Batoria's Blah Blah Blog

Town Mouse and Country Mouse

2011-11-04T16:02:00.000-06:00

So, my BFF lives 2000 miles away. I can't live where she lives and she couldn't live where I live, but we still manage to stay besties. Through life's ups and downs and common love of food, we have decided to collaborate on a blog. We thought it would be a fun way to do something “together” even across the great divide so, we decided our common love of food and cooking would be a great thing to share. It can be found here http://townmouseandcountrymouse.wordpress.com/. Check it out, follow it, let us know what you think.

It, like everything in my life, is a work in progress!

My latest "Starting Conversations" published piece

2011-08-18T13:12:00.000-06:00

Sisterhood is nothing new to me. I am one of three sisters, and I have daughters. Also, three! I get it. I always have. But, the older I get and the more I watch my little legacies grow, the more I come to realize that their sisterhoods branch further out than just our home. Sisterhood starts young, from the time they start to socialize with other children.

My seven year old, has been best friends with her BFF since they were four year old Pre-Ks. Fluke. Maybe not! My youngest, who we call “Squeaks,” already has a BFF. Squeaks and “She-She” (as she calls Jaycie) are inseparable. They are two years old! Having been a military brat, and never having had a childhood friend for longer than the two years we lived anywhere, it never dawned on me that sisterhood is almost a subconscious power. It’s innate. I think this is why sororities have survived the tests of time. We women have a calling to spend time with, bolster successes and support other women.

It’s easy for me to see, and encourage the development of deep sisterhood in my own children. But, equally interesting, entertaining and all the more fulfilling, is watching sisterhoods growing between girls who have no biological connections. Even more compelling is being able to foster these relationships and build stronger ties between them.

In addition to my time spent as an Alpha Chi Omega national volunteer, I am the head Girl Scout leader for the largest scout troop in our entire council. Most people think me and my seven co-leaders (which is what is required to support our troop!) are insane. But, watching these girls grow, develop and build life long friendships is more fulfilling for me than I ever could have anticipated. I obviously don’t spend my troop time being an Alpha Chi Omega “recruiter” but it is my job as a leader to “recruit” these young girls into being the women our community wants, and needs them to be.

According to www.girlscouts.org, more than 50 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouts in their childhood. Many of these are notable, including our very own Condoleezza Rice, and some not so notable like me! Every school year that number grows, as more future leaders step foot into their first troop meetings. We have an opportunity as Alpha Chi Omegas, as women, to make an impact. Whether through Girl Scouts of the USA or another organization established to encourage strength, independence and leadership in little girls, I feel it is our job to do so.

I remember a quote, “We are Alpha Chi Omega sisters. We seek the heights of this experience called Life.” I think my time with the Girl Scouts is exactly that. I am seeking the heights of my life experiences. In doing so, I am giving back to my children, a community and an entire generation. I could sit here all day and list the reasons why it is important to volunteer. But, I feel more compelling are the reasons to foster young girls into strong women. Aside from what our genetics have offered us, our fraternity has taught us lifelong skills, not limited to the importance of owning your responsibilities, having a good moral fiber and cultivating friendships. Shouldn’t we pass this on?

Each of us, whether we are raising our own legacies, has the “tools” and innate abilities to teach the real, strong women of the future. Focus for a minute on this. Then, however you choose to do so, make the rewarding choice, to take action! If, in the end you have had an impact on just one little girl who chooses to go the way of the golden lyre, more power to us!

Freedom, only when FREE

2011-03-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

I am entering this online essay and photo contest just now. Not likely I would win, but who wants to pass up the chance to be photographed for a magazine and an all expenses paid trip to New York City? Not me!

So, fingers crossed and silent prayer, I hit SUBMIT. Up pops the most ridiculous message I have ever (maybe not EVER, but certainly recently) seen! "The States of XX, XX, XX, CO and XX do not allow their residents to enter contests with an entry fee." Hold the phone....ALLOW?!?!?!? Seriously!!!! Do I not live in the United States of America? Am I not granted the rights of life, libery and the pursuit of happiness?

What if winning this contest would have made me REALLY happy? Well, too bad for me and my fellow Coloradoans. Makes me ponder what other crazy laws we have going on. I guess, at least in Colorado, Freedom is truly only when it's FREE!

I suck!

2011-02-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have decided I pretty much just suck at blogging! I can chat up a storm. I can Facebook with the best of them. But, when I (occassionally) come to my blog, I end up just staring blankly at the screen. Why is it I worry so much about what to say, when it comes time to post something.....anything! I guess I really do care what people think of me. I guess it matters to me that I have something AMAZING to say, if I am going to go to the effort of writing an "article". Who wants to know how many snotty noses I cleaned up today? Who gives a flying patoot how many times I yelled at my children to stop kicking the table while they "sit on your butt and eat your dinner!"? Who cares that I quit my job of nearly 5 years for something different....wait, what?!?!

Yep, I got a new job!!! Woohooo. Yeahhhhhh meeeee! I am nervous about moving on. I am nervous about starting over. I will miss some of my peers. Yet, I am excited for the new adventure.

