Moving Day

Today is moving day. Unfortunately, everyone is suppose to be showing up around 10am, so I don't think I will get much sleep once again. Ugh! My hubby is not a planner which sometimes makes me pull my hair out. I want to set a schedule, he does things when he finds time. Usually, I am informed that we are doing something, 10 seconds before we do it, so I guess I should not complain. He did give me a 2 day notice that we were moving everything today. Thankfully, I was able to get someone to work for me tomorrow. Poor girl had to work for me last night too. I have a mad sore throat. I hope I don't pass it around.

This moving business is teaching me a lot about some of the people in our lives. I am amazed by the people who have offered to help and also amazed by the ones who I thought would help, but "can't". One person in particular has amazed me. He is one of those guys that everyone finds annoying. He is almost 50, and he has been over helping us move boxes for the last few weeks. He helped Al with the refinishing of the hardwood floors, he is more than willing to help me with Colter so I can measure, etc, he will be there today helping us move, and I know he will be there helping us with the remodeling. He really has a heart of gold. Its to bad most people do not see it. There have been many others who have offered to help or offered trailers etc. Most of whom, totally surprised me. It's a good feeling knowing that people care, and I thank them greatly. I will definitely have to have a barbecue when things slow down.

My brother would be helping us, but he and his clan are in Texas and wont be back until Friday. I have been getting their mail and feeding my nieces rat. I think my brother may have been worried about my abilities to keep the rat alive, because he called yesterday. Just to see how things were going. I let him know that the rat was still alive (at least the last time I was there it was) and that everything else was fine. I did have to inform him that someone left a bag of donuts on their porch. I am not sure what that is all about. I don't think I want to either.

I took Chopper, (our little dog) over to see her new house yesterday. She was a hundred miles an hour sniffing out every square inch of the place. I think it passed her inspection, but she is not a fan of staircases, so that will be interesting. I am not going to carry her up and down those darn steps all of the time. Okay, so I probably will until she figures out she can do it. So if you see chopper wearing a tiara and me carrying her upstairs on a pillow, don't be alarmed. She is the princess of the house after all. Only kidding, I am not the crazy, really!

If anyone is thinking they may be in need of a house cat, I have one that needs a home. It breaks my heart, but she is not permitted to come, unless she is outside. And she is a HOUSE CAT. She is a long haired calico, and she is declawed and neutered. I have had her for 9 year, since she was a kitten. I know Erin could use a cat!!

I doubt I will have time to post until next week, so have a super weekend everyone!!

Its Ours!!!

I know I said I would try to give you an update this weekend if I had time. So as you can pretty much guess, I was way to busy. (If you can't, here's your sign.) Everything went very well. We are officially the proud new owners of a big old house. We also no longer own the house we are in. That is a bit of a weird feeling. I almost feel like I should be paying rent. We told the new owner we would be out in two weeks, but we are trying to get out much sooner. Thankfully, Al has his weeks off and has some time to move things. He took a lot over last night. I fear I am probably going to have to try to get a few days off here and there to get things in order.

The boys started some demolition this weekend. We had to tear out steps so the electrical could be buried to the garage. Heaven for bid Al does not have the proper wattage for his domain. The results are good though. I will be getting a deck in place of the steps. Plus, he will eventually be able to hide in the garage again. I won't have to worry about him not fitting so well in the dog house. :o)

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Happy Memorial Day

My sincere thanks to all who have had a hand in allowing my freedom. God bless you all.

I also would like to take this time to tell you briefly about a man that I was very proud to call "grandpa". Every memorial day I think of him. He was always so proud to be a veteran, and every memorial day, he wore his navy hat proudly and honored those who fought and died. He was a Navy Seabee and served our great country during WWII. He had a little black book that he carried with him. It was not full of women's phone numbers, but it did contain information that was important to him. It was a diary of sorts, that he made entry's in, of what was doing each day during the war. In his last years, he would read from his book, and tell you what he had been doing on that day all those years ago. He passed away 9 years ago this year on Veterans Day. If I didn't know better, I would say he planned it that way. It was very fitting.

Hope all of your memorial day's were enjoyable!

Movie quote answers

Those may have been a little to hard. Paula got the most right, however I don't think her answers should count. She has esp. I have to declare Jamie the winner, sorry Paula.

