Leaks, Concussions, and Curse Words...OH MY!

You've all heard of Murphy's law, right?  If not, it states that "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong."  Since our minivan will be paid off in one week, it stands to reason that something would go wrong with it. 

This F Bomb Friday post, is brought to you by Murphy's Law, and is hosted by MiMi.  After you read mine, head on over and read hers.  She has a doozey of a story about her mom!!!

It all started a few months ago, when our car started making a squealing noise, whenever the air conditioner was on.  Roon is really laid back, and not very mechanically inclined, so his opinion was to "wait and see."  I, having never been to mechanics school either, was in no position to argue, but I did get him to agree to get it checked before we make our trek out west to visit my in laws this summer.  SCORE!!!

When Roon got home yesterday...wait, let's back up.  A couple of weeks ago, we were at a church meeting, and when we went to leave, the van wouldn't start.  A quick jump start later, we were on our way.  Having had problems with the battery several other times, in the not so distant past, I insisted that we stop by Walmart on the way home (yes, it was Sunday, but our "ox was in the mire" so to speak) and buy a new battery.  Everything was fine until yesterday.  When Roon got home, he told me that the van started to make a really loud squealing noise when they got on the highway coming home, and then the A.C. went out.  Then, the battery light came on.  After popping the hood, to take a  closer inexperienced look, he saw that the alternator belt, had frayed all the way through, to breaking point.  He comes in, looking defeated, holding the belt.  He holds it up, and says:  "I'm not a mechanic or anything, but I'm pretty sure this isn't good."
No.  I think not. 
I head into the kitchen to make dinner, while Roon heads back out to the garage to pretend he knows what he's doing tinker under the hood some more, and put his "holding the flashlight" skills of his childhood to good use.  Then I hear a slam, a bang, and a few expletives, that for the purpose of keeping this blog clean, we will say "son of a bean dip, mother frito"!  No, the F Bomb didn't fly, but other choice words did.  Use your imagination...

I calmly go out to the garage to see if Roon needs some assistance, or an ambulance, and I see Roon trying to pry the hood prop (at least that's what we're calling it, because we have no idea what we are talking about) out of some unknown area of the engine.  Turns out, that area of the engine...was the radiator.  Don't know if any of you guys know more about this than I do, but a hole in your radiator, is not a good idea.  The expletives turned out to be somewhat warranted, since the hood had fallen, full force, and slammed into the back of Roon's head.  This would be the first of many, actually.   

2 trips to Auto Zone, and 6 hours later, we had the alternator belt changed.  Or, at least Roon did.  All I did was hold the hood open.  I was insistant about this point once Roon had received his 4th blow to the head.  What can I say?  I didn't exactly want Roon to die 3 days before the life insurance went into effect...or at all, really. 

So yeah, what SHOULD have been a $20 fix, is now going to cost at least $150 more, to get a new radiator.  Plus, I had to miss my "Grey's night" with Lady, to hold up a hood.  Wow!  That could really sound bad A!  I was holdin' up a hood...yeah.

On the positive side, the fact that Roon couldn't get to work this morning, meant that I got to have him home with me all day.  I got to wake up to the sound of him playing "cars" with Bug and Boo this morning.  I am one lucky woman.  Mechanically inclined or not, I sure love that man! 

A Little Less Dough

It's Wednesday, which means it's time for a little update on my journey with ShortMama.  If you want to join in too, just click on the cute button, and play along.  It's a great support system.

Last week, I didn't even link up with the group, because I was feeling really down on myself.  The funny thing is that the whole subject for last week, was not beating yourself up because of your shortcomings.  But that's what I did.  Big time.  I hardly exercised, and rarely ate breakfast.  But, this last week, I kind of got my husband involved, so maybe that will help me.  Maybe. 

This week, we are supposed to update you on our progress thus far.  Well, I am happy to report that I have lost 4 pounds since the beginning of this whole thing.  Now, 4 pounds isn't much, especially when I have to lose about 40 more, but for now, I'm calling it a win.  Now, how did I do on my goals?

• Eating breakfast has been a REAL challenge for me.  Problem is, I hate to eat things that are fast for breakfast.  I don't like cold cereal, can only occasionally stomach oatmeal, so on and so forth.  I think I am going to try a bit harder at this one.  It may end up meaning that I need to try some "instant breakfast", toast, or even Slim Fast, to automate my breakfast, but I'm not giving up!
• I've done really well at automating my lunches.  So much so, that I have hit a wall.  Yesterday, I even opted not to eat lunch at all, because I was so tired of various wraps.  I just couldn't stomach one more wrap.  I think to help me out here, I need to continue to automate, while adding in some variety as well. 
• Increasing activity on the weekends has also gotten off to a slow start.  We have had so many things going on every weekend this month, that we didn't have time to actually be "active" outdoors.  We haven't been lazy by any means, so I'm not going to count this as a fail, but it could definitely use some improvement.  I think going to Six Flags this weekend will help jump start the next month of this goal. 

One thing I have done, is allowed myself some "cheats".  I have bought some little chocolates (Hershey kisses, Rollo, etc.) and if I have a craving for chocolate that won't go away after a while, I will allow myself to have a few of those.  I figure it's a better option than eating a whole candy bar, or even a couple of the fun size ones, and it helps me to be more conscious of how much I'm eating when I have to unwrap each piece.  I feel like I have more control than when I have just a bowl of M&M's.  Of course, I could just be deluding myself. 

Roon and I have also commited to cooking more at home.  We've been planning our meals better, and can see not only a change in our waistlines, but also in our bank account.  Two birds...one stone. 

So, now that you've heard mine, are you inspired to join in too?  If so, come on in!  The water's fine!  We poochie mamas gotta stick together!

A Few Laps- For Life

Please excuse the poor picture quality, I am a slacker, that rarely remembers to take my camera anywhere, so I took this with my phone. 

Friday night I participated in Relay For Life.   Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for us.  The evening was beautiful, but slowly and surely, the lightening began to flash in the distance.  The organizers of the event decided that to protect everyone's safety, they would "call" the event at midnight.  If you recall, my walking time wasn't until 3 in the morning.  So, with the exception of 3 laps, my rear did most of my relay-ing. 

Although the actual walking part was a bust, I had a great experience, and was able to raise more money than I had ever hoped to raise. 

Maybe next year, I'll actually get to "relay". 

I love you Grandma and Grandpa!

Childhood Trauma, Revisited.

Hey all!  It's Friday, and you know that means I'm linking up with MiMi for her weekly meme "F Bomb Friday".  I'm just cool like that. 

