But Such is Life. . .

Look who saw it!

2010-02-02T09:54:00.004-06:00

It, being his shadow!! Six more weeks of winter for us!

As I was driving the Little Miss to school this morning she told me this...

Little Miss: Mommy, the snow looks pretty when it first falls.

Me: This is true.

Little Miss: But then it's not very pretty and we have to play on the blacktop because it makes the grass all mushy.

Of course, I'm thinking she's brilliant!

AVATAR

2010-01-31T15:51:00.002-06:00

Hubby and I saw AVATAR today and I really enjoyed it!

Although we looked like dorks with our glasses on, the special effects were amazing!

I do not recommend it for little ones and my kids won't be seeing it.

Winter, be gone!

2010-01-31T10:12:00.003-06:00

Winter, be gone!

Is it possible to skip February and head right on into spring?

Ideas about that?

Psalm 118:24

2010-01-27T05:59:00.000-06:00

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Yucky weather and all...let's try to enjoy it!

"Don't tell me you peed in my kitchen glass!"

2010-01-23T20:10:00.007-06:00

Amazingly enough, I was mopping the bathroom floors yesterday. Bubby came in and told me he needed to go to the restroom. Both bathroom floors were wet and I told him he just needed to wait a few minutes. He left the room. A couple minutes later he comes in carrying a glass. As I started at the glass I thought to myself, "He's playing a trick on me...did I have apple juice in the fridge?" I realized that I indeed did NOT have any juice in the fridge and he had absolutely peed in my kitchen glass. I started at him, stunned. Then I told him he needed to leave the room while I thought about how to handle this. So...I told him that since he had peed in my kitchen glass he had to drink it! He look at me with eyes the size of quarters and asked if I was serious. Initially, I told him yes...and then I quickly told him no. However, I explained that it was disgusting. I also asked him why he didn't go in one of his Transformer cups (I'm sure that would be gross!). I repeatedly told myself that urine is sterile, informed him that I'd prefer him go off the back porch then in a glass, and told him that the floor can always be dried with a towel.Wow...what was he thinking?? That it would be cool to pee in a glass? I don't get it!!

Back to School...me, not them!

2010-01-22T15:33:00.004-06:00

I've tossed it around. Thought long and hard about it. Prayed about it. Stewed about it. Talked about it. And finally, I took the plunge.

Next Monday I go back to school, full-time. Some call me crazy.

My sisters think I'm nuts. Actually, maybe I think I'm nuts too!

But....here goes nothing!!

More to come about that later!

In other news...

I find this humorous. You all know that I'm not a Barry O fan!

This is the picture that MSN had up today.

Me thinks that the winds are changing and our dear media is reporting a different kind of news then they were a year ago!

SICK OF IT!!

2010-01-19T11:14:00.002-06:00

You know what? I'm so stinking sick of hearing about Barry's health care reform!!

I have one simple question.

If insurance companies are going to be required to get rid of pre-existing conditions

and they aren't going to be able to charge more to people with past problems,

who is going to wind up paying for all these new folks they're covering?

Answer: All of us!

Everyone's premiums are going to go up and we are ALL going to feel it...

except the good folks in D.C. because they get special stuff that the rest of us "don't deserve"!

Isn't change great?

iPhone...what did I do before we met?

2010-01-18T16:43:00.007-06:00

I have a confession!

I'm having a love affair...with my phone!

I text.

I call (with my new blue tooth).

I facebook.

I google.

I read Fox News.

I check my emails.

I download apps.

I play Words with Friends (up to 20 games at a time)

and Labyrinth 2.

I'm out of control!

Umm....my phone's ringing...gotta go!

Happy 100!

2010-01-17T19:56:00.001-06:00

Holy smokes...I finally made it! One hundred followers...

Thanks to all who read my posts!

Five Little Pups

2010-01-14T23:49:00.009-06:00

Remember Spike??

Spike was supposed to be a boy...and we got him a male friend except

NOT really!!

Remember Spikette??

Well, they were more then just friends!

Actually, hubby and I got an interesting National Geographic lesson a few weeks ago...

Look what they did!

She's a good little momma!

Interesting fact: Gerbil daddies actually help with the rearing and he's very protective.
Interesting fact #2: Gerbils make more babies immediately after delivery (that ain't right, by the way) and she's probably pregnant as I type.

The warrior is a child

2010-01-14T11:27:00.003-06:00

"It's not about being who everyone else wants you to be, it's about being yourself and finding someone who loves every bit of it"

I found this quote today and I like it! Couldn't find who came up with it. I'm a bit of an outgoing person...what you see is what you get. I'm not saying that I don't have to be responsible for how I act, however, it's important to be accepted for who we really are. I'm one of those people that can act like everything is okay...people don't know that sometimes I go home to cry. I have a strong personality but have often wished that it wasn't so. I don't wear make up, would rather wear comfy clothes then dress up, and probably not as "ladylike" as my mother hoped I would be. Life is a strange thing. What makes us who we are? How does are personality develop? What do you think?

Twila Paris sang a song several years ago (we won't try to figure out how long ago it really was because that would probably be a little depressing) and the chorus says a lot.

"They don't know that I go running home when I fall down. They don't know who picks me up when no one is around. I drop my sword and cry for just a while, 'Cause deep inside this armor, The warrior is a child."

On call

2010-01-11T07:13:00.004-06:00

I had signed up today for an extra eight hour shift. Eight hour shifts are wonderful and the bonus money is such a bonus!! So...they call me at 0450 to let me know that I am on call. Here I am, two and a half hours later, still awake. I was sleeping so well! I suppose that mommy will have to take a nap while the kids are at school today.

Yes, you read right...while the kids are at school today! Hallelujah, they are going back to school! That might sound bad, however, they have had a bit too much togetherness recently and are bickering like crazy. It's amazing how they have learned to push each other's buttons and know just how to irritate the other. Their recent tattling has about driven me nuts and no telling how many times I've said "Stop touching each other" or "You're not allowed to talk to each other or look at each other" which works so well (note the sarcasm). I do love my little rugrats!

It is supposed to be a balmy 36 degrees today and believe it or not that actually sounds warm! The sun is peeking it's little head out and showing us that it really does exist...thank goodness! Everyone, try to stay warm...this global warming is something, isn't it??

It's been awhile...

2010-01-07T22:44:00.005-06:00

Wow! I haven't posted since Christmas Day. I'm not sure where all the time has gone and for some reason I haven't felt like I've had alot to say. Could be that I'm frozen...it is 2 degrees outside at the moment! Listen to me be positive about these arctic temperatures--the snow sure looks pretty at night. That's all I have to say about that!

I got an email tonight from my hubby's aunt and I LOVED it. Have to share it! It's from Zion's Hope and it has incredible meaning!

TEN TRUTHS FOR A TRIUMPHANT NEW YEAR

...from the Heart of Marv Rosenthal

10 THE CHRISTIAN IS CONTINUALLY CONFRONTED WITH GREAT OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE BRILLIANTLY DISGUISED AS INSOLVABLE PROBLEMS.
In 2010 you will have problems. You can mark it down and count on it. Nobody enjoys problems, but our Lord permits problems to enter our lives. How we respond to them is the
critical issue. Problems are often the gateway to the greatest blessings. Therefore, view your problems as opportunities to reflect God’s glory.

9 OBSTACLES ARE THOSE FRIGHTFUL THINGS YOU SEE WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR EYES OFF GOD.
So don’t take your eyes off the Savior. Spend less time watching the news, biting your nails, and fretting over the direction of our country. Spend more time in God’s Word!

8 IT IS NEVER RIGHT TO DO WRONG TO DO RIGHT.
The end never justifies the means. Good intentions never justify wrong behavior. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is never acceptable behavior for the believer.

7 NO PROBLEM CAN WITHSTAND THE ASSAULT OF IMPASSIONED PRAYER.
There is great truth in the phrase that "prayer moves the heart that moves the world."

6 DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY DOES NOT NEGATE HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY.
You can’t steer a parked car. God does not lead Christians who stay home, fold their hands, and "wait for their ship to come in." God doesn’t always provide us with the proverbial handwriting on the wall. Step out in faith in accordance with biblical principles and the Lord will direct your paths.

5 YESTERDAY IS A CANCELLED CHECK; TOMORROW IS A PROMISSORY NOTE; TODAY IS THE ONLY CASH YOU HAVE – SO SPEND IT WISELY.
"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest" (John 4:35). "Jesus, may I live every day for You with eternity’s values in view." This should be our daily prayer.

4 A BELIEVER'S MIND, ONCE STRETCHED BY A NEW TRUTH FROM GOD’S WORD, NEVER CONTRACTS TO ITS ORIGINAL DIMENSIONS.
We grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord. That means we must sometimes have the courage to let go of wrong concepts and embrace new ones. Sometimes saying "I was wrong" is a sign of strength. Only with a worldview that is garrisoned by God’s Word can we rightly understand where we came from, where we are heading, and how to live between those two points.

3 PROGRESS ALWAYS INVOLVES RISK. AS THE OLD BASEBALL SAYING GOES, "YOU CAN’T STEAL SECOND BASE WHILE KEEPING YOUR FOOT ON FIRST BASE."
All Christian advances require that men and women of faith dare to accomplish great things for God in harmony with His will for their lives.

