well I suppose I should update

I'm here. Back from the va-cay-cay. Everything now is nay-nay or cay-cay. It's my thing, this week. It started cuz my (super duper cute) niece is just a crack up. She does all sorts of crazy accents and impersonations all the time. She pretty much made me laugh the entire time I was on vacation. Anyway, there's this new (new to us) card game called "hand and foot" (quickly renamed a billion times to "hand/foot/mouth disease" or "tooth and nail" or "mitten and boot" you get the drift) And in it you make "canastas" which - naturally - she called "ca-nay-nays" and our white slang was born.


The main reason for our trip was for the family reunion. Everyone showed up on Saturday. It was pretty damn cool. I love Peter's family. Seeing everyone reminds me how lucky I am to have him (sheesh - easy on the sap michelle)



here's the chillins sporting the reunion shirts I designed in like 15 minutes - Peter 'forgot' the dealine for the art and I had to do it crazy fast. Like, he called in the morning "honey? can you get the art for the shirts to the printer by noon?" My reply, "honey...what art?" niiiiiice. But I think it turned out cute. Everyone seemed to like them. Bummer you can't see the front logo thing. It's kinda cute too.

aaaaaaaaayway, I'm back. Had a GREAT time. Didn't do a damn thing. Well, not true, I ate, and drank, and ate some more and played "hand and mouth" and "nertz". Ever played Nertz? It's like speed solataire. CRAZY FUN. but beware. If you play it with your young, brilliant and lightning fast - both in mind and hand - niece you WILL get your ass kicked. okay, back to the nothingness that I did. I didn't even jet ski. That's east SYYYDE water is chilly folks. My 85 degrees loving ass wasn't having any part of that shiat. So at the table I sat. and I love every lazy ass minute of it.

OH!! I also played the guitar hero or whatever game on their XBOX. COMPLETELY addicted. MUST. HAVE. ONE. If anyone has this game PLEASE let me know. I'll pay to play it. It's super freaking cool.

Here are some picture for your viewing pleasure! haha

Here's the view from the lake house. Pretty much the sun as it is everwhere. :) Really just proof that I did, in fact, leave. LOL


Sarah being the show-off that she is. Someone (peter probably) put Emily's bikini on her and she strutted around with it on. What a hammy, man I love her.


Noah and Sarah on the pontoon boat going out to watch the fireworks. We were on a rather big lake. It's shaped like a 4 leaf clover so there's LOTS of lake front property - which equals lots of houses - which equals LOTS of boats. I think everyone was on the lake for the show. It was a darn nice show too. Nothing like sitting on a boat, drinking a beer, floating with thousands of other people celebrating our country's birthday.


Kate with the craziest dog ever, Mocha. Katie just loved her. Everyone else, not so much haha. This picture was taken at nearly 10 at night. It gets dark there SUPER LATE. It's freaky. And REALLY hard for those of us who go crazy if our kids aren't down at 7:30. They were up so late it was bananas.

There should be more pictures later this week. Most on on Peter's computer cuz we were fancy like that. Then he took his laptop to OK with him, punk ass. So this is all eyezz gotz (yeah, sorry, no idea why I'm talking like this LOL)

Not much else going on. Pumping away on the book. Work is frantic, as usual. Kids are good. and I'm back at the gym...working off all that sitting, and eating, and drinking :)

finally, for the record, I want an ipod. Not cuz I really need one. Or would ever use it. But they just work nice. They feel nice and are well engineered. and y'all know how I can't resist a product that is smooth and works right (don't go there shanna. hooker!)

and a final, FINAL note - mostly to myself. Take a freaking photography class, would ya!?!?! Them some crappy skillz going on there. Light is your friend - LEARN ABOUT IT DAYUM!

peace out yo! Shell-nay-nay has left the building :)

i'd be rich

This
is one of the things that makes me happy
VEEEERRRRRRRRRY HAPPY.

watch it. Listen to it. Check the pictures. and just TRY to be unhappy. It's impossible. go ahead, try it.

Lisa, I dare you!

Happy listening :)

feeling good

Having a good day today. Nothing big, just a bunch of little things.

like:
got bunches of prayers for my friend - always warms my heart how generous people are with their love.
and:
Finally don't feel like I'm going to die after a week of working out.
and:
got new shoes that are killer comfy and semi-cute even.
and:
got my phone to sync again. THIS IS A BIG WOO HOO. Been un-synced with my calender for far too long.
and:
going on vacation in 3 days. Going to sit and read and jet ski and laugh and hopefully be able to work on the book a little bit (yes I know, but it must be done)
and:
Got a couple jobs out the door so coming back from said vacation won't be too horrible at work.
and:
webmaster is working on the site. Nothing to see yet but he says he'll having something when I get back.
and:
just feeling good. Making lifestyle changes, mind changes, happy changes, and is'all geood. :)

do you pray?

if you do, would you shout one out for my dear friend and collegue, Dann? He's been very sick lately and it's looking like lung cancer. He's struggling with his fate and it's feared he has given up the fight.

Sorry for the bummer post. Please know I appreciate any thoughts and prayers you could send his way. He's an amazing person who could use a little boost right about now.

Peter says I have a good heart - I say I'm crazy!

OKAY. this post WILL have spoilers. so if you haven't seen "Bridge to Terabithia" and want to - DON'T READ ANY FURTHER. You have been warned. I will say what happens.




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DON'T YELL AT ME FOR SPOILING THIS MOVIE!!!

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Bought this movie. Watched it. Liked it except the freaking ending. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????!??!??! She DIES?!!!?!

I know, blah blah blah, it's not about that. It's about bigger things. but shit. She's a cutie. she made a difference. and she's freaking dead. Pisses me off. I'm sad, still, just thinking about it.

Same with Pay it Forward and Untamed heart. Great movies but I will NOT watch either again. It's just too much for me. People die, I get that. I'm actually kinda okay with it in real life (go figure) but in movies, where things are FAKE and HAPPY and pretend, people shouldn't die. Everything is supposed to be happy and shiny and bright. The guy gets the girl. The good people live on. Everyone is happy! that's the rules! DAMMIT.

As with any new movie in this house, it gets played over and over and over again. Noah is watching it right now. I made him move to the Living room. I really don't want to watch again.... stupid huh? I called Peter about it. Told him I was still sad about this damn movie to which he replied, "I know honey, you have a good heart." Another reason I'll keep him around! :)

3 reasons

Here are Peter's 3 reasons for loving every day of his life. His Children. They rock! HE rocks!!!

Happy Father's Day Babe!

who knew?

Ice contains frozen water! Filtered even.

Seriously?


no. seriously. They have to put that there? No, I mean they probably HAVE to put that there. Some dumb ass probably sued Mickie D's for not clearly labeling what's a bag of ice. That or some crack ho bought a bag for 79 cents thinking she hit the mother load and died of pnemonia after trying to smoke water. er wait, frozen water. That or the FDA requiredsevery. single. thing. to be clearly labeled. Not matter the reason, it's freaking lame. But funny!

moving forward

Pretty exciting news in the Paper Therapy world today. Found a webmaster. WOO HOO!!! This book thing looks like it really really is going to happen.

