The Good Life

What the what!?

2011-12-06T00:51:00.000-07:00

So hi.

I'm Camie.

I've been around for awhile.

I am a pretty cool chica with a freaking awesome blog, or so I like to think.

I know others think so and I know others are visiting, although no one has much to say these days.

All I hear is crickets coming from the comment department...

It's okay, it's not you, its me.

Well, here's the deal.

We're moving.

Out of state, out of mind.

I'm basically being the single momma of three kids as my husband is already working at his new, fabulous job which is approx. 5 hours away.

I am so far behind on everything, including my blog.

What with the packing and the planning and the Christmasing and the sewing and the baby watching and the transferring of schools and the crying and wailing and gnashing of teeth, I am a mess.

So here is my official letter of apology for not stopping by and saying hello.

I have ZERO time.

In fact I've been using precious sleep time to try and catch up on other things, which is turning out to be not as productive as previously thought.

Contrary to what I may try, there are still only 24 hours in a day.

My reader has had 1000+ on it for weeks.

I just can't catch up.

I'm sorry, friends!

So I'm going to be absent from the blogoshphere for awhile.

Please forgive me.

Let's still be friends, okay?

I promise I'll be back as soon as all the dust settles.

Promise.

But until then, I fear I have so much on my plate it's all falling onto the floor.

And no one wants to eat off the floor, am I right?

Feel free to stop by and say hi.

Also, any words of encouragement you may have for us would be oh so appreciated.

Also cookies.

Lots and lots of cookies.

30 Days: Day 29

2011-11-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

Day 29: 3 WISHES

This one I can totally do, no hesitation.

Wish #1- I wish for my kids to grow up and be happy. I wish they choose good careers and spouses and lives so they can just be happy and content and successful and never want for anything.

Wish #2- I wish for us to be able to actually find our dreamhouse and purchase it. I know I have mentioned this before, but it's a big deal. I wish for our house to sell really fast and for a great price and THEN for us to be able to purchase said dreamhouse. And to live there for a really long time because heaven knows this moving stuff SUCKS! And to be oh so very happy and fulfilled.

Wish#3- I wish for 3 more wishes.

Ha ha no I'm totally kidding.

Um, let's see.

I wish to be hot and skinny and totally rich.

Yup, that's what I'm going with.

Deal with it.

What about you? What would YOU wish for?

30 Days: Day 28

2011-11-28T23:28:00.001-07:00

Day 28- SOMETHING THAT STRESSES YOU OUT

You wanna know what stresses me out?!

I'll tell you what stresses me out.

Moving.

Not only moving, but moving and trying to get a house ready to sell and having your husband in one place and you and your kids in another.
Being alone with three kids.
All day, all night. No Daddy.
And trying to get Christmas shopping done.
And trying to figure out where all the money is going to come from to pay for Christmas and the hospital bills and fixing up the house and moving. Gas isn't cheap.
And leaving your friends.
AND LEAVING YOUR FRIENDS!
And transferring schools.
And sleeping alone.
And worrying about bad roads for the moving trailers and trucks.
And having to pay state taxes again.
And coordinating who's going where in which vehicle and how we're going to get the trailer here and there and then back again and if we're going to need to get a U-haul.
And where the heck did all this stuff come from?!
And how many more boxes am I going to have to scrounge up?!
And leaving your friends.

It's kinda going to be a nightmare I fear.
I'm a little stressed.

30 Days: Day 27

2011-11-27T23:27:00.000-07:00

Day 27- ORIGINAL PHOTO OF THE CITY YOU LIVE IN

That's right. R-town. Rivercity. My home of two years and then five years. Soon enough we will be leaving this fine city, the only home my kids have known. Where I got my degree, where I turned into an adult. The place where Thor and I met. Our home. Our friends. Where we live. It's been amazing.

{source}

30 Days: Day 26

2011-11-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Day 26- SOMETHING YOU CRAVE A LOT

I don't necessarily crave a certain food all of the time. When I'm pregnant and/or nursing, however, yes. I have a few repeat offenders for sure.

Starburst Jellybeans

It's a problem. We stock up at Easter time as to have enough to last the whole year. If that means filling up four Walmart bags with them or clearing out the entire clearance section, so be it.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Holy crap, love the stuff. Plain, in a cup, just before bedtime.

Vanilla Shake

Can I get a HOLLA?!?!?

Cadbury Mini Eggs

It's just not Easter without a bag or seven of these bad boys. And guess what else, ya'll!?

They've made a Christmas version!!!

Save me.

Doritos

Suddenly, I'm all about the Doritos. They're cheesy, they're delicious, they're crunchy, they make a sandwich oh so yummy.

Oreos

I never used to care about these cookies. I mean they were good, but meh. But after I had Amelia, man I couldn't get enough!

Ritz Crackerfuls

I love these. More than anything. And I want them. Always.

Fig newtons

Mmmmm. None of that Strawberry crap for me! I want the GOOD stuff!

Nutri Grain Bars

Lately these have been hitting the spot. So yummy and sorta good for you too!

Diet Mountain Dew/Diet Dr. Pepper

Mama likey. I know the picture isn't diet, but uh, either way they are so SO good.

Pink Rockstar

That's right. It's pink. It's pretty. It's delicious. It's sugar free. It makes me happy.

Judge me.

Like I care.

You know you like crap too!

30 Days: Day 25

2011-11-25T23:26:00.000-07:00

Day 25- PUT YOUR IPOD ON SHUFFLE. WHAT ARE THE FIRST 10 SONGS?

My ipod is currently out of commission, sadly. So I will just do it on iTunes, yes? Yes. Okay here are the first 10 songs, just for you...don't judge.

#1- You're A Mean One, Mister Grinch by Straight No Chaser

It is Christmastime, after all.

#2- Disco Inferno (Clean Version) by 50 Cent

I SAID no judging!!

Also, I could not find the clean version on YouTube and I'd like to keep my blog at it's regular PG-13 rating sooo.....moving on.

#3-I Can't Be Tamed by Miley Cyrus

Yikes. So much for my PG-13 rating! Ha ha! I don't even know how this song got on my iTunes to begin with...*ahem* It's not mine, baby...

#4- Everyday is Exactly The Same by NIN

Come on! Who doesn't love a little Trent Reznor now and again, am I right?
Wait, what?
Just me?
Alrighty then...
Next.

#5- Apologize by OneRepublic

Man I used to really love this song. Brings it all back, know what I mean?

#6-You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift

So what if I likes me a little Swifty sometimes...who doesn't?! Plus she just so cute!

#7- Do You Right by 311

Oh 311! How I love thee...

#8- My Humps by Black Eyed Peas

Yeaaaahhhhhh...uh...

#9- Bandages by Hot Hot Heat

What the crap ever happened to these guys?!?

#10- All The Small Things by Blink 182

Bwa ha ha! Oh Blink...
Back before I was married and had kids, we used to joke that this song was about my butt and chest...
yeah think about it for a sec...
it no longer applies...