2 JESUS CAME TO PAY A DEBT HE DID NOT OWE, BECAUSE WE OWED A DEBT WE COULD NOT PAY.
Salvation is all of grace – and the proper and acceptable response to grace is undying gratitude to God that should be evidenced in our daily lives through our attitudes and actions.

1 JESUS IS COMING AGAIN!
Whether it be by resurrection or rapture, Christ’s coming is the believer’s Blessed Hope. We just can’t lose. We are more than conquerors through Christ. So, enter the New Year triumphantly!

Christmas

2009-12-25T15:02:00.000-06:00

Have a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Week

2009-12-22T00:59:00.002-06:00

Life is busy, especially the week of Christmas. I'm sure that everyone feels like time is passing faster then they can keep up. I sure do!!

A friend of mine lost her father last week from a massive heart attack. It's always difficult to lose loved ones, especially when it was not expected. As she shared a little with me earlier today, I thought about what we take for granted and how we need to cherish the time we have now. It's so easy to get caught up in the hubbub of kid's games, piano lessons, school, and every other activity out there.

I love my family. I'm thankful that I have a job in this difficult time when so many are struggling without one. How fortunate I am that we are healthy and have a nice home that is safe and warm. Thank you Lord, for the blessings that you have poured out on me and my family.

FOOT ART?

2009-12-18T20:15:00.005-06:00

I was sitting at the computer earlier this evening and looked over to see this:

Maybe this is a better angle!

Silly girl!!

Tasty Tuesday is TOO Yummy this week!!

2009-12-15T17:38:00.005-06:00

Aunt Katy, Uncle Rick and I made homemade caramel popcorn and now I'm going to share this fabulously sinful recipe with the rest of you! Print it and make it! You'll love me and hate me for it all at the same time!! Guaranteed!!

**Fill a disposable turkey roasting pan with fresh-popped hot air popcorn. Add a handful or two of peanuts if desired**

Caramel Popcorn

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup white corn syrup

1 cup butter

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Cook first five ingredients to hard ball stage (260 degrees). Stir constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda. Pour over popcorn. Mix well. (There were two of us with large spoons working hard to make sure all the popcorn was covered) Bake for one hour at 200 degrees...make sure you mix the popcorn every 15 minutes while baking. Pour out on wax paper. Break popcorn apart and let cool. Store in air tight container.

Eat and Enjoy!!

Family Jenga!

2009-12-13T19:51:00.005-06:00

Our family has always been into games. Hubby and I try to set aside nights to play with the kids. Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Sorry!, Jenga, Connect 4, Checkers...and the list goes on.

Bubby is concentrating while trying to set daddy up to fail!
Daddy's turn

Little Miss is the mouthy one...harassing everyone while talking about what a wonderful player she is.

I so didn't want to put this picture of myself...but here I am.

Little Miss says "Whoever loses has to give me some lovin'". I was the first to take it down and the second game Bubby lost. So she looks at him and says, "Give me some sugar!". And yes, he was grossed out at the thought of that!
My kids are silly!

I feel blessed!

2009-12-12T23:29:00.002-06:00

What a relaxing day this has been! The whole family did nothing productive...and it was wonderful! How nice to not have to be anywhere, ignore the outside world, and just hang out together. All four of us laid down for naps (three of us took them...Little Miss has never been much on naps). Saturdays like this are, unfortunately, few and far between. I feel blessed!

ZOOM!!

2009-12-09T21:48:00.002-06:00

ZOOOOOOOM!! That's how fast the time is going. Oh my goodness, it's only 16 days until Christmas and I'm so not ready. This year I get to work Christmas Eve, the weekend after Christmas, and New Year's Day (yes, I also got to work Thanksgiving). Notice how I say I "get" to...are you totally digging my positive attitude? I know I've said this before but I wish that I could push the pause button on life. Life just seems to keep going and somehow I seem to get left behind at times.

So, hubby and I were sitting on the sofa a little while ago, getting ready to put the kids to bed. Little Miss was playing on the computer and bubby was finishing up his bath. Out of the corner of my eye I see this little creature run past me and around the piano. Believe it or not, it wasn't the gerbils (still waiting to find out if we're going to have babies soon) but the guinea pig. Slick then darted behind the sofa and ran behind the Christmas Tree (which of course, is in the corner and hard to get behind) where he immediately dropped little guinea pig turds. Finally, we chased him down the hall and into bubby's bedroom where we eventually got him back into his cage. Why did I think that these little creatures were a good idea?? Remind me!!

Last week I went over to my aunt's house and we made peanut butter fudge and homemade caramel popcorn. TO DIE FOR!! I got some really cute little containers from dollar general (for $2) and filled them up with popcorn. With baggies full of fudge and little porcelain snowmen in tow we delivered teacher's presents already! Bubby's teacher is having a baby in nine days and I didn't want to not get it to her and have to eat her gift. I plan on posting the recipe next week for that popcorn and believe me, you'll want to try it!!

I work the next two days...have a glorious end of the week!

Three trees for our house!

2009-12-06T16:46:00.005-06:00

The last several years I've had a pretty ribbon on top of my tree, but this year we decided to go with a star. We took the time to talk to the kids about why we put a star on the top of the Christmas tree and what the star did all those years ago.

I did give up my "theme tree" and allowed Santa Clause and reindeer, etc. I know it's not about me...but it was still hard!

Little Miss' tree! Notice the pink feather boas with porcelain doll and pink roses. Love the shatter proof plastic ornaments.

Bubby picked the colors of the Power Rangers (minus pink). So boy!

The journey getting these trees up can be stressful, however, the end result is so pretty!!

Looking forward to this...

2009-12-04T23:38:00.003-06:00

I am proud to admit that I am a Sarah Palin supporter... ...looking forward to what I hope is a great read!
I'll let you know!

What is it about infomercials?

2009-12-03T09:30:00.004-06:00

What is it about infomercials?? Or QVC?? It's like they have some sort of hypnotic powers! The other night we were watching some infomercial about this belt that works your ab muscles...I'm looking at it and thinking "I could look like that...I just have to buy the belt!". Of course, these women were size 4 and had some of the most amazing abs EVER! By the way, I did NOT buy the belt.

QVC had some skinny jeans on the other evening and again...I'm thinking "I need skinny jeans...they'll make me look skinny". Of course, I don't really think that is what skinny jeans are for. My little sis, who is almost 18, asked for skinny jeans and flats for Christmas. I used to wear skinny jeans and flats back in high school!! It's crazy how all the styles come full circle. Do you think we'll be tight rolling our pants soon and ratting our bangs while spraying Aqua net? I've learned that I'll never say "never" because I've had to eat my words before.

While I had the flu and was vegetating in front of the TV, I came across Montel Williams and he was doing a show (infomercial) about his new Healthmaster, a food emulsifier. This time I actually broke down and purchased it. The first evening we made fruit smoothies with two oranges, 2 whole apples (seeds and all), a banana, and frozen strawberries. My kids loved it! The next morning I made them an apple and banana smoothie with spinach and they drank that as well. Think of all the fiber they're getting--It might just be worth it! Looking forward to pineapple sorbet!

Call me Oscar the Grouch

2009-12-01T09:09:00.008-06:00

I'm a grump...a crab...call me Oscar the Grouch! Somehow I woke up scowling and haven't felt like smiling yet. I hate to admit it, but as I was helping my kids get ready for school, I wasn't the most pleasant mommy. My answers were short and my voice was probably louder than it should have been. It has been one of those mornings where I keep thinking to myself "Why are you acting this way? Why are you saying these things? Why don't you keep your mouth shut?"

I work again tomorrow and I sit and look at the house. The bathrooms need cleaned. The kitchen needs cleaned. My bedroom is a wreck. And I want to climb in bed and ignore it all.

My mother-in-law always says "This too shall pass," and it will. My crabbiness will get better, the house will finally get cleaned, and life in general won't look so bleak. I know that I have so much to be thankful for, especially as we enter this Chritmas season, and I need to focus on that which is positive. It's supposed to be 55 degrees and sunny today...I should probably go out and get some Vitamin D therapy.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

The greatest part of our happiness depends on our dispositions, not our circumstances. -- Martha Washington

WHAT TO DO?

2009-11-28T20:28:00.004-06:00

Whew...have I ever said that twelve hour shifts are long? I like my job but at the end of the day my feet hurt!

As many know, I went part-time back in early October (or right around there) and I really enjoy the time off. I have considered going back full-time through June, when the kids will finish summer school. Hubby and I think that it would be a real opportunity to save for a down payment on a house or finish paying off the credit cards.

It's really a tough decision because on the days that I work hubby has to get the kids up and ready for school, put in his 8-hour work day, pick the kids up from his mom's, feed the kids, get them ready for bed, and put them to bed. There are times that they are already down when I get home from work or I'm just too exhausted to give them the attention they need. I can guarantee that there will be more fast food meals because I won't be home to cook. Plus, there's just something "right" about me being able to pick them up almost everyday from school.

I have considered trying to find something one day a week for eight hours...then I would be home at a decent time.