It's amazing to me how things are working out. Beyond y'all (my MAS friends) who have been my foundation during this project, I've been blessed to happen upon people who are as excited about this thing as I am. For taking over 2 years it's sure going fast.

So webdesign is moving. Business affairs are moving. Book compliation is moving. Memory Trends preparations are moving. I'm moving! It's really super duper exciting.

a little entertainment for ya

Okay, a VERY little bit of entertainment.

Sorry for the bad image. You'd think I'd take some time and learn how to take a good photo. But no. That's too. obvious.

So can you read the directions? In case you can't, here's what it says to do.

"We've dealt you a winning hand - but how fast can you find it? Five cards below form this cross pattern {oh crap can't draw the cross - check out the pic} but here's the trick: Each card has to have a difrerent symbol. Sound easy? Time yourself and see how you rate."

So try it. How long does it take ya'll??? I'm embarrassed to say how long it too me, so I'll wait until some of you chime in :)

a lost photo

I felt like blogging but don't really have anything funny or even remotely interesting to talk about so I starting digging through some pictures. Ya know, just cuz blogs with pictures are fun and don't require thoughful text.(that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.)

I found this one of Kate. It's semi-oldish, taken May 11, so like 25 days old. Or is it 24? or would it 26? how many days are in May?? I can never remember. Bloody Hell! I took it last month! there! phew...


So anyway, this is a newish thing for her. She finds any sort of fabric to use as a blanket. Here it's a napkin but sometimes is a shirt, or the stupid armrest cover thing I thought I would have thrown away forever ago but never seem to get the guts to actually toss it. Anyway, it's rarely an actual blanket. So she gets her blankie and whatever baby is handy and covers her up and pats her back. Just like they do for naptime at daycare.

Try and tell me it's not the cutest thing ever!?! Go ahead, try! Told ya! You can't do it, huh? LOVE HER! (*I* left off intentionally, just for 2KDawg)

cuteness from my brain

This is what I did at !Shanna's house last friday.


I'm such a liar. Neither of these pages are from MY brain. I copied them. Both from Creating Keepsakes, I'm pretty sure (don't have the mags with me now)

Even though I didn't come up with them, they're still mine and I Love them! And I had a great time, as per usual, with my Mas girls!

Journaling for first one - Remember when - reads:

I remember when you wore a tuxedo for the second time
(First, when I married Peter, and again, here, at your Dad's wedding)

I remember how you insisted that you dress yourself.
(All but the cufflinks and cumber bun)

I remember who was making you smile so cute.
(Peter was tickling your neck and sides)

I remember where we were during these pictures.
(On the front lawn neas the "tree of life")

I remember what a blessing you are you just by being you.
(Something I won't ever forget!)


the second might be hard to see but the strip above the word "style" says "almost in" :)

the sky is not falling!

I repeat, the sky is not falling. Nor is the end of the world near. All hell is not breaking loose. At least not in my little neck of the woods.

How do I know this, you ask? I know you're at the edge of your chair crazy with anticipation. I will relieve you of any further suspense.

Peter and I went shopping yesterday. We did A LOT of shopping. well. All lot of spending (on his part) anyway. Costco first, then Target. My two stores I USED to call my "hundred dollar stores" until I decided I'd be lucky (and pretty damn happy) to leave that place only a C-note down.

aaaaaanyway, we USED to have our routine of shopping with the kids in 100 degree heat down to the second. Not a moment wasted securing our purchases and buckling in the chillins. We must be out of practice after a long winter of perfect weather where the required get-in-the-car-as-fast-as-you-can-so-the-air-will-get-cold-quickly-so-we-don't-burst-into-flame techniques aren't necessary. I know we're out of practice because as we pulled into the garage I realized my purse wasn't with me.

Now, I won't say who (peter) was unloading the stuff (peter) from the cart or who's who's responsibility it was (peter) to make sure everything (peter) was out of there. No need to (peter) rub it in. Needless to say (okay maybe I let it slip a TEENY BIT) the purse wasn't with me.

Back to Target. This took exactly 18 hours and 23 minutes.
Back to where we parked. Which had the NOW EMPTY cart in front of the spot.
Back across the 100 acre parking lot to the store's entrance.

time stood still. Let me just explain my panic. I had my car keys and cheapo sunglasses. Other than that, everything was in my purse. I'd just cashed my last Bazzill check, so over 200 bucks cash was in there. My very expensive, practically a computer phone was in there. My 'get the most expensive blue tooth dealy' was in there. Two credit cards, bank card and ID were in there. OH! and killer D-backs tickets for this Saturday's game where in there. I guess when I write it out like that it's not my WHOLE life, but at the time, with the second ticking by like freaking molasses on a cold winter's day, it seemed like a boat load of stuff.

Time to face to music. It's gone, I just know it. No one could pass up the hundred dollar bills that I remembered I hadn't pushing in my wallet far enough so they were peeking out. The phone maybe. the tickets, maybe. But not 200 smackerooneys! Well someone DID pass it up. Someone, a young couple I'm told, turned it into the Target service counter. This couple didn't take a single thing. I'm pretty sure they didn't even peek in, as nothing seemed moved a bit (it's ordered chaos in there and I'd notice if someone straightened up LOL) Before you ask, no, they didn't leave their name, just my purse. I asked everyone at the counter, too. I wanted desperately to give them a reward. But nope. They just returned it and went about their day. How cool is that?!

So my faith in humanity is restored. Not that it really was all that tarnished. I don't tend to have The Chicken Little, sky is falling mentality. I don't buy into "gone are the good ole days" mind set. People are good. Always have been, always will be. There are a few bad ones, but for the most part, they rock. And I've got the 200 bucks, a kick ass phone and my blue tooth to prove it!

the list

Here are all the sayings for my birthday heart, err, paint chip attack. They are in no order. I'm just pulling them out of the lead crystal vase they are proudly displayed in.

Most won't make any sense to anyone but the MAS girls. If you want an explanation let me know, I'll tell the story. Each one has one :) (and truth be told, I want to tell the story of every single one right now!)

Bite me!
Happy Birthday!

Happy day after your birthday!
So are you a crack maker or crack dealer?
I bet you thought we forgot!
We love your "colorful" language
Have you SEEN my keys?
Just trying to help you pick a wall color
Good thing Peter's peter is in the right place!
I swear! Hell yah!
Let's go to Outback tonight
Yummy: Peyton Manning

Is that your natural hair color?
Bloody hell! Another Bday!
Have a (diet) coke and a smile!
We're late since Shanna had to watch the Suns game...
Paint chips. Lots. Love them.
Are you calling me fat?
Happy Birthday!
"Michelle" doesn't really work with the name game. Michelle, Michelle do bichelle...that doesn't sound so hot
Are you feeling the birthday LOOVE?
Happy Birthday!
Thanks for making out lives more "colorful"
Woohoo! A winner!
Skankalicious
Michelle-bo-belle-fee-fi-what-the-hell-ever!
SUCKERTALK!!!!

CZ Stalker!!!
Don't put my baby to sleep!
Thanks for the dinner. Why don't you just drop it on the floor. (from me - I love them all but this might be my favorite...brings me right back to that oh so fun drop-food-on-the-floor-and-burst-into-tears moment)
Chomp Chomp Chunch
What about chocolate, peanut butter, coconut and macadamia nut crack?
Birthday. So delightful.
SCADS...that's all I have to say
My MAS friends are the bomb!

