A Little Bit of History

*I have no idea what is going on with the font...

Hubby spent the weekend in Iowa helping to clean out his grandma's house. She has made the choice to live in a Senior Apartment, and has been there since her surgery last winter. They have a coffee shop and play Wii every night. She likes it there, and many of her friends have moved there in the past months, so she has her friends still close. She is a social butterfly, has someone there 24 hours a day but is still very independent.

Her house has sat empty since December and once she made the decision to stay at the Apartment the decision was made to clean out the house and sell it. The brothers (Hubby's Dad and his brothers) all took the weekend and sorted, told stories and divided things up. Hubby took the trip down because there were things that he hoped he could bring home, things that meant a lot to him.

He helped clean the rooms that were dusty with lack of use, helped scrub the cabinets that hadn't been touched in months and relived part of his life in the many MANY pictures that Grandma had held onto.

He did bring home some things, things that meant a lot to him and things he thought we would all enjoy. I wanted to share some of it with you, since it is our own little piece of the family history.

This is a bible that came over from Germany in the early 1900's, the date written inside is 1899, given to a child at their birth from the little German I remember.

Even the scriptures are written in German, those I can't translate. It is simply gorgeous.

These are Hubby's Grandpa's medals. He was in the Navy, serving about the time of WWII


This is the ship that Grandpa served on for many years, one of a couple. The piece of paper in the corner is his Navy ID.


This is something that Hubby's Mom made 30 years ago, a picture of the farm that Grandma and Grandpa then owned.


These are old cookbooks, you know the kind, church and community cookbooks. I have called these the "Use 4 sticks of butter for everything" cookbooks. There are some FANTASTIC recipes in here and I can't wait to dive into them.


These are canning books, giving direction to can pretty much anything. There is also a grilling book, and Grandma's recipe for the BEST Pumpkin Pie. On the bottom of the recipe she even has where she took the pie many years ago.


Hubby brought me this. It is a Hamilton Beach stand mixer. It can also be taken apart to be a hand mixer. This mixer dates pre-1960 and still works like a dream. Big Sis said it will probably last forever.


It even has a timer!!


This...this just plain creeps me out, but it isn't staying at my house (thank GOODNESS!). It is a Santa bird feeder...and the EYES! Oh My Look At The Eyes!! Just creepy! Hubby's parents will be getting this bad boy at their house SOON.


Hubby was glad he went, so am I. I didn't know how he would handle it, but he said it was easier than he thought. There are a lot of memories tied into Grandma's house. We still have her, so more memories can be made at her apartment too.

Seriously, I have to stop looking at the Santa...

What I Learned This Week

Oh man...the weekend FLEW by. We had so much going on, so many exciting things, that I didn't hardly sit in front of my computer all weekend.

It was heavenly.

I learned simple things this weekend. The joy's that we experienced are so special, so monumental. We had the weekend of family, friends and the BEST weather since last fall.

My nephew spent the night on Saturday for the first time since he was about 4 months old. We had a blast. EC and "Bobby" (his "bear") were the hit of my niece's birthday party. He snuggled up with Boo after to watch Monster's Inc, and I realized how much I have missed the belly laugh of a little one.

So much.

I also realized how much I loved watching said little ones fall asleep. The almost asleep look and then the eyes popping back open - FABULOUS. I could have snuggled him all night long. He was such a good boy, as always...right SIL??? lol

Friday night was spent putting together the invites for Lia's wedding. I can't wait for her to be married, and having any sort of part of it makes me giddy each day. Her bridal shower is creeping up, I really need to get on that...really.

I apartment hunted with one of my best friends this weekend. After 8 years of living south of us, she is moving back to "the cities". I am so excited for this, and can't wait. She found the apartment that she wanted, but has to wait a bit longer to move in...so she is moving in here. Before I met hubby we had talked about moving in together, and now it is happening in a sort of way...I can't wait.

I did realize that while looking at apartments with her that I love my house, love having space and love having somewhere that I can call my own. I wouldn't want to go back...at all.