30 Days: Day 24

2011-11-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

Day 24- SOMETHING YOU'VE LEARNED

That's a pretty loaded statement, for you see I have learned a whole lot in my 29-ish years on this earth. But seeing as how it's Thanksgiving and all, perhaps I will share with you what I have learned TODAY.

I have learned...

That early to bed, early to rise holds no bearing on excited sugared-up kids. More like late to bed, butt crack of dawn to rise.
That it's a production to get 6 adults showered and ready to go in a house with one bathroom, two potty trained kids and a toilet troll.
That having all the cousins together is so much fun and makes for some cute pictures.

That my mom's cooking still takes the cake every time.
That my little brother STILL makes the best gravy ever.

That Thanksgiving dinner is NOT the best time to give a baby their first food that isn't rice cereal.

That plain avocado and potatoes make a 5 month old baby girl turn into a milk volcano.

That even cute turkey shirts are susceptible to the up-heaved baby lunch, sadly.
That when you eat just a tiny bit of everything, you still end up with a full tummy.
That there is NOT always room for pie.
That if there is not room for 1 piece of pie, you should especially not try and fit four, albeit small, pieces of pie.
That a food coma is a very real and serious matter.
That Nicole makes the yummiest and most delicious and edible sweet potatoes on the planet!
That Thor can put away not one but TWO pecan pies over the course of two days.
That when you make a bow for your baby
That all intentions of black friday shopping can be easily defeated by too much food, a two hour drive and too little sleep.
That Thanksgiving this year was pretty near perfect.
That it wasn't the same without Ben, but there's always next year.
That I love my family more than anything on this Earth.

How about you, friends?! How was YOUR turkey day??

30 Days: Day 23

2011-11-23T23:24:00.000-07:00

Day 23- FAVORITE MOVIE

This one is hard, because again, it's like picking my favorite child! I can't do it! So here are a few of my favorites that I could watch over and over...and over again...and DO a lot. And sometimes I cry and cry at the same times EVERY time. And some just make me laugh...I know, I'm basically a 12 year old boy inside. Whatever, here's my list in no particular order.

Ah. I need to go watch some of these right now!!

How about you? What are some of your favs?

30 Days: Day 22

2011-11-22T01:08:00.000-07:00

Day 22- WHAT'S IN YOUR PURSE?

What purse?! I carry around a giant diaper bag!! And in said diaper bag I carry around a plethora of goodies, each one more awesome than the last.

Diapers, obviously.
Wipes.
Shout stain wipes.
Toys.
Ibuprofen.
Fruit snacks.
Mints.
Binkies.
Toys.
Pens.
Binky wipes.
Hand sanitizer.
Lip gloss.
Changing pad.
Kleenex.
Fingernail clippers.
Cell phone case.
Dirty clothes bag.
My wallet.

Yes, I believe that about covers it.
Yes please try not to be too jealous about my fabulous, glamorous life.

30 Days: Day 21

2011-11-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Day 21: FAVORITE PICTURE OF YOURSELF OF ALL TIME AND WHY.

I couldn't pick one all time favorite picture. I know, go figure. Sorry, I'm indecisive. But I did narrow it down to my top three. So here you go.

That's me, age 5 months-ish. I love this picture because what's not to love?! Holy crap just look at the adorable squishiness that is this little baby face! Gosh I was so cute! What happened?! :) Ha ha. Seriously though, I see a lot of Mia in this picture.

This is me a couple months before I got married. Just look at me, so happy, so innocent, so naive, so full of excitement and hope for the future. I just feel like this picture is so serene and happy and beautiful and everything that was going on on the inside is showing through on the outside.

Our wedding day. The bubbles. All of our close friends and family surrounding us, literally. The way I'm looking at my new husband, the way he's looking at me. I really have no words. Just love.

30 Days: Day 20

2011-11-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Day 20: NICKNAMES

I am not one to have had many nicknames actually.

My Daddy used to call me Roo or Rooer...I don't know.

My Grandparents used to call me CamRae...I guess I go by that sometimes still.

My roommate called me Mom or Izatt...we were awesome.

My husband called me Fart Knocker and Sweet Mamoo...he's not one for the lovey-dovey terms of endearment.

Now I just go by MOM...I couldn't be more content with that one.

30 Days: Day 19

2011-11-19T00:36:00.000-07:00

Day 19: SOMETHING YOU MISS

There are a lot of things I miss.

My pre-baby body.

My hair.

My friends.

My parents.

My salon.

My car, Steve.

My Christine.

The ability to pee and shower alone.

Singing.

Acting.

Sewing.

Scrapbooking.

Going to the movies.

Shopping.

My Gramma.

My siblings.

School.

Riding a bike.

My Grampas.

Sitting up with friends, talking and laughing and crying and getting into really deep conversations.

Eating junk food and not caring about it.

Family traditions.

Holidays at home.

Anything you are missing?

30 Days: Day 18

2011-11-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Day 18- FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT

I can't narrow it down to just one! I love to eat! CHUNK LOVE FOOD!! Here are a few of my very favorites.

There's just something about those nuggets. And their lemonade!? I could drink a gallon!

Wisconson Mac and Cheese. So what if I eat like a 12 year old?! It's GOOD!!

Oh Cafe Rio. Loves me a enchilada style burrito...or salad.

Orange Peel Chicken with brown rice. So freakin' delicious.

Uh yeah. Rolls. Need I say more?!

Riverton Wyoming. Sandwiches. Delicious.

All you can eat salad, bread, soups and desserts?! Where do I sign??!

Veggie burrito, will you marry me?!

Roast turkey ranch and bacon market fresh sandwich. Ooh la la.

Taco Bravo. Churro. Bean burrito, no onions. I could die.

I love their salad bar. And their pizza is pretty good too but there's just something about their salads...

I'm hungry.
If you'll excuse me.
Chunk want food.
Now.

30 Days: Day17

2011-11-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Day 17- SOMETHING YOU'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO

There are a couple things I'm looking forward to in the next little while.
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving.

We're headed up to the Valley this year for a Thanksgiving feast with 2 of my brothers and their wives and kids. It will be a blast. And I can't wait.

I'm looking forward to doing a little Black Friday shopping with the Hubby.

We're gonna leave the children with my parents and head to the Falls. It's going to be exhausting and ridiculous and super fun. I foresee a lot of Rockstars being consumed between the two of us...

I'm looking forward to Christmas.

The whole Christmas season is basically my favorite time of year. We're going to be simple this year and I look forward to keeping it small and full of love.

I look forward to finding and purchasing my dream house.

That's right, dear friends. My husband has accepted a job out of state and we're outty. I am very happy and excited and sad and stressed and busy and freaked out and panicky and sad. And sad. And happy. We're going to be split up for awhile while he works and I get the house ready to sell and Izacc finishes school, but we'll make it work...eventually.

So how about you?! What are YOU looking forward to?

30 Days: Day 16

2011-11-16T00:08:00.001-07:00

Day 16- DREAM HOUSE

Oh man oh man! I could go on for DAYS about what my dream house would be like! This is something I have actually put a lot of thought into because when the time comes to purchase our third and hopefully final house, I want to be prepared. And I want it to be perfect.