Hmmm...maybe I should be prayerful about this? How is it that I forget this simple solution. I've often thought that it would be so much easier if God would talk to me in a burning bush...or send me a big news flash...or hit me over the head with the answer.

So, What To Do??

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

Off to work I go...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-25T18:12:00.003-06:00

Anyone know a good plastic surgeon??

It's amazing what people can do with photoshopping...

...at least I hope this is digital photo manipulation!

Somehow I'm never able to be "wordless"!

PARK DAY--LOVE IT!!

2009-11-23T08:50:00.006-06:00

WHAT A GORGEOUS SUNDAY AFTERNOON IT WAS!

Little Miss is more than happy to pose for me, no matter what (although I'm not sure you can tell by this face)...
...while Bubby never asks for it but will say "Mom, look at me..."
I interpret that as "Mom, take a picture even though I'd never ask..."

It always amazes me how they can make friends at the park and play like they've known that other child forever

I actually got a genuine smile here! He tells me "I doesn't know how to smile". When he was little, it came so easy...

She is my monkey, where he is more cautious...

BOTH are beautiful!

THE BEST PUMPKIN PIE EVER!!

2009-11-22T17:43:00.004-06:00

I usually try to post recipes on Tuesdays but this is sooo yummy, I don't want it to be too late!I always use Libby's Pumpkin, however, I don't follow the recipe exact. This is how hubby's grandma made her pies and they were the absolute BEST!!

Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie

(with a few changes!!)

2 unbaked pie crusts (No, I don't make my own...it was a flop!)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

I leave out the cloves!

1/2 cup brown sugar (the recipe doesn't call for this)

3 eggs (the recipe calls for two)

1 1/2 cups (12oz can) Evaporated milk

Then follow the directions on the can!

Believe me...you won't regret it if you follow this recipe.

Now, I have some pumpkin pie to go eat...and Oh My Goodness...there's egg nog too! We'll worry about our weight later!

SPIKETTE?

2009-11-22T12:11:00.003-06:00

Remember Spike? Well...me being the idiot that I apparently am...decided to get Spike a friend. The people at the pet store said that since he's a male I could get another male and they might not fight. If they did, I was told that I could bring him back.

There was NO fighting at all when I put the new friend in the cage. As a matter of fact, they happily sniffed each other's rear ends (Did you think dogs only did that??). I started thinking... Is Spike really a he?? Thank goodness for the internet because I was able to look at pictures on how to tell the difference between male and female gerbils. Guess what folks? I'm thinking Spike is really a Spikette.

Who wants some gerbil pups? As you can see, they are in love!

Told you I'm an idiot!

CAN I HIBERNATE?

2009-11-18T08:59:00.004-06:00

This weather is incapacitating to me...I think I could just hibernate. Yesterday, after my shower, I put a clean pair of flannel PJs on and stayed in them all day. Several of my friends on Facebook have been mentioning the snow and how they are looking forward to it. I'd be happy to never see snow again. That's not true...I'd be okay seeing it...I just don't need to experience it. Driving in the snow and ice at 5:30 in the morning so I can get to work on time is not my idea of fun!

Trying hard to "bloom" but it's hard when it's gray, rainy, and 30 degrees. How am I going to get through this winter? Here's where I pause and realize that it's still fall...more than 4 weeks away from actual winter. Here's where I also see that it's 79 degrees in that awful place we left last year. Here's where I question my sanity for leaving. Here's where I need to LET IT GO!

Contentment...where or where can it be?

Jolly Mom's Giveaway...I could use this one!

2009-11-17T09:16:00.002-06:00

Jolly Mom will be giving away an HP Touchsmart 600 starting Novemeber 23rd!

Microsoft and HP collaborated to create best-in-class touch technology that melds the power of Windows 7 with HP’s revolutionary TouchSmart PCs. The HP TouchSmart 600 showcases this technology within its sleek design, HD widescreen, BluRay, adjustable webcam and more. It offers limitless potential for enhancing life at home.

I could really use one of these, couldn't you??

Tasty Tuesday is back!

2009-11-17T09:03:00.003-06:00

PUMPKIN CAKE ROLL

(click on image for printer friendly recipe)

Beat three eggs for five minutes
Add 1 cup sugar and 2/3 cup pumpkin
Mix in 3/4 cup flour
1 T baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt

Mix ingredients together then spread in cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Spread tea towel out and sprinkle with powdered sugar, then roll cake in tea towel. Chill.

Filling:
1 cup powdered sugar
3 oz cream cheese
4 T butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Unroll cake and spread filling. Reroll and chill. You can sprinkle more powdered sugar over top when serving if desired. Enjoy!

BUBBY'S CHRISTMAS PICK

2009-11-16T16:57:00.003-06:00

Apparently, this is one of the big Christmas hits for the year...Bubby has already let me know that he wants one. For those with little men, you might keep this in mind.

(info copied from Amazon)

Maxus Dragonoid is a combination of 7 Bakugan (1 Bakugan and 6 Bakugan Trap) that unite to form the ultimate monster

The 6 Bakugan Trap that make up Maxus Dragonoid are unique to the Maxus Dragonoid monster and cannot be found in any other Bakugan products

Comes with Grakas Hound, Dark Hound, Grafias, Brachium, Spitarm, SpyderFencer & Neo Dragonoid

All the Bakugan that compose Maxus Dragonoid can also be used individually in the game

1 Bakugan and 7 Bakugan Traps unite into ONE.

WELL WORTH THE READ...

2009-11-14T21:21:00.003-06:00

**Well worth the read...

regardless of party affiliation**

The following letter was read on Glenn Beck's show. Americans everywhere can identify with this 53-year-old woman from Arizona. She has given us a voice.

(This is from way back in June but I missed it and want to share it)

GLENN BECK: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona . She writes an open letter to our nation's leadership:

"I am a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. Instead, we are burdened with Congressional Dukes and Duchesses who think they know better than the citizens they are supposed to represent.
There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would feel so horribly disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut-job am I? Well, these briefly are the views and issues for which I seek representation:

One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This is not to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the STIMULUS bill. I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you No, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three, Czars. I want the circumvention of our constitutional checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution, and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There are many conflicting opinions and it is too soon for this radical legislation. Quit throwing our nation into politically-correct quicksand.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision that will burden me, my children, and grandchildren. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night without even reading it. Slow down! Fix only what is broken -- we have the best health care system in the world -- and test any new program in one or two states first.

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. More is not better! Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real [Constitutional] obligations. Why don't you start there.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes -- how did they pull that one off? Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with any of our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs -- and that is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person! Why do you want me to hate my employers? And what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Every company must sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. (Have you ever ripped off a Band-Aid?) We will pull together.. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please stop trying to manipulate and appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.Take a breath. Listen to the people. Slow down and get some input from non-politicians and experts on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed-reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent.. I work. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is needless urgency and recklessness in all of your recent spending of our tax dollars.

From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back.. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on bringing our concerns to Washington . Our president often knows all the right buzzwords like unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.

We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented.. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work, pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone... and we are now looking at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic freedom spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us who will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution, and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them.. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you.
If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming."

BLOOM WHERE YOU'RE PLANTED

2009-11-14T05:58:00.006-06:00

I am where I am for a reason...I need to remember "Bloom where you're planted"

(taken in beautiful Hawaii)

Be happy where I am, thankful for what I have, looking forward to the future...

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-11T08:54:00.001-06:00

He's singing...seriously! We had a blast at last year's American Idol tour!

Hi ho, hi ho...it's back to work I go

2009-11-09T23:25:00.004-06:00

Hi ho, hi ho...it's back to work tomorrow. I have been off for the past 17 days and it just doesn't seem possible. For the most part, I am better, but I still have the cough that's holding on. Today I went out for lunch and by the time I got home I felt like I'd ran a marathon. It will be interesting to see what a 12-hour shift does, huh?

Praise report: I follow Mckmama at My Charming kids and her little Stellan has come through surgery with huge success! Praise God!!

Happy Tuesday...God is good!

Spike!

2009-11-07T18:20:00.006-06:00

Before Little Miss's 6th Birthday we asked her what she wanted... I asked her if she wanted a bike and she replied "Mom, you already got me one of those...found it in the garage a few days ago." Little Stinker!

The only thing she asked for was an animal "just like bubby's". We had bought him a guinea pig and I decided that we didn't need two in the house. I could just imagine the arguments about whose guinea pig was the best. My other fear was that, somehow, she'd wind up with a guinea that actually was better and liked to be held and petted. So, after much thought we decided on a gerbil because it actually stays up during the day and has less tendency to bite than a hamster.

Meet Spike!

Kinda cute in a mousy kind of way!

I consider myself a fairly intelligent person, most of the time. This little piece right here connects to his cage and came with some litter because supposedly gerbils/hamsters/other small critters can be pottie trained to only go in there! Can you read gullible on my forehead from where you're sitting?? It actually came with a little yellow shovel to scoop the poo as well. Can you believe I seriously fell for it? Duh!

I've found out what it REALLY is. It's an escape pod. It's where he goes to get out of his cage. There's nothing worse then sitting here at my computer, happily typing away, and see this little white, furry critter scurry under my chair. We've found him everytime so far, but I always have this fear he's going to get into the vents or something. I think my mother planted that in my mind when I was a child and my hamster kept getting out of it's cage.