Oh, and letting the dog run through the mud and gunk yesterday was fabulous...until we realized that we had to give him a bath because the groomers was closed. Not fun, but a little funny. We were all in shorts or swim suits and the bathroom was FLOODED by the time we were done. Koda...not so much a fan.

See, some simple yet big lessons. At least to me.

For more What I Learned This Week posts, head on over to Musings of a Housewife.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a blast at Big Sis and BIL's house. All the kids were together to open gifts for the first time EVER and that was FANTASTIC, even though a big chaotic. The poor cats are STILL trying to recover (the adults too).

This is my nephew, EC. He is 2 1/2 and a HOOT to talk too. He thinks everything through, and will give you the most insane attitude ever. He got a dinosaur from Ma, and fell in LOVE with it "This is my friend Dinosaur".

Here is my SIL opening her gift from me. I purposely used ZhuZhu pets boxes because they scare her. Boo has the set from when I did the review a while back, and they freaked her out. I KNEW I had to do use them. She was not as impressed, even though she LOVED her mouse and Princess and the Frog goodies inside.

I love being with my family, because they get my kids. The understand Boo's need for Lego's, Littlest Petshop and clothes. She got some of all on Christmas Eve, and more. I think the shirts from Big Sis, the pants from Ma and the game from my SIL won though.

My other nephew RC is a very controlled never-show-emotion kid. At bowling (they bowl with Hunter and Boo) he never shows his excitement, fights the smiles every time. I knew opening this gift would bring a huge smile, so I was ready for it! The boy loves his Lego's!

We took some down time after eating our appetizer meal, and the kids watched Night at the Museum while munching on cookies and more snacks. Having them all together is wonderful. Hunter didn't want to leave at the end of the night, he just loved being together.

CHEERS to Christmas Eve all together! I am so glad we were able to all come together. CHEERS to Big Sis and BIL for having the entire brood over and enduring the crazy wild kids. CHEERS to the family, the love and the chaos!

Some Closure

I realized this week that I have left a TON of things open lately, so sorry. So in effort to close some thing out, I give you this post. lol

Boo's Foot:
Boo foot was NOT broken, but she did have two inflamed ligaments and a strained tendon. You could feel the heat coming off her foot. The surgical shoe wasn't needed, but she was ace wrapped for over a week, and was not allowed to participate in gym or regular recess. All is better now, with some slight discomfort only every once in a while.

Hubby's Grandma:
Being the over-achiever that Grandma is, she is already back in Iowa resting in a smaller hospital. She spent a total of 4 days in the big hospital when they deemed her well enough to not be a high risk patient. This woman is a rockstar!

The Bathroom:
We are slowly working on the bathroom. To get it framed in we used gift cards only, so now we are slowing down. Small steps! It should be done by the time I turn 80 or so! lol

Hunter's Mad Skills!:
I can't say enough about Hunter's Mad Skills right, I am still a bit in disbelief of how his day at the tournament went. He spent some time this morning focusing on what he wanted to happen today, and how he wanted to bowl. Warm-ups were good, he adjusted where he needed and read the lanes pretty well. His first game, 154. His second game, 158. His third game, Oh My Lanta, 188!! I was amazed and so very proud of him, still am. There is a good chance that he will once again make it to state, but we won't know for sure until after the 30th, and state is on the 9th or 10th. Good thing he is here that weekend!

The Sleep Clinic:
This is really a post within itself, but because we don't KNOW a ton, I will trim it down a bit. We spent almost two hours with the doctor for her appointment. He told me first off, that I was doing everything that I possibly could right (woohoo!) and that he wished all his patients parents filled out the forms as well as I had.

Right now we are working on the Quality of her sleep, and once we figure out why that is all goofy we will work on the Quantity of her sleep. He told me that every time she gets up during the night, it takes close to a hour to get back into good sleep. So, if Boo sleeps total 10 hours, but gets up three or four times she is really getting six or seven good hours of sleep. Not much for her. We are working to clear up a couple issues first, see if they impact her sleep at all and so far they have. She is still getting up, but some other "while sleep" issues are getting better. She still has a hard time going to sleep at night, but that will be worked on once this stuff is fixed.