Now that I have given the standard, 2-weeks notice, I have no idea what to do with my days. It's not like I feel the need to start new projects. It's not like I plan to take on any huge initiatives. It's not like I am going to negotiate pricing and terms with vendors I won't be around to keep in compliance. I spent the day I gave notice cleaning my office, clearing my computer of all "personal" stuff and generally dotting all i's and crossing all t's because I didn't know if I would just be flat out asked to get out of the building. Needless to say, I was so efficient I now have nothing to do but interview and try to find my replacement. Can you say BORED! B-O-R-E-D, BORED!!!

My boss didn't even make an announcment to the staff that I was leaving. Mind you, I am literally the "Second in Command" around here, and I had to make the announcement myself. I didn't get a thank you, we will miss you, how will we ever survive without you. I got a "well, we will just keep moving along like we always will." Literally! After nearly 5 years of blood, sweat, 12 hour days-six days a week and tears (all literally), that is what the staff heard him say to me. I was really nervous and upset to walk in and tell him I was moving on. I felt bad for him after I left the office that Friday afternoon. But, after a Monday morning that started like that....now, I feel no obligation to do much of anything.

I am going to stick it out the full two weeks because I am a professional and I follow through on my word. I am going to document, to the best of my abilities, everything I do so whomever takes over will have an easy-enough time of filling the void I will be leaving. I am going to get all my employees lined up as best I can because I feel a personal pull towards most of them and truly care that my leaving is as minimally catastrophic as it can be.

When it comes to blogging, yep, I pretty much suck. But, I guess it's ok because being a good person means I don't suck at much else! :)

No Taxation without Representation

2010-11-03T10:13:00.005-06:00

We had our mid-term elections last night. The whole campaign process is likely to turn anybody off to voting all together! Advertisements are geared toward the lowest common denominator, the "idiot" voter. They are mean, ugly, self-centered and all are flat-out liars. I commend the Gubernatorial candidates in my state. I didn't hear/see/witness a single negative ad during the entire process. And you know what, a clean campaign has the same result. There is a winner and there are losers.

I am excited about the Tea Party Movement. I love that people have broken from their party and have spoken up against the corruption that has become our Government. This is what makes our country great! We have the choice. I don't vote party line and I didn't vote for every Tea Party candidate put on my state's ballot just "because" I believe in the movement. I am NOT the lowest common denominator, as a voting citizen. I value my civic duty. I respect that it is my job to educate myself, research as much information as I can obtain and make as educated a choice as I can, based on my beliefs in smaller government, fiscal conservatism and social reform. But, media outlets don't help in this endeavor. I have yet to find an outlet that is fair and unbiased, even though, some claim to be. Our local newspaper had a full page spread on all the candidates they "endorse". WTF?!?! I don't want your opinion, I want the news. I want facts!

I believe in the right to life but that is my, PERSONAL, CHOICE! I don't think it is the Government's job to tell a woman what she can and can not do with her own body. SHE is the person who must live with the consequences of her choices. SHE is the one who has to answer to a higher authority...one much higher than the Government of the United States! The fact that this has been a hot-topic in elections for more than 30 years is maddening!

I believe a person should be allowed to choose their life partner and not have to hide his/her choice in a closet. I don't think it is my business what a person does with their own life's choices as long as they are a law-abiding, contributing members of society.

I believe in term limits! What is up with being able to be a Representative until death do you part?!?! No wonder nothing changes, its the same old boys club until the end of time. When one dies off, his son or wife takes his spot. URGH!!!

I believe in our military but I feel, in this day and age, their interests are best served focusing on protecting OUR freedoms and not trying to force immature nations into thinking our way. Unfortunately, too many of our brothers and sisters have died trying to get the rest of the world on board with our way of thinking. This is not their way of life, this is not about politics but rather a 2000+ year war about religion. I say, bring safely home our brothers and sisters. Then, PRAISE them, HONOR them when they step foot back on sovereign soil! But, we do not take demands from terrorists and we do not roll over and play dead so, when the world ASKS for help (and you know they will), THEN step up to the plate and be the LEADER of the free world!

I believe the United States of America is the greatest nation in the world. Ours is a country, beautiful and rich in resources, industry and physical appeal. It is a great place to live. I understand why we are the melting-pot of the world and why people flock to our shores to get in. But, I also believe there should be rules to how one gets in. I do not believe an illegal alien deserves the same rights as me. I do not believe they should be protected under our laws until they have become a citizen (through proper channels), who is dedicated to those laws. I believe they should be required to read, speak and understand our language. I do not see Americans able to immigrate into any other country in the world, illegally, and have granted all the rights of that countries citizens. I am the daughter of an immigrant.

Yes, Democrats still hold 2/3s of Government. But, how much is actually going to move forward if people just stick to party lines and vote with the party? A GREAT President is able to reach across the aisle. Reagan was good at this. Even Clinton did well. This has nothing whatsoever to do with party politics. The President of the United States should be party-less, he is elected by the people! In my personal opinion, in the end, this one will fail miserably.

