My Thoughts Typed Out

My name is Stacey and I.....

2010-04-18T20:34:00.001-07:00

well, let's just say I have plenty of issues!! I could write a book about all the things that I think are wrong with me, but I am not sure it would sell, so I will just ramble on this blog to empty my head out a bit! I would like to say that wouldn't take long, but.....

I am a big Disney fan. I have always loved Mickey Mouse. I haven't visited Disney World near as many times as I would have liked, but I will go every chance I get. I have gone more in the last few years (since my children were old enough to say they wanted to go back) than I did in my childhood years. I am kind of surprised that my husband continues to agree to go. I can't really tell if HE likes to go or if he likes to go because it makes me and the kids happy. Either way, he is the BEST!!! Truly more of a husband than I deserve! God is so good to me!

So, we went 2 times in 2009. In March, we went and we all started this Pin Trading hobby. More like pin buying, to me. I am obsessed with it! It is consuming me so much more than it should! We went back in September of 2009 and again I bought pins. We took the Disney cruise and Disney parks in March of this year - and SURPRISE! - again, we bought and traded for pins. I have joined forums, searched (ok, stalked) eBay, and http://www.pinpics.com/ until wee hours of the morning. I have made little pin monsters out of my children. My husband is much more selective and has much more self control than I do when it comes to this new hobby of mine. He is even going with me to Disney's Pin Trading Celebration in August! THREE WHOLE DAYS OF SPECIAL PIN TRADING AND BUYING!!! I just about cant wait! It is so bad that I am even having dreams about pin trading! Seriously, what is wrong with me??? Okay, don't answer that!

I follow Disney on Facebook and Twitter! Twitter is new to me and I am just now getting to know my way around it. My husband is teaching me!! He follows Kirstie Alley. Now, I am not sure how he came to choose to follow her, but she follows him, too. I decided to follow them also - you know to keep my eye on them! Anyway, she has some amazing energy! Her tweets exhaust me! She seems as bubbly as one person can be! Please, Kirstie, share the secret! If I had that kind of energy, I could conquer the laundry and house cleaning and still have time for pin collecting!

So, now tell me, do you collect and/or trade Disney pins or any other item that keeps you on edge??? Please, tell me I am not alone! PLEASE!!

Drop me a line or comment - and be nice! Until next time......

A Parent's Love

2010-04-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

I first intended to write about the ache in my heart that is being caused by my daughter's own aching heart. Let me clarify. She is 9 and in the third grade. I think 3rd grade stinks! Especially for girls. Girls are mean! My daughter can be mean, too (I am not blind, deaf or dumb). However, she is struggling with friendships, feeling left out, feeling made fun of and unworthy. So, naturally, as her mother, my heart aches (actually is in agony) for her. I know it is a phase. I know it will pass. But, still, I ache.

Fast forward to this morning - Friday, April 2, 2010. Good Friday. As I was pondering over the trials of my child, I remembered that today signifies the ultimate heartache of a parent - our Father, God in Heaven! His ONLY son, born into the flesh so we - SINNERS - could receive forgiveness for which we have done nothing to deserve!

I CAN NOT imagine the intensity of heartache that God feels when we fail Him (as I do every day that I am alive). That He has already sacrificed His only son for ME - FOR YOU!! So that WE could live eternally in his awesome kingdom!

And I ask myself, after ALL that HE has done for ME, what am I doing for HIM? Wow! What a cold dose of reality! Because, you see, I am not perfect. And He loves me ANYWAY. Even though I am not always nice. I am not always faithful. I am not always loving. I am not always fruitful. Even though.....He still loves me. ME! And YOU!

Please remember that when, as parents, our hearts ache for our children, it pales in comparison to the ache that our Lord felt - and still feels - for us - HIS CHILDREN! He was crucified, AND RESURRECTED, for each of us and the gift of His love and eternal life is free - if you ask for it!

So, as I remember what this time of year signifies in my life, I will also trust in Jesus to take care of my child - who is also His child, because He knows her heart, her pain, her fears - and He can - and will - take those on for her (and me) because that is what a Father does!

Isaiah 53:5 - "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Until next time, May you be blessed.......

Famous Last Words - "I can do that!"

2010-01-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

Okay. If you know me, then you know that I am a crafty kind of person. Now, hear me correctly. I didn't say I was good at it! For instance, I love to make scrapbooks, but if you opened one of them, you would not be impressed at all. I like to go to scrapbook retreats, but I don't like for people to look at what I am doing. I can judge myself harshly enough without their help, thank you very much! So, I like to buy scrapbook page kits. Some of the kits are so detailed, it takes me an hour to put them together, so I feel like I did something. It just wasn't my creativity - I bought it!

