Take the Quiz -

Go ahead... take the Princess Quiz. You know you've always thought of yourself as a particular Disney Princess, find out if your were right or NOT? I was way.... way... off!!! I assure you that I NEVER considered myself one to live in a tent!

http://www.greatestjournal.com/quiz.bml?Q=16354
>(Blogger is not cooperating with me today - so just copy and paste into your browser)

You Are Pocahantas!

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

It's MY Birthday

And I plan on EATING CAKE!!



I LOVE birthday cake - just the plain ole' white cake with buttercream icing...mmmm.......I only allow myself to have it once a year and TODAY is the Day!!! Afterall, I'm only going to turn *39* once... or atleast that's my story and I'm sticking to it! I may decide to turn *39* again next year, you just never know?


When my dad was alive I could always count on him enjoying birthday cake with me, but now it's just me, noone else in my household gives a flying flip about my birthday or the little indulgence that I enjoy - so I'll just eat my cake alone! (Unless ofcourse it was chocolate and then I would have to beat them off with a stick!) So there!

....And this weekend I'll go buy myself some bigger sized pants to fit my ever increasing booty! But the cake is worth it to me! LOL

They survived....

The first day of school, that is. Bailey is back in her social butterfly mode and flitting around having a great time and the classes just tend to cut into her fun time? - Go figure? :) Actually the first thing she told me was that riding the bus stinks and that lunch was great! What a hoot - she's all about the important stuff. However when she had to wake up at 5:30 a.m. today to make it to volleyball practice by 6:00 a.m. - things were not as peachy in her world. She still holds the nickname of GRUMPY!!

Briley was absolutely delighted to be back in school and as soon as she arrived home she proceeded to complete her homework... ahhhh.... back to normal at last. She thrives on reading and math and any kind of worksheet is better than a cookie in her world. Briley did tell me that even though she loves school, she loves me too. I guess maybe she thought she couldn't have two loves? Who knows what goes on in that precious busy mind? I tried to ask her about her lunch and recess and all she wanted to tell me about was the library and the science lab - What a cute little Nerd she is!

So I guess it's safe to say that the first day of school went well and I consider it a huge success that they both went back again today!

Happy Tuesday!

1st Day of School

Wooo Hooo!! Yipppeee!!!!!! Life is back to normal (well, our crazy level of normal)!!!

As the alarm went off this morning I repeatedly hit the 'snooze' button in hopes that it was just a bad dream - no such luck - the alarm continued to disturb my peaceful sleep for 30 more minutes. It was inevitable - I HAD to get up. In an effort to ensure I had heard the alarm, our pesky cat, Lexi was nudging at me and purring.....and once I regained consciousness I realized we had a guest in our bed - Briley!!! Now I'm not exactly sure how long she had been there and why she was there, but her knees were pressed against my backside which gave me even more incentive to get out of bed and begin the day. So with my first step into the shower I realized I had fully committed to starting my day - UGH - It's Monday! :)

Surprisingly Bailey, who from here on out shall be known as GRUMPY, was easier than expected to get up and moving this morning, but she didn't have a good hair/make-up day! She says she looks like a snowman because of her fair complexion - uh - well - sorry????? From this albino mama to my clone - I don't know what to tell you?

Briley was eager to get dressed this morning and actually wanted to ride the bus, but I wasn't ready to send her off on the bus so we decided she could watch a few cartoons while waiting for the rest of us to get ready. She looked so precious sitting in our recliner with her backpack on, lunch box in hand, and watching Sponge Bob! LOL

So... it's 7:15am and we are all heading out the door - the girls are dressed in new school clothes, new sneakers, and toting new backpacks and lunchboxes - its the traditional first day of school for our household. Little or no anxiety - which is a first for us!!! I can't wait to get home this afternoon and hear how everyone's day went.

I'm sure tomorrow we will be back to our usual school morning drama that I've missed so much! LOL

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth...