Seriously?
Surprise!
I have the best friends!
Blog Nazi says: You'd better blog about this
Yes, I can watch Kate!
If you were on Survivor, we would so vote for you!

We're late because Maddy & Sadie's unflexible feeding schedule...
Ice addict
We're late since Mike was in Wickenburg
Any duplicates yet
Ice Ice baby!
Slacker!
Sing it, Elton!
Did you REALLY think that we would forget about you?!?!?
Have fun. PLAY. (I know how much you hate that word)
Happy Birthday!
Is George Michael your Father Figure?
I would LICK Captain Jack cleeean!
Thanks for the sticks
I planned ahead & wrote mine a few at a time so my hand wouldn't hurt.
Have you lost your keys for the week yet?
You are lookin' fine!
You are a goddess!
Did you think we were *that* lame?
Is it your birthday???
Had birthday. Ate cake. Delightful.
You have very weird friends.
Quick!! Let's stop at Taco Bell!
Book? What book? *You're* writing a book? I had no idea.

We. Don't. Spoon!
Can you feeel the loooove toooo-niiight?
I swear...
We're late because one of Beth's kids had another sports event...
You kwow what I could use right now? Some ice chips :)
Bow Chicka Bow Wow

6 trips to Target and no skewers
*WINNER* Just kidding. there's nothing to win
(okay maybe I was wrong - THIS ONE is killer funny/clever/perfect/favorite!)
Don't you think we're Heee-larious?
S*L*A*C*K*E*R
(written on a super dark blue chip) Can you even read this?
Happy Birthday!
WHAT is that smell? sniff sniff smells like Easter Eggs
I've got CPS on my speed dial
HBTY haha! figure out what that means (and no, I haven't!)
HO!
Walk like an Egyptian...
Let's just call this color "dillweed"

PHEW!! that's every single one of them. After, of course, the front row of sticks that said H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y M I C H E L L E

Pretty clever huh? I love you girls!!! Thanks again!

not that y'all didn't already know

I.
have.
the.
bestest.
friends.
E.V.E.R.



Pretty much knew it was coming. I mean, I realize it's 'wrong' to expect someone to do something for you birthday. But let's be real, we did Shanna's two days ago. It'd be almost mean to really stop at me :) And these people are too good to be cruel :)

Kerry, Beth, Maddy, and Shanna heart attacKed my house last night. This has become quite a wonderful tradition between us. Each birthday (and sometimes even 'fake' birthdays) we do something clever and personal and purely hysterical. Their idea for me - which *I* thought might be hard - because I'm SO hard to make fun of (bwhaha) was PAINT CHIPS! A spin off of when I painted my wall in the living room like a freaking jail cell. PERFECT!

These girls are GOOD!!!

They chipped in and got me a pedicure at a local spa. YUM!!! This is desparately needed. I won't even think about if *they* noticed it's needed. I'll just happily take and and get them tooties purdied up. :)

Then, to top it off. In reference to this debate Maddy gave me the two pairs of pants she was going to toss. SOOOOOOO FUNNY!!!

Have I mentioned that I love these girls!? seriously! I don't deserve you guys. Thanks for putting up with me and making me feel super duper special!

I'll post some of the sayings that are written on the paint chips. I'd do it now but I'm leaving them out there for a while longer. They make me happy. And I'm not too proud to show off my amazingly cute lawn.

LOVE YOU!

It's my berfday :)

This is my Easter lamb pez dispenser that I 'stole' form the girls and who usually hangs out with me at my desk and waves HI! He makes me smile so I thought I'd share him on 'my' day.

Happy birthday to me!











(and yes...I'm shamlessly announcing that today is my birthday. I figure if I don't enbrace it now, I never will. 38 is a lotta years to try'n embrace. The little gasp followed by a bit GULP reminded me of how hard it is to embrace!)

24 hours of perfection!

I know I'm not alone when I says My "day" ROCKED. We all have some pretty kick ass families and I'm confident you, too, were properly pampered on Mother's Day. But seriously, I looooooooooooved every second of it. I'll break it down:

The girls woke at 5:30, as usual, and rather than having to get up I tapped Peter and he jumped out of bed, "I've got'em" he said. sweeeeet. Went back to sleep until 10ish when I got up long enough to drink the Diet Coke waiting for me in the fridge. Downed that and back to bed. till noon! NOON PEOPLE. I literally slept the morning away without interruption. without hearing screams in the background. And without having a 102 temp (sorry shanna!)

noon. How I love noon. That, it itself would have been enough. But you know it doesn't end there.

* The girls were perfect, playing nicely outside (Noah was with his Dad)
* I laid on the couch in my jammies watching mindless TV and playing the breaker game on my phone.
* My brother came over along with one of Sarah's friends from school and we all went swimming.
* Peter took us to Outback Steakhouse. I totally dig that place.
* We came home to my favorite ice creak (moose tracks) that P bought special for me.

I dunno, it was just a great day. Peter went out of his way to make me feel special and taken care of. Throughout the day he did little teeny things, little thoughtful things. Like bring me a donut and glass of milk for no reason. Like get me a beer while waiting at Outback without being asked. Of course, bringing me flowers, which is does so well.

My kids were amazing too. All cute and cuddly. Each made me a cute something from school. and they all kept hugging on me and wishing me a happy day. Even this morning they "slept in" until 6:35. Which was a killer way to start my Monday.

I know Peter was really stressed that he didn't have time to "get" me anything big. He usually does but with traveling so much (he left again this morning) it just wasn't happening. I was totally okay with it. And seriously, there isn't any 'thing' that I'd want more than the kind of day I had.

He is making me an appointment for a massage. That rocks my socks off too!!! :)

haven't had much to say

I haven't blogged much mainly because I haven't had crap to say. I'm busy. We're all busy. I've been sick. who hasn't? Peter's gone, again. Nothing special. But for me it's been kinda....crappy. So in an effort not to put my bitching in type I've just been quiet. But today, while at the Mother's Day Party at Noah's school something happened that was worth talking about. And didn't involved complaining.

Each child wrote a poem and then read it in front of the entire class (and all the moms) This was Noah's.


Now, he's no literary genius. Pretty sure I know where he got that LOL But this is extra special. It's an Acrostic Poem and the word (der) is MOTHER. What's sweet is "t" - Two Moms. It made me feel so damn good to know that he included Angela (his step-mom) in his thoughts about Mother's Day.

I suppose some would be freaked. Had you told me this wouldn't chap my hide 8 years ago I'd have for sure said you were crazy. Two moms??? That's GOT to be insulting, right?

naahh.... he does. He's blessed to have two families. Two moms. Two dads. countless cousins. Loving aunt's and uncles. He's truly loved. And I'm loved by him. That's got to feel good.

To make this poem even cooler I was able to show Angela. She picked him up at school and I dropped by while she was in the carpool lane. (I did have 'official' bizness of dropping of his baseball uniform lest you think I drove across town just to show her this) I explained about the poems and pointed out the "two moms" part. She got all choked up. It's was kick ass. She was so touched. I couldn't help but feel good for having shown her.

