwwww...for me?

Me-No baby for me, they are too big for you.

Love-I wunt dem for me mommy in pink K?

Me-They don't come in pink only orange (well I didn't know at the time...slow your roll)

Love-Please mom I wunt dem.

So today when searching Macy's website...no such luck. Then I headed over to Nordstroms.com...nope not there...and then to Zappos.com (gotta love Zappos) and wahla...black, orange and pink...shhhh don't tell Love. Can you imagine her trying to walk in these shoes? She would damn sure try it though and insist on wearing them to school!

Serendipity

2009-01-20T11:22:00.008-05:00

Confessions of a Yummy Mummy is having a giveaway. You have to check it out.

One of the gifts in the basket is the DVD movie Serendipity (John Cusack, Jeremy Piven, Kate Beckinsale, John Corbett). If you haven't seen this movie you are missing out.

My hubby and I have been to New York several times and we never miss a chance to have dinner at Serendipity III. I call the restaurant the minute we book our trip to make reservations (if you don't you can wait in line 2 hours to get in). The Frozen Hot Chocolate is to die for, the chicken wings...there are none like it...not to mention the ambiance is very chic and cozy.

About a year or so ago 2 girlfriends and I decided to take a long weekend to NYC for a girls trip. In planning our itinerary I told them about the restaurant. I made reservations so we were guaranteed to have dinner here during our stay.

Once we got to the restaurant we were seated and starting enjoying the food, the Frozen Hot Chocolate etc and then it was time for the bill. The waiter came over and said that the bill was taken care of. We all looked at each other thinking "what" "who did this" while looking around the restaurant in disbelief. I then asked the server if the tip was taken care of and he replied "I was informed that everything was all set".

On our way out I had to ask the host who took care of it and make sure the tip was included; I didn't want to leave without tipping our waiter for his great service. The host replied "Rachel's hubby took care of everything".

Of course a big smile popped on my face and I immediately called my husband to first thank him profusely and to let him know that if I would have known we wouldn't have ordered everything on the menu; I didn't want to hurt his wallet (LOL) and then I had to ask "how did you know when our reservations were" his reply "I'm goooood baby".

The Chaperone Needs A Chaperone

2009-01-19T16:42:00.004-05:00

My hubby volunteered to chaperone Zman's field trip next week.

I have told my hubby that he needs to read the list of rules Zman's teacher sent home and sign and return it.

Hubby-What rules?

Me-It's a list of what time you need to be there, what to pack your lunch in...just read it.

Hubby-I am getting Zman and I a 10 foot sub and we are going to sit back and just eat it. I will start at one end and he will start at the other end.

Me-Anyway; you need to pack your lunch in a plastic bag...and please behave...no cursing?

Hubby-Ok but if I slip I can't be held accountable.

Me-Zman please keep an eye on your dad during the field trip.

Hubby-And tell your teacher to stop hitting on me...I keep telling her I am married.

My Name is Rachel and I Am Addicted to Shoes

2009-01-15T15:05:00.006-05:00

I know I know. But the people who say "why do you have so many pairs of shoes, you only have two feet?" Well my friends shoes make the outfit...and if I need a pair of black shoes they may not be the "right" pair to go with said outfit. The same goes for Silver, Gold, Red, Blue, Green etc.

But when you have your house on the market for sale and your realtor calls the agent who showed your home to potential buyers and they remembered your home as "the one with all the shoes"...kinda makes me think...do I really have a problem?

Nahh...a girl has to have her shoes. They must be talking about the closet under the stairs where everyone keeps their shoes (I have a couple in the closet too), yes there is a lot of shoes in there too...but they are mainly my hubby's and the kids.

I do have to share a pair of Love's new shoes I got her for Christmas...I have to thank Savy Mode for her find. When she posted about them I had to go to Nordstrom and pick these up for Love because after all, whenever I put on my shoes she says "Oh I wuv yore shoes mom...you buy me some wike dat". Now I want a pair of these Converse too so we can be twins. (They make them in adult sizes too)

Rock Band...What Have You Done?

2009-01-13T12:07:00.004-05:00

We are in the car on our way to dinner...

Love-Dad can we wisten to Rock Band songs? (and she pronounces Rock Band perfectly)

Dad-Not now.

Love-Lata? Afta your song is ova?

(Now mind you this is just a glimpse of the conversation; I think she asked him 5 times and all 5 times he said not now; later...but Love doesn't accept no for an answer when she has her mind set on something. So she did what she knows to do; she doesn't ask another question, she just tells you what is going to happen).

2 minutes later

Love-Dad It my turn now

What she is referring to is Nirvana songs...Hubby has had the CD and since Zman is all into Rock Band and now learning how to play his electric guitar he got for Christmas; my Bro is teaching him how to play these songs on his guitar. So this is all Love hears.

I just have to laugh out loud when I turn around and see my almost 4 year old (she turns 4 on Valentines Day and Zman turns 10 two days after that) requesting the music is turned up as loud as it can go...shouting out...

Monkey see, monkey do
I don't know why I'd - rather be dead than cool
I don't know why - every line ends in rhyme
I don't know why - less is more, love is blind
I don't know why

Stay...Stay Away....(repeat 3x)

And while she is shouting out these tunes to the best of her ability and making up words that she doesn't quite understand (she gets this from me when I sing) she is pretending to strum on her guitar just as her big brother is doing right next to her.

Later that evening when we get home Zman started to pull out the Rock Band equipment. I told him they wouldn't be playing as I was going to relax and watch TV. He said Ok and started to put the stuff back and here comes Love "Ahhh Man".

Zman is the easier child. He accepts the answer and moves on. He may not understand or agree but normally he doesn't push the issue but now he has a partner in crime. He has Love figured out and us too...So if he wants something that we have already said no to, he puts his lil sister up to it as he knows she is relentless and will wear us down.

Date Night

2009-01-09T15:58:00.007-05:00

That's right folks; we have a babysitter. We only have a few hours so we can't get all wild and crazy...but we do have alone time...I almost forgot what it's like. Maybe we will make out like teenagers in the car or something...hmmm.

Ok settle down...I promise I won't post pictures of that!

Happy Friday!

Busted

2009-01-08T09:40:00.003-05:00

I walk into the kitchen and what do I see...Lil Love up on the counter staring at tv...and too close I might add.

Me-Why are you sitting up there watching tv?

Love-Cause I wunt to.

Me-That is too close...why don't you watch tv on the bigger tv?

Love-Mommmmm...I wike it here.

So there she stayed...on the counter glaring at the tv...because she wunts to! Hey at least she put the chair up to the counter correctly. I don't ask for much.

Put Those Kids to Work

2009-01-06T08:30:00.004-05:00

Last night hubby was making dinner and the kids were running around like chickens with their heads cut off...I guess the first day back to school sure gave them a lot of energy.

So he suggested putting them to work so they both happily set the table. We had Orange/Lime Grilled Shrimp with Black Beans and Rice along with a 1905 salad (recipe from Columbia Restaurant).

After dinner I suggested that the kids can do the dishes while we relax...Love thought it was a great idea as anything involving cleaning is right up her alley. Zman told Love that she would rinse and he would load the dishwasher. During this Zman didn't know I was video taping them at first and just thought I was taking a picture...he was telling me what books he finished reading and that he went to the library to get another book (he asked for and got 5 books for Christmas...chapter books folks)...I love this boy!!!

You may ask yourself what I was doing while hubby cooked and the kids set the table...oh I was having a cocktail!!!

You Can Hear A Pin Drop While Waiting For My LightBulb Moment

2009-01-02T15:50:00.002-05:00

Hubby went back to work today; I have the day off and have been lounging around with the kids. They went upstairs a few hours ago to take a nap and it's just me and Brutus. No tv on, no music, just the sound of me typing this post.

It's given me some time to really think about what I want in this new year. I am thinking about going back to school...perhaps; if I can figure out what I wanna do when I grow up. I think it's about time; I'm 31 and I kind of fell into my real estate career when I was 16. It's definately not something I set out in life to do; somethings we don't plan they just happen right? But I want to look back and say; this is what I want to do.

I am really going to dig deep over the next fews days and try and figure it out. Wish me luck!

All The Best To You...My Posse!

2008-12-31T10:51:00.004-05:00

I wish each of you all the very best life has to offer. Live your life, Laugh your ass off and Love everyone.

Love is doing much better. She gave us a little scare yesterday in the early evening; she broke a blood vessel in her eye from straining while throwing up. I called the walk in clinic next door to her doctors office thinking I should bring her in. I know the doctor said it would last 4 days or so but the poor thing hadn't eaten since Saturday; she was drinking fluids but still vomiting. They told me to give her gatorade or pedialyte to replenish her electrolytes and keep an eye on her while taking her temperature every 4 hours. She wasn't running a fever anymore which was good. And then miraculousy at about 9pm; she was her old self...."I feel betta mom"...running around the house like a crazy person...making crazy faces.

She wanted to eat and demanded a hamburger and french fries. I told her that wasn't going to happen; she just threw up a few hours ago and she needed to rest and I would make her toast or a bagel.

Love-I want totes and bagels mom

Mom-Ok I will make you a bagel.

Love-And totes...on my tray k.

So I make her a bagel and serve it with some gatorade on her tray. Now mind you when I told her that hubby went to the store to get her gatorade she automatically says "I dunt want medcine". I explain it's like juice and not medicine. So hubby returns with the gatorade and popsicles...why didn't I think of popsicles??? Oh well hubby did and she ate two before I served her bagel.

Love-Wares my totes?

Me-Love just eat the bagel ok; you have to start out slow...

Love-Ok den I hab my totes?

Needless to say she was on the road to recovery...and thank goodness as she saved me $75 for a walk in clinic visit or a $200 copay emergency room copay. She does love me!!!

This morning she wakes up bright eyed and bushy tailed already demanding I put her show on and she has to lay in my room. I told her that she would watch tv in the spare bedroom and rest until daddy woke up. I was leaving for work and told her "tell daddy to wash these sheets when he gets up since you were sick" "ok" she says.

Later todayI sent hubby and instant message and asked if Love told him to wash the sheets.

Hubby-She told me to switch out the clothes

Me-LOL

Hubby-I was like what? Huh? Who is telling me what?

Me-LMAO

Hubby-She's back...to her old demanding self.

Me-Thank goodness!

Love is Quarantined

2008-12-29T15:25:00.006-05:00

It all started on a bright sunny 82 degree day in December right after Christmas. I awake to Love telling me her head hurts and she needs to take a shower. It's 9am and I was still sleeping so I bribe her with a little Noggin on tv and she lays by me. Ten minutes later she awakes me to tell me she has to take a shower; I reply with "ok in a couple minutes". So we finally make it into the shower; I blow dry her hair and she looks in the mirror as she always does and says "oh my hair is gorgeous" and we go about our day.

We proceed to venture out for lunch as hubby is going a little stir crazy and says the 4 walls are caving in on him; I don't understand that part as we live in a 2 story home so if the walls downstairs are caving in on him, upstairs would be a change of pace or 4 new walls...right?

