a brand new day... still in the burbs

I have a NEW BLOG !! =)

2011-04-28T11:09:00.007-05:00

COME FOLLOW ME.

Com'n, it'll be fun ... let's go!

http://weisnormal.blog.com/

OH HAPPY DAY

2009-12-21T20:01:00.002-06:00

just sayin ...

it's a good day, isn't it?

just cuz

2009-12-03T16:02:00.000-06:00

I’m in that mood. You know, pointless stuff entertaining me mood.

So friend and I at the vending machine. I want candy. Which one to get? She picks 3 Musketeers. I say, f it, don’t care about it probably being the fattest one in there … I want the Reese’s cups.

They drop. We grab them. 3 Musketeers clearly states on front … 45% less fat. Umm, but did you know, that’s all they got!

Breakdown …

Total fat: 3 Musketeers 8 grams, Reese’s 13 grams

But then …

Calories: 3 Musketeers 260, Reese’s 220
Saturated fat: 3 Musketeers 5g, Reese’s 4.5g
Total Carbs: 3 Musketeers 46g, Reese’s 24g
Sugar: 3 Musketeers 40g, Reese’s 20g
Protein: 3 Musketeers 2g, Reese’s 5g
Iron daily value: 3 Musketeers 2%, Reese’s 4%

You’re being bamboozled. I know less fat grams is awesome … but look at all you get instead.

Pretty pointless blog … yeah so?
Just wanted to share.

thankful

2009-11-25T13:19:00.002-06:00

In the spirit of thanksgiving, I thought I’d write a “thankful” blog. But that sounds kinda boring. So let’s mix it up a lil bit, but disguise it as thankful … deal?

I’m thankful that certain people have days off at work around the holidays and because of their absence the office is quiet and happy. Well as happy as it will get seeing as how I’m actually at work.

I’m thankful for texting. So that I don’t have to pick up the phone and actually talk to you when you call. Oh and by the way, texting while driving … you shouldn’t do. Umm, cuz I’m doing it, and one of us needs to be paying attention as we’re passing each other.

I’m thankful for friends that go to lunch with me even though they make me pay … just because they paid last time. Tssss, so selfish.

I’m thankful for being able to manipulate my friends into ordering my 2nd choice on the menu at lunch. I’m totally gonna eat some of yours. Thanks friend!

I’m thankful for alcohol. Even though you can’t drink it at work. What’s up with that?! Who, one day decided that this wasn’t a good activity to do while sitting around for 8 whole hours? And who was the stupid guy next to him that said, dude, good idea? Clearly … they were drunk.

I’m thankful for google, for allowing me to never have to think for myself. That’s all I got on that one.

Okay okay, I am capable of being sincere … here goes:

I’m thankful for my boys who are happy and healthy. Well, healthy … they complain too much to admit to being completely happy right?
I’m thankful for Jared, for teaching me about what’s important in life.
I’m thankful for the one I spend all of my time with. I’m thankful we laugh. I’m thankful we’re awesome friends. I’m super thankful he puts up with me.
I’m thankful for good friends who listen to me complain daily. Thanks for telling me when to shut up.

Happy Thanksgiving.

neighbor woes

2009-11-16T15:11:00.003-06:00

I did the right thing right?

I have a neighbor. Across the street. He is the head of the homeowners association. Just the person you want to live across from right? Umm, no, in case you didn't know the answer to that one.

So James and friend playing catch outside with the football yesterday. He comes in. Mom, the guy across the street said I can’t play football in the street. Umm what? Yeah, he said I should stay on my lawn, and that I’ll hit cars and property if I play in the street. Umm, yeah, you can play in the street James. Then he told me the guy said he was going to come over and talk to me. Fun, thanks James.

Knock at door.

(he started this ALL wrong and you’re never going to get my cooperation coming at me like this):

I need your cooperation in keeping your children out of the street.

Me: (just making sure before I start a fight) Is there something with the association that says they need to stay out of the street?

(him not answering my question) I think it would be best if they stayed on your property.

Me: (again) Yeah, is there something that says they need to stay out of the street?

(him getting angry) They are going to hit something, they’ve already hit a tree (me, trying not to laugh, but failing), and they might hit a car or property.

Me: Yeah okay, I will tell them to be careful.

I think it would be best if they played in the lot down the street.

Me: Yeah, it probably is a better idea, but I’m not going to keep them out of the street, they’re kids.

(him, stumbling on words) If they hit something, I’m going to send you the bill.

Me: Yeah okay, I would expect that.

If the ball lands on my property, I’m going to call the police.

Me: (the laughter is no longer contained) Umm, yeah, let me know when you call them for a ball landing on your lawn, I want to watch when they get here.

He left.

THEN, James comes in a says dude is taking pictures of them.

I’m not going to go out and fight, but please note, grown man across street talking pictures of my children.

PLEASE call the police about a ball on your lawn, so that I can alert them to inappropriate pictures you are taking of young boys.

PLEASE.

So that’s that. James has made an enemy, which in turn means I made an enemy ... the homeowners association president. ugh. This should make life more fun in my neighborhood right? Thanks James on that one.

Don’t talk crap to my kid about playing. Umm, about anything. And even if he did something wrong, which he clearly did not … if you come at me like that, I will defend him always, and you will get no apologies. I will deal with him later.

Thoughts? I did right? Or I should have been nicer (which is usually the case)?

complaining ... YAY

2009-11-13T15:52:00.003-06:00

K, complaints and/or annoyances we can share, ready? … Lets go:

Farmville (or mafia wars, or fish bowl something, or …) – STOP IT. Really. I’m serious. ‘Nuff said.

People that give you a deadline at work to get something done, you stop what you’re doing, work on it, get it done right away, and they say … oh never mind on that one, turns out I didn’t need it. UGH

People that tell everyone in the office their personal business, repeatedly. Not only did I not care and/or want to hear it when you told me, and clearly showed it by my facial expressions as you speak … but I don’t want to hear it as you tell the person in the cube next to me either. Go away.

Peeing all day long from all the water you’re drinking. I’m doing a good thing, I’m drinking water. I should be rewarded with NOT peeing so much … makes sense to me.

Oh and the inability to have a pee buddy sucks. Why can’t we have one friend that we can transfer it to, and we can share? I peed last time, you’re turn. Would be more helpful in the office, more productive with work and less time away from your desk. Just sayin. It would be useful.

All the same statuses on Facebook from numerous people … Happy Friday! I hate Mondays! Every Friday. Every Monday. Stop it. (that one was for you, Erica.)

People on those social networking sights that are inappropriate. I haven’t talked to you in 15 years. Even back then, we didn’t talk much. Don’t send me a note, saying hey how you doing, it’s been forever … I’m having problems with my wife. Umm, yeah. Now I won’t respond. And those are all the reasons.

Children that annoy you … that aren’t yours and they’re not at your house so they’re not technically under your “jurisdiction” and therefore cannot do anything about said annoying children. Just sayin.

...

I'm sure I have tons more ... as always ... and I'm sure I'll revisit the complaints posting again. They're always fun, aren't they?

4 months in the life

2009-11-12T21:05:00.031-06:00

okay okay okay, I'm still alive. I haven't made time for blogging and I'm sorry ... head hanging low. Can't even guarantee I'm back, I'm going to try though. I just thought I'd check in and show you all what I've been up to in my life in the last 4 months. Tons of pictures. It's been a busy & fun 4 months.

Here goes in order from July to present:

Went to a Cubs game:

Jaden went out to Cali early to spend extra time with family and entered some skate competitions:
and won:

James & I joined him a couple of weeks later and we visited family & friends:

James & cousin TJ:
Jaden, James & cousin Jessica:
Amazing friends Nickie & Gina ... & me:
Night out with old friends:
Jaden & cousin Damien:
My aunt Judy & I:
Cousins:
My sister Sally & me:
At my uncle's house with his amazing backyard and beautiful view:
My grandma, my aunt and us:
Ahhh, home:

Had some amazing pictures taken while we were out there thanks to Shine by Jessica who is amazing:

Went to another Cubs game:

Relaxed a lot and enjoyed the crazy Illinois weather, it IS beautiful & strange:

Went to Gurnee Days and watched fireworks (umm no fireworks pictures, so not sure why I meantioned them, but I did):

Watched A LOT of good baseball:

Played miniature golf ... kind of:

Made fun of people at a Renaissance Faire:

Jaden turned 9 (James had a birthday as well and turned 14... no idea why I can't find pictures of it, awesome mom I am):

James just can't. do. normal.

Jaden skateboarded some more:

Mom came to visit and we did the tourist thing in Chicago, again:

Sears Tower:

Shane & I took advantage of mom being in town and we decided to do the tourist thing in Chicago as well for the weekend.
Navy Pier:
Field Museum (and Sue):

Halloween came & went:

Watched an awesome season of James' last year playing pop warner - next year ... high school ... eek.

Jaden did Phantom of the Opera at school:

We went to another Bulls game:

& had a plethora of good times just doing nothing:

And I think that pretty much sums it up!

I have been thinking about blogging a lot and everytime something comes up to complain about, I naturally think, I should write a blog about it. See ... my mind is still in the right place.

So ... I'll be back!

random... of course

2009-07-06T18:44:00.000-05:00

random thoughts again... cuz I feel like it.

Let's discuss facebook shall we?

Facebook... we all know my issues with it before. Now... different story. It's on my phone. It's way too convenient. Obviously with my lack of posting, it has taken the place of blogging. Sorry.

K, Be a fan of... Really? This is my biggest issue. They are out of control. So in so just became a fan of I hate cancer. Again, really? As opposed to the alternative group? I saw a fan of... not being on fire. Come on now people. Let's just all be fans of... being a fan is stupid.

Pillow fights, Tarot card readings by random people like myself, how well do you know me, pass a drink, pass a round, sent you a hug... too. many. to. mention. These are stupid. I have like 40 requests. They will remain there. I'm not having a pillow fight with you. Not gonna happen.

Let's discuss Texts From Last Night...
(please tell me you know this site!)

Love this site. Will totally laugh out loud sitting all alone in a room. So... it's so funny because it's relatable? Umm, let's hope not. But yep... some of it sounds familiar. Sigh

Oh and umm some pics, cuz it's a random post and I can...
(Thanks to those that I was able to get to know better this weekend... I enjoyed your company)

Hope you all had a great 4th!

crazy full days I've had

2009-06-22T23:24:00.000-05:00

... as seen in pictures:

'nuff said.

random

2009-06-11T20:52:00.000-05:00

k, I really suck lately at blogging. I can say I've been busy, but then people would laugh at me... so really I have no excuses. So let's just randomly vent, k? Cuz that's always fun.

Let's start with... IT'S ONLY 3 DOTS PEOPLE (yeah, I'm yelling, so?). When you want to use this "..." to represent a gap in the story, a "blah blah blah" if you will... it's 3 dots. Not 5, not 8. People will do this..... and all of a sudden, I see nothing after the dots, I'm just so perturbed by the plethora of dots, I have lost interest in the actual story.

Umm, and to stick with the computer etiquette for a minute, if you want to put a smiley face at the end of a sentence, please leave off the period, i.e.
end of sentence.:) = NO
end of sentence :). = NO
end of sentence :) = YES, please.
It's just more visually appealing people.

Umm, when you get cool new toys, they are fun until they start frustrating you... then they're just obsessive until you figure everything out. Let's just say wireless printer (awesome btw) MUST work prior to bed, I am physically unable to sleep if left undone. But the key there is to get lots of cool new toys at once... when one frustrates you, move on to the next one for a moment until your happy & content, then go back. The problem is when all toys related to each other (as in, all toys were purchased at an electronics store named after a fruit), they all work with each other so defeats the purpose of moving on to another toy. When I can print a picture I took with my phone via my wireless printer while I'm in my garage playing downloaded music from my phone on my car speakers... yeah, it all is one big fun toy in the end. Which keeps me up, obsessive and frustrated as hell, until all toys play together nicely.

People that spell things wrong is completely okay. People that spell things with a bunch of extra letters as if they are proving they know exactly how to spell it, just provide entertainment, while we all laugh at you. Silently of course... you'll never know we're all using you as entertainment.

What's with people googling people they used to date? I've had a number of friends come at me with stories about cyber-stalking people they used to be in a relationship with and I think to myself...why? It’s over. Focus on the future. And I ask them - what's the point in finding out what your ex is up to? Are you reminiscing? Are you planning to murder them and need to know their whereabouts? Because really you need to just let it go. Just let it frickin go.

K, that’s all I can think of right now… I’m sure I’ll have more in a future post, umm, cuz coming up with annoying people things is usually quite easy.

So for those of you in the know, let me just end this with EVER. And before you can respond… EVER.

teehee

my weekend in pictures

2009-06-02T11:10:00.000-05:00

Not pictured:

football
church
good weather
special people &
good conversations

jamaica

2009-05-26T18:38:00.000-05:00

I went here this past weekend...
(Grand Palladium Resort in Lucea, Jamaica)

Enjoyed the view:

completely relaxed:

and enjoyed this guy...

...and now some intriguing tid bits to go along with the trip:

Umm. All-inclusive. Nothing more to say. You can eat whatever you want, but really, when they serve alcohol all day long, you kind of forget the food part. And you spend absolutely no money. Awesome.

If you find a group of women that all went on vacation together, and they all don't leave the pool bar (in the pool) and they're there everyday (umm, cuz you are too, ha, details)... after so much drinking, one might try to hit on you. Even after you say, umm no I'm with him, she might follow it with, are you sure? Umm, wow. It's time to get out of the pool. I mean, there's like 12 other bars, we don't have to be picky.

Oh and if a rain storm comes thru, you can stay in the pool, kind of fun... and if you're in a smaller pool and it starts raining, and you can't float up to the bar (insane, really), then just get out and huddle under the bar until storm passes. Return to pool.

And those are my helpful tips.
you're welcome

the weekend...

2009-05-11T17:47:00.000-05:00

...sorry, nothing exciting. but good weekend for me nonetheless.

If you want children to be quiet for awhile on a saturday, you go to the bookstore and buy books:

Umm, side note, you might not want to buy your 13 year old a book titled, how do you light a fart? and 150 other essential things every guy should know about science. He HAS NOT put it down. And now he can umm, light a fart, make life savers spark, pick a lock, and now has the knowledge of what happens when you spray duct tape with w-d 40. Umm cuz I know you'll ask... A whole chapter on space time continuum to find out, nothing. nothing would happen. ha.

Then one child might be extremely happy that you signed up the smaller child for football and can't wait to teach him "all he knows". Hmm, pray for me this goes well.

Sunday morning, woke up to the boys cooking me breakfast, they do this every year... then off to watch some good baseball (I'll take pics next week).