I respect the office but I don't like the man. The current President certainly is charismatic. But, he is "all hat and no cattle". I think his promise of Hope and Change went down the toilet about two minutes into his Inauguration speech, when he already set himself up for a re-election run..."they will not be met in a short span of time". Bye-bye Hope. And, WHEN can I expect Change, if not in 4 years? I don't believe in much of what he has done in the last 2years and according to his own speech, I know not to expect much more in the next 2 years. Do I think we have to get out of debt, yes! But, I don't think putting us TRILLIONS of dollars more in debt is going to help. Do I think our health care system needs reformed, absolutely! But, taking away the choice of business owners and individuals and forcing the medical profession into something so lop-sided is not the way to go about it. Do I want a doctor who is my pick of the draw, NOT the BEST of the BEST working on me..nope! I am a contributing member of society. I have no problems working hard to "earn" something better for myself. I also have no issues giving to those less fortunate. But, I am not willing to work hard to give a free-loader a leg up, either. Against his own Inauguration speech words, he is failing miserably because he has not, "remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents."

Whether you want to believe it or not, The Constitution is our country's governing document. They are our "10 Commandments", to put it in basic terms (I KNOW there are more than 10 amendments). You don't like it, change it. That's the beauty of being an American. You have a right to your opinion, its the FIRST Amendment, even IF you don't vote (but shame on you if you don't!).

So, Mr. (and yes, it is still mostly Mr.) Politician. Don't assume we are all stupid. Don't assume we can't read, research and form educated opinions. Don't assume we don't know and understand The Constitution of the United States. Don't assume we will always take the easy road and vote for you because you carry the "title" of our chosen party. I will not stand idly by and have "taxation without representation". You work for ME, not the other way around.

A "Perspective" piece I wrote and was published in Alpha Chi Omega's Fall Lyre Magazine

2010-10-14T12:45:00.001-06:00

I am the first-born child of teen-aged parents, a first generation American and first generation university graduate. My father was a US Navy SEAL therefore I’m also a “military brat”. Growing up, I lived in countless houses, in different states and countries. Including my enrollment at UCLA, I attended 12 schools. Very little in my life, besides family, was familiar or constant, until I was granted the privilege of membership in Alpha Chi Omega. My 16 years, as an Alpha Chi, have been an honor, with continual opportunities to enjoy the society of my sisters.

I feel strongly that our open motto means we should be committed to seeking the heights of friendship. As I grow older and it becomes more difficult to meet people with whom I have something in common, I have come to recognize, with Alpha Chi Omega, opportunity for new kinships are always there. No matter where I have been, across the United States, I have had the connection to our Fraternity. The “network” promised, when I first joined, has come through for me, time and time again.

Our “society” is vast. Since before graduation, I have enjoyed the network. First, I joined Gamma Theta Gamma, in Southern California. When I moved 3000 miles from home and everyone I knew, I connected with sisters in New Jersey through Theta Tau Chapter at Rutger’s University, as a way to meet people. One of my very best friends, in the entire world, came as a result. I have sisters in Denver in the Nu Nu Alumnae Chapter. It was through this group, as a first time mother, I was granted the kinship of sisters in the bond of motherhood. I now live in a small town in Western Colorado, where there is no immediate access to Alpha Chi Omega. But, just last summer I happened across an email looking for women interested in volunteering with the Fraternity. Because of my location I wasn’t expecting much. Yet, an opportunity was still granted to me, and I have become friends, and joke regularly, with women I have never met face to face!

Just the other day, while pointing at my sweatpants, my 7-year old daughter asked me what “A – X – horseshoe” stood for. I continue to wear my letters proudly because the longevity and familiarity of my friendship with Alpha Chi Omega, and its impact continues to shape me. It has been my privilege to have been introduced to so many wonderful sisters, I call friends. My friendships, with this ever-growing group of women, make it very easy to declare a lifetime commitment to give back to Alpha Chi Omega. In accord with our symphony, I try “to shed the light of love and friendship round me”, as thanks for the opportunities of friendship Alpha Chi Omega has granted me. I feel I have done my very best to always be a good sister. Still, all that being said, I think AXO has gotten the shorter end of the stick!

"The future starts today, not tomorrow" - Pope John Paul II

2010-06-10T08:43:00.000-06:00

Why can't I just understand that? Why can't I figure out how to make it happen? I have plans. I really, truly do but I have so many things (aka excuses) keeping me from doing them.

I had a horrible day at work yesterday. It was just another reminder that I need to be doing something which makes me happy. Happy has to have a way to pay the bills!

Deadline induced brain fart

2010-06-09T08:18:00.000-06:00

So, I have been asked to submit an article for a magazine. 500 words, plus a photo and short bio. I have been given free reign of choice in topic but I am still unable to come up with what to write. I have a list of topics I have been writing about and holding, for future blog posts, etc. But I still can't get into the one I really want to submit for this magazine. Funny how when I don't HAVE TO write I can write up a storm, but now I have a "deadline" and I am blank. URGH!

Any thoughts on how to get over "writer's block"?

Leave me a message

2010-06-07T15:30:00.002-06:00

So, I am pretty sure only my dad reads this blog. But, if you are someone other than dad...can you leave me a message so I know you are OUT THERE :)

Happy Monday.

Jackpot June

2010-06-02T09:51:00.000-06:00

Jackpot June: 50% off Products and FREE Goodies! Hit the jackpot and win FREE products with Jackpot June.

This Close To My Heart special, started June 1, provides you with a different deal each day. Be sure to check out my upline's website at www.tracym.myctmh.com (because unfortunately my own website doesn't work for online shopping) each day for each new and exciting offer! Once you have landed on her home page, just click "Shop Online" to begin seeing what each day's Jackpot June deals are.