We go to about 5 restaurants. The first being our diner and the parking lot is empty; it wasn't a good sign since it's normally packed; granted we haven't been in a long time but then hubby recaps by saying "I just read a bad review posted earlier this year"...ok on to the next stop. We stumble upon a German restaurant that is also a gaming place equipped with a bowling alley and arcade. Hubby has a great idea to bowl and have lunch snack bar style but none of us have socks on (don't laugh everyone who is bombarded with snow; I said it was 82 degrees so we all had flip flops or Crocs on...and for the record I don't wear Crocs...Love does) so we decided to come back later that night. We got to the 3rd restaurant which was a quick stop Italian place; you know for a slice or sub and Love wants a cheeseburger...or chicken nuggets neither which they have so we leave.

We finally arrive at Five Guys Burger and Fries. We have seen this place before but have never gone in; it was quite crowded and the sign said "best value or affordable dining yada yada yada" so $32 later for burger and fries we ate; and Love didn't even eat her lunch. By this time she has chills and hubby had to get his leather jacket out of the car to cover her up.

We leave and head home and I look back and my spunky girl doesn't seem herself. I know she is definitely tired as it's 3pm and she hasn't had her nap; this girl has to have a daily nap. We arrive and I put her to bed and she sleeps almost til 6pm; I didn't want to wake her up. When she did awake she was running a fever saying her head hurt...so I am thinking "ok it must be an ear infection right". So I filled her antibiotic that her doctor had me promise I wouldn't fill unless she had a fever over 101...which she did so I filled it (doctor was going to be away and did this for a just in case).

After trying to coerce my 3 year old going on 15 year old that it would make her feel better she wasn't having any of it. She proceeded to gag when I tried to break up the chewable pills and told her it was just like her allergy medicine (which is a chewable but she just likes to swallow with water...go figure); she wasn't having any of it. So I crush it in a pill crusher and put in pudding; she found each little granule and decided to throw it up...it's always fun trying to give this girl medicine.

Sooooo I told her she had to take Motrin; it's Grape flavor and all kids love it but her hands go immediately to her mouth to shield it from the little medicine cup I am about to give her and says "I don't wike it". So after pleading that it will help her fever it takes her a half hour sipping 2 tsp of Motrin while alternating with water.

Her fever comes down and she is resting.

Sunday morning we awake and Love is throwing up, high fever again and complaining her head hurts. This goes on all day and after giving her the Motrin she throws up. So like any Mom I worry that she just threw up the medicine but I don't want to give her more so I wait until later and it's high again and she finally takes it...again a half hour later and a lot of bribing about buying a Sleeping Beauty dress once she feels better...and she eats for the first time...a half of grilled cheese sandwich. She devoured that thing like it was the last piece of food on this earth.

I watch her for a while to ensure it stays down while getting her to sip water and alternating with apple juice...and she falls asleep. I wouldn't let her leave the guest bedroom at all only to take her potty so I could hear that she was actually going because I worry of dehydration...especially with all the vomiting.

So today Monday; I have to go to work as it's the end of the month/year for home closings and hubby has to cancel a breakfast meeting so he can stay with her.

He informs me that her fever is down but still throwing up. About an hour later he texts me to tell me her fever has gone up again to 102.7...so now I worry is it an ear infection or the flu? I haven't been giving her the antibiotic because it's unlike her to throw up with an ear infection; my hubby recollected it was possibly the flu...but we got the flu shot? He replies "it could be a different strain" so I call the doctor.

I felt so much better after doing so; even though she was out of town and visiting her sick father she assured me it was a bad stomach flu going around and the vomiting last 3-4 days, fever 3 days and diareah 5-7 days. She informed me that her fever was high because the white blood cells were fighting it off to continue to give her the Motrin so she felt comfortable...and then she said it "Rachel it's highly contagious...make sure you keep washing your hands; it's been my experience the mother gets it next" WHAT???? So then I say to myself "well my hands feel like sandpaper from all the hand washing so I should be good right? But what if I forgot once or twice???

It is safe to say that she will be in that room until she is much better and I think I need to pick up a can of Lysol. Oh my poor Love...I think tomorrow will be day 3 so we are on the road to recovery.

Where's My Broder?

2008-12-26T17:07:00.004-05:00

This is a common question when Zman decides to venture away from his lil sister for some alone time with his friends. Sometimes I feel bad for her because I want her to have a friend who she can have over to play; but her school is a distance from our home.

Love-Wheres my broder?

Me-At his friends house

Love-Oh...he be back in a cuckle minutes?

Me-No; he will be gone for a while

Love-But I wanna play wit him; please mom?

Me-He will be home soon ok.

Love-Can I go wit him; I wike to pway too.

We better get her a friend quick as hubby is feeling the need for a playmate for her; you know the "B" word...yep another baby.

Thank goodness Love got about 4 babies for Christmas to tie her over for a lil while; and hubby too. He has been busy building play pens, high chairs, swings and changing diapers...yep diapers cause my mom decided it would be cute to get Love a baby who pees and needs her diaper changed...thanks mom!

Times Like This

2008-12-23T23:37:00.003-05:00

Sitting here blogging while Hubby watches A Christmas Carol. No lights on except for the Christmas Trees and garland...the sound of my son asking me "can I have the computer now".

It's been great being home these past 2 days. Even though I have been working from home; it's just been great for the 4 of us to be together; making cookies, going out to see "fake snow", listening to Christmas music and Watching Jingle All The Way outside, sipping hot chocolate in 49 degree weather only to wake up to 75 degree weather.

I love my life, my kids, my husband and most of all my friends here that I have met through this blog and all your blogs...such a connection, wisdom shared and lessons learned.

I wish you all the best this Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. And a prosperous New Year.

Health, Happiness and Love to you my friends.

I gotta go my friends; Zman is stalking me for the computer. Stay tuned for a cookie extravaganza tomorrow...little Miss NOT Suzy Homemaker is going to tear it up tomorrow with more cookies!

Who Does She Think She Is

2008-12-21T22:56:00.004-05:00

Scene:
Walmart; Love and I shopping

Love-We need these bowls (Dora The Exploxer Dixie Bowls)

Me-No we don't need those Love, put them back.

Love-Yes...I hab to hab dem

Me-No we don't need them

Love-Yes (as she is putting them in the cart)

Me-Love put them back

Love-Mommmmmmmm

Scene:
Walmart; the 4 of us shopping

Hubby told Love she had to sit in the cart; I didn't hear this part...

Love-Mom can I get out and walk

Me-Sure...I will get you out

Love-Daddy mom take me out k

Me-I can do it

Love-Daddy I coming out of cart ok

Love-Dad mom taking me out k?

Scene:
Home; we received presents from hubby's sister and brother in law. We each get 1 gift.

Love-Dad; all dose pwents mine wight?

Hubby-No one is for you

Love-Oh

5 minutes later...

Love-Dad I hab 4 pwents uder da twee right.

Hubby-Love I already told you no; you have one present.

Love-Oh

1 hour later...

Love-Dad how many pwents I hab uder da twee?

Hubby-Love I told you...1 present...now stop talking about it.

5 minutes later...

Love-I have 4 pwents uder the tree

Hubby gets upset and tells Love that if she keeps asking she won't have any presents under the tree and she starts crying...

Love-Daddy yell at me (sobbing crying)

I have never met a kid in my life like this girl; it's her world and we just live in it. I can't make this stuff up folks.

Reflections

2008-12-19T15:52:00.012-05:00

Today only confirmed that little Caylee Anthony is in Heaven. You may remember my post about it but it's been all over the news for months.

This beautiful, innocent little girl will be laid to rest. I am just so thankful they found her. It just kinda hits home and makes you feel so connected especially when you have children not to mention a child her same age and full of spunk just as the videos showed of Caylee.

This little girl didn't want to be famous; she didn't ask for any of this...God rest her soul.

**********************************************************
I am taking next week off to be with my kids and my hubby for the first time. I normally always have to work and due to my line of work it's all about end of year closings...but this year I am taking off and I am going to relish in every minute I have with my family. Baking cookies, listening to Christmas music, wrapping presents and just being in this moment with them. My hubby has decided to work from home so we can all be together.

Things are really tight for us this year and who knows if I will have a job next month. I am just thankful that I was able to get my kids shopping done. My hubby and I are not exchanging gifts; this will be the first time in my entire life that I won't be opening a present on Christmas morning but you know what; I have the best gift of all...a husband who puts up with me and loves me for all my flaws and truly loves me...deep down love, kids who see past my faults as a mother and love me more for it. (I am no Suzy homemaker...but I can keep a clean house with the help of my hubby and kids)

I wish you, my friends this Holiday season Love, Laughter and togetherness with your family and friends. I wish you all a healthy and prosperous New Year. Let's all just slow down over the next week and remember what is truly important this time of year...not to mention year round.

The Partridge in a Pear Tree Was Jesus Christ.

2008-12-18T14:43:00.007-05:00

My blogger buddy over at The Pink Potpourri had an amazing and enlightening post today about the 12 Days of Christmas. You have to go visit her if she isn't one of your daily stops; I definately learned something new today.

So I am a firm believer of signs. I read her post today and also read it to my hubby who is Catholic and he didn't know the meaning of the 12 Days of Christmas song and how it came about.

We are struggling financially now due to our economy as both he and I work smack dab in the middle of the 2 hard hit sectors right now...the financial and housing industries.

So I was outside today and I heard a noise; I looked around and I saw a bird in a berry tree. Ok so it wasn't a Patridge (it could have been but I am no bird conneseaur but it was just a bird) nor a Pear tree but it was a sign that I am being watched over and everything is going to be fine...just have faith!

Just One Wish...

2008-12-16T15:37:00.005-05:00

...for snow. I know most of you now experiencing zero below weather or snow storms are probably reading this and thinking "what is she nuts?" but yes I am nuts...for my kids.

All my kids have been wanting is a white Christmas and hubby and I so desperately want them to be able to relish in it...make snow angels, build snowmen, have a snow day from school and yes shovel it.

I have spoken before about moving to Colorado...we wish we were already there especially this time of year. Again you probably think I am crazy "what move to Colorado from Florida?" Yes. I have lived in Florida 26 years; I am ready for a change, a new place, new surroundings, change of seasons and snow!!!

So while you are warming your car up in the morning before work, shovelling snow off your driveway, building a snowman, making snow angels, or just watching the snow fall; know that I want to be there doing all of that with my family.

A Lesson Learned

2008-12-15T15:04:00.004-05:00

Zman has been going through withdrawals of Club Penguin due to us not having a working computer at home. Hubby's power cord broke and we had to order a new one...we found one on Ebay but after purchasing we didn't know it was coming from Hong Kong...so we are still waiting.

He wanted to go to his best friends house who lives down our street on Saturday to play and to use the computer. He knows that he is supposed to call us the minute he gets there so we know he made it ok. The strange thing is their house phone doesn't work. Each time we call it we get a recording that says it's disconnected; yet when they call us that number shows up on the caller id.

