High On Life Low on Coffee

A glitter tornado

2011-09-26T21:29:00.002-06:00

Sometimes cleaning is just an overwhelming daunting task. Especially when you have four little people (monsters), one big kid (my husband), and a four legged hairy creature (the dog) making messes faster than you can clean them up most days. I seem to get one area of the house done, clean and organized, then everywhere else in the house looks like a tornado went through it. In the case of my girls rooms...it was a tornado with glitter....yes I said glitter...I would want to smack the person that bought the glitter...then the thought dawns on me...oh yeah...that was me :( The hubby and I decided to take on the task of cleaning up the glitter tornado that left a mess in the girls room today. I must admit I was pretty pessimistic when the battle started early this afternoon....but the end approached much quicker than I first thought. One huge black garbage, lots of bins being filled, a donate box being made, sheets being changed all made the clean up a success. I kinda wish that when children are born that they are just born with that keen sense of organization...and cleanliness... and maybe some are...and God just skipped over my children ;) I think the definition of the clean that they have currently been given is wrong...really wrong. This is their definition: Clean; to leave garbage on the floor, to throw things in every possible place that is doesn't belong, to color on walls, to leave dirty clothes on the floor, and to never under any circumstances put anything away.
Here is the real definition of clean:
CLEAN-
adjective

free from dirt; unsoiled; unstained: She bathed and put on aclean dress.

free from foreign or extraneous matter: clean sand.

free from pollution; unadulterated; pure: clean air; cleanwater.

habitually free of dirt: Cats are considered clean animals.

characterized by a fresh, wholesome quality: the clean smellof pine.

As you can see these two definitions are not really on the same page...in the same book...or on the same planet! However I must admit that it does have to be partly blamed on me and my hubby. We don't keep up on the kids to constantly be picking up there messes...I guess you could say we get tired and lazy too....maybe someday soon we can find a happy meeting place with these little destructive monsters. Maybe in 18 or so years I can have things stay cleaned for more than a few days....then again when that happens I will probably be missing the messes! Hope a glitter tornado isn't in your forecast...but if it is...just take it one sparkle at a time ;) Enjoy your coffee!

Opening a closed chapter...

2011-01-19T08:31:00.004-06:00

Something was tugging at me today to go to my blog and read some old posts...well my life sure must have been busy lately since I haven't posted since the end of 2009! Crazy it doesn't seem like that long at all. I really do enjoy writing...I guess I need to make it a habit instead of a "once in a while" kind of thing! I read a few of my older posts and then one particular one caught my eye. It was entitled "Closing a Chapter." For those of you that haven't read it...that post was written the night before my husband went in for "the big procedure" to prevent us from having anymore kids. I was explaining my thoughts, fears, and hopes about that part of our life closing. Little did I know that about 10 months later...all that changed! God decided that I needed a miracle baby ( or at least that is what I am calling him). I became pregnant again in May 2010 with our 4th child...something we didn't think was even a possibility anymore. At first my reaction was not the best...I was scared, annoyed, a little irritated, and just wondering why. My husbands job is unsteady...we have a house that feels filled to the max already...and it just wasn't in "my" plans at all. It is funny how God doesn't really care what is in OUR plans....they are all about His plans. Just another way He is showing me that. It took me about four months of crying...wondering...and being sick to finally realize how excited I really was about bringing this new life into our world! Now (in the last weeks of pregnancy) I can't wait for this little guy to get here. My heart is overflowing with love and joy that this new season is going to bring to our family. My kids are all so much older now...they are just as, if not more, excited than my husband and I for him to arrive. It's going to be awesome to watch my 7, 5, and almost 4 year old interact with their new brother! They are all so excited in their owns ways. My 7 year old, Rose, is just a little mother hen....she just can't wait for her baby brother to get here...so she can help take care of him. She has such a special heart I know that the baby is going to be blessed with her for a big sister. Then my 5 year old, Robert, is thrilled beyond words to be getting a brother. He is currently out numbered with the two girls. He prayed every single night that the baby was going to be a boy...it was so cute and special. Although at first the baby is not going to be as fun as he is thinking...but he is super excited none the less! And lastly my 4 year old, AnnMarrie, who is consumed with talking about "the baby." It is so part of her world already and he is not even here yet. She loves playing with baby dolls and being "mommy." She wants to hold him, play with him, and just love him! I am SO excited to see her react with him....and I pray that being the youngest child now she doesn't get upset when all the attention is not on her. So many new and exciting changes are ahead for my family. In a few short weeks our family is going from 5 to 6 and I personally can't wait!! Thank you God for blessing me with this miracle baby that I didn't know that I needed! So thankful your plans are always better than mine!

Enjoy your coffee!!

There is a season...

2009-09-15T14:38:00.003-06:00

So I think "The Byrds" said it best....