Have you ever told somebody something, and almost immediately regretted telling them that?  I'm not talking about sticking your foot in your mouth, and saying the wrong thing.  I'm talking about telling someone something, trusting that they will have a maturity level higher than that of a Kindergartener, but you were unfortunately proven wrong. 

By now, if you read my blog on a regular basis, you know that my real name is Samantha.  I don't go by it, but whatever.  In my family, we (or at least I) have gone through quite the progressionn of nicknames.  Finally, one just kind of "stuck" for both of my parents.  My dad calls me "Mantha" for obvious reasons.  My mom, on the other hand, was a little bit more creative in her nickname progression...
Samantha---> Sam--->Sambo--->Simbo--->BIMBO. 
That's right.  My nickname from my mother is "Bimbo" or "Bim" for short.  I could go into the embarrassment of having to explain to my friends why my mother called me "Bim", but since that has nothing to do with the story, I will just let you use your imaginations.  It. Was. Not. Fun.

So, a week ago, Thursday, I was at a church activity.  This is a gathering of women ages 18 and up.  For our activity, we played a "getting to know you" game, and ate chocolate fondue.  The game was akin to "speed dating".  We had a finite amount of time with each person, and had to use that time to get to know something about them. 

The gong rang, and I switched seats, to find myself face to face with who I will now refer to as "slapstick" because she apparently thinks she's very hilarious.  The question I chose to ask her?  "What is your nickname?"  Now, the name she used to introduce herself was a nickname, technically, so I thought that would be easy.  She gave a different answer though, one that I wish I could recall now.  She then mustered all of her creative energy to ask me a completely unique question.  "What is your nickname?" she asked.  Feeling like I was safe amongst grown women, I revealed all of my nicknames, including "Bimbo". 

Well, Slapstick found this to be HILARIOUS!!!  Her next question was an obvious one.  "Were you a BAD teenager?"

What the...!  I don't believe that my "wild oats" (as if I had any) were an appropriate subject of conversation for a church event, but I explain that no, it was a "nickname progression".  I even go so far as to explain the process, and how it had really been embarrassing for me as a kid.  Slapstick is in stitches!  I knew I had made a BIG mistake.  She's laughing, and repeating the name as loud as she can through her uncontrollable giggles. 

At last, I was saved by the bell...or gong.  I have never jumped up so fast in my whole life.  The rest of the game progressed smoothly, and I thought I was in the clear. 

At the end of the night, a good friend and I were at a table at the far side of the gym, playing "Uno" when I hear Slapstick bidding people farewell at the opposite end of the room.  Everything went into slow motion as I heard her exclaim "BYE BIMBO!" above the chatter from everyone else. 
I did that maneuver, where I sunk down in my chair, and covered my face with my Uno cards, in hopes that nobody would know she was referring to me.  That's when she said EVEN LOUDER "BYE BIM!" and waved emphatically until she received a courtesy wave of acknowledgement from me. 
WHAT THE CRAP!!!  When did I flash back to elementary school?!
Yeah, I'm 99.9% sure I will NEVER add her as a friend on Facebook...

Now, try to control your laughter long enough to head on over to MiMi's to read other people's tales of utter embarrassment. 
Oh!  And please don't call me Bim...

Dear Someone

Dear Elementary School Receptionist,

Did you recently fall on your head?  I mean, seriously.  I'm worried about you.  Every Wednesday at noon, I stroll into the office.  Every Wednesday at noon, you acknowledge me with a knowing glance, and simply ask if I'm there to volunteer.  Every Wednesday at noon, I answer in the affirmative.  Until, yesterday.  Yesterday (Wednesday at noon) I strolled into the office, and you didn't even seem to know who I was.  You randomly asked if I was headed to the library, and when I answered with a confused "no", you asked if I was there to eat lunch with my kid.  Nope.  It was just Wednesday at noon.  I was there for the same reason I was ALWAYS there Wednesday at noon.  I hope I didn't offfend you when I looked at you like you had lost your mind.

Signed,
They have CAT scans for a reason...
Sami


Dear Impending Storm,

I realize that with all of the melting ice caps, and whatever, that rain is something we greatly need, but if you could hold off until Saturday afternoon, I would greatly appreciate it.  It's not that I don't like the rain. I do.  I love the sound, and the smell.  However, I really don't like the idea of walking my 3 am shift at Relay for Life in soggy shoes.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Signed,
You get athlete's foot thata way...
Sami


Dear Society,

Since when did R.S.V.P. start to stand for "Responding Seems Very Persnickety"?  I don't mean to get all "Emily Post" on you, but when someone sends out 51 invitations, and only receives 15 RSVP's, it begs the question "are they not coming, or did they just forget to RSVP?"  leaving said person to prepare for the party as if 30+ "phantom" people are going to crash.  Don't get me wrong...I LOVED making 20 more favors than were needed, along with a couple dozen extra cupcakes, but I just feel that my time may have been better spent elsewhere.

Signed,
No, it was not just a suggestion...
Sami


Dear Roon,

$175 seems like a lot to have to pay for not listening to your wife, doesn't it?  Perhaps you should have listened the first time I suggested you get the car inspected.  Or, the 3rd time, or the 11th time over the course of 10 months since our sticker expired.  But, no.  You answered every time with a resounding "eh", and now have to pay for a ticket that Officer Whatshisbucket gave you.  As an added treat, we got to take the kids on the little field trip to the courthouse, where I got to explain to the children what barbed wire was for, as we waited out in the scary looking parking lot of the county lock up.  Maybe next time you will listen to me.  Maybe?

Love,
I bet you're glad you saved your $35 now, huh?
Sami


In case you couldn't tell, I'm FINALLY linking up with Shortmama again, for her "Dear Someone" letters.  If you have a list of grievances, I suggest you do the same!

The Rumble Up North

I know that gambling is wrong.  However, when I saw my two contestants for Quince Quote this month, part of me was tempted to mail the prize to a neutral location up in Lebanon, Oregon, and take bets on which of the contestants would make it to the location first.  But, since MiMi and Myya are two of my favorite people, and I wouldn't actually want to do anything that would come between their real life friendship, I let Random.org do my dirty work. 
But first, let's go over the answers...shall we?

THE MOVIE: 

CHARACTER WHO SPOKE THE QUOTE:  Ouiser Boudreaux

ACTRESS WHO PLAYED CHARACTER:  Shirley Maclaine

LINE DELIVERED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE QUOTE:  "Oh Ouiser.  Drum would never point a gun at a lady!"