So Zman said to me before he left "I will call you when I get there but if there phone doesn't work I will come home and let you know". So after 5 minutes of not hearing from him which is enough time to ride his bike my motherly instincts kick in and I start to worry. I hop in my car to drive down there and across the lake I see his friends mom's car driving toward their home...so I freak out a lil bit more. We both pull up to the house at the same time and I see Zman's bike in the driveway.

His friends mom says "is Zman here" and I said "yes but he has to come home now because he didn't call me". Her husband was home and she was just arriving so that eased my mind of her not knowing that he was there.

When she opens the door I call for Zman and let him know that he has to come home because he didn't listen and call me or come back like he said he would. Of course his head drops and he is sad and probably a little bit mad at me for ruining his fun (I wanted to say "it's ok just remember next time" but this isn't the first time he has forgot to call). I explained to him outside why he is coming home and I was upset that he didn't bring his cell phone...yes he has a cell phone which he forgets to bring or fails to turn on.

After being home for a few minutes I talk to him and explain that I was worried and he had to learn his lesson which is why I made him come home.

Zman-I know mom; your right and I am sorry. I promise I will bring my phone next time...and I am not mad at you.

Me-I know sweetie...I didn't want you to have to come home but you have to learn the consequences for your mistakes and I am just wanting you to learn from your them so you are more aware next time.

Zman-I know...and you know what the worst part of it is Mom...I was just signing on to Club Penguin...I was soooo close!

Zman went to his friends house on Sunday and called me from his cell phone the second he got there...A lesson learned my friends...lesson learned...for now!

On another note he did return home later that night to inform us that he was playing around and threw his bike helmet up in a tree and it got stuck...boys!

Christmas Photo Time and Randomness

2008-12-11T12:15:00.002-05:00

I am trying to decide which photo to use for our Christmas Card...I know it's the 11th and I am just getting to it but I am no Suzy homemaker that is for sure!

Please let me know which one you think I should use in addition to the solo photo of Zman and Love.

On another note I have been fighting a head cold since Thanksgiving. I started to feel better and then got congested again. I hear it's going around and lingers for about a month.

Love is sick also. Last night she didn't want to eat her Chefboyardee dinner (dinner of champions) which is a sign she is not feeling herself...this girl can throw down some food. Then later her eyes were sunken and was running a fever of 101.9.

Me-Let's take some medicine to make you feel better

Love-No medcine Mom...I dunt wike it.

Me-I know but it's bubble gum flavor...see it says Bubble Gum Yum...it has to be good.
Now she doesn't take any type of medicine...if she has an ear infection we typically have to get her a shot of antibiotics. When she has a fever we normally have to do suppositories but we didn't have any on hand.So she has the cup of Tylenol in her hand and a cup of water in the other and she barely slurps the medicine and drinks the water. This goes on for about a half hour.

Love-I did it mom! I take all my medcine.

Me-Wooohooo your such a big girl...see I told you it would taste good.

Love-I dunt wike it...I have to fro up.

Me-Sip your water; don't throw up.

Love-I have to fro up mom

Me-No you don't baby...here is a straw just sip the water ok.
So by this time I go into the bathroom to go potty and Hannah is in tow.

Love-I have to fro up

Me-Here let's look at the pretty shoes in this magazine ok.

Love-Ok

Love-Oh I wuv those shoes

Me-They are soooo cute aren't they!

Love-I have to fro up.

Thankfully she didn't throw up...however her mind is a powerful thing...I had to get her mind off it for a lil while...looking at shoes in a magazine and watching Drake and Josh Christmas for the 10th time will do it.

I came home from work yesterday early because I was coughing my head off literally. Zman was already home from school and hubby took off back to the office. Zman then told me that he was thinking about me at school yesterday and he almost cried.

Me-Why did you almost cry

Zman-Because I was just thinking about you and I missed you so much Mom.

Me-Awww your the bestest kid in the whole wide world!

Zman-I just love you Mom; and that is why when I go to Grandma's house I start thinking about you and dad and I get a lil sad because I love you guys.

Me-I'm so glad God gave you to me

Zman-You always say that Mom...you just said it last night!

My Point of View

2008-12-09T14:38:00.008-05:00

Sometimes when we get married and have children we forget who "we" are or who "we" were.We neglect ourselves, our friends and we concentrate solely on being a "mom". Sex sometimes falls by the wayside because we are just "too tired" to make love or spend the quality one on one time with our husband.

I met my husband when I was 19; he being 28. We met, fell in love, had Zman and got married 9 months later. We didn't have the honeymoon period or get to travel and enjoy just being husband and wife but it was ok. We had a beautiful son and we had our family.

However we still had "our time". We hired a babysitter or had grandma babysit when we wanted to get away for a few hours. When we were home Zman was in bed by 8pm. This was our time to be alone together; to be husband and wife and reflect on our day, our struggles, our desires and truly be with each other.

When we had Love 6 years later we maintained the same structure. Both kids in their room by 8pm as this was our time. Now don't get me wrong there have been exceptions...that is where Hubby comes in. He is spontaneous, he would wake Love up at 2am to watch tv or wake Zman up after I have gone to bed to play video games and this was their one on one time.

Each child is different in their own way and they have different personalities. It's important that I spend time with just Zman and times I spend time with just Love...my husband does the same thing.

Now we like any other couple have had our ups and downs and believe me we have had some downs! But it's how you make it through the situation that makes you the stronger couple that you are.

A few years ago we were having a difficult time communicating. We were arguing over silly things and one not wanting to be the first to apologize to the other so we sought counseling.

The counselor was amazed to meet us (I'm not kidding folks). He said that more times than not couples seek counseling when they are on the verge of divorce and he could tell that we were very much in love and had great children but were struggling in the communication department.

We discovered throughout our sessions that we thrived in chaos due to our upbringings. We thrived in chaotic environments. Hence that is why I am in the field I am in dealing with conflict everyday and Hubby is a stockbroker dealing with the everyday ups and downs of the market. (Strange how you end up in a career that kind of suits your personality).

One thing he made clear to us and stressed was the 2 most important things in a marriage were; a babysitter and another couple.

A babysitter to watch over the kids so we have our alone time to be a couple and another couple to have fun times with. Girl time and guy time is also very important because you need to be able to get away your girlfriends and let loose and have a great time. What a great feeling being able to go out with your girlfriends and then coming home to a wonderful husband and kids who support you still being "yourself". Or hubby going out and having beers with the guys or playing golf.

We never lose sight of this. We don't feel guilty getting our kids a babysitter or having them stay over grandmas house for a weekend because we know the end result will be that it makes us better parents to our kids.

They will be raised knowing that their parents love each other more than anything and we want nothing to provide them a loving home with parents who love them.

I post this because I know a lot of couples who forget they were once a couple. They don't go out with each other and they spend all their time with their kids. I am not saying this is wrong but it's not a healthy thing to teach your kids. You need to have independence and be who you are while maintaining balance and being a wonderful parent to your kids.

A Time to Give

2008-12-08T16:27:00.004-05:00

This holiday season let's try to Give a little something to someone less fortunate.
Each holiday season our family tries to "give" to show the kids the "true meaning" of Christmas. We normally would make a ton of sack lunches and bring them to the park downtown in our city and pass them out to the homeless sleeping on the benches. We would pack sandwiches, chips, cookies and include a fresh pair of new socks.

The city passed an ordinance and you are no longer allowed to "feed" the homeless. If you are caught you can be arrested and several activist groups have served time in jail. This is currently being fought.

Do you know there is a Childrens Home within 5 miles of our house? At Thanksgiving we purchased a bag of food at our local grocery store and it was donated to them. Something so simple I bet made a big difference to those kids and the people who run the home.

My family and I have volunteered at the home previously. We made a bunch of food and had a little gathering with all the kids and we all brought our family (a group of us girls started a community involvement team at my old company and we picked this home); it was a great time. The same group of girls and myself took the girls from the home on a "spa day" to get their nails done. These kids want nothing more to just feel special and know that they are loved and cared for. This home is a Christian based organization therefore they get no state funding (you know the saying separating church and state) they soley rely on private donations.

You know at McDonalds the little box "donate to the Ronald McDonald house" (RMH). Well I knew of the RMH but didn't really know who stayed there. My lil Love had to have two skulls surgeries...one at 7 weeks old and another after her 2nd birthday. She was born with Craniosynostosis which is a premature closure of the membrane. Her head was growing to one side and it wasn't allowing for her brain to grow because the one side was closed. The first surgery was for medical reasons without the surgery it can cause blindness, retardation etc. (google it if you want) She did amazingly well and healed however the sutures placed inside her skull didn't dissolve as they should have so the neurgosurgeon had to operate again and do cosmetic surgery on her skull (in lamens terms he reconstructed her forehead by hand). I always joke with him that he put something in her brain because she is so damn smart! So during these operations we were offered to stay at the RMH. It's absolutely free and it's a place for family to stay who are travelling from a far when their children are staying at the childrens hospital for care.

We inquired about donating our services (who am I kidding my husbands services...I can serve, clean up and socialize) and cook a meal for the entire RMH. In doing so you have to cook enough to feed 50...we are going to have to seek outside help on this one as money is really tight these days but something we really want to do.

As I finish this post I want you to visit a new blogger who I recently stumbled across and she dedicates her life to "giving". Sometimes you are meant to run into certain people; you have no control over it. She just helped inspire me to do more for others.

It's amazing the feeling you get when you help others; even if it's the smallest thing you could have done; it just makes you feel all rich inside.

Oh No a Bug

2008-12-08T09:48:00.003-05:00

Love-Dad der a bug on my pillow in the libing room.

Hubby-Ok I will get it in a second

Love-Mom you get da bug on my pillow?

Me-Heck no I don't wike bugs...ask your uncle to help you (he was over for dinner)

Love-Will you help me with da bugs?

Uncle-Yes I love bugs...

Love-Dad uncle wuvs bugs

Hubby-cool

Love-Uncle you wuv bugs?

And to recap both kids got their flu shots on Friday...you know the one that Love didn't want and reminded me about every chance she got...

When the shot was being inserted in her arm she said "owwwwww...oh dats it...it not hurt...I a big girl daddy"

*****************************************************
A giveaway is being hosted by AGD. You have to visit her site Angelica Grace Designs...she makes great stuff and is an awesome photographer. She Rocks!!! And I want to win this giveaway especially for the kiddos...it being Christmas and all...check her out!

What Bra Size Are You?

2008-12-04T14:12:00.006-05:00

Your Lesson for Today...Listen Up Posse

2008-12-03T16:28:00.006-05:00

I get a lil surprise this morning when I log into my bank account. Apparantly someone decided to write down the numbers on my husbands debit card and create a "fake card" and use it at Walmart to spend a couple hundred dollars...I guess they figured I should buy their Christmas gifts.

Thank goodness I am anal in the sense I check my account faithfully every morning to check off what cleared and look for suspicious charges...or keep tabs on hubby's spending.