Then there is the occasion where I will see an item in a gift store or online and my jaw will drop at the price and this is when I say "I can do that!". ha! Let me show you some of the things that "I can do!" Don't laugh!

I saw (and bought) this:

OH I CAN DO THAT.......

Yep! Didn't work!

I saw this:

And, again, I said - "Oh, I can do that!" And this is what I got:

Getting closer!!! Not too bad. So I proceeded to make about 40 of these as gifts to some of my closest friends for Christmas.

I saw this Christmas Advent Calendar:

I wanted to make some for my children and this is what they got:

Now, I have to say that I am pretty happy with how they turned out. And it was tons of fun filling the tins up and then seeing their excitement each morning. I found a lady who makes the teeniest nativity scenes and put one in the #1 tin since that was the one they opened on Christmas Eve. I was surprised at how much they loved them!

There is a local gift shop where I live called The Spotted Zebra. I love that store! I spend money in that store! I love the owners and I try to go in once a week to see what is new. But I was in there recently and I saw this piece of tin cut into the shape of a heart and painted with polka dots. Something you would hang on your door. I really like them, but they are $25 and since Valentine's Day isn't a HUGE holiday at my house, I just couldn't see spending the money. So, I said to myself (nope, not what you think!) "Surely, I can make something comparable for less than $25." And this is what I got:

Now, I am happy with this project, too. It cost me about $6 and an hour of my time.

My "I can do that" attitude is not limited to home decor (using term loosely). I have made decorated glassware, dry erase boards and clipboards! When my children were small, I made shirts, pants, and bags. I bought an embroidery machine (you know, to save money - HA!). I made ribbon watch bands, ribbon belts and flip-flop buttons! You name it and I am willing to try it. My poor friends have even been the recipients of things I "could do". Thinking about it, I am sure they cringe at the sight of my gifts!!! My apologies to those of you who have suffered from my craftiness!

So, are you as talented as me??? I want to know! Tell me your story!

Until next time.....

January Lows...

2010-01-26T09:49:00.000-08:00

I am not talking about the temperature, either. I am talking about my mood! You know the one. The staying in your PJs, watching TV movies all day, and not answering the phone mood! Only, for me, it has lasted WAY more than a day! The whole month has been dictated by this mood! Good thing the month is almost gone!

The thing that bothers me is that I don't know WHY I am in this mood. Could it be the crashing of 8 weeks worth of holiday madness?? I love Christmas! I love the music, the shopping, the crowds, the parties, the decorations - the fact that we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior! I hate that we only celebrate it for such a short time! Could it be the fact that is has been cold, dreary and rainy here more than the sun has shone? Could it be that my children turn another year older on January 2nd and that in itself is enough to depress me for life! They grow up so fast!

Most people see January as a time of renewal! A time to start fresh! Set goals! Good thing I am not a New Year Resolution kind of person. I think I must have some Chinese in me. Their New Year is February 14th this year. That is more my speed. I might be able to muster up some energy by then and set some goals! Better yet, I am all for a Spring New Year. When the weather starts to warm and the new leaves form, grass gets green, flowers bloom - now THAT is a great time for resolutions!

I have friends who are also experiencing their January Lows. We call in a Funk. I would say we could all band together and start a movement for Joyful January, but I have enough on my plate and I have already said I can't seem to get out of my PJs!!

I guess everyone experiences something like this at some point, don't they? Do you? Is it in January? Is in some other time? Do you know what causes it? Well, speak up! Let me hear from you! I am always interested in your thoughts! Drop me a line.

Until next time....

Goodbye 2009

2009-12-31T15:29:00.001-08:00

Goodbye 2009 – the good and the bad
I will remember ALL the times that we had
The birthdays in January where my kids turned 8
The snow in February in which the kids got to play
March brought Spring and longer days
April brought Easter – Christ arose from the grave!
May is the month we celebrated our Mothers
In June we gave thanks for our Fathers (miss you Daddy)
Fireworks in July to celebrate our freedom
The Dog Days of August – you just can’t beat ‘em!
September brought us a break from the summer heat
October brought Halloween celebrated up and down our street
Thanksgiving in November with turkey and all the trimmings
December we remember our Savior’s birth - so we could be forgiven!
Twelve months of our lives, in the blink of an eye
The good and the bad – Goodbye 2009!

Twas the week before Christmas....