1. "I'm picking out a thermos for you." ~ The Jerk
2. "Littering and....? Littering and....?" ~Super Troopers
3. "Popeye's chicken is the shiznit!" ~Little Nicky"
4. "I'll have two faces." ~Big Man on Campus
5. "Momma says the alligators are ornery because they have all them teeth and no toothbrush." ~Waterboy
6. "Sir, one more outburst out of you and I will strangle you with my microphone wire." ~The Wedding Singer
7. "Shake and bake!" ~Talladaga Nights
8. "I was Joan of Arc in my last life." ~Coming to America
9. "Perhaps you and Larry will join us for the consumption of mass quantities this weekend... we will ignite our new flame pit and char some mammal flesh for you." ~Coneheads
10. "My feelings would be best expressed in a monologue from the made for tv movie Sybill starring a young miss Sally Field." ~Superstar

Today is the day

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I had to get that out. I feel like a lunatic today. I am so nervous, but also excited. We close on both houses today. I can not keep my brain from going a hundred miles an hour. I wish I had a shutoff switch. I am sure everything will go well, but I still can not help but worry. We close this morning, so I am sure that I will not be doing much sleeping today. I generally do not get enough sleep anyhow, but it has been bad this week. Darn nerves! Lately, I have started to believe that being in a coma may be a good thing.

It doesn't seem possible that this is really happening. The time flew by. I am not looking forward to the actual moving of our belongings, or changing of address & utilities, or living in a construction zone for a while. But I will be so happy once it is done! We have so much work to do to the new house. I am certain that I can find something for all of you to do, if you get bored. It doesn't pay well though, and you can count on getting dirty. The foreman may also be a little bit on edge. You may want to steer clear of her! :o)

You can count on lots of pictures of our progress. Hopefully I don't bore you to death. I don't need a bunch of funerals to attend too.

If I can find some time this weekend or later today, I may do an update on the outcome. If not, here is to all of you have a fabulous weekend!

Movie quotes

I thought it might be fun to do a little movie trivia today. I am going give you a list of 10 movie quotes. Lets see if you can figure out what movie they are from. You can post your guesses in the comment box. Have fun and good luck!!

1. "I'm picking out a thermos for you."
2. "Littering and....? Littering and....?"
3. "Popeye's chicken is the shiznit!"
4. "I'll have two faces."
5. "Momma says the alligators are ornery because they have all them teeth and no toothbrush."
6. "Sir, one more outburst out of you and I will strangle you with my microphone wire."
7. "Shake and bake!"
8. "I was Joan of Arc in my last life."
9. "Perhaps you and Larry will join us for the consumption of mass quantities this weekend... we will ignite our new flame pit and char some mammal flesh for you."
10. "My feelings would be best expressed in a monologue from the made for tv movie Sybill starring a young miss Sally Field."

Gee, can't tell that I like comedies can you?

Disturbed & intrigued

I have found myself wondering once again, who the other ape is in our neighborhood. I have one living with me, but I know he is not the culprit. He is always sleeping or getting in the shower when this happens.

About a month ago, I was on my way home from dropping Colter off at the sitters. As I approached to corner of our block, I saw something in the middle of the road. I soon realized it was a banana peal. I swerved to avoid it, because I didn't want to hit it and spin out like they do in the cartoons. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. Yesterday, once again I was on my way back from dropping Colter off and I saw the truck in front of me swerve. I thought they were swerving to miss some road kill. Much to my surprise, it was ANOTHER banana peel. In the exact same spot.

I am a little disturbed by this. I wonder if someone is trying to cause someone to spin out and crash. Thankfully, there is no steep cliff to fall off if someone does fall victim to the banana peel bandit. I am also intrigued. I wonder who is eating a banana at the same time every morning and finishing in the exact same spot. This person must have a very disciplined schedule.

I will have to tell my ape about this. I am sure he would be excited to know their are others like him in the area.

Little scientist

I am not sure how anyone could resist a face this adorable. I understand I may be a bit biased though. This kid is starting to get some thick wavy hair. As you can see, I am not exactly a pro when it comes to combing hair. I suppose I should take in a class or two. Mmmm....I wonder where I can sign up?

Colter had a super fun time in the tub last night. I think he was trying to return the favor, by giving me a bath also. Or may be he was just trying to tell me that I stink. I probably should have just jumped into the tub with him. That way, he wouldn't have had to wear himself out throwing all that water on me. Its not easy, getting this big old betty clean. But he was determined.

Colter figured out that he could make really neat squeaking noises by moving his legs back in forth really fast in the tub. It works even better if you do one leg and then the other repeatedly. The waves are much bigger, and the noise travels better. Its a bit like aerodynamics, really scientific stuff. Of course, if you can splash the water with your hands also, the water goes even higher, thus making the noise higher pitched, or something like that. I can't even begin to tell you what an amazing experience it is. If you have one of these wee-little scientists at your house, you should try it. It is very memorable.