There is a lot of ways this type of fraud can be done after speaking with Walmart and our banking institution. One way is handing your card to lets say a server at a restaurant. They can write down all the numbers and create a fake card that can be used anywhere...well until you find out about it and cancel the card.

Another way is they put a device outside the gas tank where you swipe your card and immediately get the information.

Think about it; all someone needs is the numbers on the front and back of the card and they can order online now days.

So lessons I learned:

1. Pay cash at restaurants...it's sad but trust nobody.

2. Pay for my gas inside the gas station instead of swiping my card outside at the pump.

3. Do not use my debit card to order online (I typically don't do this I normally would use a credit card if I wanted to order something)

4. Pay Cash and be done with it.

What Child Labor Laws?

2008-12-02T13:54:00.003-05:00

She knows how to vacuum and do dishes...next is cleaning the bathrooms and then hubby and I can enjoy a corona!

What a cutie she is! I come home from work one day and walk into the kitchen and what do I find...lil Love cleaning the dishes. And look at the pattern she makes when putting the cups on the towel to dry...too cute!

Uh no she can not be rented out! (sorry folks she is all mine) Even though she prefers daddy way more than me that is unless I am painting my nails or doing my make up then I am her bestest friend.

I ask her "who cooks the best" she responds "daddy"

I ask her "who do you look like" she responds "daddy...I have brown eye like Daddy and Zman hab gween eyes wike you mom"

And when I discipline her brother; she comes running at me "dunt yell at my broder mom OK"

You see she isn't really 3 she is 15!

Homemade Christmas Gifts

2008-11-30T12:22:00.005-05:00

We were all outside watching Clark Griswald (hubby) decorate the outside of the house when Zman brought up Christmas gifts. I asked him what he was planning on getting me and he replied "how about I make you a nice picture or something?" My response..."what a homemade Christmas gift...what am I going to do with it after Christmas...toss it in a box with all the other pictures you and Love have made? I want something I can use like a new purse or something (slow your roll folks he knows I am kidding and I love my kids pictures)

Zman-Your just kidding right mom?

Hubby-Zman I think you just came up with a great idea; we won't buy any presents this year we will just make homemade Christmas presents.

Me-That is a great idea!

Zman-What...no real presents? Well just what Santa brings of course.

Me-No we are going to save Santa a trip this year and tell him that we are just making pictures and stuff and there is no need to stop here.

Zman-Ahh man...really?

Hubby-Just think how meaningful it will be; you know the meaning of Christmas is about giving?

Zman-I know I know. But really no Santa presents?

Lil Things That Matter Most

2008-11-25T12:02:00.007-05:00

hubby: hey baby the fred clause soundtrack is out now

hubby: i dont see it

me: what was it

hubby: i think it was beast of burden

me: yup that was it baby cakes

hubby: its not on the soundtrack

me: weird

hubby: just Christmas songs

hubby: i am going to try and make an advent calender this year for the kids

me: awww

me: i am browsing kohls door buster ad for friday sleeping bags 14.99 and kitchen aid heavy duty mixer 159

hubby: cool

me: only things good so far

me: this is my all time favorite song

me: hold on

me: how can you mend a broken heart by al green

hubby: cool

me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzitOsxKJNY

hubby: i like that song

me: i want to be cuddled with you under a blanket having a glass of wine

hubby: mmmmm

me: while this song is playing

hubby: and others like it

me: yup

hubby: thers a 5 year ols singing move along

me: not as cute as love

hubby: not at all

hubby: Love was moving the mic stand

me: i know she is soo cute

I can talk to him all day about randomness...gotta love Yahoo instant messenger.

I love love love this song. Do you ever just turn the tv off and sit quietly next to someone you love and listen to music...reminice about the past and more importantly just be close.

It's this time of year we are reminded that it's the Lil things that matter most!

Powder Juice

2008-11-24T10:21:00.005-05:00

Love walks in with a writing pad and a pencil...

Love-What can i gwet you from da westarant?

Me-A bacon blue cheese burger with french fries.

Love-You want a diet coke wit it?

Me-Oh sure that sounds great.

She returns with a measuring cup and a measuring spoon stirring it constantly.

Love-Here you go. You have to eat it.

I am pretending to each the concoction.

Me-O it's sooo delicious.

Love-thanks. Dad what you want?

Hubby-I want some chicken noodle soup.

Love-Ok thats a gweat idea.

She is writing the letter H over and over on her note pad.

She returns with the same measuring cup and spoon.

Love-Here you go

Hubby-What's in the soup?

Love-Um cawots, cellree, chicken and some powder juice.

Hubby-What? Powder juice?

Love-Yes it good for you...just eat it Dad.

She kept this up for a good 30 minutes going back and forth to the kitchen and she actually pretended she was heating it up on the stove...cause she wanted to know if it was Hott!!!

The funnier thing is that I don't cook and my 3 year old is trying to show me up in the kitchen. Who does she think she is!

And this reminds me...On Sunday she wanted some bologna. I gave her 2 pieces and she was sitting on the bar stool in the kitchen. She likes to eat it just how it comes, except she was playing with it on the counter; folding it up and throwing it around. I proceeded to tell her to stop playing with it and just eat it...She replies "Don't talk to me dat way mom!"

Where does she get this stuff from?

Polly Wants A Cracker (guest post by Hubby)

2008-11-20T19:45:00.004-05:00

Today was one of those moments where your son asks you a question and you want to tell him the truth yet you want to shelter him from the "bad" truths of life. Faced with the dilemma of the question; I decided to explain to him the story behind the song Polly by Nirvana.

Zman recently discovered Nirvana on Rock Band. He realizes the thought that went into each song Kurt Cobain wrote. Zman was inquisitive of the song Polly and today he wanted to know what the meaning behind it was as he had gathered it was about a bird or a girl named Polly.

I wasn't surprised as he is very analytical and wants to know the "whys of everything" so I sighed a deep sigh and I had some angst about what I was about to discuss.

When I got out of the Navy in 1990 the grunge scene was just beginning. I myself was listening to a lot of Nirvana and I wanted to know the meaning behind his songs. Just the way he sang it just draws you in.

Now mind you it was very difficult to explain this to a 9 year as he is so innocent and has no idea all the bad stuff that surrounds us daily. But I am sure my wife has explained we are very honest with our kids.

Polly is about a 14 year old girl who is on her way home from a punk rock concert and is kidnapped. She is brutally tortured and abused by a psycho. Using a blow torch and a razor he had his way with her for a few weeks. The song is told from the view point of the abductor. Naturally I left out any graphic details while telling my son but I did get the point across and the message of the song. This being that the will to survive is stronger than most can comprehend.

What the young girl did to survive was to pretend that she liked him and began to flirt with him and pretended she enjoyed what he was doing whether he was looking or not. And what subsequently happened he untied her and left her alone and let his guard down. She used this moment to escape, save her own life and alert authorities. This man was then arrested.

The way I explained it to him was no matter what life throws at you never give up and always hang in there and have faith in God that he is always with you.

Then he asked me what my favorite song was to which I had to clarify "what type of song". Then I replied "do you mean what I think the greatest song that was ever written" and he said "yes". I told him it was "The Day the Music Died" by Don McLean. He then asked why...we are still discussing it...

I'm Trippin YO!

2008-11-19T11:23:00.005-05:00

My damn boots are trippin me up!

Maybe because the long tip at the end that keeps getting caught every time I try to take a step.

It's not the heel because I walk in high heels everyday. I don't even own a pair of flats except for my shell toe Adidas (they have pink stripes and oh so cute) and my slip on Ed Hardy sneakers...everything else has a 4" heel or higher. So I have mastered the art of walking in high heels.

But these boots...maybe this is why I have never worn them. They are made of suede and oh so cute.

I like a pointed toe but damn these are definately pointed and long! You see where the boot hangs off the folder; well my foot ends at the end of the folder and the boot keeps going. You see why I keep trippin YO!

Rock Band at it's Finest

2008-11-18T13:26:00.005-05:00

This is Love singing "Move Along" by The All-American Rejects last night. Her stage manager Hubby is on the guitar.

Times Are Hard on the Boulevard

2008-11-17T13:49:00.005-05:00

We are definately in hard times right now. ..and it sure is hard times. Don't you remember being a kid and not having to worry about money...just being a kid and having fun? Damn would I like those times again. Now we are adults and we worry about providing for us kids now and their future. I am sure each of our parents have experienced these hard times at least once in their lifetime and now we know the constant worry they must have felt.

I work in the New Home Construction industry and we are definately feeling it. I have survived several lay offs. I am just hoping and wanting to hold on until after the holidays.

How do you look at it? The glass half empty or the glass half full? I am the "half empty" girl. I do try to be positive but (like Dr. Phil says when you use the word BUT it means forget what I just said and what I am about to say is what I really mean) I always have the "worse case scenario" complex. You know the "well what if" and "what happens when" type of mentality.

My hubby on the other hand is the "half full" guy. He always remains positive and takes things as they come. Which he is always right in the sense when he tells me "why stress about it"..."stress isn't going to help you out so no sense in stressing about things you can't control". However a little Bacardi and Diet does help with the stress...or a glass of Red Wine.

And even Puff Daddy (aka P Diddy, Puffy, Sean Combs) is feeling it too. I remember reading an article about a month or so ago about how he is not flying his private jet anymore due to the high gas prices so he opted to fly commerical and save the $100,000 or so that it took to fly between New York and LA. So I guess he was looking at it as the glass "half full" cause the man has options.

When will the madness end?

Just a Saturday

2008-11-15T15:26:00.004-05:00

Love has to have her naps. She is kinda like an old lady in the sense that if she doesn't have her afternoon nap or her dinner by 5pm she gets cranky.

Fazoli's...what a clever idea. Great Italian food at a cheap price. Love has to have her Spaghetti and Meatballs atleast 4 times a week (I kid not). Hubby is Italian but time doesn't always permit him to make her homemade sauce and meatballs at her beck and call so this is a great place w/great food.

Just being herself.

And this folks...no need to adjust your focus we got the car back...FINALLY. However it still has some things that need to be done (you know one of the parts was defective and they had to order a few parts) but Hubby couldn't wait. He picked it up last night and will have to bring back for a day to put the final touches on.

And this is my HOT hubby enjoying said car. We had the windows down jammin to some tunes and he broke a few speed limits (I kid I kid)...but he did have to break it in again!

No Later Than...

2008-11-13T14:41:00.004-05:00

Sigh...
The car dealership called hubby yesterday and informed him that the car would be ready no later than tomorrow (Friday). But I mentioned below it was supposed to be ready no later than November 4th. And then on November 4th it was going to be ready no later than November 7th but if not, definately no later than November 10th. Then on November 10th it was going to be ready no later than November 12th. And now on November 12th it is going to be ready no later than November 14th.

Can someone please tell me what "no later than" means?

Yours will not taste as good...cause he puts LOVE in it!

2008-11-12T12:44:00.008-05:00

Not my girl Love silly! My hubby's Love!