She will have a sleep study, but not until February or so. They want to give her treatment now a chance to work before we go that route. After the sleep study, she will most likely pay a visit to ENT and Allergy as they both seem to play a part.

Did you know that they "grade" tonsils on a score of 0-4? Boo is at a 2, not bad but not great either. Also, did you know that bags under your eyes is NOT from lack of sleep but sinus and/or nasal congestion. Strange facts I learned at the sleep clinic!

I think that's it. I have to start getting this house ready for The Great Cookie Bake Off 2009! We are all gathering tomorrow to bake the day away, and I can't stinking wait!

Prayers Please

I am in need of some prayers today. Hubby's Grandma is going in for surgery this morning.

Not minor, but nothing to major either.

She is an 88 year old Mother to 3, Grandma to 7, Great-Grandma to 5. We love her and want her safe.

She is a feisty lady, who yells and me and Hubby every time she sees us, will scold Hunter for homework issues and loves her Granddaughters to no end. She will smack you if you lip-off, Hubby is still scared of her.

She still says my name wrong, after 10 years.

But that is what we love about her.

Please help keep her safe.

Thanksgiving and then some

I could say that I am sorry I haven't been around...but that would be a lie.

So, I will tell you that I have been too busy, worn out, laughing too hard, sleeping too little and being with the family all week long.

It started with Hunter coming a day early. While this made my day, it threw a kink into my schedule. After begging the Grandparents to take him for the night, it was solved. Plus, my FIL had been going through Hunter withdrawls.

We spent Thursday among family, and it was wonderful. The siblings all stayed until later, we played games and tortured the children. It was the best thanksgiving yet!

Friday I was up at the crack of dawn to to go a few stores with Big Sis. We hit Target, Micheal's, Old Navy and Best Buy. Best Buy was a huge disappointment. They had no good movies on sale, and that is what I mainly hunt for on Black Friday. I did get Boo a new winter coat at Old Navy, her zipper is all jacked up on her current one. I got her this one in the Plum color (not listed for some strange reason). It was only $15! Such a deal.

I also got Hunter a hilarious graphic-t there, they have the best ones in my opinion (these crack me up the most). I wanted to get this one for me, but got this one for Hunter instead. I also debated getting this one for my sister in law too, it is totally her shirt (make sure you read the fine print at the bottom, too funny!)

Target is always my favorite. I don't mind the lines, it gave me an Big Sis some time to talk more. I got a ton of movies, and some fuzzy socks for Boo's stocking. Big Sis got what she was hunting for, and a couple other things too. The people at Target weren't as crazy as other places, but it was busy.

Micheal's I was in search for the $3.99 wreathe they had on sale. I got it, plus ribbon and mini ornaments. I didn't have a wreathe, never had a place to hang it. I knew I wanted to make the wreathe myself, so much cheaper that way. It was pretty easy to do, I will have to show pictures soon.

Friday we also got my new Christmas Tree. I have had a 3 1/2 foot tree since Hubby and I started living together (9 years ago) but with the new house I got to get a "normal" size tree, and we found the best one. I love it, it is pre-lit with multi-colored lights and has enough branches to look pretty full. I can't find a picture online, and I haven't take one yet so use your imagination! lol

Saturday we decorated the house, the outside lights were hung and had some family time. The boys played on the Wii while Boo and I made her Gingerbread House. Then had to fix her gingerbread house because someone, who shall remain nameless but has 4 legs and a tail, tried to EAT her gingerbread house. It is all fixed, just looks a bit like a shanty now!

Sunday was just us all day. We made cookie dough, decorated the tree and watched the Vikings go 10-1! It was a good day. A good Thanksgiving and a good weekend all together.

Let Them Be Little

This past week has gone by in a blur. We have been so busy that I can't seem to catch my breathe, and we are no where near as busy as some.

I can't imagine what life would be like if we didn't limit the kids activities. I have friends whose children are in three different activities a week...A WEEK! Right now my kids have two, and that is bowling. Boo will be starting something one day a week, but that almost feels like to much.

