Toy Commercials must die....

Ugh...why oh why do they insist on putting a million (and yes a million) toy commercials on my child's favorite TV channel. Well of course it's because they love to torture me! Rose is wanting everything and anything that they show on there. I mean really come on..she doesn't even no what some of the things are ...she just says "Mommy I want that for my birthday" I think that I heard this about 50 times today alone..grrr..so annoying..I would like to get those TV executives on the phone and give them a piece of my mind. Well onto tomorrow..where I am sure there will be more toy commercials and more "i wants" and I will be more annoyed! Enjoy your coffee!

Hoover FloorMate Spin Scrub...Amazing!

So as you all know I clean houses for a living (ahh who am I kidding..I clean one house). Anywho..I went yesterday for our biweekly cleaning..and she had bought a new floor cleaner (for her wood floors). I was exstatic...I know wow..a floor cleaner but, her other one sucked butt...and it leaked all over the place and I never felt like it actually made the floors clean. The new one that she bought is the Hoover FloorMate SpinScrub...OMG it's amazing. It's the best floor cleaner that I think I have ever seen...I need one for my own house. If you are in the market for a floor cleaner..I give this one 5 thumbs up...so go ahead..and get one..oh yeah..and can you pick me up one too! Enjoy your coffee!

1 Headache, 2 Batches of cookies, and 3 Baths....

The Tuesday night adventure:

The next time you think baking cookies is a good idea...Rethink. Yesterday afternoon I thought that maybe it would be fun to make cookies with Rose...and Mr. Jo had been wanting cookies anyway...so I could make them both happy. Well that was the dumbest idea I had all week. I got out the cookbook looking for a peanut butter cookie recipe...found one that was sort of like what I wanted ..but not really (that should have been my first clue to not bake)..and I also spotted a recipe called "chocolate revel bars" and ooh that sounded yummy. So I decided to do both. (dumb..dumb..dumb) I started the peanut butter ones..and miss Rose helped. We got them all mixed up and I got them in the oven.....I was watching them and thinking ugh..they are so flat! I mean really...(it prolly didn't help that I really don't' have a good cookie sheet..mine is so old I think it has wrinkles) sooo anyway I decide ..so they are flat they will be fine...I take them out..and this is what I get

As you can see...they are F.L.A.T..and when I tried to use the spatula to get them off the pan they smushed all together..and I couldn't leave them in any longer cause they would have burnt. Ugh...I should have stopped right here....but..it's me and obviously I am a moron. So I am already irritated with first batch as I start the second (thinking at least they are a bar cookie so I won't need a cookie sheet). I get almost done mixing the second batch and I am at the second to last ingredients...flour.. my flour jar is empty..but I know I have more in the freezer...Well I thought I did anyway...I mean really...does anything else want to piss me off! So here is the second batch all in a bowl..and no more freakin flour...so I send hubby to the store(my knight in shining armor)..he returns with flour..and I can finish. So here's the second batch...the look of it was kind of frightening.

Okay so ...it looks like slop right? I mean come on..this so IS NOT a bar cookie...although I must admit that both of these cookies were really good (despite their crappy appearance).

Onto the next adventure of the night....baths. It was bath night in our household...all kids under 4 feet take a bath together (under 4 feet rule so Mr. Jo can't get in..you now that he is sooo my fourth kid...fortunatley he did take a shower on his own..good boy). So anyway...I get Rose and Robert in there first. I always warn them not to splash cause they get the whole bathroom soaking wet. I must mention that my bathroom is like the size of a coat closet...well okay...maybe smaller. It's tiny..and I hate it...but that neither here nor there. Back to the baths...they proceed to get water everywhere....Rose tells me her pee pee is red...Robert is using the side of the tub like a slide...and AnnMarie..just stares at everyone in complete horror.

Rose posing...she'll like this one when she's sixteen!

Robert...I wonder how water got everywhere could be that he kept squirting things!

The three amigos on their water adventure

So let's recap....2 batches of cookies...one that looked like crap...and one that looked flat..but both fortunately tasted great...3 baths....lots of water....everywhere..but at least they got clean...OH and I forgot to mention I had a headache start right after that first batch of cookies....I mean how mean is God...like I wasn't stressed out enough..let's add a headache into the mix..Well..thank you. So 1 headache, 2 batches of cookies, and 3 baths but, the night eventually ended..and everybody went to bed with their sweet tooth's cured and clean bodies...does it get any better! Enjoy your coffee!

Summer Memories...