"To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven"

"A time to build up, a time to break down

A time to dance, a time to mourn

A time to cast away stones

A time to gather stones together"

There are so many "seasons" or changes of life. I think as we are in it whichever one it may be we don't always realize the important of that season of our life. Cause sadly one day that season will change....we won't get it back...and we need to cherish every moment of that season...and carries those memories with us to our next season. After having a conversation today with a great lady I soon realized that change is around us....at all times. However there are soo many changes that seem scary...that seem to big...to overwhelming to we think we can't handle them. We make changes probably everyday...if not everyday on a very frequent basis. Some are so small and unimportant we don't take the time to fret over them. Then we have BIG change and it shakes our world as we know it. One thing I am learning...is no matter what ...we need to turn to God for comfort in our changes...whether they are good or bad. Our life it heading in this direction for a reason and we need to embrace each and every season that He still allows us to be here on earth for. Think of how many changes you go through just in the time you are born until you graduate from high school...and that is only 18 years. Oh my!! Then you go through college...get married....have kids....probably around the time frame of the next 10-15 years...all while changing...and big changes...big seasons. It seems that all those changes are life altering...good...happy changes. However sometimes in the midst of our normal seasons we are thrown for a loop and the season changes before we are ready for it too. It's like the leaves are changing before September or snow falling in June...just doesn't seem right. I know that God gives us these changes in season...sometimes drastically to keep us awake...to make us realize that our current season may soon be over and we need to cherish it. Every day something new happens...you wake up and live a brand new day. I say let's LOVE the season we are in...and cherish the past season ....and look with joy to the future seasons. We are not always going to like change....but just know that it's okay. God is still there....for every season and he wants those seasons and those changes to make our life amazing!

"To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven"

Enjoy your coffee!

Oh the game of football...

2009-09-13T21:34:00.005-06:00

Okay so we have arrived into football season. Let me just start by saying that it doesn't really please me....my husband on the other hand is thrilled...he gets his kicks from yelling at the tv (although not quite sure he knows that they can't hear him). When I was growing up my father must have not thought it valuable to teach me the importance of understanding the game of football. Then I met and fell in love with Mr. Jo...who is a sports fanatic. Especially I think of the game of football. This has a caused a problem for me....because I am so football stupid...and I am not kidding...I know what a touchdown is ....and that I am pretty sure is the extent of my knowledge. I even tried a few years ago to have him try and sit with me and watch games so i could try and understand (not sure why I would want to)....but let's just say it was unsuccessful and not only at that point was he yelling at the tv but at me! I thought I would look up the definition of this "football"....and see if it helped at all....so here it is....

foot·ball (fo̵ot′bôl′)

noun

1. BRIT. soccer
2. BRIT. Rugby (sense )
3. in the U.S., a game played on a field that is 100 yards long, with 2 teams of 11 players and a goal at each end: the players may attempt to score a touchdown by running or passing the ball, kick a field goal, etc.
4. Canadian football
the oval, inflated, leather or rubber ball used in playing football in the U.S. or Canada
any issue, problem, etc. that is passed about or shunted from one group to another a political football

Alright first off....1a and 1b ...whatever different country...don't care. Now onto 1c...that is what I am looking for. Now they make it sound sooo easy....you have a bunch of burly men running in tight uniforms on a long field...."attempting" to make scores ...by doing things with the ball. Well now that sounds pretty easy doesn't it. I have realized that however you start throwing words like "1st and 10", "sacks", "downs", "fumbles", "half backs", "defensive end"....and I am pretty much lost. Not to mention when I think I have an idea of what is going on ...the rules somehow get so much more complicated. Ugh and boy is that annoying! So now I just watch and sit quite...not really paying any attention but looking like I really know what is going on. If someone on my team...drops the ball...I say "oh man" at the tv every once and a while so it seems like I have a clue! I even sometimes will catch a few sports news on ESPN and pay attention. I will ride the coattails of one little piece of news for weeks if it makes me look like I know anything about the sport. Until Mr. Jo finally catches on and outs me! Guess I am just not one of those woman that loves to sit down with the boys and watch a good football game and don't think I am going to be anytime soon! I guess for my marriages sake I will no longer ask football questions...and leave all the game watching in this house to my husband! For future thought however...I am thinking it's going to have to be a necessity for my daughters to be taught by there daddy how this game works....so one day maybe just maybe they can teach their mommy!

Happy Football Season :)

Enjoy your coffee!

Honoring 9/11

2009-09-11T20:04:00.000-06:00

UNITED WE'LL STAND

We arose from the ashes of the towers in the sky,
We're a proud, mighty nation and we hold our heads high!

Back from Ground Zero where we all shed a tear,
We'll show to the world that we won't live in fear.

They tried to destroy us on that fateful day,
September eleventh in our memory will stay.

With flags full unfurled, we'll fight night and day,
To protect and defend our American way!