Both of the ladies did an awesome job of naming some of my favorite quotes, and both succeeded in making me laugh, so MiMi got one additional entry, and Myya got 2 additional entries.  Other quotes that could have made me laugh could have included...

"Not on your first visit!"-spoken by Annelle

"I'd rather eat dirt"-Spoken by Sammy

"M'Lynn, you just missed the chance of a lifetime! Half o' Chiquapin Parish'd give their eye teeth to take a whack at Ouiser!"-spoken by Clairee

The list could go on and on.  I LOVE THIS MOVIE!  But I'll stop there. 

When all was said and done, with the extra entries, there were 11 total.  According to Random.org, number 4 was the winner, with means that Myya wins!  Congrats girl!  Email me your address, so I can get this out to you by next week  Thanks for playing guys!

Bug x 4

April 18, 2006.  That was supposed to be the day.  That was supposed to be the day that Roon and I would get our tie-breaker.  We would finally be outnumbered.  Instead, the hospital called the day before my scheduled induction day and bumped me.  If you have ever been a VERY pregnant woman, the last thing you want to hear, is that they are sentencing you to even one more minute of being pregnant.  Lucky for them, and my husband, they were only bumping me to the next day.

Bug was the only child we opted to be surprised about.  We waited patiently, knowing that we already had clothes for both sexes.  We picked names for both a boy and a girl, and made mental notes of "coming home" outfits for either gender, so Roon could run out and buy one as soon as the baby was born.  Roon was sure the baby was a boy, I was sure it was a girl, and very seldom am I wrong.
The 19th finally arrived, and Roon and I left Sissy and Bubble with friends, and headed to the hospital.  Imagining the dramatic delivery room moment you only see in movies, with the doctor declaring the sex in a grand official gesture, the labor went smoothly.  However, I suppose that could also be because of  the Pitocin, and cardiologist mandated epidural. 
After about 6 hours of listening to the woman in the next room screaming out in agony, Bug was born through "assisted delivery" because, I'm a freak of nature.  My doctor, who apparently didn't realize that we didn't already know the sex, neglected to declare the information.  Still up in the stirrups, I'm struggling to see between the legs of the screaming creature laying on my chest.  Finally, I yell above the noise..."what is it?!"
Completely unlike me, my doctor's sarcasm went right over my head when he said "it's a girl". 

My doctor was an idiot. 

HAPPY FOURTH BIRTHDAY, BUG!!!

Needless to say, we found out in advance that Boo was a girl.  Call me jaded, because I am.

I is for Idiot.

Today, I am linking up with my gal pal Myya over at Myya Says for her "Stick your foot in your mouth, Monday."  After you read mine, you should head on over to read hers, and maybe take a minute to link up with her as well.  I promise, we'll only laugh WITH you.  Not AT you. 

So, this story takes me all the way back to high school.  I graduated high school in 1999, from a high school in Utah.  However, to understand this story completely, you must know that I completed the majority of my schooling in a little farm community in Ohio.  My Freshman and Sophomore years of high school were in this little community.  For several reasons, which included my parent's divorce, my grades slipped once I reached high school.  Like, I'd be lucky to get into a community college kind of slipped.  Once the divorce was final, my mom moved our family out to Utah, the summer after my Sophomore year.  Immediately, my grades improved.  I excelled in English, and brought my GPA up dramatically. 

In the final weeks of my Senior year, I received a letter, informing me that I would be receiving an award or scholarship at the upcoming awards ceremony.  I was psyched!  Unfortunately, the wind was let out of my sails, when at the award ceremony, I was one of several people to receive the award "most improved grades".  Some people may have found this to be a great honor.  I was not some people. 

Later in the day, after the award ceremony, I sat in my Medical Terminology class where a friend of mine asked about my prestigious award.  It was then, that I began to rant.  "Oh, this thing?  It's basically an insulting piece of paper, that says that hey, at least you're not as stupid as you used to be.  I'm still too stupid to get a scholarship, or any kind of award indicating I'm smart, so they had to invent an award to give me."  I was basking in the hilarity that was my make believe prize, when I realized that one of the guys in my class had also been the recipient of the same award.  When he had walked into class, he was carrying his certificate with is head held high, and a smile on his face.  However, when I turned around to hear the conversation he was having with his girlfriend (a friend of mine), his demeaner had changed.  He was now sullen, and he had folded his certificate up, and was telling her that it didn't mean he wasn't dumb, just not as dumb as he used to be. 
I felt HORRIBLE!!!  I felt about as tall as Stuart Little, and immediately wished I could take back what I had said.  I apologized to him, and told him that I'm sure that his grades had improved more than mine, so the award probably meant more for him.  It was too late though.  I had already tarnished his view of the award. 
This is exactly why I shouldn't rant.  I'm much less aware of my surroundings when I do. 

Go ahead, try to beat that one!

On an unrelated note, have you entered my QUINCE QUOTE giveaway yet?  If not, what are you waiting for?!  So far, I only have 2 people entered.  Contest ends, tomorrow at midnight.  HOP TO IT!!!

ALMOST Diez y Seis Quote!

I know it, I can admit that I am a loser.  I told you all that this would be up by 8:00 central time, and it is now 10:50, but I maintain that is is 8:00 somewhere, so there you go!  First, a couple of pictures, to entice you to enter this time. 

Here is a wide shot, of everything there is to offer.  The DVD she guessed the info for, a couple packages of microwave popcorn, PLUS 3 kinds of candy, all neatly arranged in a completely personalized ETCHED GLASS bowl!  Now, who wouldn't want that?! 

A close up shot of the bowl.  It has her last name (yeah, I know, I kinda screwed it up, but I'm getting better) and it says "Movie night.  Now it's a party!" on it.  Best part?  Since it is etched into the bowl...it is DISHWASHER SAFE!!!  So come on people!  Let's see if we can't get more than 3 people to enter this time, shall we!

Alright...so here's the quote.

"He's a real gentleman.  I bet he takes the dishes out of the sink, before he pees in it."

Here are your chances to win:

1. BLOG ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY.  This is a way you can win, even if you have no idea where this quote came from.  Doesn't even have to be a blog totally devoted to this, just a blurb...any blurb will do!
2. TELL WHAT MOVIE THE QUOTE CAME FROM.
3. TELL WHAT CHARACTER DELIVERED THE QUOTE.
4. NAME THE ACTOR/ACTRESS WHO PLAYED THE CHARACTER
5. TELL THE LINE DELIVERED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE OR AFTER QUOTE WAS DELIVERED.
6. NAME ANOTHER QUOTE FROM THE SAME MOVIE.  If you make me laugh, I will throw in an extra entry for you.