My hubby is the chef of the family and what an awesome chef he is. We often day dream of him quitting his job of being a stock broker and moving to an island (kind of like the movie Cocktail but not a bar) and opening a restaurant. He's got some serious skillz. I would be the outgoing person coming to your table asking how everything is and if you want to "kiss the chef" or just "simply thank him" or better yet greet you as you walk in...but yeah I don't like being a hostess...sitting still for long hours...I like the first idea better. Plus I have the personality for it so you would just think I am part of your family and invite me to sit down and throw back tequila shots with you (oh wait can't do that when I have tequila I forget the next day what happened after the tequila shots)!

On to the dinner that he prepared Monday night...

The name of the dish is Maple Mustard Barbecued Pork Chops (for all you "other white meat" eaters) by Rachael Ray. You can find the recipe for the pork chops here but I remind you he doesn't follow the recipe to a T...he adds other stuff or improvises and most of all adds that dash of LOVE. Seriously people you can't mess with him. And when he is in his kitchen he is bad ass. He paired it up with Garlic Mashed Potatoes along with Grilled Asparagus and Red Delicious apples. He has made this dish before with the Granny Smith apples but we didn't have them (I told you he improvises).

Now my hubby is available if you would like to rent him; but keep in mind I charge a very expensive fee and he would miss me too damn much and he wouldn't want to leave me. But you can look at his HOT pic on the side bar for free and drool!

Yellow Cars

2008-11-11T09:13:00.007-05:00

We were supposed to get hubby's car back last Tuesday. Then the dealership where his car is being repaired called on Wednesday and said it would be ready on Friday no later than Monday. Then we get a call on Friday to inform us that is won't be ready on Monday however he would have it ready on Wednesday at the latest. (Are you seeing a little bit of a pattern here?) Keep in mind they have had my car since October 1 2008.

So I trot my happy self over to the dealership and explained the false promises were unacceptable. He of course blames it on the paint and it takes two days to dry before they can put the decals on? (WTF??? Is this the first car that you have repaired that needed paint and decals or were you just naive and figured you could slap those decals right on before the paint was dry?)

I informed him that he needed to get me a rental at his expense because I have exhausted my rental coverage (and the wonderful person who hit me didn't have enough insurance so I had to claim under my insurance...biatch) and so he agreed to get me a car on Wednesday. I explained that wouldn't be acceptable considering it was supposed to be ready earlier last week and then he changed it to no later than Monday (yesterday). He agreed to get me a rental today. This is now what I am driving...

It's not bad...but yellow? I honestly believe there should be certain colors of the rainbow that should not be painted on cars. The only yellow vehicles on the road should be school buses. My hubby volunteered to drive this tomorrow but I will save him any embarrassment and I will drive it.

Hubby is definitely counting down the days until he can drive this again...

I dunt wanna a pinch!

2008-11-07T19:46:00.007-05:00

It's time for flu shots. I had the flu really bad last Christmas. I couldn't get out of bed for days...I only got out long enough for the kids to open their presents and I never felt so bad in my life. I really thought I was dying and I was so dramatic. I kept asking "baby why does my body hurt so bad. When will I get better?

So this year we are getting flu shots. Especially the kids.

Me-Don't forget we have to get flu shots.

Hubby-Crap...Walgreens has them today from 2-5...what time is it...is this the correct time. (clock in car showing 4:54)

(Me looking at cell phone)

Me-It's 4:57

Hubby-well we should be there in a minute...I saw it online earlier and it totally slipped my mind and I forgot to tell you. Oh well they are til 5 not 4:57.

So we get to Walgreens and they were packing up. I asked if we were too late and the girl said no we can give you one. I informed her we wanted to get one for my 3 year old (Zman was with his friend and I didn't feel like plunking down $75 for all of us to get a shot today...I know I know but I am going to check online tonight where they are giving free ones).

Hubby-Wow Love you dodged that bullet!

Love-What...bullwet?

Me-No the flu shot baby.

Love-What? I dunt want a shot (tears are starting to fall)

Me-It's ok baby it's just a pinch...it will only hurt for a second.

Love-But I dunt wanna pinch...it make me cry. (repeat repeat repeat)

Me-Ok no shot...another time.

Love-No oder time mom ok...it hurts.

Me-Ok we will wait until we go to the doctor.

Love-I dunt wanna go to the doc ter (repeat repeat repeat)

Me-Ok don't worry Love, no shot ok.

Love-Daddy no shot mommy said.

Daddy-Ok

Love-Now where we goin...no doc ter wight?

Daddy-You love hangin with mom and dad huh

Love-Yes...no shot wight? (repeat repeat repeat)

I tell you I could write a book with all of our conversations...she never stops talking. (In Kindergarten the teacher put on my report card that I talk to much...I guess it's safe to say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree)

We honestly forget she is only 3. Her school constantly asks us "Are you sure she is only 3, I mean the things that come out of her mouth"

On our way back from Walgreens she asks...

Love-Do scarecrows wike birds?

Where does she come up with this stuff?

And then today she wants me to have another baby.

Love-Mom can you hab anoder baby?

Me-What? No more babies

Love-Please Please Please...I wanna you have oder baby ok?

Me-Why do you want me to have another baby?

Love-Because (really she said because I mean she honestly knows the context in how to use this word and what it means)

Me-Because why?

Love-Because I wanna baby to sweep wight next to me. K, so you hab one? I be the mom wight?

Seriously folks I can't make this stuff up. This girl needs her own show!

And no joke...2.5 hours later (her timing couldn't be more perfect) as I post this Love is laying on the floor with her babies, her baby stroller and watching cars...out of the blue...

Mom-I dunt wanna go to the doc ter! I dunt wanna a pinch ok mom?

Reflections

2008-11-05T21:55:00.011-05:00

Tonight I had happy hour with one of my girlfriends I don't get to hang out with very much. Even though she lives 20 minutes away we get caught up in our daily lives and don't get to see each other very often.

While we were having drinks she was telling me about her recent break up with her live in boyfriend of many years. And she started telling me what her perspective was on what went sour in the relationship or how they grew apart. And then the topic of insecurities came up. I had no idea she had any. I know that is naive because everyone does but it was an "ah ha" moment.

It made me reflect on my own life. I am truly where I am supposed to be right now. Even though I am not the skinniest girl, or the prettiest (I am pretty HOT though) girl, or I may not have as much money as the next person. I am where I am supposed to be right now. I have love with my best friend who I am lucky to also call my husband. We are coming up on our 10 year anniversary next year and we are more in LOVE today than we were then. I truly love this man for putting up with me and my quirks. I have great kids who love each other so much. And we have our health but most of all we are truly a "family".

Sometimes in life you meet people who seem to be "put together" but you never really know what that person has going on in their own life.

Life is what you make of it.

LIVE LAUGH LOVE Right Steph ?

Priceless

2008-11-04T20:27:00.004-05:00

Zman on the right with his best friend P and his younger brother

Zman; the Cript Master

Aww little Miss Love aka Cinderella and Brutus

Love...look at her face...Priceless

She was so scared of his costume she wouldn't come out of her room. It was only until we went to Zman's school for a little party before Trick o Treating that she got over it.

Love-Zman I not scare of you...it's jus a cotume it's not real

Zman-I know I told you it's just make believe

Love-Yea, I so happy; dis the bes Halloween eva!

Outback Steakhouse = No Steak

2008-11-03T11:28:00.003-05:00

We decided to go to the Outback Steakhouse that just opened in our neighborhood. After being seated and waiting 10 minutes to be acknowledged by our waiter, he showed his face at our table and said he would be with us in 5 minutes...

He returns to the table about 5 minutes later

Waiter- Welcome to Outback...sorry I made you wait it's been crazy today. What can I get you.

Me- We are going to give you the entire order because who knows when we will see you again (laughing)

Waiter- Ok

So we order drinks and then Hubby proceeds:

Hubby-I want to get the Tenderloin and Shrimp...

Waiter- Oh sorry sir, we just ran out of the Tenderloin.

Hubby-Ok...let me get the Steak Salad...that sounds good.

Waiter-Oh I'm sorry we are out of that too because we use the Tenderloin Steak on it.

Hubby-Rachel what do you want? I would get the pasta but I really don't want to get pasta at a steak restaurant.

Me-I'll take the Prime Rib...

Waiter-Wow we are out of that too...I'm really sorry maybe you should have come earlier?

Me-Earlier? Looking at the time...it's 8 o'clock on a Friday night...how much earlier...seriously?
What I wanted to say was "Are you fffffffing kidding me"

Waiter-We have been really busy tonight.

Hubby-Let's go...we came to a Steakhouse to get steak...I don't want fish or chicken.

So after talking with the manager and her apologizing that they are still getting acclimated and knowing how much food to order (what this is a chain restaurant wouldn't they have this figured out by now...does the steak truck come in first thing in the morning or are the Saturday customers screwed too) she offered us dinner for two on our next visit. Since it's free I will give them another chance. And she threw in a Bloomin Onion...YUM!

Isn't their motto now "Crave on". Be careful though when it's "on" because they may be out of steak...I kid people!

Hi...My name is Rachel and I am a shoe hoarder.

2008-10-30T09:57:00.005-04:00

We have our house on the market to sell. It has been shown twice in the 4 months it's been on the market and the same realtor has shown it to the same couple.

They came out last Friday to view it and I had my realtor call them to get feedback.

My realtor-Hello Julie I wanted to get feedback on the showing for ____ Way.

Selling realtor-Hmm...what house is that...I showed 40 houses over the weekend.

My realtor-Wow 40 really...well you sure were busy.

Selling realtor-Can you give me some specifics on the house?

My realtor-It was the first house you showed on Friday after meeting your clients.

Selling realtor-Oh the house with all the shoes?

Um what is she trying to say? That I have too many shoes? Well at least they are organized neatly and by color in my walk in closet.

When I get home that day I tell Love to put her shoes in the closet. We have a walk in closet underneath our stairs in our home. When I opened the door I discovered...wow not only do I have a lot of shoes in my closet we have an army of shoes lined up in this closet too. Hubby's dress shoes, sneakers and the kids shoes. Geese...no wonder why she made that comment!

However I love shoes...I collect them and they are my thing, my best friend if you wish! So just because I have 90 pairs doesn't mean I won't miss the ones I had in a bag to be fixed by the shoe maker in the back of my car that are now sitting at Goodwill...

Me-Baby where is that bag of shoes that was in the back of my car?

Hubby-I took them to Goodwill for you.

Me-What???? You did what? No, No, No...those were not for Goodwill, I was taking them to the shoemaker to replace the heels.

Hubby-I'm sorry I didn't know.

Me-Next time just ask me "hey do you want me to take these to Goodwill"

Hubby-I am really sorry I didn't know. I will go get them for you. I am sure they have them for $3.

Me-Great...I will go to Goodwill and buy back my own shoes...and what $3 yeah right those bitches are probably $20/each.

Hubby-I will if you want me to (he is sooo sweet)

Me-No it's ok...but I'm gettin some new shoes now!

