Life UnScripted:

All About the Dogs

2011-07-26T11:30:00.000-06:00

I really need some new doggy accessories!! :) I found another cool contest for a carrier.

This site not only has carriers, it has clothes, harnesses, collars...

Here is a link to the giveaway:

Ask Away

Here is a link to Trendy Puppy:

Trendy Puppy

Have Fun!!

Andie's Day in the Hospital

2011-07-25T22:53:00.002-06:00

Yay. Another fun filled day at the E.R. I have to admit, we haven't had an ER visit in a while! Lots of InstaCare and Triage, but not E.R.

My girl trying not to cry.

Overall, it was a crappy day with no answers, just more questions, worry, and stress.

Thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Davis Hospital. It was fun. Even after we had to come back inside for clean-up!

P.S. I stole a pen from your reception area... :D

Summer 2011

2011-07-24T13:53:00.000-06:00

My friend Carla is right! There are not any recent posts with pics of my pups. :) Here are just a few things we have been doing this summer:

Camping in Sheep Creek. Zipper was such a good boy!

During the day, the boys hunted mice, squirrels, birds, and baby rabbits.

Zipper on the prowl for more mice!

Baby bunnies the girls rescued from Scooter's hunt.

Scooter is sad the girls saved the bunnies.

Zipper & his favorite camping pastime: sitting by the fire in a chair.

Scoot LOVES his marshmellows!

Scoob loves to chew all mice...

I Love my ratties!

King of the remote

King of Beaver Lake

Sleepypod Pet Bed

2011-07-22T14:12:00.000-06:00

Does everyone love their dogs as much as me? Jimmy thinks I am a freak because I buy them all kids of luxury items, but I want my boys to feel loved!!

Enter Sleepypod Pet Bed!! :) It's a pet bed that you zip a lid onto and take with you. That way, the pet travels in the comfort of their own bed. Genius. Really.

My boys want one each, so click on the link to check them out!!

Sleepypod

Scooter likes the chocolate colored one, and Zipper likes the red one. :)

You can enter to win one here at: The Bragging Mommy

Lyme Disease

2011-04-17T19:10:00.000-06:00

I have a blogging friend who is very sick. I never understood how serious Lyme disease is. I want to cry for her, but that is not what she wants. She wants the world to learn about this serious disease, and maybe if we raise awareness, we can find a treatment or cure. :)

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. I am supporting by posting the new Lyme Disease Awareness button to my blog!

Isn't it pretty? :) If you would like to support her, visit her blog:

The Eclectic Element

To read more about Lyme Disease, please visit

American Lyme Disease Foundation

Please read up and help prevent and treat Lyme Disease! :)

I FINALLY learned to do a messy bun!

2011-04-14T22:36:00.000-06:00

I have been asking my friend (who I will leave unnamed...) to show me how to do a messy bun. :) Randomly, on YouTube, I found a WHOLE SITE of beautiful hair-dos!

Mommy Messy Bun

I watched this ONE time, and instantly "got it." I would take a picture, (my make-up is off for the night) but my hair looks GREAT! :)

Mindy, the site owner, is constantly adding cute new hair-dos! She uses her cute little twins to model.

I <3 my twin daughters!

If you have a daughter, you owe it to her to check out some of these beautiful hairstyles!

Cute GIRL hairstyles!

Have fun. We did!!! But, it's late and there's school tomorrow. Good thing some of these styles are 5 minutes or less....

Hapari Swimwear

2011-04-06T00:36:00.000-06:00

Yay! Quality, modest Tankinis!! :)

http://www.hapari.com/modest-tankinis/

I Won, I won, I WON!!!!

2011-02-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

YAY! I won an AWESOME blog contest! I have been a loyal reader of Jolly Mom for quite a while, and I frequently enter her contests!

I FINALLY WON! (And it was the BEST one too!)

Check it out:

Tassimo Brewer Giveaway

Go over to Jolly Mom and check out her cool craft ideas, parenting tips, health tips, and WAY more!

Jolly Mom: THANK YOU!!!!

Spring Fever

2011-02-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

It is finally almost 40 degrees here! We are getting Spring fever! I have changed a few of the pictures on here to reflect how we have all changed. I should do a chronilogical picture-fest of how different we all look over the years. :)

But, here are some of my favorite memories of 2010:

Yay! Another ShaToBu!!

2011-01-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend over at Heavenly Savings is hosting a giveaway! It's the Shatobu! :) Head over there and enter to win!!

Shatobu

Please go over NOW! Win one for me....

ShaToBu's Back!

2010-12-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's another chance to win a ShaToBu body shaper! It's the workout you wear! I want one of these so bad! :)

Enter to win here: Take It From Me

GOOD LUCK!

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

2010-11-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

TodaysMama and GameStop are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family?

My holiday wish is good health and happy memories. Material possesions break and lose their luster, but memories of holiday baking, traveling, tradition, and games live forever!

2. What is your Christmas morning tradition?

No one gets to touch ANYTHING until Mom has her coffee. :D Then, we open gifts and play. Nothing special, but we are together!

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?

A continous flow of money every month so Jimmy and I could afford to get married, house and feed 6 kids, and finish school. I love dreams... :)

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?

I have no idea, charge it? LOL We spend quality time together as a family. It's fun to help others shovel snow or bake cookies for them.

5. What games did you play with your family growing up?

We never really sat around and played games. When we did, we played a lot of Nintendo games, License plate games in the car, Name That Tune... We had a million made up games.
6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?

Spending Christmas Eve with Grandparents.
7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip?

Anywhere with NO SNOW and warm temperatures! :)

8. Check out GameStop (link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10) and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?

1. Ricky: Sony Playstation 3

2. Twins: Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii.

3. Tyler:X-box 360 with Madden NFL 2011

Exercise equipment you WEAR?!

2010-11-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

I have always thought, I wish I could just be slimmer and actually burn calories while doing it! Well, someone invented my wish!

WOO HOO! Smart and Trendy Moms website is giving one away, so head over there to enter to win one!

SmartandTrendyMoms.com

You can always regift it to me because you are a friend! :)

Who thinks of these things?!

All For Jasmine

2010-11-07T16:04:00.001-07:00

ATTENTION DOG LOVERS and SOFTIES:

I often enter giveaways and I purchase items from Etsy, but I have never read such a heartwarming story as this! Enter this fun giveaway and/or support Elisa and Jasmine!

Enter through this website: MommaToldMe

Good Luck to Elisa and her sweet dog, Jasmine.

Black Knights!

2010-09-22T16:41:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday, so I think I will talk about football! :)

Ty playing catch in the backyard.

Tyler, #48 scored 3 touchdowns last weekend for the team! What an effort! What great blocking!

#48 running for a TD!
Photo by Melina Thomas

GO BLACK KNIGHTS!!!!

Capture the Moments!

2010-09-18T16:41:00.000-06:00

FINALLY, a great Utah photographer! Whether I win or not, I'm pretty sure I want to book with Jessica Brandt Photography. She does great work, check out her mountain pictures!

A local blog is having a contest for a free sitting with her!

Enter or buy me gift certificates here:

Capture the Moments Photography Contest

:)

ANOTHER BRUGO Mug Giveaway to enter!

2010-08-25T07:11:00.000-06:00

I WANT A BRUGO MUG! :)

Enter to win me this Super Cute yellow one over at:

Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

These look SO neat!

Good Luck to all!!!

Look: Scentsy Giveaway!

2010-08-24T20:08:00.000-06:00

Heads UP: There's a Scentsy Giveaway going on at Casa De Mask.

I want this warmer!

As much as I want to keep this one all to myself...I just HAD to share it with you all! I know that I am not the only one who loves Scentsy!

ANOTHER Great Giveaway to enter!

2010-08-23T20:39:00.001-06:00

Yay! Another Brugo Mug Giveaway! I REALLY want to win one of these. If you want me to stop posting this, enter to win, then give it to me!!

Look how cute! This one is my next favorite color:

You can enter to win your own over at:

Heavenly Savings Giveaway!

If you just want to buy me one or check it out, here's Brugo's Website:

Brugo

Wish me luck and good luck if you enter! :)

Football

2010-08-21T17:27:00.000-06:00

FOOTBALL IS BACK!

#55 (Ty's "home" jersey) waiting to go back in.

Ty waiting for the kick return.

My little Tyler plays for West Point City and the Black Knights are so fun to watch! :)

Jamboree last week vs. West Haven

Riley the runningback is #5, Tyler is the one on the ground!

Huddle!

Why is #5 so slow? lol

GO WEST POINT BLACK KNIGHTS!

Yay!

2010-08-04T10:17:00.000-06:00

Yay! I asked and I received! I have found so many innovative products online. I am excited to try and win a Brugo Mug!

Look how cute! This one is my favorite color:

You can enter to win your own over at:

http://mom2zqb.blogspot.com/2010/07/brugo-mug-review-and-giveaway.html

Wish me luck and good luck if you enter! :)

Teen/Tween Reviews

2010-07-27T10:52:00.010-06:00

Hello Blogging world! Between school, summer, appointments and dance, I have lost touch with this world! I am on Facebook:

http://facebook.com/janine.the.great

I have a question:

There are SO many great products for babies out there. Why do they get all the press? My baby is TEN. I am beyond the cool baby stuff (although it is really innovative and fun to look at!)

Can someone PLEASE point me to products for teens/tweens??

My oldest is a teenage boy age 13.

Next is a set of 12 year old identical girly twins.

And of course, my baby boy is 10.

I am willing to be a reviewer/tester for any products for tweens/teenagers and even dogs!

My boys are sporty, they like their hair, and they love trends!