So united we'll stand for the whole world to see
We're the home of the brave and we all will agree,
United we'll stand in the land of the free!

They burned down a landmark but our hearts did not sway,
And we're makin' our come-back the American way!

We're children of freedom, and that's how we'll stay,
No terrorist cowards can take that away!

So united we'll stand for the whole world to see
We're the home of the brave and we all will agree,
United we'll stand in the land of the free!

A new brand of hero emerged from the crowd,
Brave Firemen, Policemen, you sure made us proud!

No terror can daunt us, we'll fight to the end,
Unwavering, unfaltering that's the message we send.

We're children of freedom, and that's how we'll stay,
No terrorist cowards can take that away!

America, you're beautiful, honest and true,
America we love you, Our Red, White and Blue!

So united we'll stand for the whole world to see
We're the home of the brave and we all will agree,
United we'll stand in the land of the free!

Home

© A. P. DuBarry, Jr. 2001

Closing a chapter

2009-09-10T12:40:00.003-06:00

I never thought that I would get so emotional when I realized I am no longer going to have anymore kids. My husband and I have three beautiful children now....and will forever. Tomorrow my husband goes in for "the big procedure." I am sitting here thinking....how strange to finally know that this is it. For as many things that suck about being pregnant...I think that the many great things out weigh the bad. I love getting those butterflies in my stomach when I thought that I might be pregnant...and then your brain goes into warp speed trying to imagine the next nine months...I would sit and just be amazed every single time when thinking about what is actually going on inside my body. I am creating life (with the help of Mr. Jo and God of course)...but this is all taking place inside my body. Just sit and think about that for a minute......what a miracle creating human life truly is. I remember the first time I heard my first daughters heart beat...I started crying....knowing that this small blessing was taking place....how Awesome! Everytime I heard the heart beat with all my pregnancies it was so breathtaking...and you just can't help but smile. :) I loved when I could finally feel the baby start to move inside of me....that feeling....is something sent straight from God. It is so sensational...magical...just amazing! I would be pregnant over and over again...just to get to experience that! There is soo much planning and dreaming...and preparing for these new little ones. It's very mind consuming. I had been pregnant some part of every year from 2003 to 2007...I know..crazy...but true. It was so much part of my life for almost four years. On certain days if you had asked I probably would have said I hated being pregnant...but on a general basis I loved it and wouldn't change doing it for one second! I got three beautiful little miracles out of it...and that makes everything worth it. Seeing those babies faces for the very first time....ahhh...true love. I did sure wonder after the first one how I could love another one as much as I loved her....but then number two came along...and he was loved just as much...and so was number three....all in their own ways :) I think every woman should be able to get to enjoy the wonderous adventure of being pregnant...it is for sure in my eyes on of God's greatest gifts. I thought for a long time maybe I would have one more....but am seeing that it just isn't in the plan. With Mr. Jo going tomorrow to sort of put an end to this chapter of our lives...it makes me sad a little bit. Knowing that I will never get to experience any of those things again....however I did get to experience it three times....which is more than I could ask for. I am looking forward to the future...seeing my three children grow into amazing people. So for now I might be a little sad...but sad with a smile...being able to close this chapter....and move onto a new one :)

Enjoy your coffee!!

Blessings

2009-09-09T21:53:00.003-06:00

Everyday on this earth is such a blessing. Somedays I think that thought nearly slips from my mind as I get caught up in this "world." God has granted me a wonderful ...blessing filled life and somedays I think I really take it for granted. I could never wake up tomorrow...or the next day..or next. So why is it that people seem to live each day without the thought that there could never be a tomorrow. We need to love the ones around us...make the most of the days we have been given...and Praise the Lord for all the goodness we have! I love seeing God work in my life everyday and renewing my spirit with wonderfully magical things :) Recently in a bible study that Mr. Jo and I are part of we talked about how we can let the thumps (crappy things) in everyday life get us down...and boy in a days hours there sure are alot of thumps! Instead of letting the "thumps" get the best of us...we need to sing God's praises. Praise Him for all the good. Those little thumps...can change our mood...and our spirit ever so quickly...and frankly life is just to short for that! I want to get up each and every morning...knowning that God has granted me a new day...another breath...and smile! Smiling...loving...living....doing God's work. Even when this world wants to get me down I can turn to Him....and He will show me that this is only the world we are living in....there is something so much better that we are looking towards. I should be and want to be singing God's praises everyday! What a awesome thing that He would give his own son's life for ME....I mean really come on people....should we take advantage of

that?! If I gave my own son's life for the good of others I sure hope that it would not be taken lightly. Let's live each day with our whole selves....loving...smiling...and praising GOD! :)

Enjoy your coffee! :)

