Let's talk Turkey!

:) LOL

Is everybody getting excited about Thanksgiving? It's just 2 days away now! :)
Tomorrow I get to make my pies! Yummm, the house will smell so wonderful with all my baking!

I do have to admit that I'm not making homemade rolls this year. I bought some rolls in the freezer section that you bake. Shhh...don't tell anyone! :) LOL

I went to the store last week and bought all my ingredients for our menu. I can't wait.

We'll have the usual

• Turkey
• Stuffing
• Gravy
• Mashed Potatoes w/garlic
• Cranberry Sauce (& sugared cranberries)
• Sweet Potatoes w/caramel sauce
• Green Bean Casserole
• Carrots (I'm not sure if we're doing a honey glaze or just spices)
• Rolls
• Pecan Pie
• Apple Pie

I picked up a couple bottles of wine to go with our meal today. We've got Apple Cider, which I might make some hot spiced cider with part of it.

In a coffe filter I put ground spices: 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. Allspice, 1/4 tsp. Cloves, then tie it off with a rubber band then let it simmer in a half gallon of Apple Cider on the warm setting in your crockpot...it smells so good, and tastes so great too! You can add rum to it if you like, but I'm serving wine so I won't be doing that.

Of course a fun alternative is to let Apple Cider simmer with melted down red hot cinnamon candies (general rule is 2 tsp of candies to every cup of cider).

I am adding a new pie this year, something light and fresh for a twist, Cherry Cheese Pie! ;)

I'm not making Pumpkin Pie, I don't like it, but it just doesn't seem right to not have it, but Bobby told me not to worry with making it. I don't know though, I just might run to the store and pick up the few extra things I'll need to make it...our friends might really want it. I'll just send all pie left-overs with them! :) We did invite a few others over for desert afterwards, I'm not sure if they'll come though...but just incase I need to be prepared, right?! :)

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Catherine is so sweet. Today she was thanking me for all kinds of things I guess she's really taking Thanksgiving to heart. She told me thank you for making her dinner, and helping her with her homework, fixing her hair and all kinds of little things that normally kids just take for granted. It was really heartwarming and I appreciated it. Meanwhile Abby sat at the table saying "Tartersauce" becuase she couldn't get the cap back on her markers! :) LOL

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I'm planning on taking some really great photos of our dinner this year. I'd like to make a little Thanksgiving Recipe Album, so it would be nice to have a great photo with each item, the recipe and some comments about it. I'd also like to include some general "Gratitude", "Blessings" type of pages too. Something that I can have sitting out around the Thanksgiving Holidays for years to come. I'm even thinking of having some blank pages so that Guests can sign it like a Guest book and write a short note of what they're thankful for. I'm really excited about this, I just wish I had time to create this before this Thursday! :) Hmmmm......I wonder if I could squeeze it in....

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As much as I love Thanksgiving, I really can't wait to pull out my Christmas decorations. :D Friday, after I go to the gym, I'll clean the house back up from Thanksgiving and I'll be ready to unload the storage closet just to get to the tubs of Christmas decorations. Funny how much stuff we have for just one month huh?! :)

Anyone going Black Friday Shopping? Not me! No thanks!!! To me, that isn't any fun, and doesn't capture the Holiday Spirit...I don't care how good the sales are, the crowds and traffic just isn't any pleasure to deal with!

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Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Disney on Ice

I just got back from taking the girls to see Disney on Ice - Princess Wishes. What a wonderful show, the girls were just mesmerized with the show. They laughed, they giggled, the dreamed, they wished, they had a fabulous time! It was just beautiful, and I loved watching their faces light up with each new princess story that was developing! Wonderful show, go see it if it's in your area!



Catherine my little photographer took this picture of me (I'd do some cropping, but my photo editor isn't working right) I've lost 2 sizes in clothes, so last night at the mall I hit the clearance jackpot at Old Navy. I got a pair of cords and two pairs of jeans for under $20! :) I'd love to loose another 10 to 15 lbs, but I'm really glad that I've done this well so far!

Well, we finally got a new big screen tv. It's future ready with High Def and it's 1080 resolution. It's 57" which is soooo big! I think we need a larger house just to hold it! :) LOL I haven't had a chance to clean up from the install yet, but here's the girls with the new tv...

Well, we had Catherine's 1st grade teacher/parent conference this past week. She's doing great, and is very well behaved in class (I wouldn't expect anything less, she's such a good girl). She's in her the top reading group, spells wonderfully, is doing fantastic in math as well. I need to work with a little on writing, she's doing good but a few letters/numbers she writes backwards (this is common until 3rd grade but now is the time to make the corrections). She's still loving school, and I'm so proud of her! :)

I hope you're all doing great! Hugs!

Halloween Happenings

As promised, here's the fall decorations out front:

I got a new door mat this year, it's a fall harvest of apples.

The Halloween festivities started Tuesday with Hershey outlets annual candy & egg hunt...

Abby looks happy huh? LOL - She feel asleep on the way there and I had to wake her up...which is never fun! It was cold and windy, and the wait felt like it was forever for her, but it was well worth it when she got some candy! :)

Here's Cat and she had a blast running around grabbing some candy. She didn't get one single egg, but Abby was so sweet and gave her one when we got back in the van.

---------Thursday was Catherine's Fall Party and parade at school....I forgot my camera :( She was dressed up in the American Girl Princess outfit...I'll grab a picture of her in it....
We were going to do the town parade and party, but I had to watch a friends child, and just couldn't do it with all 3 in tow with Bobby out of town.


---------This year Trick or Treat night was on the 31st instead of the Thursday before, this is the first time in 10 years! The girls got way to much candy but they had a ton of fun! A bunch of us neighbors went together and even us adults dressed up this year! :) I was little red riding hood. :)

Catherine wanted to be a flower-girl and abby wanted to be a ballerina. Bobby was away so we emailed tons of pictures to Daddy so he could see the girls! :)

Bedroom pictures

Warning Label: Something has happened with my PSP settings when I save pictures....it looks normal when I save them as a smaller file, but when I reopen them, they're a really horrible quality...I don't know what has happened but it's driving me NUTS!!!! Okay...onto bedroom pics...