2009-12-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

and all through the house, there was still plenty to be done and the cat brought home a mouse! Well, really, it was a mole, but that would not have rhymed and I can't tell them apart anyway! All this to say that we are fairly new cat owners. We got two kittens at the first of June and I have enjoyed them way more than I thought I would! We already had two dogs and at the time, two hermit crabs (one has since passed on). So, when I say my house is a zoo - believe me people - it is NOT an exaggeration!!! We are like Noah's Ark, the animals come by twos!

The dogs, Bella and Lilly, so badly wanted these new tenants to like them. It was very interesting, to say the least. Once they all realized that no one was leaving, this happened:

GEEZ! What a life!

I also like the fact that cats can entertain themselves with the simplest stuff:

This is Boots. Having a blast in a bag from our Disney trip!

Wish our kids were that easy to please!!! However, our cat Oreo, has more expensive taste:

Not exactly the kind of mouse I thought they liked!

But again, I am loving these cats! They are so easy to take care of! After a few months of being totally inside cats, we started letting them outside during the day. They began to use the litterbox less and less and eventually we were able to get rid of it and now they go outside to do their business (and apparently hunt, too). I can tell the dogs are jealous, too. I remember seeing the movie Homeward Bound where the cat, Sassy, says "Cats rule and dogs drool!". I think she may have a point!!

I am an animal person. I do love them! I just never saw myself as a cat owner! Which brings us to the saying - "Never say never!". And don't tell my husband I told you this, but he loves them, too. He may not admit it, but I see him stopping to give those cats some attention and he talks to them, too!

I really can't see our house without pets. They are part of our family. I can't see my children growing up without knowing the companionship of pets and to be honest, I am a little leery of people who say they don't like animals. Makes me wonder what is wrong with THEM!!!

So, what about you? Have pets? What kind? Are they like family? Let me hear from you! Until next time....

My name is Stacey and I am a shopper...

2009-11-07T18:59:00.001-08:00

I almost hate to admit this, but I do have a lot of shopping experience! I have shopped just about every where there is to shop from discount stores to outlet malls and from Department stores to Dolce and Gabbana. However, no matter where I am shopping, one thing seems the same. Some parents INSIST on taking their screaming children, tied down in a stroller, with them!

Why, oh why, if you do this, do you do it??? Please don't say that you do it because you don't have a choice. Because you do! Listen, I am a mother. I have taken mine shopping. I KNOW when enough is enough! Trust me! Please don't try to bribe them by taking them to the toy store! It will work for maybe 30 minutes and then you are back to square one. It isn't their fault. It is YOURS! Children need more rest than adults (well, most of them do). They don't have the stamina nor the patience that adults are SUPPOSED to have either! Oh, and yelling at them? Hmm. Doesn't work either!

Fast approaching are the holidays. Crowds, lines, shoving, pushing - all done by adults. Please don't put your child into that! That is like sticking them out in rush hour traffic and telling them to cross the road without getting hit! Not gonna happen, people!

If you MUST take your small child out, please respect your child's time limit. When your child starts crying uncontrollably, call it a day. Go home, get some rest and try again another time. Or better yet, get a sitter. Take turns with a friend keeping each others children for a couple of hours so you can get the shopping done. Believe it or not, you will be in a better mood and so will your child!

AND SO WILL I!!

Until next time.....

And we wonder what is wrong with children today...

2009-09-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

but I am wondering what is wrong with the parents! Does today's society not believe in disciplining children? I am not saying that you have to BEAT your child, but appropriate punishment will go a long way towards molding them into the future leaders of our world.

Why am I talking about this? Well, I will tell you. If you read my blog regularly, or know me in person, then you know that I have recently taken a trip to Disney World. You know - The Happiest Place on Earth! While there, I did a lot of people watching, which is just a bonus to the thrill of Disney. While in line at one of the counter service dining eateries, there was a man with his young son (maybe 8 or 9) in front of me. The son was jumping onto the service counter, swinging his legs over and around the railings, and for lack of a better description, acted like he had ants in his pants. Well, he kicked me twice (glared at me both times like it was my fault and never apologized) and hit the lady beside him, too. His father NEVER said one word to him about his behavior. As a matter of fact, for a while I even thought they may not be together. But they were because we met again at the condiment bar. OH JOY! He has no idea what "wait your turn" means! Let my kids behave like that! No, who am I kidding! My kids already know better!!!