I would rather have my children be just that, Children.

I spent so many years of my life hopping from one activity to another, and bless my mother for driving me to it all. There were many spring days I would go from the ball field to the dance studio, and my brother from the track to the hockey arena. I don't know how she kept it all straight, let alone didn't loose her own mind along the way.

There is such a major trend with over scheduled children, and the after affects are now coming to light.

While having a child try many sports/groups/clubs over time is wonderful, bogging them down in one year can prove disastrous. Our Pediatrician talked with us about this at Boo's last Well-Child-Check this summer. She let us know that one activity at a time is a great way to go about it, that no child should feel the need to focus on one specific thing until they are older, 13 being an ideal age.

Boo has played soccer, baseball, taken dance class, swimming lessons and a random art class and bowls. Never at the same time, but spread out over 3 years. This year she wants to try her hand atFastpitch , and maybe some more swim lessons. But, again not overlapping (bowling is once a week for 8 months, if she misses it the world does not end, it is for fun).

Did you know that a child of 8-12 should be getting 10-12 hours of sleep a night. A Night! So many children have sports right after school, than another activity and then maybe get home to do homework by 8. That doesn't leave much time for sleep, especially if they want to make good grades on top of it all.

I worry about what things will be like when Boo hits high school. Sports and Activities (drama, NHS etc) are very prominent in schools now, and they should not be the priority. Getting an education and staying healthy is the main thing in life, and many of the children of today will not see that 9 years down the road.

Remember that our children are Children. They need to rush to play at the park, not off to another lesson. Slow down, and let them be children while they can.

"Let them be little, cause they are only that way for a while" Lonestar - Let Them Be Little

Weekend Preview

This weekend I am helping throw a baby shower for one of Hubby's cousins. She is due the first week in September, and it will be such a good time.


She is known to read the blog, so sorry no details right now, but it will be a blast. Her best friend and I are in charge of games, and we have some good ones lined up. The next few days will be filled with wrapping gifts, making more lists and staging one of the games so I don't have to do it last minute. Problem with that last one...I don't have a large enough tray. Crap.

BUT!!

A major highlight of the weekend is a first for Hunter.

For the first time ever, Boo AND HUNTER are spending the weekend at my Dad's. Yes, Hunter has been a part of my life for 9 years, but Dad has never been comfortable taking him. He is now.

They will be picked up tomorrow night for a weekend of parades, gardening and labor. Vick needs a hole dug for her apple tree, and my kids fit the bill for the job. They are giddy with excitement to spend three days with Grandpa and Vick.

AND Sunday, I am attending the MckBrunch hosted by MckMamma from My Charming Kids. Oh man, lets talk about how NERVOUS I am about this. MckMamma is a local blogger, who has 4 GORGEOUS kids, one being the wonderful Stellan that we are all constantly praying for (click the button on the left to read his amazing story).

Now, I have met a few fellow bloggers, but never a bunch at once. I am nervous. I am making cards so people know who I am. I am trying to tame my nerves by telling my self that I am a blogger like they are, but STILL.

So, this weekend will be crazy busy, but so worth it. The kids will have a blast with their Grandpa and I will have a blast at the baby shower and MckBrunch.

Oh man...

Home and Garden

Yesterday Boo, Ma and I spent the afternoon at the local Home & Garden Show. I am in desperate need for yard inspiration, it has been 9 years since I have had a say in what gets planted and what doesn't.

I also have the slight problem of killing any plant that grows...hopefully that will only apply indoors and not out. I did successfully have a tomato plant years ago. Hubby and Boo were in hog heaven that summer.

So, we wandered around looking at all the home improvement companies, and made our way to the garden section.

Boo found every playground company that was there, and played on each and every sample equipment they had. She loved it! She also found the John Deer section.

Sorry, dear. No riding lawnmower for you!

When we finally found all the flowers and fountains we had a hard time leaving. The flowers were amazing, each setting off it own fragrance and color pallet.