As you can see, the other nightstand needs to be stained, or else I need to just paint them both. I'm thinking of going with a dark brown.


There's my little scrapbooking nook I'd love to find a tall slendor cabinet to help house some extra supplies....it just doesn't look that neat and clean with it all stacked up there on the floor! :)

Okay, now for the girls room...at least just their new bedding. Abby FINALLY has a big girl bed. The hedboard hasn't arrived yet (well it did, but was damaged and is being replaced) but I can't hold off any longer, I wanted to share! :) The girls are pretty happy with it.

Another Bathroom redo....just one more to go

We've redecorated our bathroom upstairs. Someday we'll replace the sink cabinet and mirror, but for now, it has a fresh coat of paint.

Let's see, I painted the walls and base cabinet. Bobby installed a brushed nickel curved curtain rod (it adds so much room in the shower!), we got new BN (brushed nickel) curtain hooks holding a fresh new waffel weave curtain (that, this time I know to NEVER wash in hot water or to put in the dryer!) :D


Bobby installed a new outlet (grey with BN outlet cover), and rocker light switches.
I got new fabric lined baskets 40% off at Michaels (you got to love that!) We added the shelf I bought at TJ Max over a year ago that's been waiting for a home under my bed. :) It holds all my white shabby items including an ink drawing of the Star Barn located nearby here in PA.
I still have to hang my two stars with straight pins though.


There's my new towel bar and matching toilet paper holder (it pivets, which is really cool) and new toilet handle.....gotta love the details!



And to complete the bathroom a new light fixture!

The bathroom color is complementary to our bedroom color but with a light fresh airy feeling.

Friday the 13th

I've got my fall decorations out, it really cheers up the neighborhood!
(I tried to upload pictures but the site isn't working right apparently)

Catherine is 6 now, and with Halloween coming up she wants to watch her first "scary movie". Do you remember the first scary movie that you watched? We'll get one that's a kid friendly spooky movie like Casper or something. Bobby suggested that we get her the one with the headless horseman that rides around with the jack-o-lantern on his head....I can't remember the title of it right now. She's growing up that's for sure!

Bobby's been away on a business trip all week. I'm ready for him to come home (which luckily enough, he will this afternoon), we've missed him. The house is nice and clean for his return. It was so easy keeping it clean while he was away. I don't know why exactly, he's not a total slob! :)

I've been working out really hard at the gym and watching what I'm eating and I've lost 18 lbs already!!! I look and feel so much better! I need to go shopping for some new jeans & slacks! :) That's such a nice feeling! My motivation was to loose weight before I turn 30 next year. I'm so glad I made this decision. It's not that hard, and the rewards are so satisfactory....I don't know how I ever let myself go before! :) LOL Okay, I do know how, having 2 kids and being busy hard at work and play all the time, and frankly just not caring...plus it's cheaper to eat less healthy!

Today I got my hair cut and colored, it feels so light and fresh...I'm a whole new ME! LOL

I'm watching my friends two girls today, they spent the night last night...I feel like all I do is make meals and snacks....they're so hungry all the time...they must be growing! I don't keep a lot of snacks in the house so it's been tricky!

I smell FALL!

I bought a cute pair of new brown boots & matching purse, and a gorgeous new chocolate brown cord jacket!!!! I'm ready for FALL and I can smell it in the air!!! I'm ready for hay rides, pumpkin patches, Halloween, apples, etc... I'm normally a spring girl but this year I'm really digging FALL!

I've joined a gym...A fitness center to be exact. It's exclusively female, has a ton of classes, modern equipment, hot tub & sauna room, spa & nail salon, smoothie bar...It's exciting!!! It's the first health club I've joined. I lost 12 lbs before I joined just by altering my eating habits and working out at home & getting on our treadmill. My clothes fit so much better (I can wear a few tops that I almost gave away to charity earlier this year....I'm so glad I hung on to them!) and I FEEL GREAT most importantly! I got my best friend to join too, so we car pool and encourage each other...We go 5 days a week M-F, I'm really proud of ourselves because we've really been sticking to it. I've lost weight in my face and arms which makes me feel great. I can't wait until I shed more pounds off my belly and thighs...But I'm not discouraged. It's taken a few years to put on the weight and I know it won't come off in just months.


The girls are doing great. Abby gets to play with friends while I'm at the gym, they have their little mini classes (Tumblin' Tikes, Pee-Wee Yoga, and Jr. Jam), as well as her play group while I have MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), both girls have their church club AWANA on Wednesday nights. Catherine's been busy with her Brownie group, Soccer practice and games, and 1st grade!

Bobby's doing really good too, he's lost 25 lbs so far, and hitting the gym a lot, I can see & feel his muscles again (just like when he was in the Army......So sexy!). :)

The exciting news? We're going on a trip to Baltimore...Just the two of us! :) YEAH!!!! I've really been looking forward to it. We're staying at a really nice hotel, planning on taking a cruise of the inner harbor, perhaps hit a few clubs! :) The only down side is this week we both got hit with sinus infections...So hopefully we'll both feel better by this weekend. I already feel better, just not 100% yet. I'm up to 80% so that's manageable! ;)

School is going great for Catherine, she's made some great friends. The PTO is keeping me very busy, but I'm really enjoying it. The new principle was impressed with how well we handled the all school picnic especially considering that two of us were new in our positions (the President & Secretary, which we were mostly responsible to pull it off).

After MOPS today, I gave away a couple Halloween costumes (lady bug & bumble bee), snow pants, toddler clothes and some toys...It felt so good to give them to someone I know will appreciate them! It also feels good to free up space in our house! :) A couple weeks ago, I organized the hall closet with Bobby's help (so much camping stuff!)....We bought those vacuum seal bags (LOVE THOSE) and now it's so organized plus lots of extra space!!!!!! Wohoo that's a good thing!