So here's my question?? How do you persuade the child to get rid of it??

Something to think about...

2009-11-06T11:26:00.004-06:00

"Through clever and constant application of propaganda, people can be made to see paradise as hell, and also the other way around, to consider the most wretched sort of life as paradise." (Adolf Hitler)

I only share this because I'm afraid that it's happening and most don't realize it...

Smile!

2009-11-05T12:18:00.004-06:00

What has made you smile today? This little fella from the San Francisco zoo brought a grin to my face.

photo by George Nikitin

Worldless Wednesday

2009-11-04T20:13:00.004-06:00

Happy Humpday...Friday will be here soon!

(yes, still sick but now on antibiotics, Tamiflu, codeine cough syrup and Advil...)

My turn...and a little pumpkin carving

2009-11-03T19:30:00.008-06:00

Anyone getting sick of hearing about the flu?? Oh yeah...that was me that posted about it in my last post like two minutes ago...

Bubby will not be going to school tomorrow--poor little guy is coughing so bad he gags, though fever is gone. Little Miss WILL be back in school (thank goodness). Unfortunately, I started coughing last night before bed and I woke up this morning with the aches and yup...my fever is 101 (update: make that 102). So, I guess it's my turn.

WE DID ENJOY OUR PUMPKIN CARVING!

I carved this one...honestly, I was kinda impressed with myself! By the way, those little carving kits are pretty cool!

Daddy also participated...

Little Miss enjoyed doing hers and wanted to "count the seeds". Yeah, that didn't happen!

Thank goodness that they're old enough to do this part now!!

Congressman Blasts H1N1 Vaccine Distribution to Gitmo Detainees During Shortage - FOXNews.com

2009-11-03T19:26:00.003-06:00

And I say...SERIOUS??

Congressman Blasts H1N1 Vaccine Distribution to Gitmo Detainees During Shortage - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

Most know that I didn't get the vaccine, however, the majority of the United State's citizens that want it haven't either and we're giving it to suspected terrorists (WHO ARE BASICALLY IN A QUARANTINED SITUATION ALREADY)??

What do you think?? Would they be doing the same thing for our guys??

Getting better...

2009-11-02T22:28:00.003-06:00

Slowly but surely we're getting there!

Little Miss is feeling better and is back to being her little stinker self. Bubby is still running a fever (now on day four) but it is lower and he's acting more himself. They were actually out of school today and Tuesday anyways...so here's hoping they'll be back in the game, come Wednesday.

Both Home Sick

2009-10-30T17:41:00.007-05:00

Bubby woke us up about 6am this morning because he had a headache, his nose was so stuffy, and he had a dry cough. His fever was 102.2 so I gave him an Ibuprofen and decongestant then sent him back to bed. His headache and sore throat has stayed away all day and so did the high fever. Unfortunately, evening is at hand and his fever is back up to 102.4...you can tell he just feels yucky.

Little Miss has ran a low grade fever all day...this is day three for her. She too has a dry, unproductive cough but without complaints of aches, headache or stuffiness. Hopefully, she'll be through all of it soon.

Funny that neither one of them feel too bad to irritate the other...I've been dealing with that all day...

Now hubby and I stare at each other and wonder, who is next? And is this just some bug or could it be a case of mild H1N1 or the seasonal flu?

Giveaway Winner!

2009-10-29T23:55:00.003-05:00

Wow! Somehow I lost track of time and it's time to announce the winner of my giveaway. There were 15 comments left and I used Random.org to pick my winner. And the winner is....

Amanda, at Lunchbox Limbo

Amanda, you have 48 hours to collect your prize! Message me and I'll make arrangements to send it your way! Congratulations!

Is it SAD?

2009-10-29T18:33:00.003-05:00

Where has the time gone? For those of you that haven't thought about it...Christmas is 57 days away. Haven't started my shopping yet, how about you??

This grey and overcast rainy weather is depressing the heck out of me. My mother-in-law tells me I have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Of course, I read the description on Web MD and I thought we just might all have a bit of SAD. I went out to lunch with a girlfriend the other day and she actually said "I can't wait for the snow". That just seems crazy to me and I don't understand that line of thought. Snow is okay if I don't have to be anywhere and it melts in it's entirety in about 24 hours. I'm already thinking and saying "I can't wait for the sun and warm weather" which unfortunately, is several months away. By the way, don't forget that your clocks fall back an hour on November 1st. Then it can be cold and dark... This is a picture of that awful place we lived last summer on the gulf coast. This was 15 minutes from my house and now I'm thinking maybe I was a little crazy...

Little Miss hasn't been herself spunky little self the last few days. She's been crying at the drop of a hat, seems so sleepy and has had a cough. I kept her home from school today (much to her dismay) and she told me all day she felt fine. As a matter of fact, she cried for two hours this morning when she woke up and realized bubby was at school while she'd been left behind. Of course, I told her that it was evident to me that she indeed did need to be home if she was going to cry like that. This evening I used my beloved and accurate glass thermometer and she had a fever of 100.0--will keep a close eye on it tonight. Amazingly she took the news that she would not being to school again okay. Bubby pipes in, "Am I going to school tomorrow?". As if....

Bubby is nine!

2009-10-27T10:05:00.009-05:00

Bubby had his 9th Birthday! He decided he wanted to have it at Burger King...initially I thought that there were better options but we really had a ball! He's going through that phase where he doesn't know how to smile...Blowing out the candles...

I know he's growing up because he actually reads the cards...

We got kid's meals for all the kids...that was fun to keep straight

I was trying to show my pretty blue teeth off from the cake. Thought I'd share this because we moms really are at the parties, we're just not usually seen!

The children had a blast playing in the play area but somehow I missed pictures of that because I was trying to get everything else done.

I recommend a party at Burger King...it was very affordable and the kid's had fun...which is the most important thing!

First word that comes to mind...

2009-10-26T23:42:00.002-05:00

First word that comes to mind when you see this picture...please share

I'm so not "techy"

2009-10-26T23:00:00.003-05:00

Thank goodness that my internet is up and working again! Of course, I feel like a complete moron because the reason it wasn't working was MY fault. Not to everyone and self: Make sure you have a filter on all phone lines if you have DSL...life without internet just didn't feel right!!

Hard Wallet Giveaway

2009-10-24T20:33:00.002-05:00

At my in-law's house...again...darn computer!

Just a reminder that my giveaway ends on this coming Wednesday, October 28th. For more information follow this link.

My computer is sick...

2009-10-21T16:25:00.002-05:00

My computer is sick...at my in-laws right now...and will hopefully be back on next Monday. If I'm not back on before then, have a fabulous weekend!

Tasty Tuesday: Chicken & Rice

2009-10-20T22:04:00.003-05:00

This is one of those super easy, put all the ingredients in one pan and forget about it meals!

Chicken & Rice

1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can cream of celery
1 pkg. onion soup mix
1 cup water
3 cups rice (yes, I use Minute Rice)
4 chicken breasts

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes

Pretty in Pink

2009-10-18T16:11:00.003-05:00

My pretty princess...

Gratitude Challenge

2009-10-17T23:55:00.003-05:00

I was visiting "Deal"ightfully Frugal and I saw the "Gratitude Challenge". Last month I posted Gratitude Attitude and I shared about how I often forget all that I have to be thankful for. I've also mentioned some of my greatest struggles and how I sometimes have the tendency to feel really sorry for myself, while forgetting to see the blessings in my life.

So...I'm taking the Gratitude Challenge, a 21-day challenge created to help you take note of the brighter side of life. I'm planning on sharing what I learn on my journey and how I feel about the blessings I so often neglect, ignore or just plain don't see.

Feel free to join me on this journey!

It's the sun!!

2009-10-16T20:41:00.002-05:00

For those of you that don't remember...this is the sun...and I have really, really good news!
It's still out there. I know this to be true because it peeked it's little head out to shine through my patient's windows today. So, for those that are tired of the unusually cool temps and grey skies, be encouraged. Beneath those clouds, the sun is still there!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-14T20:34:00.004-05:00

(kind of the wrong time of the year, but what the heck...)

If you look close you can see the Easter egg right in the middle of the flower. Sometimes we don't see what is right in front of our face...

My First GIVEAWAY

2009-10-13T19:19:00.008-05:00

Drum roll, please...time for my first

GIVEAWAY!While I must admit that I'm a bit of a nerd that carries a really small purse that has the special little zipper compartment on the side that holds my I.D., cash and credit cards, I don't use one of these myself. However, my mother-in-law and several of my girlfriends love theirs and frequently tell me I need to convert to a full fledged big purse carrying gal, with a wallet.

The Metropolitan Hard Case Opera wallet is sleek, unique & chic - soft on the outside! Small enough for a purse, convenient enough so that you won't need one. Superb full-frame design & stylish exterior, pairs fashion with durability. Opens easily & lies flat to allow easy access. Multi-function interior accommodates book of checks, zippered change pocket, ID photo window, credit card slots & billfold pocket. Measures 7" X 4".

(Description borrowed from http://www.myjewelthief.net/)

(Leave a separate comment for each of these. The more things you do, the better your chances of winning!)