Sounds simple enough, right? 

So, I will keep this open until midnight on the 20th, and will announce the winner sometime during the day on the 21st.  Good luck!

How The Grinch Stole Texas Pride Day

So many things today!

First...QUINCE QUOTE! No, this is not the post about this month's contest, but be looking for it later today. I have the movie all picked, and the quote as well, but I am desperately hoping that Heather will send me a picture of the goodies she received last month, so I may include it in the post later on today. Why? Because I think that if you saw the awesomeness that was her prize, more of you may be urged, bribed, or enticed into entering. I should, have the post up by 8:00 pm, central time. Are you chomping at the bit?

Second, Mamarazzi is hosting an awesome giveaway for a $25 gift card from Target. There are opportunities for up to 25 entries, and dangit, I'm gonna take advantage of every one! Now, my mom works for Walmart, so I'm not supposed to say this, but I love me some Target goodness! On the other hand, if my mom is reading this...HELP! My blog account has been hijacked by some Target loving freak! Hopefully that will do. Just so long as I don't mention that I also love Twix candybars...OOPS! I did it again! Sorry, Mommy! So, yeah, if you love yourself some Target too, head on over HERE and compete against me. Hmmm, that kinda sounds like a bad thing.

Now...my story.

Do you ever feel like your life is imitating a movie? Yesterday, I had such an experience, which would have made for a really funny situation, had I been in a better mood, but alas, I was not. In my case, I may have been feeling like the "Grinch" but I was not doing bad things. In fact, I was operating under the blessing and direction of the Mayor of Whoville (Sissy's teacher) when I was volunteering at the school yesterday.
Taking down the bulletin board, that had proudly displayed all the things made for their Texas Pride Day open house, I was less "stealing their Christmas" and more "taking down their Christmas decorations in July". Of course, not everyone saw it that way.
"Little CindyLou" appeared, just like in the movie, most likely while my bum was straight up in the air trying to reach a low lying armadillo. "Are you taking that down?" she asked with all the innocence and wide eyes that only a child can muster.
It took all the self restraint I could muster to not let my grinchy attitude morph into a bit out of a Bill Engvall routine.
I simply said "Yes" instead of saying what I really wanted to say, which was "why, no, my dear. I was just putting UP blank wall, and ran out!" Here's your sign.
Now, for your viewing pleasure...

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

The Road to Skinny Jeans, is Paved With Country Crock.

It's Wednesday, so you must know that means I am linking up with ShortMama over at Family of Shorts for her fat to fit journey known as "Journey from Muffin Top to Skinny Jeans".

This week's assignment? To update you on our progress from the goals we set last week, and then to outline our goals from our starting point, to where we want to be.

To say that I slipped up this week, would only be about the biggest understatement of the year. First, I slipped, then I slid, then momentum picked up as I did a full on "Wesley" roll down the hill of progress (As You Wiiiish!!!). That's one slippery slope, that is for dang sure! I could give a million excuses as to why I did not do perfectly on my first week, but instead, I'm just going to say, that I was doing really well for about 3 days, and then the weekend came. I failed at my "increase activity" goal, which made me more likely to snack...just like I knew it would. I realized that I not only need to quit bad habits and start good ones, but I also need to set up "cheats" for myself. Little indulgences, that I have deemed "okay" so I can "slip up" without the guilt, that will inevitably make me throw my hands up in the air and say "I quit". That is my next step. Hopefully, by next week, I will be able to tell you what my "cheats" will be.

We were supposed to weigh ourselves, and come to terms with the weight that we are right now. Well, I haven't weighed myself since Friday, but I can tell you, that for the last 4 months, I have been weighing myself 4-5 times a week (thanks to my Wii) and it has always shown the same basic number. I will not share that number with you, but I will tell you, that it contains an 8, a 1, and a 6. If any of you smart alecs tell me I look like I weigh 816 pounds, I may slug you, so don't go there! According to BMI (Body Mass Index) I need to lose about 45 pounds, in order to no longer be considered "overweight". However, if I lost that much, because of how tall I am, (5' 8") I worry that I may look unhealthy. So, instead, I am not going to focus on the number on the scale, or my BMI, and instead focus on measurements, and how my clothes fit. I would like to lose inches in my hips, thighs, and waist...and maybe even tone up my old lady arms. After all, I look like I'm trying to take flight when I fold sheets. It's just embarrassing!

I will continue to preplan my lunches, and get back on the breakfast train, and pick up the pace with exercise for sure. If anyone has any ideas for some decadent treats, that would not erase a days worth of progress, please channel them my way...I can use all the help I can get!

The Idiosyncrasies of Me.

Like normal, I had planned to do a post yesterday (the 12th) about me. However, I had so much fun basking in the awesomness that was my birth, that it was neglected. So, I will make it up to you now, with a belated, but well worth the wait post on the things that make me odd unique. But first, I have to ask a couple of questions that have nothing to do with this post.

1. Does anyone out there have a natural (or not so natural) remedy for coughing? I seriously did not fall asleep this morning until 6:30, because my abs decided they neeeded a little cough-crunch workout. Seriously, any advice that does NOT include alcoholic beverages would be appreciated. I'm a desperate woman! You saw the pictures yesterday, and if there's one thing I cannot do without, it's my beauty sleep. That could be scary!
2. What is it about mom's birthday/mother's day, that makes it the perfect time for the kids to act like little mutant people? I believe I have cracked the code! You see, every year, my kids ask me what I want for both of these occasions. I naively request one of two things. "Peace and quiet" or "for my kids to get along all day". Apparently children only speak in opposites. This is why for Mother's Day, I'm asking for nothing but noise, and fighting, all day long. I'll let you know how it turns out...

Now, onto the things about me, that I think are perfectly sane, but other people have pointed out to be odd.