Brand new doll & First day approaching

Catherine has been saving her money up to buy herself a doll (because I can't see spening $40 on a doll - I know I'm mean and terrible!). We were going out shopping today and she really wanted to buy her doll today.
She was $10 short, so Bobby and I decided to forward her the money so that she could buy it today.

She was a lucky girl this doll was on sale! So we picked up an additional one for her friend (Birthday party on Sunday). This doll is by Mattel - it's a Teen Trend doll and she is Gabby. Now we're on the lookout for more outfits and her puppy. :)

She's a really cute doll (I wish that her hair wouldn't tangle so easily though). Catherine is so excited. Now, the reason I think this is so cool is because Catherine is so much like me - but with one exception - she's never cared a whole lot for playing with dolls. When I was a little girl, I loved playing with dolls (I still have several from my childhood at least the ones past 8 yrs since our house burned when I was young) and I would have loved this doll. Infact, when I put Catherine to bed tonight we sat and brushed her hair together! :) Something I've waited to do with my daughter for years! :)

School starts monday and I have a first-grader that will be away from me all day. :(
Today we went to the mall and got her first day outfit, shoes and earings. Why the last minute? Because this girl of mine has over 35 outfits not counting any dresses (which is probably near 2 dozen) I wasn't planning on buying any new clothes until the fall....but you know how it is, you have to have the perfect first day outfit! :)

Last Thursday was the back to school night for us parents. I was there to help out with the PTO. Then we got to go to our childrens classrooms and meet the teacher and find out some info for the upcoming new year. (This year will be tough for the 1st grade because PA has decided that the K shouldn't know 30 sight words but 130, so they have to make up for it, since they didn't learn those extra words last year)

Anyways....Catherine gets to sit by the boy that she likes and she's so excited.(well, he likes her too, I saw his mom and she couldn't wait to get home to tell him who he'd be sitting by! Too cute!) :) So she's looking forward to the first day...favorite teacher, favorite boy, best girl friend, she get's to eat lunch there, etc... :)

Scrapbooking

Scrapbookers will enjoy this....make sure your speakers are on! :)

I've been scrapbooking (something I haven't done in a LONG time) these last couple weeks. I created an altered lunch tin a long time ago, so I'm working on the folders inside. I'm working on an AAM album. I finished my LO in the last CJ and mailed it off last week, I'm creating some cards, etc. I've kept the house clean and laundry up to date so it's easy to find a few extra minutes to play and create.

Bobby hung two braketless shelves above my desk and I got it organized. It's so much easier to work in an organized space! I'll update with some pictures soon. :)

School News

Catherine will be entering the First Grade this year! It's exciting for her - now she'll be gone all day. This will be so different for us! She is ready though. She toured all three 1st grade classrooms and got to meet one of the teachers during the Open House at the end of last year. (The other 1st grade teachers were busy talking with other parents/students and we didn't stay long enough for her to meet them all.)


We had a quick lunch at McD's then we went to the school because they posted the class list. Catherine and I could hardly wait to find out which teacher she would have and which friends would be in the same class as hers.

We found the list, and she's in the class with the teacher that she was hoping to get and is so excited about that! She's also has lots of her friends in that class (including a certain little boy) ;).

There are a few friends that are in other classrooms which makes her a little sad but she understands that this is how it works.

We have to go shopping for the first day of school outfit. :) School starts soon!
I'm busy today running some errands to pick up things that we need for the PTO to help get packets ready and for the all school picnic! :)

Next year Abby will be in Kindergarten - until then she's keeping pretty busy herself with different classes, playgroups, story hours, etc...

What a Busy Summer!

We have had such a busy summer and I've negleted giving updats. I'm so sorry about that!
We've traveled, we've done a ton of day trips, and have done so much this summer!





It's been a very busy summer for all of us here. The girls have had a lot of fun with vacations, seeing the circus for the first time,
sleep overs, swimming, going to the park, playing video games, watching tv, hula hooping, birthday parties, dancing to music, having friends over, going to amusement parks, etc...



I've been busy with all of their things plus working with the PTO for the upcoming school year, going out with friends, birthday parties, not to mention lots of cleaning and laundry, etc...

Abby turned 4 this summer. My baby is so big, and almost all her "babiness" is gone. She has the sweetest little voice though, which is my only cling to her babiness! :) She had such a fun birthday party - it was a nice twist to not have the normal character party - she had a polka-dot party. It was really cute if I do say so myself! :) I was out of batteries for my digital, I still need to develop the prints from the roll I took.

I had a birthday too. I was going to throw myself a birthday party since I was turning 29 but I didn't. :) Bobby and I went out for the night and had a great time instead.

We've had a great summer!!!

Quick Update

We travelled from June 14th to the 26th through 8 states, and visited all of our family.

I can update more on that later, but right now Bobby & I are going to fly back to TN and be in KY for my brother-in-law's funeral. He passed away Wednesday, July 5th due to the rare form of liver cancer he had. We're all heart-broken, and I really feel bad for my sister Tammy, she's so young to loose her husband!


-Heather

Still on Vacation

I'll upload some pictures when I get the chance.

Angie's retirement ceremony was great. We've now traveled up to Mark & Angie's house for a small visit. I'll add more about that later (I actually blogged about it but it's on our laptop, I'll upload that once we've got a wifi connection...I don't feel like retyping it out.

Wednesday we'll travel to see Tammy & Roy, then on up to KY for our family reunion.

:) We're still alive, surviving the heat and humidity! :)
The girls are having a blast, and don't want to leave. They love visiting with all of their family! (Bobby and I agree too!)

We went shopping yesterday, we were going to go to the zoo, but changed our minds and have just lazed around the house. Bobby and I (along with the help of Amanda and Gunnar) went to Sonic, I haven't been to Sonic in YEARS, and I've been taunted with their commercials for awhile and I've been craving their cherry coke....which I didn't get, because we thought they stopped making them, after we ordered them, we noticed it was supposed to be an add on. argh! That's the way it always is isn't it?!