She was super cute, too, asking if I was okay with that. HELL YEAH I am, I assured her.

I'm his Mom. I'm confident in that. I don't see myself getting demoted LOL And, besides, there's certainly enough love in his heart to go around.

So that's what I have to say right now. My kiddo rocks! And he's got two - kick ass - moms!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

you sure I'm not blonde?

wow, what a day. While I'm not grumpy about it, I'm glad it's nearly over. I just wrote out this mamoth post giving y'all the play by play of aggravating events that made up my day. I'm deleting all but one. I'll leave you with my dumb ass moment of the day.

After I get Noah off to school I load the girls into the van to drop them off. Click. click. click. T
hat's the only sound the damn thing was making. Dead battery. Must have hit 100 degrees yesterday. I always lose my battery first day the temp rises.

No biggie. I've got Peter's truck and jumper cables. right? WRONG. Can't find the cables. Call Peter, no answer. Call bro, he's in Maricopa. Call Peter, again and again and again. Call one of the guys from work. Here's how that convo went. It's 8:03am, he's been there 3 minutes. haha
Me: Hey Carlos, My car is dead, Peter's out of town, you think you can come jump me?
Carlos: Huh? what?
Me: I have a dead car and Peter's truck, but no cables. Can you help me?
Carlos: So you have two cars? why can't you drive the other one?
Me: HAHAHAHAH yeah. no shit huh? DERR! nevermind.

Felt like a complete moron!

It all ended well. I took the girls to school in Peter's truck and, after some begging, borrowed a set of cables. Called my brother and he walked me through jumping the car without blowing myself to smithereens. All before 8:30am.

tag

Well I'll for sure mess this up! I've been tagged by Lisa and the rules say you give 7 little known facts about yourself and then tag 7 people. BWHWHWHAAA good one. Like I know 7 people who haven't already been tagged. Oh well...I'll try.


ONE:
I eat the same breakfast every single day, for months on end. Right now it's a Sausage Egg Biscuit from Mickey D's. Before that it was the Chibata breakfast sandwich from Jack in the Box, before that french toast sticks. On and on and on. I'll eat something until I can't possibly eat another, and then I'm never able to eat it again.

TWO:
I'm a slow reader. Love to do it, but I'm slow at it.

THREE:
I hate swimming in the ocean. Like looking at it, think it's truly amazing (can't watch a sunset without tearing up) but I don't like the salt water and I'm afraid of the waves. WELL! Except for the beaches at St. Thomas. I could live IN that water.

FOUR:
I pull at my eyelashes when I tired. I used to do it all the time, as a stress reliever. For some reason I stopped that, but still do it when I'm ready for bed. So you can always tell when I really need to go to sleep, I start effing with my lashes.

FIVE:
I am riddled with self-doubt and often wonder why people put up with my bullshit.

SIX:
I refuse to be sad, or to mourn, on the anniversary of my Mother's death. I wish she were her. I wish I could talk to her again. But I know I will, someday. I know I'll see her again. She's always been one step ahead of me anyway, so to me she's just doing things now that someday I'll do too.

SEVEN:
I found that I'm pretty much an open book and coming up with things that few people know is really hard.

Here are the next victims.
Kaelene
Laura
Beth (sorry girl! but I left ya Mo and Jamie and Karan. How nice am I??? haha)
Tammi
Angelia (are you still out there??)
Yea, that's all I got.

two less balls in the air

I did someone pretty drastic today. After working an all-nighter and still not catching up. After 2 months without a day off. After yelling at my children for no damn reason and completely ignoring my husband, I decided something had to change.

I no longer teach at the store. :(

It's only temporary. The owner said she'd take me back (alhtough she wasn't pleased with me as the new calender was just released so I was scheduled 4 months out.) I asked to have my 'break' go to the end of the year.

Feels pretty good - after a good cry or two about it. It was the right decision. Not that there was any other way around it. I mean, really, there are, quite literally, no more hours left in my day. I just cannot do it. Something had to give.

How is that 2 less balls I've got in the air, you ask? Well, I also contribute to Bazzill and I can't do that when I'm not a teacher. So I've been relieved of that responsibility too.

So that's what my 27 hour shift did for me. It made me realize that there are times that I have to say "no, I can't do it"

did you notice?

did you notice that the shirt in my profile pick matches my new blog?

I find that rather...pathetic LOL

something stinks

in my house, that is. And I'm faily certain it is not me. I've checked :) I've check the house too. Dunno what it is. But it does, most definately, stink.

So my house smells like shit, literally. And I don't know why. It's dirty and stinky and I dooooon't knoooooooooooow whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!


and now you're informed. Sorry all you anal peas. I can almost see the facial twitches from here.

a card for every occasion

Think there's a card for this occasion?

Peter lost his keys some time between Friday night and Sunday morning. This became the center of our world for about 45 minutes mid-day Sunday. Proof was when there was a knock on door. It was our neighbor, who - trust me, already hates us because Noah will not quit with throwing crap in our back yard, and over the wall into him pool, and at their house. It's never good when he's at our doorstep. This visit was no exception. It wasn't good. He was returning our girls. BOTH OF THEM.

During the search for the keys we both, separately, went out front to check Peters truck. We'd closed the back door (from the garage) but didn't close the garage door. Little Sarah, in an effort to help I'm sure (yea right!) went out the door and on to the front of the house. Naturally Kate followed her. SCARY!

So what do you get the man who returned your children and saved them from certain pancakedom? Work on that one Hallmark!

holy crap

I did it!

Need to customize but it's there. A multiple step process that I managed to do right the very first time. and before my soda. God must love me :)

I got dibs!

Okay, I'm doing it. I'm using that pink(ish) and black flower blogs of zoot's.


but give me a little time to figure it out cuz I can't do it RIGHT. THIS. SECOND. (That's lisa speak for "back off my blog template bioootch") hahah

blog envy

Maddy got a new blog template. It's completely adorable. I want it. I love it. I must have it.

In short, I covet her blog template.

I visited Zoot's site where Maddy got the blog. Cute stuff but nothing that's pure MICHELLE. I like this one,

and almost downloaded it but decided, neh!...too much work. And it's still not perfectly me. Not sure I'll ever know what that is. Perfectly me. I'm very complex, as you know. HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA

and there you have the boringest blog entry ever.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter my friends!

Gonna keep this short. I'm, err... I mean the Easter bunny is out of shape and is huffing like a big fat Easter bunny would huff after putting out (only) 41 fake eggs and 14 real eggs.

The easter bunny needs to go on a diet.

In other news, my camera is fucked up again. Not my doing this time. I get "error five" whatever the hell that means. What burns my britches (is that how you spell that, I'm oxygen deprived and can't think) is I FINALLY put my fixed lens (the one I dropped back in DECEMBER) YEAH that one, finally put it back on, yesterday! And today it's all jacked up. annoying.

So no pictures of coloring easter eggs. Which we did today (at least I'm consist with the last minute shit!) And unless a miracle happens tomorrow (which has been known to happen *wink*) there won't be any pictures tomorrow, either.

That's my update. The fat, sweaty Easter Bunny has spoken!

tonight's class

This is my next class. today! haha Nothing like waiting until the last minute, eh? But what else is new?

sorry for the picture quality. I just didn't give a damn about the photos at 10pm last night when I was taking them :)

This page inspired by a swimsuit.