These are ones that Ma and I weren't sure about. What are they? They are gorgeous, and colors popping. The blue coming off the white sets them apart.

These are Blue Hydrangeas. It is hard in Minnesota to achieve the blue color, most end up turning pink or white. It was wonderful to see these.

All in all it was a great time. We saw so much, and learned a ton. I even got a couple great candles I will tell you about later. I can't wait to have my own garden and growing space.

What I learned this week - My Family

What did you learn this week?

I learned that my close family really cares, even if they make fun of me in the process.

On the day of our break in (if you would even call it that), my Mom and Dad were the first people I called (beside Hubby and the police). Hubby called his Mom and Dad. It was instinct, and it was right for both of us. (My next would have been Big Sis, but she was dealing with something so I told her later on.)

For the next few hours I fielded phone calls from the family, wanting to make sure I was okay, and get their digs in (I was called Sleeping Beauty a few times).

Even now, almost a week later I am still getting little jibes, but I don't mind in the least. Because this week was rough, and my family was there for me.

Head on over to Musings of a Housewife for more What I Learned this Week posts.

Simply Gorgeous

Boo's Grammy is a wonderful woman! I love my mom, and Boo loves her Grammy. Monday night, she brought Boo some gorgeous pink flowers, and they matched Boo's pretty pink outfit perfectly.


Grammy always seems to know just what Boo needs, whether it is flowers or simply a hug. She is the same way with Hunter too. She sometimes reminds me that Hunter is not the little boy I fell in love with. There are times that I need that reminder.

We are so blessed to have her in our lives.

But, I think I might be in trouble with this one...

She is so sassy already. No more America's Next Top Model for her!

(Not) Wordless Wednesday - Fred dog!

Taken during Cookie Baking Day!
One the second day of school in 3rd grade, my sister's godfather showed up with a surprise. This small bundle of white and black fur, just straining for love. We took one look, and called him Phantom Freddy, because he has a mask of black fur over one eye (see...musicals). Fred fit right into our home. While our other cat Cinders (Cinderfella) and our dog Puffer didn't always agree, they had great bonds. Fred and Puffer would be wrestling one second, and sleeping snuggled up the next.

Now, 19 years later, Fred is still a major part of our family. Living with Big Sis and her other two cats, Fred IS the Alpha Male, the King of his Castle. He still snuggles with the best of em, and LOVES him some Cool Whip.

You can count on seeing him in one of two spots, the back of the couch or on the pillow of the bed. He still sneaks under the tree and sits right on a box, every Christmas it never fails. He howls at his water bowl, 7 times each time is what my brother-in-law tells me. He sleeps by heat vents, his old body needs the extra heat. And we even busted him out eating something he shouldn't, and getting a bit of a sugar high as result.

He was Pookey's buddy until we all moved out, and they would take naps together everyday. Two summers ago we had Big Sis' surprise party at her house, and some of her friends from high school we shocked to see Fred, not realizing how old he really was. He has impact, that is for sure. My kids love him, and I know their cousin's do too.

We call him Fred, Freddy, Fred Dog, Crotchety Old Man and Brother-in-law calls him Poppi. We love Fred, her is our own little kitty Stud Muffin!

For more Wordless Wednesday posts head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom

Umm...Honey

Today is a wonderful day, one that I always remember.

One that my husband ALWAYS laughs at me about.

9 years ago today...

Hubby and I had our first date.

Go ahead and laugh, I am used to it.

I am so sentimental, but I can't help it. It was a important day in my life. one that I will not forget.

Plus, we have a reminder each year. Tomorrow is my nephews birthday, he turns 9. See how that works??

I love you Hubby! You are an amazing man. I can't wait for the next 9 years (oh man...Dookie will be 18...). I love you for your patience, your willingness to deal with my ear infections (I swear I am 29 not 6) and my injuries. Each bone ache or pulled muscle you are there for me.

See here, here and here to see how serious I am about this...I am such a pain! My Hubby is a Saint!

I love you hun! I don't ever seem to tell you enough.

Black Friday review

That weekend is over..and thank goodness. It was an emotional weekend after a busy week.