Some days you can grab loaded Goodie Boxes at 50% or more off retail value.
Other days are Jackpot Days. These days give you a list of 5 products offered at special discounted prices--one of which will trigger the Jackpot (a surprise product you'll receive FREE!). Take a chance and hope that you buy the right item that gets you the free product, or play it safe and buy one of each, guaranteeing that you will hit the Jackpot!

Either way you will save money on favorite scrapbooking and stamping supplies by grabbing a different bargain each day in June. Deals include discounted shipping/handling costs too! These special offers are available only online so be ready every day to check out Tracy's website and get your deal! New deals are posted each day at 8 am (MDT).

Jackpot June purchases must include ONLY Jackpot June items (the Goodie Box or the discounted items) and nothing else. This will streamline orders and allow CTMH to offer discounted shipping for this exciting promotion.

Differences can be lonely

2010-05-27T16:36:00.000-06:00

I see diversity every day, just by leaving my house. Even in a small town where you wouldn't expect to see such differences in people, I am amazed.

As fodder for my blog, last week, I decided to ask the women in my office, what sorts of things interest them. The results were astonishing. There wasn't a single same answer on the lists. More surprisingly is they each had a list of interests without a single thing on it that in which I am interested. How crazy is it that we all work for the same company, we all see each other every day and yet we have nothing in common. If I didn't have such wonderful family and friends already, I would be disheartened with this fact.

It brings to light just how tough it is to live in a world of such great differences. It makes it ever so much clearer, to me, why there are companies like Match and eHarmony. How in the world do people find other people like them? I am so lucky to have a partner in my life. I wouldn't even know where to start to find a date. I would even know how to go about making new friends. It makes me think, differences can be very lonely.

Mojo Monday - MOJO140

2010-05-24T21:39:00.000-06:00

I was in a creative mood tonight so, decided to give Mojo Monday a go. I used all Close to My Heart product, except for that little green chipboard flower, which I happened to have in my mess of accessories. This is the Bella paperpack, Bella My Stickease, Creme Brule Just Blooms, tulip brads and chocolate Waxy Flax. I used chocolate, creme brule, olive and hollyhock inks and the Rustic Flowers stamp set. I am still trying to figure out how to take better photos with the "big" camera, so bear with me :)

Size does matter

2010-05-22T15:05:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite retailers was having a great sale on sundresses for the girlies. I naturally could not pass by without just searching for hangers with the correct sizes. My eldest daughter is in desperate need of summer clothes, now that school is out and with it goes the uniform! So, I didn't feel too bad spending the money. I bought her several and so the other two (well, really just the next in line) wouldn't feel bad I got them some too.

This morning they decided to do a "fashion show" for dad, with all their new summer clothes. I have to admit I picked some cute outfits. But, the highlight of the entire experience came when my middle child walked out of the bathroom, slightly hunched over, and totally straight-faced, stating "this one is a little small." I let her know it is because that particular, adorable little shorts jumpsuit belongs to her younger sister.

Let's not neglect the fact that this child wears a size 6 and the next in line wears a size 12.....months!

Go grab yourself a tissue....I PROMISE the tears, from laughing so hard, will eventually stop!

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T08:14:00.002-07:00

Today is the day, if you don't do it any other day, to THANK A VET! These are the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to put country before self. They ensure you live a FREE life. DO NOT EVER take that for granted.

Happy Veteran's Day.

Halloween is over....

2009-11-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

Time to move on to the next holidays. It is insane to me how quickly the last three months of the year fly by. I figure the biggest reason for this is retail outlets that have the next holiday on sale before the current holiday has even passed. I was in one on the day before Halloween and the Halloween things were bunched into one aisle on "clearance" while a huge section of the store was already set up for Christmas. Did I miss Thanksgiving somewhere along the way?

Halloween was a "season" for us this year. I volunteered to do the Trick or Treat Street event at the kids' school. It was a raging success with upwards of 450 guests at the event. That meant I had to feed AND entertain all those people. I had a great group of volunteers, the hardest working being my hubby! We will most likely end up doing it again next year, too. The next day, Halloween itself, we walked in the school's trick or treat fun run, did trick or treating in the evening and I threw a 40th "boo"thday bash for my wonderful hubby.

Needless to say, November 1st was spent on the couch!

Time to party in the streets!

2009-10-29T08:45:00.001-06:00

So, Squeaks slept for 8 hours last night! EIGHT, count them....1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8!!! That's alot!!! I would like to say it is because she is a great baby (which naturally she is) but I think I might have to attribute it to the immunizationSSSSS she got yesterday. Fingers crossed for tonight!

Dr. Brown, I love you!

2009-10-27T07:35:00.000-06:00

We had tried everything we could think of and Squeaks still would not take a bottle. She spit it out, screamed, kicked, you name it. I felt it was starting to hinder her bonding with her father because she would get so upset about the bottle that she would stop going to him at all. While I absolutely love that she loves ME to pieces, I was not getting ANYTHING done, ever because I was holding her ALL THE TIME! A couple of nights ago she took a Platex with drop in liner, latex nipple, bottle filled with warm water. Her latch was good so I filled it with formula and she spit it out. So, I start to figure maybe besides the nipple itself, the formula is not her favorite thing. So I pump a little breast milk and she took it. WOOHOO! But,....she is still sucking in a ton of air when she swallows and it takes forever to get her to burp. I made a special trip to WalMart (my least favorite place in the world sometimes) and picked up a Dr. Brown's bottle because I was told they really work. And you know what....they DO!! She took the bottle (still with water or breastmilk so, part of the issues was certainly her distaste for formula), drank it all up and NO AIR intake! Dr. Brown, whoever you are, you are my HERO!