And the thing about it is...I don't even remember which ones were in there. I will though when I am looking for that "pair" to go with my outfit. I do however remember my Guess Leopard ones...they had a 4 inch heel and they were sooo HOT!

Bye Bye shoes...I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye. But I am sure someone who picks you out will enjoy you and love you...but not as much as I did!

I do have my eyes on these...

Nine West "Rocha" Pump only at Macy's

Who Needs Jenny Craig...

2008-10-29T08:37:00.006-04:00

when you got Healthy Choice. I have been on a "lifestyle" change over the past few weeks in regards to my diet and I have been trying to stay under 1300 calories a day. I allow myself one cheat day to indulge which is typically on Sundays.

I have eaten Healthy Choice products in the past but I think they have improved them in the recent years or hired a new chef. How do I know this you ask? Because this is my new "best friend"... Healthy Choice Cafe' Steamers. The entree "Whiskey Steak" and the calorie count...250!!!! That is it and it taste like my hubby whipped it up. I promise you won't get a "buzz" from eating it (the name does have Whiskey in it). I don't know if they use Whiskey or not in the recipe but this is the bestest frozen dinner in the hole wide werld!!!

Note: this is not a paid advertisement...I am just spreading the love of food to all my blogger buddies who want a good healthy option on the go...but if Healthy Choice would like to pay me to be a spokesperson I would not turn them down.

Happy Birthday To Me!

2008-10-27T10:28:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday!

I came into work this morning and my office was decorated in a "Princess" theme. This included wands, little purses and shoes!!! They also had a "Drama Queen" bag filled with streamer. It was a very nice gesture...it made me feel a little "extra special". Two of the girls in the office normally decorate for everyone on their birthday and they always base the theme around something you like or your personality. They even put shoe stickers on my calendar and had them displayed on "pay days". Too cute!

So I am officially 31 today...ugghhhh!

Weekend Recap

2008-10-26T18:53:00.004-04:00

The weekend started out Friday...Zman had his little friend from across street come over and I asked if she wanted to have a sleepover. She was escatic not to mention how excited Love was. After they had snacks, played Rock Band and hung out it was time for them to have "down time" in our bedroom...yes we gave up our King Size bed so they could live like royalty. However when they were supposed to be nuzzled in the bed watching TV Hubby walked in and found them doing this...

Meanwhile we had our friends over to have a mini celebration in honor of my Birthday. I ended up falling asleep on the couch during a Rock Band session and later just got up and took myself to bed...I guess Mr. Bacardi and Diet took over that night...but it was fun...I sure paid for it the next day.

Hubby took the kids out the next morning to Toys R Us. Zman had $40 and it was burning a hole in his pocket. After that they went to the Halloween store and Love was sooo scared of a zombie who was crawling on the floor she ran sooo fast and backed herself in the corner, when Hubby tried to pick her up to let her know everything was fine she thought he was going to bring her back to see the Zombie and screamed sooo loud the entire store heard her. Needless to say he took her outside and Zman and his friend enjoyed looking at all the decorations.

Later that day I walked into Love's room and found a "doll cemetery"

Every one of her "babies" or stuffed animals was either completely covered with a blanket or tucked in just so. She had a habit of doing this throughout the house. When I ask her "what is going on" she replies "shhhh my babies are sweeping mom".

Saturday night my mom came over for dinner and she was going to babysit so hubby and I could have a night on the town. It was going to be some much needed one on one time followed by some dancing at a local club we really enjoy. However hubby came down with something and didn't feel good. He decided to lay down again thinking he would feel better but he had a sore throat and was congested. I let him know it would be fine if we stayed home and he insisted he would "suck it up" so we can go out but I knew he didn't feel good and he wouldn't have a good time. So I sent Grandma home and we stayed in. I am beginning to think we need to stop planning to do things. That way we don't get all excited about it and just let them happen because it just seems lately something happens or comes up when it's planned out...kinda doesn't leave room for let down when it's "spur of the moment".

Sunday was followed by yet another loss by the San Diego Chargers. Gotta love that defensive coach. Seriously...what plays was he calling during the majority of the game? The Saints had great passing plays and our men allowed them to be wide open. We did come back from a 17 point deficit but just like they say "close but no cigar".

Hubby cooked us wings and ribs for dinner and made the kids pasta and meatballs. I think he was worked up from the game and then dinner as he disappeared and went upstairs to lay down.

My birthday is tomorrow...I turn 31. We were hoping to have a quiet dinner out just the two of us to celebrate my day but no babysitter. One of these days we will get some alone time...I am sure in need of it that's fo sho!

I guessed it...

2008-10-26T15:36:00.005-04:00

Yup I guessed it...not the type of phone but I did guess it was a new phone. I thought it was going to be a new Blackberry but Hubby got me the new G1 Phone by TMobile. Now I can blog on the go and upload pictures with the touch of a botton. He really wanted it for himself but he knows how much I love blogging so he got it for me!

Your guesses were great...I could use a new laptop computer since Zman dropped mine down the stairs so now he inherited the handicap computer. However we all share hubby's computer which is missing the U key thanks to Love. Maybe I'll get a new laptop for Christmas if this stock market turns around. Stop selling your STOCK!!!

Now You Have To Guess It

2008-10-23T20:23:00.005-04:00

That's right folks...I guessed my birthday present! I don't have it yet but I guessed it and Hubby had to admit I was correct.

So now leave a comment telling me what you think it is. All correct entries will be drawn for a little gift!

I know it's my birthday and I should be the one to receive the gifts but this time I will be selfless and spread the Birthday Love...because I'm that cool!

So hit me with your best shot!

What is My Birthday Present?

2008-10-22T19:30:00.004-04:00

My hubby sends me a text today:

Hubby-Ordered your present, shit man your gonna love it

Me-What is it I can't stand it hehehehehhe

Hubby-lol

So then he calls me and says:

Hubby-The guy I ordered it from said they are selling out fast.

Me-What could it be?

Hubby-Well it's something I have never bought for you before...so it's not shoes or a purse.

And then I get home and he gives me another clue:

Hubby-It will help you with your blogging...do you want to know?

Me: No don't tell me...for once I will let you keep the surprise!

But seriously...What could it be?

I cooked...and it was good...

2008-10-21T20:31:00.004-04:00

Yup I cooked dinner tonight...I kinda needed to relieve so stresses if you know what I mean...I would have taken a picture but didn't remember to take a picture until my plate was half gone (Rome wasn't built in a day people) and I cleaned the kitchen too...what is up with that? As you may know I don't cook, hubby does all the cooking and I normally clean the kitchen (unspoken rule); but tonight I did both...ok almost I don't grill because I want to keep my long eye lashes.

Stop drooling...it was not spectacular I just made it up as I went...you want the recipe? And Yes I put LOVE in this dish...

Ingredients
1 pound of penne rigate
1 bag of frozen peas (Birds Eye Steam in the Bag)
1 Onion
1 jar of Bertolli Vodka Sauce
2 Chicken Breast
Salt
Pepper
Italian Seasoning (McCormick Grinder)

Directions
Heat sauce in a pan.
Saute onions while steaming frozen peas in the microwave. Grill chicken breast until done. Throw onions and peas into sauce while pasta boils.
Cut up chicken breast after it's grilled to perfection. Drain pasta and toss with sauce...tada....Rachel's Home Made Chicken Vodka Penne...with the help of above sponsors of course...end result...wow I can cook!

Transitions

2008-10-20T12:58:00.004-04:00

I am going through some transitions now. I have mentioned here before about my OCD...but frankly I had other habits I wanted to kick...not to bore you all here but this weekend was all about "transitions". Here is the definition from www.Merriam-Webster.com

1tran·si·tion
Pronunciation:
\tran(t)-ˈsi-shən, tran-ˈzi-, chiefly British tran(t)-ˈsi-zhən\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Latin transition-, transitio, from transire
Date:
1551
1 a: passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another : change b: a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another2 a: a musical modulation b: a musical passage leading from one section of a piece to another3: an abrupt change in energy state or level (as of an atomic nucleus or a molecule) usually accompanied by loss or gain of a single quantum of energy
— tran·si·tion·al \-ˈsish-nəl, -ˈsizh-, -ˈzish-; -ˈsi-shə-nəl, -ˈzi-, -zhə-\ adjective
— tran·si·tion·al·ly adverb

So today I quit smoking...yes I said it...I'm done and now it's in PRINT. It was my downfall, my crutch but I am stronger and no longer want to mistreat my body. I have quit smoking with each of my pregnancies so my husband always thought he had to "knock me up" to get me to be healthy...but not this time...I'm not pregnant and I'm living a healthy lifestyle. I'm turning 31 next Monday and by golly I will be a changed woman!!!

Last week was the first week of my diet or shall I say lifestyle change. And it only took me seeing severely obese people eating to turn my stomach and shut my mouth (not to stop talking...who we kidding I haven't been able to do that even in Kindergarten...to stop stuffing my face silly geese). I am allowing myself one day to relish in the moment...which is Sunday for Football because who can watch football without eating wings and chili (especially if you have had my hubby's chili).

I'm really doing it this time...kicking all my bad habits...and setting a great example for myself (because we should be our own role models), my hubby, my children and you my friends!

So like the Patti LaBelle song "I Got A New Attitude"

Oh Bru Bru...(my competition for my hubby's Best Friend)

2008-10-17T11:44:00.007-04:00

This is Brutus Beefcake when he was just a puppy.

Here he is again...going potty...hmmm or smelling something.

This is Brutus today...not quite full grown but in his glory!

A close up...see he just likes to rest his fat cheeks on his ball. He wants you to throw it but he won't drop it so you can throw it!

And here he is in all his cuteness and the reason Bull Dogs are the "Bestest Dog in the hole wide werld" (as Love would say)

My hubby has always wanted a Bull Dog. He had 2 Boston Terriers when I met him. His buddy "Buster" died right before Love was born. She says all the time "Oh I miss Busta"...and I reply "but you didn't know Busta, you were still in my tummy" to that she says "oh yea I was just a little baby...I was sooooo cute".

So when Buster passed away of an enlarged heart, (no wonder he was the best dog and had the biggest bestest heart a dog could have) we got Rascal...another Boston Terrier...and we looked and looked before we found him. Kahlua (our other dog who was also a Boston) needed a friend...she didn't know what to do without Buster. So after many trips to different breeders we found Rascal. You see my hubby wanted a certain type of Boston Terrier...he loved Buster because he possessed a lot of the Bull Dog traits more so than the Terrier traits. Buster would follow hubby everywhere and nestle with him constantly...he was right there with him watching football, walking into the kitchen...you name it. Both him and Kahlua would sleep under the covers at the bottom of the bed and if he was sick in bed; Buster would hold his pee until hubby got up...they were that close. So as you can imagine it was a sad time when he passed.