Where do I even start? Outside? Done.

{source}

I want a porch. A beautiful front porch. It doesn't have to be huge, but I really want somewhere I can sit in the evenings with my kids and read to them, or cuddle with my hubby as we watch the sun go down or the cars pass by.

Also acceptable, a back porch/deck.

{source}

I want a big, beautiful kitchen with tons and tons of cupboard space. And a pantry. And an island with a sink in the middle of the room. And I love everything about this kitchen. Isn't it magical?! I ADORE these colors!

{source}

I want a staircase, a large amazing staircase. One that when my daughter is going to prom and her date comes to pick her up, she can make her grand entrance by coming down the staircase. And I'll cry because she's growing up so fast. And she'll be so stunningly beautiful it will take her date's breath away. You know, ahem, just as an example.

{source}

I want a toy room. A sanctuary for my kids where they can play and make a mess and not have to worry about OCD Mommy coming in and making them clean up every 5 minutes.

{source}

I want a laundry room with shelves and shelves for storing all my blankets and sheets and extra towels and tablecloths and holiday decor and pillows. And a sink for soaking my nasty baby's pooped on clothes or little boy's pants with grass stains. And an ironing/folding station.

{source}

I need a master bedroom big enough to place our bed and my glider. And I need a walk-in closet. A big one, where I can keep all my shoes and clothes and sweaters and maternity clothes hung up all the time instead of having to switch them out every season...or pregnancy as the case may be. AND a master bathroom where I might get the chance to actually pee in peace. And two sinks. And a nice big ol' bathtub wouldn't hurt either.

{source}

I need to have a mommy space too. An office/craft room/sewing room. Somewhere I can go and work and leave my sewing machine set up and not have to close up shop every time I need to leave to help the baby or pee or anything else.

{source}

I would love a storage room, an actual real life storage room where we can keep our food storage and whatnot.

{source}

And I want a little salon in the basement where I can do people's hair and not make them bend over the sink or tub all ghetto style when I rinse their hair.

{source}

I also want my hubby to be able to have a darkroom of his very own. He has all the makings of one, we just need to make it happen, Cap'n.

{source}

So that's that. My dream house. Obviously we need bedrooms and living rooms and all that jazz, but I figured those were all given. Also, if I had a house able to hold all this stuff and still be able to afford it, I'd be doing pretty darn good.

We Want To Know!

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wahoo! Wendesday!

I'm glad you've come back for another fun-filled installment of random factoids about moi coming straight at 'cha!

Here we go!

Join the party with Mamarazzi, Queso, and Crazymama!

1. do you have any musical talents?

Do I?! Why yes I do. I'm a singer. I have been in choirs all through school and even have my musical theatre degree. And I have been known to tickle the ol' ivories in my day, although I am WAY rusty...it's been awhile. Also, I play a mean game of Rockband!!

2. what role, if any, does music play in your life?

Well, huge actually. I don't do anything without it. Cleaning, showering, driving, um other...you get me. If I didn't have music, I might actually die.

3. what is your all time favorite song?

I can not answer this question. It would be like choosing my favorite child. I can't do it. Perhaps I can give you SOME of my favorite artists?! The one's that I can listen to anytime, any song, any album and LOVE it?! Okay. Three Days Grace. Jason Mraz. Dave Matthews. Maroon 5. Bruno Mars. Pink. Breaking Benjamin. Everclear. The Killers. Staind. OneRepublic. Those are the ones that stick out in my mind without having my Ipod handy anyway.

4. do you sing in the shower?

Do i ever!! Man alive, it's not a shower unless we've had at least one musical number + encore! :) The acoustics are just better in the shower! Also, while driving. It's embarrassing really.

5. has a song ever made you cry?

Um yeah. Let's not talk about the emotional douche bag I've been lately. I am right at this very second watching the Glee episode where Finn and Kurt's parents get married and they sing those 2 Bruno Mars songs and I'm BAWLING like a baby! Jeesh! Also, the ones what get me every time are "And They Do" by Trace Atkins, "In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride, "Perfect" by Pink, and "Let Them Be Little" by Lonestar. I know, they're mostly all country...bet you didn't expect THAT coming from me did ya?!

30 Days: Day 15

2011-11-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Day 15- A LETTER TO SOMEONE

My dear, sweet Izacc,

You are awesome beyond words. I love you so much and am so proud of the little person you are and are becoming. You amaze and surprise me every single day with your vocabulary and your sense of humor and your caring. I am so glad to know you and even more glad to be your mom.

On your last day of preschool last May, I had a post I wanted to write all about you and just how freaking cool you are. You amazed me that day. We went to a field day at your teacher's house and I got to watch you participate in all the fun things that day.

You were so cute sitting there with your classmates and you were WAY taller than a lot of them, even though you were probably the youngest one of the bunch.

It amazes me how easy you make friends. Everywhere we go, you have made at least one new friend by the time we leave, and this day was no exception. There was another class of preschoolers there too and you talked and had fun with all the new kids you met.

I felt bad because they had events like jumping and throwing and I had never really worked with you on those things! I suck sometimes and was worried that the kids who had played ball with their families before would beat the pants off you. I was pleasantly surprised, however, that you held your own quite well. You got third in the long jump and fifth in the bean bag toss. I was so proud and vowed to teach you some sports so you wouldn't be so unprepared next time.

Then you got to compete in a high jump event and you actually made your way over the bar! More than once!

Uncle Ben would have been so proud.

I especially got a kick out of your landings.

You lasted for a long time and beat out a lot of kids! The bar kept getting higher and higher and you kept making right over the top.

And landing on your face. But you made it so that's all that mattered. You eventually got 5th place, which was nothing to sneeze at! You did such a great job that day. I was way impressed by you.

A few days earlier, you were in a play.

You got to sit next to Anna, your then "girlfriend".

You guys were so cute. And you did a fabulous job doing what you were supposed to do and not bothering your neighbors.

And you were a squirrel. And, again, you were amazing.

I was really nervous that you would get up on stage and get stage fright and shy and not be able to do it. But nope, not my boy. You were a natural. You were amazing.

So amazing, in fact, that your teachers told me numerous times just how great you were. You knew all your lines and you knew exactly when to say them. And you talked to the other ch actors instead of looking at your teacher or the audience.

And at the last minute, you had to fill in for someone who was too shy to do her part and guess what? You had a week to learn her lines and you did that too. You were flawless and amazing. It came so naturally to you and the theatre major in me was SO proud.

Also, you were SO cute! Man oh man!

Here you are with Anna...again. And yes, you were holding hands. You guys!

Ever the silly gooney bird you are

It's my hope you have the love for the theatre as you get older because you're very, very good. You have learned how to make a vibrato already and I am just floored by your God-given talent. There is always ALWAYS a need for strong male actors. I know it comes with a stigma, but don't let that deter you. Girls love a guy who can sing and act...just sayin.