This page from a little boys sweater.



This page a little dress. It was all about clothing this time!



and THERE MADDY. a post with pictures. I'm a blogging fool!! LOL

my aha moment

Ya know the 'hairstyle' that some olderish women wear that accents their lovely, skunk-like, patchs of grey hair? You know the style (and I use that term lightly) where these super-high-contrasting chunks of hair sweep from the center of the part?It's always the woman who have super dark (and for the most part) gorgeous flowing locks. It's like they think their hair is SO grand it can pull off this monstrosity of a style.

yeah, hate that. You're shocked, I can tell.

BUT SO, this morning, I'm driving the girls to school and the sun, which is still low in tke sky, hit the part of my hair SQUARE ON the patch of grey. The patch that's not-so-new to my head. I've been fighting it, big time, for a while now. I have to color every 2 weeks now just to keep up. stupid grey.

Then it hit me. A-HA!!! I instantly really understood why women do that. I mean, why bother? It's a losing battle, right? It can't be good putting those chemicals on your head every other week. Maybe I'll end up having to do it every week? every day?? So if you can't beat'em, join'em, right?

HELL NO!!! I will fight the grey. I will burn every last inch of my scalp before I give it to the skunk-do. And I trust, NO! I demand, that y'all, as my friends, WILL IN FACT, kill me if I ever give up the fight.

Kill me. Kill me dead. I will not do the skunk-do.

this is my update.

my friends are nazi's.

well MADDY is, the rest of them are normal.

So Maddy is a nazi. (a blog nazi of course)

HAPPY NOW!?!?! :)

emails that make me wanna buy shit I don't need and replace shit I already have

HOLY CRAP!!! Damn Crate and Barrel. I'd have to buy new dining chairs to even start to get this look.

these chair covers ARE. THE. SINGLE. CUTEST. THINGS. E-VER!!!

well...next to noah, sarah and kate :)

when it's not you it's funny

Had some day today. Thankfully there are no pictures to show you. You''ll see why...

So I headed off to Peoria to do a field survey of an existing Elementary School. It's all good. I'm happy because I brought Ali with me. Ali is a draftsman at work who I was able to pull from away from the other guys to help gather information about the job site. He's young and fun and kinda cute (not my type at all but he's still cute, I'd say)

We get there a bit early which was cool because I thought we were running late. Traffic was good so the normally 50 minute drive was cut to 35 :) yippee. I might have been actually skipping, or at least that's my excuse, because while I'm heading across the parking lot I step on a rock, twist my foot, and fall HEAD FIRST to the ground.

Can you say embarrassing???

To make matters worse, besides Ali, I had an audience of 10-15 construction workers who were in the street standing around watching one guy twist some long ass tool in a manhole. perrrrfect. witnesses.

I jump up (and let me tell you - I bounced up faster than my fat ass has moved in a very long time) and check my knee. It's scrapped but nothing too bad. Ali, bless his heart, is asking if I'm okay and acting all pissed at the freakin pebble that tripped me! I'd be in love with him had he not, only seconds after returning to the office, laughed his ass off while telling the guys how I fell on the smallest rock on the planet. bastard! :)

One of the construction workers asked if I was okay. I chuckled (I could have cried) and said, "yeah, I'm fine. Just a bruised ego." eeeeeeeveryone laughed. Yeah...funny guys.

THEN (yes, there's more) as I'm waiting for my client I decide I'd like a drink of my soda from the car. I safely manuvuer my way back accross the parking lot (swiftly kicked that fucking pebble, errr boulder!) and realize I don't have my car keys. I left them in the car. On the back seat. Where they are mostly certainly not supposed to be. Like a complete moron.

Two calls to my husband, 40 minutes and 50 bucks later I was back in my car.

Funny huh? yah, go ahead, laugh away bitches! Some day you'll fall on your ass and lock yourself out of your car and who'll be there yuckin' it up with the neighboring construction workers??? Me and Ali :)

name change

I've changed the name of my blog. I've been thinking about this for a some time now. While I loved the old [randomness] it's not me. Well, not true, it's VERY me. I am completely random. But I love a good play on words. Something I got from my Mom, who was a master of the pun and plays on words.

So in honor of her I now dub my blog "i swear!"

MAINLY because, face it, I DO. You know it, I know it. Hell, my Dad taught me it (sorry daddy!)

and secondly because this is the place I come to vent about the randonmess of live. Where I think (and now will say) "I swear, this is some crazy shit"

Pretty sure this name change won't get me to post more, or have more time to post, or have funny ass things to post about. But I SWEAR I'll try.

if case you were wondering

It's official. I don't pay attention. Well at least I don't to internet stuff, and changes that happen to the net. Even when it involves me, I somehow think it's not important and completely ignore it. Whatever 'it' is.

Case in point. Blogger was bought out or something by Google, I think. I'm guessing here because for weeks, when I log on to blogger to post a comment (or edit one, or reply to on my blog, or reply on another blog) it (it being the big blogger 'hub' server thing in the sky) has been flashing crap at me about how my 'new and improved' blog is now available...somewhere and that I should go there now to see all the new stuff I can do.

I completly ignore these comments.

Until, of course, even *I* can't log on to my blog. Time to pay attention. Now I'm playing catch up. "what the hell did all that crap say to me?", "Where do I go now to create my new and improved blog?", "Dammit man, I hate this shit, I just want this stupid blogger dealy to work!!!"

So I thought I did whatever it is I needed to do to get my new and improved blog. I went into the link provided (was it to google?? I dunno, I wasn't really paying attention) and filled in all the little boxes that had that little red asterick next to it. You know the ones, they are 'required' fields. OKay, did that, and WOO HOO I can blog again.

Or so I thought.

I can blog, but can't reply. Not anywhere. I can read my blog, but can't reply on it. I can read your blog, but no replying allowed. It tells me I have the wrong password, "NO I DON'T YOU STUPID BASTARDS! I HAVE THE SAME PASSWORD FOR EVERYTHING (forget that part would ya!) AND I KNOW HOW TO TYPE IT YOU STUPID PIECES OF FREE BLOGGING CRAP!!!!!"

Sooooooooooo, in case you were wondering why I'm not answering your questions here, or not replying on your blog, it's cuz I don't pay attention. and googles sucks. not in that order :)

Here's what I said (okay it's condensed) before I got that oh so annoying password bullshit!

Kerry, Love the room, and that video rocks. "Would you like to talk about the destruction of Western civilization?"
Maddy, Wow, that's a lot of bows :) Sadie is adorable. LOOOOVE the picks of her no lying down :) Can I hold her??? I promise I won't put her into REAL sleep.
Beth, Love the pages. Sorry y'all were sick.
Shanna, you rock, as usual.
Lisa, CONGRATS girl. Although the thought of you being a MIL and grandma (someday) makes me feel old. LOL havn't figured that one out. LOL
Tammi, that room ROCKS!!!!! and, or course, so does that page!

this month's Inspired by

Been kitting my class tonight. Got done in record time. Not sure how that happened but I'm certainly not complaining. Especially since I was on my own for the first time in months. Between Katie and Kaelene I've been a spoiled little girl.