My daughters are beyond girly-girls and love anything that has to do with jewelry, hair, clothing, make-up...etc. You get the point.

We are a real household looking for innovative products to make everyday life easier.

Please send me links to products, websites or anything else helpful!

THANK YOU!

Thank you God!

2010-06-29T15:06:00.002-06:00

Between going back to school and networking on Facebook, I rarely log into my blog anymore! We are still here, and doing well.

We had a nasty scare Sunday when we returned home from camping. Someone had opened the gate to Jimmy's backyard and Sage got out. She had already been wandering for 2 days by the time we got home Sunday afternoon.

The neighbor who was to watch her didn't know anything except that the gate had been open and no Sage. He assumed we took her with us camping and just closed the gate. He didn't call anyone and she was just gone.

We drove around for an hour or so looking for Sage, calling her name and looking anywhere we thought she might be. We gave up, and hoped someone had called a shelter or animal services to get her. But, no shelters are open Sunday, so we had to wait until Monday morning. I posted an ad on ksl.com, hoping someone had seen her, and we sat back and waited for any news.

Monday morning at 8 am we got in the car and headed around to the local shelters, as no one had seen Sage. Animal control had no clue if they picked her up so we were on our own to identify her. After checking 3 shelters and calling 3 different police and animal control officers with no luck, I broke down and started bawling. I stayed strong for over a day now for Jimmy and his kids, but all hope was now gone.

Out of despiration, Ricky, Cheyenne and Wyatt got in the car with me and we started combing the streets, calling her name and stopping to talk to anyone who would talk to us. We drove 15 miles worth of city streets, 20 people must have told us they hadn't seen a dog around and I needed to go pee, ( 4 cups of coffee...) so we decided to head for home. I looked in the rearview mirror and saw a set of blue eyes just streaming tears and Ricky looking bummed, so I crossed a busy road and decided to look more. 2 more people gave us negatives, then one lady suggested we look by a local pool and golf course, because there are lots of people there.

We drove around up by the Aquatic Center, checking everywhere and no Sage. We decided to go home and refuel, then continue our search. I stepped on the gas to resume the speed limit and Cheyenne screamed from the backseat. I almost put Wyatt through the front window slamming on the brakes, but WHOA, there Sage was.

She couldn't lift her head, but it was Sage all right. She perked up her ears and we all stood over her crying. We had found her and she was alive! Wyatt carefully picked her up and held her close while I sped home. When we got her inside, she was shivering, scared, weak, tired, hungry and thirsty. We gave her what she would accept food and water wise, bathed her and looked her over for injury. The pads on Sage's feet are worn off, blistered and bleeding. She can't walk very well, and we have to carry her outside to go to the bathroom.

We took her to the vet, and they gave her antibiotics, antiinflammatories, and a clean bill of health! Our little girl puppy made it. She was alone on the streets from Friday evening until Monday early afternoon when we found her and she lived! It is a miracle from God that we even SAW her, that she made it as far as she had without getting hit or hurt worse, and we thank Him.

Thank you God for bringing us our little Sage girl back. We love her with everything we have, and she is not just a pet to us. She is more. :) Even Zipper was being nice to her. Thank you, God!

Eco-Friendly

2010-01-26T17:33:00.002-07:00

I do not go out of my way to be Earth conscious. :( Too bad for me.

---UNTIL RECENTLY!---

I won a blog contest for the MOST HANDY reusable paper towels EVER. :)

In my daily blog stalking, I found another giveaway for reusable WIPES!

Seriously, I would LOVE another set of reusable towels, and we still use wipes around my house. (Yes, the baby is almost 10...)

Go check out this giveaway and enter to win a set for yourself. They are worth triple their weight in gold:

http://a-heart4home.blogspot.com/2010/01/review-giveaway-eco-friendly-frugal.html

GOOD LUCK!

Snuggies for Dogs?!

2010-01-01T14:35:00.012-07:00

First off: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Welcome 2010!!!

I laughed when I saw Snuggies for dogs sitting on a shelf at Wal*Mart.

For Christmas my twins bought me a cute pink Snuggie. I set it down and this is usually what happens:

Guess this is what Scooter wants for his birthday?!

Does anyone out there have a Snuggie for their dog?

Monday...Ya GOTTA see this!

2009-11-30T16:55:00.004-07:00

Did everyone have an AWESOME Thanksgiving? Did anyone else besides me kinda dread Monday???

I am IN LOVE with these doggies and their sense of humor:

http://lifewithdogs.blogspot.com/2009/11/one-word.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NigelSolaCo+%28Life+With+Dogs%29

Check that out. LOL! Nigel, slobbery kisses and high fives to you and your crew!

Janine, Scooter and Zipper

P.S. If anyone knows how to explain to me how to add those cool little links with just the titles in them, I am more than willing to learn! :) I like nice, small underlined links. Thanks in advance to the brave and willing.... ;)

It's Beginning:

2009-11-28T10:10:00.002-07:00

To LoOk A lOt LiKe ChRiStMaS!

Thanksgiving was a success with all the family near. We only did 3 dinners this year, so that's a relaxing year!

I'd like to take a moment and thank our Lord and Savior above for:

*My successful surgery
*My older sister's successful surgery
*Ricky, Andie, Tori and Tyler
*My loving fiancee, Jimmy
*Mom and Dad
*Getting to see my younger sister
*Scooter and Zipper
*Great friends
*All the rest of my family

As we move into the Christmas Season, PLEASE remember those who are less fortunate. There are many! We are all struggling in our own way, but reach inside and find a smile for someone.

They just might return the favor...

Mia

2009-11-17T20:44:00.005-07:00

Today as I was reading my daily Facebook posts, I came across this post:

http://lifewithdogs.blogspot.com/2009/11/constrained.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NigelSolaCo+%28Life+With+Dogs%29

It is a story about a rescue dog. Now anyone that knows my family knows that we are suckers for Rescue animals.

We had 2 Doberman rescues as a kid. My parents have since taken in 2 German Shepherds, one more Doberman boy and a giant Anatolian/German Shepherd girl.

My darling Scooter is a rescued rattie. My new Zipper is a rescue rattie.

There is no better dog on this planet than a rescue dog. They are sweeter and more appreciative than a pet store pup.

Look at beautiful Mia:

Please, consider a Rescue pet this Thanksgiving or Christmas. Animals are in need, too.

You will NEVER regret it. They will NEVER forget it.

Here is a link to Mia's page:

http://goodkarmarescue.rescuegroups.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=1904224

MEGA Giveaway!

2009-09-06T10:59:00.002-06:00

I know I haven't posted in a while. I just really have not had anything exciting to blog about! This morning, I ran across this site:

http://jewelrybysolange.blogspot.com/

She is hosting a MEGA-Giveaway! She has 30, THIRTY items she is giving away to some lucky readers.

Head over there and enter for yourself! I did!

http://jewelrybysolange.blogspot.com/2009/09/scrumdiddlyumptious-mega-giveaway_4734.html

Arches National Park

2009-08-13T15:36:00.005-06:00

For Jimmy's big 3-0, we took a trip to Moab. We saw Arches National Park and Canyonlands. That is SUCH a cool place. I cannot believe it's been basically in my backyard for 16+ years and I have never seen it!

Just look at the beautiful Red Rock on the way IN.

This looks like a fish tank decoration to me!

Double arches...how cool was this hike?!

This is on the path to the delicate arch. I LOVED the Petroglyphs.

And FINALLY, here it is: Delicate Arch. I have been looking at this thing on my license plate for 10 years! (Or so...) The hike was gruelling, only because we had a half of a 20 oz. bottle of water and it was 95 degrees.

Which is actually bearable weather for the area....

If anyone lives near enough to see this gorgeous park, DO IT! Take the hikes! Stay in Moab, there is a TON to do.

Enough pictures...I don't want to spoil it for you!

Change of Plans...

2009-07-27T07:26:00.005-06:00

Ok, just kidding. I changed my mind on this little guy's name. I thought he was quick like a pistol. Hmmm, he is more like a Zipper. He zips here, then there. He is NUTS!

ZIPPER

a.k.a. Zippy

He was almost renamed Chewy, but Zipper seems to be sticking. (My poor new Reef sandals...)

Puppies....sheesh. Pray for him. Nevermind, pray for ME! lol I need an obedience lesson class to teach ME how to train him. Apparently spraying him with the spray bottle (Trigger...) is not what I am supposed to be doing.

I see improvement everyday! Look how I rehabilitated Ruger. :) Ruger is doing great actually. The little old lady he went to is in Heaven on Earth! Ruger is also, because there are no little Tylers to chase him or Andies and Toris to dress him up. He gets ALL the attention, and it's all good.

No, I am NOT bringing home any more doggies. This is it. I promise!

Tanks A Lot...

2009-07-27T07:12:00.003-06:00

I just found a cool blog called The Shopping Mama. Check it out:

http://www.theshoppingmama.com/

She has a cool giveaway going right now called "Reconfigure your Figure"

http://www.theshoppingmama.com/2009/07/reconfigure-your-figure-with.html

It's no secret that Utah Moms are the most beautiful in the nation! Check out the shape configuring power of Slimpressions! How cool is that? They have so many different styles and colors. They even have just shirts that don't expose anything that shouldn't be exposed!

They are ALSO not as expensive as the kind Oprah raves about. Go check them out, and enter to win your own!

http://www.theshoppingmama.com/2009/07/reconfigure-your-figure-with.html

Trigger

2009-07-15T21:29:00.003-06:00

Meet Trigger. He's my new buddy. Ruger had smitten an old couple and they gave me $$ for him. (People with disabilities really get me...)