....But it just feels like it! :)

Okay, school shopping is finished and every one's uniforms are hanging in the closet and the school supplies are stacked up in the dining room, ready to go to school. I can't wait - just 4 more days as we are back on our normal routine! Woo Hoo.... But, don't worry - by Thursday of next week I'll be complaining about being exhausted and how we need a break! You should know by now, that nothing makes me happy, except complaining! LOL

Anyway - just to refresh your memory - Bailey ended the school year with a broken arm and now that the arm is healed, she has a broken finger! Just guess how it happened? If you guessed softball, you would be correct! Apparently another player threw the ball and Bailey wasn't ready or was too close or whatever the story is and the ball hit her hand so hard that it broke her finger. The best part of this for Bailey is which finger is broken - its the 'bad middle finger' on her right hand! She has a lovely blue splint on this finger and she always looks like she's 'shooting the bird'!! She loves it! LOL You just gotta love 8th grade humor.

Briley meets her second grade teacher tonight as well as takes a tour of the new school she's going to. Due to unprecedented growth in our district the grades have been through a fruit basket turn-over and everyone is shifted and moved and discombobulated. You would know it that my precious baby and her age group is being relocated to oldest (30+yrs) and stinkiest (think 30 yrs old sweat socks and body odor) school in the district! (yes, big eye rolling moment from me) I really hope the improvements they 'say' have been completed are at least noticeable - It's bad enough that these little babies are going to have to walk to another campus and cross a parking lot to get to a playground... UGH... I will spare you my rant - for now - but I reserve the right for a nice long rant at a later date!

Did I mention that I'm completely excited that school is about to start? If not, let me say it again... Wooo Hoooo..... School is about to start!!!!

My pantry and freezer are in great need of restocking- I never knew little girls could eat so much! It's amazing what those varmints can put away in a day!!! Each week, we have been going through 3 gallons of milk, 3 boxes of cereal, 6 pizzas, 4 mac -n- cheese boxes, 2 loaves of bread, endless pkgs of sandwich meat and string cheese, and about a dozen eggs. What in the heck are they doing with all of this food? Surely they are feeding the neighbors? I won't even mention the boxes of Little Debbie Brownies, Honey Buns, and Fancy Cakes that have disappeared!

(Note to self.... check into buying stock in Little Debbie Snacks)

Well that's my ramble for the day - nothing new and exciting to report - just busy keeping my kids happy and looking for something else to complain about.

Quilt Project .... Cont'd.....

Happily I can report that I have completely finished cutting out the 4 million squares and rectangles for this quilt. I did get much better with the rotary cutter and finally decided to go and buy a larger rotary mat to make the job easier - oh my - it was much easier! I still don't do so well at making a complete cut through the fabric at times, but it sure beats the heck out of scissors! LOL

Now I want to know - for those of you that quilt - where do you cut your quilt pieces and blocks out at? I mean, do you use a table top, are you seated, are you standing, or are you on the floor?

I've tried them all and it seems the best method for me is to just plop down in the middle of the living room floor, spread out my fabric and various other toys and just go to town cutting. It seems to be the less painful for my back, but after about 6 hours I am considerably stiff - but I have a huge stack of quilt pieces that are ready to be sewn together. I'm getting so excited about this quilt.

OH - I almost forgot - Have a great Monday! I don't personally endorse Monday as a happy day, but I'm really trying to start the week off to a good start! LOL

New Quilt Project

Well, I've started yet another project that I hope to get finished before I turn 100!!!

I went to Hancock's last night to pick up this pattern and the fabric - oh --- I should know better than to go to that store when I'm weak and vulnerable.

Now in my own defense they were having a HUGE remodeling sale and their books and booklets were 60% OFF!!! So.. I mean... it's not my fault - they took complete advantage of my weakness! LOL I came home with two quilt books that were just too good to leave at the store! Hey, I'm an addict -it's an inherited family trait - just ask my grandmother - she will defend me!!

Anyway, I spent 2 hours last night cutting out the squares for the quilt and quickly realized that I must be an idiot of great proportion...'cause I STINK at using a rotary cutter! What's wrong with me? I simply can't cut a straight line with either of my rotary cutters - so I went back to scissors and didn't get much accomplished - but I'm still excited about this project and can't wait to get to work on cutting more squares and rectangles! LOL I might get around to sewing this weekend, but I'm not counting on it! LOL I'm slow and totally inept at using sharp tools.

I'll try to remember to take some pictures of the fabrics I'm using and keep you posted on my progress.