Family Fun

2009-02-08T18:11:00.004-06:00

This past weekend was pretty amazing! I enjoyed the whole weekend with my family....doing things that really didn't cost anything...plus they were enjoyable...which is great! It's been a while since we were able to be out and about having some fun. Mr. Jo is laid off right now so it usually puts a restaint on the things that we are able to do with the kids. This Friday we took the kids to storytime at Barnes and Noble. It's was a pajama storytime with Winnie the Pooh for valentines day. The kids were pretty excited to go. I was surprised at how big of a turn out there really was. The kid book area was packed in with little ones (which is not always my idea of a good time), but the kids did have fun. They got to meet Winnie the Pooh! How exciting. Well...it was exciting for the girls...but Robert was another story. We realized that at Christmas time this year he did not like Santa Claus....we thought it was the whole coming in your house at night thing...wierd...and big beard with a red and white outfit...but we may have been wrong. On Friday when he saw Winnie the Pooh (a character he enjoys watching on tv) he FREAKED out....it's was actually kind of amusing. He started to whine....and panic a little walked really fast to get far away and hide behind daddy. I was trying to calm him down...but laughing at the same time. Crazy! What in the world is this character going to do to him. Robert wanted no part of partcipating in picture taking with him. Rose and AnnMarie walked right up and got a snap shot...they loved it...but not Robert. We are coming to the conclusion that he just does not like people in costumes. We would really love to take him to Disney world...but if this is going to be his reaction everytime he sees a character we might want to rethink that!

On Saturday...we went to the zoo! It was great. It was the first time in months that it has been nice out..I think that it was almost 50 degrees! Yippee! To top it off..the zoo was completely free that day. We got to do so much stuff...and the kids loved seeing all the animals. On the way there Robert was very curious of what he was going to see at the zoo. He says "I don't want to see the lions and the monkeys..mommy. I only want to see the elephants and the girafes." I asked why he didn't want to see the lions or the monkeys? His response should have been obvious to me. "Well mommy...I don' want them to eat me." Duh..why didn't I think of that..of course he wouldn't want to be eaten by them! lol! Well..I did inform him that they would be in cages and not able to get him. Good thing...he was reassured that all would be well and he agreed to see the lions and the monkeys. When we got to that part in the zoo...he was excited! It was awesome to see the kids so happy. Everytime AnnMarie would finally focus in on a animal she would wave..it was pretty much adorable! What a blessed weekend! I am so happy to have such wonderful weather..and a wonderful family!

Enjoy your coffee (or hot chocolate!) :)

Is there such a thing as talking too much?!

2009-02-04T21:39:00.003-06:00

So I am getting the feeling that I talk alot. I don't just mean alot ...I mean ALOT....maybe a little too much! I love talking with people...my kids..my husband..my family and friends. Sometimes I wonder if they think that I am crazy because I never shut up. No wonder people get worried when I am quiet. It makes complete sense now. Obviously when I get out of the house and am able to talk with friends there is alot to say. We don't see each other all the time ...there is lots of catching up to do. BUT I do think that maybe I have a case of "word vomit." It seems to just keep coming and coming and coming..... I hope that those that are affected by this "word vomit" are not offended in any way. Just take it as I am friendly and have alot to say. Talking is one of God's gifts to me! I am just putting it to the best use that I possibly know how ;). I would hope that I am not however one of those crazy talkers...you know the kinds..the ones that won't shut up ever...the ones that share WAY to much information...the ones that have the crazy eyes....let's hope I don't fall into this category. It seems that most of my friends or family members fall into the "like to chat" category as well...so maybe that is a good thing...maybe they are never really bothered by my excessive liking to talk. When I am making a new relationship with someone I guess I just feel the need to fill them in on all they have missed (i.e. not being friends with awesome "me"). Sometimes I do wonder if that scares people away. The talking actually just relaxs me and makes me have a better time. I can feel in control of myself and partly of the situation if I am talking. Crazy I know...but I never said that I was sane. Do you ever have times when you talk too much?! Think about it the next time you are with your friends or family...see if you are the crazy lady that never shuts up! I know that many times I am...but I think that I am going to embrace my talkativeness (is that even a word?!)....it's just a great part of my personality..it's makes me...well..me! :)
Enjoy your coffee!

Blogging...sounds like a good thing to do?!

2009-01-27T20:30:00.003-06:00

Okay well I have been not doing this "blogging" thing for quite a while now..but however I have convinced myself that it will be a good thing. I have so much to say sometimes and not always a person to listen to me so here I am. Things in my life have been kind of crazy lately so maybe this is just the outlet that I need!

Most recently I have lost one of my best friends..she was killed by a drunken driver along with her two children in November. Then my husband got laid off. Ugh...could it seriously get any worse. Some day I really don't think so ...BUT then I realize. I have a amazing husband and three wonderful children...they are my life my everything. We are all healthy..and happy for the most part. I have made the decision that I need to be happy! :) Happy is good..right?!?! So many bad things can happen..but that doesn't take away who I am ...or what I want my life to be. I am alive ..really what more could I ask for.