This is one FUN animal. He reminds me a lot of how Scooter used to be. :(

We need to fatten this boy up a bit!

The 8th of July

2009-07-07T20:10:00.002-06:00

The 8th Of July ? ?

What is so different about the 8th of July this year?

At five minutes and six seconds after 4 am on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be

04:05:06 07/08/09.

This will never happen again.

Hehehe......COOL!

Exercise is Fun?!

2009-06-19T19:54:00.003-06:00

Exercising fun. I think NOT! I was in GameStop the other day drooling over a Wii Fit when some lady bought this:

http://www.easportsactive.com/home.action

Well, i drool over that, too. :( I got to watch some people play it and these guys were really working up a sweat!

I WANT ONE! I WANT ONE! I WANT ONE!

If only I didn't have bills...hehe

One of my favorite blogs, The Dirty Shirt, is having a giveaway! Guess what she is giving away?

YOU GUESSED IT!

Wii Active!!!

Hop on over to her blog and enter for yourself. If you are lucky enough to win, GIVE IT TO ME!

Just kidding, there's always Christmas.

Enter here: http://thedirtytshirt.com/ea-sports-active-30-day-challenge-giveaway

GOOD LUCK!

It's my 2nd job!

2009-06-16T22:28:00.002-06:00

Thanks for the well wishes! I did get 2 emails from one panicked parent and another from a friend.

No, I didn't quit my day job! :) I still work at the school, and will be back when school's back in session in August!

This is ME trying to get a bit more cash flow!

Thanks parent and friends! :) I appreciate your concern and emails!

Welcome to Wal*Mart!

2009-06-16T09:49:00.004-06:00

Hello! If anyone is in the Syracuse area and is bored, come look for me at Wal*Mart!

I started there last Thursday, and I'm a cashier for the summer or until I get child support. (Looks like a long term commitment....Lol!)

Yesterday, I was cashiering, and Jimmy came through my line. He leaned over and kissed me goodbye.

The next people in line were a little old guy and his wife. The little old guy asked me,"How can I get one of those?"

"One of what?" I asked.

"I'd like one of those kisses!" he laughed.

I just looked at his wife and she was just smiling. "Don't offer, because he will take you up on it!"

I explained that the man I had kissed was my fiancee. The little old guy was having fun teasing me, "Well, that's false advertising!"

***CLARIFICATION***

I feel I need to defend the people greeter position. :) No disrespect intended to ANYONE, regardless of race, religion, sex, age, disability or anything else!

--BUT--

Near the end of my shift yesterday, I was asked to give the people greeter his lunch. No problem. I'm getting paid, what do I care what I do? (Within reason...)

I noticed how people would look at me strangely. I'd say 90% of them looked at my name tag. When a few ladies had returns, they talked different than they would have if I were at a register. They talked slower, louder and enunciated their words nicely.

So, people who shop at Wal*Mart:

DO NOT assume that just because someone is a People Greeter they have a disability! It's cool that society is respectful of this position, but do I look or act disabled? LOL

I thought about taking Jeff Dunham's "Walter" stance:

"Welcome to Wal*Mart. Get your $**t and get out!!"

Just Kidding. :)

Laptop Giveaway!

2009-06-07T21:53:00.003-06:00

I need a new computer. My desktops are both SO hammered! As I was browsing this evening, I came across this giveaway!

Isn't this laptop GORGEOUS?!

Enter to win at this website:

http://blissfullydomestic.com/blissful-style/giveaway-hp-mini-vivienne-tam-edition-from-intel/

GOOD LUCK!

Class of 2015

2009-06-05T15:04:00.011-06:00

Class of 2015!

I brag about my girls and Tyler a LOT. Don't get me wrong, Ricky is a COOL kid. He just gets bored in school and chooses not to complete or turn in assignments.

Ricky graduated from the 6th grade today. I was happy he made it! It has been a struggle for the past few years.

Today, Ricky was presented with TWO awards in addition to his "diploma!"

The first award?

A 'President's Education Award'. This is a HUGE honor I guess, and he had no idea he was getting it. I was so surprised. The award is really cool looking, and it is signed by Barack Obama.

He got the award because he has greatly improved his grades. I was so moved, I almost cried. I didn't have my camera ready, so the pictures aren't great.

Ricky is next to the flag pole in the stripes. :)

The second award was:

An Achievement Award for outstanding performance in Language Arts!

(Again, not ready. I need a new camera!)

Every student in the class received some sort of award during this part of the ceremony. "Peacebuilder," "Great Leadership Skills" I expected Ricky's to be something like, "Most enthusiastic," or "Student who turned in LEAST amount of assignments." You know, those types of awards. The teachers have to make something up.

Outstanding Achievement in Language Arts. That ROCKS. I am so dang proud of him! When we were driving home, I got all choked up. I knew the kid had it in him. I tried so hard to tell him that without crying.

Mr. Warren, Principal of Parkside Elementary

Ricky receiving his diploma.

If you see or talk to Ricky, PLEASE congratulate him. This is a HUGE deal.

Congratulations to ALL graduates: Class of 2009 (Taylor Yip!) and the future Class of 2015.

Ricky waiting patiently while all the names were called out.

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP!

2009-05-23T13:16:00.004-06:00

I'm too young for this.

My beautiful 11 year old twins came home the other day with a new necklace. Each of them had one. Of course, the new bling certainly caught my eye. They played it off, and I got distracted, so I never did really get where the new bling came from.

Fast forward to today. There is a Scentsy open house down the road. Sweet Tyler bought me a car candle and a Blueberry Cheesecake bar. (My favorite!) As I was putting the new bar away, I noticed another new bar in the drawer. Oxford smells good, but is not really a scent I would burn. When I asked where it came from, I was NOT ready for the answer.

I found out about the bar and the necklaces! The necklaces were gifts from their "boyfriends." I asked what they had given them in return and they both insisted "nothing." Well, turns out, the 5th grade boys who had girlfriends all went out and bought their ladies some "bling." Each of these girls that hangs out together got one, but each is different, so the boys know who's girlfriend is whose.

Um, WOW. I got a ring my Junior year of high school and my mom flipped. It was a pretty emerald. (NOT engagement by the way.)

The Scentsy bar? A gift from the neighbor boy, who knows they love the Scentsy warmer in their room. He is around enough to know that I refuse to give the girls my favorite scents to burn. (Moms, you know how they never come back.)

As far as the necklaces go, I guess it was just all the boys that hang together giving their little "girlfriends" that hang together a gift. I talked to the mom of another little girl that got a necklace. She thinks it's hilarious and sweet and told me not to worry.

Yeah, so, do I let them keep these gifts? Necklaces and Scentsy bars? Did anyone catch the Desperate Housewives Season Finale last week? Am I being paranoid? My girls will NOT be like that Ana chick. I will not raise flirty little hussies.

On, the other hand, they cannot control silly boys who want to spend their money.

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLP! All advice is solicited and welcome.

Memorial

2009-05-17T14:54:00.007-06:00

Today was Kayleigh's memorial. We, of course, could not go, as it was in North Carolina. So, we released pink balloons instead, like the Freemans requested.

Tyler wanted to take the balloons outside to make sure nothing happened to them on the way.

Here are all the kids with a balloon. Left to right: Ricky, Austin, Colton, Tyler, Andie and Tori.

Austin and Colton are Ricky and Tyler's friends. They wanted to be a part of this. We all said a prayer, then we released them.

Wouldn't it just figure that my batteries died in my camera RIGHT as the kids let them go? LOL By the time I got the new set in, this was all I could get of the balloons. If you look really hard, you can see 3 of the pink balloons.

We watched them until we couldn't see them anymore. It took 27 minutes!

God bless you Kayleigh. We hope you liked your balloons! Rest In Peace, sweet baby girl.

Pink balloon

2009-05-16T14:29:00.003-06:00

Adam and Aimee Freeman and family will be releasing pink balloons tomorrow at 4PM Eastern time. Please join them in releasing a pink balloon with this note attached:

Kayleigh Anne Freeman
Our One Pound Miracle from God
(6/23/08 - 5/11/09)
www.KayleighAnneFreeman.blogspot.com

My heart breaks for this family, and I wish I could help them more. On top of losing their daughter, they are losing their home! If anyone that reads this is in any financial position to help, please do. I'm sure every little bit helps.

If you can't, will you please release a pink balloon tomorrow at 4PM Eastern? I want Kayleigh to see how many people love her! I bet thousands of pink balloons will be visible from Heaven.

Kayleigh

2009-05-13T21:49:00.002-06:00

Sweet baby Kayleigh is an angel now. My heart breaks for her family; they are just the most amazing people.

Kayleigh's life had a huge impact on MY life. I love her and will miss her beautiful little face.

You can read about it here:

http://kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/2009/05/51309-update-on-memorial.html

Here is a small excerpt from her Daddy's blog:

Many of you asked if there were something you could do to help and I came up with an idea. At 4:00PM(EST), we will be letting off pink balloons in Kayleigh's name. Tied to each balloon will be a card that reads:

Kayleigh Anne Freeman
Our One Pound Miracle from God
(6/23/08 - 5/11/09)
www.KayleighAnneFreeman.blogspot.com

Please continue to pray for her and her family.

Mothers

2009-05-09T10:19:00.005-06:00

This is my older sister, Jenn, and my daughter Andie. Jenn is a mother to 3 AWESOME kids! I love my nieces and ONLY nephew. Jenn, you rock and you are my rock at times! Happy Mother's Day to my older sis.