Next issue...how to make the breasts produce enough to build up a supply!

FORTY!!!

2009-10-26T10:04:00.002-06:00

Today my hubby is 40! I can't believe it. That means I have known him for more than a decade. I vividly remember having his coworkers (he was in Singapore at the time) surprise him by decorating his cubicle before he got into the office. He THOUGHT he had gotten away from that little "tradition" by being international for his birthday, but I got him anyway! Of course, it was 2am when he called to "thank" me for the gesture. HA! Today, however, times are so different. We are both working from home. No pomp and circumstance until dinner time when all the kids are home to watch daddy open his presents. Lucky for me, Halloween falls on a Saturday this year. So....easy peasy, we have a COSTUME 40th shindig ahead of us. It should be a great time. We are looking to have about 40 (fitting!!) people at the house. There will be imbibing for sure...and we don't have to drive anywhere...woooohooo! Anyway, Happy Birthday to my favorite hubby!

Hump Day

2009-10-14T08:59:00.000-06:00

Not sure what to write today. The days all seem to blur together. I got some sleep last night, I guess that is a highlight. My sisters are coming to visit this weekend for 3 days. That is super duper. But, other than that, life with an 8 week old is pretty much the same every day. Nothing much changes until the big girls are home from school and basically that is the same every day, too! Monotony is a good thing, though.

Juggling....

2009-10-13T07:29:00.002-06:00

I am still trying to figure out how best to work from home with a baby in the house. I SHOULD be working when she sleeps. But, it seems that as soon as I put her down and start working she wakes up. So, right now the best time for me to get ANY work done is after 9pm....but, that is when I am tired! So, how is this going to work out? I am managing to get in the 4 hours a day I want to work but they are all over the place and I don't feel I am getting anything done well. It would be soooo nice if the kiddo would get on a schedule of some kind so I can plan my days (and SLEEP at night!!!).

Single parenting

2009-10-12T11:28:00.000-06:00

God Bless single parents! That's all I gotta say! I have no idea HOW (or why, sometimes!) they do it. Especially, with more than one child. YIKES!

saturday

2009-10-10T11:36:00.000-06:00

So, I just organized the closet which was LONG overdue. After having been in maternity clothes for, what seemed, an eternity I had forgotten what I owned! Some of it HAD to go the way of the dodo and some of it was saved so I have a size/style to aspire to in the coming months of weight loss! But, boy what a freaking boring chore! No energy to do anything else now. But....the day must go on....laundry hell, stinky bathrooms, some work for my job, trip to the punkin patch and corn maze, whats-for-dinner?, oh yea...and feed/burp/clean up baby at least 10 times each!! Do you remember when Saturdays meant sleeping in, having brunch out and seeing a matinee?!?! I vaguely recall the hazy days of youth! My girls have NO idea how easy they have it!

woohoo

2009-10-09T07:49:00.001-06:00

I actually got to scrapbook last night. Squeaks almost sort of cooperated. She let G-Man hold her for about an hour (a miracle these days), then I nursed her and put her in the bouncy chair at my feet for about 2 hours (also a miracle!). We then nursed and she slept for 2, 4 hour stretches. Is this a sign of the day we will have? I certainly hope so because today is volunteer at school day and I could use a QUIET Squeaks! Fingers crossed.

Let's bring you up to date

2009-10-08T08:25:00.004-06:00

So, I had my baby. A beautiful, precious, angel girl. But....the three of you who actually read my blog already knew that! :)

Summer flew by. I have been TRYING to do just about everything under the sun since school started. I volunteer in both big girls' classrooms on Fridays (WITH new little girl in tow!). I volunteered to be the Daisy (girl scouts) troop leader. I volunteered to be in charge, not just HELP mind you, of the Trick or Treat Street at the kids' school which just so happens to be the BIGGEST event the school holds. HAAA! I am also on the National Volunteer "board", so to speak, of my sorority which is a 2 year term. I am the Treasurer of my local National Panhellenic, sorority stuff for you not in the know, Alumnae group. All of this is on top of my full-time (which is only part time until January) job, that my boss thankfully is letting me do from home in the hours when the Squeaks actually sleeps (therefore I am working at 7am and 11pm...he he he), and my scrapbooking "business". I think this last pregnancy must have sucked what was left of my sanity right out my va-jay-jay when the kid came because I am most definitely INSANE!

Around the house we got a backyard, late in the summer. It will be ready to play on in the Spring when the ground thaws now that it is already freezing at night. G-man has been REALLY busy on his backhoe and tractor. We also "inherited" (with the help of more of our savings account) ANOTHER tractor and a "but it is so cool and I can mow the entire 7acres in under an hour" Kubota, zero turn, riding lawn mower (to the full priced tune of $11 grand!! which thankfully did NOT cost us that much!!!).