So from here going forward I have made a pledge to myself to be happy....so try and live life and enjoy it! Things are going to make me sad..or angry...or upset..and that's okay...but all I can do is deal with it and move on...right? I wish I could hear someone say right...so I feel like I am making sense..lol! From here going forward I am going to live life and try and not let my emotions get in the way ( well too much I am a girl after all).

Like Forrest Gump says: "Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what your going to get!"

So whatever you do get...love it...live it...the best you know how :)
Enjoy your coffee!

Help Honor the Jahn Family

2008-12-10T11:53:00.000-06:00

Greetings....

Recently I had one of my best friends,Mandy Jahn, and her two kids, Ryan and Kaitlyn, killed in a car accident. Mandy was on her way home from teaching violin lessons and was hit by a drunk driver. This tragic event has made many of us start to see that life is to be cherished and we need to do whatever we can to live everyday to the fullest! I keep thinking that some good needs to come out of this horrible thing that has affected so many lives. It seems that the Christmas season is the best time if any to bless someones life in honor of Many, Ryan and Kaitlyn. Another one of Mandy's close friends has brought to my attention a story of a legally blind little girl that badly needs a new violin. She currently plays but had her violin broken in her home by the kids that her mom babysits for..and her family is not in the position to buy her a new one...as violins are very costly. We are trying to get together some donations to help give this little girl a great Christmas and present her with a new violin. Fortunately we have so far had a great response with people willing to donate. We think we might be getting a violin for free! How amazing is that...God definitely is working here! This violin might not be a good fit we have been told..because if she is a good player she might need another one. However we have realized there are many others that need help this year. We would like to continue to bless others and need your help to do it. There has been a fund set up at Grundy Bank in Morris IL we are putting all donations in there and are going to start giving to less fortunate families in memory of Mandy , Ryan and Kaitlyn. The first $1000 will go to get a new violin for the little girl and we hope that we will be able to get much more and bless many other families this year! There are always people out there that are way worse off than us..and we need to find it in our hearts to bless them any way that we can. I hope that you are able to help in anyway possible. Thank you in advance..and God Bless!
Sara Beland
(Please pass this on to everyone in your address book ....we would love to reach as many people as possible)

For information on how you can donate please email me back.....or you can send donations to me at
147 N Main St
Seneca, IL 61360

Through a childs eyes

2008-03-25T20:15:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I think that I don't give kids enough credit. They are smart little buggers and sure do catch on to most things that are going on around them. My oldest daughter, Rose, well she is quite the little conversationer (if that's a word!). We are driving in the car the other day and she says I think that Aunt Tara (my sister who is pregnant) is going to have a girl. I told her that the dr says that it is going to be a boy...she didn't like that response. She was quite sure that her assumption was that it was going to be a girl and that was just how it was. However Rose did come around to accepting the fact that the dr just might be right after all. Then she decides that her and I should think up names that Aunt Tara should use. She says..."hmmmm I think that we should name the baby Dragon." Well..isn't that just the best name for a baby! LOL. Okay you make sure and tell Aunt Tara that this is what she should consider for a name...I am sure she will completely agree with you. Then the conversation proceeds on...but I need give everyone a little history first.. *my sister had a baby last year...and he was very sick..had a heart defect lots of surgeries..and then passed away last august* So the conversation continues with Rose saying "Do you think that this baby will have lots of surgeries like the other baby did..." I told her I sure hope not and that we would pray extra hard for him to be okay. Then she says "I don't think that this baby is going to go with God." Oh my goodness..I couldn't believe that she said that...what an amazing thing for a little girl to say. I told her that she was absolutely correct and that this baby was going to stay with Aunt Tara so he could play with all his cousins. She liked that response alot. This just goes to show you that no matter what the age little kids pick up on everything that is going on around them. Even when you don't think they understand...they get it. I love my little girl to death and sure hope that she is right about my soon to be new nephew...he is not going with God till much later in life...Enjoy your coffee!

Friendship prayer

2008-03-15T20:12:00.002-06:00

I think everyone should have a friend that would send you this...it brighten my day so I thought I would share with all of you :)

Myspace Friends Comments & Graphics

A Little Jo Time

2008-03-14T15:26:00.000-06:00

Alright well the hubby is still away and I finally get to go out by myself and not with any of my children! I am so excited...yet not sure what to do with myself. There aren't too many times in my life anymore that I get to go do "Jo" things. All of you mothers out there would understand. As I keep adding new kids to my life it gets just that much more complicated :) But I wouldn't change any of it that's for sure! My friend and I are going to see a movie and out to dinner. That means that I can talk with a friend over dinner instead of yelling at each of my three children at different times to stop whatever they are doing. I can order just my food and only my food. I can actually eat my food when it arrives and not ten to fifteen minutes later...after I have cooled and cut everyones food. I can sit and talk as long as I want after I am done eating and not want to shove my food into my mouth and get out the door as fast as I can. Then I can proceed to go to a movie where I will be able to sit for the entire movie and not have to pause it a single time...and get this I will actually be able to hear it without the volume being all the way on high. Although that last one could be rough since I have watched loud TV for soooo long because my hooligans are always making noise not sure if my ears can process soft noises! I am anxiously looking forward to my little friend date and a night out with someone that actually uses big words. I miss my hubby terribly and would rather be going on a date with him...but for now this will do and there will be plenty of other hubby date nights! So if it's been a while for you.....and you are itching to get out...call a babysitter and do it! Enjoy your coffee!