So with Rose starting school so recently ( and being my first baby to start) I have been thinking alot lately of past times in my life. Going through many happenings in my past...that for some reason are making me more emotional than I ever thought (must be time for my period). Summer just seemed so short this year..does anyone else feel like that or is it just me? We had lots of fun and tried to enjoy every minute of it, but with a new baby and getting used to life with three kids June, July and now almost August have flown by. I keep thinking about summers as a kid. When mom and dad used to work and I could kind of have the days to myself...well for the most part there was the occasional watching little sister and brother...but hey..they really could have watched themselves ..right...ha ha. I have fond memories of in junior high going to my best friend's house and watching ABC soaps all afternoon long(why on earth I was addicted to soaps then and not now...who knows)...and we would make that rice a roni stuff...and eat it ALL! It used to be sooo much fun having NO responsibilities (unlike now..they just keep stacking up). There was one summer when I was probably 8 or so (ahh I really don't remember what age I was...so mom feel free to contribute) and I was riding my banana seat bike (you know you had one!). I rode it across the street to the neighbors (he was a priest and used to give me candy..and don't go all mind in the gutter with that one..he was nice)...I left and started to ride home I started to lose my balance and my big toe got stuck in my bike chain...I know! Ouch! I fell to the ground...with it still stuck..screaming bloody murder for help...my parents had the door closed with the air on...it took quite some time for someone to help me...needless to say..I had lots of stiches in my toe and got in trouble for riding my bike with no shoes! The summer that I was about 13 or so my parents decided to take a two week vacation traveling out west and then south...to end at my uncles in Arizona. The crap ass thing was my dad decided to drive all three kids and my parents..in a van...with NO air conditioning...in AUGUST! I mean really dad...not your brighest move. Parts of the trip were fun...can't say that I want to do that again...but the experience has added character to my life. I am sure with the summer ending and all the kids going back to school you to are refleting on the summer that has past and the memories of summers long ago...so tell me..what are you crazy summer memories?

Enjoy your coffee!

It's Friday....let's talk about ME!

So it's Friday..and who doesn't want to do something useless on Friday! I decided to give you some more VERY interesting facts about myself...it's been a couple months since I have last enlightened you. After reading these and possibly my other previous useless fact blogs..."More Usless Info" and "Welcome" are you obviously going to want to be my friend...but there is a waiting line (I can only handle so many) so please send me a comment and I will give you a number...and you can hold onto it with great pride! So here we go:

1. I am always taking pics of me with someone.. myself...like holding the camera out in front of us and shooting (it always turns out terrible..but it's fun..and who doesn't like fun!)

2. I get car sick all the time. I need to sit in the front seat or be driving..otherwise the chunks are a coming. (I prefer driving..only cause then I am in control ;)

3. Going back to the control thing....I completely like being in control...I know what you are thinking..I am a one of those control freaks..not like that..just when I have my life in my own hands..making the decisions..I usually feel better.

4. All of my babies have blonde...really blonde..hair..and Mr. Jo and I are not blonde..it's just weird (I know it will probably change but for now it's weird ok!)

5. My hair is curly and brown (well most of the time)..it's usually a pain in the butt to manage..but somehow everyone else loves it...ugh..then they should have it!

6. I love to cuddle...usually with Mr. Jo..but with my kids as well. We are a very lovey touchy family..we love hugs..and kisses!

7. The "Wedding Planner" is my all time favorite movie. Does it get any better than Jennifer Lopez and Matthew Macounahey..I mean come on!

8. I can not stand changing poopy diapers. (and seeing that I have three kids..two which are still in diapers..it's pretty much impossible to avoid)

9. I cherish my family and friends with all my heart. You should never unappreciate the people that are around you. Family and friends make life so much more of an enjoyable ride!

10. I got married when I was 19 (and No I wasn't pregnant) I was in LOVE and wanted to get married. So I did!

11. I am addicted to Disney Channel "tween" shows (and so is Mr. Jo..I might as well out him..if I am outing myself) They just draw me in...not sure why...but I always find myself distracted with what I am trying to do to watch them.

12. My legs are hardly ever shaved...I hate doing it. I always feel like it's a waste of time..you shave them..then the freakin' hair just grows right back..ugh..I guess it's not very lady like..but who cares!

13. I am addicted to pictures. I love to take them..frame them..change them..anything to do with pictures count me in!

14. I HATE when the phone rings busy...I will just keep calling and keep calling (like it makes a difference) ..to hopefully get through. It's just something that I can't stand..that busy signal in the phone..it just makes me soooo annoyed!

15. I always have to wear earrings. I feel like I look funny without them ( could just be a personal opinion..but ahh who knows)

Okay so there you have it...your life just keeps getting better with all this info about me..doesn't it!? So enjoy your Friday..go give someone that doesn't care ..some useless info about yourself..it will make you feel fabulous! Enjoy your coffee!