The big girls learned to swim this summer. Little big girl, the Doodlebug, lost 2 teeth! She is just one tooth short of her big sister. School is going well so far. My two Spawn of Satan are unnaturally the teachers' faves...not sure how that is possible!! :)

All in all I should say we are pretty blessed!

Tuesday's update for my Monday trinket

2009-06-16T14:52:00.003-06:00

So, my husband is still on the weekly, trinket gift kick. Its pretty funny. Yesterday he did the whole 8 Maids-a-milking rhyme and I got a BREAST PUMP. Totally practical at this point in time. More importantly, it made me laugh. :)

Mojo Monday #90

2009-06-12T09:41:00.007-06:00

I came across this very FUN blog for paper-crafters/card makers. Mojo Monday! Basically, they put a sketch online every Monday for a card and people take the sketch and make it their own. This week is sketch #90 and I decided to give it a shot. I was trying to "think outside the box" as best I could. I made a net from embroidery floss in place of a triangular piece of paper. I think the card turned out well for my first attempt at (a) making a net from floss and (b) making a card from a sketch with no measurements.

I used all Close to My Heart products. The most fun was getting to use my brand new blending pen to make the "Twighlight" stamped fish into a Rainbow Trout and then using clear embossing powder to make it look wet. This is the April Stamp of the Month - World's Best Dad! It's fitting since the big day is just around the corner!

Breathing should be easier

2009-06-11T09:57:00.002-06:00

I don't remember being so short of breath with either of my other pregnancies. I remember babies sitting up near rib cage and being uncomfortable but, nothing like this. I can't fill my lungs. I feel light headed and short of breath alot. I notice it most when I eat something, anything, in any amount. Its odd. Makes me feel tired all the time.

On the flip side, that is my only complaint this time around. I only have reflux if I allow myself to get "hungry". I am sleeping fine, except for the peeing 100 times a night (which is a given!). No back pain.....YET! I am not as heavy, thank goodness.

So, I guess as long as the docs aren't concerned about my shortness of breath, I shouldn't be either.

Its Monday

2009-06-08T13:19:00.002-06:00

Today is Monday. Since my birthday, 3 weeks ago, I have found little gifts around the house for me, from my husband. He has gotten into the habit of setting up a trinket gift and a little "poem" (sort of) for me. Our baby is due on a Monday and I am getting to sense these trinket gifts will go until then! Its fun. But today, there was no trinket. It thew me for a loop. Until I got a call at the office from hubby telling me to check under the front seat of my car. Thank goodness it wasn't something edible because it would have stunk up the car before I EVER discovered it through all the half-colored kid menus, empty food containers, sweaters, shoes, basic-crap, etc., I usually have in the car. Today I got a silly dashboard hula dancer that my girlies think is the greatest thing ever! It makes me smile!

Blog facelift

2009-06-05T10:26:00.001-06:00

I am messing around with updating my blog. I was getting tired of it being pink. Blue looks less obtrusive to the eyes, in my opinion. I am also trying to figure out how to add more than one photo to the "profile" section. So, bear with me!

Another year, another day

2009-05-20T11:11:00.000-06:00

So, I had a birthday yesterday. It was mellow, low key, nothing to brag about. But, it was nice. Our youngest "graduated" from preschool (or Pre-K as she would most likely correct!). It was quite the festivity. Most importantly, though, was that her teacher showed up to give out diplomas. Poor Mrs. A. lost her husband just 4 days ago but dragged herself out of bed, away from her 3 young grieving kids and showed up to give one last hug to each of her "adopted children" to wish them well on their summer vacation. We are blessed to have such caring people in our children's lives. Now, what to do with the kids for the summer...thats another post altogether!

Unicorn cake

2009-04-29T08:43:00.000-06:00

Oh to be 5 years old! Unicorn cake, please! It isn't the "lotsa unicorns prancing" which she requested...but you get what you get, honey! Lucky for her, I managed to keep the cake from decapitating itself from the weight of its head, by some fancy "dowel" work and leaving it headless for 8 hours :)

Been a LONG time

2009-04-16T14:14:00.001-06:00

So, my dad harassed me yesterday for not keeping up with my blog. Is it not enough that I have a facebook, website and myspace!?! Apparently, the answer is NO! So...here I sit, forcing my brain to think of SOMETHING to write :) It is a hard thing to do...not thinking in general, just trying to think of something interesting to write! We are having a baby...yes, ANOTHER baby. We had our half-way-there ultrasound yesterday. Everything is going well. Baby has all its parts, they are in working order. Even if we wanted to find out the gender (which we do not), the child was having none of showing us anything! Of course, this is MY child...stubborn...from point of conception! :) I guess that is about all that changes in my little world....children, they grow or get added to the family! Ta ta, for now (dad...since I think you are the only person who reads this)

2008-04-14T11:04:00.000-06:00

We took the kids (and hubby as he hadn't been either) to Disneyland. Boy o-boy are my kids AWESOME! They are total troopers! We waited until they were both old enough, and tall enough to enjoy the park WITHOUT spending the entire day in Toon Town! As a mater of fact, we didn't even take them over there, so they have NO idea it even exists! We drove up to the park, without having told them we were going, and surprised them with the day of their lives! My oldest might as well have humped my leg all day long, like an exicted dog! She was on cloud 9! We got there when the park opened. We stayed until after fireworks (about 30 minutes or so before the mad rush to the gift shops on Main Street) and they stayed awake, happy, melt-down-free, the ENTIRE day! Our youngest fell asleep on my husband's shoulder about an hour before we left the park, the 4 year old had quietly called it a day! They were tall enough to ride all but Indiana Jones and ride they did! Hands in the air on all the big drops and all! My kids are troopers!