This is Tiffany. Tiffany is my future sister-in-law. She is Mommy to her sweet 'lil nuggets Austina nd Lexi. Love you Tiff! Happy Mother's Day. Hope Wii Fit doesn't kick your butt too bad! (When we gonna see you to play together?!)

This is MY mom. Isn't she pretty? My mom has 4 kids. My older sister, the hellion. Me, the bratty whiner. My only brother, Tommy. My younger sister, the liberal.

This is my Aunt. She is Mommy to these 2 adorable twins! She is also one heck of a mother, and I love to hear all her funny stories. I love you, Aunt Barbara. You are the 2nd best twin Mom I know...j/k. :) You are the best Fraternal Twin Mom in the world!

This is my Grandmother. She is the furthest back that I have a picture of that started it all. If it wasn't for her, my mom and Aunt would not be here. You know how the rest goes. I wouldn't be here either. My Grandmother is who I would like to emulate. She is soft spoken, until she needs to be firm. She is sweet, nurturing, forgiving and she never forgets ANYTHING.

My Mom and my Aunt also have these beautiful qualities. I love all the mommies in my family, and I am thankful for all of them. Each contributes something to me that is invaluable!

TWO Proposals!

2009-05-06T20:58:00.004-06:00

I went on a field trip today! My elementary school's 3rd grade went to the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City.

I don't know who had more fun: ME or my group. I had the biggest group I have ever had on any field trip I've been on.

Bad: I had 7 hyped-up, curious kids to contain and keep together. (One was my Special Ed student.
Bad: I was neither their mother nor their teacher, so technically, they didn't have to listen.

---------------------------------------

Good: 6 of the 7 children are now aware of my awesome-ness. :P
Good: We made trucks honk and played slug-bug on the bus! (I ROCK at slug-bug when I am not the one driving.)

--------------------------------------

Better: One of the girls in my group told me I was "almost as pretty as her mom."

LOL! I died laughing at that one...

Better: I got kissed on my hand by one of my boys. LOL!

--------------------------------------

BEST: A student asked me to marry him. (NOT the one that kissed me either. Sheesh...)

Student: Janine, will you marry me?
Janine: Oh, I'm sorry! I am already engaged!
Student: Oh. Well, if it doesn't work out, let me know, ok?

*LOL! Are you serious? Wow. That's flattering!*

--------------------------------------

Not to be outdone, the student that kissed my hand decided that HE had a better shot.

Kissy Student: Janine, I am taller and 4 days older than Other Student. Will you marry me?
Janine: Ok, you guys are being silly. Go play Red Rover.
Kissy Student: Ok, come play with us.
Janine: I'd love to, but I have a broken ankle.
Kissy Student: Want me to kiss it better?
Janine: GO PLAY RED ROVER!!!

-------------------------------------

Um, West Point mothers, WHAT is wrong with your sons?

LOL!

Proposed to TWICE in one day. Top that!

Footnote: Neither of the boys were Special Education students.

FOUND: Chicken Leg

2009-05-05T19:39:00.003-06:00

I am a city girl. I have now lived in Utah longer than any other state I've lived in, but my earliest memories are from when I lived in Florida.

Florida girls are not known for their farming abilities. They are proper, fun, beach-tanned girls!

My older and younger sisters do not seem to have been Florida-ized. Only me. I do not garden; (everything that's not a dog or kid dies in my home) and I cannot cut my own firewood. (Neither can Jackie, though! Check the scar on her leg for proof...)

Heck, I never even touched a lawn-mower until I was 24. TWENTY-FOUR. But, at the ripe old age of 30, I re-stringed (re-strung?) my very own Weed Eater!

I know, pathetic, isn't it?

Want to know another MORE pathetic fact?

I REFUSE to eat meat off a bone. Sounds dumb, I know. (Not dumb to my family. They are chicken wing, drumstick, BBQ rib, T-bone steak kinda people!)

**Sigh**

Was I adopted?

Where am I going with all this seemingly useless info?!

Picture this with me:

It's a beautiful, warm Sunday morning. The sun is shining through the new leaves that are blowing in the gentle breeze. I am sitting on my bum sipping coffee while my fiancee teaches my 11 year old how to scramble eggs. My beautiful little Rat Terriers are frolicking at my feet.

The frolicking becomes intense. Scooter growls. Ruger growls. Sage enters and SAGE growls.

Sage NEVER growls! What the heck is up?

I looked under the table, and Scooter is the center of attention. He has a stick that he is chewing and enjoying. Ruger wants the stick. Sage wants the stick. The fighting ensues.

I reached under the table to grab this stick and rid my furbabies of the evil source of contention.

Scooter growled again, and ran to the corner to hide. SCOOTER NEVER GROWLS AT ME! Once I got closer, I smelled it.

RAW MEAT.

Where did this nasty smelling stick come from? Why were my animals fighting over it?

I grabbed it and it grabbed me back!!!!!

I screamed and jumped back as far as I could.

The stick fell lifeless into the corner. Scooter resumed possession of it.

I sat at the table and started crying. Do you know what I had just touched?

****Remember, I am a CITY girl.****

A chicken leg. Not a foot. A WHOLE LEG! The meat hanging from where it had been severed taunted me. The blood was on my fingers. The leg, which had the foot attached, had CLAWS. The claws lay lifeless and curled inward, shrivelled under the command of my dog's carnivorous chewing.

**YUCK.**

**DOUBLE YUCK**

***CITY GIRL, remember?***

Jimmy could not breathe. He was red in the face and holding his gut, gasping for air. He started laughing. The dogs started barking. Scooter picked the leg back up and I screamed. Andie screamed. Tori screamed.

To end this VERY long and detailed story, Jimmy made ME pick up the leg. He taunted me all through breakfast (which I didn't eat. Do you know where eggs come from?)

Final thought:

Where is the rest of the chicken?!?!?!

(It's not in my backyard or the field behind my house. We checked.)

Pray hard...

2009-05-01T19:13:00.004-06:00

God has a plan for each of us. I think it sucks that we don't understand, but I also must realize that it is HIS plan. Not ours.

Read Kayleigh's blog for tonight. Pray for her family's peace. Pray for strength. Pray for unity. Please pray for Adam, Aimee, Brandon, Allyson and sweet baby Kayleigh Anne Freeman.

I have been praying my heart out for her. Lord, let thy will be done.

Thank you, Freemans for sharing her with us. PLEASE PRAY for all these people!!

http://kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/2009/04/5109-ill-praise-you-in-this-storm.html

I must end this. I cannot keep a dry eye. God Bless.

The Red Snake

2009-04-16T20:50:00.008-06:00

We have a snake in our house that Ricky won from Peter Piper Pizza years ago. It has sat and sat and no one has paid any attention to it.

Until Ruger, that is.

Ruger's first mama warned us that he liked to chew stuffed animals. Ok, we thought, what dog doesn't?

One of Ruger's favorite hiding spots is under the twins' bed. One of the twins' favorite cleaning depositories is under their bed.

Guess where all the stuffed animals went?

Scooter. My little Scooter. So frail when he wears himself out these days.

Scooter is still my naughty little Scooter no matter how sick he gets. Scooter is mischievous.

A bit of an instigator, if you will.

Well, Scooter has this way of finding toys he knows Ruger will enjoy. He then proceeds to parade them around Ruger, getting just close enough to tease him.

(Enter red snake.)

Think your mean older brother or sister here... Look at him eyeballing Ruger.

Ruger is patient. He is calculating.

Ruger is planning his attack.

Come a lil closer, Scooter...

GOTCHA!

Ha! I shall drag you back to my lair...

I think I can, I think I can!

I'M WINNING!

***Scooter chuckles under his doggie breath***

I was merely toying with the lad.

Notice the snake's guts hanging out now? :)

THE END!!

Easter egg fun

2009-04-11T15:54:00.013-06:00

Well, here we are! Almost Easter! We colored eggs, paper, the deck and each other. :) But we have some really cool looking eggs!!!

Chey liked to make pink ones.

The mess is mostly contained here!

Andie made pretty blue eggs.

Tori liked pastels...

Ricky waiting patiently for the wax crayon.

Ricky's multiple personality egg...LOL! (Click the pics to make them bigger and see the detail!)

Ty liked to mix the colors and see what would happen.

Scooter even felt up to seeing what was up outside.

Ruger was trying to sample eggs...

Heaven

2009-04-09T14:40:00.004-06:00

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.

When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'

'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered.

'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.

Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.'

The man gestured, and the gate began to open. 'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.

'I'm sorry sir, but we don't accept pets.'

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'

'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'

'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog.

'There should be a bowl by the pump.' They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.The traveller filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.

'This is Heaven,' he answered.

'Well, that's confusing,' the traveller said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.'

'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.'

'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'

'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'

Yak...

2009-04-08T11:46:00.003-06:00

This blog has WAY too much information for those who are vomit-challenged. (ME)

I threw up today. Puked. Yaked. Barfed. Not a huge deal to most people I'm sure, but the last time I threw up was May, 2005. The time before that was March, 1997. I distinctly remember...lol.

My guts have been hurting for like, 7 years, so after seeing 3 different doctors, one ordered a CT scan of my abdomen. No big deal. They gave me the watery Barium drinks to drink.

--Seriously, routine and NO big deal.--

I made it through most of the 2nd drink and was on my way to get to the scan and I had the overwhelming urge to (yuck) Yak.

I was so proud. I held it down all the way inside, even made it onto the table and through most of the test. The little CT guy gave me the heads up that he would be injecting the contrast dye and I would feel flushed.

Sure, I felt flushed. I felt like someone flushed something THROUGH me. LOL! (I am very good at fighting the urge to you know...)

The little sliding table thing was backing out and I warned the little guy that I was going to vomit. He reassured me that sometimes people feel like that, but that it would be ok.