Hope you all had a good weekend and good mommies day!

thanks to gina...

2009-05-08T18:11:00.000-05:00

She posted 60 of these... here are my favorite:

this one is me:

simplest, best one:

true story

2009-05-05T15:48:00.000-05:00

So all day I knew I had to go to the store to get bread. I was busy all day. But told myself all day: Need bread.

Then at the end of my busy day, I thought, a sandwich sounds awesome. Thought it for over an hour. Mmmm. Turkey sandwich, I want one.

I walked into the kitchen to make one.

Only I don't have any bread.

wtf?

How my mind works: one thought at a time please.

Please tell me I'm the only one who's mind is sad and pathetic like that?

good

2009-04-27T17:11:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, Jaden decided to give me this card he made:

Today after school, he brought this in for me:

He always does the 'little things'. Never fails. Thanks Jaden.

Today I finished this:

Holy cow, read it. That's all I can say. Awesome book. I couldn't put it down.

Just sharing.

let's complain, shall we?

2009-04-22T12:14:00.000-05:00

Does everyone's morning start with, kids, time to wake up, followed by whines of I don't want to, followed by yeah, me neither, that's life, get up.
Just wondering.

Don't you love it when you are at the gym, you have your headphones on, obviously not just a fashion statement, and someone starts talking to you? Cuz you can see their lips moving. You know I can't hear you, I'll smile politely and nod and maybe you'll go away.

Umm, I don't like talking on the phone. I'll text you. But when I'm in the car, I like to talk. I will call you then. When I call. Answer. Sad, yep, I know. Let's say I'll be in the car for 20 minutes, I'll call you, you don't answer, when you call back after I've already reached my destination, I won't answer. Too late. The window of opportunity has closed. Sorry.

Umm when you have to go to the grocery store and you don't feel like it and no one will do it for you? what the heck? sheesh

For the matter... laundry too.

Okay, I'm done for now.

today

2009-04-18T16:50:00.000-05:00

Warning: lots of pictures, sorry, can't help it
(hey, at least not too many words right? See, I balance it out... you're welcome)

Today is beautiful outside.

The car said this:

so I took Jaden to do some of this:
and
and even

and even tho I had to sit in this on the way back:

I didn't mind because I had R. Kelly singing for me and Jaden watched a movie with headphones on the whole time!

And guess what?
Pictures from Cali came back... way too many stunning ones to choose from.
You'll see the photographer at the bottom of each picture... call her, she takes amazing pictures!

I know, I know... I make em handsome, don't I?
teehee

okay, gotta go, remember, beautiful outside? got plans this eve...

ahhh, amazing saturdays after being in snow hell for 5 months...
Priceless

let's be honest

2009-04-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

The blog. Even your blog. Honest yes... just not always completely right? You leave things out, you keep things to yourself. You show people what you want them to see and nothing more. It's life. We all do it.

My friend Gina says yeah she reads the blog for the stories, but if she wants to know what's really going on with me, she'll call... to know what's going on with the real Katie.

A lot of you have emailed me. Asked me questions. I think I am finally okay with saying, know what, screw it... here it is.

Me:

Met my future husband when I was 15.
Had my first baby (James) when I was 20. And my world changed.
Married when I was 22.
Second baby (Jared) at 23 and my world was changed again when they told me he would die.
When I was 25, my third (Jaden) was born. And yep, he changed my world too.
When I was 26, my husband was diagnosed with cancer and I was told he would die.
(He survived the cancer)
When I was 28, we were growing too far apart.
When I was 29, he shot me and almost killed me and killed himself.
When I was 29, my real and true friends were revealed to me.
When I was 30, someone came along with the promise of taking me away from everything that was surrounding me, and I moved to Illinois with him.
When I was 31, he broke my arm.
The next year or so, he cheated on me.
When I was 32, Jared passed away. And my world changed again.
When I was 33, I said enough, and I left with my boys.
(Aamir was not mine and he went home to live with his mom)

I'm 33 now... and I can say I'm happy.
For the most part.
Obviously, I miss my friends and my family.
But I have James & Jaden, my life. They love it here.
I also have friends here that make me smile.
I also have friends that keep me here, that have my heart.
Those are my reasons. I love those reasons. Those reasons make me happy.

A lot of people think their lives are horrible. That they have it pretty bad.
Sometimes you need to put things in perspective.
Really, it's not that bad.
Things will get better. They always do.... at least that's what I keep telling myself.

I tend to take things pretty light hearted. It's the only way I know how.
People have asked, how do you keep going?
How do you not?
Really, that was always in my head, how do you not. What's the alternative from getting up and moving on? Because I don't know what that is.

Sometimes life changes on you. Changes who you really even thought you were.

A poem I have always liked:

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security,

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises

And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open,

With the grace of a woman,
Not the grief of a child

And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After awhile you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much

So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
In stead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers

And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth,
and you learn and learn...
With every good bye you learn.

And so that's me. The truth. Anymore questions?

Ask away.

sigh

2009-04-12T18:10:00.000-05:00

The holidays. They are hard for me. Don't get me wrong... I had a good day today. Woke up, looked for eggs, went to church, had good food, spent a couple hours at a skate park with the boys and will be cooking dinner soon. But holidays are for family. Friends.

I miss mine.

Tremendously.

So family - I know you're reading this and I probably never say this... I MISS YOU. More than you know.

I do and I get sad on days like this. Sometimes I feel like I'm cheating the boys. They should be around their family. I miss going to hang out with family. I miss saying mom, I'm coming to have lunch with you today. Or going to hang out with my Aunt Judy just because. Or going to my sister’s house for barbecue and watching my nephew grow up. I miss my lifelong friends being able to just stop by.

Days like today remind me of all of those everyday little things tha I took for granted before.

I'm in Illinois now. I do believe everything for a reason. The boys love their schools and their friends. I have met amazing people that I wouldn't want to leave. I'd miss them too. I have a life here now. I enjoy it.

Those of you that live far away from family... how do you do it? What helps you get through days like today when you miss your family so much?

Those of you that live near your family and see them often... please know how blessed you are. You're luckier than you know. Not all of us are so lucky.

Hey, side note...

In church today I heard something that made me think (well I usually hear things that make me think, but this one made me say hmmm)... We do things backwards. We doubt our beliefs and believe our doubts. It should be the other way around.

We should doubt our doubts, and believe our beliefs.

Just a thought.

random katie thoughts

2009-04-10T10:26:00.000-05:00

It’s pretty outside today, and if I call a friend in California and say that, and then say wow, it’s gonna be 50 degrees today, don’t ask me if that is supposed to be a good thing? Lemme bask in my pathetic glory for a minute before you remind me what I used to have in Cali.

Are cleaning ladies in offices the same all over the world? You know, dust like your kids would at home if they felt like getting in trouble? You know what I’m talking about… you walk in to the office once a week, and your shit is everywhere?! As their cloth graced the top of your desk it pushed aside whatever was in its path, you get in and every item on your desk is jumbled up in a corner, maybe some on the floor?!

When you’re driving and two lanes are merging into one, what’s the deal with the person that stays on the ass of the person in front of them so that you can’t get over? Really? Dude, I’m not trying to pull a fast one you or anything, you can still be the man with your tenuous sense of self, I promise, but in case you haven’t noticed… everyone is merging. Back the hell up and let me in. But umm, sadly if this one little move of not allowing a car in front of you is somehow gonna boost that feeble ego of yours for the day, umm, sure I’ll do a good deed, I’ll get behind you… and then just laugh at you when I pass you up at a light later.

This merging one just happened this morning with some chick… she tried to not let me in, I did anyway, and then I see her calling me a bitch in my rearview. Ha. Really? If me merging affected your day that much at 7:30 in the morning, you might have some other problems that you might want to work out. Just sayin

James is a bootyhead. Yep, my kid. He doesn’t want to do Easter this year. Wtf? I said then you don’t want a basket? He said, umm yeah. I said, then you have to do Easter. He said fine. I said you gotta look for eggs (it’s like let’s make a deal with this kid, geez). He said what, forget it then, I don’t want a basket. WHAT? I had to convince him that looking for eggs is funner (totally a word shane) when it’s competitive (umm isn’t everything?), and Jaden would have more fun if James was looking too. He agreed to “fake it” and do it for Jaden. Aww, he DOES love his brother. (maybe.)

I lie to my kids

2009-04-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

yep, I said it, I do... so what? Like I'm the only one? riiiight.

Let’s say James is at the park, I will text and say, I don’t see u, where are u? Just to stress him out if he’s up to no good. He’ll reply with, I’m on the benches mom, where are you? I’ll say umm, home, just checking on you.

Or I’ll text Jaden and say, hurry up, get ur mess cleaned up, I’ll be there in 2 minutes, when I’m still 25 minutes away… just to make him hustle.

Or if James has a friend over and I’m not home yet, I’ll get a random text from him that says, where are you? (folks, in James’ speak, this “where are you” is code for “I’m doing something I shouldn’t be doing, and therefore I will be needing your ETA so that I can have it cleaned up and/or thrown away prior to your arrival”), so I always respond to that one with… Just down the street James, sup?
Tee hee.

I'll word my texts to James very carefully to get him to reveal unnecessary things, i.e. James, what is it that you did at school today? instead of, how was school? Because now instead of the normal good, I get, what do you mean, did someone call? Ah, now I have him hooked... Not sure, got a message, haven't checked it, you wanna tell me before I listen? Sigh, my poor baby, has a lot to learn about revealing too much info. Now he says, umm, maybe the dean, but listen mom, I didn't do it, let me tell you.... (In case you don't know James, he never did it. ever. whatever "it" happens to be, he. didn't. do. it.) This one works like a charm.

Texting, gotta love it.

I talk to moms of friends that the boys have no idea I even know. We like to keep these relationships on the down-low as we find the humor in revealing information to the children that they have no idea how we would even know. This one really has no parenting value whatsoever... it's just fun. And maybe it's not lying, it's simply withholding information. (Umm, side note, in an adult relationship, withholding information equals lying, in parenting, we make up our own rules.)

Am I the only one that does these things?
(Wait, maybe I don't want to know)

Oh and... Happy Birthday Mom!

while in cali...

2009-04-08T13:55:00.000-05:00

When all grandchildren are in one location, any logical grandma will take advantage and capture it on film. My mommy did just that.

Below are the ones I have to chose from. Mom is giving me the one of her and the boys (the additional boy we'll call Damien... my nephew. He's 6. Cute, eh? yeah, it runs in the family, teehee).

I think I'll put three 5x7's in a frame (vertically).
I'm thinking #'s 4, 5 & 6:
(but I kinda like #3 too)
(and umm, #7)
HELP

#1#2#3#4#5#6#7
I'm looking for opinions?
Help me.
What do you think?

My amazingly wonderful, awesome friend Gina actually had a professional photographer take pictures of the boys at skate parks and railroad tracks while out in Cali... as soon as we get those back, there will be plenty of just the two of them to pick from... that's why I'm not as concerned about getting the one of just the two of them above. I'm so excited about those pictures!
Did I mention Gina is awesome?
Love ya Gina

this makes this makes this... butthead

2009-04-06T20:51:00.000-05:00

This guy

does this

and makes this

and then these

Only this guy doesn't want to play because he's busy doing this

and this

... Butthead.

james & jaden in cali

2009-03-31T14:30:00.000-05:00

what they do 24/7:

So, James & Jaden love to skateboard everyday. James started getting into it and like any good little brother that wants to do everything big brother does... Jaden followed right behind.

Here is what I have noticed:
Jaden is not afraid of anything (I'm guessing because of his age) and therefore tries more things than James does. James eventually gets it, and knows about more tricks than Jaden (for now)... but things like skating down a huge ramp or up walls... Jaden isn't afraid of being hurt. So he tries and conquers first.

Yeah, he'll be the one broken more than James (big heavy sigh), but I kinda think it's cool that Jaden might be able to do something better than James. James is the oldest which already makes everything in life, according to Jaden, NOT FAIR. James has the personality that everyone is drawn to; Jaden is a little more reserved. School comes easier to James. (In Jaden's defense, he is the youngest kid in his class.)

Do any of you notice that with your younger ones? …Tries things with less fear, and it turns out to be a good thing... like skateboarding? Happy that the lil one can finally, maybe be better than the bigger brother he looks up to?

best of both worlds

2009-03-30T09:06:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to share with you my weekend… You know how going out sometimes is cool, but then staying in and doing absolutely nothing is amazing? Now throw in both of those coupled with no kids and you have yourself an amazing weekend.

(Ahem, don’t get me wrong, of course I missed the boys… but in my defense, I’m sure them being in Cali being pathetically spoiled by everyone doesn’t make for the missing to be very reciprocal.)

So back to the weekend… Saturday woke up and decided, let’s go to the Bulls game (which involved getting up, so trust me it wasn’t the easiest decision to make, but alas, got up anyway)…

(In my defense, I haven’t been home all weekend, and only had my phone on me, so Andrea… don’t mention the camera. Umm, which I know you will, so nevermind… moving on…)

After the game, went to have some drinks in the city, and then finally got this that I’ve been wanting so long:

Always had the 3 J’s on the inside of my ankle, but added the halo to Jared.

Then to a quick dinner before a comedy show that night… Now don’t get me wrong, the guy was okay, but when you start having some drinks around 1 pm, comedy that isn’t hilarious in a dark room at 10 pm, might make you a lil sleepy. Umm, totally not me… But I noticed the sleepy and said maybe time to go, ha, so we did… and thus ends the busy day.

Now on Sunday morning, Andrea I’m gonna mention you again because you talked crap to mother nature in your email the other day, and you ticked her off, so gonna blame you for the Midwest snow in almost April, frickin ridiculous… so thanks Andrea, for the 6 inches of snow we woke up to on Sunday.

But this did bring on an amazing day of NOTHING. The best days. On the downside, those days tend to make you eat a lot, don’t they? You lay there, you watch games, you watch movies, you think about food, you eat food… repeat. Wait, nevermind, that's not a downside.

So needless to say, a great weekend, thank you.

And boys, I DO miss you… can’t wait to see you. You will come back a little quieter right? Sigh, just dreaming.

random katie thoughts

2009-03-27T10:29:00.000-05:00

How come I can’t push the space bar twice on my keyboard and automatically have my computer insert my period for me? I can’t be expected to push an extra key.

How come when I spell words wrong, the right spelling doesn’t just automatically drop into what I meant? How come my computer isn’t thinking for me like my iPhone does?

How come I have to press the shift key and a letter to get a capital letter? My phone knows when I am at the beginning of a sentence and capitalizes it for me. On that note, my phone also remembers to capitalize names I type often so that I don’t have to. James, Jaden, Illinois… Oh, my phone also lets me type Cali, capitalizes it for me and doesn’t underline it in an attempt to make me spell the whole word.