I have a very dear friend that makes 'prayer quilts' to give to families at the hospital and she has asked me to join her in making a few. It's been quite a few months since I've had my sewing machine out and had the patience to sit down and complete anything, so I'm going to pray about this and try I can find the patience and mental presence to help her with this very worthwhile project. I have great intentions somewhere between saying 'sure, I'd love to help you' and actually completing something! Ya' Know?

Whooda Thunk It?

20 Years of Marriage ..... to each other????

Yes, my dear blogging friends, that was ME.... 20 years, 3 kids, and about 50 pounds ago.... gee where has the time gone?

Talk about seeing life through rose colored glasses? Well... it was ALL good back then... check out those skinny newlyweds.... boy oh boy have Ken and Barbie fallen from grace! LOL

I wish I could say that we were celebrating our Anniversary with some great night out planned, or a fabulous second honey moon to some exotic island, but.... we are both at work today and life just goes on....kids gotta eat, school supplies have to be bought, and this is life, such as it is! LOL

If only they were this sweet & innocent!?!

And.... liked each other for longer than it takes to take a 30 second picture! LOL

Is it a mid-life crisis?

Or am I just loosing my mind? Let's begin from the beginning, shall we???

I am the Corporate Controller for an Aerospace Manufacturing Company and my job is quite secure. I am entering my 6th year with this company (the longest I've ever been employed ANYWHERE!) I have decent health insurance for myself and the girls, I have a 401k plan, I have a very substantial paycheck and for the most part my office is calm and clean with very little drama. I realize I am very fortunate to work for this company and I am very blessed to have my current salary!$$$! (I'm not bragging, just relating that I realize how good I've got it and I should just shut-up and be happy!)

I am in a position that allows me to jump and run if and when the girls call and 'need' me. Often times I have to rescue them from some horrible illness at school or if they've simply forgotten their gym clothes at home I am able to run grab them. (For the record, each kid gets 2 calls each year for forgotten school items, and then after those 2 chances, they must suffer the consequences.)

Luckily I only have to drive 13 miles to work each day. Several times a week, I am able to run home at lunch and do a load of dishes or throw laundry on, but still - I'm so bored with my job. BUT I NEED THE MONEY my kids really like to eat on a regular basis!!! LOL

I use to think that being a stay-at-home mom would be ideal for me - well?? Maybe not so much anymore? LOL I really need the stimulation from the outside world and I've NEVER been able to stay home with my kids, so I would probably go stark raving mad - and to NOT have 'fun' money would make me even crazier! Ya' know? We have all become spoiled to our lifestyle and my money... it's the sad truth! We aren't out going shopping every weekend and I don't carry some $400 purse - ya' know? But our next meal doesn't depend on the food bank box of groceries either and I drive a new car - one of the things/necessities in my life that I'm NOT going to give up!

However, I have been feeling the urge lately to go back to college. Yes, yes, I know.... I've got a kid going to college FULL TIME this fall and I should probably have my head examined for even toying with the idea. I already have 100+ hrs of college credit from the University, and I know I could just pick up where I left off and get my teaching certificate, but let's be honest - Teacher's don't get paid enough - and I already make twice as much or more than a teacher - so stepping back in the salary would not be of any interest to me. Besides, Teachers have to work way too hard and get very little appreciation. (I know this first hand, my mom and my sister are both educators and both have multiple degrees and I still make more money than they do!!! It's a bit of a sore subject around our dinner table! lol )

BUT... I have for a very long time been interested in the Medical World... I am a Discovery Channel - Medical Show Nerd.. I love Blood and Guts!! LOL Well... not exactly, but you know what I mean? I come from a long line of medical professionals, including quite a few nurses, mid-wives, and health care workers. I'm a geek and a nerd in the worst way - just ask my kids!

There is a Jr. College about 15 miles from my house that offers a 2-year RN -Nursing program and the acceptance requirements are quite steep and the waiting list is rather long, but even so, I am trying to convince myself to take an Anatomy and Physiology class this fall -just to see if I can still make it in school. I haven't been enrolled in any classes in about 8 years - it would probably be a jolt to my system? LOL But at the same time, I am very interested in this area of study and think I would really enjoy it and could possibly do quite well?