The joy or lack there of ..for school!

Well...Ms. Rose went to school for the very first time on Wednesday. It seems that she had a good time (you ask..why did I say "it seems")...well...she is giving me answers to questions I ask about school in a very general manner. I say did you have fun at school today..."yes"...what did you you do at school today "I don't know"...did you make new friends "sure"..what are their names.."i don't know"...did you go to gym class today.."no"...did you wear your new gym shoes today "yes"..then you went to gym.."no"..."we played games" (in the gym of course I guess she just doesn't know what it is)
She however does love riding the bus.

She is always very excited to get to go to school in the morning as soon as she's up..she asks if she ca

n go to school...I say sure honey..let's wait a bit..it's not time yet...and she gives me the "rose look"..like okay..but I really want to go now. Today when I got her off the bus she was very upset...they have assigned seats on the bus (which is good since they are only preschool age)BUT..she didn't get to sit next to Lover Boy on the bus (Lover boy aka: the neighbor boy who is her "boyfriend"). I asked her who did she sit with and she said some boy..ugh..I wanted to sit with Lover boy...(what on earth were these bus drivers thinking making my little girl sit with some other boy on the bus..come on i mean what nerve).
So school as been interesting so far...she seems interested(if that's what I can gather from her oh so extensive answers) and excited to go.....I thought that this kind of thing was supposed to happen when the kids were older and unresponsive...and I am getting this from my almost 4 year old....what on earth am I in for when she 14....
Enjoy your coffee! (I am sure needing more these days!)

Some hairy humor

When to know that you have tooo much chest hair (not us girls don't worry..I am talking to the men today...although girls if you have this problem seek professional help)?
Today I shaved Mr. Jo's head. His hair has been extremely long for quite a while now and it was only a matter of time before it needed shaved again. We decided to do it before dinner..in the kitchen...Mr. Jo is sitting in his shorts and no shirt ( I know ladies control yourselves). I think Mr. Jo is a little apprehensive about the fact that I am behind him with a razor..but he controls himself and lets me proceed. Rose is completely interested in this matter and of course is in the kitchen asking a million questions..and "helping mommy" (of course she is just in the way..but that's neither here nor there). Rose is playing with items in the box from the razor (we were able to borrow from a friend)...and there were scissors and a comb in there. I needed to use the scissors to cut the rest of the lose ends that the razor didn't get...Rose thought that I needed the comb to assist the razor...but to her dismay I did not...Soo she proceeds to use the comb in the best way that she sees fit.....
Combing her daddy's chest and stomach hair! I thought that I was going to lose it. I was laughing sooo hard...(and Mr. Jo doesn't really find this as humorous as me)..Rose is looking at me like "what" isn't that what it's for. Needless to say I think that Ms. Rose has made daddy a little self conscious of his hairy chest ;)
Enjoy your coffee!

As time goes by

So the world turns...life comes and life goes...and as a mother you watch your children get older. I know in my heart they have to get older ...some days it's just an overwhelming feeling that they someday will be adults (and I too will have to be older). I was just watching them the other day..each of them in their own ways are growing...their personalities are flourishing...and their hearts are growing stronger. It's wonderful to see that they behave..they have manners (not sure where that came from)..that they can and will be wonderful big people some day.

Rose- She's turning into such a little diva. She has the smile that will melt her daddy to puddles (oh you no it Mr. Jo..don't deny). She is very into dancing and singing...recently she has added Cheerleader to her resume...she cheers for anything and everything. Even her brother and sister are something for her to cheer about "Go AnnMarie...goo....you are a good baby...GOOOO AnnMarie!" It's hilarious! She loves everyone so openly..(I take pride that she might have gotten that from me)..I see so much growth in her in the last six months or so. She carries on conversations with me like a grown up sometimes...(with attitude and all) but I am enjoying every minute of it. It's priceless for her to say "mommy I love you" and know that she was not told to say it..she wanted to...all on her own. She is starting school on Wednesday..a preschooler..ahhh..she is sooo excited (as am I ) but it will be weird with her gone even if it's for that short period of time. To you Rose....you are a wonderful daughter..and I see you growing into a beautiful woman someday..Mommy loves you very much!

Robert- Oh boy where do I start with this one. He is boy straight down to the bone. Everything is does and says is boy..and then every once in a while you get a little love out of him...he's wonderful. He has a smile that lights up the whole room...he's almost always in a wonderful mood..constantly moving here or there..into everything. He just turned 2 in June...and he is talking up a storm all the sudden. Sentences are coming out of him and they completely catch me off guard. He's very into "I need" .."I want" mode...it's great. He has this laugh that is contagious. Him and his sister are becoming great friends..and I hope that they have the kind of love that every brother and sister should have...that they care about each other and stand by one another. His new thing is to come up to you and say "I want a hug" (just melts your heart doesn't it) and then he gives you his million dollar smile...it's wonderful. Robert...you are such a fast pace moving little man...with a big smile and warm heart...I know that some day you are going to make some woman very proud. (just like your daddy!)