Which brings me to… my phone doesn’t remind me with an annoying red line when I type tmrw instead of tomorrow or rmbr instead of remember. My phone doesn’t correct those words because it remembers I like them that way. It does however fix mustakes on its own. Really, its changes it to mistakes for me. But stop changing shit to shut… I meant shit!

Just showing some love to my phone today. Or umm, some hate toward the keyboard. One of those.

Really tho, if our phones have the technology to do those things, why can’t they make the computer do the same thing?!! … Yep damn computer just underlined THO. My phone would have left it alone, because it knew that’s exactly what I meant!

the good & the bad

2009-03-23T15:53:00.000-05:00

Upon getting to the office this morning, I came across a good /bad scenario I thought I’d share with you all…

Good - new casual Fridays at office, everyone has on jeans, sneakers, etc.
Bad - no one bothered to tell me this lil tid bit of info (and/or I didn’t listen, umm, one of those) and now I wasted a good outfit on a Friday.

Which made me ponder, hmm, what else could fit into this category. I came across a few in the following hours… and then pondered aloud with friends who came up with their own, all included below.
Here goes:

Good - Free coffee at work, save money from daily starbucks run, awesome.
Bad - It tastes like crap. Well not crap, cuz not sure how that tastes, but not strong enough at all. Starbucks, I’m coming back, sorry I left you.

Good - Marathon Training = get in great shape, lose weight & tone up fast and efficiently, healthy way to spend your free time, get to be outside, finisher medals are awesome, provides sense of accomplishment
Bad - Ugh… you have to actually run. Weird, right?

Good - Living alone (sans boyfriend/husband), drink/eat/wear whatever I want at any hour of the day, watch whatever I want to watch on TV…ahh, Freedom!
Bad - Bills come and I wonder "ummm…who's going to pay for half of this??"

Good - Eating Healthy - more energy, weight control, better hair/skin, more optimistic personality, may help avoid things like cancer or heart disease, yada yada.
Bad - 1 trip to the produce department at the grocery store = $45 = a bunch of veggies and fruit that I have roughly 2 ½ days to consume before it goes bad = a nice, big salad… and yet nothing to actually make for dinner… and, in the end, umm… Burger King, anyone?

umm I caved

2009-03-22T15:52:00.000-05:00

okay, I caved. Yup, that's Jaden... texting.
He will be at the bus, I'll feel better. He'll feel better. We are all happy.

Umm, 'cept I get texts like this now, randomly, sitting in the same room as him...
"Mom, can we go to the skate park, pppplllleeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaasssssseeeeeee?"
Did I mention sitting in the same room?

Good - I feel better, Jaden happy..
Bad - I'm now subjected to random 8 year old texts, that sometimes simply say, "peanut butter".
Yup, got that one yesterday.

beautiful day and bribing?

2009-03-19T12:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven’t blogged in a while, just been really busy. I have to get back on it, I know. And I will. Umm, maybe. Soon.

But I just thought I’d share my thoughts. I’m sitting here, looking out a window, cold out there I think, but can’t tell from here. It’s just blue sky (okay, some clouds) and pretty. And I think to myself… I’m good. Inside, I’m good. Happy. Been awhile for that, got off track of me. But really been working on finding me again… and I’m on the way. I’m the me I remember from years ago. I’m the focused, happy me. Any of that even make sense?

Just sharing.

Okay, and another thought I had this morning –
share with me your thoughts on it?

Jaden is going to the bus stop by himself – seriously, a 30 second walk… I usually even drive right by him. I saw him this morning, stopped to talk to him. I can see he’s nervous (again, even though this was his choice to walk)… he saw a bus go by, thought it was his, I said wasn’t yours buddy, he didn’t believe me (as usual). I told him I’d get him a watch. He said, can’t I have a phone? I said time comes on watches sometimes too.

He was worried, said what happens when I miss my bus? I told him relax, and don’t worry, if he misses it, just walk back home, go inside and call me, and I’ll come get you… he won’t even be late for school. He relaxed a little.

But it did make me think about a cell phone. Told him if he can completely stop whining (we know this is a Jaden issue)… I’ll think about it. He was happy and said okay.

So cell phone for incentive? It’s not like I’d get him a phone because he wants one. It’s more for my peace of mind. Don’t you agree? Thoughts?

Happy Birthday

2009-03-08T19:02:00.000-05:00

Today is Jared's birthday.
He would have been 11 today.

Happy Birthday Jared.
I miss you.

awesome weekend

2009-03-01T16:10:00.000-06:00

had another great weekend...

Went out Friday night and had a great time as always... thank you for the great time, as we always have together, tee hee.
Friends house on Saturday night, Jaden and I... thank you, as always.
Umm, chuck e cheese after church on Sunday. No one to thank on the chuck e cheese one, cuz umm, not thankful. ha.
New friends house for lunch with the boys on Monday (Illinois holiday, don't ask... rough subject, ha). We had a good time. Boys played with her grandkids, we all had lunch, and met new friends.

(pics from the weekend)

Hope you all had a great one as well.

tell the truth

2009-02-26T19:19:00.000-06:00

If I could only give three words of advice, they would be "tell the truth". If I got three more words, I'd add: "All the time". My parents taught me that "you're only as good as your word," and there's no better way to say it.

People lie for lots of reasons, often because it seems like a way to get what they want with less effort. But like many short-term strategies, it's ineffective long-term. You run into people again later, and they remember you lied to them. And they tell lots of other people about it. That's what amazes me about lying. Most people who have told a lie think they got away with it... when in fact, they didn't.

This is one of my favorite passages.

Comments on the passage?

Anyone know where it's from?

sharing random things

2009-02-16T22:08:00.000-06:00

Went to the skate park with the boys today, let them play till they quit. I think it really helps them to get along... odd, but true. An activity they both like... James constantly says mom watch me... but Jaden constantly says James watch me. I think I have found something to get them closer.

Went to the mall after, and umm shopped. I gotta stop doing that. But who are we kidding? Shopping=fun. And shopping=happy.

Know what else?...

I went to this women's Bible study tonight (Hillary, are you proud, or what?!). I thought reading with other people would totally focus me to read the Bible and then get questions answered right? Which, umm, might be the whole purpose of the group? lol. But I really liked it. Gonna go every week.

My favorite for the night?...
If any one of you is without sin, let them be the first to throw a stone at her... Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? No one, sir. Then neither do I condemn you.

Just thought I'd share. I promise, no more Bible stuff. Okay, I don't promise.

random katie thoughts

2009-02-12T17:22:00.000-06:00

Fun, right?

K, it's Thursday. I have plans later - but nothing going on right now. I'm bored. I haven't blogged in awhile. People are complaining... geez people chill, I've got NOTHING I can think of to blog about. But you want a new blog, so here ya go. Random thoughts in the head of Katie:

Gina is awesome. (Umm, she made me say that) But she is... new header above? Thanks to the wonderful Ms Gina.

Umm, Gina always makes me laugh... I miss her.

Facebook? Might just be aight.

I'm bored enough to play with photo booth:

(I think it perfectly captures "bored", dont'cha think? Dang, I should be an artist)

Google... It's the most said thing in my household. Child asks a question, I say google it. Dang, where did OUR parents come up with answers before google?! Really, it's mind boggling.

Maybe it's NOT the the most said thing... that would be, leave your brother alone.

If it's Thursday, and you have plans later, and you're trying to blog and a child asks if they can have cereal for dinner... awesome. Just sayin.

I'm an awesome mommy, why do you ask?

Umm, it's Thursday, and I know where awesome bootleg movie guy hangs out on Thursdays... yay. I wanna see Taken. Watched Pineapple Express last weekend... HILARIOUS.

I say awesome a lot... SO?!

Boy children are no fun. They don't want to play with dolls. They won't brush your hair... and you might have to have talks with them about stupid girls (yep, they're all stupid) that ARE NOT fun to have.

K, umm, maybe that's enough random thoughts for now... I'm sure I'll think of more the second I hit publish.

my children, ahh, so smart

2009-02-06T09:41:00.000-06:00

Waiting for the bus this morning, Jaden said (8 years old),

"Hey mom, know how they say that the alarm went off? I don't get it. Cuz it went on. Not off."

Umm, totally makes sense to me.

Jaden at 13 months

Jaden at 7 years

I caved

2009-02-04T10:20:00.000-06:00

okay okay, head hanging low, I caved.

I. Joined. Facebook.

You all know my issues with online sites to chat with other people. Pointless, really. Go outside. There are plenty of people out there. And honestly... I don't think I like it. See, I was right. Umm, as always.

I know for some people, ahem, Gina, it's like a phone... kinda. Talk to who you want, leave the others alone. I got it... but here are my complaints:

No, I don't need to tell you what I'm doing right now. Really? Katie is... Really? What is it your looking for? Happy? Sad? Going to the bathroom, brb?... just weird

Also, if I didn't talk to you 15 years ago... not gonna start now. I feel rude, but oh well. It's facebook. It's an online site. It's not your world. Get over it. Can I be your friend? Why? I wasn't back in the day for a reason I'm sure.

And, I'm not here to make new friends, I have friends already, lots of them. I'm here to catch up with old ones. I'm sorry, but the internet is not where I need to meet people... I have a life.

Yeah, I did find some old friends, was able to talk to them, see pics of the kids. And that is awesome. So it does have some perks. I have found people, people have found me. Was able to catch up with friends that were a big part of my life way back when.

But then, there are other people... even people I've never heard of, sending a friend request. Umm, no.

Thoughts? Questions? Talk shit to me?

Bring it on.

4x4

2009-01-21T11:29:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Bella for this one.

Rules:
1. Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag 4 people to do the same.

Me and James in Maui in September 02

Just James and I went to Maui for my marathon.
Yep, I ran the Maui marathon.
I decided to only bring James so it could be one on one time.. We really enjoyed ourselves.

I remember right after the marathon, I went up to the hotel room to lay down, er collapse on the bed. James was pacing, fidgety, bored... wanted to swim. I told myself, ugh, fine, I can do nothing just as well on a lounge chair by the pool. So that's exactly how we spent our day. Had waitresses keep an eye on us all day, bring us food, drinks... ah, heaven.

Would work wonders for us if we could do it again.
His 13 year old self is NOT fun to get along with right now... sigh.
maybe I'll plan something

Okay, tagging 4 people...

Tosha to make her start blogging again.
Tanyetta because she's the best!
Andrea because she makes me laugh.
& Sheliza because her husband is a riot.

reminiscing

2009-01-19T14:26:00.000-06:00

Just something that makes me smile every time I walk by it...
one of my favorite pictures

(sorry for the not so good pic, no scanner plugged in right now, not a digital picture, so this is just a phone pic of a framed picture... high tech right?)

I miss him making me smile as he wakes up in the morning.
I miss him making me smile every time I walk by him.
I miss him making me smile when you think your having a hard time in life and he reminds you that silly stuff is funny, and really, you're life is not all that bad.
I miss his laugh.

So now I walk by this and smile.
Thank you Jared.

bad losers

2008-12-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

Do you have any friends that are bad losers?
Always have an excuse for why they lost?
Wasn’t their fault?
Hey it might be even something you did that made them lose…
You know… those would’ve, could’ve, should’ve people?

First let me preface this with I am a very good loser, always have been, doesn’t bother me at all. I will play hard and play to win… but if after that hard work I still lose? I will survive, it has never really bothered me. Good job, congratulations, you won. BUT, I am however, a bad winner. Backwards I know.

Like for instance, if we have a bet going, say over a couple of weeks, and I win this said bet… I will keep reminding you of this over and over, at least for a little while until I get bored. And truthfully, I will only do this to the bad losers. Because if you’re being a bad loser already, I might as well give you a reason right? And bug you even more… I might possibly text you and say, hey good morning, beautiful day isn’t it? You might reply with, yes it is… and then I would have to say, hey remember yesterday? You know when you lost the bet and I umm, won?

Hehe. Sorry, it makes me happy.

Okay, wait I got off subject… bad losers.

What if you’re a gracious winner, and then the loser tries to say, well that’s only because of this, or only because that happened, or I should’ve done it this way, I was going to pick this one… really the list goes on and on.

What if the person that lost says okay okay you won, but only because of this. Or maybe I lost, but that’s only because it was raining, and the drops were in my eye, and it was umm a Tuesday. Or umm, I had a bologna sandwich for lunch, I never work well on a bologna sandwich, yeah, yeah, that’s the reason, you shouldn’t of made me that sandwich, it’s your fault. Like they refuse to admit that you won… fair and square. Simply because you did a better job. You played better. You WON. And they LOST. Period.

And when you are being gracious and dealing with someone that lost like that,
doesn’t it just make you want to rub it in more?
doesn’t it compel you to remind them of the loss?
does it make you laugh every time they come up with a new excuse?
do you think, great, how long am I going to have to listen to this?

Just me?

Just wondering.

where to start...

2008-12-26T18:39:00.000-06:00

First let's start with, we know my children have issues right? Don't think that they act this way and then I grab the camera to candidly capture these moments... no no fellow bloggers... they actually get dressed like this, bring me the camera and say, take pictures mom. So here you have it - a couple days before Christmas:

Then it snowed again... a lot. No talking crap to mother nature right now, I'll try and keep it positive. Jaden had fun, so I guess this time I'll let it pass:

Christmas morning:

...which by the way, was way too early. The boys woke me up at 6... I said try again when you see actual sunlight. So about 30 short minutes later we started opening presents. And then, umm, back to sleepy time for me, while they did this all morning:

Did I say all morning? All morning.
But they do love it, Rock Band for the Wii. Highly recommended.

Then over to friends house for early dinner, umm hello, how else are we supposed to eat good dinner?! Tosha, thank you again, as always.

Then over to another friends house to enjoy family time with them... nice to have when we're so far away from our own family. We would have stayed there later but the boys wanted to get back home to play Rock Band... of course. But we had a good time... Thank you again for welcoming us.

Oh, and finally got a decent picture for the New Year's cards. They have been ordered and are on the way... Yay.

Hope you all had an amazing holiday as well!

awesome weekend & yep I'm gonna keep talking about it

2008-12-21T21:49:00.000-06:00

Another great weekend with amazing company.

Friday night, I went to see that Will Smith movie, Seven Pounds. If you're looking for a good movie, this is another good recommendation.

Pretty sure laid in bed all day Saturday... that's what Saturdays are for right? Saturday night, went to a holiday party. Again, had a wonderful time.
(As did the children at home while, along with the babysitter, they destroyed the place, but that's another post)

Sunday again, bed all day, football and the random getting up to eat... ahh heaven. And the Giants game last night... Frickin awesome.
I win, you lose... I'm just sayin. teehee

Oh, tried to take a good pic of me, James & Jade for my New Year's cards... if you can believe it, these were the 2 best... sigh, New Year's cards might be late this year until I can get a good pic of children cooperating. Trust me, most pics had James' finger in his nose, Jaden making faces, something, until I said, forget it I quit.