-Sign up to follow But Such is Life
-Subscribe to receive But Such is Life in your email
-Subscribe to RSS feed for But Such is Life
-Follow But Such is Life on twitter
-Grab my button and add it to your page (Be sure to leave your link so I can check it out!)
-Blog about this giveaway on your blog (Again, please be sure to leave your link so I can check it out!)
-Share why you need something like this to help get organized

Rules: Open to readers in the US and Canada. Giveaway ends October 28, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly chosen by third party and will have 48 hours to respond. Good luck to everyone entering!

You can't buy a paper with a Chucke E. Cheese Token

2009-10-12T21:19:00.007-05:00

We just stopped by Baskin Robbins (yummy!!) to get an ice cream cone. This girl was banging on the front of the newspaper coin insert thingy and was frustrated because it ate her money. She said she'd paid her three quarters. As I got close, I looked at the coin insert and a coin was hanging out...a Chucke E. Cheese Token, that is. Thanks goodness that hubby had a spare quarter in his pocket!

What would we do without our kids?? Live would be so boring!

Roadtripping with Hubby

2009-10-12T18:11:00.004-05:00

Hubby had to go out of town for a business trip and I had the opportunity to go with him. Because he wasn't able to leave until after Bubby's birthday party yesterday (yes, more info and photos on that later) I rode with him to keep him company. Poor guy...I lasted until about 1am and then he wound up having to keep himself company. I would rouse for a few seconds and hear him singing quietly to himself. Guess I flunked the whole keeping him up thing. Important thing is...we made it safely. I got to sleep in until noon today and now he's been napping for three hours. I'm thinking I'm going to wake him up in a bit and see if he wants to go see a movie. Any good ideas? Crab legs were calling my name too but they're just so darn expensive!

Sometimes we will sit at the computer in the evenings and find funny videos to watch on You Tube. The other night we found Tim Hawkins, a christian comedian that was cracking us up!! Thought I'd share a couple of his clips to make the rest of you laugh as well. We started looking at his website and we're now looking forward to going to one his performances that will be near our home. I'm sure I'll have something funny to share from that!

Hubby was howling over this one!

Next time you're singing "I Can Only Imagine" you're gonna be thinking about margarine!

Early Morning Soccer

2009-10-10T13:50:00.002-05:00

We got to play soccer at 9am this morning and the temperature was 32 degrees...that's freezing! Really! Thank goodness that the sun was out and the wind was almost nonexistent.

After bubby's game we had an hour to waste until the little princess' game. You know how it is--an hour seems like such a long time until the time is up and you have to be somewhere else. We were getting ready to walk out the door when I realize bubby has no shoes or socks on. When I asked him why had taken them off he responded "I had to go to the bathroom"...you know....like duh, mom. Does anyone else have to remove their footwear to use the pottie? That would be super inconvenient at work!

I'm gonna use Momma Such's frequent words (from Raising my Four Sons)...Boys can be so silly!

Hubby and I sat and watched both of our kiddies play soccer today and neither team scored any goals. I'm such a nerd...I accidentally called it a touchdown (and I really do know the difference). We just tell both the kids that having fun is the most important thing...and we mean it...mostly!

I opt out!

2009-10-07T16:49:00.005-05:00

You knew it was coming...there's no way I can't share my own decision.

As many know, I'm a Registered Nurse that works in the Intensive Care Unit. Thanks goodness that we have so many educated and well-qualified doctors that work everyday to save lives. If I'm in a car accident or cut off my finger, I want an incredible surgeon to patch me up and sew everything back together. If I develop respiratory failure, I want a knowledgeable pulmonologist to help my lungs recover. When I get a nasty bacterial infection, I'll take the antibiotics I need to help me get better. Doctors, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, treatments, etc. definitely have a time and a place.

I signed a declination this week refusing the seasonal flu vaccine as well as the H1N1 vaccine at work. I feel like I made an informed decision...I've read what the WHO and the CDC says about this new flu. I've watched programs on regular TV discussing the concerns about not receiving vaccines as well. Of course, I've also read a lot on other sites like Dr. Mercola or other bloggers that have looked into this hot topic--Giovanni's World seems to have done a very thorough job of researching, and has multiple links that supports his own choice.

This is my advice. Research. Read. Investigate. Don't follow blindly but make an informed decision that you feel good about. I've opted out. The hospital I work at has basically said that there is every possibility that I will not be working when and if the "pandemic" is declared. I was told there is suspicion that this will start around December through March. That means for four months I won't have a pay check, however, I have to do what I feel is right for me and my family. I'm hopeful that this whole Swine Flu scare will have been much ado about nothing and we'll sail through, making their proposed statistics mean nothing.

And on a lighter note...

Five Word Challenge

2009-10-06T20:23:00.005-05:00

Amo, at Where A Woman Shakes Her Tablecloth, accepted the "Five Word Challenge" from Janie B. at Life Not Wasted Or Lost (who just happens to be her mother), and as I read her answers I thought it might be fun to share some of me as well.

Here goes...

Movie. I love movies. Doesn't matter if it's a romance, animated, comedy, action, drama, horror (in really small doses), based on a true story or just so silly it could never be true. I think that I like the whole escapism part where I can cease being me and just completely absorb myself in whatever I'm watching...now that's a good movie...when you can do that! I also think that my life has had enough chaos (good and bad) that maybe I could write a book and have a movie produced about my life. Maybe I'd title it But Such is Life, or maybe not.

Silence. What is that? I'm not really sure that I know the definition--it's not something that I do very well. Most of the time I'm surrounded by my children and they are definitely never quiet. Maybe it's the fact that I don't have the ability to not talk. When I'm by myself...when there's complete silence...I whistle, I sing, I hum, I tap on the table, I roll a pen between my fingers where it hits my rings and makes a clicky sound. Silence is not me, although at times I wish it were.

Laughter. What a beautiful sound. What an incredible feeling. There's nothing like a big belly laugh that you can hear from across the room. Better yet, how about the sound of children laughing?? They say that it takes less muscles to smile then it does to frown and while I sometimes question that, I can say that it definitely feels better!

Medicine. I'm gonna pretend that we're not talking about the cabinet full of medications in my kitchen or the prescriptions that I get to fill every month for my blood pressure and thyroid. I'm thinking more about what it could be like if we had a world full of people that focused on prevention instead of treatment. What if we really ate fresh fruits and veggies daily and cut out all the processed foods? What if we exercised regularly? What if we made sure that we were doing what truly made us happy? What if we cut out alot of the pharmaceuticals and instead focused on whole foods? I'm thankful that I live in the USA where we have some of the best physicians in the world with state of the art treatment, but what if we tried a little bit more of a holistic approach? Would we be better off??

Rain. There's nothing like sleeping in on a grey morning when it's raining. My hubby loves those rainy days, but I must admit that I think that it should only rain when I'm sleeping so I don't have to see it or be in it. I know the rain is sooo important, however, it usually gives me a sinus headache. I'm a bit like a weather vane and I can literally feel it before it ever gets here. The best thing about rain is the amazing rainbows we get after the storms. Speaking of which, I actually found the end of the rainbow one afternoon, but unfortunately, no pot of gold!

That's my five word challenge! If you're interested in participating, leave a comment, and I'll send you five words as well. Have a wonderful night!

Tasty Tuesday: Scalloped Potatoes

2009-10-06T12:09:00.009-05:00

I kind of missed Monday this week...but I'm thinking Tasty Tuesday sounds better! Scalloped Potatoes
1/2 stick butter

2-1/2 lbs. potatoes

1-1/2 tsp salt

2 T ground pepper

8 oz Cheddar cheese

8 oz Monterey Jack cheese

2 cups milk

Mix sliced potatoes, salt & pepper. In baking dish add layer of potatoes, 2 tsp flour, 1 T butter, then 1/2 cup cheese. Repeat layers ending with cheese. Pour milk over the top then bake until golden brown.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour

I picked this up somewhere--I think that this is an Emeril recipe!

DMV Healthcare

2009-10-04T21:18:00.003-05:00

A friend shared this today at work (on lunch break with his i-phone...what did we do before we had them??) and as we watched it, we laughed. Partly, because it's true...

Off to Work I go...

2009-10-03T05:56:00.004-05:00

This picture was taken in Kona back in 2007 on vacation...so beautiful!

I have to work the next five out of seven days so we might not have time to visit much over the next several days. Have a fabulous weekend!

All About Steve

2009-10-02T09:02:00.004-05:00

Yesterday a friend and I went to a movie and to lunch. I was super excited about seeing All About Steve.

(I usually love Sandra Bullock!)

Unfortunately, it just wasn't that great. It was funny at times (and if you watched the trailer...you already saw the funny parts). All About Steve, starring Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper, is a RENTER. If you want a funny Sandra Bullock film, I encourage you to check out The Proposal....that, was hilarious!

Over the Top

2009-10-01T09:44:00.005-05:00

We have been a crazy bunch of award-passing women the last several days, haven't we??