You have been working with Child Development Services with a speech teacher/coach and I am so pleased with the improvement and growth you've made. For example, you say "hello" instead of "heyo" and "watch" instead of "watz" and "church" instead of "turts" and "Zander" instead of "Zanner".

First day of preschool. Aug 2010

Last day of preschool. May 2011

I've just been floored by your ability to pick things up so fast and understand and just get it. Your kindergarten teacher this year has told me that you are the only one in her class that can count to 32, and you did the best in your class on your pre-reading test. You rock, little buddy.

You are so polite and kind to others, well, anyone NOT living in this household I should say, but to others you are stellar. You wait your turn and you don't interrupt, which is something we've been working really hard on so I'm glad that you've got it down. You even stand up for your little brother, which makes me so happy to see. I love it.

First day of preschool, August 2010

Last day of preschool, May 2011

Izacc, you're the best. You make my heart so happy. Keep learning, keep growing, KEEP EATING you picky, picky child! :) I hope you always talk to me about your problems and your questions and that I'm always "your best". I love you with all my heart and I'm so glad you're mine.

With Love Always,

Your Mama.

ha ha.

PS. Thanks for teaching your little brother all the ways of the world...

I KNOW he got this from you!!!!!

30 Days: Day 14

2011-11-14T00:12:00.001-07:00

Day 14- A PICTURE OF YOU LAST YEAR - HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED?

Okay. These pictures were taken almost exactly 1 year ago to the day. This was the day I told my close friends I was with child. Hence the awkwardly staged poses.
How have I changed since this picture?
Let me count the ways:
I gained some weight, then lost some...then gained a little back.
I had my baby girl.
I cut my hair.
I figured out how to keep my small house clean most of the time.
I hung out with friends.
I made GIRL baby clothes and blankets.
I had my blog's first ever giveaway.
I learned how easy it is to break (and repair) the glass on an oven door.
I fell in love with Netflix.
I sent my baby to kindergarten.
I learned to drive (and love to drive) a mini van.
I paid some hospital bills.
I joined a PTO.
I got two more crowns.
I have nearly successfully potty trained a 2 1/2 year old.
I love my life.

There it is. The way's I've changed since this picture was taken. Awesome.

30 Days: Day 13

2011-11-13T21:06:00.001-07:00

Day 13- A PICTURE OF SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Obviously.

How did this one happen to land on a Sunday!?
Lucky me!
Also, I honest to goodness did not even realize I had dressed them all in the same color until we were sitting in church and I realized just how awesome I really am.
Oh man.

30 Days: Day 12

2011-11-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Day 12- SOMETHING YOU DON'T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT

The things I don't leave the house with,in order of importance.

Clothes. You will never EVER see me outside of my house without clothes. Ever...unless you are my neighbor's teenage daughter...and you're sitting on your porch at just the right moment...and I have been nursing the baby and go to grab the mail...and suddenly remember I am sans shirt...

Aside from that. Never ever.

Make-up. More specifically, eyeliner and mascara. There are days I'll leave the house without any shadow on, but I look like a corpse without the liner and mascara. Trust me.

This little lady right here. We're bosom buddies. no pun intended. I have left her at home approx 5 times in her short 5 months. I know, I know. We like each other so it's all good.

The diaper bag. My purse for the next year er so. Yay. Dang kids! And within my "purse" are the essentials, you know, diapers, wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, pens, crayons, toys...you name it basically, I've got it.

My wallet. For obvious reasons.

This is not my wallet but oh how I wish it were!!!!

My dumb phone. We have a love/hate relationship,my phone and I. I hate it, it is lame, it sucks, I am the guy on the commercial who doesn't get the text about the tacos. But I can't live without it.

The end.

That's my list. My necessities. What are some of yours?

30 Days: Day 11

2011-11-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Day 11- FAVORITE TV SHOWS

Ahhh, here's one I can really get into. Thanks to Netflix, this list is double the size it would have been if I only had regular TV. So here we go, past and present. Buckle your seat belts, ya'll. Here comes the goods...in no particular order.

CASEE!

Oh how I love you.

And Grisim and his lame and awesome one-liners.

Las Vagas only, friends.

All the rest are CRAP!

KING OF QUEENS

I've had family members living in my basement too.

We can SO relate!

PARKS AND RECREATION

When I started watching this show, I didn't think it would be very good.

Boy did they prove ME wrong!

THE OFFICE

I have always loved this show.

It was incredibly hard to watch at first.

Hit too close to home I suppose.

But now that I don't work, I find it hilarious.

STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP

This was a good one.

It only had one season,

which makes me sad.

It was funny and dramatic and awesome.

And one that my husband and I could watch together.

MY NAME IS EARL

Oh Earl.

I love you.

And your white trash, good deed doing ways.

You too ended too soon.

30 ROCK

So much love.

I basically have no words.

Just love.

3rd ROCK FROM THE SUN

My mom and I used to watch this show together.

It was funny.

Now that I've watched it in my adult life,

I find that it was WAY suggestive and a little naughty!

Ha ha, here's to being innocent and naive!

FEAR FACTOR!!!

I could not watch this show at first.

But I became desensitized

And it provided me and Spence many hours of hilarious entertainment.

And also, much gagging.

COMMUNITY

Makes me laugh.

Every time.

SAMANTHA WHO?

Such a cute show.

I think it only had one season too.

Why tv gods?

WHY!?

YES, DEAR

Jimmy Hughes.

One of my favorite characters of all time.

He sorta reminds me of my brother.

And I was so glad to see him on...

GLEE

How could I not love this show?!

I love to sing.

I love music.

I love acting.

It's sorta right up my ally.

Even though I'm a decade older than it's target audience.

BETTER OFF TED

Another hilarious show cancelled before it's prime.

Sad day.

Thank goodness for Netflix.

HAPPY ENDINGS

This show makes me laugh out loud!

Even when I'm by myself.

Oh funny.

FRIENDS

One of my all time favorites.

I have watched all the seasons too many times to count.

I can quote it like nobody's business.

Oh Friends, how I miss you.

UP ALL NIGHT

This show is so clever!

And funny.

And true!

I love the actors, I love the story.

I'm glad it's in my life.

RAISING HOPE

The baby in this show is so freaking cute.

And these people are so trashy and perfect.

And I can't get enough.

FUTURAMA

Guilty pleasure.

The hubs and I have been watching this show together for almost 10 years.

Sick.

It was cancelled and then it came back!

Hooray!

I love when that happens!

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

Speaking of cancelled and coming back!

I adore this show with a capitol ADORE!

And I heard that it's coming back with a vengeance!

Vengeance and a movie!

Can't wait.

MODERN FAMILY

Another show I didn't think would make it.

I watched the first episode

and thought it was funny

but wasn't sure where they would go from there.

Well, I sorta love it when I'm wrong,

especially about awesome TV shows!

SCRUBS

Dear Scrubs.

Come back.

Love,

Camie

So those are mine.

What are YOURS?!