Oh and yesterday... THIS:

Forgive me for a minute but, Are you fucking insane?!

-26

Seriously?!

I'm almost speechless. Almost. But we all know that couldn't happen...

What does it feel like? Don't ask. Weather alerts come on all day at bottom of football to say stay indoors, only go outside in case of extreme emergency. Jaden said, it’s not that cold, Can I please go sledding? No Jade, you go outside, you die, I get in trouble and go to jail... really, it'll a bad day for everyone.

Can we please get some weather that actual humans are supposed to live in? Ya know, people? …that have to live and breath and actually leave the house? I know you think you're funny with the actual double digit weather I asked for, only you made it negative, but really this shit isn’t funny anymore.

Stop it.

Please?

absurd lessons

2008-12-17T09:59:00.000-06:00

Upon walking into work from the car today I had a thought… If you choose to wear linen pants on a single digit day, you might as well go nakey – it would feel about the same.

This made me think… What other preposterous lessons have I had to learn while living out here in the middle (er, kind of at the top) of this silly place called Illinois. I will share… cuz I’m nice like that.

Gloves are necessary. Trust me on this one. They’re not just something to keep your hands a little warm. They are actually needed to keep you from crying in pain.

Wearing high heeled boots while walking through a parking lot after it just rained and then froze into ice and then snowed… makes you walk comically and awkward as to not fall. I watched a woman walk into the building yesterday morning who had on boots, and I thought to myself, wow I looked that stupid walking into the building just the day before, hmm, note to self… don’t do that anymore. However, should you still decide to try this one, I suggest knee pads and a helmet.

Which brings me to; flats are no better than high heels/boots. They have no traction and the sole of the shoe is so thin that you might as well walk barefoot (but don’t do that, that would be ridiculous). Also, snow creeps in very easily.

There aren't any cute snow boots that actually keep you warm AND keep your feet dry. Just suck it up and buy the industrial navy blue and tan horrors that actually do work wonders.

A car with an automatic start does NOT defrost your car...it just starts the car but will not defrost windows (even if you leave the setting on window defrost).

The statement "Yay, at least all the snow is melted off my car" (which is usually said after a 1 ½ hour commute home) is usually followed the next morning with "Damn, my car is full of ice!"

When cleaning snow off of your car, don’t forget to de-ice your mirrors. I cleaned off my entire car and didn't realize that the mirrors were still full of ice rendering them totally unusable. Stopping to clean them would be silly so it was a sort of Russian Roulette the entire drive home. Also, if you have to use the word de-ice in a sentence, it might be time to move back home to California.

People won’t always give you a ride from the building to your car if they aren’t leaving at the same time as you… even when you say umm, hello, it’s cold outside. Weird. Did I mention it’s cold outside and I don’t want to walk? But to give some people their props (yeah I said props, so?)… when asked for this ride, some people comply. And some even clean the snow off of your car FOR you… awesome.

If you want a pet - buy a cat. Dogs require walks outside and, in snow and this is not acceptable. Unless you want an antsy, fat dog that poops all over your house because it’s too damn cold to walk him...get a cat. (Note: unless you also have children, in which case you can send them to walk the dog and then you don’t actually have to get cold.)

If you talk shit to Mother Nature on a blog and say no single digit weather please, she might think she is funny when she complies and makes it double digit… only negative.

And there you have it … cold weather lessons. If you live here, get out while you can. If you don’t; don’t be stupid, snow is for visiting, seeing, saying aww so pretty and then driving home at the end of the day – not living in. Sheesh

weekend rundown

2008-12-15T09:32:00.000-06:00

I had a busy and full weekend…

Friday night I went bowling with the boys. Jaden has to work on his whining when not doing so well – but otherwise was a good time had by all. Dang sorry, I gotta start taking my camera with me everywhere again.

Saturday, got nails done, then gasp, ready for this?... I braved the mall. I know, crazy. But got some good shopping done, so it was worth it I guess. I hung out with a good friend Friday evening, and we had a really good time.

On Sunday, I went to see Wicked. It was a really good show… if you haven’t been yet and are close enough – go check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

And oddly, on Sunday it was crazy warm. Like 50. All snow melted. And then, just for the fun of it… it’s this today:

WTF?!
-13 degrees?!
Do you know what that feels like?!

Trust me, describing it involves a a whole lof of bad words.

So the rain from yesterday is now sheets of ice today… and yep, makes morning commute super fun. Oh, and try walking on it… high heels and sheets of ice. woo hoo

beginning to look a lot like...

2008-12-10T20:28:00.000-06:00

I finally decorated.

I usually wait until about this long into December. I enjoy Christmas, I do... but to have all of those extra decorations around the house, a tree in your house (we all know my issues with Christmas trees), and just the clutter of it all... totally screws with my OCD. You have no idea how much.

But I do it for the boys... and I admit, I do like the smell of Christmas.

So I decorated... and it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

And then get this... I get a text the other day from James toward the end of my work day, "Hurry home, I made dinner." Umm, met by by immediate response, being the loving mother that I am, "You better not have turned on the stove or the oven." Which was replied with... "Just hurry home."

So I'm almost home and I get this, "Text me when ur almost home so I know when ur here." Again, my loving mother response, "You'll know when I get there cuz you'll see me." Which was replied with, "Mom, pls just tell me when you get close."

So I get close, I text... I walk in and see this:

Ummm, should I be worried? Did he break something that I will find in a couple of months? Did he get in trouble at school and has so far managed to hide it? Has he killed someone?

The suspense is killing me.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Until then, please note unopened bottle of wine he put on the table. I said, umm no James, I'm so not opening the wine. ha

Sometimes, when he's not busy being a 13 year old version of me... (huge sarcasm, smart as heck - yep, that's from me, hehe - plus his "13 year old I deserve the world, why wasn't it given to me yesterday on a silver platter" attitude)... Sometimes, he reminds me why I love him so much.

Thanks James.

things that shouldn’t exist

2008-12-09T11:49:00.000-06:00

Yep, folks, you heard it right… things that shouldn’t exist in life. Things that serve absolutely no purpose, and only accomplish annoying, grossing out, complicating things or otherwise just pissing people off…

Let’s start with today on the drive in, shall we? Is it really necessary to have rain, snow, wind, rain, heavy snow and wind all in one day? Cuz walking to building in a combo of sheets of ice covered by freshly fallen snow, and slush caused by the rain just for the heck of it, is not my idea of fun and really… is there some point to it all? I think not.

Okay, now that I’m done with that one, let’s make the list a little easier…

Dog sweaters
Single digit weather
Stickers for cars (especially baseball/soccer/golf decals that look like the ball is stuck in the window… you’re not fooling anyone)
Billboards – nothing to make stupid people slow down to read please
Highlighters that highlight too dark and now you have trouble seeing the word… the point is to highlight the word
Subscription inserts in magazines
Decaf coffee
Non-alcoholic beer
Wallpaper
Any dogs with special needs haircut… i.e. poodles
Slugs and snails
Crickets
Myspace, facebook, classmates… any online site where pathetic people rummage around for one another
The word irregardless
People that say words differently when they want to sound smart
People that use words they don’t understand to sound smart
Cheap alcohol… why drink if not top shelf? No hangover please
Beer in cans
Men that don’t hold the door for you
Men that hold the door way too early and I have to hurry to the door
Voicemail on cell phones
Moon and stars as bathroom décor… eh, pretty much all bath décor that has a theme.
People who steal your medication and won’t give it back… you know who you are. (okay okay, that actual person should exist, but perhaps shouldn't steal... hmmm)

Long pointless lists… Lol

Have a good week!

4 glorious days off

2008-12-01T22:05:00.000-06:00

A quick recap of 4 days off, otherwise known as 'days I didn't have to go to work in this horrid weather'... that sounds much better.

Wednesday night I went out with friends... we had a great time as we always do.

Thursday I forced a friend to cook. It's Thanksgiving, I want to smell Turkey in the oven... I cannot be expected to cook it myself can I?

Thanks Tosha, you're the best

I forgot to bring my camera of course, but Tosha had hers:

(nooo, don't be silly, I'm not cooking in this picture... I'm simply picking apart the turkey and eating the skin... Mmmm, best part)

Boys were wrestling, pants got ripped off... James then put 9 year old pants on his 13 year old self... Yeah right, like I'm not gonna post those pictures. He always provides the entertainment:

Friday, I did not go shopping... that is usually enough to keep me happy.

Wait, I'm finding these days are too far gone now, and I don't even remember what we did... geez, sorry, short term memory remember? With that said, I don't remember what we did Saturday. Saturday night however, we hung out with friends again. Always fun.

Sunday is becoming tradition, kinda, to watch football at Buffalo Wild Wings with Tosha and her boys... Com'on, a place where every single game is on... and video games to make kids go away? Niiiice.

Wait, I also went to church again Sunday, yay me.

Sunday eve, I attempted to catch up on laundry - didn't work by the way.

Monday I woke up and had to go to work. Sigh. In the snow. People are stupid in the snow, I think we've discussed this before. They don't know how to drive normally, but add in snow... watch out, the stupid people come on strong in traffic.

Monday night, I threw up all night, ugh, I think it's flu... and yet Tuesday morning, my achy body is sitting at my desk at work trying not to throw up and looking out my windows at weather like this:

And that feels like this:

Stupid Mother Nature... you're letter is coming soon.

(okay okay that was a recap of more than four days... so sue me)

fun & full weekend

2008-11-24T18:24:00.000-06:00

The weekend started with a department outing for my company...
open bar starting at noon, 'nuff said.

Saturday the boys had friends over... Jaden skateboarded outside in way too cold weather:

James and friend DJ battled it out in wii boxing:

Sunday, we all got up and went to church... totally proud of myself. Yep, made DJ go too. Hey if you're gonna be a surrogate child, you're gonna be forced just like my children. He complained... so I said I'd be sure to pick him up next Sunday morning on the way there... his mom agreed. hehe.

Sunday was full of football, of course. And then Sunday eve, Jaden and friends Wil & Wake went swimming. Warm water makes for the mist inside there... pretty cool:

Woke up Monday morning to this:

It just keeps getting better and better.
(well, the first couple times you see this... and then really, that's enough and the angry letters to Mother Nature will commence...)

How things work out

2008-11-18T14:33:00.000-06:00

So the boys recently had to change schools. James was unhappy at first, but finally accepted it and the first day of school was yesterday.

They both had an awesome day.

Jaden loves his new school and teacher… and has already made friends where we’re living at now that get on his bus with him.

James, being the James that he is, is in a new school, in a new city…
and kids walking in off the bus were like, hey, sup James?!

What?! How does he do that?

How does this child know people and already have friends at a new school? To have that ability is amazing. So needless to say, he also had a great day, and has figured out that a whole new set of friends to go along with the old ones… is a damn good thing.

After school, we all went out to dinner with a bunch of friends to celebrate the day.
Dinner with friends, and on a Monday?... niiice.

Then back home to get ready for a new day…

I woke up this morning with a sense of clarity I hadn’t had in a while. A brand new day. Things moving along how the should be. The boys getting along (ahem, for the most part)… and best of all – smiles on everyone’s faces.

See… sometimes life works out as it should. It sometimes just takes some pretty rough roads to get there, and believe me, I know more will come. But you tough it out and fight your way through… and there’s beauty on the other side...

Umm Even though by the time you get there, its 18 degrees outside and there's frost on the ground.

cuz I said so

2008-11-11T15:56:00.000-06:00

Umm, just cuz I have to, that’s why…

Let’s discuss bathroom etiquette, shall we?

See picture below:

Question 1 – you come in to bathroom, stall 1 taken, you go to stall?

Question 2 – … stall 2 taken, you pick stall #?

Question 3 – Stalls 1 and 3 taken?

Question 4 – all open?

Like I was gonna list the questions without the appropriate answers for those who think you can think for yourselves… you know I have the correct answers in my delusional mind… silly bloggers… geez.

Answer 1 – you go to 3, two stalls away… although 4 is acceptable.

Answer 2 – only acceptable answer is stall 4.

Answer 3 – Again, only acceptable is stall 4. You can’t pick 2 and surround yourself… that’s just stupid.

Answer 4 – Stall 1. Why? I know a lot of you automatically think 2, but nooo my blogging friends. I think because most of you think that that is the best answer, it is the dirtiest. I read somewhere once… stall 1 always the cleanest, no one picks it.

And there you have it… random thoughts in the mind of Katie on a Tuesday afternoon.

you’re welcome.

umm, sorry... only not really

2008-11-09T12:26:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post for a quick apology -

Sorry for the words to the song you're currently hearing.

New blog, new day

k... all good now.

hehe

thinking about it & umm, I wish

2008-11-06T08:31:00.000-06:00

Okay, first let me apologize for my use of cell phone pics lately... It's just easier. And, umm, maybe I'm being lazy. Yeah. One of those.

Ahem, okay, moving on...

My friend has a snake. James is in love with this snake. He wants one. Oddly, this doesn't creep me out. I like her. I just hold her and she chills with you. Easy pet. (well, except for the whole frozen mouse thing you have to thaw out and feed her once a week... gross.)

She slithers around... hangs out on your neck, she is a constrictor after all. James keeps saying, she's starting to squeeze... well yeah James, no duh, it's what she does.

So, I'm thinking about it for him.
Anyone have one? Thoughts?

And just for bonus...
This is Jaden nightly. He crawls into bed, head hits his pillow (please note pillow at his feet) and looks like this 30 seconds later.

(umm top bunk of bunk bed, not prison bed... ha)

Out like a light.

And the baffling part, is how within this 30 second time frame, he is out cold and completely turned around from how he laid down to begin with.

Don't you wish you could hit your pillow and fall asleep that quick?
Only umm, without the whodini maneuvers.

happy halloween

2008-10-31T09:31:00.000-05:00

halloween at work today

*notice, erica & I decided to wear the most comfortable and easiest costumes. Ty told me, wear my dress blues, go as me. I had better idea - I'll go as Ty... in PT gear - MUCH BETTER. Not only are we comfortable - free food all day. Chips and Salsa for breakfast... ahh, good day, good day.

Happy Halloween!

made me smile

2008-10-29T14:52:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I'll slowly get back into blogging, I will.
But for now (or time filler as I'll call it)...

some phone pics that made me smile this past weekend.