Vacation Time

Catherine had her last day of school on the 8th. Now it’s time for Summer Vacation! We have a big one planned right away too!

Bobby’s sister Angie is retiring from over 26 years in the Navy. We’re driving down to Mississippi for her retirement party. It’s a long drive, we’ll stop half way in Knoxville, TN and stay at the Marriot to relax and unwind in the pool, and then we’ll go out to eat at Cracker Barrel for dinner.

The next day we’ll get up, eat a nice breakfast then get back in the van and drive the rest of the way to the Navy Base. We’ll be there for a few days for all the festivities and a good visit with all of his family then we’ll drive up and stay with Angie and her family for a couple days in TN.

Next, we’ll drive a little further to my sister Tammy’s house and stay with her and her family for the night and a short visit. Roy, her husband, is really sick with cancer right now (please keep him in your prayers) so we won’t stay long.

Then we’ll drive up to Kentucky and stay at a hotel for a few days. We’ll visit with my Mom & Dad, and other sisters that are coming in for a large McClure family reunion that all of us cousins planned after the death of our grandmother a year and a half ago.

Then we’ll head back home, stopping again, half-way for the night at another Marriot to relax and give the girls a rest from having to sit for so long. Yes, we have a DVD player which we’ll be using, and the game cube that we can hook up for their entertainment, and we’ll bring along toys for them to play with, but it’s still a long ride for them.

Memorial Day is coming up...

I hope everyone has some nice plans. Our church is having a really nice service for soldiers and others (police, fire fighters, etc...). It always makes me proud that my husband served in the military, :) and getting the chance to be an "Army Wife" and all. :)

Each girl in Catherine's Daisy's troop wrote a letter to a soldier overseas. I scanned in her letter to save for you all to see. Incase you can't read it, it says;

"Dear Soldier, Thank you for keeping us safe from the bad guys. thank you for working hard all day. I am 6, I have gold hair. My Mommy is 28 and my Dad is 29. He used to be in the Army. I have a little sister, she's 3. (flower) I hope you have a nice day. (smily face, rainbow and flower) Catherine"

One of Bobby's sisters is retiring from the Navy this summer (I think she served 25 years). We're going down for her big retirement party. His family is so much fun, I can't wait to see everyone. Our girls are really looking forward to seeing all their cousins, Aunts & Uncles and their grandparents.

After spending time with his side of the family we'll be heading up to Kentucky for our big family reunion that us cousins have been planning.

I roped my twin sister Sherri into helping me come up with a great scavenger hunt. I'm also coming up with other games to be played inside and outside. :)

Fieldtrip to the Dairy

(Isn't that a cool picture?)

Thursday the Kindergarten class went on their "big" fieldtrip to a Dairy Farm. It was fun to help chaperone the trip, the kids really enjoyed it. It was great having Catherine say that I'm a cool Mom and that she was glad I was there with her! :)



After the fieldtrip, we had a picnic at the park, all parents and any younger children were invited to attend. Us chaperones each were in charge of a game at the picnic...the kids were in groups and spent a few minutes at each game spot.

It was a fun day, it started raining on our way back from the Dairy, but thankfully there was a pavilian at the park, so we stayed dry. The weather cleared up so that games were still on!

Our Kindergarten is half day, so this was a nice way for the morning and afternoon kids to meet each other; especially since 1st grade will be split up into 3 different classes.

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This weekend is the Greek Festival...which you know means great eating!!! :) Yassou!!!!
I'm looking forward to eating a yummy Gyro! :)

Some pictures finally...

Last weekend, at the Senators game... The girls enjoyed funnel cake for the first time. The moment we walked into the ballpark Catherine said "I smell pancakes!" so around the 5th inning Dad took her to find her own funnel cake! :)







When the game was over, Catherine waited in a long line, and got to run the bases! She had a blast! :)









Go Green Aliens!

Today at the soccer field.....


The team was short a few players today, so all the ones who showed up got a lot of play time...and they played hard!

They are all so cute to watch!

Today Catherine got 2 goals right away, then seemed to give up...she spent to much energy I guess, all she could do was ask when it was time to eat! :) LOL






So, last night was a Girlfriends Movie & Manicure night with a bunch of ladies from our MOP Group. Jenn and I went, it was fun to do our nails...we sorta skipped out of watching the movie ('Pride & Prejudice'...or....'Everafter')..but really, who wants to waste a "girlfriend" night watching movies?! So we went into the "manicure room" and did our pedicures! :) I picked up some funky little nail stickers...LOL that was fun!

Then we went out for some coffee! Yum!

I missed NSD! :*(

I don't know how I did it, but I managed to miss out on National Scrapbook Day! :( I swear I'd forget my head somewhere if it weren't attached!
I've got to clean off my desk, and do some scrapbooking this month!
SCRAPBOOK OR BUST should be my motto this month! :) Let's see if I can get some done! :)

This past week I got a new HP Pocket PC (to try and help me from being so forgetfull...so far the calendar reminders and the alerts have helped out a lot) and newer cell phone it's the PINK Razr, which if you've checked out new phones lately, is super thin!!! I haven't had the chance to sit down and read thru the manuals (which I normally do before I even touch something new), but I've been figuring things out easily enough. :)

We've got our hotels booked for our long trip this summer, over 2400 miles at least. The new van will be so nice, I'm really hoping the DVD player will keep the kids occupied for awhile. I plan on buying some new movies for them. :)

At the PTO meeting, I got the majority of votes for the Secretary postition. I was shocked actually, since this is our first year (You know oldest child in Kindergarten) I don't know a lot of people. None of my friends were there, and I didn't vote, because I wanted to see how the votes would play out. :) So I'm excited about that! :) The currect President asked me to tell a little about myself (I hate when I have to speak and I don't ahead of time to plan what to say...who knows what comes out of my mouth!) :) LOL after I told them a little about me, she prompted me to tell everyone else what all I do there at the school at the time all I could remember that I helped out with the book fair, RIF (Reading is Fundamental), Kid Writing (helping in the Kindergarten class room) and the family fun day. I forgot to mention that I'm the room mom, I help shelve books in the library, I'm the presentor for the Famous Artist program, and help out for the teacher/staff appreciation days.