LOL! NOT!

Poor guy.

LOL! Seriously, it was so funny. I felt SO, so terribly bad. I have never had a man hold my hair back with one hand and a garbage can in the other so I could throw up.

I kept apologizing to the guy, who was SO nice. He even patted my back. LOL!

TMI, I know. But, I am lame and this is all I have to blog about. Unless you want to hear about Scooter. The meds are just postponing the inevitable.

So, let's not focus on that. I love my little 'munk-huntin', 4-wheeler riding, fishing buddy. Let's focus on the fact that I had a funny (non-serious) allergic reaction & threw up all over the nice radiologist man.

I bet that made his day...LOL!

Scooter's Diagnosis

2009-04-05T18:55:00.002-06:00

Well, after another scary episode Thursday, I decided to do some detective work on petmd.com. None of Scooter's seizures seemed to be the same, they all looked different, and all had different side effects.

One of the most notable ones was the weight gain in Scooter. He seriously gained 7 pounds in 2 months. On a 14 pound dog, that's a LOT.

Friday's vet visit confirmed all I had read online:

Congestive Heart Failure.

There's good and bad with it. Good is that he may live a lot longer with good care at home and effective medicines.

The bad news is that he is a terrier and he wants to play. He still is trying to be normal, but he knows something is up. It scares him, and he always seems to be short of breath.

It's MY job to keep him calm so that his heart does not get overworked and explode. This is until the medicine kicks in and we have a better idea of how much physical activity he can handle.

He WILL be ok. If not, I am prepared for the worst. My hopes are high, many dogs live with this their whole life.

You can read about it here:

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/congestive-heart-failure-in-dogs/page1.aspx

Pray that he makes it through this. He is a good boy and our lives would not be the same without him.

Scooter Update

2009-03-30T22:03:00.009-06:00

Scooter's "episode" turned out to be a stroke on Sunday morning. Apparently, he has suffered brain damage from his seizures, and it manifested itself in a stroke.

The vet says he is young, and there is no reason for seizures or stroke. So, we have him on an anti-seizure medication and the vet is optimistic. She (and all her staff) had great instructions for how to care for him. They were all very reassuring and kind. For now, he's just under MY observation.

THANK YOU everyone for all your thoughts and prayers. Thank you, Clearfield Veterinary Clinic doctors and staff. Scooter, the kids and me appreciate it. (Ruger, too. He's even been sweet to Scooter.)

He seems to be taking out any stress on this stuffed wolf. :)

GIT-ER-DONE Scoot! We LOVE you, Boy!

P.S. I knew today would be a better day! Trust in the Lord. (Even if it's for your dog!) (Or naughty son.) :)

Another Tear-Filled Sunday

2009-03-29T17:37:00.002-06:00

My sweet Scooter is still not feeling better. He had an episode this morning that was terrifying!

He has been pretty quiet and disoriented all day again. So, I spent the morning holding him and crying. I told him if it was time to go that he could, but he just licked me. Once we got home, he perked up a bit. I love the rays of hope. :)

Shortly after we got home though, Ricky and Ty were fighting over who had to clean the room and a physical fight ensued. To make a long story short, Ricky ended up telling me to "Screw You."

Start the tears again. That just pushed the envelope WAY farther than what I will accept from a child. I had half a mind to slap him silly or punch him in his face. I will not be treated like this. He was suspended from school for fighting on Wednesday! GRRRRR

Therapy is a joke!! 2 years and thousands of dollars wasted....

Any suggestions? Anyone?

Cricket, cricket....

lol

Tomorrow's another day, and it will be better, 'cuz he goes to school!!! :)

Strange Monday

2009-03-23T11:09:00.006-06:00

Monday morning. Scooter visited the vet. She confirmed that, yes, it was indeed a seizure. He is "mid-life" in age, which basically means there is no reason he should be having seizures. If he were younger or older, she could nail it down with a few tests. But, we did blood work, and everything is normal.

For now, I need to keep a journal to see if there is any pattern. Her thoughts are that his seizure was stress induced! Poor pup. I asked what specifically would stress a dog. Vacations, other animals in the home, changes in lifestyle. Just to name a few. Check, check and check.

That's bad news for Ruger, 'cuz I had Scooter first, and he takes priority. I like Ruger. He's cute and he has the "cute eyes" trick down pat. But, he's kinda a naughty little guy. He is not super socialized, he's moody & he wants to be the alpha dog so badly.

But, man, can that little guy jump. He jumps from the floor to the counter top. (maybe he is part kitty?) He is such a good boy when I take him on walks. He is a WAY good boy in the car. He doesn't hog my bed like Scooter does, instead he gives me the room I need and will shift when needed.

Darn. I need to focus on his less preferred traits so that I give him a new home. I don't want to give up on him though. He has come SO far since December.

Look at him! His tooth hangs out when he's being goofy and he has a bunch of extra skin that gets all wrinkly when he's being goofy too...

Wow, there was a crash in the kitchen. Lunch is now all over the floor, and Ruger is wearing it on his whiskers and chin. LOL!

*Sigh*

The End of the Day

2009-03-20T21:52:00.002-06:00

Scooter is alive for the time being. He is ok for a few moments, when parts of his little personality come out. He even played ball for a few minutes with my dad.

He is back to non-active for now. All he wants is his mom. :) That makes me feel good, because he used to prefer my fiancee. I am still scared, but the vet insists he will be ok until Monday when he has an appointment. :(

Thanks for the prayers. I appreciate it.

I love my dog. He has been the only stable man in my life!!!! :)

Pray for me...

2009-03-20T07:32:00.003-06:00

My beloved Scooter dog had a seizure this morning. I have been crying my eyes out waiting for him to return to normal.

I have heard twice that he is "just a dog".

I am scared and upset. I am not sure what will happen to him.

Please pray for me and my kids because:

He is not "just a dog" to us.

Happy Birthday to TYLER!

2009-03-16T16:45:00.007-06:00

Exactly 2 weeks ago, my twins turned 11. As of today, I have three 11 year-olds and a 9 year-old.

Today is Tyler's birthday! :)

I love my little meatball. Not to take anything away from the twins, but I was on my way back from Las Vegas on their birthday.

(Yes, I am selfish. Yes, NASCAR is more important than my kids.)

This is a big day, because Tyler is my baby. I always wondered why my mom would always freak when my youngest sister had a birthday. I didn't care...lol.

Now I understand. Wow. 9 years ago, I was not having a very good time...yet. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEATBALL!! I LOVE YOU!

Bakugan

2009-03-15T16:53:00.006-06:00

Have you ever seen a Bakugan?

I was introduced to them by my sweet, destructive neighbor boy, Ken.

"Hey, Janine, watch this!" To my horror, the once sweet, now destructive boy THROWS a small metal looking ball at my car! I had just opened my mouth to ask, "What in the name of Sam Hill are you THINKING?!?" when the little thing popped open.

There it was, the "ball" he had thrown at my car. I guess it actually was plastic too. (Good metallic paint job...) When a certain part of the Bakugan touches metal, it releases the Bakugan to do battle.

(Or something like that...)

This is Dragonoid...we have had tears over the Red version of him...

So, anyway, the little ball popped open into this crazy looking warrior thing! It was also stuck to the side of my car. I tried for like 10 minutes to do the same thing, but it would just bounce off.

Yes, all my children from then on (admit it or not) play with Tyler's Bakugan. He has like 10 of them now, and is an expert on trading and fighting them.

**Think Pokemon...it's a whole little world and language that parents do NOT understand.

Yesterday, Ty asked the twins and Chey if they wanted to play Bakugan with him.

Here's how they "play".... It was torturing Tyler!

Happy Birthday to ME!

2009-02-22T20:00:00.003-07:00

Today I have reached a milestone. I am the big 3-0.

**Sigh**

I got a nice surprise party from my family. :)

I was ok getting nothing, but they wouldn't do that to me.

Happy Birthday to ME!

My Fiancee & the Mouse

2009-02-18T19:14:00.003-07:00

Jimmy, my most darling "hunny," is in the paper again. He is the cute mechanic in black coveralls walking behind the UHP Trooper. Basically, the story is that the bus slid off the road into a ditch and was partially blocking Highway 89, with students on board.

I love him. He's so cute. Follow the link to hear about our crazy snowstorm.

http://www.standard.net/live/news

One more story to share. I love my job. Have I ever mentioned that? Today was a typical day. Drooling children, lunch and dodging punches from Mr. Angry Student.

Autistic kids have the best comments. They just say things as they see or hear them. They do not think, nor do they react when you howl with laughter. (Some don't...)

Today, one student was working on a program on the computer. This computer program is touch-based, so all the Host-lady says is, "Click the mouse. Click the mouse." Over and over again.

Well, Mr. Angry was engaged in some sorting activity, which means he is like hyper-sensitive on his hearing. He could hear the program-lady saying, "Click the mouse. Click the mouse."

Autistic kids are known to parrot behaviors and voices. They get the tones and pitch down perfectly. I'm not kidding...

So, pretty sure Mr. Angry started to repeat the lady. I didn't pay attention, assuming he was just repeating the program. Then, I tuned in and heard:

"Cook the mouse. Cook the mouse. Cook the mouse with crackers. Cook the mouse with carrots."

***** LMAO *****

Cook the mouse huh? What goes on at his home?!? Just Kidding!

Most everyday is crazy until some comment like that. Then, any "learning" stops and all you can hear is adults screaming with laughter. I love my job.

I love my fiancee too. He rescues junior high kids that are stuck in ditches. Go, baby!