Jaden swimming in indoor pool while 45 degrees outside:

James at hockey game in Milwaukee:

Jaden ordering food at said game
(was too cute not to capture):

Jaden & Aamir at Buffalo Wild Wings:

And that's that... more stories and pictures to come soon...

why I love them

2008-10-12T18:08:00.000-05:00

(side note, I apologize… going through a lot right now, and when I get like that, I don’t blog. But in the mean time, 2 of my favorite people in the world had birthdays recently and I missed posting about it. No pictures right now, I’ll touch on that later I’m sure. But here goes…)

My baby just turned 8!

Jaden came right after Jared. So I always managed to put him up on a pedestal. Everything he did was amazing. Everything he did was perfect. So umm, I might have turned him into a bit of a whiner because of all that… but can you blame me? He’s my baby. Sorry Jade, I’m sure you’ll grow out of the whining soon enough… let’s hope.

Jaden always wants to cuddle. He’ll sit next to me wherever I am and just chill.

Jaden is always trying so hard to be grown. Always wants to do what James is doing. You’ll get your time Jade, I promise. Be patient. Be my baby right now, it’ll pass quick.

Jaden always wants to please you and never wants to disappoint. It’s okay Jaden, sometimes if it’s not perfect, you’re perfect and that’s all I could ask for.

And hello… he’s the cutest 8 year old I’ve ever seen.

My very first baby just turned 13!

Holy cow, he’s a teenager. I’m not that old.

James was my first. He was my only. It was just me and him at home for 2 years. He was my world (and still is). I sat at home all day and taught him things. My goal everyday would be to teach him a new thing… name, last name, phone number… you name it. Perhaps this attributes to his intelligence now? (Yep, totally taking credit for his intelligence).

James has always been one of the smartest kids in class. And even made it into the gifted program last year.

Not only that, James is the complete package, he has such charisma. He’s the center of attention wherever we go. James, sometimes it doesn’t have to be that way… you can turn it off for a bit and you’ll still be just as handsome and charming.

James always makes me laugh. And the kids in school as well… which is why we’re having those issues in school James… ahem, moving on… Love the laughing part, thank you James for that.

Like I have said before, I am blessed because not only do I love my boys ridiculously, I like them… and that’s so awesome.

Happy Birthday guys!

I wish I could give you the world…
but right now you’ll have to settle for being talked about on a blog.

i did good

2008-10-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the vh1 hip hop honors 2008?

The boys and I caught it last night.

IT.IS.AWESOME.

Best part of the evening?

Slick Rick – Children’s Story, came on...
and James knew all the words.

Frickin awesome.

I have raised my children well when they can rap along with old school.

Sigh, good times, good times.

(now if I can just get him to know Too Short and Biz Markie and Run DMC and…)

3 days in the life

2008-10-04T19:08:00.000-05:00

Just a simple post - the last 3 days in the life of my family...

leave the boys alone in the morning for 30 minutes to get on the bus, and James does this to Jaden's hair:

(however, James did have the forethought to take pictures... ahhh, he IS my son)

Jaden loses his 2nd tooth in 2 days, and now he is almost completely toothless:

(however, his first thought said aloud is: mom, I have school pictures this week and 2 missing teeth... the pictures might not be that good... ahhh, he IS my son)

Miles needed a bigger kennel, we buy one, $120 later... and he breaks out of it EVERY day. We decide it's best to buy a bunch of locks and lock up every joint of the kennel:

(however, he never breaks through the door, he breaks through the walls... ahhh, he IS my dog, he is so smart and inventive)

Ty actually gets time off on a saturday morning, and I decide to force, umm... yeah I'll go with force, everyone to take complete advantage of an actual dad on a saturday.

We get up and head out shopping, then we stop and have lunch at The Cheesecake Factory.

When you ask to get a picture of 3 children (boys, mind you), this is the best you'll get:

When you then ask them to take the camera and take a picture of you and hubby... this is the best you get:

(special note, I did NOT carry the camera into the restaurant, I left it in the car. Hubby thought of it and sent the boys to the car to get it... ahhh, he IS my husband)

we then head across the parking lot to Barnes & Noble to get some books (dad's idea, yay dad):

when we get home after that, the table might look something like this when you walk in and throw it all down:

If you bring Miles home some bones from some beef ribs, he might want you to leave him alone for say, umm, the rest of the day while he devours them:

I dropped Ty off at work after lunch. When I picked him up at 10, we decided we weren't at all tired, and we decided to come home, change, and go out for the night. I actually talked Ty into not thinking that much and just saying good idea, let's go. It was fun... no pictures, sorry.

I assure you, as always... we looked fabulous. hehe.

On Sunday, we had a tutor come over to assess the children, so we can get tutors set up.
(more on this coming soon, trust me)

Then dad leaves for work, and the boys head to the basement, to be annoying completely out of my jurisdiction...
or, well... I just don't feel like walking down to the basement.

then I find the perfect spot for my favorite picture of Jared:

...right next to the garage door through to the family room... where we all see it every time we walk in the house... and he makes us smile, as always.

I'm off to finish watching football. Hope you all had a good weekend as well.

i have an issue with this

2008-10-02T08:33:00.000-05:00

but first, this post is a two-fer...

PART 1... people, people, I have told you about my new blog, I have posted about it, I have added a cute lil button on this side for you to click and now I have added a scrolling, can you see me, bar on the side that says click me... and your still not getting it?!

(for those of you that have checked it out, this is not for you... although feel free to post your comment on this one if you feel it necessary.)

New blog, fun, a place to complain... did I say fun?

go there.

Only not now silly, you're busy reading this blog, geez.

This post was on the other blog, but it isn't getting enough attention and it's important to me... so excuse the curse words, they were necessary...

PART 2... what I have an issue with:

click on the picture to make it bigger, read it, then come back...
(was in the most recent US Magazine)

Okay, going different way with this than most would, but seriously?

Give me a break already.

They're skinny. It's okay. Move on. They don't diet. They work for it.

I've been skinny my whole life. Even tried to put weight on in high school. Couldn't do it. I've always been very active. Not-so-skinny people thought it was okay to make fun of me, point out how skinny I was. So I always talked shit back. I'm skinny, okay got it, well you're fat. They couldn't take it.

I'm 33 years old, and obviously these same people still exist.

Don't talk about me being skinny if you don't want me talking about you being fat. It's fair right? No where in this magazine is pictures of fat people with the caption "another fat star that doesn't work out".

I understand if you're bigger and doing something about it. But I don't believe it's those people doing the trash talking. It's the lazy ones that don't want to get off their own asses, so they talk about people that do and succeed.

If you read these girls quotes, "It's worth it to me to do that extra exercise so I can eat what I want and not think about it" and Penelope's secret? "extra sweat sessions to balance...".

They work out. Leave them alone. Like working hard to look the way you look is a crime now. If you're skinny and God forbid, pretty... even a national magazine is going to jump on you for being that way.

Crazy.

I work out to eat whatever I want. Period. I don't diet. Ever. And it's worth it to me to work out every day so that I can do so. I love eating.

If you want to eat whatever you want... WORK OUT. It's simple.

Don't call me lucky. Oh you're so lucky to look the way you look. I'm not lucky. I work hard. Don't take that away from me.

This really bothers me. Always has.

Can you tell?

Thoughts?

oh, and all you lurkers?... feel free to leave a comment if you want. I'm just sayin'.

did you leave a comment already? why you still here?
go now.
to the other blog.
silly goose

enough

2008-09-30T11:23:00.000-05:00

Okay, I think I speak for all of us bloggers here when I say,
enough is enough.

Who are you?

Leave a frickin comment.
umm, I mean… please.

You come to blogs, you read them, you take off as if you were never there… and leave the blog owner baffled… well, at least interested.

I want to know who you are.
I want to know why you keep coming back, I know I'm irresistable but...
I want to know how you found me.
Is that too much to ask?

Most of you come often, daily even. You are a repeat offender. And yet you don’t comment.

I’ve pointed out a couple of you below (yep, I’m pointing you out)…
but I know I have missed a lot of you. This is just a small snapshot.

You don’t even have to have an account or register, did you know that?…
click comments below, and then click anonymous.

So help a blog owners sanity out? Leave a comment.

Easy enough right?

land of not happy

2008-09-28T16:39:00.000-05:00

ever have one of those days?
or couple days?
or heck, even a week?

everyone at home is SUPER FUN to be around...

OR NOT

Ty been working like crazy
(seriously, like 15-16 hour days, every day)

Which seems to trickle down to everyone at home.

James got bad grades on his progress report.
James has had big attitude at home.
James had Saturday school.
(James didn't tell me about Saturday school, I got a "courtesy call" "reminding" me about it... umm, I kind of have to be told about it to begin with to be "reminded" about it.)

James has no more football privileges.
James has no more i-pod.
James has no more cell phone.
I am not James' favorite person right now.

Aamir got bad grades on his progress report.
Aamir had a totally out of the blue, unexpected attitude yesterday that was huge.

Aamir has no more i-pod.
Aamir has no more cell phone.
I am not this child's favorite person either.

They are both cleaning the basement today. They have been down there for about 4 hours so far. It does not sound like cleaning is taking place down there. But I don't feel like looking. I don't feel like being mad again.

Does that even make sense?

Do you ever have days or weeks like that?

but hey...

I still have this guy:

who just lost a tooth, had a visit by the tooth fairy, we just made smoothies and now he is busy outside playing with friends.

Cuz he's the good one.

For now.

let's play a game

2008-09-21T15:10:00.000-05:00

...of 'can you tell how much alcohol was consumed?'

come on... it'll be fun.

we went to a friends birthday party this weekend

...and now we have a reason why maybe the small purse camera that can go everywhere might not be the best idea to have conveniently on hand.

do you have a minute?

2008-09-20T14:35:00.000-05:00

come on over!

stupid things

2008-09-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

You know what’s fun to do after you wake up at 5:00am, go to the gym to take a class at 6:15 for 45 minutes, take an abs class for 10 minutes at 7:00 and then work for 8 hours?...

Run a 5k at 6:30pm with your friend who somehow thought it was a good idea.

…only take out the ‘fun’ part.

Our run day thoughts:
(we won’t call it a race, because that would imply we actually intended to beat someone)

(we arrive)

Hey Erica why was this a good idea again?

Com’n Katie it’ll be fine.

These people look like, umm, runners. But hey, we get a cool t-shirt… awesome. Well kinda cool shirt… but free. Well kinda free… or not. We did pay to enter this ‘run’.

But we’ll pretend it’s free.

Deal, cool shirt.

(we get our run numbers, Erica gets hers first and tears the bottom portion off, then I get mine)

We take this bottom part off?

Yeah, it said to.

(I take it off, cuz silly me, I trust my friend)

Why does everyone else still have theirs on?

Cuz they're stupid.

Well yeah, but they’re all being stupid as a team right now, so maybe they’re right?

(we go to car to read part we took off)

It says ‘do not pin it to shirt’, not remove it.

Yeah, nice.

(Whatever, we just agree that everyone else is stupid, and hey, we remind ourselves we’re getting free shirt.)

(Oh and it clearly states your age on the bottom portion that we tore off, this doesn't need to be advertised… see, stupid people. We knew what we were doing.)

(2.5 miles into run)

This was stupid Erica, why are we doing this again?

Shut up Katie.

(at end of run, which we finished in 31 minutes by the way)

Hey that was fun, let’s do another.

Yep, there’s another coming in October.

(where I’m sure above conversation will repeat itself…
but hey another free shirt right?)

(taken right before race...
picture courtesy of new camera conveniently located in my purse, yay)

why I love this child

2008-09-16T20:25:00.000-05:00

...cuz he hangs out with me like this:

and writes things like this:

birthday, anniversary, birthday

2008-09-14T16:32:00.000-05:00

Busy weekend again... wouldn't trade it for anything.

My weekend started on thursday eve... hubby brought home my present:

I know I already have an amazing camera that hubby bought awhile ago... but it's huge. Which means I'm always debating taking it with me... I never want to carry it. I wanted one to keep in my purse; to keep with me all the time.

Now I can annoy everyone with taking pictures... I'm not just limited to the offspring and hubby.

My friend from work took me out on Friday eve for my birthday (hubby had to work, sigh)... and we had a great time, as me and her always do together. We get along too well sometimes, umm, if you knew us, you'd get it... scary.

Thanks, Erica

Happy Birthday to me!

So needless to say, the next day was spent sleeping. But that's okay, because since hubby worked all night, he was sleeping too. Best start to an anniversary day... snuggling in bed all day. Nice.

We did get up and moving around 4 or 5 and then went out later that night.

(Taken with new lil camera)

Again, and as always... we had a great time.
Ty even paid the piano man to play us some songs... nice touch honey.

Happy Anniversary to us!

The next day was Ty's birthday... we got to sleep in again. Love when he gets mornings off. He had to work in afternoon, but the full 24 hours together was awesome. Rare these days. But awesome.

He got a new bracelet (he wanted) and a wallet from the boys.

Happy Birthday to hubby!

Oh, and because of the constant rain (warm weather, like 75 degrees)... James' game for Sunday was cancelled.

Sorry James, but YAY.

Food-isms

2008-09-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, as if you don’t already think I’m weird enough,
I’m gonna share some more.

Some of my food thoughts:

Ketchup and mayonnaise… must be mixed together to be consumed. Don’t be mistaken, I don’t mean you have to have ketchup and mayo on a burger… I mean you must mix them together so that you have an orange concoction to be enjoyed thoroughly. Lil more mayo than ketchup though... like 65/35.

Speaking of hamburgers… the condiments go on the top portion of the bun. Don’t put it on the bottom and then put the burger on top of it… that’s just silly.

Miracle Whip does not equal mayo (and should not be confused with Cool Whip)... and don't even think about mixing Miracle Whip with ketchup.

Chocolate and peanuts. They shouldn’t be eaten together. Chocolate, love. Peanuts, I don’t mind em. They just should never dance together.

Everything tastes better with ranch dressing. Don’t know what I want for lunch today? What can be dipped in ranch dressing?... I’ll take that.

When making a quesadilla and a lil bit of cheese spills out onto the pan and fries... bonus.

Those bottle caps on the water/sports drink bottles that is a pop-up squirt thing… it’s stupid. Just put a lid on it… I’ll take it off, have a drink, be refreshed… easy day. We don’t need to bring a pop-up lid into the equation. If I’m on a football field and have a helmet on, I would appreciate the squirt thingamajig, but otherwise, good to go with that one.

If I am ordering at bk or mcds… and I order a plain cheeseburger (Jaden’s fave), don’t ask me if I want cheese. It’s a cheeseburger, so I’m thinking yeah, cheese. Do I also have to ask for the burger separately too? Oh and can you please throw in a top and bottom bun on that?

When I ask for extra and you only give me the amount I originally thought would be on there, you still have to give me what I mentally pictured as extra.