1. I am super particular about the way my clothes are folded, and how my linen closets are organized. Seriously. Like, anal about it. My mother in law came to help out after one of the boys was born, and she insisted on helping with my laundry. My mom was there for a while, but who do you think I learned how to fold laundry from? Yeah, my mom is allowed to fold my laundry. Anyway, my MIL folded my clothes, and I burst into tears and had to leave the room. I couldn't watch. You could say it was hormonal, and it would probably make me look less crazy if I claimed that it was, but really, I think it would effect me the same way now, sans postpartum hormones. I'm just picky like that. Had to refold everything before I could put it away. It may be hidden in a drawer, but I would still know...
2. I am afraid of birds. Not just cautious...AFRAID. Even the little ones who are meant to be pets. I'm pretty sure, that every bird is really out to get me, and all I see when I look at one, is an evil little creature just waiting for the perfect opportunity to peck my eyes out. Overreacting? Possibly. But I did see "The Birds" when I was a kid (most likely against my parent's wishes) and it has muddied my impression of the fair fowl. Seriously. My kids even shoo ducks away from me at the park. They may have blunt beaks, but I'm sure they'd find a way...
3. I have to eat M&M's in order. This started when my older sister made an out of the blue comment one day about how she had heard that if you eat your green M&M's last, it would bring good luck. From there, I developed a very particular order (which makes perfect sense in my head) that they have to be eaten. For this reason, I can't eat them in the dark. If I can't see them, I might eat them out of order. What's the order? Well, it's brown, orange, yellow, blue, red, then green of course! I improvise for seasonal M&M's, but even Christmas M&M's get eaten all red, then all green. Awesome, right?!
4. I can't look in a mirror in the dark. If I have to walk by one, I put my hand up like a shade to guard my eyes. Why? Because when I was young, my Grandma told me that one day she would teach me how to look in a mirror (in the dark of course) and see all your past lives. It had to be done very specifically, apparently, and so I've always been afraid I would do it accidentally, and see something scary. While I'm an adult now, and know that I don't believe in that kind of thing, I am still afraid I will see an old indian man like my Grandma claimed she had seen before. There are some things you just can't UN see, you know what I mean?
5. I can't stand to have anything touch my feet immediately following a shower or bath. If I shower at night, I can't even stand to have my sheets touch my feet. For this reason, I will almost always wear socks to bed. But wait! Aren't socks touching your feet? Why, yes, they are! That's what makes it odd. As long as it's touching me uniformly (like a second skin) it's okay, but if it's not touching my feet equal amounts all over, it's like fingernails on a chalkboard. Ugh, gives me chills, just thinking about it!

I'm sure there are more, but I think I need to maintain some sort of illusion that I am a "normal" person, so I will leave it at that. Go ahead and judge them. I already know they are totally irrational, but they are things that definitely set me apart from average everyday people. Would't you say?

Just a reminder, that it is the 13th, so guess what happens in 2 days...

QUINCE QUOTE! Be looking for it...

NOT Just Another Manic Monday

Today has been an absolute fantabulous day! Today is my birthday, and I have been overwhelmed by awesomeness. Besides the fact that my allergies seem to have morphed into some sort of mutant cold thing, this day has been absolutely perfect! Roon took the entire day off, instead of the half day he was planning on, since I'm under the weather, which means that I have had no parental responsibilities that I didn't want to have today. Diapers? I DON'T THINK SO!!! Roon took me out to lunch (of course we had Bug and Boo in tow) and when we got home I had not 1, but 2 packages of birthday awesomeness waiting on my doorstep. I got a birthday present from my dad (an awesome rice steamer, that I plan to use, as soon as I have rice that isn't instant in the house. I know, I'm totally lame to still use instant rice...but dangit, it's easy!) and my spring swap package from the awesome and fantastic Mamarazzi!

Here is my package of spring goodness! (Yes, the card says "Sami". Once my blog redesign is done, it will be what I go by, because it is my (nick)name. People were starting to think my parents were hippies, or something, naming me "Symply" so I've decided to change it. Hope this doesn't blow your mind too bad!) I realized after I opened it, that I should probably wait to open the contents after the kids woke up/got home from school, so I had to wait a whole 30 minutes. Restraint, I tell ya...

First there was a note, explaining her view on spring. I love that it was handwritten! My handwriting is pretty much illegible, so I never handwrite anything. A very nice touch, I do think!

Each gift had a litttle card attached. The outside of the card said "Spring is" and the inside, gave a short explanation of what the item made her think of about spring. Here's what I got...

SPRING IS...

...Sidewalk games in the sunshine!

(Please ignore the narly look on my face. I was reacting to the kids absolute jubilation, at the sight of this 3D sidewalk chalk!)

...For playing outside, and enjoying the longer days with the kids!

(Roon had a great time trying to teach the kids how to play with these Jacks. I think it was mostly because it had been so long since either of us had played them...)

...When baseball season begins...this means ballpark food!

This was a package of Cracker Jacks. I love Cracker Jacks, especially at a baseball game! I don't have a picture of this unwrapped, because while editing the pictures, we realized the Bug wasn't wearing any pants. No underpants either. He was going commando, and showing all you bloggy friends his business. In an effort to keep this a G rated blog, I opted to keep his junk private.

You are welcome.

...allergy and cold season (ain't that the truth!) This will help keep the germies away.
(all the kids just HAD to smell the vanilla scented hand sanitizer. Perfect size for the purse, and since they like the way it smells, maybe they won't fight me about using it!)

...when our little friends come out of hibernation, and fill the night w/ their songs.
These are the most adorable little frog figurines! My kids were fascinated with them, which means they will earn a prime spot in the china cabinet, until my kids are old enough not to break them.

...for spring cleaning. These will make it a breeze!

Why another narly face?! I'm trying to look surprised, and it kinda came off looking dorky. You see, I sent Mamarazzi some of these too! Great minds think alike...or so I've been told!

...when we start getting ready for swim suit season-YIKES!

Boy...I'LL SAY! I've always wanted to try these special K bars, but worried they would taste like "diet food". I haven't tried them yet, but they sure don't look like diet food!

There were two more packages, whose pictures were deleted due to partial nudity. Their clues were:

...for getting down and dirty, so pretty things can grow!

(This was a pair of gardening gloves, and some flower seeds, which I very much needed. I just hope I don't kill 'em! I have a special talent for that...)

... when those little surprises pop up in our yard.

This was the cutest little garden sign that says "I don't remember planting this". Too true in my "garden"! The only things that live, are the weeds!

And finally, here's a shot of everything all together.

Totally awesome, if I do say so myself!

Thanks so much Mamarazzi for being a fantastic swap partner, and awesome bloggy friend for life! If you want to see what I sent her, head on over here.

To check in with the rest of the spring swappy group, and blog jog to see who got what from whom...go visit ShortMama here. Thanks so much for hosting! You rock the block!