Getting there!

2008-03-07T11:17:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple photos of our great room/kitchen space. We actually have SOME furniture in the house and boxes unpacked! Notice our FIRST housewarming present...beautiful sunflowers from my sister!

THE HOUSE is DONE!!!!

2008-03-03T10:39:00.001-07:00

While I still don't know that I would ever suggest building from scratch to anyone...I have to say I do like what we ended up with. I am thankful it is DONE!

This is the exterior of the house. Needless to say it needs a coat of paint (we weren't about to WAIT until the weather is a consistent 55degrees before we moved in), and some landscaping. There is a circle driveway planned for right there in front. Our garage entrance is on the side because we were both in agreement that we didn't want the first thing you saw on the house to be a big (albeit pretty) garage door! :)

This is our guest bathroom. I wanted something in shades of white to play off a Renoir painting print I got from my sister, and my grandparents had hanging in their house. We got an antique chest of drawers that had a sink dropped into it. The tub was an added eccentricity but I can tell you the girls LOVED their first bath in it!

This is my little splurge...the master bathroom tub! I will need a step stool to get into it...but it will surely be a special treat, once there are some candles going!!

Our master bathroom has a "private" entrance through our master closet. So, it isn't open for "public use". The design came as a fluke when we redesigned that side of the house due to my need for visual symmetry on the shape of the house (call me a freak!) It is nice, and the closet we got was one of my other favorite things!! Don't be jealous!!

This is looking from the back of the house to the entrance. The fireplace mantel I found at a consignment store. We cleaned it up and it turned out pretty nice. The hearth is a granite remnant that was exactly the size we needed so didn't need wasted cutting or anything. Of everything, I think this was my most favorite of all the "come together" things in the house!

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This is the kitchen sink. This granite I picked out on a sunny day. There are feldspar specks in it, that when the sun shined on them they sparkled bright red....I fell in love immediately.

This is the staircase to the basement (to be completed SOON-ish!!) We will have 2 more bedrooms and a bathroom down there. Also, my craft room....woohooo!!!

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This is the view (once the windows are clean it will be better) when you walk in the front door.

Needless to say, these photos were taken a couple of days (when they came through to inspect) before we moved anything in. We have cleaned up the mess, only to make more mess with boxes and unpacking trash! We are going to take it slow to personalize the space so that it feels like a HOME and not just a house. But, sleeping in my own bed last night was REALLY nice! I will be sure to post updates and we get stuff settled.

2008-01-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

Don't ever build a house from scratch...it is just a nightmare! Nothing goes according to plan. It is a HUGE strain on a family. Never happens fast enough. The end result might not be worth it in the end....fingers crossed it is...but the stress SUCKS!

The stork mistaken for Mother Goose

2008-01-19T09:30:00.001-07:00

I did this cake last weekend for my friend's baby shower. It is supposed to be a stork . But, by 11:30pm I couldn't stretch its beak any further to make it look any less like Mother Goose. Stork or Goose, it still turned out pretty well and I like it. My husband tells me it is the best cake I have made to date. I might have to agree even though it was easier than some of the others I have done. My grandma hopes I am getting paid well for the cakes and it broke my heart to tell her I never charge...ha ha ha!

The fiasco that is personalcreations.com

2008-01-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

PLEASE FORWARD this information to anyone you know who is always on the hunt for a new and different gift for kids!

I found this website through a random catalog I got in the mail. They had totally cute things, so I go there. I ordered 7 items for the not-my-offspring kids on my Christmas list. I ordered these items in November. All items show IN STOCK, and say they ship within 3-5 days, due to personalization time. I get 6 of the 7 items 16 days after my order. One is spelled wrong and one doesn't show up. I go to the website to check on status of the last item. It shows BACKORDERED, even though it was in stock when I ordered it. Fine, whatever. I try calling and get a recorded message "due to high volume of calls we can not take your call at this time" and they hang up on me. Can you believe this?!?! How can you just hang up on customers during your busiest time of year? Ok, it gets better!

I send a message through their "Contact Us" link. It has a big bold red message that says "due to volume it may take up to 48 hours for us to respond to your email". I email, and state that one thing was spelled wrong (after I checked my original order confirmation and packing slip to make sure it wasn't my mess up) and I would like a status of the back order. I still have 2 weeks until Christmas so I should be fine. HA HA HAAAAAA

The following week (MORE than 48 hours, by the way) I still have not heard back. I try to call..same problem. I am pissed off! I email AGAIN! My item now says "in personalization dept" so I am thinking ok, its coming, it might be late...but at least it is coming.

NOPE! Never showed up. So I check on status AGAIN today (6 weeks after original order). Says BACKORDERED again...how did it go from being in production to backordered? So, you guessed it. I call again. This time they don't hang up but I get the "our Customer Care (ha ha ha) Representatives are very busy and will get to your call in the order in which it was received" schpiel.