Let’s talk about some candy…

Melty mints, love em... little gooseberries (smaller version, different name) that try to fool you?... no no, not the same, don’t be fooled. Perhaps it’s the smaller amount of goodness but just as many lil white balls (sorry no other way to say that one) and it’s overwhelming. There has been a disagreement as to which color is best... but I know. Green though, is unanimous for 3rd place.

Huge smarties. That’s all I got on that one. They’re just weird. They’re smarties… only magnified. Weird. Take a picture of me next to them… maybe I’ll look like a munchkin?

(you have no idea how long it took me to figure out if I would look bigger or smaller… not that my friend and I had a conversation on it or anything, no no, that would be strange)

Sixlets? What the heck, I love these old time candies, but I got to thinking… 6? 6 what? There are only 5 colors. I can’t eat them anymore; I’m too distracted by the name.

…and for you loyal readers, I will refrain from mentioning red vines and twizzlers.

peek

2008-09-08T19:50:00.000-05:00

(scroll down to music in right column and click pause in upper left corner, you'll want to hear this post)

A small peek into life at our house...
(pray for us)

and now James & Aamir... these are the children I am forced to interact with daily.
(yes, funny but... still praying right?)

ahh... life in our household.

help me.

just me?

2008-09-08T16:23:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another exciting edition of just me?

Okay, this one I was actually afraid to say to my friend at work (we are more alike than necessary, but still this one is a little out there so I just knew she’d say, Umm, no Katie, this one is just you. Alas... she did not, she responded with EXACTLY!).

Phew.

So I’ll share, here goes…

In the mornings when I turn my computer on – I open my email, I open my messenger, I open sirius radio… IN. THAT. ORDER. It has to be in that order. So much so, that if during the day one crashes, and closes… holy cow, all others must be closed and reopened in the correct order or trust me, I will not be able to concentrate.

Just me?

Okay okay, I know I'm probably alone on that one.
gotta go now, been 'holding it' for awhile... gotta go do a dance.

ha

my painting projects

2008-09-05T18:17:00.000-05:00

okay, my projects this past week:

the 1/2 bath (very tiny, narrow room) used to look like this:

(the color was somewhere between the 2 you see here; the camera was dark in one, and flashed in another... best I could do in small windowless room)

And now it looks like this:

(color = seagrass)

The Laundry room used to look like this:

And now it looks like this:

(color = dolphin grey)

Although I didn't paint the master bedroom
(well I did paint it... just not recently),
I added the Uppercase Living letter 'A' above the bed... love it.

(color in this room is sky blue)

So, besides working this past week/weekend and making lunches and doing laundry and going to football games and making dinner and separating fighting children and helping with homework and cleaning a house and... phew... I also did the above.

Next week, I shall commence to doing NOTHING.
(well, I'll still be working and making lunches and doing laundry and going to football games and making dinner and separating fighting children and helping with homework and cleaning a house... just not painting)

busy weekend

2008-09-02T20:46:00.000-05:00

Doesn't it seem like when hubby is away, working or otherwise...
your workload doubles?

My weekend started on Saturday morning at 6:45am...
James had weigh-ins for football at 7:15.
Who in their right mind thought, you know what?... 7:15am on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend sounds like an awesome time to make everyone be here to be weighed.

frickin crazy.

Then off to Home Depot and grocery store, oh and Ty got away from work and squeezed in a lunch with me, yay.

Then home to paint the laundry room (pictures coming in a later post).

Sunday morning, James has to be 30 minutes away 2 hours before his game that starts at noon... so I have to be in a town I don't know for 2 hours with time to kill.

Fun.

Me & Jaden went to the BK... he is the Burger King.

I tried to take video and pictures of the game.
It was 90 degrees.
It was humid.
It was not fun.

Plus, James did awesome... so I was trying to watch the game, go figure.

He had 2 (two!) sacks, and he blocked a punt, caught the blocked punt and ran for a touchdown!!
How the heck am I supposed to hold a camera and watch all that excitement??

However, I did the best I could. Pictures below (he's number 38):

I did get some video. I told James, make me a 30 second highlight clip and I will use it in the blog. He gladly made it:

After 3 hours in the sun and playing football, you get this in the car on the way home:

Okay... home to paint the bathroom.
Only I don't feel like it... So I don't.
(Painting these 2 rooms was my plan for the weekend.)

Ty gets home early, yay... and we have a barbecue.
No pictures... I was sick of the camera for the day remember?

Monday afternoon, we go to the beach.
No Aamir... he doesn't want to go.
But add in a friend, DJ, that does...

Okay, home to paint the bathroom... only I don't feel like it.
So I don't.

Instead, I do nothing, felt much better than painting.

Didn't even feel like uploading pictures for the blog, gasp.

So you get a weekend re-cap on a Tuesday night.

And Miles is tired...

So am I... I finally painted the bathroom... on a Tuesday after work.
(Again, pictures coming in a later post.)

Yay.

first things first

2008-09-02T09:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, yes we just had a very long, very full weekend...
We were very busy and I took a lot of pictures.

But, first things first...

10 more days until my birthday!

Just thought I'd share.

direct quotes

2008-08-27T16:39:00.000-05:00

Phrases you should never have to say out loud; or as I'll call them,
direct quotes that we have said to our children this summer…

“Untie him.”

“He’s 8 years younger than you, leave him alone.”

“Are your underwear on inside out?”

…followed up by, “Are they on backwards too?”
(Believe me, this combo has been said far too many times.)

“Please stop walking around the house in only your jock strap.”

"Your shirt is on backwards."

“Don't hang your brother from the banister.”

“Get the clothes off the dog.”

"Why is there a duck on the roof?"

"Don't eat the dog food."

"Do you know those are two different shoes you have on?"

"Yes, Miles' collar will shock you too, please don't try it."

...followed up by, "Of course it hurts, don't complain to me, I said don't do it."

"No, I won't give you the combination to the refrigerator."

…and of course the most important one I have said to them,

“Just wait, I’m telling dad.”

weekend wrap up... update

2008-08-25T08:19:00.000-05:00

How blogging has affected my children:

James was looking at the weekend wrap up below.

He says, and I quote, "Mom, you didn't even get the pictures of me tackling anyone; you only got pictures of me coming off the field or sitting on the bench, I look like I didn't even play... I demand a re-blog."

wha?

He demands a re-blog?

Because I find humor in this statement, this is for you James...

So you all know, James is starting defensive line. He plays on a team with 13-14 year olds (he is 12), he is one of the biggest, and he played every defensive play of the game yesterday. He made a very large percent of the tackles. And they won 18-6... which speaks volumes for the defense.

There you go James, happy?

(okay, that was just for James, feel free to comment on the weekend wrap or the update, your call - hehe)

weekend wrap up

2008-08-24T16:40:00.000-05:00

To avoid hearing, "mom, can I PLEASE wear it?" for about 3 weeks...
we go school shopping the last weekend before school starts.

We went Saturday morning... they came home and tried some on.
They said, mom, get the camera...
(we all know my children are not camera shy)

Observe:

While cleaning out Jaden's drawers and closet to fit the new things in,
I noticed this:

Do you think he has too many jersey's?
(This is the product of older brothers deciding that jersey's are now 'out' and giving them all to Jaden)

While doing laundry... I noticed that I might be addicted:

It even comes into laundry room with me.

Sunday was James' 1st game
(well not really a game, a scrimmage... not supposed to wear game jersey's - some kids did, James is in the white t-shirt)

Up close and personal of his curls... love em. He doesn't like this picture. He said my hair is all messed up and sweaty from the helmet... and I look bald.

Well yeah, James... of course... that's why the curls look so dang cute.

There was a huge playground on the other side of the parking lot from football... Aamir & Jaden stayed occupied over there. Needless to say, I didn't see them the whole game.

I took pictures at half time:

Okay - I'm off to make spaghetti for Sunday dinner...
no barbecue for us, hubby playing with recruits all weekend, heavy sigh.

As always... Hope you all had a good weekend.

precious time

2008-08-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

So, Ty’s schedule has been crazy this week. He started getting recruits at work again and therefore enjoys getting up at 3:30 every morning to go to work so that he can spend quality before dawn time with these recruits.

Sadly… I’m telling the truth… he DOES enjoy this.

This lil habit of his this week has seriously interrupted my sleep routine.

I normally get up at 5 and am out the door at 5:30 for the gym. Ty gets up at 3:30, makes a little noise (although not much, he tries to be very quiet), but I inevitably wake up. And now I’m up. And I want to go back to sleep. But I’m up. Sigh.

Which brought on a conversation last night as we were going to sleep…

When you wake up in what you think is the middle of the night, look at the clock, and see that it is 4:52 am… when you get up at 5 am… how pissed off are you?! You might even say something to the tune of frick, you’ve GOT to be kidding me to yourself of course, before you attempt to fall back asleep for 8 minutes.

But on the flip side… when you wake up in the middle of the night, super tired, but thinking it might almost be time to get up, you look at the clock, and it’s like 1:36 am… and now you say something to yourself more along the lines of frickin awesome… before falling back to sleep with a smile on your face knowing you have over 3 more hours of sleep, and feel as if you've just won the lottery or something?

Again, just me? … that is that serious about my sleep?

Umm, just sharing

Just me?

2008-08-20T16:16:00.000-05:00

Things that make me weird…Katie-isms, you might say
(Be honest… they all apply to you too. Or umm, I’m just that weird. One of those.)

Umm, if I’m expecting a package in the mail and the kids are home but I’m not; or even worse if hubby is home… I get a lil worried that they might open it. Does it bug you when someone opens it? It’s my new stuff (no matter what it is inside, cleaning supplies, whatever) that I was waiting for… and someone else touched it first. Ugh!

Okay, try this one. Magazines. This one is a two-fer...

One, when one comes in the mail for me, say, umm, I don’t know my US weekly magazine that I might wait all week for… it totally bugs me when other people in the house read it before me. Even worse, when I have to actually look for it, because not only has it been read… it has been relocated to an unspecified location!

Or, number two… when I’m at the grocery store, I pick the 3rd or 4th magazine back because no one has touched that one. And for some reason it’s better. And if there is only one magazine left and maybe the front page is bent and it looks like it’s been thumbed through a bit… I won’t buy it.

Or, for that matter, the same with books at the bookstore - I never touch the first one… must go back 2 or 3 to get the prettiest, uncontaminated ones.

Sometimes I have to go to the bathroom, but I don't feel like walking all the way to the bathroom, so I hold it. And then by the time I really have to go, I get there and somehow my body knows that I’m now in the bathroom, and so all of a sudden I have to go so bad I have to do the pee-pee dance as I un-button my pants.

Just me?

Or… When I get motivated to sit down and take the 10 whole minutes it takes to write some emails to people that I'm not as good as I should be in keeping up with… after I'm done writing the emails that took 10 whole minutes, I feel this huge sense of accomplishment. As if I just did something amazing.

When I go to a restaurant, I’ll look at a menu… you know, to humor myself or something… but I still pick the same thing. Always. What if I pick something new, and then it’s not as good as what I always get?! Holy cow. I would be so mad at myself. I could be enjoying a good meal right now, but noooo, I had to try something new. Geez.

Just me?... Really?

I think not

talking tuesday

2008-08-18T17:45:00.000-05:00

I was going to do a wordless wednesday, but...
we all know how amazing I am in the quiet department.

So, I've just decided to rename the dang thing and just stop fooling myself with the wordless part.

Wearing the michael vick jersey in our house is frowned upon.
stupid michael vick.
So what do boys that get bored do?

They make the dog wear it.

weekend recap

2008-08-17T18:19:00.000-05:00

Aamir came home!

...and judging by the way Jaden would not leave his side, Aamir was terribly missed.

As we waited for his luggage (which by the way, we didn't get. It got left back on another flight... and delivered at 3:00 am. Umm, thanks for the convenient delivery time)... I noticed this woman:

I'm thinking it is not the best idea to sit on a baggage carousel as you wait for it to start moving. I missed the action for the camera, but trust me, she jumped up quick.

The drive home... Jaden always watches a movie, James is texting away as always & Aamir, smiling. I know... crazy.

A friend came over later... and you get this all day:

Video games, TV's, beautiful day outside, company of a friend...
nope, they all stand around a computer.

Me and Ty played some wii...

We downloaded a game show; corny, but fun to do something besides sports.

Jaden played some baseball:

Oh, and for the heck of it... a Lucky update. He no longer has a head.

Hope you all had a good weekend.

Grandma wanted some pictures, she said she hasn't seen enough pics of the boys on the blog lately...
good update for you mom?

good conversation

2008-08-15T09:42:00.000-05:00

Last night, the boys head up to play wii (well, Jaden and Ty… fast becoming obsessed, oy, I'm sure I'll blog about that soon). I stay downstairs to watch TV and relax. I’m flipping through the channels and I see this movie on HBO, We Are Together: The Agape Choir.

I’m instantly entranced. This documentary is awesome.

”Filmed over three years, We Are Together tells the remarkable and moving story of a group of children who use music to overcome hardship and loss. In this story of an orphanage, unlike one you’ve ever seen before, and of the drive of these remarkable young singers and their teachers to make it to London for a series of concerts.”

I don’t want to tell you much about this movie,
because I want you to see it. Seriously.

But, I will tell you most of the kids in this orphanage are there because their parents died of AIDS.

James is sitting with me.

He finally says, how do you get AIDS, blood?
The conversation goes something like this...

Me: You can get it from unprotected sex. And yes, from blood, like if you have a cut, and so does someone else… and from drugs. And… from unprotected sex, in case I didn’t mention that part. (no harm in mentioning that one twice)

James: Is there a cure?

Me: No James, there’s no cure; if you get it, you will die from it.

James: Don’t some people have it worse than others, like some don’t get it as bad?

Me: No James, everyone that has AIDS will all die from AIDS. It will kill them.

I learned all this stuff in 5th grade.
The boys had to leave the room while the girls talked about it, and vice versa.
They scared us away from it. As it should be.

So questions… why doesn’t James know this stuff?
Didn’t you learn this in school?
He is almost 13 for goodness sake!
Have the school’s stopped teaching it?
Does Illinois just suck?

Thoughts?

line? umm, no thank you.

2008-08-13T10:34:00.000-05:00

Remember number 66 from my 100 things about me post?...

I hate lines. I hate waiting. Really, more than hate them, I don’t feel I should have to stand in them. Where is the line for the people that don’t have to stand in line? Seriously… cuz that’s my line. Oh and then tell those people that think they can stand in that line with me… to go back to the other line.