Let's have a freak out!

2008-02-29T15:27:00.003-06:00

Sometimes freak outs happen for no reason at all...and then sometimes there is every reason in the book to freak out. I always enjoy a good freak out session(well not really when they are happening..but when its over I like them). It usually makes me feel better. Crying and screaming sometimes brings out the best in me. There have been alot of things on my plate lately and I have a bad habit of just letting them pile up onto each other until they all just topple over. The situation is never good for anyone that might be in the line of fire when the topple begins. I am thankful for my family and friends that have listened to my many freakouts over the years. They might have a different opinion but they should know that they are greatly appreciated. After the freak outs are over I feel a sense of peace...I usually have a good talk with God and all is better. If I would just leave it up to Him in the first place I probably wouldn't need to freak out but would fun would that be. So if you haven't had any good freak out sessions lately and you can feel it all about to topple...go ahead and scream...cry...whatever you need to do to make yourself feel better...it will be worth it in the end. Enjoy your coffee!

An absent husband

2008-02-25T10:12:00.003-06:00

So it seems that my hubby is leaving me again. Not in the divorce doesn't love me anymore way...more like the he has to go work somewhere else to make money kind of way! He is going about 3 1/2 hours away to work for about a month. Mr. Jo is due to leave tomorrow afternoon and we are all getting a little nervous about it I think. The time away will be hard for all of us....Rose thinks her daddy is moving....not sure what Robert thinks or if he even has a clue...and as for the baby AnnMarie...there is absolutely no clue! We have had a great week with him home with us...getting in lots of family time. We took the kids to the Field Museum on Saturday. It was alot of fun....the kids lasted a lot longer that I thought they were going to. I am looking forward to getting in a good routine when he is gone. My house for some reason always stays ALOT cleaner when he is not here....odd isn't it?! I will however miss him terribly...and of course the adult interaction daily. After spending a whole day with three kids under the age of 5 I am ready for some adult conversation. I guess the tv and phone will just have to do. I have been offered alot of help if needed in the next month. Which is such a blessing. Most people however probably don't know that I won't ask for help. I have a real issue with asking for things....unless it's my mom! :) She is the one person I can call and have a freak out if needed...thank God for her! I hope the Mr. Jo takes good care of himself and that he comes home safely to us. I can't imagine all those single mothers out there....or the mothers that deal with an absent husband on a constant basis. I could not be one of them. For us this is very out of the ordinary. Bless all of you moms that can do this and do it this on a regular basis...major kudos for all of you. Please keep my husband and our family in your prayers and we journey into this next month....Enjoy your coffee!

The money store

2008-02-06T19:42:00.000-06:00

So recently my husband, Mr Jo, and I started taking a financial class. I was leary at first but I am really learning something from it and I really like it. It seems as the years go by we get more crazy with our money and aren't planning well for the future. This class really outlines the simple things that everyone should know and be practicing but aren't. It's very eye opening! There is a great deal of emphasis on teaching your kids the correct way to handle money so in turn you can change your family tree and they won't end up with the same situtations that you are in. My four year old, Rose, is not quite getting this money concept. She has chores (when I remember to tell her to do them) and she gets a certain dollar amount for them if they are finished. Lately when she asks for something I say well you are going to have to do some things around here and then earn the money so you can buy it yourself. She's not liking that idea to much. The other day she asks to go out to a restuarant. I say no I am sorry honey we can't today. To which she replies won't don't have any money right ( gee like I haven't said that before). Rose then says well where can we go to buy more money! Oh my...I about fell over...obviously she really doesn't get this whole money idea. Then today she says " I WANT THE NEW HANNAH MONTANA DVD!" First off I say we don't ask for things like that (or demand them) and second off if you save up your money you can buy it yourself. I tell her go clean up your room and I will give you some money for it and you can start saving for that dvd it will probably cost nineteen dollars. Rose replies...nineteen?!....how about five dollars instead? Well of course Rose let's just call up walmart and tell them that you have reduced the price of the dvd so it's more affordable to you! None the less...she didn't get her room picked up...she didn't get any money...and she's not going to get the Hannah Montant dvd anytime soon.
Enjoy your coffee!