AnnMarie- She is soo new to the world still...but keeps changing so much everyday (I guess that's what happens with babies). It's seems like yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital..and now she is getting a personality all of her own. It's great to see her smile at you..knowing that it's actually you! She is such a daddy's girl..I thought Rose was bad..but oh boy ...AnnMarie has him wrapped. It's adorable. He comes home from work..and she just stares at him until he notices her and says "hi" ..then he gets the biggest smile that you have ever seen. She being the last child...very different from the rest...Rose and Alex were very similar as babies...but AnnMarie is in a league of her own. She is my "watcher" baby. Always taking in the surroundings...watching people (she might have gotten that from mommy)..and then if she feels like its appropriate..she'll give you a smile. She just doesn't give smiles to anyone..in her eyes you have to earn it. It's hilarious! AnnMarie...you are a wonderful baby..that has lots of love coming from your older siblings...if you start to turn out like them...you will make mommy and daddy very proud!

I have learned lately that you really need to cherish the time that you have with your kids. You never know when they might not be here anymore. Take everyday as it's the best day. Sometimes we get lost in everyday life. Just take a moment and sit back and watch your kids..enjoy them...love them...before you know it they will be having kids of their own!
Enjoy your coffee (but don't give any to the kids)

Keep the kids out of Arkansas!

Oh my ...I started to check my email and this article on Yahoo! caught my eye. The Arkansas government made a big oops! They made it legal for all ages (all including infants) to marry with a parents permission. Can you believe this...what idiot had the pen on that bill?! The government is debating on calling a special session to fix this law (debating...who is running this state!). Take a look at the article...too funny:

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A law passed this year allows Arkansans of any age — even
infants — to marry if their parents agree, and the governor may have to call a
special session to fix the mistake, lawmakers said Friday. The legislation was
intended to establish 18 as the minimum age to marry but also allow pregnant
teenagers to marry with parental consent, bill sponsor Rep. Will Bond said. An
extraneous "not" in the bill, however, allows anyone who is not pregnant to
marry at any age if the parents allow it.
"It's clearly not the intent to
allow 10-year-olds or 11-year-olds to get married," Bond said. "The legislation
was screwed up."
The bill reads: "In order for a person who is younger than
eighteen (18) years of age and who is not pregnant to obtain a marriage license,
the person must provide the county clerk with evidence of parental consent to
the marriage."
A code revision commission — which fixes typographical and
technical errors in laws — had tried to correct the mistake, but a group of
legislators said Friday the commission went beyond its powers.
"You're either
pregnant or you're not pregnant," Sen. Dave Bisbee said. "Rarely will that be a
typographical error."
The Arkansas Legislative Council asked the independent
commission to reverse its correction. Several lawmakers said a special session
may be necessary.
"We need a special session to fix this," Sen. Sue Madison
said. "I am concerned about pedophiles coming to Arkansas to find parents who
are willing to sign a very young child's consent."
Before the new law took
effect July 31, girls could get married with parental consent at 16 and boys at
17.
The Legislature formally adjourned its session in May and is not
scheduled to meet again until January 2009, unless Gov. Mike Beebe calls a
special session. Beebe said he wanted to look at all options for correcting the
error before deciding whether to call a special session.

So what's your take?...Have an unruly eenager...send them to Arkansas and pawn them off while you still can...!

Enjoy your coffee!

The Coffee Cup Challenge

Calling all coffee cups!

So I figured this being a blog heavily influenced by coffee...that we need to get your favorite coffee cups! I love coffee...most women I know enjoy it as well. Everyone I am sure has a favorite...cup..mug..travel cup..etc...that they use and just adore...it's either cute, practical, or holds a good memory. So I want to see them...send me(ssbeland@sbcglobal.net) a picture of your all time favorite coffee cup...the cup you use everyday..your special occasion coffee cup. Whatever one you just have to always keep..I want to see them. After I get a good collection going I will put them up on my blog for all to see. The world of fabulous cups needs to be shared! Here's my favorite cup.....So let's see what you are drinking out of!

Enjoy your coffee!