More recently, I took one of my children to the doctor (yep, the flu). Anyway, as you can imagine, there is no shortage of sick children, but there is a shortage on well-behaved children. While in the waiting room a mother comes in with her daughter (about 7) and she has another child of the same age with her (maybe a friend). Anyway, in a waiting room full of sick, miserable children, these two girls proceeded to THROW a 2-inch rubber high bouncing ball around. AND NEITHER ONE OF THEM CAN CATCH!! So, as I am holding my sick child in my lap and dodging this rubber ball, the mother sits calmly by and never looks up or says one word. Not even when the girls take their shoes off and are crawling around under the seats because the ball has gotten "lost". The mother is checking her cell phone, rummaging through her purse and for all I know, could be deaf, but I doubt it. All of the other parents in the waiting room just looked at each other with astonishment wondering how sick could this child be??? FINALLY, the mother tells the two girls to come sit beside her (one on either side). The girls proceed to both lay their heads on the mother's lap and the mother braids their hair TO EACH OTHERS!!! So, now they are giggling and screaming about how they are stuck together. Meanwhile, I just want to gouge my eyes out!!! UGH!!!

I could go on, but I won't. Again, I am not saying beat your child (however, mine have been spanked before). Our children need to be taught how to respect others and they need good manners. We wonder what is wrong with our society today, but what about the future when these children, who know no boundaries, are who our country depend on to run it?? Then what?

The Bible says - "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them." (Proverbs 13:24)

ALL children are going to act up and disobey at some time in their lives. But, please, show them how much you love them by appropriately disciplining them for their actions. They will lead more rewarding lives for it!

Until next time....

Rules are meant to be broken - or are they?

2009-09-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

I like people who follow the rules. Does that mean I like the RULES? Not necessarily. For instance, sometimes the speed limit irritates me. But, if I choose to break the rule, and IF I get caught, then the punishment is mine. I own it! My fault!

My children are rule followers. Well, they follow everyone's rules but mine! Ha! No, really, they are rule followers. They truly get bent out of shape if someone at school is talking to them when there is supposed to be "no talking". My daughter will panic if she thinks that person is going to get her in trouble! And I know that sometimes people get called "guilty by association" when in fact, they have done nothing wrong. That stinks! It happens, but it stinks! My son, who is VERY competitive, will have a melt down if he thinks someone is "cheating" to win! He will call them out, too!

I am afraid they inherited this trait from me. Not that being a rule follower isn't good. But if you don't know how to let it go when you need to, it will take you down! Sometimes, I let those rule breakers get under my skin and it festers into a boil! I wish I could follow the advice that I give my children. As long as I am doing the right thing, don't worry about who is doing it wrong! You know, Do as I say, not as I do! Easier said than done, right???

However, that day will come when we are all affected by that one bad apple in the bunch! You know, it spoils it for the rest! I can't stand that either! Who said that is fair? Ah!!! But life isn't fair, is it?

So, are you a rule follower? Or a rule breaker? Chances are we all THINK we are followers. Some may see me as a rule breaker, which is different than how I see myself. Sometimes we just think the rules apply to everyone but ourselves, don't we?

Weigh in with your opinion! Love to hear it! Until next time......(when I talk about parents who avoid disciplining their kids!)

I didn't know THAT!

2009-09-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

I have been in Disney for the last 4 days and learned a few things I did not know. I thought I would share them with you! (lucky, you are!)

I didn't know you could wear SKIN TIGHT, white, see through pants with a blue thong. But, you can!
I didn't know you could wear RED AND WHITE CHECKERED pants with bright ORANGE, patent leather flip-flops. But, you can!
I didn't know that you could put your two children, under the age of 10, who speak no English, in line for a ride that they are not tall enough to be on alone. But, you can! So, when the ride attendant tries to tell them they can't ride, they stare at her like she is from Mars.
I learned that even at the Happiest Place On Earth, you are not always Happy!
I learned that compared to SOME children, my children really ARE angels!
I learned that there are a lot more people who should NOT have children than there are people who SHOULD!
I didn't know that if you don't speak English (or at least pretend you don't), you can skip all 100 people waiting in line and go straight to the front! But, you can!
I didn't know that if ONE person in your family needs scooter or wheelchair assistance, ALL 50 of you get to the front of the line! But, you do!
I learned that hearing your child squeal with laughter makes your whole body SMILE!
I learned that jogging in Downtown Disney at Midnight beats jogging at home any day!
I learned that a SCOOP of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream at Disney is equal to a PINT at home, but the calories don't count!!! (I promise!)
I learned that when I grow up, I want to live at Disney!
I learned that if you get a make-over at the Bibbity Bobbity Bootique, your hairstyle will last FOUR days! Well worth the $60!
I learned that if you get a make-over at the Bibbity Bobbity Bootique, the GLITTER in your new, $60 hairstyle will last FOUR months!!
I learned that when your husband kisses one of the Hoop-dee-doo cast members (because it was part of the show), your kids think he is "cheating" on you!
And finally, I learned that no matter how many vacations I take at Disney, I will always want to go back! It truly is the Happiest Place On Earth!! And I can't wait to go again!