So here you have it. my class, in all it's glory.

still working fo the'man

Thank you, my friends, for being concerned about me and being worried that I might actually not have a job. Your concern seriously made me happy. No small feat as of late.

Yes, I'm still gamefully employed. I knew I would be, to be honest. But what's the use of having 'company' if you can't be overly dramatic about every. single. little. thing. on. the. entire. planet? So I embellished. I'm sybil right now, what cha gonna do, CHALLENGE ME!! :)

In other news, the jail cell that is my living room is still there. Haven't gotten used to it yet, not that I expected to. I did get to Pottery Barn for a swatch book and have the next color that'll be going up. Wish me luck! I'll need it.

I ran into my friend Pam Black (HI Pam!) at the scrapbook store today, she told me a funny story about paint color {sidebar - do y'all know Pam? Yeah, she pretty much rocks. She's an interior designer and amazing scrapbooker, seriously. She and I started scrapbooking about the same time and would bump into eachother at sb etc all the time. We'd compare ideas, fawn over eachother's pages, and pretty much be totally inspired by eachother. Then she got really serious and her career as a scrapbooker took off! She pretty much blew me out of the water - but in a good way, make no mistake. Everything she's got she's EARNED! She's worked her ass off and it's cool to see someone so honest, hardworking and genuine really succeed in this industry. Like I said, she rocks! OKay - end sidebar} So, anyway, she tells me about a job that she was doing in Mesa where they went through something like 35 quarts of paint before they found the right one. 35! So she could feel my pain! I promise you, though, no way in holy freaking hell I'm painting any part of that wall 35 times.

I think. Unless of course I can't find the right color after 34 tries.

so, anyone hiring?

yeah, wondering if I'll be needing to start hitting the pavement again soon. I yelled at my boss this morning in our (new - let's make the office a happier better place) weekly meeting. Felt necessary at the time, but now I'm feeling foolish for getting emotional.

stupid girly emotions.

Men have it better, I think, when it comes to controlling this shit. Men don't tend to choke when confronted or take offense at a statement of fact.

I do. Sometimes more so than others. My stupid Aunt Flo is here (not that you needed to know that) so today was one of those days where my emotion got the better of me. stupid girly emotions.

sticks and stones

****DISCLAIMER****
if your children read over your shoulder MAKE THEM LEAVE.
This coversation is NOT for little eyes (and innocent mouths)

I had this pretty major flash back today. While I was rooting in the back of the spice cupboard for a packet of equal this little bottle of Dill Weed caught my eye. I instantly went back to high school when I used to use that term, with not so much affection.

Dillweed.

Try it, it's fun. Did y'all ever use that term?

After my flash back, I started thinking of all the other expression/curse words I've used over the years.
dillweed (covered that one)
dickwad
dickweed
dickhead
ahole
asshole
asswipe
jerkoff
jerkhead
jackass
jackhole
jackoff


then I went a little further, with words that didn't work so much. Jerkweed, dillhead, assoff.

Yes, my brain really works like this. I know I know....trust me, it's a lost cause, my brain. LOL

welcome to Cell Block D

I got a a crazy hair up my ass on Sunday and decided to paint the very large yellow wall in my Living Room this (what I thought would be) a killer "pottery barnish" blue color.

Yeah, not so much.

It's like the inside of a jail now. NOT the effect I was going for. So I get to paint it again. Which

is fine. What I'm really not looking forward to doing is going back and fourth to Home Depot a billion times buying quart and quart of 'tester' paints until I find the exact right one.

But when it is done - it will rock!

everyone is doing it

I did my own little update on my sofa. Had to ya know, everyone else is doing it. Granted, I don't have beautiful brand new couches to share with everyone. And, according to Peter, the 8 year old SUPER crappy, was a POS when I bought it new, couch is good enough. Because, naturally, HE never sits in there.

So after I painted my wall (in color of the inside of a cell block D - come back tomorrow for that story) I decided to do a little sump'in to ole faithful. Got a 99 dolla dark brown slip cover from Target, and 4 KICK ASS tealish color pillows (also from Target) for 30% off! go me. It's no new couch, but for 150 bucks, including tax, at least it looks a teeny bit better.

Got some cool curtains too. The dorky, southwestern pottery fabric covered wood vallances are BYE BYE. Those aren't hung yet but, yeah, they rock. They were from Target after all :)

i need to post

I realize.

just.
too.
busy.

I will soon, promise.

my valentine's

Now that I officially have all three kids in school (or 'school' when I'm referring to daycare) I have a butt load of valentine thingies to give away. In true Michelle fashion, I left it till the 11th hour. Here's what I did last night


These are for Noah's class. I *try* not to make his girly. Kinda of hard for this holiday. But he approved. His were hand signed, by him, naturally. He did that at the bottom of the card. The couple you see here don't show that - he had to go to bed before I could finish printing them. told ya I waited till the last minute!

VD Count: 32 students, 3 teachers


The girls' are much easier as they are required to be girlie. Did a little work in Word. They're fun and were a big hit at 'school' LOL

VD count: 32 students and 2 teachers for Sarah, 12 students and 2 teachers for Kate, Plus school owner and director.

THAT'S 85 PEOPLE. feel sorry for me??? :)

Spent some bank at the grocery store for a bunch of crap for MY valentine's presents. It's become tradition to arrive with way too many ballons and cupcakes and gobs of pink crap designed to completely embarrass Peter. This year was no different. Even though he's has a new hoity toity position with a new company I've never actually been inside to see his office or meet his collegues. He admitted he thought (err hoped) I wouldn't come to the new place.

Yeah, he's silly. Of COURSE I came. I'm pretty sure he likes it, althought he'd never admit it.

This time I found ballons that SING! Seriously, the "main" balloon has a Barry White recording on it. CLASSIC!!! He also got a huge 'love bug' ballon with two smaller bug balloons on sticks (they all had eyes that moved inside) that I arranged in a pot of pink tulips to look as though they were kissing!!!!! (or humping depending on your viewing angle LMAO)

I also arrived with something like 6 dozen heart shaped cookies, standard balloons (that were color coordinated with the love bugs) a card and this dorky "I love you" heart-shaped snow globe that he'll have to keep on his desk forever. Or until *I* throw it away LMAO

I kill me :)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

my list

Do y'all have a list? You know, the list of men (or women I suppose) that if came a'knockin on your door you'd leave your husbands as fast as your little feet could take you?

I do :)

Peyton Manning has always been on my list. he's yummy. YUMMM-MMMMMEEEEE And after the super bowl he's still there. He wants me, I just know it. Now he's got that big ole trophy he can show me like he's trying to impress me. I'd be totally interested and proud that my 'new man' did something so amazing! I'd polish it and make sure it had the perfect place in our lovely 8000 s.f. home overlooking the view of wherever his- ahem OUR house - overlooks. Our 2.4 kids would have straight A's and scouts would be interviewing them out of 3rd grade.....

WAKE UP GIRL! okay I'm back. sorry bout that.