30 Days: Day 10

2011-11-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

Day 10- SOMETHING YOU'RE AFRAID OF

I am not afraid of spiders, mice, snakes, earwigs and the like.

I HATE THEM VERY MUCH, DON'T GET ME WRONG. But I am not afraid of them.

I am not afraid of ghosts, goblins, witches and whatnot.

I've learned a lot from watching Ghost Adventures.

I am not afraid of tight spaces, heights, crowds, or germs.

Let's be honest here, people. I'm just not one of those phobic types.

Here's what I AM afraid of.

I'm afraid of being broke.

I'm afraid of not being able to provide shelter, food and clothing to my family.

I'm afraid of getting into a horrible car accident.

I'm afraid of being in a car accident of any kind, really, not just the horrible kind.

I'm afraid of anything happening to my kids.

From the little cuts and scrapes to anything else worse that I don't even want to think about. Ever.

I'm afraid of losing my husband.

Death, infidelity, it doesn't matter. He's my world and I don't know what I would ever do without him.

I'm afraid of hurting those I love.

Intentionally or not, I never want to cause someone else to hurt.

I'm afraid of losing my memory.

They say it starts after 30. I'm doomed.

I'm afraid of being weak.

Spiritually, mentally, and physically.

This post is bumming me out.

But those are some of the things I am afraid of.

It's not the little stuff with me,

perhaps it's me being a grown up.

But still...

...don't chase me with a spider.

Mommy Inspiration

2011-11-09T23:30:00.004-07:00

I just read this blog post and am moved beyond words.

Please go read it.

Now.

Thanks.

30 Days: Day 9

2011-11-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Day 9- SOMETHING YOU'RE PROUD OF THAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST FEW DAYS

Welp, not a whole lot going on around here lately to be honest.

My kids were sick but are now almost all better,so that's pretty great. Amelia is still on the mend but she's feeling better tonight.

Some of us *ahem...ian...cough* have been going commando so we can learn to go pee pee in the potty and wear big boy underpants. There has been an abundance of tiny wee wee in this joint as of late.

We rented Just Dance 3 for a night and had a blast dancing around the family room, some of us sans pants. And I'm pretty sure we did this song about 50 times.

I've been able to keep my house clean for a couple weeks. And by clean I mean company clean! That's quite a feat for this little lady let me tell you what!

And, uh, this literally happened two minutes ago. So that's pretty awesome too!

We Want To Know

2011-11-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

It's that time again.

Another Wednesday, another batch of questions.

Let's get going here, shall we?

And as always, Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama

{1} What is your "can't go without it" beauty product/cosmetic?

I'm going to have to say eyeliner and mascara. I can run out of the house in a hurry as long as I have my eyes lined. Otherwise I look like a dead person. And that's just not pretty for anyone involved.

{2} Do you apply make-up before or after doing your hair?

It depends on the situation, but mostly after. Professionally speaking, it's bad for your skin to have make-up on when you spray your hair because you can get hairspray on your face and it causes your make-up to get trapped between the spray and your skin and caused blemishes. But sometimes you just gotta do the make-up first.

{3} How would you describe your personal style?

Um, I'm sorta preppy/casual. I don't have a lot of occasions that I need to be dressed up professionally anymore, so I'm just chill. Jeans, fitted T's, sweaters and boots, you know. I'm basically what happens when Old Navy eats a little Maurices and barfs. That's me, baby!

{4} How long does it take you to get ready each day?

I need an hour if I'm going to wash my hair. If it's an off day then 30-45 minutes. I'm pretty low maintenance, but with 3 kids I'm lucky to even get that long. Usually it's broken up into 5-10 minute segments. Awesome.

{5} What is your one pamper, just for you, beauty splurge?

I am a lotion snob. I've gotta have the good stuff from Bath and Bodyworks or Victoria Secret. Nothing else will do. I've tried the knockoff Walmart kind and it is just NOT the same.

30 Days: Day 8

2011-11-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

Day 8- SHORT TERM GOALS FOR THIS MONTH AND WHY

I need to make Mia one of these for sure!

I mean look how cute they are!!

You can find them here.

I need to print these out and make some cute Thanksgiving decorations.

Seriously, I think we all know the people in our family, but a little place set with a name tag really means Thanksgiving, am I right?!

Speaking of decor, these shall also grace our table.

Seriously so cute and easy! And festive! And cheap!!

And because I love my husband to pieces, I will make him his own batch of these.

He loves LOVES pecan pie but can't eat a whole one by himself and I am not a fan so we end up throwing the pie out. So at least he could save some servings for later.

It's getting cold and my baby needs some warm clothes. Enter these bad boys

I just went through our closet and found at least two sweaters I could turn into something warm for baby Mia to wear.

And also, I NEED to get some of this done.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but do you realize Christmas is only 46 days away?!

Jeesh I gotta get my butt in gear!

So those things along with catching up on my poor neglected craft bog and random projects here and there, keeping my house clean and laundry done and kids clothed and fed. Oh and sleep. I gotta get some sleep in there too.

Those are my short term goals for the month.

What are yours?

30 Days: Day 7

2011-11-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Day 7- A PICTURE OF SOMEONE/SOMETHING THAT HAS THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU

Methinks these are going to be fairly obvious and self explanatory
But here they are, nonetheless.

Yup.

That about sums it up.

30 Days: Day 6

2011-11-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

Day 6- FAVORITE SUPER HERO AND WHY

I can think of quite a few super heroes that are my favorite.

How about these dudes for one?

Yes! They are the reason I love pizza, listened to Vanilla Ice and know what the heck a nunchuck is. My brothers and I used to play Ninja Turtle all the time...I always ended up being boring old Donatello when who I really wanted to be Michelangelo. We had all the movies, watched the Saturday morning cartoons, had the Nintendo game and even bought those special Hostess Pies that had green goo in the middle. Remember those?! And have you seen the new cartoons of these dudes?! I know retro is the cool thing right now and everything is being brought back and made better, but you don't mess with TMNT. Not cool, man. Not cool.

Next:
Robin Hood.

Disney cartoon version only thank you very much.

Oh Robin Hood! He's a super hero, right? I mean come on! He's a talking fox! Also he has good standards-ish and helps people who are in need. And he has a super funny and helpful sidekick. And I could literally re-intact the whole movie for you right now, line by line. Don't believe me?! Ask my hubby. He will NOT watch this movie with me EVER because I am so obnoxious. It's true.

Okay now.

For my next super hero, everybody sing it with me.

Dun dun da da da duuuun duuuunnnnn...

Do you not know what I am talking about?!?

Come on!

Sugar

Spice

and Everything Nice

These were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect little girl...

Come on! Who doesn't love the Powerpuff Girls?! They're cute, they're smart, they're funny, and the kick some serious bad guy booty! PLUS their kindergartners, as we all know those little dudes are the cutest things around, right?! Right.

Oh, and one more super hero.

This guy.

Because I likes me some eye candy.

And his name is Thor.

Ha ha ha!

If you don't get that little inside joke remind me to fill you in sometime.