So, have you been to Disney? Let me hear what YOU learned! Maybe you learned some of the same things I did. Or maybe you learned something different! Drop me a note! Until next time...

Inquiring minds want to know!!

2009-08-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this is just one of those random posts about things bobbing around in my head. If it happens to be you that I end up making fun of, start your own blog and make fun of me! Some of these things I just can't keep inside any longer!!!

Why is it that we can put a man on the moon, but no one has invented a drop for dilating your eyes that lasts only 15 minutes instead of all day!!! See I had my eyes examined this morning at 8:30 and until 3:30, I still couldn't see!!

WHO decided that this should be in style???? I don't even know what to say about these. But you can bet that if I have seen you wearing them, I made some smart allecky comment!

Or this? I know that when I am expecting it to be a cold and blistery day, I pair up my favorite T-shirt with a nice scarf to keep me warm from the 90 degree weather!!!! Really, people?? Please!

I have 600 songs on my iPhone. However, while listening to it in shuffle mode, it never plays any that I actually like!

Until recently, I had never heard of anyone having an aversion to white foods (mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, etc.) Could this stem from a fear of ghost? They are white, too! Really, someone tell me, why do people have an aversion just because it is "white"?

Why do doctors address me by my first name, yet I call them Dr. _________ (fill in the name)? Not that I want to be called Mrs. Randall, but does that mean he respects me less or I respect him/her more??

On another fashion note - just because you can get it on your body DOES NOT MEAN IT FITS!!!

Some of the teachers at our school have been known not to send home math homework because we parents "don't go through the right process". We arrive at the same answer, our technique is wrong!! Okay, then. I have no idea how I have made it this far in life!

I have 9 tattoos. Still, the most asked question - "Do they hurt?". Hmmm. Well, I don't know about you, but tiny needles pulsing 100 mph into your skin, you figure it out. The question should really be "Are you a wimp?".

Why is it that I have to drag my children out of bed on school days, yet on Saturday and Sunday (or any other non-school day) they are awake before the rooster??
I have learned from my 8-year-old son that you can insult anyone you want as long as you say this phrase afterwards - "No offense!". Example: "Mom, that shirt sure is ugly! No offense!". Really, son? You just can't say "No offense" and all is good again!
My two children once had a conversation about why some children are heavier than others even though they are the same age as my children. My daughter explained it away by saying that she thinks heavy mothers have heavy babies. My son said that couldn't possibly be true because "we are skinny and look at Mom!" hmmmm (Note: I have lost 40 lbs. since February!)

Okay, I guess I am done rambling. This post isn't worth much. Just some things dribbling in my head! Feel free to laugh out loud and/or post a comment! Until next time....

I am weird! Are you?

2009-08-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well, really, what is normal anyway? I find myself saying "she/he isn't normal!". But neither am I, really.

I always thought I grew up in a "normal" family! HA! Rude awakening! Of course, normal to me might be crazy to you and vice verse. I grew up with two parents and two siblings. I am a middle child (that in itself makes me "weird" but it isn't my fault where my birth order is! Thanks, Mom!). If you know me, and you are just now finding out that I am a middle child, I am sure you just had an "ah ha" moment. I think having odd numbers of children should be against the law! It just should! Of course, my husband grew up in a home with two parents and just one sibling and they probably thought they were "normal" too! But, sister, they ain't! (And I AM an expert on what "normal" is!) My sister-in-law (husband's sister) is my best friend, so I am thankful that she exists, but how she made it in her house, I will never know! And rest assured, my husband and his family know that I think they are weird! (Have you gotten the impression that I don't hold back much?)

Anyway.....I said I was weird. And I will tell you why. I won't wear dirty tennis shoes. I just won't. I don't know why, but if they get to the point where you can tell they have been worn, they have to go! Good thing I don't wear them that often! Another thing, I won't mix athletic brands. Example....I will not wear Nike socks with New Balance tennis shoes. I won't wear Under Armour clothes with Nike shoes, etc. Like today, I could have been a walking advertisement for Under Armour. EVERYTHING I had on today clothing-wise was Under Armour. When I say EVERYTHING - I mean EVERYTHING! It has gotten worse lately because I have taken up exercising almost every day, so I had to purchase more "athletic" clothes. It is a sickness, I tell you!