Toliet Tales

2008-02-05T09:57:00.000-06:00

Why doesn't God send us our children with the ability to go potty in the toliet? I mean that to me makes complete sense. There born with some sort of trait that allows them to know when they have to go to the bathroom and we could take them....a little signal perhaps....a sneeze...a wink of the eye...but to my dismay this does not happen. We as parents are forced to potty train our children. It just must be one of God's cruel jokes for us....I can imagine that he is sitting there laughing at the thought of all of us crazy moms trying to get this job done. Now if you are one of those parents that says "oh my child was so easy...they did this..and this..and this..then they were trained" or "she/he pretty much just trained themselves"...you can stop reading this right now and go sit in a corner because you are annoying! I have recently started training my second child (who happens to be a boy) to go on the potty. He is just not getting it...my daughter was much easier to train. I can't get him to pay attention to me....to listen to me...I have no flippin clue if he even understands what I am telling him...it's sooo frustrating. After one week of taking him to the potty numerous times a day...yesterday I finally got him to go pee three times on the toliet...and actually I just think that it was a lucky chance that he was sitting there when he decided he had to go. Personally I believe that I say "Let's go to the potty Robert" and he thinks okay...I'll go...but I am NOT peeing on that toliet. I mean I take him we sit there for what feels like forever..and then nothing...not a drop..it's soooo...uuhhhh frustrating..and then as soon as he leaves the room...he ends up peeing. It's like he's thinking "ha ha mommy I just held it and now I went in my pants...nah nah nah poo poo at you." Well to my disliking I am continueing on this journey of potty training and it's only the 2 day into the 2nd week....but I see a LONG path ahead of me...and it's not looking like fun...Enjoy your coffee!

20 Reasons Why I haven't blogged...

2008-02-03T17:31:00.000-06:00

Okay you can shut your mouth now.....I know it's been a LONG time but I am actually typing a blog. Really I am serious..shut it...go on take your hand and help it close..okay there you go. So I completely feel like a blog virgin it's been soooo long. I could make all kinds of lengthy excuses as to why I haven't blogged since November....oh wait that sounds like a good idea...I think I will do just that!

My Reasons for NOT blogging since November:
1. I am lazy
2. I have three kids under the age of 4
3. I am lazy
4. The holidays kept me really busy
5. I am lazy
6. I have soo much housework to do I felt bad sitting at the computer
7. I am lazy
8. I just forget
9. I am lazy
10. Did I mention that I have three kids, husband, and a dog.....
11. I am lazy
12. I didn't think that anyone read them...so why do it...
13. I am lazy
14. I have been extremely stressed out
15. I am lazy
16. I never make time
17. I am lazy
18. I quit having things to talk about
19. I am lazy
20. I was just being stupid and not prioritizing it into my schedule! :)

If you didn't catch the drift most of my exucses are lame cause I was just being lazy....and not putting much effort into it. So I am going to try to come back...although that's been said before. But I really do enjoy doing this... and come to find out people do read it (I had quite a few people ask..why don't you blog anymore?) so...here's to another try...Enjoy your coffee! :)

Missing Mr. Jo

2007-11-04T19:01:00.000-06:00

So...my husband has been officially gone for 7 days...ugh. No...he didn't leave me (don't get all crazy)...he is working in Michigan (and we live in Illinois). It was a wonderful opportunity that he was asked to go and work for two weeks....BUT I must have been delusional when I agreed to it. We have three little kids...all under 4....ahhhh..I am going crazy...well not that I wasn't a little crazy before hand..but it seems to be getting worse. I must admit the first couple of days I think I was physco mommy....my kids would look at me like I had three heads...but I was just getting to overly stressed out about everything. I have however got the hang of it by now...still not easy...but I have been pulling out every piece of patience that I might have. I even ventured out yesterday to...THE MALL...well...I did take a friend with me...and boy was he a big help (thanks)...I got little AnnMarie's pictures taken...you know her six month pics...even though she is almost going to be eight months...but I never said I was on top of things (I'd like to be on top of my husband...but with him in another state I am thinking not a real good possibility). Any who...I think the nights are the worst..I am not used to be alone....and by the end of the day...those patience I have pulled so hard for are almost none existent. I have vowed that after these seven days that I am NEVER going to divorce Mr. Jo...I just can't handle these crazies by myself...lol....but I did inform him that if he ever decided to leave me...he could have full custody....(relax I am just joking....maybe he could just have Robert...okay...geez....I would want them)...he laughed....as a man that is seven days free of home would..with no responsibilities...no dirty diapers...no laundry..no filling sippy cups....no fighting..no screaming.....but then he is missing the good parts as well....no hugs....no priceless smiles...no kisses...no bedtime stories....no playing blocks....but we did call and give him the "i love yous"...and boy did he like that....I think he misses us just as much as we miss him....soon....very soon...he will be home...and then we can get back to normal...(well as normal as this family knows)! Enjoy your coffee!