It is a good one.

Who Is Cuter?!

2011-11-05T16:01:00.001-06:00

This post brought to you by Puppies vs. Babies. All opinions are 100% mine.

So you've all met my Amelia right? (And by met I really mean seen pictures of because let's be honest here, you all are mostly far, far away and actually meeting her in person would be somewhat of a feat. Also, I don't let her out much. She doesn't talk to people and she's horrible with names!)

Anyway, my Amelia. How stinking cute is this baby girl?! Am I right?! I dare say the's the cutest thing since, well, since I had my last baby anyway.

However, have you ever seen a picture of Zoe when she was a brand new puppy? She melted my little heart. She was my first baby and she was so SO cute! I let her sleep in my bed and I snuggled her and dressed her up in ridiculous outfits. I even gave her birthday cake.

So here's the thing. Which is cuter? Puppies vs. Babies?

Babies poop in diapers, stinky mess contained. Puppies poop on the floor, stinky mess under the dining room table not contained, which leaves Mommy angry because she has to clean up said stinky mess. *Babies one, puppies zero.* Babies can't feed themselves, puppies can. *Babies one, puppies one.* Babies can learn to smile and wave and giggle and grab on to your finger. Puppies can roll around and play with toys and can speak and sit and beg and even dance on their hind legs. *Crap. Babies two, puppies two.* You can dress a baby up in super cute, small clothes, but puppies also fit into adorable small clothes. *Babies and puppies tied at three* Both grow up and are turn into dogs or even worse, teenagers. They're just not as cute as when they were brand new and small. So, what we have here, my friends, is an impasse. Which is cuter?! The world may never know...or will they?

Enter Puppies vs. Babies online contest, a website you can go to and vote for who you think is the more cute of the two; small canines or young humans. That's right. Voting goes until November 23rd and the winning baby OR puppy gets a cool $5,000!! Can you even believe it?!

I defy you to look at a puppy OR a baby and not "awww!" I submit that you cannot. Who will be the ultimate champion though? It's up to YOU to decide! So go vote and come back here and tell me who you voted for because I am super curious and DYING to know!

Do you want to know who I voted for?!!??!

Well, okay, here's the thing. I love me some puppies. And I think they are so sweet and cute and they have "puppy breath" which smells so SO good! And have you ever seen a bulldog puppy?! I might be willing to sell my soul to the devil for a bulldog puppy. Honestly.

And there are some babies out there that are, um, how you say, just not cute. I mean you look at them and really all they've got going for them is that they're small. Some look like old men, some look like those google-eyed chickens on Rio, and some have features that they will *hopefully* grow into. "She's so tiny!" you say as not to be a liar pants.

But if I had to choose, I've gotta say I'm going with babies. No offense to all those dog-loving mamas out there, but babies can giggle and babies can smile and once they get out of their creepy alien baby-lookin' stage, they are pretty darn irresistible. Also they don't shed and they can look at you and say "mama" which, in my opinion, is the best thing in the whole wide world EVER. Ever.

But don't let me sway your thinking! Go vote right now! Let your voice be heard! Have some fun and let's put this ago-old question to rest, shall we?!

30 Days: Day 5

2011-11-05T11:15:00.000-06:00

Day 5- A PICTURE OF SOMEWHERE YOU'VE BEEN TO

This one bugs.
For more than one reason.
First of all, I didn't think it was proper English to end a sentence with a preposition when it doesn't change the meaning. It should just say A PICTURE OF SOMEWHERE YOU'VE BEEN.
I know, you can all say it.
*nerd*
it's a curse.
Anyway.
The second reason it bugs is because it's way WAY to vague.
I've been a lot of places, my friends.
A lot of places.
And thirdly
What kind of places?!
States?
Countries?
Stores?
Restaurants?
Gas stations?
Well, to the writer of this ambiguous question, I say
Done and done.
Here is a small list of some places I have been.
To.
Ug.

I've been to here...

...and I've been to here...

...and I love it here...

...as well as here...

...and I've been to here...

...and also I've been to here lots...

...and here once...

...as well as here, just the once...

...and I've been to here...

...and I wish I was here more...

...and I've been to here...

...and here...

...and I've been to here...

...and obviously I've been to here...

...and here...

...and I've been to here...

...and I could live here...

...but preferably not here...

...and I've been to here a couple times...

...and to here only once...

...and to here, although we didn't see Eminem...

...and to here and we DID see Three Days Grace...

...and I've been to here hundreds of times...

...and to here hundreds of times as well...

...and I've been to here...

...and I've been to here and I'll give you a dollar if you can tell me where we are btw...

...and I've also been to here...

...and I've been to here...

...and obviously I've been to here...

... I almost died here.

There ya go, friends. A small picture list of some of the places I've been.

To.

Are you sick of that annoying preposition yet?!

Because I sure am!!

Ha ha can anyone name all the places in the pictures?!

You shall be richly rewarded if you can...

30 Days: Day 4

2011-11-04T12:07:00.000-06:00

Day 4- A HABIT THAT YOU WISH YOU DIDN'T HAVE

I am not even sure where to begin with this one. I can only assume we're looking for a BAD habit here because it would be absolutely SILLY to want to get rid of a good habit, right?

"Gosh I wish I didn't ALWAYS have to brush my teeth!"

"Showering is for suckers!"

"I hate the way I always feel the need to clean my house all the time blah blah blah!"

Silly.

Okay well I'm thinking I have quite a few habits I wish I didn't have.

I wish I didn't watch TV as I go to sleep.

It's a problem, it's unhealthy, it needs to stop. And yet, sometimes I just need the noise in my brain.

I wish I didn't pick at my toenail polish.

It's a sickness, I do it without even thinking about it! I'm sitting on my bed, or at the computer, or even on the toilet and look down and my pedicure has gone to heck. To be fair, I mostly only do it when it's started chipping all by itself...mostly.

I wish I didn't quote movies along with them as I watch them.

It's annoying. It's completely out of control. Sometimes it just comes out without me even knowing. And my husband hates it.

Sorry, friends.

I wish I didn't have such craptastic eating habits.

It's true. My relationship with food sucks. I am an emotional eater. I am an angry eater. I am a happy eater. I am a sad eater. I eat while I travel. I eat when I'm bored.

And the CRAZY thing of it all is that I CAN have amazing willpower. I know what I'm supposed to eat and when I should eat it and what not to eat, but I can also justify just about anything and once I start eating the crap, it's all I want.

Wheat bread and veggies!?

Ew.

I'll have some Doritos and cottage cheese.

Fruit?

Sick.

I'll have ice cream.

Potatoes and noodles and sugar and all those things I love to hate to love.

Graham cracker and jelly beans and candy corn and hot fudge brownie sundaes.

And magic brownies.

It's all the worst.

And the best.

And the WORST!

It's a slippery slope and all of a sudden look in the mirror and you've got another set of boobies...only they're on your back!!

Honestly.

I don't know how to eat what I want and look the way I want to look.

I can eat the good stuff.