Thanks so much Molly, from I'm a Sleeper Baker, for this! You're always so great about reading what I write about...thanks so much! I'm to pass this six others, and they are:

Amo at Where a Woman Shaker her Tablecloth
Chantelle at Fat Mum Slim
Nancy at If Evolution Really Works........
Mud Mama
Momma Such at Raising my Four Sons
Theta Mom

then answer these questions:
1. Where is your cell phone?..on the desk in front of me

2.Your hair?...still have bed head

3. Your mother?...forgiving

4. Your father?...never here

5. Your favorite food?...Mexican

6. Your dream last night?...don't remember

7. Your favorite drink?...Dr. Pepper

8. Your dream/goal? ...financial independence

9. What room are you in?..living room

10. Your hobby?...reading

11. Your fear?...anything with a stinger

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?...content

13. Where were you last night?...soccer practice (6 year olds are so darn cute!)

14. Something you aren't?...quiet

15. Muffins?...blueberry

16. Wish list item?...to be able to work from home

17. Where did you grow up?...Missouri

18. Last thing you did?...dropped kids off at school

19. What are you wearing?...pajamas

20. Your TV?...off

21. Your pets?...guinea pig and gerbil

22. Your friends?...many

23. Your life?...chaotic

24. Your mood?...happy

25. Missing someone?...grandma

26. Vehicle?...Pacifica

27. Something you're not wearing?...bra...just being honest

28. Your favorite store?...any kind of home store

29. Your favorite color?...red

30. When was the last time you laughed?...today

31. Last time you cried?...couple of days ago

32. Your best friend?...a few

33. One place that I go over and over?...the hospital, where I work

34. One person who emails me regularly?..Kay

35. Favorite place to eat?...Japanese Steakhouse

Also, a thank you to Momma Such from Raising My 4 Sons for this award!

I'm so thankful for the interest that people have shown in reading my daily ramblings!

Michigan, butt out

2009-09-30T09:26:00.006-05:00

Have you seen where Lisa Snyder, a woman in Michigan, was helping her neighbors out by watching their kids an hour before they had to get on the bus...for free...and is being faced with fines and up to 90 days in jail because of it? The state of Michigan says she is running an "unlicensed daycare" out of her home because she is helping her friends. I say...shouldn't we have the right to help our friends/be helped without the state's involvement?? What do you think??

Click here for full article about Michigan mom.

Thanks McDonalds!

2009-09-29T17:32:00.003-05:00

It's been one of those days! I don't want to even think about how much of my morning was spent on my lovely computer. No, we aren't going to talk about that. We're not discussing Facebook, BlogFrog, twitter, blogger, my cell phone...nothing like that. I shared lunch with my hubby and father-in-law and then had several errands to run. Somehow dinner didn't get cooked--again not talking my really (un)productive morning. Now, we're supposed to be at the kid's Open House in less than one hour. Tonight McDonalds has $1.99 Happy Meals and (is it okay to admit this??) I'm so thankful because I don't have to cook! Oh well...dinner of champions...here we come!!

Gratitude Attitude

2009-09-29T10:54:00.005-05:00

I was just reading Theta Mom's post Life is Beautiful, and I'm realizing I need an "attitude adjustment" in a big way!! One of the comments left to her discussed her "gratitude attitude" and I thought how descriptive that is.

I've shared before how hubby and I sold our house, moved away, moved back home, spent all our money, and went into debt...did I ever mention that this was right after a bankruptcy?? Sometimes I still feel humiliated that we ever had to go down that road and it was finalized two years ago, this December. In August we had our 13 year anniversary and I can honestly say that we are NOT where I thought we'd be now. We got married at ages 20 and 21 and I think we both had unrealistic expectations--like we could go out and do whatever we wanted and somehow become financially independent and wind up with the most phenomenal relationship ever.

What I often forget is that I have so much to be thankful for! I've never gone hungry, I've always had a roof over my head, I have a good man with two fabulous kids, I have a good job...and my list goes on. The other night I left a post saying that I want my Joy to learn how to dance in the rain. I need to be a good example to her and teach her how to do exactly that!

I've often heard "Let go and let God" which at times seems really hard to do and seems like such a cliche. I came across this article from Work Ministry and thought this was really incredible and unfortunately, easily forgotten or put aside.

Let Go: Let God Fill Your Need
By Mary Kupferle
If you are anxious, tense, or concerned about anything in your life, dear friend, begin now to relax, let go and let God fill your need.

No matter what seems to be missing from your life-be it a much loved person, a special place, an activity of great value or a feeling of well-being – release and let go, knowing that God is right now filling your need.
Take a deep breath. Release it slowly, telling yourself quietly: I let go, I let God fill my need.

Accept the reality that God’s wisdom is ever present and available, ready to fill you with new understanding, light and life. Let God fill every void, every emptiness that seems to separate you from the desires of your heart. Let go! Let God fill your need.

God’s light and substance and divine activity will come forth and move in and through you as you let go. God’s creative process is awaiting your acceptance of its productive, healing action. Let your thoughts be lifted up. Let the presence of God dissolve your fears and doubts and fill every gap of unbelief. Let go and let God within you do the work.

Begin now to relax from the strain and effort of questioning, planning and reasoning.Take a few moments throughout the day to calm your thinking and place all your attention upon the words: I let go: I let God fill my need.

Immediately, benefits will be felt and become visible and tangible, inside and out. You will feel renewed strength and faith and courage. Because more of God’s presence has become active within you, your prayers will be more effective and your understanding of the presence of God within you will be clearer. As you continue to release dependence upon human forces or personal strength, you will find that God’s love takes care of what you cannot accomplish. As you let go, God will freely and abundantly fill every need.

God always provides knowledge, guidance, understanding, faith, healing, support or whatever else is needed in your life. Whatever your life experience appears to be, you have, at this moment, an opportunity to let go personal striving and let God move in you and through you to fill every need.

During the most critical point in the life of Jesus, when the minds and hearts of His disciples seemed totally depleted of courage and faith, each need was filled. As the disciples beheld the amazing example of Jesus’s quiet surrender to the Father, they learned of the miracle working power of letting go and letting God fill their needs. Their eyes and minds and hearts were opened anew to the message of abundant life, eternal life and love for all humanity.

God’s love and goodness will always fill every need in your circumstances, every hunger of your heart, every longing of your soul for peace and assurance, every good desire for the expression of eternal life and well-being.

Even though it may seem during the challenges of life that you are separated from that which has been your greatest avenue of comfort, security or supply, remember: God always fills your need. No matter how great the gulf seems between you and the solution to your deepest desire, you can trust God. Tell yourself again and again: I let go. God will fill my need.

God never leaves a void. He will never desert you or forsake you, His own creation. God’s presence of love and wisdom is ever nurturing your soul in its gradual unfoldment of spiritual potential. God’s power is ever at work within every circumstance. As you let go and trust God, everything is transformed- yes, everything- into a blessing. God continuously makes dark places light, rough places smooth, crooked places straight and empty places full. Full of His loving kindness and abundance of joy.

Let go. Let God fill your need. Let the creative process of God begin now to fill every point in your life that needs the touch of His great love and healing power. God is ready to do what you cannot do by yourself.

Have a blessed day!

Monday Recipe: Creamy Chicken Cheese Puffs

2009-09-28T09:41:00.012-05:00

(click on image for printer friendly recipe)

Creamy Chicken Cheese Puffs

1 cup shredded cheddar
1 can cream of chicken
1 cup milk
2 cups chopped chicken
1 can crescent rolls

Mix milk, soup, 1/4 cup cheese. Heat until cheese melted. Mix remainder of cheese and chicken into mixture. Unroll crescent rolls and separate triangles. Put one scoop of chicken mix on each triangle and roll closed. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees. You can heat the remainder of the soup mix mixture and pour on top when serving...but much messier that way and not so kid friendly!

Found Mr. Linky over at Living Smart Girl and thought since I like to post recipes pretty much every Monday, this might be kinda fun!!

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-09-27T20:34:00.005-05:00

Wow! Just received my second award and I'm appreciative to all that read my daily ramblings! Thanks to Tanya at The Grab Bag and Nikki from The Chocolate Mousse for this wonderful award!

The rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award" are: Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

My picks are...

Liss with Frills in the Hills

Brittany from Four Little Men and Girly Twins

Chantelle from Fat Mum Slim

Molly from I'm a Sleeper Baker

Amy from Where a Woman Shaker Her Tablecloth

Mrs. P from A Study in Contradictions

Angie from Bring the Rain

Kristen from Bringing Up Benjamin

Giraffe Girl with Giraffe Necking

Iva from Iva Messy
Anne at Mommy Has to Work
Rebecca and Maggie with Homemade Mamas
MckMama at My Charming Kids
Zelna with Pancakes and Lemon Cream
Audrey at The Happy Her Trails

Imagination Time

2009-09-27T18:08:00.002-05:00

If you could travel anywhere in time...past, present or future...where would it be and why?

Weekend getaway

2009-09-25T21:32:00.001-05:00

Hubby and I are taking off for the weekend while my in-laws watch the kids. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

The 9-minute Snooze...

2009-09-24T22:06:00.004-05:00

I'm supposed to clock in at work by 6:25am...after I pushed my snooze button for the third time this morning, I reluctantly and sluggishly drug (lol, or is it dragged) myself out of bed. After a quick jump in the shower, a partial hair drying and putting my PJ's (scrubs) on I rushed out the door so I could speed and pray not to get a ticket.