You know who else is on my list? Prince. Yeppers, something about that man. I just wanna lick him. Him and Johnny Depp. :p

the list is longer than those 3. But I wouldn't wanna seem greedy LOL

Ty-Red

I need a freaking nap! Aren't the weekends when you are supposed to catch up on stuff, like rest and relaxation? Where you are supposed to be calm and refocus on what's important? And like NOT WORK. Oh yeah, that's in lah lah land. Here on Planet Michelle there's nothing close to R&R happening.

Super busy weekend. Started Friday night when Kaelene came over and helped me kit my class that was only the very next morning. THANK YOU KK! Seriously could NOT have done it without her. She's a pure Godsend I tell ya!

Did the whole kit thing friday, mostly. Had a near nervous breakdown when we moved form my SB room to the living room so I could do my instructions on the computer. The kids made an especially nasty mess at dinner and the floor was, well, sticky and mushy at the same time. IT'S TILE people, no part of mush should be happening on tile. But alas, we line on Planet Michelle and the floor gets that way.

I just about lost my mind though, after nearly losing my shoe as it stuck to the floor. I had to take and scrape the floor clean. There is was, on all fours cursing like a sailor as I held back from bursting into tears. Nothing was sacred. Kids. house. Husband. They all got it. It wasn't pretty. Poor Kaelene just stood there not knowing whether to hug me or slap me across the face :)

The rest of the weekend went much more smoothly. did lots, y'all don't give a shit about the play by play though, so I won't bore you more than I already have ;)

week two

Little update on Kate and Daycare. Today, day 8 of being in school, was the first day she didn't cry when I left. WOO HOOO!!!! She's not eating the school food yet which has them freaked out (well and me too a little bit) We'll see how long that lasts.

The house still feels very strange without her here. It still feels like she's just taking a nap. I'm handling it well otherwise. Getting lots done for work. I guess she really did take up a lot of time. She's cranky yet cuddly when I pick her up so we've started this "kate and mommy" time after work where she just snuggles up to me. It's pretty great :)

Nothing else new really. Just working - TONS!

peace out
m

I'm back, and just as stupid as before.

UUUUUUUUUUGH! Y'all are going to shoot me. My BRRRRRRRILLIANT plan of taking my brother's kickass small camera to CHA with me completely backfired. As, unbeknownst to me upon departure, I had NO CLUE how to use his teeny handful of digital technology. I am now the proud "artist" who has 28 really crappy MOVIES and 45 even crappy still pictures. So the agravation I avoided by not carrying around my huge SLR was quickly replaced with the inability to figure out how to take a picture - not a movie - then how to take a photo that was in focus and properly lit. Something I was unable to totally (or ever remotely) figure out.

So I got crap to show you.

sorry :) You can boycot me if you wanna :( LOL

CHA was cool. Not as impressive as I thought it would be, but very cool even so. It was cool seeing what was going to coming out. Lots of good quality stuff out there. I didn't see anything that really was horrible. I'm glad I wasn't the one having to decide what to buy, that's for sure.

Here's my quick recap. I'm going to try to keep this short as I'm still really tired.

FELT. That's probable the newest thing everyone was doing. Felt flowers mainly. But I always saw felt fonts and some random shapes. If someone would have told me felt was the next 'thing' I would have instantly turned up my nose, but I'll admit I loved it. I can't wait to use me some felt.

ClEAR STAMPS. Eeeeeeeeeeveryone had them. Heidi Swapp had some nice new ones. Corner was that were cool. Other than that I can't think of anyone one line that stood out from the others. Lots of circle stamps (thanks for Ali I'm sure) None of it bad mind you. So if i sound like that I don't mean to. Just a lot of it.

BLUE. Blue is the new brown, and pink - combined. It was EVERYWHERE. I love blue - gonna paint my family room blue (or well I was before this) but dang - e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g was blue.

And of course CHIPBOARD and GLITTER - but COMBINED.

Had a great time. Really glad I was able to go (thanks again Lorie and Peter!!!) Out of it all I got something I hadn't expected (but certainly needed) a new found energy for the book. I'm all fired up about it and have put the wheels into motion again. Even opened the file and tweeked the cover a bit. It feels good and have set a goal of Summer CHA in Chicago. :) I can't wait!

m





p.s. it might go without saying but I'll say it anyway. If anyone wants to attend Summer CHA with me and volunteer pushing the newest book out there email me :) I will not be able to do this alone, but am broke LOL

here we go cha cha cha

My scrappin buddy and owner of Remember the Moments, Lorie, asked us MAS Girls if anyone wanted to go to CHA. For my non-scrapping readers (that's you Dad LOL) It's only the biggest hobby and craft convention in the nation. It's not open to the public so only "people in the know" get to go LOL okay so you have to be in the bi-ness.

I'm leaving this afternoon for 2 days of walking and fun checking out the latest and greatest in scrapbooking supplies. I'M SUPER EXCITED!!!

Got my brother's kick ass teeny camera so a'pictures I'll be a'taking. :)

THANKS LORIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <---yeah, I'm that grateful ;-P

Two in one day

I posted a whiny post a bit ago and while I would love to get all sorts of "we feel your pain Michelle" posts I've been cheered up and must pass the attention to Beth

You see, yesterday was Beth's birthday and, as she explains in her perfectly-detailed-martha-stewart-way, we 'attack' your yard on (or about) your birthday. Or if you special like Maddy you get it twice a year.

We just get better and better at this. Of course, it helps a bit that we are all over-achieving freaks who simply cannot do the same thing twice. So check out Beth's blog today. Her post rocks. Shanna's blog also goes into some of her past attacks.

Gotta give a few shout outs about this attack
to Kerry - thanks K-dawg for having the gate code and not being totally pissed that we called at 10pm for it.
to Shanna - KILLER idea dude!
to Maddy - for being with us in spirit. Seriously girl, we'll hold that baby ya know?
to Kaelene - who helped this time :) dems a lot a sticks huh girl?
And MOSTLY to the couple who spotted my kids unattended in the car last night - yeah PLEASE don't call CPS. My DH is out of town and I had to bring them. I mean really, how could I NOT have attacked her house. Come on - you saw it - IT ROCKED. And besides, your community is gated, and we all know nothing bad happenes in gated communities, right?

day three

It happened, Kate FREAKED out when I dropped her off at school. It was so random too because she RAN through the door and happy and giggly. Went up to her room, grabbed the door and bolted inside. She was ready and seemingly happy to be there.

Then she flipped. poor thing. I picked her up and she immediately tucked her head into my neck and started sucking her thumb. CUTENESS. Took all I had to not sit down and never leave. But I had to.

I know she's fine. I know she's in good hands. but dang, it's hard to leave when they are crying. But Shanna, you would have been proud, I didn't make it worse - on either of us.

I survived

I made it through the day. Felt a little off. Melancholy is probably the best word. Although completely depressed, nauseas, and at the verge of tears is accurate too.

But, I made it.

Kate did great. No surprise there. We'll see how tomorrow goes when she realizes I'm gone for what must seem to her like forever.

Thanks for the invite Beth. Sorry I couldn't make it - stupid job. I appreciate the thought! :)

bye bye baby

Have you ever waited so long for something to happen and when it finally does you burst into tears? That's me, right now.