Catherine is loving soccer! She's made at least 2 goals each game she's played so far. We all went to a baseball game last weekend, that was nice, I had funnel cake for the first time :) the girls enjoyed themselves, they lasted thru the entire game. After the game was over (it was late too) they invited all the kids under 12 to run the bases. Catherine was too cute, and enjoyed that, we didn't think about letting Abby do it, but she would have loved it...maybe next time! Abby is getting so big...all she can do is talk about getting into a ballet class and her birthday. :)

I'm still here, just busy

I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to give an update. I've put it off thinking, "I want to update with some pictures" but I haven't had time to go through them and upload a few. So I'll just write today, and hopefully get some pictures uploaded soon.

Today's the last PTO meeting for our school for this year. I was nominated to be the secretary (this was the only position with 2 people nominated) since I'm new to the school I don't think I'll get it (although I was nominated by someone that I don't know real well, so that was neat). The other person nominated is the woman who held the position this year, and she's done a great job as far as I know.

I went to a ladies conference this past weekend with a few friends from church, and from our old church. It's always nice to attend one and come home feeling refreshed.

Catherine has been playing in a soccer leauge, this past Saturday the team got their photos taken. I can't wait to get that back! :) Catherine has done really well, her first game, she scored 2 goals (no other kid did, so she was excited about that, she didn't rub it in either, which made me proud). She scored another 2 goals her last game too, she was so cute, after her first game she said "Mom I was so mean, I took the ball away from other kids" (it was too cute), I laughed and told her that exactly what she's supposed to do in the game! :) LOL

Abby is getting so big, she talks all the time (she has the cutest little voice), she still loves her dollies and plays so well with her toys. She makes friends where ever she goes now (I like that she's not shy like I thought she might be, because she always took a long time warming up to others as a toddler).

We had our last MOPS last Thursday, the girls are sad (especially Catherine since she wont be able to go next year) Abby loved her class and all her friends, it will be a long time before the fall session starts back up.

March is marching away...

This month is going by so quickly!

We had a great time at the B&B!!!! It was just so wonderful to get away! :)

Well, I got a fabulous Annv gift, A brand new 2006 Chrysler Town & Country Van with a lot of perks! :) I LOVE it!!!!! I've never had a brand new vehichle, so this is just too cool! :)

Oh...American Idol....I really love Chris & Kathryn...I want them both to win!!! These two are by far my favorites. Taylor Hicks just needs to go, I can't stand to look at him when he preforms...he is just such a joke! I also can't wait to see Bucky to go home. I hated to see Kevin go home, he was just too adorable, I knew he wouldn't win, but I'd rather watch him than the previous 2!

LOST is on tonight! :) It's been recorded by Tivo...so I'll watch it tomorrow night.

Today I mopped my kitchen floor, cleaned the kitchen (twice), cleaned the bathroom downstairs, went grochery shopping and went for a speed walk. (All this between 4pm-8pm)

New floor!

We are having such beautiful weather here. This whole weekend was just gorgeous...it's felt like spring! It's supposed to get back down to the 30's though...so we can't pack away all the winter clothes anytime soon.

We've been installing laminate flooring in the living room/dining room. It's harder than some people have let on! :) LOL But it looks great! We have a little more to go to complete it. It's such an improvment from the old carpet that we had! :)

While we were doing this, was the Family Fun Day at Catherine's School on Saturday...I had volunteered to help out..that morning Cat woke up sick with pink eye (where she got it this time I don't know!) so she couldn't attend (what terrible luck for her....she would've had so much fun!). Abby went with me, we worked the Kindergarten booth then Abby played a few games (we had bought tickets ahead of time, I had way more tickets than I needed, since I bought for 2...and Abby was happy after playing just 1 game!) We bought a few treats for Catherine with our tickets, cashed in our prize tickets for a few little trinkets, and then gave away all the rest of our tickets to 2 other Kindergartners that we saw.

Sunday it rained, which also slowed down the process of installing the floor (we don't have a basement or garage, so all the cutting had to be done outside). We're almost finished, and I'll tell you, it looks really good so far! :)

Tomorrow Bobby and I celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. We're going away this weekend to a B&B which actually is a historic inn. I'm really looking forward to this, our good friends are watching the girls (they're going to have a great slumber party/birthday party).

Keeping Busy!

• MRI taken for my neck
• Mailed CJ and local tax form (getting a small refund...yeah!)
• Completed our State Taxes - efiled them!
• 99% completed our Federal Taxes...(I have to get one more piece of info)
• 2 loads of laundry
• Meet with Speech therapist to discuss Catherine's "ch" and "j" sounds

I hear rumors LOL, that we have a TARGET just 30 minutes away from me! :) I've got to check it out tomorrow...I'd rather go there than Wal-Mart for the few things we needed! :)

This weekend we should be putting in our new laminate flooring. We just got a leather sofa with the two ends that recline from Lane. My husband is in Heaven! :)

This Saturday is the Family Fun day at C's school. I've got to make a cake for the Cake Walk, and man the fish pond booth for the K class.

I need to finish the last CJ. It will complete them all for me once it's done. I've dragged my feet on it and I feel so horrible about it!

Bobby and I will be celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary next week (on the 15th), we hope to get away! I'd love to do something really special, since 10's a big one! :) It's hard to believe that I was 18 when I made such an important decision. I'll tell you though, it's been one of my best! :) I love this man!!! He still makes me laugh, makes me feel great, he knows me better than I know myself sometimes. He is my best friend and I can't imagine life without him!

Family Movie Day

We went with friends and saw Curious George on Monday when everyone had off work/school. It was so cute, and the music was really good for an animation. Abby fell asleep and missed the first half, I tried my best to wake her up, but she would have nothing to do with it. So she had a great $6 nap! :) LOL When she did wake up, she enjoyed the movie (so we'll be renting that DVD!)