Missing In Action

2009-02-17T19:34:00.003-07:00

Yay! I'm back. I had blogging withdrawals for the first few days, but life and kids were keeping me up on my toes.

You know how when it rains it pours? Well, I just got done with a monsoon. But, I have survived, and I know my limits are higher than I thought! Just when you think, "I swear if one more thing goes wrong..." It does. And guess what? Most of us survive!

**And in surviving:

I am a better woman.

I am a better mother.

I have stories that are funny now. (But, they were NOT in the least bit funny 2 weeks ago...)

That was when I knew I needed an attitude makeover. NOTHING was funny. EVERYONE was standing on my last nerve. ALL my kids were sick. My dog peed on my son's bed, and the sock load, and the sofa, and the other dog...

LOL

Thanks for the emails of concern. It feels nice to be loved. Everything is ALL RIGHT here!

Your purse is barking...

2009-01-22T17:29:00.007-07:00

LOL! Cell phones. What an awesome invention!

Even better?!?

MESSAGE ALERTS & RINGTONES!

My sister says I'm annoying. I say it's payback for putting Dawn soap in my Thermos & filling it with Kool-Aid in 3rd grade. Jerk. That was traumatizing.

Anyway, I found a fun website with about every ringtone or sound effect you can think of. I download a lot of them because my special needs students love them. (I promise.)

I have pretty little birds chirping when my mom or dad texts me, but an alert ring when they call. LOL

Achmed, the dead terrorist, tells me to "Pickup-it's your boyfriend," when my fiancee calls.

Can you guess what plays when the ex-hubs calls? Psycho...hehehe

Wow. So, these are the best conversation starters ever. For example, today I was at the accountant's office getting my taxes done. My washed up Kool-Aid sister texted me. (She's a dog groomer, so my phone barks.) It was in my purse on the floor. The accountant stopped what he was doing and announced, "I love dogs!"

I just sat there confused for a second. So, he exclaimed, "Let's see the little rascal!"

LOL. I pulled out my phone and showed him that it was just the phone "barking."

As I was leaving, I had to stop and sign some paperwork at the front desk. My sis text-replied at just that moment. The poor lady at the front desk.

"Excuse me, but your purse is barking," she notified me.

Yeah...could you imagine the response if I had set her message tone to the nauseating gas-expelling male that needs to check his drawers?!?

Tweens

2009-01-17T16:56:00.005-07:00

Girls. Aren't they awesome?! I have my biological daughters, Andie & Tori. Then, I have 2 adopted daughters, Caylynn and Alyssa. Don't forget, Cheyenne, Jimmy's daughter. (I hate step-anything. Too negative for me.)

I got a card once that said, "To Step-Mom." LOL! I was like, what the heck did I do to her?!?

So, anyway, here are my little beauties. They are playing Gothic & preppie chick or something.

Tori,

Chey,

Alyssa,

Andie &

Cay Cay

The Twins

Chey fell in the bucket while putting a sock on...

Tori fell over laughing.

Then, they posed for me.

I LOVE this girl, my sweet Cay Cay.

I LOVE this girl too, but I don't see her as much. Alyssa. Gorgeous like her mom!

Watching and listening to these silly little girls play just makes me laugh. I remember the days...

-We used to drink out of baby bottles.

-Wear mom's high heels.

-Try to ride bikes in high heels. (Sprained my wrist.)

-Wear all moms jewelry.

-Annoy brothers by drawing on them in their sleep.

-Eat everything in the house. (Sorry Mr. Kinney!)

-Freezing your friend's bra.

-Make cookies & cakes.

-Hide under the bench in mom's minivan & scare her. (Sorry to all moms we did that to. I'd kill you if you did that to me.)

-Sit on top of the pantry and scare mothers. (Sorry Rhonda!)

-Annoy brothers by filling their hands with shaving cream then tickling them.

-Get screamed at to BE QUIET!

-Tape Christie's little brother to a chair. (Poor Chase.)

-Toilet paper. (Before it was considered vandalism.)

-Giggle over dumb things all night.

-Prank call.

**Oh my goodness. Remember prank calling after you'd had like a gallon of ice cream smothered with candy?? **

Sucker: Hello?

Us: Hi. This is Super Repair and I am just calling to make sure your refrigerator is running.

Sucker: Yes, it's running.

Us: Then you'd better go catch it!!

HAHAHAHA

Sucker Next door: Hello?

Us: Hi, Mr. Jones (name changed to protect us.) This is Boyd's towing. We are just calling as a courtesy to let you know that your vehicle has been towed, per your request to Rocky Mountain Mazda for repair.

Sucker Next door: What? What are you talking about? We never called a tow truck!

At this point, we watched Mr. Jones from the safety of our window to make sure he ran outside and checked his car. LOL! Man, was he MAD. And he would fall for it about 2 times a month.

We would do this one when we were on a payphone bowling:

Bowling Alley: Hilltop Lanes.

Us: Hi! I need to find my friend, there's an emergency!

Bowling Alley: K, what's your friend's name?

Us: Amanda.

Bowling Alley: Amanda what?

Us: Amanda Hugginkiss.

Bowling Alley: Ok, we will page her.

PA System at Bowling Alley: Attention guests. We are looking for Amanda Hugginkiss. Amanda Hugginkiss, will you please report to the front desk immediately?

*Gasping for air* What were we thinking? LOL!

Being a silly girl is SO much fun. I miss those days!

A Million Little Lies

2009-01-15T21:04:00.005-07:00

Ok, I have to admit:

Reading James Frey's book, A Million Little Pieces damaged my sensitive spirit. I thought about it more than I should have, and questioned everyone I knew about drugs and addictions. I seriously wondered what kind of person could be so addicted and then just one day

--SNAP!--

Addiction is going away because he said so. I am personally addicted to coffee, and there is NO way that will just go away. (Trust me, I am trying, and the headaches are KILLER.)

He does mention that addiction is replaced with something else, so I totally bought that. But, throughout his book he never mentioned what he had put in it's place.

So, one of my most darling and beautiful friends posted a comment that his book was a hoax. I secretly am relieved. I would have committed suicide had I done half the things he details in his book.

The part that hurt me the most was that the girl that kept him holding on, clinging to life, ended up hanging herself! How morbid is that? I cried.

The good news? It's mostly made up.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/jamesfrey/0104061jamesfrey4.html

Sorry, Oprah, that really sucks. It was a good book, in it's dark, heart-wrenching sort of way. But, personally, I am relieved that it's lies. I know it's a reality for plenty of people. I know addictions are real, scary and devastating.

I live in a fairy tale where I am the Princess.

--LOL!--

I cannot surround myself with stories like that, or it kills the way I function. Is that funny or what? My friend Mandy says I have a sensitive spirit. Maybe that is why I like beautiful chubby babies and soft, furry puppies?

Furry Puppy:

Beautiful Sleeping Furry Puppy:

Freaky one tooth sticking out puppy:

I LOVE when dogs smile. :)

What did I miss?

2009-01-14T19:44:00.007-07:00

I have just finished 2 books that I read simultaneously. They are both about men who have done drugs. I bought one at the airport when my flight was delayed, and the kids' aunt saw me reading it and suggested this one:

A Million Little Pieces by James Frey. It was pretty good, although it was super graphic and super open. It was his story of a 6 week rehab stay.

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris is about a gay man and his struggles, achievements and funny stories through his drug years. It's not dark like James Frey's, rather, it sees the humor in all of it.

--BUT--

This is what I did notice. Am I like the only one in my world who has not experimented with drugs?

Don't get me wrong, I have definitely heard some funny stories about acid trips and shrooms and pot and whatever else is a popular party drug. I also do not judge when I hear the not-so-funny stories because someone got into some huge trouble because of it.

So, as I was reading these books and talking (to apparently everyone who has a huge party past) I realized that I don't have any of those stories. My acquaintances were all taking turns laughing about "remember when...." and "Dude, how bout when...."

I had NO clue what they were talking about or why the heck falling down stairs or puking is funny. I do drink close to a whole beer a year, (by myself) so I didn't even have any of those types of stories!

I cannot relate to these poor choices my friends made as youths and young adults. (I was too busy making my own poor choices...lol!) Did I miss something? I sort of feel like I want some funny drunken drug stories to tell...

Just kidding! Just, will someone that I love and respect PLEASE comment and tell me that I am not the only loser who doesn't have these stories?!?

I have KID stories. I can talk about kids 'til the cows come home.

Oh, and if someone wants the copy of Me Talk Pretty One Day, let me know and you can have it. It wasn't my kind of story.

Spring Fever

2009-01-13T13:53:00.003-07:00

HELP! I've got Spring Fever!

Now, I know it's only January 13, but dang, I am SICK of the snow. Today is BEAUTIFUL outside here. It's gotta be near 40, and the sun is shining! Even Scooter wanted to go outside.

Of course, if Andie had not been sick today, I would have had NO clue!

Poor Andie. Stupid Asthma and complications that go with it. We get to start "Desensitization Shots" soon. Yipee! 2 days a week for the next 3 (yes, THREE) years!

I never realized it took such a LONG time. So, my questions to everyone are:

*Have you or anyone close to you done these shots?

*Are they effective?

*Did they hurt as bad as the steroid shots?

*Did you react and/or break out as bad as the skin testing?

Share your stories! The doctor and allergist both tell us people react differently to treatments.

The GOOD thing about being home with Spring Fever?

I cleaned out the mystery room in my house, organized and added to my charitable donations, cleaned the basement AND did 5 loads of laundry.

Guitar Hero

2009-01-11T12:49:00.010-07:00

Who out there has Guitar Hero?