Oh! And how old am I? If you promise not to laugh, I'll tell you that I am 29 today. People are usually shocked to hear how "young" I am, because I act older apparently. I think you can tell from my blog, that I am most definitely NOT a grown up. Here's to the best year in my twenties yet!

So Many Things...So Little Time.

Buckle your seat belts, folks! It's gonna be a bumpy, and quite possibly a long and mundane ride!
Today I shipped off my package to my spring swap partner! I am so excited for her to get it, even though my husband has informed me on several occasions that I sent too much. I couldn't help it, I'm a newbie at this, and would rather overdo than underdo. Anyway, be checking back next week to see what I get from her. I am on pins and needles!
Okay, so I originally tried to post about my first award a few days ago, but Blogger was being, shall we say, less than cooperative with me. So, I waited, and it's a good thing I did, because today I got my second award! My totally awesome new friend and couponer extraordinairre CJ over at Simply Simonsons, bestowed this honor upon me, but I unfortunately don't know the rules. So, I will say, thank you CJ! You never cease to make me laugh, and I'm sure if we ever met in real life, our husbands wouldn't be able to handle it!

Not sure how many people I'm supposed to tag for this, but I'm gonna go ahead, and say 4, because 4 is my number. So, enjoy, if your name is listed below...

MiMi -Because sometimes I think we were separated at birth.

Emmy- Not only is she awesome, but she's my zipper sister. Plus, I dig the "daughter with boy name" thing. Both my girls have it, I'm just sayin'...

Amber aka "Whispering Writer" over at Dirty Laundry- Because she deserves an award simply for watching Yo Gabba Gabba as much as she has to. I would lose my mind!!!

ShortMama- For being the hostess with the mostess the past few weeks, and she's inspired me to lose my muffin top. Mmmm muffins...

Now onto my other award. A few weeks ago, Jennifer awarded me this:

Isn't it lovely? Problem is, I'm supposed to pass it on to 15 people, and well, I'm so new to this, that I only have about 5 more people than those listed above, so I guess I will say, congrats girls listed up there...plus

Myya, CJ, Mamarazzi, Xazmin, Brooks, and Heather. I know I'm leaving someone out, so if I did, and you know I would smack myself for forgetting you, please consider my wrists slapped, and grab the award. I'll repent later...

The rules for this one, is to tell 7 things about yourself. So, here it goes. I'll try to make this short and sweet.

1. My favorite colors are purple and sage green. Never much cared for pink when I was a kid. I blame it on a form of immersion therapy when my sister and I were young.
2. I never liked peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a kid. Still only like them now, on occasion. Does this make me un American?
3. I picked out Sissy and Bubble's names when I was just a kid. I was 12 when I named Sissy, and 13 when I named Bubble. I actually wrote a letter to my future husband telling him he had to agree to them, or else not marry me. Luckily, he didn't object. Sissy's came from a book, Bubble is named after someone. (Obviously, those aren't their real names.)
4. I have what I call, a "sensitivity" to peppermint. It usually gives me a migraine. No candy canes for me, at Christmas.
5. I absolutely detest the word "panties". Always have, always will. They are underpants, and you'll never change my mind about that!
6. Sometimes I break out into song for no reason at all. They're usually made up songs, using a weird accent, or off-key tune. My kids love it, but Roon prefers when I sing "normal". That's not as fun though!
7. I was a little short of being a full on stalker obsessed with Jonathan Taylor Thomas as a "tween" (Think I actually had that 16 magazine, too. Yeah, I was a subscriber...). I even gave up eating meat for a time, partially because he was a vegetarian. No, I'm not proud of it, but come on, he was pretty hunky back in the day, right? Oh, and I also had a thing for Jonathan Jackson. Maybe it was the name, I was obsessed with...

So, there you go. 7 more things about me. Thanks so much Jennifer, for passing this on to me, and for making me feel special! You are da BOMB!!! Pretty sure, I can't pull that off...

Last item of business? BON JOVI IS TOMORROW!!! Stay tuned for pictures...

F-Bomb...Thursday?

MiMi is hosting her meme a little earlier this week, because she is hosting a giveaway tomorrow. And, you know, since I'm super awesome and flexible, I decided to follow her along for the ride. Fair warning though, if you have a weak stomach, you may not want to read any further...

As you all know, or may not know, I do not have enough children at my house already, so on occasion, I feel the need to take in strays. Okay, not strays, just children that belong to friends, who need a place to hang out for a spell.
On Tuesday, my friend, "Baub" had a dr. appointment, so I graciously accepted the call to watch her two kids...let's call them, Pinky and Ralph. Pinky is beyond the nap stage, so while the other kids slept, she followed me around telling me how much better she was than me at cleaning.
When Ralph woke up, he went straight for the bathroom, proving that he knew where it was. I thought his pants looked wet, but not REALLY wet (he has recently been deamed "potty trained"), so I didn't worry too much about it. To make a long story short, I found out through the course of a few minutes that he had pooped his pants. It seemed contained to his underwear, so I got him cleaned up, and changed, all the while the little booger insisted that he had NOT pooped his pants. Okay dude, whatever.
Fast forward to yesterday. Sissy was helping me out by cleaning up the upstairs. I decided to do my duty, and empty the hamper. Holding an armload of foul smelling dirty laundry, I went downstairs to sort it. The last item of clothing in my hands was a pair of shorts that I didn't recognize as anything belonging to my children. As it was occuring to me that they actually belonged to Ralph, I looked inside. EEEWWWW!!! Poo smeared all over inside. Then...thunk!
What the heck just hit my foot?!
I looked down.
A large, almost perfectly round ball of poo.
WHAT THE HECK!!!
On Tuesday, I had written it off as an "accident" a "I couldn't hold it" incident. This was proof that the kid had consciously chosen to take a dump in his underpants, with a bathroom less than 10 feet away. WHAT THE HECK?!
This is precisely why washing machine manufacturers make "sanitary" cycles in the first place.
Shhhh....IT HAPPENS!
Now, go ahead and link up with MiMi. It's the perfect opportunity to tell about things from your past too...

P.S. I feel the need to point out, that I had already washed the offensive underpants, but had no idea what had happened to his pants from that day. Do you remember when I told you about this incident? Well, sometimes there's no hunt involved. Sometimes, it finds you...

Top Of The Muffin To You!