It was so cute watching Catherine enjoying the movie (she was sitting between 2 of her friends) her little laugh was just too adorable!

We also spent presidents day watching the marathon on the History Channel (which is probably the same shows they air every year at this time!....and we watch them every time.....my DH is a history buff! :) LOL).

I think for the moment we're all healthy! Yeah!!!! I didn't think I'd be able to say that this month! :) It's been a rough year so far! :) Nothing too serious though. No new info on the lump...I'll update anything new (I need to set up an appt with my ENT) as I find things out.

I hope everyone is doing fine this February morning! I've got to prepare for my Famous Artist presentation at Catherine's school this afternoon! :)

Sister's Weekend

LOL, I "cartooned" us! :)

Angelia wasn't there, but the sisters....Teresa, Tammy, Rebecca, Heather & Sherri

(Afton, my niece is pictured in the 2 pictures above, in the light pink sweater)

I had a fabulous time at my Sister's Weekend! I have us in order by age above (although Sherri and I are twins, I was born first).

Teresa (& Afton, her daughter) picked us up from the airport. We went out to lunch, then we went to pick up Rebecca. We did some shopping, then went back to Teresa's house for pizza. We played games and got loud and crazy. :) We stayed up really late (ahem...5:30am) talking and catching up.

Saturday we took some pictures, went shopping again, went out to eat then to a comedy club then to a casino (I did a dollar in the nickel slots, and one in the quarter slots...I only earned a few credits....I watched a little play on the roullete table and the craps table). Oh, late Sat night we played the converstation cards...where cards ask a question, and we each answer honestly. Very Interesting.

Sunday....what did we do? Let's see....I think we hung out around the house. We ended up playing games again. Rebecca's kids came over for a bit, too. I'm forgeting something I'm sure.

Monday...was the day we all headed back home. We packed up and went to the airport. There was a slight problem with my return flight. First class was boarded then deplaned. I'm not sure what happened, but 15 min later we all boarded.

Monday evening my family picked me up from the airport. It was so nice to get away and visit with my sisters, but you know it's so wonderful to get home to my family. :) I love them so much!!!

It's February!

Today is my sister's Birthday too! :) Happy Birthday Rebecca!!! I'll get to see her and two of my other sisters next weekend in Michigan. We're having a Sisters Weekend, we haven't had one in about 2 years.

I've found a lump. It's not on my neck where my last one was, but down near my collarbone. I'm trying to get a Dr's appointment. I'm really getting purturbed with the office we use. They don't answer until after 8:30, nor during the lunch hour, and obviously the don't after they close at 5. When you're busy, it's really hard to get a call through. I've called 3-4 times...I got thru twice, but I was placed on hold forever! Then, something would happen so that I had to get off before they ever got to me. I'll try again on Monday morning.

This week is going to be so busy. I've been helping with the schoolastic book fair, I've got to do my "room mother" duties and make a ton of calls getting ready for the Valentines party at school. :)

I've got to make sure the house is in perfect condition for me to leave for my trip. I'll be flying out Friday morning and returning Monday night.

Catherine's been wanting a video game system since she's 6 (LOL). With her birthday money she bought the Game Cube and Madagascar game. :) So unfortunatly we're a video game family now. :( I guess it's all about monitoring the amount of time spent on them (just like tv, computer, etc...) because we certainly will know what games she'll be playing. She's so excited though, it's really cute! Bobby went to blockbuster and rented a couple games, so he's enjoyed it too! :) LOL

I jumped in with playing Cubis 2...I love it! Bobby teases and says I'm a "low brow" video gamer! :) LOL Oh well, that's about the only type of video games I like...the puzzle type.

Catherine got a round of pink eye (will all 4 of us be healthy together ever again? A mild winter is great except for too things.....you get sick so often, and we'll have soo many bugs during the summer)

I went shopping and got a few clothes. I got a couple really cute tops from Old Navy. I also got a pair of brown slacks from Hechts. I'd really love to find a pair of black pants with the pink pinstripe...or the brown pants with pink pinstripes. I was also hoping to find an argyle sweater....no luck though. I'm really happy with what I found though. :)

So Survivor is back on!!! :) Happy about that! :) I've finally watched 2 consecutive American Idol shows too. I'm going to really try and watch this season.

We have church in the morning...then Bobby's going to Lowes to pick up our laminate flooring (yeah, so that means we'll be having another project sooner rather than later), I have to go to the grocery store and pick up items for my salsa that I'll be bringing to our friends (Tom & Laura) for a superbowl party. Go Stealers!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Are you Left or Right Brained?

Take the Quiz!

I am... 25% Left Brained, 75% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

I knew I was right brained because I'm creative, unorganized (in some areas) good at decorating, etc... I'm not good at philosophy or sports though.
There were a few questions that I struggled with...I really could go either way with them. So I took the test again and it said that I'm 45% Left Brained, 55% Right Brained.
So, who knows! :) I'm more right brained than left....which is afterall true. :)

Take the quiz then let me know what you are! :)

Rock Candy

Every Christmas I've always bought a stick of Rock Candy for Bobby. This year, I got some for the girls too. They loved it (what child wouldn't, it's pure sugar!), so we decided it was high time to make some of our own. :)

It's a fun science project for the girls to watch too. It was perfect, Catherine enjoys "The Magic School bus", the one she watched today was perfect...it was about molecules, and sugar crystals....just too perfect!

So, here's what we have so far:

LOL, See my 2 little sillies peeking in there?! :)

Heat 1 cup of water and 2 cups of sugar, stirring frequently. Once the sugar is melted, add an additional 2 cups of sugar, continue heating until all sugar is dissolved. Pour into jar(s) add a drop of food color, stick (or string) cover w/wax paper. Let it set still (don't move the jars around, but keep it in an area you can observe it) for a week to form large formations of sugar crystals; Rock Candy.

Here's what it looks like just 6 hours afterwards. The molecules of sugar are already collecting together.