I keep thinking my drool machine will get a tooth soon, but nothing. He has had some difficulty sleeping lately, and I think teething may be the cause. Yesterday, his gums were pretty swollen. Hopefully, that darn tooth will come in soon.

Happy Thursday ya'll!

Future swan

Last week was Tanner's annual class musical. I am always excited to go. They always do such a good job. Its fun to see how the kids have grown over the years. Its amazing how much they change in a years time. Its also fun to see who will do what. We all know how unpredictable kids can be. I enjoyed watching all of the kids in his class mingling and I got a few good laughs. They are so cool you know.

There were two girls sitting in front of Al and myself. One of them was heavier set, the other was average, but had glasses, not so nice clothes and her hair was not fixed so great. I couldn't help but notice the girl with the glasses. I knew she was probably a dork, but I also knew that someday, she is going to be a knock out. Most likely, not until after she graduates, but it will happen. I leaned in to tell Al my thoughts and he agreed. A few minutes later, Tanner's class went up to start their musical. Much to my surprise, the girl with the glasses had a solo and she had a beautiful voice.

A couple of days later, I quizzed Tanner about the girl. He said that she just moved here this year. She doesn't have any friends and that no one will even sit in her desk because they think they will get cooties. This saddens my heart, and I told him so. I would be willing to bet, that if the kids would actually get to know the real girl, they would not think she was such a dork.

This reminded me of my very first friend. All through school, she had ugly out of style glass, clothes and hair cuts. Her parents were very simple people and they were very strict. She could never do anything, because she always had house work to do. She had a very great personality, and was so funny, but the kids could not see past the outside. Once she graduated and got out on her own, she learned about clothes, makeup, etc. She is now drop dead gorgeous. I couldn't be happier for her.

I hope the dorky girl in Tanner's class, does not have a miserable time for the remainder of her school years. I also hope that Tanner is not one that would pick on her, but instead do something that might make a difference in her life.

I encourage all of you to go out there and make a difference today. Find someone that you normally wouldn't talk to, and give them a compliment. Not only will you make someones day, but you will feel good too. Have a great day everyone!

Missing endangered?

I am going to try this again. I don't think I am liking this automatic save business. It has somehow managed to delete my post three different times now. Ugh! Hopefully, this will be it, or I am giving up for today.

Original post.....

I am not sure what is going on around here, but I think it is a conspiracy. Everyone must have got together this weekend and decided it would be great to write a whole bunch of posts. Just to make my head spin. I am not a speed reader people!

I am a little concerned about my halftime buzzer. I have not heard a peep out of him yet this morning. My pal, Kerrie, is not as fond of him as I am, and I fear she may have done something to him. If I do not hear from him by this time tomorrow, I am going to have to file a missing endangered report on him. In the mean time, please keep an eye out for him. His last known contact was approximately 24 hours ago, with the suspect, aka Kerrie. To view footage of his last known moments, and to view the suspect, click here. If you have any information on the buzzer, or have seen the suspect acting suspiciously, contact your local authorities. Please, do not approach the suspect, as she may be armed with a very rabid cat, and/or other misc weapons.

Be safe!

My treat!

Since I am on the topics of dogs, I thought I would tell you a funny about our little dog Chopper.

About a week or so ago, I was running around the house with my head cut off. I could hear Chopper barking continuously, but I was too busy to see what her problem was. I tuned her out and continued on with what I was doing. I remembered that I wanted to call my Sis-n-law for something, so I grabbed the phone and dialed. If I didn't call her at that moment, I knew I would forget. My brother and I have very interesting phone etiquette, so when he answered the phone, he started making barking sounds. It took me a couple of seconds to realize that Chopper was still barking, hence my brothers odd behavior. (Some may just say he ate to many paint chips as a child.) I glanced over at Chopper and told her to shut her trap and noticed that she was barking at Colter as he was jumping in his jumperoo. Dumb dog, I thought to myself. My sis-n-law was not home and my convo with my brother was brief. After I hung up, I went about trying to finish what I had been doing. Colter was starting to get fussy, so I poked my head around the corner to tell him I would be right there. As I did this, I noticed Chopper was still barking at him and trying to get behind the jumperoo. Every time he would jump, Chopper would freak out and run back, all the while still barking at him. I found it very odd. This was not normal Chopper behavior. She had been barking non stop at him for at least 10 minutes.