The guilt-stricken Nana

So have I told you about my mom yet....I suppose not...well her name is Nana (not her real name of course..don't go getting all confused). She is a loved and cherished member of this family. She is the woman that has made me the woman that I am today (not sure yet if that's a good thing or a bad thing?). Nana is one awesome "grandma" (we don't call her that ..it makes her feel old) and her grandchildren just adore her. Mr. Jo and I adore her as well...as she is the the one and only person that will take all three of our children..pretty much whenever we have something to do (kudos to you Nana!). Nana and my eldest daughter , Rose, have a special bond. Rose being the first grandchild...the first girl...she is always going to be first in my mother's eyes (her love is the same with all the kids..but theirs is a special one). Rose gets to go with Nana alot, being the oldest has it's perks, and she jumps at the chance whenever she gets to spend the night with her Nana. The other night Nana picks up Rose to stay the night...they were off to go shopping for a bit before going home...and later that night..this is the phone call I received:

Me: "Hello"
Nana: "Hi...(sounding a bit distraught)...I just wanted to let you know I HAD to spank Rose"
Me: "Okay...(sort of laughing in my head ..thinking how awful this must have been for her since Rose is her "holy child")
Nana: "We are shopping and she was hiding on me...I stopped her and said that you can't hide on Nana cause I will think someone took you. After I did that to her I turned around to talk to your brother and when I turned back she was gone."
Me: "Really....(thinking...at least she does this to others and not just to me in the store)"
Nana: "Her shoes were sitting in the cart all nice and neat like someone was saying..haha I took your kid.(oh way to dramatic mom).. I started frantically running around the area...calling her name..and no response."
Me: (of course I am keeping cool at this point...trying not to laugh..cause it was sort of funny)
Nana: "Then all of the sudden I hear her say "here I am " and she's standing there smiling......So..I spanked her butt.(huge sigh..like it was the worst thing she's ever had to do)"
Me: "Okay mom..that's fine...she prolly deserved it..she knows better."
Nana: "Well I wasn't going to call you but after I did it ..I just kept thinking..oh no I spanked Rose...(me really wanting to laugh at this point)...and I felt bad."
Me: "No it's fine...don't worry...she'll get over it"
Nana: "I hope so..she's really mad at Nana right now...okay well that's all I wanted ..Bye"

So to some of you it just might not be as funny as it was to me. I got off the phone and told Mr. Jo about the conversation and he laughed as well. It was just so priceless...that mom had to spank Rose..being that Rose is her holy child..the child that does no wrong...the child that smiles just right and gets what she wants. Just the thought of the guilt that my mom was feeling for having to spank her (which totally was okay) was hilarious. Sorry mom....you set yourself up for this one. But alas not to worry...Rose is over it..she still loves her Nana...and the world will continue to turn...even though her Nana has probably scared her for life.
Enjoy your coffee!

Mortgage and Insurace....a combo from HELL

So before the story begins I must give you a little background on this saga that has taken over my day....
Back in May...yep that's right MAY...I got a bill for my homeowners insurance (which is odd because I pay for it in my mortgage payment)...so I call my insurance company and ask them why I am being billed for this..cause I know that it's in my escrow account. The woman on the other end replies..."Oh dear..not sure let me look into this for you." A few hours later I get a call back from her.."Okay I figured it out..the insurance company wasn't billing your mortgage company ..So I just faxed over the bill to them." Well...you would think as did I that it was all taken care of...until today that is...

So today in the mail I receive a bill from my insurance company (again!) and I open it to reveal that it is a cancellation notice! Are you flipping kidding me...cancel me..oh no you aren't..I sooo took care of this like three..count them three months ago. I proceed to pick up the phone and call my lovely insurance co. I actually get a very reasonable person on the phone. She says that my file shows that in May it was taken care of ...by such and such girl...but the bill was still never paid. No shit (obviously that's why I am calling you again!)I give her the number to my mortgage and she is going to call and take care of it for me (thank god someone with half a brain..and is willing to help). But of course...because it's me and things like this only happen to me..she calls back about ten minutes later. "All I could get out of your mortgage co. was that you don't have an escrow account and that's why they aren't paying the bill." WHAT! I want to hurt someone so bad at this point....so anyway I had to call the mortgage co. myself and straighten this all out. To be prepared I just check my statement..and that's odd...I have AN ESCROW account balance..DUH...cause I actually have a escrow account ...I know this..the piece of paper actually knows this..why is everyone else so god damn stupid! Okay..back to the story. I called (and of course got the stupidest man alive..who put me on hold on and off for 40 minutes)...after lots of waiting and talking and explaining..he finally figures out that I DO in fact have an escrow account (wow really..you have to be kidding) and it just wasn't put onto my loan properly ..even though I have been paying for it. So he had to do a "work order" (whatever the hell that means) and told me to call back and speak with the insurance dept of the co. in like five days. Okay keep in mind I just got a cancellation notice in the mail and is for Aug 20th which conveniently is FIVE days from now! He claims that they could not process a payment before then because they have to wait for this "work order" to process before anything can be done! Well..lets just hope that when I call back on FRIDAY (and i know that it's not five days from now) someone better make a payment to my insurance co. for me or some heads are going to roll....just for the fact that I haven't had my insurance co paid ..and i have been paying my mortgage co for it! They should be bending over backwards for me..but obviously I'm the idiot and that's not going to happen....Please pray for the person to whom I will be talking with on Friday if this doesn't get done...they are going to need it! Enjoy your coffee...drink an extra cup for me!