:) There's my other little silly peeking into the picture! :)

Tagged - FIVE

Maureen tagged me...

What were you doing 10 years ago?
10 years ago? Let's see...I was living in Virginia, working at Hallmark. I was dating Bobby, in January we had taken a trip to KY so he could meet my family. (2 months later, we'd get married!)

Five snacks you enjoy:

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies (Crisp, not soft)
2. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
3. Lay's Original Chips
4. Coffee Ice Cream
5. Candy Bars :) Snickers/Twix/Baby Ruth, etc.

Five songs to which you KNOW all the lyrics:

Let me preface this by saying, I love music, but I have a terrible memory, and I'm not that good at singing along with music! I can remember 80% of songs. :) LOL So my choices will seem pretty pathetic! :)

1. This little light of mine
2. Happy Birthday
3. Jesus loves the little children
4. Hush little baby
5. We wish you a Merry Christmas

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:

1. Go to college
2. Set money aside so my children can go to any college they want to
3. Get my dream home
4. Help out our parents and other family members
5. Give more to church & charities

Five bad habits:

1. Not planning dinner in advance
2. Not going to the grocery store often enough
3. Not sending birthday cards off in time
4. Letting laundry pile up
5. Not checking for voicemails

Five things you like doing:

1. Talking on the phone to family and friends
2. Impressing others with my baking skills
3. Scrapbooking
4. Blogging
5. Doing fun things with my family

Five things you would never wear, buy, or get again:

1. A perm
2. Diapers! :) Yeah I'm done
3. Wal-Mart Clothes
4. Horizontal stripes
5. Off brand Peanut Butter

Five favorite toys:

1. Laptop
2. Scrapbook stuff!
3. Digital Camera
4. Canon Rebel Camera
5. Kitchen Aid Mixer

Tagging:
Shan & Cami

All in a day!

Catherine came home with this bundle of cards from the 3rd graders that I read to yesterday. That was so sweet of them! It just made my heart melt to read all of their Thank You's. I had read an Amelia Begelia story, so I got a lot of drawings from the book, and what their favorite part was. Soo cute! :)




So... today, I cleaned the microwave out (that's a tough job when tomato sauce goes wild in there!), spent 3 hours cleaning the girls bedroom (which we all know it will only be spotless for a few days!), folded 2 loads of laundry, made dinner, and most important....
..... I FOUND THE CHOCOLATE!!! :) LOL...so here's the story......I placed all the chocolate that was floating around the house from Halloween and Christmas in this tub, then somehow I misplaced the thing! I thought for sure that Bobby threw it out (because you know, we always talk about loosing weight, so I'm sure he thought he was helping me)...but I've been craving dark chocolate....so I've been looking for this tub for a few weeks. Well, tonight I finally found that tub! Sorry my dear husband for ever thinking you could possibly throw it away on me! ;)
...yes, I ate a piece (...okay 3) of Hershey's dark chocolate with almonds Nugget(s).

I finally read 2 chapters of the book we've been reading, Sheparding a childs heart (ch 2 & 3) and filled out the handbook questions. I'm having Lisa & Ruth over in the morning for us to discuss it.

Tonight I went with my friend Anne and we signed our kids up for soccer. The original sign ups were the Saturday of Catherine's Birthday party. Well, there was no way I could do it then. I'm glad they had another night for sign ups. We have to get Catherine sheen gaurds, soccer shorts, socks, cleats and possibly even her own Soccer ball. One of her other friends have signed up too, we made notes on our forms to get them on the same team so we can carpool. I hope they'll have fun, I'm sure they will! Catherine spent all summer kicking the ball around the yard, it's hard to get the ball away from her too! :)

I'm so tired, and need to find some time to rest up...I've got to get over this month long cold! :P

I'll tell you though, I'm feeling so inspired to scrapbook, I hope I can find some time tomorrow to work on Marti's Circle Journal. I haven't scrapped in a LONG time, so it's overdue!

Want to know what I really enjoy?

I really enjoy working at the school!

Today I went in to be a "Guest Reader" and read books to 2 different class rooms. I read 2 rainbow fish books to one of the second grade classes, and an Amelia Begelia book to a 3rd grade class. It was so fun!

I do the Famous Artist Program and Kid Writing with the Kindergarteners, and help put away Library books in the Library. It's so fun, the kids are great. I know teachers have rough days, but what a rewarding job they have working/teaching the kids every day.

I've waited for 5 years to be a PTO Mom, I finally am, and I'm loving every second of it! :)

Have you Read today?

My friend Jenn and her 4 year old, that normally watches Abby for me while I do school stuff, had pink eye. Abby's pink eye cleared up the day they came down with it. Arggh....I felt awful...Abb had the antibiotic drops for 24 hrs before they saw each other, we lysold everything Abby touched... :( Anyways...

Yesterday I took Abby with me to Catherine's school for a RIF distribution (where the whole school get's a free book). She was SO good. I was so proud of her. She sat in her little spot and kept herself occupied with all the goodies we brought in her own little Dora backpack.

Last night we had girl scouts. Catherine has earned a few petals already for Daisy's but their tunics aren't in yet so they can't see what they're earning. I stayed and helped since I brought in the snack.

Today I have to go to the school as a guest reader. I'm reading a book to a 2nd grade class and to the one of the 3rd grade classes. I don't know what I'll be reading yet, but it needs to take about 15 minutes. I just got the call to do this yesterday late afternoon. I had already been to the library (I took the girls yesterday morning) so I'm not prepared...I really dislike not being prepared. I'll figure it out though.

Catherine has a reading goal of 15 min a day and a ton of other activities (the school is aiming for 20,000 points). We got the American Girl Collection....Felicity & Kaya books. I think we should take the Kaya books back, I don't see us reading all of them in just 2 weeks.