As I was speeding, err, driving I couldn't help but ask myself--for the second day in a row--why do I use the blasted Snooze button?? Better yet, I've been known to set my alarm 30 minutes earlier than I actually get up just so I could push that little silver button. A couple of weeks ago, as I reached out to push is for the 6th time, I opened one eye to see the red glow of 6:10am; obviously, I was late. I've also had to change my alarm to the really annoying BEEP BEEP because I have this thing about incorporating the music into my dreams.

I've actually contemplated putting it across the room on the dresser but I'm afraid that I'd just get out of bed, turn it off, and climb right back in. My mother is one of those women that has some sort of internal alarm clock that goes off at about 6am every single day. I think she can accomplish more in the first two hours of her day then I accomplish in an entire day. At times I will think to myself "I wish I were a morning person..." while daydreaming about all the things I could get done. Then I realize that I'd probably no longer be a night owl and that thought is inconceivable.

So, I lay it all out...I'm a snoozing addict. Are you a night owl or are you, I can't imagine, a morning person? Anyone else have a relationship with the snooze button they can't seem to break??

Where did she go?

2009-09-22T19:58:00.006-05:00

Earlier this evening the whole family went on a walk. Fall is here...we all had to go get our jackets on before we left the house and surprisingly, no one was wearing flip flops. I was watching my six year old daughter hop, skip and jump her way down the sidewalk...for a few moments I was utterly captivated by her complete innocence. Happiness radiated from her and it struck me that for now she is free of all the "stuff" that bogs the rest of us down. At that moment, she was consumed by the joy of being outside and the pleasure of having her mommy, daddy and bubby all together. The sound of her laughter touched my heart.

After our walk and after dinner I started feeling a bit reminiscent and started looking through old photos. This little dark eyed, curly headed girl is me. I imagine I was around two years old when this picture was taken but there is no way of knowing for sure. I look at this photo and I realize that at one time I had that complete innocence of a child as well--I was utterly happy and content.

It hit me. My Joy is going to go through the trials of life. She will get beat up and beat down at times, but hopefully, will come out fighting. But for now...for now...she's my little girl. I still get to protect, nourish, guide, discipline, and teach her to become a strong woman. A woman that will learn to dance in the rain and make lemonade when life gives her lemons.

Monday Recipe-Lasanga Pie

2009-09-21T09:33:00.003-05:00

My mom used to make this when I was a kid and I loved it! If you happen to have leftovers, this is much better reheated in the oven instead of the microwave. Wish I had a picture of how pretty this when it comes out of the oven!!

Lasagna Pie

1 can Pillsbury croissant

1/2 lb hamburger
1/2 lb sausage
1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon oregano
sale & pepper to taste
1T parsley
1 can tomato paste (6oz)

1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup parmesan
1 egg

Mix first set of ingredients in one bowl. Mix cheese and egg mixture in second bowl. Roll out croissant and "pinch and spread" until large enough for 9-in pie pan--be sure that you have enough excess that you will be able to fold up and close the pie. Place in pie pan (this will be your crust). Begin layering meat mixture, cheese mixture, meat mixture, etc. You now have the option for some sort of cheese on top if desired. Then bring excess dough over to cover pie. Bake at 375 degrees until croissant is a golden brown.

(As always, you can click on "lasagna pie" link for printer friendly recipe)

H1N1 Flu Vaccine

2009-09-21T00:55:00.002-05:00

From what I understand, many companies are requiring the H1N1 flu vaccine as well as the seasonal flu shot, or risk possible termination. What is everyone's thoughts about that?

Beyond Belief

2009-09-19T14:03:00.004-05:00

I'm waaaay dating myself here, but I always loved Petra. I have downloaded several of Petra's songs to my ipod and last night when I was driving, my almost nine year old son was sitting in the back singing this song. Thought it might bring some memories back! I just HAD to use the original video so we could all check out the great 1990 hair on these talented guys!!

Old Friends

2009-09-18T08:58:00.003-05:00

I'm going out with an old friend today for lunch and I'm really looking forward to it. I love old friends...they're like a pair of comfortable old shoes (lol, is that a good analogy?). When you get with them you have that feeling of knowing how right it is. You know that this person knows all your secrets and she still wants to spend time with you.

I recently spent an evening with a girlfriend of mine from high school, that now lives in California, and it was just wonderful. So strange...hadn't seen her for almost ten years, but once we were together it was like we had never been apart. We were giggling and swapping stories. We reminisced about old times and also had the joy of sharing new stories about our little ones. Leaving was hard because there's a very good chance that although we visit on Facebook and ever so often pick up the phone, it may be another ten years before I see her again.

But truly, aren't good friends precious??

The Delta Smelt

2009-09-16T21:01:00.005-05:00

U.S. District Court Judge Oliver Wanger ruled that an endangered species of minnows, the Delta Smelt, be saved in California and has shut down water deliveries for six months (from December until June) from the northern to the southern two-thirds of the state. Apparently, the smelt are getting caught in the water pumps that deliver the water. The state of CA has been in drought and water supplies are low as it it, but if these pumps are stopped, then they won't be able to move water to 25 million Californians and 3 million acres of farmland.

San Joaquin Valley West Side will be hit hard and many farms that supply fruits and vegetables to the entire U.S. will not have the crops to do so. I imagine that we'll have to import items that ordinarily we could grow here in the states thus they'll be more expensive. Unemployment will be on the rise in Southern CA and many residents of this area already live below poverty level.

Some say that the Delta Smelt does not really benefit mankind. What are your thoughts about Judge Wanger's ruling??

Why couldn't I sleep?

2009-09-16T05:48:00.007-05:00

I got to bed last night about midnight and for some reason I had one of those nights...the first time I looked at the clock it was 1:30...then 2:30...then 4:00...then 5:15. My alarm clock finally went off at about 5:30 and believe it or not, I laid there and pushed the snooze button for the next 15 minutes. Now I get to go work a 12-hour shift. Sounds life fun, huh?

Don't know why I had problems sleeping. I was teasing my hubby right before I fell asleep...do you think it could be looking at my handsome hubby with his c-pap on gave me nightmares?? Not that I would dare let him go with out it! Most nights, I do get to sleep now! :)

Happy Wednesday!

Kids eat free!

2009-09-15T14:16:00.002-05:00

I have a list that hangs on my bulletin board of all the restaurants in town (or close by) that have free or cheaper kid's meals different nights of the week. For example, we love The Pasta House and you might see us there on Sunday for lunch because you get a free kid's meal with every adult purchase. McDonald's (yes, we eat there sometimes too) has $1.99 kid's meals on Tuesday evenings...we ate there after soccer practice this past spring. FrugalLivingTV has an article of all the big chains and some small, that offer great deals like these around the country. Follow the "deals" link and you might have an excuse to go out for dinner tonight!!

Thanks to Tara

2009-09-14T23:42:00.002-05:00

As many have probably noticed my blog got a little fancier and looks a lot better. Tara with Blog Makeovers by Tara worked on it for me and she did a beautiful job. She was wonderful to work with and was so patient and kind to this clueless, html naive, newbie. From what I could find she was also very reasonable compared to many on price. So, a special thank you to Tara for all of her help and I recommend her to anyone.

"Eat Now, Pay Later"

2009-09-14T10:30:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I was driving home from eating with the hubby (why does that have to be such a great pastime??) and I saw a billboard that said "Smoke Now, Pay Later". For some reason it hit me...that's what I do...I don't smoke, but I do eat what I want and I don't pay any attention to the calories, fat, cholesterol, etc. So, I thought "Eat Now, Pay Later". Working in the ICU, I see so many people that are in their early 60s with chronic health conditions, many of them due to the life choices they have made. I always think to myself "Big red flag, Ronnie, this is going to be you...".

This morning I went over to my in-law's house and checked my blood glucose before eating anything and my result was 136. For those of you that don't know, that's called hyperglycemia. I really should call my doctor and keep monitoring my blood glucose every morning to see if it's become a chronic condition or if I'm just having intermittent highs. Either way...BAD...I don't want to be a diabetic. Unfortunately, my father and all of my grandparents were diabetics, thus I'm predisposed as it is. When you add an extra 50 pounds to the mix...you have a 33-year old woman that's pre-diabetic.

At the age of 28 I developed hypertension. My cholesterol has been high since I was about 20 years old. After my second baby, when is seems like my body "broke", my triglycerides were 850 (normal is 150 or less). When you group all of these problems together you have Metabolic Syndrome and it's estimated that one out of six people have this.

"If you've just been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, you might be anxious. But think of it as a wake-up call. It's time to get serious about improving your health. Making simple changes to your habits now can prevent serious illness in the future." This statement is from the WebMD site, and I'm thinking about how accurate it is. By adding frequent exercise and a healthy diet, I could lose weight. Weight loss would very likely lower my cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, blood pressure, and I would probably wind up feeling better all the way around. That being the case, why haven't I done it? Why don't I do it??

So, I'm challenging myself to get well! Anyone else interested?