You know you've lost it when.....

1. Your day seems to be going fine...and then all of the sudden your mind snaps and you are a mother of three that has NO patience left (aka...pyscho mommy)
2. The first thing that you grab out of the fridge to drink is something that has more alcohol than you usually drink in a week.
3. You are doing the dishes....trying to hurry...and you put a pot in the strainer...that proceeds to knock your nice pretty baking dish to the floor (shattering it to many pieces) and you just shrug your shoulders at your husband and continue to do the dishes.
4. Your oldest daughter is leaving for the night(you think that this alone would make you in a wonderful mood)...you want to make her hair look nice...after telling her to bring you the brush numerous times...she keeps bringing you the pic( knowing all along that she is not bringing you the right thing)...you scream at her like you are an insane person.
5. You are glad to go to the bathroom just for the sake that you can be alone (as long as the kids don't figure out that you are in there and come in and out fifteen times)
6. You realize that you are so hot from moving for the past three hours...you sit down to eat a hot meal..drink a cold alcoholic drink...and you are sweating(even thought it's 74 in the house) and you really just don't care.
7. You are screaming one second...then smiling the next (only because your husband is poking you in the side trying to make you smile).
8. You can't wait to sit down and blog....cause you have to share with the rest of the world how crazy you think you really are. In hopes that someone else is crazier!
Enjoy your coffee ...I have obviously not had enough today!

Ugh the foot saga continues

As previously mentioned I have a torn ligament in my foot (it just sounds retarded to say...especially when I have no real "accident" to cause this such situation). Anyway...today I returned to the doctor to see how the good ole' foot was progressing (keep in mind I have been a semi-good girl keeping the boot on and taking my medicine). As I figured the foot is not better...obviously since it still hurts like hell! I have been wearing the boot about 90% of the time (seriously 90%..hey don't judge it's better than no percent!) and I have been taking my medicine as well...well most of the time anyway, I am an awful pill taker. So the doc explains that my pinkie toe is bent sort of (bunionish I guess) and it's causing a lot of pressure on the ligament attached to that toe....blah blah blah...all I kept hearing was him say that it's not better and i needed a shot...yup you heard right a shot in my foot! Ugh! I know that I have had three kids (natural) so a shot should be no big deal...but it's in my foot...not a lot of fat there (the one and only place) and it's not a small needle or quick process...double ugh! Well the doc says that I will need a series of shots to see if they help the healing process of the ligament. God..if you are listening..let it help..this mama can't handle having surgery to repair my foot and deal with three small children ..to which one can not walk on her own. So...another two weeks..wearing inserts in shoes and back to the doc to see if it's getting better...and I am sure another shot..ugh...my foot tenses just thinking about it.