After a few minutes, I grabbed Colter out of his jumperoo and sat down with him at the table. That's when I saw Chopper freaking out on the jumperoo. It didn't take long to figure out what was happening, because she finally got what she was looking for. It was a tootsie roll that she found somewhere and hid under the base of the jumperoo. Apparently she was mad at Colter because she thought he was going to eat her treat. She does not share well.

Choppers stash has been found in many interesting places. One time, I found a snickers bar under Al's pillow. Thankfully, it was still in the wrapper.

Have a howling good time this weekend!

Doggie Daycare

From time to time, I have thought about having a doggie daycare. It is always quickly wiped away by reality. I don't think such a thing would work in our small community. Last night I thought about it again. Only with a slight variation. Instead of me watching after the dogs, the dogs could watch after the kids.

Colter absolutely loves the dogs. He immediately smiles, flails about and screams when he sees them. What baby wouldn't be excited about a fury creature?. Last night, I set him on the kitchen floor while I was getting some things ready for supper. Of course, the dogs had to be right there too. Sadie was standing in front of Colter wagging her big old tail and it was whapping Colter in the head. He loved it. Strange kid? Would you expect anything else from something sharing my DNA? I am positive he would have sat there all night, if Sadie would have.

Come back Sadie!

As you can see, he had just made a nice mess all over the front of himself. The dogs very well could have cleaned him up for me too. Gross, I know. But true.

I am sure my new & improved idea for a doggie daycare would not fly either. I don't know how many of my prospective clients mother's would love the idea. I probably should just throw that idea by the wayside. :o)

Colter has recently started to give out kisses. But ONLY if HE wants too. You will get nowhere trying to make him. He will do what he wants, when he wants. And if you think you are going to tell him what to do, think again. I will warn you now, he is a sloppy kisser. He may even give you the tongue. He is the best slobbery kisser I have ever kissed.

Have a super day!

Tag~ Your it!

All though I really enjoy reading these informational tidbits on other's blogs, I am not to crazy about doing them myself. However, something has gotten into me and I decided to play along today. FYI~ I just had a huge craving for some potato skin chips. Just thought you might like to know!

The rules:

I have been tagged by Jamie. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here goes nothing.....

1. I have had many friends and people in my life tell me that their first impression of me was dead wrong. Many have said they thought I snob, which couldn't be further from the truth. I have also been told that they thought I was a bully. Once they get to know me, they find that I am a very fun loving person with a heart of gold. I guess I am living proof that first impressions are not always right.

2. I am the youngest of many 1st cousins. All of which are over 40 with the exception of my brother. The oldest being about 2 years younger than my mother. Needless to say, there were never any playmates for me at family get togethers. I had to play with my imaginary friends. :o)

3. Even though it may not look like it these days, I am obsessed with my hair. I do not get it cut very often, for fear that I will not like the way it is cut. I used to shell out lots of cash on expensive hair products, but have not done so since I became pregnant. Your hair has to be healthy, even if it is under a hat!

4. I am apparently very anal when it comes to Colter. My babysitter seems to think that my diaper bag is the most organized one she has ever seen and she has been babysitting for many years. She probably would not think that if she saw my house. If only I could be that organized at home.

5. I am a reality TV junkie. The only fictional shows that I watch are oldies. Seinfeld, Roseanne and occasionally Friends. Other wise, I watch a lot of Court TV, A & E, HGTV, MTV, VH-1, Bravo, History Channel, Rachel Ray, TLC and Discovery. My favorite reality based show is Ghost Hunters on Sci-fi. I am getting very impatient waiting for the new episodes people. It has been six months. Stop pushing back the dates! Oh, I do love movies though!

6. I am very forgiving and try to see the good in everyone. God made us all different for a reason. I understand that we are all human and make mistakes. God knows I have made my fair share. However, if you do something I find very insulting or despicable, I never forget and generally hold a grudge forever. It may be my down fall, but it also takes a lot to get me to that point. I think those of you that know me best would say, you definitely deserved it, if you have made it on to my s*&t list. Pardon the french!! PS~ it is a fairly small one.

7. I am definitely not a picky eater. I love almost everything. The only thing I can think of that I am not a fan of is coconut. The texture of it freaks me out. It feels very strange in my mouth and I don't like it. I love coconut cream, etc. Just not the flakes. Example of food most think is disgusting that I love......sauerkraut. I eat it right out of the can. Okay. I better stop. I am getting hungry here.