Right now we're reading Meet Felicity. Last night we read the 1st chapter, I need to get off of here and read them the 2nd chapter while they're finger painting. :) Fun, fun, fun! :)

A few goals for 2006

Okay, I guess it's time to write down a few things for this new year. I've put it off long enough! :)

A Few Goals for 2006

• Scrapbook more (I feel like I haven't scrapbooked forever!!! Actually it's been over 6 months since I've done 1 layout for myself)
• ReOrganize all my scrapbook supplies (including my old space that's in the girls room)
• Read more books to my girls and for myself
• Excersize more and eat a little healthier (drink more water too)
• Find a good moisturizer (MaryKay just isn't working for me)
• Decorate my room (I have a ton of white shabby stuff, just need to get some shelves up)
• Keep on top of the laundry continually
• Entertain friends at our house more
• Get my Video Camera back from our old church (hmfff...long story)
• Create a Family Cookbook before our big reunion in June
• Get closer to God again...I've moved, not Him!
• Teach the girls to pick up after themselves better
• File papers away! (I've been so bad, letting mail stack up, then going thru it all)
• Be more patient - Don't loose my temper and yell
• Play more games with girls (lately, we've been playing a board game or two almost every night, it's great, the girls love it, and it's a great thing to do as a family!)
• Stick to a schedule to keep my time organized!

There's more but for now, that's enough! :)

2005 I accomplished several goals.

• I painted my credenza and moved it upstairs,
• moved my scrapbook work area to another room
• Repainted my living room
• Put new blinds up in the downstairs windows
• Sewed new drapes & hung them
• Wallpapered my kitchen & finished different touch up jobs
• Installed new lights in the living room
• Redid my bathroom downstairs
• Volunteer on several PTO committees.

I know there's more, but that's all I can remember for now. :)

Birthday Parties Galore!

We ended up only having 6 girls for Catherine's 6th Birthday! :) Pretty good. :) They all had fun. Catherine was really pleased with the Pink Poodle theme (I loved the Eiffel tower that came with the package!) :) LOL

If you look close you can see the mini double layered 6" cake I made for Catherine. I got a poodle figure and just added swirly pink icing for the topper! :) LOL I was a "mean" mom and wouldn't let her lick off that icing (Yuck!)

The photo of Cat in the circle at top left, is the moment that she made her birthday wish just before blowing out the candles. I wonder what she wished for, I hope it's nice and that it will come true.

I took some cute pictures of Cat and each guests, which will go in the Thank You cards.

Of course this weekend was my great friend Jenn's birthday and my dear friend Ruth's birthday. I'm a little birthday'd out! :) LOL

Friday we went over to Jenn's house and partied with her. I got to bed somewhere in the neighborhood of 2 (I was a good girl, and only had 3 drinks during the party....which was, 6 hrs I guess. Abby has Pink Eye...and woke us up crying at 4:40. I couldn't get back to sleep because then all I could think about was not forgeting something for Ruth's party. Her husband "hired" me as the party planner (w/0 pay!) ;) So I just got up, finished making her gift, took my shower, loaded the car, kids got up, feed them breakfast, and left to decorate the hall.

She was suprised, it was so much fun!!! Everything looked beautiful, everyone had a great time. It was a great time. I'm REALLY tired now though!!! :)

Now...I made an awesome card for Jenn, I wish I scanned it. I altred a wooden "R" for Ruth (her husband teased that it was for Reverse......she backed into something with their new Trailblazer....oops!) Again...I wish I scanned it! I just ran out of time, so it never got done!

Meme Challenge #18 - 5 Things...

Meme Challenge #18 from 2Peas

This is a tough one. There are many things in life that I think if I can't do it perfect, then I won't do it. But other things I have no problem doing them, even if it doesn't turn out perfectly.

List five things you would love to do, if you didn't have to do them perfectly.

Let's see....

1. Decorate cakes for a living (I love doing this, but getting the icing perfectly smooth is almost impossible for me)
2. Scrapbook every day

Wow, I can only think of 2 things! I'll have to ponder over this some more

It's been several days, and I still can't figure out what else I'd like to say....What does that say about me?

I guess, I really don't want to do certain things if they're not perfect.....and I don't care if the other things aren't done perfectly! :)

& now she's sick!

Catherine woke up this morning with a 103 temperature. I got her dressed and into the Dr's office as soon as they could see her. Poor girl was so red (look, she's brighter than her pink pants!).

They thought she might have strep throat, but it was negative (Thankfully). She has a viral infection, so plenty of rest and fluids (a.k.a. TV, Popsicles, Sprite & Water...much to her delight!) :)

(oh, the second photo, I had to do some "covering up", but otherwise there is not digitally remastering of these photos...her skin was soooo red/pink from her fever)

I was supposed to host a bible study at my house this morning at 10:30, I forgot all about it. I felt terrible that I let everything slip my mind once I saw Cat this morning. Thankfully everyone understood. They had tried calling me but my cell was turned off while I was at the Dr's office. Apperantly they called my DH because they were worried because they knew something was wrong (it's not like to me totally forget something like this, especially since we saw each other Sunday and talked about it).

I was going to post pictures from Catherine's party, but I'll wait until next post.

Saturday we had Catherine's Birthday party.
Sunday we had our Monthly lunch with friends from our old church (trying to stay in touch)
Monday Bobby cleaned out his shed, and my friend Anne came over and finished my wallpaper in the kitchen (one wall needed to be done, and after B & I did the first wall over a year ago, we haven't been motivated to do it...wallpapering stinks!)

My Big girl is 6!

Yesterday Catherine celebrated her 6th Birthday! I can't believe how big she is getting!

We got her a Barbie "2-Wheel" scooter (her first scooter had 3 wheels). Barbie CD Kareokee Machine with 2 Mics, and he Bella/Cinderella Balerenia Dance Mat & DVD. She loved all her gifts! We had a couple friends over for cupcakes and to open her gifts.

Saturday will be her BIG party! :) We got the Pink Poodle package from Birthday Express. I'm not much of a catalog/internet buyer, but I think this is the way I'm going from now on! It wasn't very expensive, and so easy! It arrived so quick and packaged well.

:)