I could go on with more, but really, it is just all downhill from here! I guess, if we admit it, we are all weird in our own way. Who is to say what normal is anyway?

As always, I'd love to hear from you! Until next time......

Does music MOVE you?

2009-08-11T20:41:00.001-07:00

I am not asking if you can dance! If you can, that is great and I am jealous of you! However, I want to know if music is a part of your life that if it were missing, you would be unhappy.

I love all kinds of music. There is a sampling of music on my blog and if you have visited more than once, you have probably noticed that the music I choose to play is totally random and can be anything from Contemporary Christian to Pop music by Michael Jackson. When people ask me what kind of music I like, I respond by saying that I am an Equal Opportunity Music Person.

Certain songs bring out certain emotions for me, too. Like when we sing To God Be The Glory in church (or if I hear it on the radio). We sang that song at my Dad's funeral and I am sure that is why it chokes me up. It moves me so much, that I can't really sing along or I will end up crying all over the place. When I hear it, I just remember how thankful my family was knowing that my father had died a Christian and is now in a perfect body with Christ in Heaven. And on the day of his funeral, even though we were mourning, we gave God the Glory for loving us enough to die on the cross so that we all could live eternally in His kingdom - if only we ask!

Then there is the song Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts. I love that song because it is a great love story. But when I hear it, I think of my friend Beau Courtney who died of cancer in December of 2005. He and his wife Charlotte renewed their wedding vows in November before Beau died and their daughter (who was 8 at the time) sang the song at the ceremony. Beau had battled cancer for a few years and I remember him saying that it was just the journey God had chosen for him. Beau was never bitter about having cancer. He said one time that God was using him and the fact that he had cancer to show others about God's perfect love for us. Beau was a wonderful person. He had a great sense of humor, would help anyone out who needed it and didn't meet a stranger. I think the world is less without Beau, but Heaven sure is nicer now. You see, Beau also sits there, in a perfect, pain-free body, because he asked Christ into his life!

I love the song by Big & Rich - Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy! Well, this is just a fun song. It has a good beat and the words are just fun to say. I remember a few years ago a couple on Dancing with the Stars won the season dancing to this song. Now, I don't remember the names of the couple but I remember watching them dance and thinking to myself how much fun it would be if I had the courage - and the talent - to dance like that! They had so much fun and were smiling and laughing when it was over. I know they worked their butts off (literally) - and it was fun to watch! One day.....

This post could go on forever, but I don't have that long tonight! I am interested in hearing about songs that you love. And if they make you move - as in dance - that is okay, too! I attempt to "move" when I am in the privacy of my own home, however, the dogs look at me like I am about to keel over, so I proceed with caution!

Love to hear from you! Until next time......

End of Summer...

2009-08-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Well, it appears that Back to School has crept up quickly! It just feels like summer break goes by too fast! It is still so hot outside, so "summer" is definitely still here!

Some days I am ready for school to start back. You know the days. The ones where the children fight about everything from what to watch on the FIVE TV's we have to what color the sky is today! And then there are the days when they get up and are the most pleasant people to be around. They are funny, silly, kind, and obedient. Those are the days when I want summer break to last a little longer.

Don't get me wrong, I know they need to go to school. Mine have already surpassed me in the knowledge department - and they are just going into the 3rd grade! However, it seems like all they do is go to school. What happened to starting school after the Labor Day Holiday? I keep hearing about how a lot of schools don't have enough money to function properly these days, but that doesn't stop the powers that be from extending the school year! Who is in charge of that decision? It seems as though common sense isn't used much when making decisions anymore!

I also know that there isn't a perfect solution for everyone. You know, one size does NOT fit all! I realize that not every child has a parent at home during the day. That alone makes caring for them during school breaks hard to juggle. I wish all children COULD have one stay-at-home parent instead of needing to hire a Daycare or sitter. For some of us, the world we live in and our "gotta have it" attitudes force us to work. I have heard that some mothers just don't enjoy being at home with their children. And there are some that are single parents trying to give their children the best lives they can. But whatever the case is, for now, it is what it is. Until we - as a society - decide to change how we live, what we think we can't live without or change our priorities, then we will probably continue to have to work more and spend less time raising our own children.

Whatever your situation may be, always take time to love your children! The time that we have, as parents, to mold them, train them, and guide them, is short. It may not seem like it, but it is. Eventually they will think for themselves (UGH!) and hopefully, when they do, they will remember what they were taught by their parents. Remember - we were children once, too!