Rascal was no Buster...but we fell in love with him and his crazy antics. He did grow into his name though that is for sure! But sadly God had better plans for him...and again my husband was devastated. I was devastated for the loss and to see my hubby in so much pain. He swore off dogs...decided that was it...Kahlua was going to be passing soon (she was 13) and we would just have our family...but that is not my hubby. He is meant to have a dog as his buddy...he needs it. So I researched and found a local breeder who was selling Bull Dogs...I wanted to surprise him but with the cost of the second mortgage to buy one I couldn't spend that much and not tell him. So I told him the news and he replied..."no more dogs" and I said "baby you need one...and it's a Bull Dog". Immediately he was online looking at pics and said "I want one...I really want one and we can get one" just like a little kid who was getting his first dog (best friend). So off we were to pick him out...I went first...he had some type of meeting but I couldn't be the deciding factor...I wanted them to meet and pick out each other...which they did and it was soooo great!

Brutus is the best dog...he truly is...He is not a replacement by any means but he sure makes it a little easier. I swear he has Buster's soul...that he some how knew my hubby couldn't go on with out him in his life...so he sent Brutus Beefcake as a constant reminder. (Can you believe I have tears welling up in my eyes as I type this...good grief...someone get a girl a tissue)

So in short (or long as this post is) this Post is for Brutus. Because he completes our family. He sometimes sleeps right next to our kids when they are sleeping on the floor (they love to sleep with each other and the floor is just soo much fun), or laying right next to my hubby's feet, follows us when we walk into the kitchen, gives us a shake when we tell him to sit (because the first step was sit and then shake if he wanted a cookie...now he does it like clock work), or just looks soooo damn cute when he is lying flat out on the tile floor with his tongue out of his mouth flat on the floor...He is Brutus Beefcake!!!

To Cut My Hair Short or Not to Cut My Hair Short...that is the question?

2008-10-16T09:24:00.008-04:00

I definately need a hair makeover!!! So I have decided to go short...or have I?

I always struggle with this...I always want to have long locks but get impatient and can't wait for it to grow. Right now I just feel my hair just hangs there...you know; maybe a short cut to focus more on my face and green eyes!!! What do you think?

And I love this color; I am a natural blond anyway. I am more of a "dirty blonde" color naturally and always go lighter...but I love this color on Reese Witherspoon. It's just so fresh and vibrant!

A few years ago I went a little darker and did some red highlights too; it was kind of funky and I loved it but I am a blond at heart.

So...what do you think, go short or stick it out and go long? What about the color...do you like it? If not do you have any other suggestions?

Photo Credit UsMagazine.com and Vogue

Who's Got the Funk...Rachel has the Funk...literally

2008-10-14T19:01:00.007-04:00

Yup I'm in a funk. I woke up this morning crying because I didn't have anything to wear...I have a bad habit of buying the wrong clothes...you know clothes to wear going out or for the weekend and not enough for work.

So I started my day off crying, then had a physical therapy appointment. Can you believe when I was filling out the forms I couldn't remember my own phone number! Seriously, I had to call it from my cell phone and my voicemail picked up so I guess I got it right after all.

Then I got into work about 10:30 and worked through my lunch to make up for being late, not to mention I have a doctor appointment tomorrow and then I have to leave early on Thursday and 3 days next week for more physical therapy...so after not feeling pretty because of my outfit and then not being able to take a lunch I was feeling bummed.

Then as the day went on, daily life struggles etc I felt like I needed a good cry. You know the feeling for no reason just wanna let it out.

I have been a little overwhelmed the past few days...stressing about the party and wanting my hubby to have a good time. Not to mention cooking the food because I'm no cook and meanwhile Hubby is critiquing so I am feeling more pressure. I just want it to be great.

Then he has his friends in town so I of course take the back seat...I love his attention but I am really glad his friends are here but just kinda felt left out.

So with that feeling on Monday I let it all out and of course he thought I was crazy. I don't like ruts...we haven't kept up with our weekly happy hours and going out twice a month. I haven't gotten my hair done and it's way way way (did I say way?) overdue, I haven't gotten a pedicure...I haven't shopped in I don't know how long because I am really trying hard not to be selfish...the economy is in the crapper and I am right smack in the middle of it with my job and pardon my french...It sucks! And I don't feel pretty so I cried.

Zman called me on my way home and asked if I could pick up pizza for dinner; it was going to be me and the kids because Hubby was going out tonight with his friend who leaves tomorrow and I guess I sounded down in the dumps to Zman.

I called back to let him know I would get pizza after my first instinct was "you want me to stop" and hubby answered. He could tell something was wrong and I just cried...I let him know why because he kept asking and frankly I couldn't hide it.

He is my best friend and always knows when something is bothering me. He offered to spend tomorrow night going shopping and taking me to get a pedicure...but I still feel guilty about spending the money.

Has anyone else experienced this or should I just get my Welbutrin filled?

Oh Love

2008-10-14T11:21:00.006-04:00

Love-Mom what time is gamma coming

Me-8 o'clock

Love- In 5 minutes?

Me-No 8 o'clock baby...later tonight

Love-Oh...what times now?

Me-10 o'clock

Love-but I wanna wear my MINNIE DRESS (excitedly) pwease!!!

Me-I know your going to look so beautiful!!!

Love-Jus wike a pincess wight mom?

Me-Right!

Love-O I soooo excited....you want some of those special kisses mom?

Me-Do I? Of course I LOVE THEM!!

Love-O I wuv you mom, you da bestest mom in the hole wide werld!

And Zman...he is the bestest broder in the hole wide werld...as Love would say. I don't know what I would do without this amazing boy...he is the greatest...always helping me with stuff around the house, taking care of his sister, giving her a bath or a shower, cleaning up after her and not to mention one of the BEST Rock Band singers EVER all while getting straight A's.

We keep instilling the importance of getting a good education as it can take you where ever you want to go. Zman said he thinks he was born to travel the world...I better start saving!!!

Party Time!

2008-10-12T13:22:00.012-04:00

It's official...hubby turned 40 and he doesn't look a day over 29!

We had a fire pit outside...that is where all the beer was!!! Rock Band was going on in the Family Room, the food was set up in the Dining Room (I can't believe I didn't take a picture of it) and Love was all over the place. I finally put her down at 10 so I could relax a little bit...at one point I couldn't find her because she was outside with her grandparents swinging in the dark on the swings and then she ran inside...I was asking "where is Love", my mom said "I think she is in the room with the food" and then I don't see her so I am yelling "Love where are you"...and she is under the table..."I wight here mom"...I reply "you scared me!!!...time for bed baby..." and she was sooo loving, giving everyone hugs and kisses and she didn't have cake...it was going to be a little bit before we cut it so I promised her a big piece the next day...which she happily ate and thought it was the best cake eva!!

Zman was awesome at Rock Band...this kid can sing and play bass at the same time!

Hubby seemed to be having a great time; I didn't see much of him except for singing "Happy Birthday" and cutting the cake as the older crowd wanted to turn in for the night so I had to take charge and get this part done...no speech given by Hubby...and he didn't want to open presents in front of everyone...he made this known before the party!!!

All and all it was a great time! And I am still tired!!!

Sorry Peeps

2008-10-09T21:53:00.005-04:00

I took today and tomorrow as vacation days to Relish in the Moment.

I am getting ready for Hubby's 40th Birthday this weekend. I'm prepared I think...keep in mind I am doing all the cooking and as you know I'm know Rachael Ray...partly because I spell my name R A C H E L and no A and secondly because "who we kiddin" I don't cook...I wear great shoes!

So I am taking today and tomorrow to be in the moment...to relax and be with friends and family.

Stay tuned for some great pics and video of our WILD Saturday night party! Hopefully nobody gets sick...not the alcohol...my cooking...KNOCK ON WOOD!

Happy Anniversary Baby!!!

2008-10-07T13:08:00.005-04:00

In light of my 9 year anniversary to my Hubby; 20 reasons why I love him:

1. He always makes me feel beautiful.

2. We have so much fun together no matter what...we could be watching paint dry and we would have a good time!

3. He is the best father to our kids...emotionally and physically connected to them. I love seeing him interacting with them.

4. He is hysterically funny!

5. He is very smart...he knows about a lot of shit...seriously if I have a question I just ask him. He says it was all the research he did while being a kid; he never took something for face value he would look it up to find the answer and not just believe it because someone told him so.
(You would think I would do this...nope I just ask him)

6. He is very sexy!

7. He always wants to make me happy! His motto "if mom ain't happy, nobody is happy"

8. He is selfless; he always puts others before himself.

9. He is a very forgiving person.

10. He overlooks all my faults...even my cooking!

11. I love the way he makes love to me.

12. He always helps me when I say "baby I need your help". Even if he just sat down or just got comfortable.

13. He always encourages me to have "Girl Time". He is not the jealous type rather feels flattered when men try to flirt with me.

14. He is always surprising me.

15. He is an awesome cook.

16. He never turns me down when I ask for a rub or a massage...despite the fact he hasn't received one in months!

17. He is always eager to help others.

18. I love it when he calls me "Baby girl" or "Sexy Baby".

19. He is very determined and never gives up.

20. Most of all, he is my best friend!!!

Conversations

2008-10-07T10:12:00.005-04:00

Last night I came home from work to find my husband deep cleaning our house. Cleaning the couches, deep cleaning the carpets, cleaning the showers. We are getting ready for a lot of company this week. His 40th Birthday Party is Saturday and I can't wait...and feeling a little overwhelmed because I am doing all the cooking. And if you have been around my blog for a while you must know by now that I don't cook.

I was so thankful and feeling so blessed that I have such a selfless husband. I mean it's his Birthday party and he is helping me do all the cleaning.

After he cleaned out the refrigerator he noticed there was some sort of orange stuff spilled all over the bottom of the refrigerator. He said he didn't get to it but would do it today.
I decided to venture into the fridge to find out what is was...after 30 minutes of trying to clean it up I discovered it was spilled orange juice all over the refrigerator. It ran down from the very top shelf all the way down to the bottom and it formed what looked like orange wax.

Me-Zman can you get me the antibacterial windex
(Pausing his game)
Zman-Sure where is it
Me-On the counter.
Zman-Here you go
Me-Can you help me; get me a bag.
Zman-What are you doing? What is that?
Me-It looks like someone spilled OJ all over the fridge and never told anyone...Did you do it?
Zman-hmmmm I don't remember
Me-Oh well...can you get me more paper towels
Zman-Here you go
(Then back to his game)
Me-Where did my helper go?
Zman-Oh sorry mom what do you need me to do?
Me-I'm sorry Zman I have you running ragged always helping me.
Zman-Mom it's no problem...really. I mean you just bought me the greatest game in the world. Even though I had to spend some of my savings to get it but I know I will earn more money over the next few weeks doing all these chores.
Me-Awww...give me a big HUG....I am sooo glad God gave you to me.
Zman-You always say that mom.
(So I am almost done cleaning the refrigerator)
Me-Zman can you do me one more favor?
Zman-Sure what is it?
Me-Can you switch out the clothes in the washer and dryer and bring this upstairs?
Zman-That's it? No problem mom.