***

Okay, prime example of how pathetic I am…

We needed to register the boys for school (don’t even get me started on re-registering the boys for the same school they went to already, or for having to pay to register them, or for the amount of school supplies they make you buy, or for the odd items on the list, or… seriously, it’s crazy out here in Illinois, nothing like what I’m used to in Cali)

ahem, sorry, Apparently, I got off subject for a minute there…

So, we needed to register the boys for school, yesterday was the last day… open until 7:00 pm. We get there at 6:00. There is a line like 5 or 6 people thick and about 60-70 yards long.

Umm, no.

Okay, side note… it’s not like I somehow think I’m better than these people just standing there waiting – I just feel they have made a decision to stand in line… and that is the opposite of my decision. Don’t later get mad at me because I managed to find my way around a situation… you made your 'I'm gonna stand in a seriously long line' choice.

So, Ty waits in the car… I get out, excuse me, excuse me, pardon me… my way through the crowd to the front. Ask the woman… where can I go tomorrow to register them? She says tomorrow there will be a late fee. I say, how much?

$35.

Hmm, let’s think… $35 or 3 hours of my life?

Not a difficult decision.

So, this lady at the front of the line stops what she’s doing (umm, helping other people that actually waited in the line) to help me for a minute, or 2… or umm, 5. I didn’t ask her to… she just did. What? Am I supposed to turn down offered help?

She gives me all the paperwork I’ll need, she looks up the boys and gives me each of their individual papers… and even tells me to ask tomorrow at the district office to waive the late fee. She says they might do it. Nice.

So, now I have to walk my way back past these people I excused my way through, head down, no eye contact of course.

All done. Took 5 minutes. No line for Katie.

Lines are stupid.

meet lucky & new haircut

2008-08-09T17:15:00.000-05:00

Miles loves his stuffed animals.
He knows the name of all of them.
He has 'sqeaky', he has 'froggy', he actually even has a 'dog'
...and now he has a 'lucky'.

you tell him, go get (insert name here)... and he comes back with the right one.

Lucky is special. He barks and responds to commands. A lot of commands.
Sit, bark, sing a song, do a handstand(!), etc.
(Believe me, this entertains ourselves while torturing Miles)

Meet Lucky:

Dad, I'm sitting real pretty, can I please just have him... now?!

You think Miles wants him too?

Oh Miles... be nice.

Lucky is not quite as good at responding to commands anymore.
He's a lil slow.
Poor Lucky.
Miles is happy.

I got a new hair cut.

Cut about 2 inches off.
And, ready, gasp, bangs.

Not sure if I like it.

Eek.

(Oh well, it will grow back quick, right?... right?)

true story

2008-08-07T15:51:00.000-05:00

So, I'm watching HGTV, a channel of which I'm obsessed.

I happen to be watching a show called Rate My Space,
I see something I like, I google it.
(pretty much how my life works)

I go to the HGTV website, I find the room I liked:

I want that over my bed.
(only with an 'A' of course.)

The site lists credits for the room.
It was purchased at a place called Uppercase Living.

Again, back to Google.
I have never heard of this place.

I find the website. Keep in mind, I just wanted to know where to buy this stuff. But I quickly learn it's like those candles or scrapbooking parties...
You have to know someone.

I'm so in love with this website, I became that someone that day.

I am now selling this stuff.
But it sells itself obviously.

anything you can think of!
You can buy catalog items... or make your own creation!
The possibilities are limitless!

Of course, if you would like to sell it also, there is a great compensation package, and you get free products!

Please check out my web page:

http://katie.uppercaseliving.net

View the online catalog!

or you can start your own business,
you can sign up on my website as well!!
(THANK YOU)

Or just simply make a purchase!

Email me with questions or orders at katie.alanos@yahoo.com

Would you like to "host" a party on your blog?

Check out my website for hostess gifts...
and you'll earn free products!

Would you like a catalog mailed to you?
I would be happy to
(email me with your address)

Of course, email with any and all questions!!

katie.alanos@yahoo.com

Thanks for listening!
(regular blog programming returning next week)

ignore the pretty & how to keep kids occupied

2008-08-05T05:20:00.000-05:00

At the end of long days (last Friday), you know, after a morning workout, 8 hours of work, making dinner, making sure everyone is squeaky clean and smell free, with PJ's on...

I finally get to sit down

...and Miles always feels the need to squeeze in with me wherever I lay.
Yeah, I'm totally comfy, or... not. One of those.
(Oh, and as the blog title would have you know...
ignore the prettiness we shall call 'Katie at the end of an extremely long day')

But then when anyone does anything to Jaden, umm, maybe kinda like this:

...Miles gets mad every time. This was only the beginning:

Don't mess with Jaden. Miles makes it clear that he is already taken.

(Umm, just a small, pointless story I felt the need to share)

Keeping kids occupied on weekends

Wake them up on Saturday morning at 8:00 am, shove them in a car with a dog and a bike and take them to a lake. With a two and a quarter miles trail around it. And make them run.

hehe.

(umm, not us, ha, found this on google... just wanted you to see the lake.
I can't take a camera running people, sheesh)
(I know... bad blogger, sorry)

We all had fun though. Ty ran with the dog. fast. Me and James ran together. Jaden rode his bike back and forth between us both.

Then important part, ready? ... sleepy time, home for a nap.

Wake up Sunday morning & wake kids up early again, take train into Chicago to visit Navy Pier, walk around, eat lunch, and just hang out.

See the sights:

Take pictures of course:

(There would have been more of James, but he had a grumpy point during the day when he realized we were actually just 'walking around' and doing nothing else... he was told to fix himself or regret it when we got home. He fixed it... day carried on happily)

(Aamir, by the way, is off visiting family now that James is back.)

And then, when it's necessary to sit and listen to some live music and enjoy adult beverages in the wonderfully titled 'beer garden'...

...you give children money and tell them to go away,
keeping them occupied.

Works every time.

Hope your weekend was awesome as well.

100 things about me

2008-07-28T09:29:00.000-05:00

For my 100th post... I wasn't sure I was going to do a list, but then things just started coming to me... and it turned out to be easier than I thought. I actually started writing it awhile ago, because I didn't know how long it would take me. A lot of what you see here, was written a couple of weeks ago. I decided to leave it as is and not alter it at all. So here you go...

100 tidbits of information about me.

Enjoy

I work out everyday at work. Mostly mornings. Sometimes at lunch. Sometimes both... if the mood strikes me.

Running makes me happy, it calms me down. Running on weekends with hubby is my favorite.

I take more showers at work than I do at home.

I do my best thinking in the shower. Don’t know why; it’s just when everything comes to me.

I am the worst patient ever. Seriously... ever. If you're a doctor, or dentist, or... look out. I will question everything you say. I will apologize in advance, because I'm completely aware of my offense. But being aware however, will not stop me from doing it. Hey, it's my body, I need to be informed. (and umm, able to say no thank you whenever I want, takes an informed decision)

People tend to annoy me quickly… seriously, this is an issue for me; I have a very short tolerance level when it comes to stupid people. Ignorance is fine. Stupid is unacceptable.

I’m very giving… too much so, I’m sure.

If you live in my house, your thoughts, feelings, wants, dreams… all come before mine.

If you live outside of my house, please see number 6.

Music is a completely necessary part of my life.

Talking on the phone annoys me… I’m a texter. Text me. If we’re texting, don’t call me. Seriously.

I say ‘seriously’ a lot.

And according to my husband, who thinks it’s some sort of California thing, I also say ‘totally’ a lot. It’s totally not a California thing, is it?

Yes, I’m one of them. My name is Katie and I text while driving. And believe me, I’m completely the reason that this should be illegal. I admit it.

Speaking of illegal, when I text while I’m driving… I drive with my knee.

My blackberry is in my hand… always.

I’m distracted very easily. And that’s probably an understatement.

Never diagnosed because I’m sure it takes a lot of focus to make an appointment for myself and then actually remember to go… but everyone that knows me would tell you that I have ADD.

Oh yeah, and probably OCD as well. Seriously, put it back where it goes. I will not be able to focus on anything else otherwise.

Hubby says I may ramble just a little bit. This is true. It’s connected to the ADD I’m sure. I will talk about 5 different subjects at once, keep up.

Oh and if you’re talking, I’m listening, I promise… Just know I have already moved on to the next subject in my head and I’m just waiting (impatiently) for you to finish up, you’re taking too long.

Most conversations… I will find a way to make it about me. I have no idea how this happens. It just does.

I have a very confident personality. You either love me or hate me. No one is really in the middle on that one.

My philosophy is, if you’re my friend, you’re probably very confident yourself. It’s those other people that can’t seem to take my personality. Those people can go away, they're no fun anyway.

Which brings me to… I have an awesome group of lifelong friends.

I’ve been told at times that I can be intimidating. Not sure about this one. But I have heard it more than once in my life.

I really like my kids. Of course I love them… but I actually like them. They’re very entertaining.

I’ve been told James (my 12 year old) is my clone. My mom says, it’s like watching me grow up all over again.

Perhaps number 28 is why I think James is so awesome.

Redvines are awesome. Twizzlers suck. (wait, that wasn’t about me? Oh well… it deserves a place on the list)

I just figured out I’m also a big fan of the word ‘awesome’.

I can talk to anyone. Seriously… put me anywhere, in any situation… we’ll chat.

Talking, I do a lot of talking. Perhaps another bad habit of mine.

Number 33 is a bad habit of mine that my baby shares (Jaden, 7 years). Trust me, left alone in a room with him shows me how annoying this habit is.

Wait, didn’t I say I like my kids? Ha. Even with that one, I still do.

The. Kitchen. Must. Be. Clean. This one is very important to me. Is that a crumb? Who ate toast? Get back in here and clean this up.

If there is a dish in the sink… I cannot relax. Physically impossible.

I love it here in Illinois, but I miss California terribly. Probably not the state itself, just all my family & friends. But really, if you show me a picture of the Bay Bridge, I’ll probably tear up.

I cry easily.

This annoys my husband.

I don’t have that much color in my wardrobe. I wish I did. But I don’t.

95% of the days, you’ll find me wearing black, grey or white. No idea why. Just happens.

I look good in all those colors.

Heck, I look good in most colors. Hehe.

I talk to my grandma via email almost weekly. See, even grandma knows… phone, bad.

I talk to my mom and aunt via email daily.

My sister sucks at email. She's very smart, she knows how... She just chooses not to.

I have just one sister, almost 2 years older than me. No brothers.

I called my sister ‘sissy’ for most of our childhood.

I was a cheerleader for about 10 years.

I miss it. I’m thinking about finding a team out here to coach. (since my children all decided to be boys, and I can’t force them into it)

I still fit in my cheerleading outfit. Lil’ tight, but it fits.

I like eating. Eating is awesome. Really, food is a happy part of life and is meant to be enjoyed.

I never eat that much at one time, don’t know why, just a small stomach I guess… but I will eat all day long.

The foremost reason I workout so much is so I can eat whatever I want.

When I’m stressed about something, anything… I don’t eat. Not at all. Not even hungry. And I work out more.

I complain a lot. Sucks, I’m working on it.

I balance that with… I will do something about it. I don’t just complain, I’ll fix it. Or I’ll make you fix it. Ha.

If I can get someone else to do something for me, I will. Why would I do it myself, if someone else is gonna?

Flip side; I’ll always return the favor. (well, most of the time)

I’m very anal when it comes to Christmas tree decorating. Umm, there’s a big tree in my house, which is a little annoying to begin with – can it at least look nice?

I am totally in love with my birthday. A day all about me?! Really… you can’t get better than that.

I usually address my friends with a Mr. or a Ms. Odd I know, but I have done it for a really long time… i.e. Ms. Kimmy!

Speaking of Ms. Kim… she said I must mention that I have issues with wide noodles. Believe me, even if I tried to explain it… umm, no, couldn’t even explain it.

If I could go to any concert, anyone, dead or alive… Bob Marley, hands down.

I hate lines. I hate waiting. Really, more than hate them, I don’t feel I should have to stand in them. Where is the line for the people that don’t have to stand in line? Seriously… cuz that’s my line. Oh and then tell those people that think they can stand in that line with me… to go back to the other line.

I have a severely handicapped child.

He’s my favorite. (no no, of course I don’t have favorites. I’m just sayin, if I did…)

My kids are the cutest kids in the world, umm, I mean handsomest.

My hubby isn’t half bad either.

I love sports. Really, I’m one of those girls. I’ll watch them all day with my boys.

My favorite month? August. Why? Pre-season football starts. You have no idea how happy this makes me. And how much I look forward to the weekends, not for days off… for football; College on Saturdays, Pro on Sundays. AWESOME.

Least favorite month? February. Sigh… 6 more months until football.

I don’t like cooking. That’s hubby’s job.

I do like to bake though. Big difference.

I. Forget. Everything. Hubby clearly knows it’s his job to remember people and names. If I have an appointment, I have to put it on my phone and put an alarm on it, so I’ll remember. If Jaden says he’s hungry, I’ll get up to make him something, see something else, and then do that. Jaden has to remind me what I was doing. Really, it’s sad.

Perhaps, it’s that distracted thing I spoke of earlier. I can be writing a list and then… oh look, pretty butterfly.

My husband says, when I get Alzheimer’s, he will hire me the best nurse ever to take care of me. Thanks hon.

I love the ‘synonym’ feature in Word. I use it all the time. It’s awesome and splendid and awe-inspiring.

I once photo-shopped an absent child into a Christmas card family portrait, and no one ever figured it out.

Don’t sing a song if you don’t know the words… it will bug me.

I’m a very literal person. Seriously, we’re a very literal whole household. Don’t exaggerate; we won’t be able to follow the story. Like I say, heavy as heck… I have to point out I do not know how heavy heck is. No, it is not hotter than the sun today, we’d all be dead. Don’t say, ‘I hear you’ in an email… you can’t hear me, you read it.

I almost died once.

I enjoy enjoying life… could always be worse. Just smile. You woke up this morning. Makes for a good day.

I love the saying, you don’t get to pick the hand your dealt, but you do get to chose how you play it. You always get a choice. Always. Choose wisely.

The number one thing I try to teach the boys is: Being a liar is the worst thing in the world you can be.

I don’t like voicemail. It’s pointless. My phone will show missed call, I’ll see you called, I’ll call back. I won’t check the message. Really, it will take me weeks. You just have a quick message? Umm, hello… text me.

At work however, I do check it.

Downstairs always has to be clean. Always. What if someone stops by unexpectedly? I don’t ever need to apologize for my house.

I hate it when people stop by unexpectedly.

I don’t like putting gas in the car. Seriously, there are 5 boys that live with me, I should never have to. Or take the garbage out. Or mow the lawn…

I’m really not as bad as this list is leading you to believe.

I am usually very excited about new things. Probably too excited.

I will clean the inside of the house, if I never have to do the outside. I have boys, they can do it. Fair trade.