As always, comments are welcome. I have edited my settings to allow anyone to post a comment (for those that were having trouble). Until next time.......

What happens in Vegas.......

2009-07-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

doesn't ALWAYS stay in Vegas! I know because I spent last week in Vegas and I am about to tell you about it. However, it will be far less interesting than you would think!

It was my first visit to Las Vegas and what I immediately noticed was that as soon as you exited the plane, slot machines were EVERYWHERE! It was as if those coming TO Vegas couldn't wait until they reached their hotel/resort to play the slots and those that were LEAVING Vegas hadn't already lost enough money! Of course, there may be a small percentage of people who are just on a layover to another destination, so they would be the exception to the rule.

My husband was in Las Vegas for a business conference, so I spent a good portion of my time at our resort which had a 16 stadium theater and a bowling alley to add to their many gambling devices (I lost $10 and called it quits). It also had 7 pools from which I could choose and a shuttle to the mall. I wasn't bored, but I definitely desired to see the "night life". So, we walked the "strip" on Thursday night which was interesting in itself. On Friday night, we saw "O" at the Bellagio. And, well, I was in awe the whole time. After our show, we walked the strip again, stopping to eat at the Harley Davidson Cafe. I had one of the best hamburgers I have ever had!

And here is one of the things that bothered me the most about Las Vegas. Everywhere we went, they served Pepsi products. Okay, I am not ANTI-Pepsi. In fact, my preference is Diet Dr. Pepper (which was no where to be found). In the absence of Diet Dr. Pepper, I am a Diet Coke kinda gal. But, I can suffer through one week of Pepsi products. It isn't the worst thing in the world. However, while browsing the strip, this is what I saw:

It isn't a great picture, but it is a HUGE Coca-Cola botttle on the strip where there is a Coca-Cola store! Now, I ask you, if they don't SERVE Coke products in Las Vegas, who buys Coke themed merchandise??? I didn't even go in the store!

I did buy me a nice pair of western boots from The Boot Star, which is located in The Fashion Show Mall. I haven't had a pair of western boots in several years, but I have been wanting some and well, these spoke to me, so I had to buy them. They are handmade by Old Gringo, which is worn by many of today's stars (at least that is what they claim, but since I don't know any stars, I can't confirm that!).

People keep asking me if I would go back. The answer is - maybe. Only to see more shows. I am not interested in gambling. Of course, there are a million other people who are, so they won't miss me and my Ten Dollars! I don't think the recession has hit Las Vegas!

I told you this wouldn't be of heart-stopping interest. But this is a brief look at what happened while I was in Vegas! As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Until next time.....

NO SMOKING

2009-07-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

I swear, this is going to be my next tattoo! Okay, not really, but it has crossed my mind! And if you don't already know, I have 9 tattoos now, so one more is not out of the question. I didn't think I would get on my "No Smoking" soapbox this early in bloghood, but something I saw today brought it to the front of my mind.

First, let me say that I grew up in a home with a smoker. My Dad. After I moved out, it was all I could do to visit for long periods of time because of the smell and the way it made my contacts feel like I had plastic saucers in my eyes! Thankfully, my Dad finally realized what the risk of smoking was doing to him and how it affected his family, and around January of 1992 he quit! Cold Turkey! Ironically, 10 months later he dropped dead of a massive heart attack. Now, we always joke that if Dad knew he was going to die, he probably would have smoked a carton a day! I miss him every day, but I am thankful for the short period of time where he put his family before his addiction and QUIT SMOKING! Thanks, Dad! I love you!

Okay, on to my story for today:

I am driving home and get stopped for a red light. In front of me is a gentleman (loosely using this term) who is SMOKING! However, he is holding his cigarette outside of his car through his very slightly cracked window. After he takes his much needed puff, he blows the smoke OUTSIDE THE CAR! So, I ask you people, if you smoke, why in the world if you don't want the smoke to be in the car with you - THE PERSON WHO IS SMOKING - why, oh why, do those of us who don't smoke want you to blow it OUTSIDE INTO THE AIR??????

In the city where I live, smoking is not permitted in restaurants. The city ordinance also calls for smokers to stand 25 FEET FROM THE ENTRANCE while smoking. However, this rule is never obeyed. It is even posted on most restaurant doors, but I am beginning to think that smokers just don't know how to read. That must be the answer. Surely, if they could read, they would read the warning label that says "SMOKING CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH". Restaurants aren't the only place that smokers tend to loiter at the doors. It happens at the entrance to Wal-mart, K-mart, Kohls and the mall, too!