35 minutes I am on hold listening to this message, all the while I am writing a 3rd, more steaming email to which I will get no response. If I didn't want the satisfaction of getting the damn item...I wouldn't even bother.

But, I want everyone I know, and everyone they know to know that this website, although they have a quality product, CAN NOT stick to their own quality assurance or customer satisfaction guarantees. So, find an equally cute, personalizable product somewhere else...for my, and your sanity!! AAAAAHHHHH!!!

Princess Dinosaur???

2007-12-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

So the big 5th Birthday came along for B. She wanted a PRINCESS Dinosaur....naturally, as all the world revolves around EVERYTHING Princess these days! I think I did pretty well with the whole "concept". It was just a plain chocolate cake with chocolate icing, covered in fondant...pink, of course!

Please don't ask me why it is sideways becuase it isn't saved sideways! :(

2007-12-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

How much roofing gets done when the day looks like THIS?!?! Let me tell you....NONE! We had boxes of shingles on our roof for 4 weeks because the roofing company had a death right after they lugged the boxes up on to the roof. Then we finally get a team out there and they whip out half the roof in one day. Then....THIS! Apparently, shingles can't be nailed when the weather is below 40 degrees! I MIGHT get a completed roof before the Spring Thaw!!! Urgh!!! Sooooo close, but yet....!

2007-12-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

Two weeks until Santa delivers Lady Shiloh. We are so excited and can't wait to see the looks on our childrens' faces. They have been asking for a LONG time "Mom, is daddy ready for a dog?" This one will knock them for a loop. Doesn't she just have the sweetest face???

Rock the Vote...fair and unbiased!

2007-12-03T18:12:00.001-07:00

So, I am watching this story on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric tonight, about the Youth Vote (you can see it on the CBS Evening News homepage), and before Katie even gets into the "meat" of her story I notice that EVERY (which constitutes about 2-3 per candidate) clip of a campaigning candidate is of a Democrat. It bothered me ALOT....so much so, I actually took notice and didn't flip to another channel for something BETTER to watch! The first Republican not shown in a blurry group photo (of which there was only one of these even!) is of Nixon! Nixon, for god's sake!!! The ONLY GOP Candidate to get any "air time" was John McCain, in a clip of him on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (which aired in August, by the way because I watched it on its first run!)...a Political Satirist, for goodness sake! This only, after the whole Nixon coaxing young voters to the polls during Vietnam, and a blurry photo of George Bush in a background shot on a background TV monitor! I am not a party line voter, by any means, but I am certainly disappointed in this very unbalanced opportunity to persuade Young Voters towards the Democrat Vote. I guess it is apparently very obvious how "unbiased" (ha ha) the media truly is!

Another....

2007-11-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

Because she is soooo damn cute!!

Shiloh Today

2007-11-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of Lady Shiloh today. She is getting so big. I can't wait to "meet" her. We have decided to get her a name tag so that when SANTA brings her the girls think he named her. Otherwise I can just imagine the arguing over who gets to name the dog Island-Princess-Ariel-Aurora-Cinderlla! The girls have both literally asked me if "when I get older" I can change my name to Island Princess (E) and Ariel (B). Where do kids come up with this stuff?!?!

THE HOUSE (and yes it is capitalized on purpose!)

2007-11-12T10:26:00.000-07:00

So, this is this morning's shot of THE HOUSE! We are getting siding and a roof this week! Yippeeee! Then it will be "dry" and we can do the electrical and all the FUN stuff inside. Estimated completion is still February. It is CRAZY to me that all that stuff takes longer than actually building the structure. I am soooo impatient now. I have "short timers" at my current house. My kitchen is TOO small, now that I know what I am going to get....pretty much the same with the bathroom, bedroom, tv room, etc etc!! Its exciting and stressful all at the same time. Now, to sell the house we are in!!

Today I am just tired

2007-11-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

That pretty much sums it up. It doesn't matter how much sleep I get or how comfortably I sleep...these days I am exhausted all the time, it seems. I find it difficult to catch my breath sometimes and I get light headed. I want to say it is becuase I am overweight rather than even date to think that it might be something ever so much worse :( I am fat! There is no denying that...so it HAS to be that, right?!?! No photos today, I have no current photo of myself and not like I would want to post it anyway because I can't imagine it would be overly flattering. I am not self-bashing, just stating the obvious. I need a diet, there is no denying. I need to work out, no questions asked. But....it is soooo much nicer to get a comfortable nights rest!!

Lady Shiloh

2007-11-06T08:10:00.001-07:00

So, I introduce you to Lady Shiloh. This is our new puppy. We haven't actually seen her in person as S-A-N-T-A is bringing us a P-U-P-P-Y but isn't she just the cutest?!?! How can you look into that face and not just melt!

Giving this a try

2007-11-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

OK, so I have never done this before. It should be interesting to see what comes of it. I have become pretty interested in reading several people's blogs so thought it might be fun to try one of my own. Basically, I am a wife and mother. I am trying to add "fun" into my life by trying to discover myself outside of those parameters. I can't complain about those parameters, however, because my husband and children truly are wonderful. Obviously!! Look at that photo and try to deny it.

Step One: My Life's To-Do's! One is to write something and have it published...doesn't blogging count? :)