I can eat the bad stuff.

There's no middle ground with me.

And I hate that probably the most.

That's my habit I wish I didn't have. My eating.

Stupid delicious Oreos and they're stupid large amounts of sugar and fat!

Boo!

30 Days: Day 3

2011-11-03T20:06:00.000-06:00

Day 3- A PICTURE OF YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS

Wouldn't that be AMAZING?! To have a singular picture of me with ALL my friends?!

Yes.

Must make this happen.

**DISCLAIMER: I have WAY more friends than I have pictures of me and my friends. So if you aren't listed here you are still my buddy, okay?! It's just that I never took the time to take a picture of the two of us together. I'm looking at you, Michelle and Brandi and Mimi! Seriously!!

In the meantime, here are a few pictures of me and some of my friends.

Brooke (Burton) Louderback. My first friend. My ~~cousin~~ sister. My life would not have been the same without her in it. We lived next door, so basically we saw each other every day. And I looked up to her like a sister would. And I love her with all me heart. I wanna be like her when I grow up. ALSO I have ZERO picture of us together. (I zoinked this from her blog) This must change IMMEDIATELY!

Ha ha, what's the best way to make sure all your friends come to your wedding? Make them bridesmaids!!!

My husband's favorite joke. He's hilarious.
Here I am with a whole bunch of my besties!
Maricella Sanchez, Maudie. We met in Laramie, we were roommates at a summer school program. That's right, ya'll. Nerds like us go to school in the summer. She's basically the nicest girl I know, can't say that I've ever EVER seen her mad!
Beverly Alliss. Bev. We met in college. She's amazing. She sings like an angel and is so fun and adorable and methinks she's getting married here pretty soon...
Jeni (Olds) Rydman. My cousin. One of my bestest friends in the whole wide world. We grew up together, even though we lived about as far away as two people could, and not having a sis in real life, we were very close.
Me. I love me, I'm awesome.
Thom, he is my friend right? I love him. We had just got married when this picture was taken. He's awesome too.
Betsy (Erickson) Simmons. Old Bes, Harry. One of my oldest friends. And by oldest I mean we've known each other as long as I can remember. We are a little over 3 months apart. Our dads were in the same graduating class. We lived a block away from each other and used to be able to yell across the field to each other. We've been through a lot in our short lives and I'm pretty sure it was no coincidence we were friends. I wouldn't have made it through Jr High without her, that's for sure!
Christine (Cripps) Lange. Cripps, Bikini, Mom. We met in college. We were roommates. We had some of the most wonderful and terrifying adventures. There was a time when we couldn't come back from a road trip without having a near-death experience! It was also not a coincidence we became friends and I basically have no idea what I would ever do without my Bikini. My Dad tried to adopt her when I brought her home from college. She's basically my sister from another mister...ew that sounds creepy...
Shandra (Steed) Johnson. We went through a lot in high school together. And after we both got married, we were able to live near each other for a few years. It was fun to be able to have such a good friend close by and we had some really great times. She is one of those friends who I don't get a chance to talk to for awhile and when we finally get together it's like we talked yesterday.
Sommer (Reinhart) Ellsworth. My Sommer Beth. I wouldn't have survived my high school years without this girl. She's amazing and such a good listener and she helped me through some pretty tough times. We had the most amazing adventures on speech trips and we have a special bond that I can't even begin to explain.

Me. Still awesome.

Bikini. Still super fantastically wonderful and amazing.

Stephanie Cooley. An amazing lady. We met at Christine's wedding and it was kinda weird because I could have sworn I'd known her all my life. She's so much fun and such a great example of what a mother and wife and teacher should be. She's pretty great and I'm lucky to know her.

AND I got lucky enough to have friends in my adult life too! How awesome is that?!

Pretty awesome says I.

These lovely ladies and I live in the same town and so we see one another a lot. We met at Girl's Camp where we were all leaders and we were fast friends. We have also had some pretty epic GNOs!

Rebecca Jones. My son's teacher, soon to be my boss or something like that. (I get the opportunity to take care of her new baby while she works. It's sort of a kid trade off) She's funny and fun and I am glad to know her.

Me, again with the awesomeness. (Ya getting tired of seeing my mug around here yet?!)

Skye (Hyde) Weisz is someone I've always known OF, but we didn't really meet until her wedding. I know how ridiculous that sounds, but it's true. Our lives have crossed so many times and we have so many common people and places it's funny when you think about it. Our Moms are friends, we are friends. WE have a Currier service with each other. I'm pretty sure she's going to be one of those people who is always in my life.

Stephanie Peterson. This girl, man, she has saved my life on numerous occasions. We've only been friends for a little over a year, but it honestly feels like we've known each other forever, and most likely will. Good luck getting rid of me, Steph! I'm a lifer! We've never had to work at being friends, it just happened naturally. And I think that's the best. We can just sit and talk for hours and hours and we never get sick of it. Although we DO do other things. And we have the best of times.

We went to a concert.

It was, not kidding, amazing.

We're basically the sexiest Mario and Luigi there ever were. Basically.

And oh yes, this is happening.

Here we are at my baby shower, with me looking all hot and pregnant and stuff.

She is seriously one of the best there is. Ever. I 100% do not know what I'd do without her and I love her like a sister.

Bronwyn Wright. A cutie who jumped in and helped Steph with my amazing baby shower after only knowing me for a month maybe? We've only known each other a little while but I think she's pretty great. Shes fun to be around and is funny and cute and I am basically way glad to know her.

So what has this little exercise taught me? First of all, I need to take more pictures of friends when we're together. Seriously people, I combed through my pictures for hours today looking for friends! Must have more pictures!! Secondly, I only surround myself with talented, beautiful, amazing women, as you can clearly see. I have high standards, only the best for me!

And lastly, it has shown me just how blessed I am to have such fantastic and phenomenal friends in my life. I am one blessed lady and consider myself the luckiest girl on earth,

30 Days: Day 2

2011-11-02T12:12:00.000-06:00

Hi there!

Came back for more, did ya?

Awesome.

I hope you won't be disappointed.

Also, side note, this right here is my 300th POST!! Can you believe that?!? 300?!?!

Whoa buddy!

Wish we could have a party...maybe I'll sit here and eat ice cream alone.

Happy 300 to me!! Here's day #2:

Day 2- THE MEANING BEHIND YOUR BLOG NAME

Oh my sweet blog. How fitting that this is the 300th post for this sweet lady, she's gone through quite a few changes. (yeah my blog's a girl, isn't yours?!)

When I first started out blogging, I thought I was going to be all philosophical and witty, you know, like a real writer blah blah blah. I named her A Biblical Account on A Life Absurd. Yeah I know, you may laugh and judge now. Believe me, I do.

Well, I soon decided that I hated that name.

So I thought I was super clever and named her Just Another Day In Paradise.
You know, because of this song, not the creepy sad Phil Collins one.

And we rolled with that for quite awhile because it was seriously what our lives were about and what my blog was about and it just fit...