I've been so incredibly fortunate to have Kate home with me all this time. She's 21 months old and hasn't seen a full day in Daycare since she was born. I usually keep my babies home for about 4 months, then ship them off to 'school' so I can work. I haven't had to do that with her. I've been lucky to be able to work from home, and ever luckier having this SUPER EASY child with me. She's pure joy.

and. now. she's. leaving. me. (okay that was a bit dramatic)

Funny how things work. Her school (where Sarah goes and Noah used to) has been super patient with me. They held a spot for months and months. I kept saying, "I'll bring her when she gets hard. I just can't see spending all the money when she's so good". Every month, the same thing.

"Kate coming to school soon?"
"yeah, when she gets to be too much to handle she'll be here"

Finally I admitted it wasn't going to be realy soon. Told the school not to expect her until she was one. 16 months TOPS. They couldn't wait and finally gave my spot to someone else. Just then Kate got hard. I freaked out. How was I going to do this? Then I got over the panic of not having my safety net and viola! Kate was easy again.

The school's owner would still occasionally ask me if Kate was going to attend, but quickly reminded me that the slot was gone, and wouldn't be available until the end of summer. In September it looked like it wouldn't be open until october. November in was December. After Christmas it was a lifetime away - MARCH! Kate was still good, but she was ready. Work was starting to get a little tough, finding a sitter for her when I had meetings and seminars. Everyone agreed she need to go but we pushed through while we waited for our spot.

Last week I got word the spot would be available in a couple weeks. I was excited but - given the history - wasn't holding my breathe. Then today. Black Monday. I asked Cindy (the Owner) when the spot would be open. She was all perky like, quickly replying "how about Monday?"

"I thought you weren't ready yet?" I asked.
"oh no, we got it figured out last week, I was just waiting on you because you sounded like Kate was still easy" (I can see where she thought that - given the history)
"Well I've got a super busy week THIS week, If you're set how about tomorrow?"

I A MOOOOOOOOOORON!!!!!

Naturally, she said yes. I walked out thinking was good. But, by the time I'd backed out of the parking space tears were streaming down my face and I couldn't breathe. Have I mentioned I'm a moron?

Peter tells me I did the same thing when Sarah went to school. I don't remember that at all, but I believe him. And it's going to be okay. It's just change. And y'all know by now I don't like change. Change is good, but scary. I don't dig scary.

Maybe I'll be able to get a cute shot of her walking into school for the first time, if I can see through the tears to focus. And maybe (okay most likely) it'll all be okay. :)

work is kicking my ass

I miss this place. I miss posting. Had a fun little run there and then BAM! life took over again. If only I didn't need conditioned air and running water - I'd quit this damn job :)

Don't have much to say, really. Coloring my hair right now in some attempt to get ready for my DAY O'FUN up in Prescott tomorrow with my MAS girls. CAN'T WAIT. and no, I've not planned anything out. I'll probably end up kitting a class. fun.

AT. LEAST. I. WON'T. BE. WORKING.

teehee.

CONGRAT TO MADDY AND DUSTIN on the birth of their 3rd baby, Sadie Michelle Nice name choice you two - I love it! :)

Big props to Beth you, once again, bailed me out a couple times this week with Kate. According to Erin, Kate isn't a "pain in the neck" anymore. :) Man I love that girl. (erin, not kate. NO wait, I love kate too, was just referring to erin. damn, I think this hair color is going to my head)

Off to the grocery store to get the goods to make some CRACK for tomorrow.
Then I need to actually pack some stuff for tomorrow.
THEN I GET TO LEAVE FOR THE EEEEEEEEEENTIRE DAY! ;)

much love y'all :)

truth be told

I love Beth the best.

there, cat's out of the bag.

:)

the opposite of sap

I love you my MAS friends. Can I just say that? I mean who else is so lucky to have friends good enough to call you out on your typos, and then not get all bitter when told to F off for calling you out on your typos.

LOVE. YOU. GIRLS!

Especially Maddy, because if I don't love her the most she'll take that back back middle seat in the van. That and she's been pregnant all her life :)

real quick

Just thought I'd past the pages for February's class. Got them done early :) Now I just need to actaully get them to the sb store to promote. teehee

I left off what 'inspired' the pages this time. Mainly because I didnt' like the way it looked last time. hahaha how's that for silly.

I'm drivin in my car

okay, not really driving. But I am sitting in my car, in the carpool lane waiting to pick up Noah. I'm on my new phone and, I must admit, this is pretty freekin kick ass. I can see my whole blog, pictures and all.

It's still not synced with my email, and if I turn on Outlook I'll keep getting my 'test' message every 5 minutes. it's great. Hopung the office IT guy can get over tomorrow to fix that.

aaaaaanyway, not much to say really. Just wanted to ckecj this out.

peace out all u suckas stuck un front of your PC (OKay that wa mean LOL)

m

Holy Crap I'M POPULAR!!!!

CATHY Z POSTED ON MY BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
check it!

She's being silly because I posted this on her blog in reply to her saying sorry for taking some time responding to emails. Cuz we all know that if ANYONE is going to be able to give someone shit about not replying to something - IT'S ME! :))))))) <--insert HUGE smilie

aaaaaaaanyway - back to the email.

She LIKES ME, she really really LIKES ME!!!
(yeah, okay, I'll admit it, I just might be having some sort of delusional episode going on right now but, shit, it's CATHY PEOPLE!
hahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhaa
ahahhaaaaaaaaaaa

PHEW!!! :) I SO needed this. I've been on the phone with customer support for a decade now. My ear is a mushroom, and my phone/PDA/email/MP3 player/POS still doesn't work. I'll post more on that drama later. It's a doozy (suffice it to say I got 453 email from M.Y.S.E.L.F. lmao)

MAYBE, if the Sweet Lord Jesus takes pity on me, I'll be able to post FROM MY POS/PDA phone!!! How's that for the shnizzle?!?!

I'm the proud owner

of the REVOLUTION!!! Yeah, I pretty much work for scrapbook supplies.



and this font.


I'm working on February's class. Have 2 (of 3) pages does so far. Both use my new toy :) I'll post them soon.

Thanks ya'll for the compliments about my flip. Can't wait to get it back!! :)

Honesty is the best policy

My hair is getting a little long (okay it's still short - but long for me) so I experiemented today and didn't flip it. Noah noticed right away, petting my head saying my hair looks so different.

"Do you like it?" I asked.
"yeah"
"do you like it more than the way I ususally do it, or less?"
silence
"honey?"
"ummm"
"bear, what do you think, do you like it this way better, or the other way?"
"Is is okay if I say the other way?"

DAMN I LOVE HIM!

back to the flip. and to the salon.

(oh and I said, "oh COURSE it's okay to say that honey!!! I want you to be honest!")

my love of all things boxed

Imagine how thrilled I was when last night, after my class at SB etc., I found these.

They are from QuicKutz and hold on your dies. THEY ARE THE CUTEST THING E.V.E.R.

Had the brown been darker, more chocolate, I would have bought the whole thing on thw spot. It's just too damn cute. So I'm gonna scope out my sb room and see if there's the perfect home for this adorable little boxie, cubbie, thing.

"Inspired by..."

This is my class for January. Just thought I'd share it since I had the pictures already for the direction sheets.

The idea is that I take things all around you - this month it happens to be all cards - and turn them into scrapbook pages. It's kinda fun :)


this page was inspired by this card