8. Yes. I am aware that my blue shoes are hideous and that they do not match my camouflage pants, my bright yellow pants or the very limited other clothes that I am currently sporting. They were very cheap and are very comfy. Believe it or not, I used to be very finicky with my shoe choice. I would not buy anything cheap. The older I get, the more it is about comfort than style. Yikes! I never thought I would say that. Don't get me wrong, I still want to be stylish, but until I start to feel the outside is looking as good as the inside, I am all about the comfort.

I am suppose to tag 8 other people. I am pretty sure everyone has all ready been tagged, but if you have not, feel free to play along.

Have a great Wednesday ya'll!

Happy Belated Mother's Day!!!

I know I am a little late, but you know the old saying. "Better late than never!"

To my mom, my mother-n-law, all the mom's in blogger land, soon to be mom's, acting mom's and future mom's..........

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!!

You are all wonderful, beautiful, strong, admirable women.

I guess you could say that this year was my first "official" mother's day. It was a wonderful day. The furniture that Al got me was my early mother's day gift. We didn't do much of anything on Sunday. Al had to work on the floors at the new house and I had to get to Sam's for diapers and formula. The best part of my day was the end. While Colter was winding down for bed, I let him hang out with me in mommy & daddy's bed. We got some quality snuggle time and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end my day.

Half time buzzer

I have my very own half time buzzer here at work. Right now, it is running about 45 minutes late, but it will soon be right on time.

My work nights consist of blogging, checking email, surfing the net, watching TV and a few traffic stops. On occasion, I may have a barking dog, loud music, fight, or suspicious person. Less often, my nights actually consist of mad chaos and actual work. I often feel like I don't even earn my paycheck. I have to remind myself that not to many people would want to sit in a room with no windows, watching infomercials, and looking for anything to break up the monotony, and that someone absolutely must do it.

My only knowledge that the outside world still exist, is a small security monitor with a view of cement and a little patch of grass, an intercom and my own personal half time buzzer. I love my half time buzzer. He starts to sing at the half way mark and continues for a couple of hours. I have never seen him, but his songs never fail to perk me back up. There are limited occasions, when I would like to rip his beak off, or pray for a cat, but only on my very bad days. :o) Lucky for him, I don't know what he looks like.

There really is no reason for this post today. We have been so busy, that I have been to pooped to tap into my creative mind. Thus, the lack of super interesting things to write about.

I have not caught the weather report yet, but I am hoping it will be a nice weekend that we all can enjoy. Have a great one!

The tree

A couple of weeks ago, Tanner received a black hills spruce from school. He wanted to plant it right away, but since we will be moving soon, I told him we should wait and plant it at the new house. He informed me that it could be kept in the fridge for a couple weeks. I assured him, that we would get it planted in a pot soon, and replant it once we move.

My Tanner. He has a great memory. Rest assured, he will not let you forget certain things. Just a warning though. He has a brain disease called memberwhatiwanna. The Dr says he can only remember things that are exciting for him. Unfortunately, he may never be able to remember things that I tell him to do. Especially if it is something one may associate with a chore. The Dr also said not to worry about him, because it will cause me more anxiety than it will Tanner. It may even result in me having headaches, for which he told me to take two aspirin, and not to call him in the morning. :o)

That being said, on Monday evening, Tanner informed me that his tree had been in the fridge for two weeks and that we needed to get it planted. Okay Tanner. I will try to remember to stop and pick up some potting soil tomorrow so we can get it done. He thought may be it would be a good idea for me to put a note on the door so I wouldn't forget. I thought that may be a little too extreme. I did remember, and I knew I better go get the soil, or I would in trouble. I ran and got some, dropped it off, and then went to pick up Colter. The second I got back and walked in the door, Tanner was laying down the law. I was being interrogated.

During my interrogation, I was thinking to myself why is this taking place?. I had just stood outside talking to him for 10 minutes before I went to pick up his brother. He wanted to know why I didn't take my phone with. He was trying to call me and tell me to pick up some soil. Wha-huh? Now my head is starting to hurt. Did I tell you he also has an eye disease called seeonlywhatiwanna. It is very similar to the brain disease, only it affects his eyes. This is where I pop a couple of pills and tell him he practically had to step over the soil, that I all ready picked up, to get in the back door. His answer...."OH!" This seems to be a universal word, used for many responses at our house.

Anyway, Tanner got to plant his tree. His little brother tried to help him.

In you go!

All done!

No fair! I didn't get to play in the dirt!

Stop trying to make I walk! I don't wanna!