I will find beauty in most things. Up at 5am in morning to get to gym, but sun rising… beautiful. Driving across the Bay Bridge while sitting in traffic, but clear, beautiful day and you can see the Golden Gate… sigh. Driving home at end of day, and seeing Lake Michigan… Life is good. You just have to open your eyes and enjoy it.

I don’t let the things I can’t control bother me. Why? I can’t control it. Example, traffic doesn’t bother me much. I just turn up the music and make the best of it.

I will always forgive mistakes. It was a mistake. You didn’t do it on purpose, really, it’s okay, let’s clean it up. It doesn’t bother me.

I cannot sit through a meeting, any meeting, without yawning. I have no idea why my body does this. I can be wide awake. The second I sit down – yawn. And it will continue until the meeting is over. Crazy.

When I work out, if a muscle is hurting the next day… it makes me happy. It means I pushed myself harder than the day before. And that is a good thing no matter what we're talking about.

I am happy with my life. I look at my boys and am always proud, even at un-proud moments. I look at my husband, and know that we are working hard at making a happy house. I look at myself at the end of the day and know I did my best. I look at the dog, and wonder why do we call him moose?... hmm, that’s another story.

you guys are awesome!

2008-07-26T16:52:00.000-05:00

I knew that I could count on all of you!

Thank you for your sympathy, support, and concern when they were needed so much.

Your kindness is more appreciated than any words can ever express.

♥

This week has been hard, as I also had my surgery for my arm on Monday.
Everything is healing quickly & beautifully.

I am eager to attempt to get back to "normal", whatever the heck that is...
and my 100th post is up next!

stay tuned...

Jared

2008-07-20T16:15:00.000-05:00

Jared passed away this past Thursday morning in his sleep.

I wanted to tell all of you, as I trust that you will have some words that may help our family through this hard time.

March 8, 1998 - July 17, 2008

Some words that helped me from Hillary
(I hope you don't mind me using them Hillary, thank you so much):

"Jared was such a sweet special spirit. I remember feeling honored to be in his presence. He was a chosen spirit for you.

I remember a talk we had once, sitting on the floor of your home. We talked about Jared and the spiritual aspect of him and what would he be like in heaven. I remember telling you that things things I believed. His body will be whole. He will be in a perfect state. He took on the challenge of his body willingly in heaven. He knew he would have a very important role and mission to fulfill here on earth.

Please know that he is whole. He is in the presence of our Father in Heaven. I'm sure he is in the arms of our Savior as well. I'm sure he has been told, well done, my son, well done."

click here for an older post all about Jared

what happens in 6 short months & frick!

2008-07-12T12:16:00.000-05:00

from this:

to this:

He's a big boy now:

Tyson Duke Miles

...and for some reason, we call him "MOOSE"

And now for your viewing pleasure... my weekend
summed up with this picture:

Yep, it's broken.
Yep, this is the fourth time I've broken it.
Yep, I'm right handed.
& last but not least, yep, I'm really pissed off.

I've never broken a bone in my life, until I broke this arm about 5 years ago. And I have broken it over and over again since. I've had 2 metal plates and a metal rod inside my arm. There's a plate in there right now; the bone snapped right at the end of it.

The doctor says I have very tiny bones... ya think?!

Can I please have a bionic arm now?
Seriously, how many more times do we have to do this?

On a more positive note:

C&P answers

2008-07-11T19:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, we had a couple Crime & Punishment (C&P) questions from Holly...
so here you go Holly - answers for you.

"What do you suggest when they don't quite get their rooms picked up the way they should be?"

When this happened to them, because, silly bloggers, of course it happened to them... Ty went into their room (to be fair, after telling them at least 10 times what would happen if they didn't clean up) and picked up everything that was on their floor and put it in a garbage bag.

This garbage bag went into the trunk of the car.
We told them it went into the garbage.

We told the boys, it was on the floor, it must have been garbage.

They. Were. Mad.

That bag contained shoes, a PSP, various clothing items, book bags, papers, magazines, etc...

We gave it all back about 2 weeks later.
After we broke their spirit and had them convinced it was gone forever.

If it's not garbage, perhaps it doesn't belong on the floor.

Problem solved.

"...or when the clean, folded, clothes they were supposed to put away are in a heap on their floor?"

This one, honestly, has not been tackled in our house...
but fear not my blogging friends, an answer is waiting.

Simple really, ready?...

See Above Answer.

Really, if the folded clothes were just thrown on the floor, refer to, and I quote:

If it's not garbage, perhaps it doesn't belong on the floor.

Put it in garbage bag, commence to (pretending) to throw it away.

Problem solved.

any other questions?

hehe

Another Crime & Punishment for you

2008-07-10T10:11:00.000-05:00

If you need a refresher from past crime and punishments, see HERE.

Then come back and enjoy the new addition...

Crime:
Beds that are never made.

We keep telling them. Make your bed. They make it. In their own special way, so that it looks like it wasn’t even made.

Seriously, these boys are gifted.

Punishment:
If you cannot make your bed everyday, we’ll make it easy for you… no linens for you. Then you don’t have to make it. See… we do love you.

Here’s how it all went down:
I get home from work. Ty is off this particular day, so I guess it gave him more time to think. He says, oh by the way… the boys might be cold tonight. Now I’m not cold hearted to my offspring, I do attempt to be the mommy for one lil' moment and say, honey, really? They’re gonna be cold. His immediate response? Well I guess next time they’ll make it.

I tried. Now, I will just sit back and enjoy it. The next 24 hours are usually pretty funny (umm for us, not them)

Keep in mind, it's 85 degrees outside and very humid... the air conditioner has been on all night.

I wake up in the morning (usually out the door by 5:30am), I peek into their room… Sigh, my poor babies . Aamir, curled up in fetal position with a towel over him, attempting to be warm. James with jeans and sweatshirt on and a dog on his feet. Again, my poor babies.

They slept on beds that are bare like this:

I text them later in morning, both of them separately, Good morning, sleep well?

Identical responses from both, NO

Me - Why not?

Them - Dad took our blankets, remember?

Me - Oh yeah, forgot (hehe), maybe you’ll make your beds tonight?

YES

Problem solved.

and bonus... they also had to paint the garage:

(no... kidding. They did do this the same day, but no relation; they got paid for this one.)

long, does it have to end? weekend recap...

2008-07-06T13:37:00.000-05:00

First up (okay, not quite the weekend, but I'm catching up, forgive me)... Jaden's championship game. They lost 9-8. But this was an awesome game. The other team played a good game, and in the end, we just got outplayed... the best way to lose if it's gonna happen.

So here are the Oakland A's, in the middle of Illinois...
2nd place team. Great season.

We finally made over the bed in our bedroom with some summery colors since Mother Nature finally decided we can have some of that weather.

Thursday night, we had a get together at our house with a lot of alcohol.
Umm, did I say a lot?
A lot.

Friends.
Fun.
Alcohol.

Lots of friends over for the kids as well.

We all had a blasty blast.

You can't tell at all from the pics of the amount of alcohol consumed, can you?

lol

(note that even completely inebriated, Ty manages to find a child to lecture... umm, I'm just sayin...)

Friday evening, we went out to the Summerfest in Milwaukee to catch a free concert by The Roots.

It. Was. Crowded.
but... we met some friends out there, even some for the kids...
so it was worth the crowds.

After very late nights for everyone Thursday & Friday nights...
we did nothing on Saturday.

It was AWESOME.

On Sunday, Aamir & Jaden did some of this:

Jared caught up on some of this:

Miles recovered from the weekend with some of this:

(umm, I'll take some too please)

Far, far away in California, James did some of this:

Now, I'm off to pick him up from the airport this evening.

The perfect end to a dang good weekend.

bbq at the beach & James in jail

2008-07-01T20:43:00.000-05:00

I'm at work yesterday, hubby is off, and I get a text...

"maybe I'll pack up everything and take the boys to the beach for a barbecue, you can meet us there?"

Umm, who are you and what have you done with my husband?

Needless to say, after work on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, I go home to change, and straight to the beach. I get there, food already cooking...
hubby says, "Can I make you a plate?"

Again, do I know you?

So I get some of this:

and this:

Miles gets some love from dad:

Jared gets some love from mom:

I get some love from this guy:

...who even takes some pictures on his own:

I didn't get there in time to get pictures of him barbecuing, so for your viewing pleasure, here's the clean-up portion of the evening:

One bad thing, the guy below hiding behind the tree, got too excited and knocked my baby down scratching him in the process. No tears were shed, and laughs were had by brother and dad (nice honey) as it happened.

So to this new guy that has barbecues mid week on the beach, and does all the work himself... stick around k? I kinda like you.

So James is still out here:

...acting like a tourist, and visiting places like this:

...just chillin' at Alcatraz:

(umm, thanks mom for the awesome picture of James for the blog, the other two pictures you took of scenery above were perfect, but hey, thanks for the not out of focus at all picture of the kid I miss so much)

James... come home... I miss you.

oh my gosh

2008-06-26T12:44:00.000-05:00

sooo sorry everyone

I've been so busy lately and have so many things on my plate. Thought I would squeeze in a quick lil blog, and update you on some things...

Miles doesn't even need the collar on him anymore that shocks him if he goes to far. He knows to stay away from the boundries.

Awesome product.

Jaden is in the play-offs; we won the last game in extra innings (2½ hours for a 6 inning baseball game people... hot, humid, mosquitos, all balls, no strikes, some hits... yeah, super fun).

They're tied for 1st and have one game left for tie-breaker.

Please pray for quick game for me.

Is he not the most adorable 7 year old you've ever seen in a A's uniform?
(for those of you whose own children have played for the A's, I do not wish to hear from you on this one... everyone else may respond, thank you.)

James is in California on vacation (I'm jealous). I thought I'd let him go out there alone for a couple weeks. The family can enjoy him when he's not fighting with his brothers. And he will have more fun.

He will be back the weekend of the 4th.

(I miss him)

Jared has been, well... grumpy. I think, oddly... He's missing school.
Summer is gonna be hard for Jared.

And just for the heck of it...

Dont'cha hate it when you're walking and someone holds the door open for you, but you're still really far away, and because of this random nice (although not thinking too clearly) person that is doing as he should and holding the door open... you now have to walk faster to get to the door to be nice to this guy who is holding open door entirely too long?

No? Just me complaining about random good deeds by other people?

Yeah okay, probably.

miles got a fence!

2008-06-12T19:41:00.000-05:00

...so, being that Miles is that dog; the dog that the whole neighborhood knows. Why? Cuz he's that dog; the one they all love to hate.

Miles is very well tempered. He just wants to say hi. And jump on you.
And lick you. And never stop.

Random people walking by in the neighborhood don't really like Miles' pleasant attitude.

Sheesh.

We should all be so nice.

We didn't want to build a fence. We like our neighbors. Miles needed a fence to keep him in our yard. So we got him one. Can you see it?

Miles Can.

He has been trained. It's an invisible fence. It's underground.

He's still learning. Right now he thinks that those flags in the ground are evil.
He thinks that those flags will attack him at a moments notice.

He only needed to be shocked once.

Ouch.

Now he respects the flags.

If he gets too close, his collar beeps, warns him... back up.
He. listens. to. these. beeps.

He won't even get close. And he keeps those flags in the corner of his eye.
He knows what they're up to.

The flags will come down in a couple days. They're just there for training. They're pointless. We'll see how he reacts then. His anger right now has a face.

The flag.

He doesn't even have to wear the collar on anymore. After one day.

He thinks it's all in the flags.

This. is. an. awesome. product.

View Miles in all his glory. No chain on his neck.
He knows to stay clear of the flags. They are not nice.

Invisible fence.

Love it.

And, just for some bonus pictures...

Jared & Dad, enjoying the 90 degree, humid as heck
(cuz heck, I hear, is pretty humid),
random, whenever thunderstorms, tornado watches 24 hour a day weather...

Oh, and Jared hates the sun.

Don't. look. directly. at. it.

Have a good weekend.

redvines vs. twizzlers

2008-06-05T15:42:00.000-05:00

It all started innocently enough...

Here's the scenario:
Someone brings in a thing of candy for the office to share.
Nice enough right?
It's twizzlers
yuck

I decide to keep my opinion to myself. After all, if these silly people want to digest gross twizzlers, who am I to stop them right?

I make it all the way until around 3:00 pm.

Someone says, are you going to have some twizzlers?

I couldn't help myself, my answer was, why would I do that? Twizzlers, sheesh, not even real licorice... nope, just a generic knock off of Redvines.

Get this...

He says, No, no. Redvines are a knock off of Twizzlers. Twizzlers came first.

wha?!

you.

must.

be.

crazy.

Redvines are awesome.

Twizzlers suck.

Okay, maybe this wasn't a versus post, as clearly stated in the title. I might have a biased opinion. Maybe. But I did consult with my California friend (now living in St. Louis, but not the point), and she stated, "… I moved here they didn’t have red vines, so my grandma used to send them to me! So of course these people think that nasty twizzlers were here first. But twizzlers aren’t even licorice!"

so there.

To be fair, my friend Tom at work (who is the someone mentioned above), found this:

Twizzlers or Red Vines? Your answer probably reveals whether you grew up near the East Coast or the West Coast. The Vines have devoted fans. There was a former KROQ program director who moved to New York to take a job at MTV. Every couple of months he had someone ship him a big tub of Red Vines from Smart & Final. If Easterners like Twizzlers and Westerners like Red Vines, what about people from the middle of the country?

I’m in the middle of the country… I asked, NO HELP, trust me.

I like black licorice.
I don’t like licorice.
What flavor?
What’s the difference?

Yeah, thanks for the help guys.

Silly Midwest.

So to make my point clearly...
Redvines, yes
twizzlers, no

okay, I'm done.

Thoughts?

look what he... er, I got

2008-05-31T09:26:00.000-05:00

So... hubby says I got you a surprise. Yay, love surprises.

He gets home.

He gives me this:

Just for running & just for me, perfect, thanks honey.

Oh you finally want yours back? k, here you go...

(I won't mention how we each used to have one for each of us, plus another one,
and two, yes 2! have been lost in less than a year)

Then he says... guess what? Another surprise. And he gave me this:

Umm, thanks hon. This can be fun. I'll learn it and play with the kids.

(btw, LOVE the bowling, this will be fun... gotta buy the mario racing next, hehe)

Oh, by the way, hubby says, I also bought another game for it:

Oh yeah, MLB 08, your favorite sport.
Thanks sweetie for the game. That you'll play all the time.
You're the greatest.

Kidding of course babe...
Thank you for my new i-pod and my new wii.
I love them. It was very sweet of you to surprise me with them.

♥

another btw... Wii Fit? Anyone have this? Thoughts? Worth it?