Does anyone else remember that from an old episode of Seinfeld? I swear, with as often as I reference TV and movies, you all probably think I'm a real couch potato, and you would be right. Anyway, in that episode, it makes it out to be that the top of the muffin is the only part worthy of eating. NOBODY wants to eat the stump. The stump, is for all intents and purposes, inedible. Why then, do I long to be the stump? Do you see where I'm going with this?
I'm joining up with Shortmama, and several other fabulously...robust women to finally shred those extra pounds that we claim is "baby weight", but let's face it, you can only blame the baby for so long, before it becomes the donut's fault, or the dollar menu at McDonald's. It's not their fault, it's mine! I've gotten lazy, I've indulged too much, and my waistline and thighs have paid the price.

Boy, does that picture look all too familiar! Of course, I think the thighs are not nearly poochy enough! So, the first assignment, is to come up with 3 things we will commit to change to help us on our journey to have a body we're not ashamed to show at the beach. Not in a swimsuit! Heaven's no! Just one we can be proud to wear some comfy capris and a top, that doesn't leave us looking like the lady pictured above. Here are my 3 things, in no particular order.

1. I will eat breakfast. I've always heard that eating breakfast is one of the most important things you can do to lose weight, but I have never gotten the hang of it. I usually skip it, which I know is a no-no. So, even if it means I have to get up earlier to get ready, so there is time for me to eat breakfast before we enter the radius of lunchtime, I will do it. I will eat breakfast.
2. I will be more active. You may recall, that I set a resolution of sorts to exercise way back when and have done pretty well so far at sticking to it. I work out for 20-30 minutes a day, 4 days a week, using my Wii Active. The problem is, that the weekends become couch potato time, and you know that when you're being lazy, you are more likely to snack. Every Monday morning I get yelled at (not really yelled at, but informed) by the Wii, that I have gained weight since my previous weigh in. I want this to stop! Therefore, I will attempt to be more active on the weekend, whether it be by taking a walk, parking further away at the grocery store, doing yard work, or vigorously cleaning my bathtub. I will be less sit on my butt lazy on the weekend.
3. I will plan/regulate my lunches. I was doing pretty well for a while with eating "Smart Ones' refrigerator meals for lunch, but that got expensive, and quite frankly was not always very appetizing. Not that the food was bad, but the ones that I liked, only filled up 2-3 days a week, so I got bored with them. I would buy whole wheat bread, intending to have sandwiches every day, but that got boring, and I HATE PB&J on whole wheat bread, and I'm a bit of a deli meat snob, so my options were very limited. In the end, I would stare into the fridge for a while, and then settle on Ramen noodles (so not good for you) or leftover candy for my meal. I've decided that if I create a plan for my lunches, purchase what I like (i.e. deli meat from the actual deli, non artificial cheese slices, etc.) and switch it up weekly, then I won't run the risk of getting bored. More likelihood for success! This week, I have "spicy turkey roll ups" which is a flatbread wrap with a teeny amount of mayo (like less than a teaspoon), some turkey, a slice of pepperjack cheese, and lettuce all rolled up. The spicey cheese gives it a zing that's not boring, and it serves as a motivator to drink my water. It's more than enough to fill me up when paired with some multigrain chips, and a string cheese. I will also add fruit to my plate normally, but my kids are absolute pigs when it comes to fresh fruit, so we were all out.

I would like to say that I can give up soda, but since I don't drink coffee or alcohol, my "drug" of choice is a "large caffeinated beverage" when I've had a hard day. I will cut back, but I cannot promise to cut it out completely.

Sound like something you need to do too? Head on over to ShortMama's, and link up to the motivation train...WOOT WOO!!

Houston, We DON'T Have a Problem...

I have a post all typed up and ready to go to link up with Myya today, but so far, she hasn't set it up, so here's a little somethin' to help catch you up on my week last week...

Remember when I told you that I had an appointment of NASA-esque proportions? Well, I think I may have built up your hopes for it's excitement by saying that. You see, I simply had an appointment that cleared me for takeoff. Takeoff from the platform of a roller coaster, that is!
Ya'll remember that I'm a freak of nature right? If not, you can read all about it by clicking here or here. Well, because I am so full of awesomeness, I get to go see my cardiologist every 6 months. Really, guys, don't let the green eyed monster take over, some people are just blessed...deal with it!
So, Tuesday was my latest appointment. I always underestimate how long my echocardiograms are going to take, so that took longer than I anticipated (of course) and then I saw my doctor.
By the way, if you are ever in the DFW area, and need a cardiologist, you can't go wrong with the clinical heart center of UTSouthwestern. Them's my peeps!
Anywho...
I had prepared a list of questions (by list, I mean 1) to ask, that I felt was a very important one. Have you ever done that? Come up with a question, think you know the answer, and you figure it's this big life and death kind of deal, to find out that it's actually not a big deal at all?
My question? Would I be able to ride roller coasters.
Why is this question so important?
Well, because as I mentioned before, we recently purchased season passes to 6 flags over Texas. The plan was, that every once in a while, we would go without the kids, and ride all the "big" rides. I don't know if you've noticed, but there are always big honkin' signs at the start of the line that say not to ride if you have a heart condition. Previously, I always ignored those signs. After all, I don't have heart DISEASE, so I should be good. Well, the last time I rode a roller coaster was shortly after Bubble was born. While I was pregnant with Boo, I started having severe arrythmias, that put me on "old man heart pills" as I lovingly refer to them. So, I figured that riding roller coasters would be out of the question for me now.
My doctor's response when I posed the question?
"Are you gonna throw up?"
No
"Then I don't see any reason why you shouldn't ride them, just make sure to take your meds before you go."
So, there you go. I made a big deal out of nothing.
I'm hoping I can convince Lady and her husband to go with us one day, or another couple, so I'm not the only one screaming like a girl.

Think, Before You Speak.

Well, it's Monday, and as you know, that means it's time for Myya's "stick your foot in your mouth, Monday" over at Myya Says. Since my life is like a scrapbook of what NOT to say, I figure this is a great Meme for me to link up with regularly.



Do you ever wish your life had a Tivo? Like, you could pause the screen, look around, and edit your comments accordingly? If they ever did come up with something like that, they would make bank, that is for sure.

First, a little back story...

Roon served a mission for our church for 2 years in the Dominican Republic. When the locals would see his name tag, they would say "Carter! Como- Jimmy Carter!" and then they would laugh. Yes, the name Carter was not nearly as common there as it is here, so they were fascinated that they knew any other person with such a last name.

From the time Roon and I got married, he had been joking about names for our children that would copy real life high profile people. For example: James (Jimmy), Vincent, and Kijana. Yeah, I never took him seriously.