Busy, busy weekend

I don't think I had a dull moment all weekend. I was a busy woman. My sister-n-law is going to be having a rummage in a couple of weeks. Since our boys are 11 months apart, Colter has been lucky enough to use some of his cousins hand me downs. Stacy (sis-n-law) and I, decide to get together on Saturday and sort through the clothes that Colter is no longer wearing. I thought this would only take a couple of hours, but apparently, we both had way more baby clothes than we realized. It took closer to 5. Thankfully, Stacy has a great memory and knew what belonged to her. She is also very knowledgeable in rummage pricing, which hopefully will result in a little profit, so I can invest in more baby clothes. Anyone expecting a boy or that has a young boy, will have a lot to choose from.

Around 1am Sunday morning, I decided to go down and check to see if there was any water in the basement. Nothing. When Al got home from work a couple hours later, we had lots of water. We had to wake Tanner up so he wouldn't float away. We were up for a few hours trying to clean that up. That was not exactly on my to-do list for the weekend.

On Sunday, Al and I cleaned house. We got rid of so much stuff. I am not even sure how all of that stuff was in our house. We were throwing things all day long. Clothes, furniture, old baby stuff, car parts, magazines, etc. On occasion, we would stop to watch people rummaging through our junk. I can not believe what some people took. I also was amazed by the enormous number of people checking out our junk. Since Sunday, there has been a steady stream of cars. At least one every 15 minutes. When I first moved in with Al, about 9 years ago, I had some old crap packed away in boxes. Rather than go through it, we just tossed it up in the attic. It was mostly clothes, toiletries, magazines and even some gum. All that stuff was tossed. Pretty soon, there were some college kids rifling through the stuff. It was a hoot watching them. They started digging through those boxes, and found some of my old bras. Yep. And there was some other items that I will not mention. May be I should have looked through those boxes first. Too funny. They found a fake arm and slammed it shut in the trunk. Soon, they were trying on old clothes and chewing the gum. Gum that was probably 9 years old. Yuck! What is wrong with people. Al finally had to go out there and tell them to leave, because they were just tearing through everything and tossing it all over. He picked the mess back up, but yesterday, I see some more rude people made a mess. I am sure the guardsmen are going to love us. Tracy~ tell Mark we are sorry!

Monday, we had to do more running around with house stuff. Too the bank, to the house, to the bank, etc. You get the picture. I thought it would be wise to dispose of the carpet during city wide cleanup. So we got the okay to tear that out of the new house. Thankfully, most of the carpet was only stapled down. Of course, the living and dining rooms were glued. We want to have to floors refinished before we move in. I hope we can find the time to get everything accomplished.

Since it is pretty much a done deal, I guess I can tell you about our new house. We will be closing in a few weeks. We also sold our house, and will be closing on the same day. We found a large old foursquare home. It has four bedrooms, two baths, large front and back porches, kitchen, living & dining rooms, a huge basement, and a huge attic/loft. It is almost like a three story home. It is exactly what we both wanted. It needs a lot of work, but we are definitely up for the challenge. It is a diamond in the rough. We will have a very nice down payment from selling our house. And we will also have a good chunk to hold back to do the most important updates right away. It is going to be great restoring it to its former glory. Even if it takes a few years.

I couldn't be more happy. I am really going to miss our old home, but that does not compare to being able to have a large Christmas tree, birthday parties, holidays, graduation some day, and room to breath. The dogs will get plenty of exercise running around the house. I just hope they don't get lost. I am also excited to feel like we finally have "our" home. Not Al's that I moved into.

Happy Taco Tuesday!

For Rent

Bread-smashing husband

Are you the type of person who loves to eat smashed bread? Do you like misshapen buns? Are you too embarrassed to let anyone know your smushy little secret? Then I have got a deal for you. For just $5.00, for every trip to the store you make, you can rent my bread-smashing husband. He will never fail to smash your bread or buns, and you don't even have to tell him. He can even smash bread that is in the bread box, while he sleeps! Trust me, he won't even realize that he has done it. Your secret will always be safe with him.

($5.00 fee will go into the smash-free bread fund, so my family and myself can replace the loaves that have been so graciously smashed by my husband. The fee is really a mandatory donation. Your donation is going to a good cause. You should be very proud.)

City wide clean up

Its that time of year again. We are taking full advantage of it this year. Perfect timing I would say. I love that we put some stuff out Wednesday evening, and by time I got off work, most of it was gone. Who are these people who are out in the middle of the night rummaging through other people's junk? I am not sure if they think they are stealing, or are just embarrassed.