What's wrong with me... I've been working in Accounting and in the professional world for 20+ years? This is my chosen profession - I'm good at counting other people's money!! lol Why am I suddenly craving this change? Why am I so unfulfilled in this profession? Why the heck is my job so boring to me???? I don't feel like I've learned anything new in years- and the processes that I go through each day are the same, day in and day out. B.O.R.I.N.G.!!!!

Could this sudden urge to change my life be due to the fact that I am about to 'celebrate' (I use the term loosely) 20 years of marriage? I am about to be 39 years old? Is this a mid-life crisis? Hmmm??? Is this when men go out and find a younger woman? I certainly am not interested in finding another man to train to put down the toilet seat, but a new profession for myself wouldn't be so bad? Would it?

Or? Maybe I just need to get a new hobby? I should probably get busy quilting and sewing again? What's your personal experience with a mid-life crisis?

The Tom-Boy phase has ended....

My dear, sweet, dirt wearing Bailey has decided to 'change her image'. Well Duh??? What 8th grade girl starting a new school year hasn't decided to 'change their image'? LOL After all, it's 8th grade - the top grade on the campus... they rule the school - don't cha' know?

She announced that she wanted to start wearing make-up and earrings to school on a more consistent basis and she's got a long list of fashion accessories she is going to 'need ' to make her appearance less boyish! Oh My.!!!! What have I created? I wanted her to girl-up just a bit, but what I had in mind was being more consistent with wearing deodorant that wasn't her dad's Old Spice, and maybe brushing her hair more than once a day or just fixing her hair and not the pony tail....but I think I've created a bit of a monster.

Where once the color of pink was just totally gross, she is now wearing PINK on a daily basis! The basketball shorts and t-shirts have been replaced by MATCHING shorts and tops!!! GASP!!!!

Okay, okay... who has abducted my easy breezy Bailey and replaced her with a high maintenance teenage girl? :) I was in hopes that I could keep her 'toned down' for a bit longer, but I guess the 'girly-girl' bug has taken a chunk out of her. We haven't gone shopping for school clothes yet, and thankfully the girls are required to wear uniforms, but my oh my... what is this trip going to entail in regards to backpacks, shoes, and purses? (I feel a migraine coming on.)

I'm waiting for her to suggest we have get her a mani and a pedi before the first day of school... I just might faint! My tom-boy with PINK nails???? Say it isn't so???

I've got NOTHING....

Sorry my blogging friends, it's Wednesday and I'm feeling the dread of hump day and trying to catch-up from a week off. My mind is mush today and I think there must be some sort of virus going around our house? Three out of five are feeling like warmed over death - we've got extremely weird body aches, headaches, and fatigue... we went to bed at 7pm last night and no one complained!!!

I know we've got a problem when my 7 yr old comes to me at 6:00 pm and asks me if it's too early to take a shower and if I can give her a Tylenol when she gets out.... ?? Of course my reply was, "sure you can take a shower and I'll have your Tylenol waiting." What a sweetie she is, even when I know she feels like crap!!!! LOL

As you can imagine, I'm barely making it to work and I really don't even feel like sitting up straight? What can this be? Oh well.... I'll press on and dig out from under my stacks - all the while I'm popping more Vitamin B complex and swigging my coca cola... yes, yes, I know.... not a healthy choice, but I need some GO JUICE today and that's just all there is to it!

I wonder if some weird viral thing blew in with the Eduardo storm from the gulf? We've probably got some strange strand of some island epidemic. Okay... Okay... so maybe not? But I'm not thinking clearly - I need more sleep!

**UPDATE @ 2:oo pm** Add to our list of sickly - Bailey is parked on the couch wrapped in a blanket and complaining of a headache and body aches..... So make that 4 out of 5!!! LOL

Bailey's team placed SECOND.....

Their team went into the Championship Game undefeated and played their little hearts out in the 108* heat!!! What a group of outstanding athletes!! I am so proud for these girls, they placed Runner-Up or Second place in the 12U Western Nationals - GREAT JOB!!!! After a week of playing in the intensive heat, they really proved their desire to win and their motivation to be the best team!

Hopefully, I can dig out from under this massive pile of paperwork on my desk and load some really great action shots that I took of the girls.

Check back soon for more softball pictures!