Friday morning Big Sis and I went out shopping. Neither of us was willing to go at 4 am, but we went around 6:30. Still early, but not as bad. I was exhausted after picking up Hunter at 10:30, but it was worth it. Two of the 5 cousins are done, along with the small stuff for my kids. I also got a couple movies that were at a great price.

We had a great time, hunting down deals and finding the right things for our nephews. I found books for all the kids (mine included) at Half Price Books, my favorite place in the world. With their Early Bird deals of a $5 gift card and a 20% off coupon, I spent all of $2! For 6 books. Can't beat that. I also spent $2 on a book for me, but Big Sis let me use her gift card and coupon since she wasn't looking there at the time. Isn't she wonderful.

Next up, Wal-Mart. How flippin cute are these pajama pants for Hunter! I mean really, he is going to love them. Hunter is at the age where "matchy" pajamas are just not cool, and I will get eye rolls if I tried to get him some.

I love the pajama deals that Wal-Mart had, but they were out of Boo's size. So she got two t-shirts for the same price, and they light up. These will fit her minor "punk" faze she is going through.

Next, Walgreens. Man, were they dead! I figured they would be busier since they had Webkinz Lil'Kinz buy one/get one free. I got 4, two for Boo, and two for later. She loves the Lil'Kinz, they are the ones she sleeps with the most. Plus, they are great for the stocking!

After this we hit Target. They had the movies for so very cheap. I got 27 Dresses ($9.99), I Am Legend ($3.98), Annie ($3.98) and Maid of Honor ($5.98). Plus I got another one for a gift, but can't talk about that one. lol

At Target I also got one of the cousins done with this, and this. When my sister in law told me he had NONE, I almost fell over and got the tub. A boys needs these, a must have in my mind.

After this we went to Kohl's, and walked right back out again. Not going to happen. At 9:30 the line was STILL wrapped around the inside to check out. Not so much.

We went to Michael's and Bed Bath and Beyond after this. Michael's had wrapping paper for cheap and Big Sis needed a pizza cutter from Bed Bath and Beyond. I could have stayed in those stores forever.

We headed home after this, and man I wish I could have taken a nap. Hunter had a dentist appointment, and I was on the hunt for a 2 foot Mickey Mouse. Never got that, but something better in my mind.

Oh, and no cavities for Hunter! Yippee! But we get the wonderful pleasure of visiting the Orthodontist next month. Joy!

The night before

Tomorrow is a big day.

Tomorrow is a day that will change our country no matter who wins the Presidential Election.

While I won't tell you who I am voting for, there are many things I have considered.

Both candidates have Health Care plans that could put me out of a job, and that scares me with today's economy. Both candidates have economic plans that are less than ideal, but which works for you is something you must research.

One candidate has an Education plan that I can get on board with, while the other leaves a nasty taste in my mouth. Immigration reform, the War, Terrorism and Energy. There are even more important topics, and more that hit home for so many. Unemployment, Taxes and Women's Rights.

I hope that everyone has done their research, and made the best choice for them and their family.

Boo has been learning a little about the Presidential Election the past couple weeks at school. She knows who both Obama and McCain are, and what they are running for. At 6 years old she has her own opinions about who should win, for all the local races as well.

If you ask her about Norm Coleman or Al Franken, she will give you her opinion. If you ask her about Michelle Bachman, she will tell you about the interview on Hardball.

Kids know what is happening in the country tomorrow, and not only because we vote at their schools. Kids are subject to the ads as much as we are, and they know when someone is playing nasty.

I have noticed that the ads are more vicious this time around, for any race. McCain attacking Obama, Franken attacking Coleman. It has been hard to stomach, and forces a changing of the channel. We have watched a lot of movies the past couple weeks. We just can't take anymore.

While the world is watching the election tomorrow, I will be also be counting done the stop of the campaign ads. I am ready for this part to be over, and ready to move forward as a country united.

Make sure your vote is heard. It is your right to vote, so please take the time to find your polling place and VOTE!!!