As you know, I live with a man who loves to find good junk. I am one who would not be caught dead rummaging through the piles. But if I have seen something I might like to have, I send Al after it. You know, because I am a closet junk lover. Last night when I was leaving for work, Al had to show me his latest find. I must admit, it is pretty cool, and I am not sure why someone would throw it out. It is an old sewing machine from the early 1900's. And it still works! Not that I know how to sew, but hey, you never know.

It is great that Al and I have very similar taste and ideas when it comes to house preference and furnishings. Of course, I like some more of the fu-fu stuff, but I am also a history buff and love old things. If I won the lottery, I would not build new. I would find very large old house and restore it. Thankfully, Al is on the same page. And I am sure I will be winning the lottery very soon. :o)

Anyhow, I wanted to "show off" a picture of the buffet Al got for me.

Now I just need some dishes to put in it!

Don't let the rainy skies wet your eyes this weekend. Try to enjoy it!

I got nothin'

Sounds like a line from Seinfeld. It probably is. It must have escaped from the vault. Yo-Yo ma. Ive got nothin' to write about today. But guess what?! I am going to torture you with my thoughts anyway. Lucky you!

What you would do for a living if you could do absolutely anything you wanted too. If there was nothing holding you back, no limitations.

I really like my job, and have always been interested in law enforcement. If their were no limits, I may have been a detective. However, if I could do anything I wanted, I would be a cast member on Mad Tv, or Saturday night live. And I would own a huge piece of land somewhere, where I would take in animals that were not wanted and let them live out there days there. It would be the greatest pet sanctuary in the universe.

In case you didn't know, I am a huge animal lover. Dogs are my favorite, because they are always excited to see you and love you no matter what you do, who you are, what you look like or where you have been.

So what would you do?

Very grateful

My husband has never really been much of the romantic type. He was a little more thoughtful when we were dating, but I wouldn't call it romantic. His idea of gifts to me are usually related to motorized vehicles. Hitch cover, chrome licence plate holders, 'cuda, dirt bike, helmet, etc. Every once in a great while, he does something that I do not expect, and I usually end up kicking myself afterwards.

A few years ago on my birthday, he gave me two necklaces, both with real diamonds. One of them was black hills gold, the other resembled my wedding ring. I am not sure if he planned it that way, but that's how it appeared. He also had to purchase something related to cars. It was to be a present from Tanner. It was a checkered flag gold pin. I still wear it on my coat. When he gave these to me, I know my reaction was not what he expected. I was totally blown away and I didn't know what to say, so I stood there in silence. He thought I did not like them, which was totally opposite from what I was thinking. I felt really bad. Yesterday, it happened again.

I woke up early, thinking I should go around and touch up some paint on the trim outside. That would be one less thing for Al to have to worry about. I went out to the garage, and he was gone. Uncle pork chop (long story) was out there and I asked him where he went. He said he went somewhere with his mom. I was irritated, because I wanted to get that trim painted and I didn't know where the paint was. I dug around, Uncle pork chop dug around, and we found nothing. Just when I was about to go in and call him, they showed up. Out of the back of his mom's truck, they pulled some antique things that Al had bought for the new house. He had a mirror, lamp and magazine rack type thingy. Once again, my reaction was probably not what he was expecting. I was irritated about the paint, and I must have gave him a look, because later he asked me if I didn't like the stuff. I really did like it, but I guess my mind was somewhere else at the time.

I felt really, really bad when I found out that was not all that he had bought for the house. We had been to an antique store last week, and there were quit a few things I liked. I would not let him buy me anything. He had wrangled his mom into going with him, because he knew I had probably told her about what I really liked there. He bought me a beautiful buffet that I had told his mom about, the mirror that was hanging above it, and two dressers that I had commented about while we were there. All of this for Mother's day. Once again, he shocked the heck out of me.

I guess I don't know how to react properly when someone does something nice for me. Especially when its huge like that. I always feel guilty, and perhaps like I didn't deserve it. Or that money spent could have been used for something that was really needed.

Because of the fact that I am not always so great with expressing myself in person, I just want you all to know, that I really do appreciate you and anything you have done for me. To my husband and my mother-n-law, Thanks you so much! I really do love the stuff and you made my year. I love you guys!

April Trivia Winner

Congratulations kearin3!

You are our daily trivia winner for the month of April.

For being so stinking smart, you win this beautiful flower garden*. Completely grown with April showers, to bring you wonderful smelling May flowers. Enjoy!!

(*A personal gardener is not included. You must do your own weeding.)