He is the best kid in the entire world and I am not being biased...he is a straight A student in school, he is sooo loving, so inquisitive and always helping around house. Don't get me wrong he is 9 and sometimes gripes about it but always apologizes after the fact. I love this boy!!!

And then Love...

Love-Cav a snack?
Me-Yes... you want Rainbow Goldfish Crackers?
Love-Yesssssssss
Love-Can I eat em in the oder room and watch my show?
(She wants to eat them in the spare bedroom that we have gotten set up for some of our guests).
Me-Yes but don't you dare get crumbs all over the place or you'll get a big spankin...
(I was not going to spank her but you have to talk tough to this tough little girl and be overly dramatic...I mean she seriously has the mind of a 15 year old)
Love-I pomise mom...pomise

So I go upstairs to check on her and what do I find...crumbs?

Me-Love what did I tell you about those crumbs!!!...clean those up right this minute or you are getting a spankin
Love-No spankin mom...i cwean em up K
Me-Right now let's go
Love-No spankin mom
(I don't say anything)
Love-Mom I don't wanna spankin
Me-I'm not going to spank you just please clean it up.
Love-Oh tank you mom tank you sooo much (giving me a hug)
Love-You want some of dem special kisses
Me-of course I love those special kisses.

She proceeds to gently kiss me on the cheek in the same spot about 3 times...melts my heart every time.

And then this morning as I leave for work everyone is sleeping and I am about to walk down stairs and Love comes out of her room no shirt on only her pull up.

Love-Good mornin Sunshine!!!!!
Me-Oh baby...good morning...(giving her the biggest hug) Have a great day today...
Love-Ok....Zman Zman Zman time to get up and wets go way in moms bed...come on

And then I leave for work!

Weekend Recap

2008-10-06T11:04:00.003-04:00

Well this weekend was a R & R weekend. My neighbor and friend who I have mentioned before works for a National Hotel Chain and needed me to be a "Secret Shopper" again. This time I didn't have to shop all my encounters at the hotel rather only room service and the restaurant for breakfast. She did get us set up in a huge room. It was like two rooms together that they made into one room. It had a wet bar, separate couch and living area as well as a King size bed for hubby and I.

Hubby and Zman did Pitch and Put golf while Love and I relaxed at the poor. Then it started to drizzle so we headed back to the room for a nap. Hubby and Zman went to play video games and Love had ants in her pants so when they came back we all ventured outside. Hubby, Zman and Hannah attempted to ride this 3 person bike which reminded me of a man selling ice cream while riding in this contraption. Hubby actually lost control and crashed into some rocks...nobody was hurt but it was quite funny. Love just wanted the heck out of it.

We then relaxed in a hot tub which had a warm waterfall running into it...so relaxing. However we couldn't relax because all Love could concentrate on was this little basketball she saw in the pool below. She had asked the pool attendant for one and they were out so when she saw this basketball she had to hab it (as Love would say)...what is it with kids and balls? She even dared to go up to the lady "mom i go talk to dat lady" I reply "for what?"..."come wit me" "No you go, I will watch you". Well she wanted to ask the lady if she could bring the basketball home with her...too cute but she said no...could you believe she turned down my cute, courteous little girl...I mean she said Please!!!

So then we decided to go upstairs and order room service...$165 dollars later and all FREE we had full tummies and just relaxed!

The next morning we got up and had a nice breakfast...again all FREE and then came home to watch our Chargers get their butts kicked by the Dolphins...couldn't believe it...well that is what happens when your team doesn't show up to play...what were they doing???

Zman had some friends over to play some video games and Love had to join in on the fun...but she settled and played dress up in her Cinderella dress and crown "I such a pwetty pincess mom". (It sill boggles my mind that my 3 year old comes me Mom...not mommy but mom...or sometimes Mamasita!)

After that my fabulous hubby made us Chicken Parmesean for dinner and it was soooo good! I have left overs for my lunch today! I then ventured upstairs to watch reruns of Sex and The City on Tivo while Hubby and Zman rocked out on Rock Band to unlock more songs...he has his 40th Birthday party this weekend so he is on a roll to have lot's of choices for us to rock out to.

Meanwhile I have to get Love in her bed...it's a fight; "i sweep in the extwa room" "No baby in your bed" "please mom just a cuckle minutes". "No Love in your room" "Awww please just a wittle wile?" "No love...now let's brush your teeth" "and go potty right mom". Then after that she has to ask me another 4 times to sleep in the other room or her brothers room. I proceed to put her in her bed and I am going to read "Where the Wild Things Are".

Love-I dont wike that book

Me- Yes you do; besides I am reading it.

Love-I wanna read this book (pointing to a Clifford book which you really can't read).

Me-Love let's just read this book ok? or no book

Love-K

So I read the book, and turn on her night light and then tuck her in.

Love-Mom turn off the wights

Love-Will you way by me for a cuckle minutes
(I have to hold myself back from laughing each time she says cuckle)

Me-Sure

Love-tickle my back
(rubbing her back)

Love-tickle my nose
(rubbing her nose)

Love-tickle my arrrms
(rubbing her arms)

Love-tickle my legs
(rubbing her legs)

Me-Ok baby it's time for bed

Love-Rub my nose

Me-I just did Love

Love-no you did not

Me-Love time for bed, I love you...good night...don't let the bed bugs bite!

Love-Good night sunshine! Mom keep my light on...

Me-No light...close your eyes and go to sleep. You have your night light on.

Love-I give daddy a hug...

Me-Love you gave him one already good night!!!

Love-Good night

Giving Thanks-Pay It Forward Winner

2008-10-03T20:51:00.010-04:00

And the winner is...

Weeksie50

Weeksie50 won a Nahui Ollin Hanmade Wristlet. These are made from candy wrappers. I love all their bags and want a bigger size bag for myself. Hint Hint Hubby if your reading this. They are so funky and so original. You can click on the link above or go to their website http://www.nahuiollin.com/. You will love their original bags!

Zman did the drawing and Love got in on the action by posing with it. They kept reminding me "don't forget about your giveaway". With all that is going on how could I let my peeps down; and besides in a time like this we all could use some good Karma.

Please email me at livinandloving@gmail.com with your email address so I can get this right out to you. You will love it. And don't forget to Pay It Forward in anyway you want; it doesn't have to be something you can hold or use...just spread the LOVE!

Cav Anotha Snack?

2008-10-02T19:48:00.007-04:00

Love-I humgry

Me-You just ate dinner

Love-I still humgry

Me-You can have one snack

So she brings me the Fall Festive Debbie Cakes and I give her one

Me-Here just one

Love-Why about the oder one?

Me-Take it or nothing

Meanwhile Hubby is sick so he is heating up soup

Love-Whatcha got there

Hubby-Soup

Love-Oh I lob soup

Hubby-You do?

Love-Uh huh

So he gives her a couple of slurps

Meanwhile she sees the other Little Debbie Cake sitting next to me as I am on the couch and haven't put it away yet

Love-Oh I hab that...the oder one?

Me-No you just had a snack

Love-But I so hungryyyyyyyy

Me-Fine...eat it and get a big tummy ache

Love-What...I not get a big tummy ake Mom...I hab a little tummy.

Scared...Why?

2008-10-01T21:32:00.004-04:00

We can't control what happens in life; we can only react and learn from what happens. We ask ourselves what if? What if I waited the additional 10 minutes before I left? What if I didn't leave the office at all? These thoughts run through my head but in the end only God knows.

I truly believe in all my being that God has a plan for all of us. The joys we experience, the pain we overcome teaches us something in the end. I believe that everything happens for a reason. We don't always know but God does.

The strange thing is I had a strong feeling the other day I would be involved in a car accident. I brushed it off thinking maybe it was the commericals on tv I was seeing, reading the news about accidents that have happened in our area or just that I am scared to death of accidents. Your life can change in a split second. When I had the thought it sent chills through my body; but I brushed it off. I felt it was my mind playing tricks on me. It was something I had saw or read which was the reason I was feeling these "preminitions".

Was it God talking to me? What was he saying? Was I to go through this ordeal for some reason? Was I to take something out of it? Was I to lose something?

I was raised Baptist. I chose to be baptised when I was 13 right around the same time my parents were going through a divorce. My mom during this ordeal was trying to find the "right Church"...we tried several. Through the years I went less and less but always knew God was with me.

I met my husband who was Catholic but not the "practicing Catholic" I guess you could say. I wanted to learn about new faiths. I didn't quite know the difference between all the religions. What I did know was of a higher being; God. Someone who created this beautiful place we live in. Someone who created us; perfectly developed individuals all unique in our own way.

I know he has a path for me, my husband and my kids...not to mention the people he brings into our lives.

I know he will guide me and all I can do is let him take the wheel...but yet I am scared...why?

This accident has truly allowed me to "be in the moment". Appreciate what is and not what I want. Everything else will fall into place.

Lil Banged Up

2008-10-01T11:34:00.005-04:00

I was in a car accident yesterday. Some lady decided to bend down to pick up something (someone who worked for the fire dept who appeared to be on duty at that...shouldn't she know better???) while going about 45 mph and rammed into me while I was waiting at a light. I am at home now healing through the pain and going through this grueling process of doctor appointments, insurance companies etc etc etc.

I thank God for watching over me as I was able to walk out of the hospital and come home to my family. I am very sore today with some neck pain and my left arm is swollen with some brusing but I won't know the extent of my injuries until my follow up appointment with my doctor.

My spirit is a little saddened and I am really scared to drive right now but I will pull through. God was with me yesterday. Now I am trying to figure out the gift or lesson learned in this ordeal.

I will post more later.

Giving Thanks

2008-09-29T10:04:00.014-04:00

**ETA below

I love my kids...I have the best kids in the whole wide world! (as Love would say "yer the bestest mom in the hole wide werld")

They color together, they play outside together, the watch tv together, they take a bath together when mommy just wants a break! Thanks Zman for always helping your mom and dad and being a great brother...you are always eager to help and even when you don't feel like it you do. When we want to sleep in a little bit on Sunday morning you offer to make your own breakfast...and eggs at that...you wanted daddy to teach you so you could do it yourself.

I am to thankful that no matter what happens or how bad of a day I have or if I am just feeling down; I have the bestest kids and a greatest sexiest hubby who takes care of us all!!! I wuv you guys!!!

PS Also giving Thanks...Alison sent me cute pair of earrings that I won during a "Pay It Forward Give Away". So in keeping with the theme (as I truly believe in Karma)...post a comment giving reasons why you are thankful and I will have Zman and Love draw a name on Friday! Then once you receive your gift; you will need to pay it forward because we need more love and gratitude during these hard times.

Special Note: The gift will not be a gift I made because let's face it folks...I am not crafty nor do I cook...so just be thankful for your present!!!

Also if you post about this "Pay It Forward" giveaway on your blog and leave a comment stating so... well good golly you will get another entry!

**ETA-My son Zman has a blog; he loves Club Penguin...I just checked out his blog today and you have to read the post about his sister and his dog...gosh I could just eat him up. Check him out and show some LOVE!