...until I realized that approx. 475 people had the same idea.
Just Another Day In Paradise is a very popular blog name.
Google it.

Sooo I redesigned and thought and thought and named her How To Have It All...Or At Least Know When You've Had Enough.

And I sort of hated it again. But I went with it because my creative juices were not a flowin'.

Well, I will tell you that it hit me one day this last summer.
I was sitting outside with my feet in the kiddie pool, my boys were playing in the sprinkler.
I had a brand new baby sleeping in my lap. The sun was warm, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. And we had the radio blasting out the bedroom window.
And this song came on.

And I had a moment where it was just hard to explain, but life was perfect.
I do have The Good Life right now.
And I am lucky enough to realize it.
Some people don't, you know?

Oh and also I am a HUGE Three Days Grace fan.

So there you have it, my blog name.
I'm sure it will change again...someday.
But as for now, we're good with it.
Real good.

Now if you'll excuse me, I was promised some ice cream.

We Wanna Know

2011-11-02T08:56:00.000-06:00

Hey! It's been SO long since I played along with We Want To Know Wednesday and I have missed it for sure! So let's just jump right in here, shall we?

Hosted by Mamarazzi, Queso, and Crazymama!

#1 How did you celebrate Halloween? Trick or treating? Adult party? Trunk or treat?
This year was jam packed with Halloween fun for sure! On Saturday the 29th we attended our church's trunk or treat, however it was so cold and windy that it was super short. Like running from car to car and leaving. Awesome. We also attended an adult party with a few close friends which was hilarious and fun and full of good food and great costumes. And then on Halloween we went to Walmart and did the rounds and then went downtown and walked the streets...each store had a little table outside and we walked and walked and walked. And came home and had some pizza with friends and watched The Nightmare Before Christmas. It was perfect actually.

#2 What candy is your favorite/the first thing you steal from the kids?
Um Twix. And Tootsie Rolls...the white kind especially. And Reeses. And Reeses Pieces. And then basically anything sweet that's left. I know, I have a problem. Also, did you know my kids did not get ONE Twix bar this year?! NOT ONE!!! Booo.

#3 What kind of candy do you give out, is it your favorite? or something you won't be tempted to eat?
We usually always get Dum Dums because my hubby loves them. Other than that I try and get the biggest bang for my buck but I refuse to buy the super cheap bag o crap because I don't want to end up with a bowl full of nasty jawbreakers and off brand suckers. So I get the good stuff, but also try and get rid of it all!

#4 How soon after Halloween do you take down decorations and put away costumes?
Uh how about that night!? Seriously, I cheat a little and decorate with mostly autumn stuff so it can stay out until I decorate for Christmas. But anything with a pumpkin or spider goes back in the box as soon as possible.

#5 When do you decorate for the next holiday?
Thanksgiving is technically already taken care of, thanks to my harvest-ish decor. And the stuff for the big game comes out the day after Thanksgiving...or as soon as we get back when we're out of town. Either way, it comes out because I hate that it only gets 25 days er so to be out. Me likey the Christmas stuff.

30 Days: Day 1

2011-11-01T11:30:00.000-06:00

2 years ago, I did the whole 30 Days of Thanks. And I loved it. For one, it made me blog every day and it made me actually think about all the many things I am truly grateful for.

Last year, instead of 30 Days of Thanks, I did a scheduled Meme called 30 Days of Truth. It was intense and hard that's what she said and I really had to put myself out there.

This year, methinks, I'm going to go another direction and do another list I found, but this one involves some pictures! So that will be fun! I'd like to apologize in advance for the baby weight that will not go away...it makes me mad. Do not be fooled here, people. These are my real life pictures, not People of Walmart alright?! I swear I'm gonna lose this weight eventually and I promise I'll dress appropriately until I do.

Anyway, let's get started here with day 1, shall we?

DAY 1- A RECENT PICTURE OF YOU AND 15 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF.

How recent do we want here? Halloween 2011?

My big fat birfday, October 27?

Or October sometime ish, 2011.

And as far as interesting, well, I cannot promise that. However, here are 15 known/unknown facts about moi.

I love the theatre. I love singing, I love acting, I love stage managing and I love costuming. I love striking the set, I love hair and makeup. I wish I had the time and means to actually participate in the theatre again. Perhaps someday.
I love all things girly. Pink, clothes, jewelry, shoes, makeup, hair, girl talk, sappy movies, tanning, SHOES, hair bows, artificial nails, I love it all. It is a far cry from where I was 10 years ago for sure, but I am a sissified tweety bird now!
I have a love/hate relationship with food. I can lose weight like a champion when I put my mind to it...but my mind really likes ice cream too...or maybe it's my tummy. Either way, I have the willpower when I need it.
I am a Mormon. My husband is not. Deal with it.
I hate my teeth. They are the bane of my existence. I have 9 crowns, soon to be 11. If I had all the money in the world, I would be investing in some serious veneers...and new boobs...but that's beside the point. My teeth suck the end.
I am a rock star of an accountant. Just for our personal finances right now, but someday I will be one in real life and it will be super awesome...or a math teacher...either way I likes me some numbers.
I love people, I love making friends, and I really hate it when someone doesn't like me or is upset with me. My heart is apparently the size of my head and it hurts a lot when I disappoint people. Hence the reason I am usually the ultimate accommodator, and I get used more often than not.
I have a crazy mad stupid temper. It's not pretty and there are very few people outside my little family that have seen it. Uh, very few as in 2. Mostly, I suppose, due to the aforementioned fact. Sad that the people I love the most have to see the worst in me. I am gonna work on that.
I love to bake. I love to experiment with tastes and make my treats the best there are ever! I make a mean birthday cake and I decorate the old school way, with a pastry bag and decorator tips. My family gets some good lookin' cakes, I tell you what.
I miss my Gramma more than anything. She's not dead by any stretch of the imagination, but she lives about 5 or six hours away from us. She and I are basically best friends and I would do anything in my power to live closer to her.
I know basically nothing about history. I suck at remembering facts and more than once has my husband laughed at my inability to retain knowledge. Put those facts to music, however, and they're in the vault. Song lyrics and movie quotes are all I've got up in the old noggin.
We don't have real TV and I sort of love it. We moved here and didn't ever have it because my husband wanted to wire the house his way. We had PBS and whatever we could get on the antenna, but noting much. Then we got cable. Then we decided we were wasting money because we rarely watched it, so we got rid of it. Now we have Netflix and I am not even sad about it. TV blah blah.
I am smarter than I look.
I miss working. I miss having a job outside the house. I feel useless and lame sometimes. But I adore my kids more than anything ever. I get a sort of high when I play with them and am so lucky. I'd be willing to eat Mac and Cheese or Ramen every night for dinner if it meant I get to stay home and hang out with my kids. They are the best there is.
I drive a mini van. And I basically hate it, except for the fact that I secretly love it.

October Sunday

2011-10-30T22:52:00.000-06:00

Oh Ian.

Babes

2011-10-23T21:42:00.002-06:00

AAAAAAAAAND,,,

I love them.