So comfy

My sleepy little boy. Recently, he has found a new sleeping position. I guess it must be comfortable. He rolls on his side and sticks his feet through the bars. Chopper is also happy. It makes his toes much easier to lick. :o)

Yesterday, I was folding laundry, and Colter kept pulling on the basket. I thought he just wanted to help, but I soon realized he was trying to pull himself up. I wanted to give him something that wouldn't move when he pulled on it, so I set him by the coffee table. That was to tall, and he just wound up with his face hitting the side. Last night before bed, I had him sitting in his crib. He has this piano type toy on one end and he was playing with it. I was busy getting things ready for the morning and I checked on him to make sure he was okay. He was trying to pull himself up using that toy. Again, not sturdy enough. I think today, I will get my big 'ole butt in the laundry basket and see if he can do it. If nothing else, may be it will encourage him. May be he will be walking along furniture soon.

I do not have a walker for him, because there just isn't room in our house. However, my sister-n-law still has my nephews, so I told her when we move to the "new" house, I would buy it from her. Who knows, I may not need it by then.

Al funny

Have you every had to blow dry your hubby's buns? I bet some of you would love to be a mouse in the corner at our house. Today we had to go to the bank to set up closing dates, etc. Al had been out mowing the lawn on the rider, and when he got off, his bum was all wet. It looked like he peed his pants. (mmm, may be he did?! jk.) He was not about to go to the bank like that, so he made me blow dry his pants....while they were still on. Lets just say, it was a sight to behold!

What the? Moments

I had a few what the? moments this weekend. I also gave one to someone else.

Saturday night, Tanner's friend Wes spent the night. They have such a great time together, but I don't get a lot of sleep. I can not wait to get into the "new" house. I may not even know they are there. Anyhow, I headed to Sioux Falls on Sunday to meet Nathaniel. I had some shopping to do first and I also wanted to get him a cute outfit at Old Navy. I couldn't find everything that I wanted there, so I headed over to Kohl's. They were having a great sale, but I still didn't find what I wanted. I did get several outfits for Colter though, so it was not a complete loss. I finally decided I wasn't going to find what I was looking for, so I settled for something else for Nathan. Remember now, this was on Sunday. I went to the checkout, with this 90 year old woman. (Not really, but close.) By now, I had written out several checks, all of the time believing it was the 30th. Much to my surprise, and confusion, the 90 year old politically correct checkout woman so graciously pointed out that it was the 29th, not the 30th. I just stared at her blankly for what seemed like an eternity. I finally realized that she was not going to except my check because I wrote the wrong date on it. What the? Are you serious? Is there a bank open today that is going to cash this? They really won't cash my check on Sunday, because it is "post marked" for Monday. What is this world coming too? I was not about to write out another check, so I scribbled out the date, messily, and wrote the proper one on it so I could leave. Kohl's must really be hurting for money.

When I left there, I decided to run through the burger king drive through, park in the mall parking lot, eat and feed Colter. I must have still been dumbfounded by the checkout lady. When I got to the window to pay, I wrote out my check, ripped it out, and then handed my checkbook to the guy in the window. He looked at me like, What the? It took me a second to realize what I had done, and then I laughed and traded him the check for my checkbook. When I drove off, I smacked myself in the head. I deserved it.

After Colter and I ate, we headed to Sam's. I got my goods and was headed for the checkouts. Like every semi-sane person, I was looking for the shortest line, when I hear this man yelling, "Lady! You! Come here!", in a very thick accent. (I have mentioned before that I am ethnicity illiterate, so I think he was may be from the middle east?) I look over to see the checkout guy in the flatbed only lane waving at me to come to his line. He was just finishing up with a customer and there was no one else around. I pushed my cart on over, and he kept motioning to me to get my cart closer. He kept yelling "Come! Come!", sounding like a drill sergeant. What the? I couldn't go any further. The guy he just finished up with was standing there in the way. I finally was able to get close enough and then the checkout guy started yelling at me to bring him doughnuts. I think he was kidding, but I was hoping a box would drop from the sky about then, so he would stop yelling. I finally made it out of there and headed to Paula's.

Nathan is so tiny. He has such tiny features and chicken legs. Its amazing how you can forget just how tiny they really are when they are born. All though, Colter was never very tiny. I am sure he was much chunkier, and had a much bigger head (like his dad!) than Nathan's. It was a nice short little visit. I was tired, Colter was tired, and I am sure Paula was very tired. I didn't want to take up to much of her time. Her sister was back from TN for a visit, and was going to be stopping later that evening. I wanted her to be rested for that. I can see here any time, her sister can not.

Happy Tuesday!