It's fun, but HOLY COW. It has caused some SERIOUS fights in my home!

Why?

Because the TWINS got it for Christmas. Ricky got a skateboard, Ty got an airsoft gun and the twins got Guitar Hero.

Problem:

The problem is, the Wii is everyone's. Santa brought it last year.

Question:

How do I regulate the Wii so that everyone gets a turn, while no one touches the twins' game?

Is it fair that they have to ask to use the game?

**Note:**

The twins are not allowed to touch either the skateboard or gun, or anything Jimmy's kids got for Christmas.

Another question:

Why is this such a big deal?

It's just a game and no one is learning anything anyway!

Final question:

Is anyone else's dogs going nuts out there?

My Ruger ripped the eyeballs and ears off a stuffed cocker spaniel...

My Scooter chewed the covering off 8 tennis balls, then chewed them into 17 pieces each...

Both of them chewed this spoon:

How'd they get the spoon?!?

Last but not least, someone shredded 2 double rolls of toilet paper...LOL!

I am SO committed!

2009-01-10T09:41:00.002-07:00

I am committed! I have tried to ignore myself, but--THAT'S IT!

I am tired of comments like:

"You look great for having 4 kids."
"Oh, come on, you're not that bad."
"You have a pretty face."

And my personal favorite:

"Is there a baby in your tummy?"
-Candy, 2nd Grader

Ok, that last one REALLY hurt. So, yeah, truth hurts!

There are a lot of websites out there committed to helping. I joined one back in November called Spark People. I LOVE it. My only problem was, I was concentrating so hard on making sure all my info was entered, I spent too much time sitting on my butt.

DUH!

So, I am committed to sitting on my bum for one last time to make sure everything is ready.

--because--

I am committed to spending no more than 1/2 hour online entering information.

I am committed to ME!

I have found some other cool, fun contests to enter to help motivation:

http://www.5minutesformom.com/5274/new-years-win/

And again, here's the link to MY page, but anyone can sign up for their own!

http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=JA%5FMEAN

WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!

Twas the Week After Christmas

2009-01-05T18:34:00.003-07:00

Well, it's not actually the week after Christmas, but I got this in an email and just HAD to share:

Twas The Week After Christmas

Twas the week after Christmas and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste.
All the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

So--away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie--not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore --
But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

Diet is not the word. I am not going on a diet. Diets are unhealthy and for people who only want to lose weight. I want to lose weight, but I want to do it RIGHT and I want to make changes that will stick. I want to make lifestyle changes.

Now that you all know, I cannot fail. I cannot let you down. Don't let me slack ok? Don't offer me your delicious buttery stick-right-to-my-thighs ANYTHING.

Not even a lick....LOL!

Bills...

2009-01-04T15:41:00.002-07:00

Ug! The last day of my beautiful 2 week vacation and I get to... pay bills. Sounds like fun, right?

NOT! At least I have money to pay my bills, though!

So, GOD BLESS MY BILLS!

There. Short and Sweet. Short & Sweet Sunday..

Happy 'Back To Reality Monday' tomorrow for everyone who works for the Davis District!

New Year's

2008-12-31T15:19:00.010-07:00

I once heard that where you are when Midnight strikes is a prediction of how your year will go.

Ok, since I am a woman of great intelligence, I have lived by this for, like, the last 5 years. So here is it New Year's Eve and I have no big plans.

Know what? WHO CARES?!

My year will go exactly the way it's supposed to. It won't matter if I am picking $1 million dollars off a money tree. That won't help my financial situation. (Unless it's MY tree!)

If I am not with the love of my life, I will not be cursed and doomed in love for 2009.

If my kids are happy at exactly 12 AM, does that guarantee they will be good for a whole year?

Yeah, I didn't think so. Wishful thinking though!

I was raised as a princess. Not just any princess, mind you. I was the princess in the tower, who had her brave knight to rescue her. Who, once rescued, would never have a bad day. Ever.

Divorce was possibly the best thing that ever happened to me. Sad, yes. Complicated, yes. But, it taught me that there is no magical easy answer to anything!

Reality check! :)

I have learned to stand on my own two feet. I am raising 4 kids BY MYSELF. I do not get every other weekend to relax and regroup for the coming 2 weeks. I do not get child support to ease the financial burden. I have no family or church financial backing either.

So, yea Janine. You did it!

My New Year's Resolution? STOP stressing about things I cannot control. Hating my ex-husband will not make him take the kids. Envisioning him dying is not going to get him child support.

(Yes, I know there's a reserved cactus chair in hell with my name on it...)

Complaining is not going to make things easier. There is no White Horse waiting. I need to build my own. Or like the one I have....a 1997 green one with 177,988 miles on it...LOL!

Here's to a NEW year! A NEW chance! Happy New Year everyone! Make it count!

Back to Our Cali Trip!

2008-12-30T12:15:00.009-07:00

First, I have to comment on all the water and trees California has. I have lived in Utah for somewhere around 17 years now. But, no matter how long I have been here, I cannot forget the trees and water of Florida.

Water fascinates me. So do bridges. I even did a whole project on Bridges when I was in 6th grade. (Nerd, I know...) This is a bridge over the Sacramento River in Old Sac.

It's SO pretty!

Notice the trees? lol

The Golden Gate. WOW! I know I already posted a pic of this, but you GOTTA respect that bridge. It's beautiful and majestic. We were driving through the mountains one minute and the next, we rounded a corner and this is what we saw:

I LOVE IT!

This was taken from the Fisherman's Wharf area.

The next day before the rain moved in...

Mmmmmmmmmm, Fisherman's Wharf. The seafood was AMAZING. Coastal people just do not realize how much yummier seafood is BEFORE it's frozen and shipped to us landlocked saps.

The Oakland Bay Bridge. (Or just Bay Bridge to the locals.) It was spooky. If I didn't shave my arms, the hair woulda been standing up. We drove on the lower level, and it was almost reverent. Remember the earthquake in 1989? I was trying to explain to my kids how safe it is now and how much engineering genius went behind making it the "Machine that moves."

Then:

Now:

Yes, that's Aunt Debbie's sweet red Mustang in front of us!

Before we left the Bay area, we walked all over. The Marinas and the sound of the waves breaking on the shore just took me back. I cannot remember the last time I was SO relaxed. I could definitely go back and live where there are bodies of water other than the Great Salt Lake.

Here is my crazy son, Ty, chasing the seagulls. It was funny at first, but birds are EVERYwhere there, so it quickly became obnoxious!

Obnoxious? Ricky THRIVES off obnoxious! lol So, Ricky and Justin joined in on the seagull chasing.

My kids were as fascinated with the water as I was. Poor Aunt Debbie. I think she yelled to them 437 times to STAY OUT OF THE WATER! And another 264 times: DON'T GET YOUR SHOES WET!

Post Christmas

2008-12-28T20:42:00.007-07:00

I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas! Ours was VERY fun and we are extremely blessed! I actually got up Christmas morning and showered. My kids woke me up at 3 a.m. trying to "be quiet." I sent them all back to bed, but I am sure they didn't sleep.

Once I had a few cups of coffee in me, I decided we could do presents. lol

My girls had lots of reactions like this one, but I didn't even think about getting out the video camera!

OH MY GOSH!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEL!

Jimmy and his kids came over later. It was fun until Jimmy found the Nerf gun.

This dart is actually in motion...towards ME!

Oh sorry Janine!

Um, DUH!

Poor girl is trying to play a game. Geez, Jimmy!

I guess someone else had the dart gun, so Jimmy found another way to torture our kids...

Merry Christmas 2008! Bring on the NEW YEAR!

I Left My Heart...

2008-12-24T20:47:00.007-07:00

In San Fransisco....

The Golden Gate.

Isn't it pretty??

Wow. What a trip! I have hundreds of pics that I can share. They loved the plane ride. There was a 3 hour delay, but once we got on board, it was SO cute to see how much everything about the plane excited them.

This is them before we left. We had to board the plane in the freezing cold snow.

We left in a blizzard and came home to the aftermath of a couple storms. Ricky and I both are SICK of shovelling. It accumulated pretty high. :(

We LOVED California. Sacramento was gorgeous, and it was my speed of town. Not too quick, but hip enough that I didn't look like a pierced up freak. :)

Here are some highlights: I have LOTS I will share:

This was in Old Sacramento at the train museum. WAY FUN! We learned a lot about trains and had some fun while we were there:

This is the whole crew: Aunt Debbie, Ricky, Taylor, Tori, Tyler, Andie and Justin.

They were posing in front of trains.

Then, we drove into San Fransisco from Sacramento and went to the Exploratorium. That has to be the coolest place I think I have ever been! It's a totally interactive science and art place.

http://www.exploratorium.edu/

Check it out. Everyone needs to go at least once. We had a blast learning!

Here we are drinking from the toilet:

Some bratty teenage kid gave me a dollar to do it...

The whole point was to prove that people's perception would lead them to certain decisions.

Justin, Ricky and Tyler playing with the mirrored water.

This is the kids' Aunt Debbie. She is the COOLEST lady in the whole world.

She was showing us how to sneak through the rocks in this display. This one actually shows you your score of how quietly (or loudly) you sneak through the loose rocks.

I posted her pic, because she BLEW everyone away. I scored somewhere near 30, and that was considered good.

Debbie's score?

2.28

Virtually silent. She is a sneaky sneaky....lol!

2008-12-17T20:37:00.003-07:00

This is the "Holiday" season.

WHY, oh WHY do we stress ourselves out to show people how much we "love them?"

Is that iPod Nano really going to show my beautiful son Ricky how much I love him?

My beautiful, complicated son. I love that kid more than anything.