Sunday...Oh Sunday

It's Sunday....I open my eyes when I hear AnnMarie screaming from the next room...realize that Rose is squished into bed next to me and my throat is sore...I feel the beginning of a crappy day before me. Usually we are up and going...all getting ready for church on Sunday mornings..not this morning. Waking up to my youngest child crying for a bottle is always exhausting not to mention the fact that I feel like a cat dug it's claws into the back of my throat. Great. Just great. So Mr. Jo has to be at church early this morning (of course..it's seems he's always there early leaving me to fend for myself with three small children)...and by the time that I have gotten up he is already dressed and looks ready to conquer the world. Ugh...that site just makes me feel even worse. I make my way downstairs to feed AnnMarie...Robert wakes up as well...whinning of course...and Rose is not to far to follow. Mr. Jo looks at me and says...you don't look like you feel very good (wow..good one Mr. Holmes). "Why don't all of you just stay home today and relax," he says. (Side note that the kids weren't feeling well either..I believe this is all thanks to my little brother who has pawned his sickness onto my family...) I finished feeding AnnMarie...Mr. Jo leaves...I think - lets all go into mommy's bed and veg out for the morning..watch cartoons...and to my surprise ...they actually cooperated with my plan..this plan of course was to only please myself and no one else. Soooo...we did absolutely nothing all morning. Robert and AnnMarie ended up taking nice long naps..and it was actually sort of relaxing (which I was totally not expecting...I expected the kids to be screaming..wanting everything possible..making me actually take care of them..I mean go figure). I still am feeling like crap when Mr. Jo arrived home but decided to go downstairs and be human for a few hours. By human I mean sit on the couch ...watch tv..and have my husband wait on me ;) The phone rings and a good friend of mine is on the line...she is calling to tell me she has some hand me down dance shoes for Rose...(yes I totally didn't want to buy any..I love getting hand me downs) and she just happens to mention that she has a pool that is trying to get rid of and want to give it to us. Yes I said it right..give it to us...I mean really could these people be any more wonderful. It's been sooo freakin' hot here in Illinois and a POOL would just make my year(let me just clarify this is no kiddie pool..this is one of those new craze blow up blue pools..adult size)! Yes! So Mr. Jo hops into the car and goes to retrieve the pool. As we speak he is putting it up! Hooray for us...a new cooling tactic at our house. So pretty much to recap the day... started out crappy...sore throat...lazy morning...doing nothing...ended...getting a pool...not to mention a FREE pool! I just have to apologize for this blog being about absolutely nothing(even though I really shouldn't apologize because obviously you love me or you wouldn't be reading this)...but I guess the sore throat is affecting my brain and I didn't have anything better to write about! Enjoy your coffee today..tomorrows gonna be a HOT one! (but i'll be in my new pool!)

Oh the water bill....but the car benefits!

So how stupid can one woman be you may ask? Well...pretty damn stupid in my case (and Mr. Jo I know you are totally backing me up on that statement). I never and I say NEVER remember to pay my water bill on time. I even get the disconnection notice in the mail and think okay I have to the (insert date here) to get it paid before they shut it off. Let me give you a little background first. We live in a hodunk town in Illinois...it's small and the city people are pissy. They give you like 20 days after it's due to pay and then they shut you off. Not to mention if it's shut off they charge you a $25 additional fee to come turn it back on. (by on I mean walk there lazy asses to my front yard and turn a flipping screw..that is SO not worth $25) Now when they send the water bill I always pay attention...but it's like that little stubbie lookin thing and I never remember to pay it...I guess I should be a good wife like my neighbor friend and mail it in..but in such a small town I never even thought of it. I just think oh it's easy enough to just go and drop it off...well wrongo idiot...I obviously failed in that thought process. Mr. Jo is constantly yelling at me to remember the water bill...and of course I listen to him...not like I would ignore him (snicker). Also it's not like we don't have the money to pay it...I just never remember..which for me is odd because except for this one thing..I have an awesome memory (go me!)...so anyway...today I am going to rinse AnnMaries bottle out.. turn on the water ...and NADA...ugh..not again I think. Funny thing is I go to my bill basket and look for the shut off notice..and duh..I didn't even open it yet! I mean really...I have only myself to blame. At this point in the morning I not dressed or are the kids...well I throw on clothes enough to look presentable to go in somewhere public..the kids are fine..they just sit in the car. I pay the bill PLUS the outrageous $25 charge..and I am on my way...I guess the upside is that I was already out...so I thought what the hey..I am going to go clean the car...I may have forgotten the water bill..but my kidmobile definitely benefited! Enjoy your coffee! (but remember to pay the water bill or it's hard to make the coffee)

Showering with new discoveries....

So how many of you mom's out there let your little ones shower or bathe with you? And for those of you that are saying no weirdo right now...oh please you know that you are lying. My oldest daughter...Rose...she wasn't home for bath time last night...so when I was almost done in the shower I called for her to come in so I could give her a quick cleaning. She has been quite the little question girl lately..so I figured I was in for it...She gets in....and of course you realize that she's not that tall yet...so she's pretty much eye level or just above...my "v".

Rose: "mommy why do you have hair ..there...?"
Me: "cause that's what mommies have"...you will get hair when you are bigger too"
Rose: "ummm no ...no I won't that's gross"
Me: " well you will but not to you are much bigger like mommy"
Rose: "okay"

And on with the shower we go...I wash her hair....then she is playing while I finish up with my shower duties..I turn around to wash her body....

Rose: "I like your pee-pee mommy..."
Me: "ummmmm ...thanks Rose" ( all the while thinking..did she just say that she liked my pee pee)

Now we quickly wash her body...and out mommy goes....if she is going to keep analyzing my pee pee (as she says) then ..maybe showers with mommy are officially over! ;)
Enjoy your coffee!