Can I have this Dance

Sunday Big Sis and I took Boo to see High School Musical 3, only Boo had no idea.

She didn't even think when I told her to put on her pink HSM shirt.


Or when I asked to take her picture...I told her I wanted to see her cute new hair cut (isn't it cute!).

She loved the movie. She even got misty at a couple parts (won't say which, don't want to be a spoiler). We had a good time, the girls and I.

Now, the photo montage of Boo's surprise...












I love making this smile come out. And I am so glad that Big Sis had the great idea to go all together. She is the best Auntie ever!!

A recap

It is flingin-flangin cold out today, with winds hitting close to 40 mph. Not a good time when your office seems to have a wind tunnel effect.


So, while I tame my now crazy hair here are some fun facts of the weekend...

-In the past 6 days I have seen my sister 4 times! I think I might have DT's today from Big Sis Withdrawl.
-Boo finally has something moving...and you will have to figure out what.
-With all Hunter's homework issues, he didn't get to pick out his costume...Boo did. She was nice, and it is HILARIOUS! I can't wait for Friday.
-There is something to be said for having lunch with 3 women and their children. The best conversations in a long time were had. I can't wait for next time!!
-Boo got two spares and a strike at bowling this weekend. She was through the roof!
-I spent 7 hours scrap booking with Big Sis on Friday. I will share the finished products later.
-I still haven't done my NKOTB post...I promise it is coming! The weekend got away from me.



More later tonight!

I know, I owe you pictures and the run down from the concert. I am working on it, I promise! Let me just say, it was a blast!!

Tonight I am off to a late night scrapbooking extravaganza with Big Sis. What am I working on? Vegas baby! It was only over a year ago.

Don't judge!

So, tomorrow I will post at least some of the pictures from the concert, and pick my chin up, wipe up the drool and stop singing long enough to do a run down.

Sneaky little boogers

Remember last year, when my friend and sister snuck in for my birthday BBQ...after both of them told me that they couldn't come. Lying little boogers.

Well, once again they snuck in, without me really knowing what was going on. At least one of them did.

This past Saturday I turned 29. Yippee...

The kids had bowling, then we went to my Dad's for a late lunch. After, my mom picked up the kids, and we went off to dinner with friends that came into town.

As we got to the restaurant, my hubby just stood there not checking in. I asked him if he wanted me to check in, and he says "We are over there". And there is Big Sis and my Brother-In-Law. Lying boogers.

As we hug, since I had seen her two hours before at Dads, and I laughed at them tricking me once again, a person walked up and asked a question I can't even remember. My friend from Lanesboro, another lying booger.

Going to a wedding my butt!

She drove up, and was waiting by the bathrooms for me to sit down.

I was so happy to see her.

After I got done giving them all a hard time for tricking me, we had appetizers, drinks and a lot of laughs.

We went cosmic bowling, where I ran into a friend from long ago, and had a blast. I even beat Hubby the final game!! It was such a great time. We played darts, had cocktails and listened to the band when we were done bowling. My Sister-In-Law and her boyfriend even came by for a drink.

Thank you, for tricking me once again. Thank you for being lying boogers!! I love you!!!

Clean your room!!

So my house is going down the tubes...cleaning wise. I have been having the hardest time keeping up with things, and it will not get better as the winter holidays get closer.

So I have an idea, and would LOVE your opinions.

A chore list, who does what and on what days.

While Boo is 6, she can still do chores. I did chores until the day I moved out of my parents house, and they started when I was very young.

I am not talking just cleaning your room, that is standard no way around it normal. I mean, cleaning the cluttered hallway, helping with a bathroom or sweeping. She is more than ready, and lives here too! lol

Hunter already takes one of the bathrooms on his weekends here. Yes, he is only here for maybe 10 days the month, but he is a messy boy, and needs to chip in too. Plus, he like to play the "None of my friends have to do chores" card, and that makes me want to give him more to do. I am just mean like that I guess.

My point you may be wondering...

What do you have your kids do as chores. How old were they when you started having them do chores?

I am looking for input please! I am so unclear where to start with this, but it needs to be done.