Tonight, I was in the kitchen when he asked me to help him on the computer. I dropped the bench to my kitchen table on my foot, and it took everything I had not to cuss or cry! BUT: I didn't!

Next thing I know, Ricky is standing there. He put his arms around my waist, hugged me tight and asked if I was ok.

Open the flood gates...

Now, had this been last night, he probably would have laughed. Last night, the sweet, sassy twin terrors were bathing their favorite fur-babies. Then, the handle on the Cold water broke, and the water was on almost full blast. OOPS!

The landlord was awesome. He came out and made it so I can use it until he gets it fixed perfect. Anyway, the boys were on their best behavior...until he was out of the driveway.

Then, the chasing ensued and Tyler ended up running into the doorframe. We were all laughing, but he was really crying!

DANG!

Well, today his foot is black and blue all over the top, all over the last 2 toes AND down the side. His 2 end toes are broken for sure... LOL!

Poor, beautiful Ricky. He felt so bad. Now, this is neat because Ricky has not felt remorse for ANYthing over the last 3 years. So, somewhere, somehow, something clicked.

I am the happiest Mom ever. Not that I wanted Tyler to run into the doorframe or me drop a bench on my foot to find out my oldest had a heart...

But, point of all this is:

I didn't have to buy Ricky an iPod Nano for him to be a good person. I love him and he knows it. He loves us and I know it!

My Grinch-ette heart is swelling....

I am STILL a Grinch

2008-12-15T22:07:00.004-07:00

I am STILL a Grinch. But, I'm a Grinch with a heart who feels like an ass. I stumbled upon this blog page tonight, and I know it's for a reason:

http://kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/

I spent a long time on this baby girl's page, and her battles took me back to the days when Baby Ricky was in NICU. Of course, Ricky's battles were nothing compared to this baby's.

So, since you all know that I'm a bratty brat now, I want everyone to do something for me. PLEASE pray for this little girl. Reading this family's blog just makes me tear up and I want this baby to get better.

God, Heavenly Father, Abba, Buddah, Alla:

Whoever or Whatever you want to call Him, please just spend 5 seconds to ask Him to bless this baby girl, Kayleigh, and her family.

I am the Grinch-ette

2008-12-14T20:56:00.005-07:00

I love Christmas. I have just had a bit too much alone time.

Jimmy is supportive, don't get me wrong. But, Jimmy has his own house and his own 2 kids to take care of. I am tired of all my responsibilities. To be relieved of them every other weekend, like a normal divorced parent, would be wonderful. To have support from family with no hesitation or strings attached, would be wonderful.

I am tired of wrapping alone, stuffing stockings alone, making kids go to bed alone, doing school projects alone. Worse, I am tired of not having something to look forward to in the near future, such as every other weekend alone. Or once a month alone. Even though I am engaged, I still feel I need to spend some alone time with my fiancee. This is why marriages go wrong: the couple loses touch with each other. Dang, mine has not even started yet!

Today, I am the Grinch-ette. I am NOT happy.

Dogs or KIDS?

2008-12-09T19:12:00.009-07:00

I love my kids. I really, really do! They are sweet, fun, and their little giggles kill me.

But, every rose has it's thorn. My kids fight, beg, whine, cry, throw tantrums, throw attitude and they COST A TON!

Dogs. Dogs are the most agreeable creature on the earth. If I am having a bad day, my Scooter or Ruger know. They know well enough when I'm mad too, so they go away. Or, they stick their adorable little faces in mine and give me a kiss. They come snuggle with me while I cry, read, watch TV or anything I do. They adore me! I remember when my kids thought I was the coolest thing since sliced bread.

Sure, Ruger and Scooter have had a tiff or 2. But, they growl, stick up their fur, show their teeth and it's over. No hurt feelings. No crying. Well, maybe a yelp or two...lol. Yeah, Ruger whines. He whines when he knows I am in the garage and he thinks he is alone. Neither dog gives me attitude. That is for sure!

My dogs beg. They don't beg though by asking, "Mom? Mom? Mom? Mom? Mom? Mom? Mom? Mom?" or however many times they beg until I finally scream at them and/or give them what they want. And IF I scream at my dogs, they still love me without me having to buy them Littlest Pet Shops or doughnuts.

Of course, dogs cannot tell me they love me. They can show me, but I cannot hear sweet little voices. Dogs cannot make funny faces like my kids can. Dogs do not play "Make Me Laugh."

Remember playing that as a kid when you were supposed to be sleeping? he he he

Does anyone else's kids play "Guess the Twin" or "Real or Fake" through the heater vents?

I cannot even begin to describe the noises I overhear. My kids think I can't hear them...

Finally, NO dog is this cute when they are sleeping:

For the Record: My new Rat is NOT Chinese! Rat terriers are AMERICAN. MADE IN U.S.A.

My NEW Toy

2008-12-07T10:48:00.014-07:00

Ok, truth be told, I have a new pet. Yes, another one. I would have kept the Chihuahua girl, but the twins' Asthma Specialist was convinced that their downward spiral was due to the new pet. Well, that was over 2 months ago, and 4 visits ago.

The diagnosis? Fall/Winter weather swaps and the Inversion are making them sicker than usual. She said it had nothing to do with the dog.

Ok, the want side of my brain works faster than the reasonable side of my brain. Jimmy says that's because I am a woman. I was innocently just looking at the cute rat terriers on ksl.com the other night, when I came across an ad for this:

This is Riley. We are thinking of changing his name to Ruger. (Yep, like the gun) Isn't he just a freakin' doll?

He is a good boy. He is the exact color I wanted in a rattie. I had a tri-colored one, I needed a sable & white one. Riley/Ruger is a full-bred AKC registered Rat Terrier out of Oklahoma.

I love him already. He is so much fun! He does this thing with his ears. When he is curious, one ear goes up, and the other goes back. He walks around with his paw up, like he is on point. Scooter has started imitating this behavior. SO FUNNY!

Well, in case you didn't know, Rat Terriers are excellent hunters. They were developed as a breed to exterminate the rat problem on American farms.

Where am I going with this?

Well, you see, the other day, (Friday to be exact) my Ricky was going to eat some Ramen Noodles. He loves them and has probably successfully consumed over 10,000 servings on his own. Well, this particular Friday, my Ricky cooked his noodles, but forgot one KEY ingredient:

WATER.

So, he starts screaming at me from the kitchen. I went running, just to find my kitchen full of smoke. Nasty, stinky, yellow smoke. His bowl was still in the microwave, POURING smoke from what was left of the plastic bowl containing his Ramen.

LMAO! We left for the night...

I have as point, I promise....

So, YESTERDAY, when we finally got around to cleaning up our near-disaster, I pulled out the microwave to clean the singed counter top, just to find:

MOUSE TURDS!

AHHHHHHH!

ACK!

**GASP**

A MOUSE?!?!?!

Whatever. I expected mice. Hello, there are fields behind me. lol

So, now I have TWO excellent mousers.... The want and reason sides of my brain are at peace.

PEACE!

Amen, I say! PEACE!

GO BOYS GO!

I shall update and let you all know how the mouse hunt is going.

Gift Idea!

2008-12-03T18:43:00.006-07:00

It's CHRISTMASTIME! I love it, love it, love it!

Have you guys noticed the buttons from different websites? Well, this website:

http://islandlife808.com/islandreview/giveaways/sweet-irie-originals/

has some really cool reviews and FUN holiday ideas. I want one of these, so you will notice a NEW button, next to the ones that you already need to check out.

The key chains I want come from THIS website:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5179766

This is the one I want:

-or-

-OR-

Yes. I am lame. I KNOW that. I am one of those people that when I find something I like, I buy one of every color. Shirts, purses, shoes, key chains. Well, key chains are a new one. I have never found one I like THIS much. I have never found one with 286 different possibilities.

You read it. 286! Do what I have done and chop off some of your Christmas list.

Great for your:

busy moms

soccer moms

scatter-brain moms (that's me..)

prissy moms

I-have-everything moms.

( There are boy colors too. ) So, scratch off:

Achmed, your nephew,with a cool camo-color one. :)

Or your dog groomer with the "I Love Dogs" one.

Or Janine with the "Carnival" or "Here Fishie Fishie"one.

Gifting possibilities are endless, and these are fun AND functional.

I am trying to win one, can you tell? Just in case I don't, BUY ME ONE! :)

Just Kidding. HUGS! (I'd say kisses, but I bet there are some that don't want my lips anywhere near you. )

FINE PRINT:

I'm really NOT kidding. Buy me one.

Fall Days

2008-12-02T16:49:00.005-07:00

Fall is dwindling to an end. Bye-Bye chilly, crisp mornings! Honestly, this is how I remember fall in Florida. Chilly, though, not cold.

I must say, nature displays gorgeous sun-down time, with the clouds everywhere. And the mountains. I remember when we first moved to Utah:

We were walking out of what used to be the Riverdale Wal*Mart, and I was so shocked to see that huge, monstrous mountain standing there. My new friends who had lived here all their lives thought I was nuts, because I would just stand there and look at the moutains. Expecting them to move or something.

Remember, I am a Florida Girl, and Florida is flat. And I mean flat. (Like a pancake.) I had seen mountains, the Smokies are very pretty. But, we always drove out of them on our way to Nebraska. Nebraska is not really flat, it's part of the Great Plains. (Rolling hills.) Plus, Florida had trees everywhere, except the beach. In Utah, trees are scarce, and you can see over them. Utah really is gorgeous.

Here's Mother Nature's beauty for this evening:

This same scene will be very pretty with snow, but the snow can just chill wherever it's chillin'... We're not ready!