My new competition

So I guess I should tell you all that Mr. Jo has started to blog. I think he was feeling left out or something...or like he "being the man of the house" needed to give me a run for my money on the blogging thing(whatever). I cannot guarantee that he will be as funny as me (he will try but I am just too freakin hilarious to compete with)...I cannot guarantee that you will like him (but if you like me you will like him it's inevitable)...I cannot guarantee that he will give you any useful information (but rather lots and lots of useless information)...but I CAN guarantee that he will try his hardest to make you laugh ...cry...sigh..and smile...he's a real charmer. So if you get a few minutes go on over and check him out at Straight From the Men's Room. I should however warn you on a few useless facts about him....(ah hummmm....)

1. He is a very handsome man (all right girls keep your hands to yourself he's mine)
2. He's very conscious of his weight even though he doesn't act like it
3. He loves sweet tea...and I mean loves..he would kill for it
4. Daddy is his name but having fun is his game (lol..i know corny but true)
5. He always puts his boots on in the morning and then proceeds to tramp all over the house before work to spread mud on my nicely swept floors. ( I mean really..come on)
6.He has the best smile I have ever seen
7. He has the attention span of a 2 year old (and I have one two year old..so as you can imagine..this is very annoying)
8. He has a wonderful emotional side (I know some of you are thinking..how girly..but it's so sincere and loving...great quality for husband and father)
9. He always has to put his feet up when on the computer (always looks so damn uncomfortable)
10. He is sooo much better at doing laundry than me..(and believe me girls i love it!)

Well...some useless info about Mr. Jo...I am sure you will all learn to love him as I do..(well okay not exactly as I do but you get the picture) Enjoy your coffee!

Many Thanks

To all of you that have been compassionate towards my family and sister in these past days a big thank you. It's always a great feeling to know that there are so many people out there that love us. We love all of you back as well. Today was our final good bye day...and it wasn't easy. Not that I imagined that it would be ....but I guess I didn't fully prepare myself for what was to come. I have never seen anything like it before and I hope that for a very long time I never have to again. My sister is sooo strong. She is going to be such a better woman because of all of this. God bless all of you that donated to her help fund for medical bills and for burial expenses. It's so peaceful knowing that Dakota is in heaven with God....that we said good bye and God was saying hello. Until we meet him again..he's in a better place..someday we will be to. Love and kisses. Enjoy your coffee today...and spike it a little..I know I will ;)

If you would still like to donate please go here :

Auntie...in my heart forever and always

It is with great sadness and heartbreak that I have to tell my blogging friends that I have lost my nephew. Little Dakota I told you about only weeks ago has lost his battle with his illness. He passed on Friday, August 3 around 8:44pm in my sister's arms. He was just four weeks old. It just breaks my heart that this little life could not last...but I know that he is in such a better place now...a place free of pain...and sadness..a place were he can be with our Heavenly Father. The question of why always comes up with a life yet so young...be we have to be strong and know that our faith will have to guide us to the right answers. No mother deserves this kind of tragedy to happen but Dakota's Father was calling him home. He was such a fighter straight from the beginning and right up to the end. Luckily enough my sister was able to detach him from all wires and contraptions to hold him free in her arms as he passed. I was there with her and the site was so extremely hard to take. Having three small children of my own made it hit so close to home...my little AnnMarie only being only 5 months. I was strong for my sister but leaving the room I collapsed into my husband's arm. I feel such sadness for my sis....so strong though I know she will pull through this and come out on the other side a stronger woman. This little guy did such magical work when he was here. He definitely brought my sister and I closer together..which I will be forever grateful for....he also made his mommy a more mature woman. I can only imagine the pain and suffering she is feeling right now...and I have faith that she will move on with great hope for the future and live a wonderful life with Dakota's presence all around her. He will be a baby forever in our hearts and in heaven. My sister and I have great love knowing that little Dakota is in heaven with our Grams...she was a special grandma to us and we know that she will take great care of him. One day we will be able to all be together again. Rest in peace my littlest nephew and I will be your auntie in my heart forever and always. I love you Dakota. God bless!

P.S. Check out Serendipity Mine's blog ..she has so generously set up a donation for Dakota's mom.

What on earth were they thinking?!

Sooo...searching the internet lately for me has been very interesting. I have been trying hard to do some research for my new baby website...and I have come across some very...and I mean very interesting items. Ohhhh but I was so not prepared for this one. I found a site with matching mom and baby clothes! Oh yes that's what I said....who on earth would wear these (the sad thing is obviously someone if they have a site). The website is Royalty Baby.com. It's flippin hilarous. I guess that some of them aren't so bad. But I am just not the type of person that would not buy any of these. It must take a real special person to be able to wear those clothes. Enjoy your coffee!

Baby question:
What is your best baby room organizing tip?