So, can you tell that I am ANTI-SMOKING???? I mean, really, we all have our addictions and our vices. I know that. However, mine are not hazardous to anyone else's health, well-being or wallet. I could write a whole book about this subject, but who wants to read THAT?

So, I beg of you, if you smoke, please be courteous to those around you who choose not to smoke and stand away from the entrances that everyone - smokers and non-smokers alike - have to use. And if you are a smoker and already use "good smoker's manners", thank you from the bottom of my heart! I hope your example will rub off on others!

As always, I am open to comments. Until next time......

Do you have good "Beach Manners"?

2009-07-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

While talking with friends today, the subject of beach vacations came up. Well, most of the people who I socialize with vacation at least once during the year at the beach. As we were talking today, we all agreed that we find it in poor taste for people with those large family tents - and sometimes multiple tents - to set up right at the edge of the water making it impossible for anyone else who gets to the beach later than 6:30 AM to see the water from their chairs. Now, before you go saying that it is "first come, first serve", let's be reasonable. Those people who set up at 6:30 AM aren't actually on the beach, nor do you need shade at that time of the morning. They are still in their houses/condos/hotels sleeping, eating breakfast or getting ready. They purely get their gear set up to get the front row. I am all about the front row - but please - set your tent up closer to the back and bring an umbrella to use near the water! I think it is just discourteous to do otherwise. I wonder if those same "front-row-beach-tenters" are discourteous in other areas as well.

What do you think? Do you agree with me? Disagree with me? Why? Are you one of those people? Do you feel a sense of entitlement? Please enlighten me!! I MAY even see your point.

Please, let me hear from you. Until next time....

Does cussing (cursing, foul language) help you make a point?

2009-07-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

I am not sure why I picked this topic for today. Maybe it is because you just about can't watch anything on TV without hearing at least ONE cuss word. I just don't understand people's use of them either. I don't cuss. I just don't. I can smash my finger, break a glass, cut my foot and watch a favorite team lose - all without ONE cuss word. I just think it is useless language. Now, I am no goodie-two-shoes! I have my own issues (which is another post in itself). I can be judgemental. I can gossip. I can even lie. However, I can do all of those without using offensive language. Does that make me better than you ("you" in a general sense)? No. I think the use of foul language can make the most attractive person become the most UNattractive person in the breath it takes them to say the word.

My 8-year-old son used the word "hell" in context a few days ago. After my husband explained to him that we don't use that type of language, he finally admitted that he heard it used in the movie Kicking and Screaming with Will Ferrell. Now, that movie is stinking funny, but I am sure it would be just as funny without the foul language. I am not going to spend my time sensoring EVERY movie (PG of course) for reasons not to let my children see them. I can only hope that the moral values that we instill at home will help them to make the right decisions when they need to.

Of course, this is just my opinion - which I am entitled to have. You can try to change it, but I am pretty stuck on this one.

As always, I am interested in your comments. Until next time......

A New Outlet.....

2009-07-12T19:34:00.001-07:00

I am not new to blogging, but am taking on this new blog as a release of conversations that I don't often get to have with adults because much of my time is spent with 8 year olds! I am sure that a lot of you can relate to that! Don't get me wrong, I love my children, but sometimes I want to debate issues other than those that are important to school children - like what Susie is wearing, what kind of bat Johnny has or who is having a sleep over and didn't invite _____ (insert name here)!

I am an opinionated person. I will listen to your opinion, but you better have a darn good argument if you want to change the opinion that I have already established. I get that we will not always agree with everyone and I can agree to disagree. It is OKAY with me if we have different opinions. Really, it is! Be true to you!

I am a truth-teller. You know - don't ask me if you don't want to know the truth! I tell people that I am "mean". Most people disagree and say that I just tell it like it is. I don't intend to be mean, and I don't intend to hurt feelings, but I am not good at faking my emotions, so what you see is what you get.

I am high maintenance and I am spoiled. Do I deserve to be? NO! Who does? But such is life! Of course, this is my opinion of myself - you are entitled to yours!

I have so much that I could talk about! Books, because I love to read! Pet Peeves, because I have them! Questions, because I'd love to hear your answers! Music, because it makes your heart sing! Technical gadgets, because I love them and have them!! So many things, so little time....

So, check back. You may find something worth reading. Then, drop me a comment. It's a free world and you are entitled to speak!!! By the way, remember to thank a soldier for that!

Until next time......