When I was pregnant with Bug, Roon and I went with some other older couples in our ward out to dinner, that would also serve as a leadership meeting for church. (Roon was a secretary of sorts to the bishopric, so he had to attend these meetings also). We were by far, the youngest people along for the ride. The subject of my pregnancy came up, and it was a major topic, since we had opted not to find out the sex of the baby. They were asking how we were picking a name, if we didn't know what it was. I said that we had picked names for both a boy and a girl, so it was covered. Since we had also decided we were not going to tell either of the names until the baby was born, when they asked, I opted to distract them with the story of Cameron making fake suggestions.

It was then, that I embarrassed myself by saying this...

"One of Roon's suggestions is James. He thinks it would be funny to have a Jimmy Carter. It would be cool if I were a fan of his in general, but since I don't particularly care for the name James, I vetoed it."

Not too bad, right? WRONG! As soon as the words escaped my lips, it occurred to me who was sitting at my immediate left...

Brother JAMES So-and-so.

My only hope was that he hadn't heard what I had said, since he was like a hundred years old.

Moral of the story? Before you speak, you should just take a glance around and edit your comments accordingly. Of course, if I did that, I would have much less to blog about...

Now, head on over to Myya's, read other tales of toes on the tongue, and link up with her. I can't be the only one with stories such as these, right?

F-Bomb Friday.

This "F-Bomb Friday" moment is brought to you by crotchety old women...

I normally consider myself a crafty person. I scrapbook (okay, I HAVE scrapbooked, though I do not currently have the drive to do so.), I embroider (is that the same thing as cross-stitching? That's what I do, and I've never been clear about what the difference is...), and I do various other crafts, that escape my mind at the moment. Still, with all of my crafty awesomeness, there is one craft that has always eluded me. Crocheting.
Determined that I was going to learn how to crochet once and for all, I begged my college roommate (Hi BeckJune!) to teach me how to crochet. She showed an AMAZING amount of patience with me, and I eventually completed (because I gave up on my scarf) a pretty sad looking green pot holder. I think I still have it, but I digress.
Fast forward a few years. BeckJune and I are now married (NOT to each other), and coincidentally (okay, not coincidentally, we followed them there...) live in the same city, exactly next door to each other.
Are you paying attention? There will be a quiz later! Actually, there won't be, because these details I'm throwing in have little to nothing to do with the story.
Anyway, BeckJune and I are at a church activity one night, performing the service project that included "crocheting leper bandages" to send to places where they have lepers, apparently.
Remember, I said that I suck at crocheting?
So, We're sitting there in a circle, like I imagine they would do in olden days, with quilting bees, and in my mind, I was transported back to the days of peticoats and pantaloons. Figuring that everyone must be feeling such a kinship, I tried to strike up a bit of conversation with the kinfolk. What better topic, than how bad I suck at crocheting.
Bear in mind this was like 7 years ago, so I don't remember how the actual conversation went, but here's the gist...

Me: "Wow! Everyone else is going to much faster than me! You guys all make this look easy. You'll probably get 3 done in the time it takes me to make one."

Crotchety old woman: "You're doing it wrong. Maybe if you were actually holding your needles right, you would have better luck."

Me: "How are you supposed to hold them?"

SILENCE. Not another word was spoken. Just an annoyed look on crotchety old woman's face.
What the heck?! When did the idea of getting an "A for effort" go out the window?!

No longer feeling welcome amongst my comrades, I set my...what could only be described as a leper steri-strip down on my chair, and forfeited my post. Perhaps the ladies over at the actual quilting station would prove to have better senses of humor...

There! I've told you mine, now you tell yours. Head on over to MiMi's and link up with her. I would promise you fame and fortune for doing it, but in reality, all I can promise you is a lot of laughs.

A Thousand Words Couldn't Explain...

I've heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. However, this picture is failing to offer, through all the volumes it is speaking, an explanation. And since my suspects are all blaming the elusive "Not Me" or "I Don't Know", I can only assume (you know what they say about that!) that the washing machine knows something I don't about stain removal...

I'm just glad that I saw this BEFORE I started loading the clothes.

And, no, it was NOT empty, but it WAS open...

Remember Me?

I know I had better have a good explanation to why I've been MIA for the last couple of days, but I don't have one. I have several. All of my reasons are blogworthy, but in an effort to not make this post a mile long (you're welcome) I will sum up, what I've been up to, and hopefully expand on each of them in the next few days. Sound good?

1. I got my very first award on Monday! Of course, I've been too busy to blog about it yet, (and I would hate to fail with rule following with my very first award) so for now, I will just say, "THANK YOU JENNIFER!" and promise to post it really soon.


2. I had an appointment on Tuesday, of NASA-esque proportions. Are you on the edge of your seat yet?


3. I FINALLY finished getting the prize package together for Heather, the winner of my very first Quince Quote, but in all my airheaded glory, I forgot to take a picture of it before I sent it merrily on it's way to her house. So, here's hopin' that she will take a picture, so I can link back to it, eventually.


4. I am in the process of finishing a top secret project, that I will post about by the end of this month (hopefully).


5. Roon and I took serious steps towards getting the HOA off our backs.


6. My kid(s) helped with the laundry.


7. I am getting so psyched about my Spring Swap package for Mamarazzi! I've been seriously gathering things this week, and I'm pleased with how it's coming along. On the same note, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMARAZZI!!! Her birthday is today...and that's no 'foolin'.

So, yeah, that's a sampling of the things I have been up to the last few days. Understand why blogging fell off the list? If not, please take this opportunity to imagine me down on my knees, groveling at your feet, and begging for your forgiveness. Beyond that, not real sure what I can do for ya.

In other news: It's birthday month! I just LOVE birthday month! I can pretty much get away with anything during the month of April. The year Bug was born (his birthday is one week after mine) Roon got me a Kitchenaid stand mixer, because he felt so guilty that I was going to have to add "childbirth" to my list of fun birthday month activities. My gift this year, is a new blog design. I have selected my designer, and have begun communications with her, but because of her overwhelming popularity, it will probably be the middle of June before you see the changes here. But, have no fear, it will be AWESOME. My other birthday gift this year, is really a gift for Roon as well. You see, we are going on a date the Saturday before my birthday, and it is a very special outing, to say the least. Any guesses what it might be?

Photo courtesy of Google search...

BON JOVI BABY!!! They've been Roon's favorite band since, well since WAY before I met him, so this is a real treat. The concert is on April 10th, so 9 days and counting...

Sorry most of this post is cryptic. I'll get to filling you guys in ASAP. Remember, patience is a virtue...