Monday Recipe: Old Settlers Baked Beans

2009-09-14T09:58:00.005-05:00

I tried to find a good picture to go along with this recipe...but I do believe they taste a ton better than they look! I wish I could capture the wonderful aroma and share it with everyone instead!

Old Settlers Baked Beans
(click on above link for printer friendly recipe)

3/4 cup Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Ketchup
2 T Mustard
2 T Molasses
3/4 cup White Sugar
1/4 cup BBQ Sauce (any kind)
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1 can Kidney Beans (15 oz)
1 can Butter Beans (15 oz)
1 can Pork & Beans (15 oz)
1 lb Ground Chuck
1/2 lb Chopped Bacon or Sausage
1 Chopped Onion

Cook ground chuck, bacon or sausage and onion until done. Drain and set aside.

Mix all other ingredients in large bowl. DO NOT drain beans. Add meat and bake at 350 degrees for one hour or in a crock-pot for six hours

The ABC's of Me

2009-09-13T22:53:00.004-05:00

The ABC's of Me
so here goes!

A- Age: 33 . . . but I like to say I'm still at 29:)
B- Bed size: queen- used to have a king...miss it!
C- Chore you hate: putting laundry away. I fold...you put it away

D- Dad's name: Ron
E- Essential start of your day: My thyroid medicine...first thing
F- Favorite color: red

G- Gold or Silver: Gold
H- Height: 5' 4"
I- Instruments you play: Piano, and french horn (although it's been awhile)
J- Job title: Mom and part time RN
K- Kids: 2
L- Living arrangements: 3 BR house with hubby and 2 kids

M- Mom's name: Carroll
N- Nicknames: Ron-Ron (when I was a kid) or now just Ron

O- Overnight stay in a hospital other than your birth: gallbladder and breast reduction

P- Pet Peeve: when someone doesn't rinse their dish out after eating
Q- Quote from a movie: "You had me had hello." "You complete me."

R- Right or left handed: right
S- Siblings: 3 sisters
T- Time you wake up: as late as possible

U- Underwear: comfortable

V- Vegetable you dislike: asparagus & brussel sprouts
W- What you like to drink: Dr. Pepper...although I'm stopping...and I miss it!
X-rays you've had: knees, sinuses, chest
Y- Yummy food you make: chicken enchiladas (gonna post this one soon)
Z- Zoo favorites: monkeys

Thanks, Alpine Klein Bunch, One day at a Time, for a fun idea!

I would love to get to know everyone better. Copy, paste & send a link!

Imagination time...

2009-09-13T11:02:00.002-05:00

What if...you won $1,000,000 today, non-taxed...what would you do with it? Where would you go?

Save... it's necessary

2009-09-13T03:09:00.003-05:00

Last night I decided I needed to move a few things around on my site. I moved this, moved that...then I looked at my scroll box (which I did all by myself) and thought "It's too big...I think I'll resize it". This was the critical moment when I should have copied and saved what was already there. I started changing a few numbers and then WHAM! I messed up on the "too big" scroll box and it became the "unfixable" scroll box. I've been sitting here for over three hours trying to figure out what sites I used to help me make one the last time (which was a breeze then) and I've wound up with the image in the scroll box. Now it's 3am and I'm going a bit cross-eyed and feeling a bit grumpy!

Bottom line here: Don't EVER, EVER, EVER start messing with html codes on something before copying the codes and saving them!

Allow me to introduce myself...again

2009-09-12T19:29:00.002-05:00

I just started "But Such is Life" at the beginning of August. At that time, I chose to keep my name anonymous and took on an alias of sorts, Elizabeth Melton. Over the past several weeks I've met so many neat people and have really enjoyed getting to visit with other bloggers. My name is really Ronnie and I really do live in the Midwest, United States. So from now on, when you see Ronnie signed at the end of a post....it's also Elizabeth.

Hamburger Helper

2009-09-12T17:06:00.005-05:00

I know it would be much more impressive if I pretended to be some sort of homemaking goddess...but I'm not. Hamburger Helper is not a staple in our diet but there are those times when I don't have the time or energy for anything else.

That being the case, I must admit that I've cooked multiple (probably way too many) different Hamburger Helper meals. Here's our favorites!

Double Cheeseburger Macaroni
Potatoes Stroganoff
Lasagna

Also, here's a bunch of printable COUPONS, including some for Hamburger Helper.

7 Little Bargain Shopping Tips That Will Save You Major Money Fashion: glamour.com

2009-09-12T16:22:00.001-05:00

7 Little Bargain Shopping Tips That Will Save You Major Money Fashion: glamour.com

Shared via AddThis

Just call me Slug

2009-09-11T12:18:00.002-05:00

Do you ever have one of those days where it's all you can do to get out of bed?? For some reason all my extremities feel like they've been loaded down with cement bricks and it takes energy to even lift them. It's partly my fault. I was on Facebook last night until almost 2am. I worked 12-hour shifts the last two days and I'm tired.

So, I called hubby and asked him if he'd bring lunch home over his lunch hour. He said that he can take a long lunch hour today and he doesn't want fast food. And why would he?? McDonald's, Burger King, Sonic, KFC, Long John Silver, Arbys, Taco Bell...they don't sound good either...and I'm a Taco Bell junkie. My internal debate began...I could stay home and take a nap, which would quickly be followed by picking up the kids from school. Next question to self...would I feel better or worse after that nap? The house wouldn't be any cleaner, the laundry can't do itself, and my dad (who is in from W. Virginia) is coming over tonight.

Common sense wins. I'm headed to the shower...lunch here I come. Why can't I want a BIG salad without dressing??

September 11th

2009-09-11T09:15:00.005-05:00

I don't think any of us will ever forget what we were doing on 9/11, the day America stood still...the day that almost 3000 people (over 2700 of them were Americans) were killed by terrorism on our own soil. I was talking on the phone with my dad that morning, and Jared was upstairs taking a nap, only a month away from his first birthday.

I remember watching the TV for hours, stunned when rescue efforts didn't turn up hardly anyone. I remember the anger that I and the rest of my country felt about these attacks. I remember the courage of so many who helped others, both during the attacks and after. I remember a nation that came together in a way that can make all Americans proud. September 11th should be a special memorial day of some sort and we never will forget. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who lost loved ones during that very sad time.

What do 1913, 1937, and 1965 all have in common??

2009-09-10T23:29:00.012-05:00

There has been much discussion today regarding President Obama's address to congress Wednesday night. Much of this has focused on Rep. Joe Wilson, of South Carolina, who actually yelled "You lie!" during the president's speech. As most know, President Obama was discussing illegal aliens and whether they would receive health insurance through the proposed health reform. As usual, most Republicans argue that they indeed would be covered, while most Democrats state that they wouldn't.

What I know, is that this is just a small tip of the iceberg. Believe it or not, I have sat down and read parts of the Health Care Bill and it doesn't take long to feel like you're going cross-eyed. Seems to me like the "Secretary" has an awful lot of flexibility with things when he/she deems something is necessary. This reform creates bigger government and reaches the government's ever so long tentacles further into American's lives.

The Income Tax was started in 1913 under Woodrow Wilson. Social Security was signed into law by FDR in January 1937. Medicare and Medicaid made their debut in July 1965 during Lyndon B. Johnson's administration. What do each of these have in common? These three Presidents were all Democrats and there was a Democratic majority in the House and Senate that made sure all of these programs went through. Social Security is almost bankrupt. Medicare is almost bankrupt. Medicaid is almost bankrupt. Income taxes don't seem to be getting any lower and China just about owns the U.S. Those that endorse Health Reform state that we need it because of these facts...I say, What makes them think they're going to do any better this time around??

Food for thought: If it took 18 months of debate for the Medicare Bill to go through in 1965 and the Obamas took at least six months to pick out their dog, then why, oh why, does this have to be done yesterday??

Ellen on Idol

2009-09-09T21:12:00.002-05:00

I'm a big fan of American Idol and watch it religously throughout the season. Today Fox announced that Ellen Degeneres will be the new judge replacing Paula Abdul. Now, I have to honest, there were times when Paula about drove me crazy. The words she used (and I'm pretty sure, made up) at times just amazed me and it was always interesting to see what she was going to wear. But...she had been a success in her music and dance/choreographer career.

Ellen Degeneres is hilarious! I can't help but wonder what kind of rapport we'll see between her and Simon Cowell. After watching Ellen dance on her morning show, I can almost guarantee that we will NOT be seeing her teaching the Idol hopefuls any moves! This should be interesting...I'm looking forward to Season 9 of American Idol!

Post School Address

2009-09-08T23:12:00.002-05:00

Well, the big controversial speech is over and I'll say it...it was a good motivational speech for our children.

I promise I'm not some whack job conspiracy theorist, but I still wholeheartedly believe that if conservatives wouldn't have criticized things the way they did, we would have heard a much different speech today.

But...we didn't, and I'm thankful for it.

TP

2009-09-08T19:44:00.002-05:00

TP. Yes, I'm talking about toilet paper. I just bought a 12 pack of Charmin Ultra Strong (1 roll=4 regular rolls) and I paid over $14 after tax. Just ranting, but think about it for a sec...what we do with it and where it goes...that's just ridiculous. Unfortunately, I just can't swtich to cheap one-ply TP. That would just be wrong!!