The hidden computer.....and a busy life...

2007-10-17T08:46:00.000-06:00

See what happens when I move the computer into a different room...I don't see it...I don't sit at it...then I don't get on it.....and I don't blog....it's a terrible cycle. I must admit the computer being in a different room has really helped the rest of the house. Someone how though it keeps me from getting on it....even checking my email has become difficult...my online friends seem to think they are being ignored...BUT the plus side of all of this is I am actually getting things done around here....cause I am not being distracted by the computer every fifteen minutes. I have missed you all...I do enjoy blogging as it does give me an outlet for things in my mind..I need all the space in there that I can get. It seems as though we have become a very busy family lately. Trying to fit all of our activities into one week is becoming quite a task. We seem to only have Thursday and Saturday free every week....and boy when those are your only days to either be a family or do other things they fill up fast....actually I don't even like to count Saturdays because they are usually always filled up as well. Between dance, school, small group, church, work for me, work and overtime for Mr. Jo...we have crazy lives. We are loving all the things we are involved in right now in our lives but sometimes it is nice to just sit on the couch and do nothing(which is rarely happening). The days are going by so fast as well lately. These kids of mine just need to stop growing I can't believe that my baby is going to be four next month...and the littlest one just turned seven months...seven months(and she finally got her first tooth)...it feels like I just had her yesterday(considering I am still carrying around her baby weight)....every week feels like a day..and that's just too damn fast. Life is good right now...things are coming together....and we are enjoying each other...the ride is fast....but we are trying to slowly take it all in....I hope to try and continue to blog....I just am going to have to start penciling it in my schedule (tee hee)...Enjoy your coffee!

To My Dearest Husband

2007-09-29T08:56:00.000-06:00

Dear Mr Jo,
Today is our 6th anniversary. I know you are shocked that you have survived this long with me...but you have. The past six years have just flown by...it seems as only yesterday that we were dating. I have enjoyed every day with you...and look forward to many more ahead of us. I must say that I need to thank God for blessing me with you. You are a wonderful husband and father...you are strong...yet sensitive..you are everything I need in my life. Granted it isn't always sunshine and roses around here (especially lately) but, its seems as long as we support each other we will get through it. I know that I really couldn't have made it this far without you. It still makes me smile thinking about you....and I hope that never goes away. You are my rock..as I hope that I am yours. You love me for me....and that is such a priceless gift. Giving me strength when I have none left....and making me smile when no one else can. I really do cherish you. It's great knowing that we still can have great fun as well....six years and three kids later we know how to enjoy ourselves. I don't want to ever lose that. We need to remember to always take time for ourselves..and with each other. From the words of a wonderful movie " You had me at hello." I plan on never saying goodbye! I love you more than words can express. Forever and Always.
Mrs. Jo

P.S. Go take some time out today and tell someone you love them....Enjoy your coffee!

My life adjustment...

2007-09-24T19:33:00.000-06:00

I think that I must just put this in writing...before it gets bad again..and I don't' believe it.

"Life feels pretty good right now."

Well now that it's said...life will start in a downward spiral into a nothingness! I had a minor...okay major issue about 2 weeks ago. This issue caused me to panic...and truthfully break down completely (to those of you that got the butt end of it...soo sorry)...but it has gotten better. The issue has been solved..well mostly. And we had to get help....but not as much as we were first assuming. Although this little problem caused me to panic..it kind of made me look at my life right now...and readjust my thinking. Which for me was very good..cause I have been in such a negative frame of mind...for many many months now. With the holidays coming..I thought for sure that it was going to get worse. I am stepping back...taking a deep breath...and going forward with my "life on loan"....and focusing on the positive. Realizing that God has a plan for me..and this is just a small bump in my life long road....I am sure there will many more bumps ahead...and it's all going to depends on how I handle them as to how much those bumps are really going to hurt. I am blessed with so many loving people in my life right now to help me work through things...and just be there to listen to me complain...cry..or talk...to those of you many kisses and hugs of appreciation. I think that recently I have stepped back...and looked at life as it is right now...we may be struggling in some senses...but we are blessed in so many more...I cherish that. The days ahead...are only going to be what I make of them...and from now on I choose to make them good. End of story..Enjoy your coffee!

The toys have been conquered!

2007-09-21T21:35:00.000-06:00

So I broke down...and cleaned the toy room. The day started with no real intention to clean at all...by cleaning I mean I made all sorts of messes(by trying to organize)...but cleaned some up too. I was supposed to have a friend come over for a play date...so I thought..maybe I should sweep the living room floor as it was looking rather ick....then under the entertainment center caught my eye...there was toys galore...no kidding....cause toys haunt my everyday life. I thought well I have the time..I might as well move it and sweep under there and retrieve all those long lost toys.....and while I am at it..I will move the couch and love seat as well....oh boy did things get busy from there....I was going good...moving things...cleaning under things...(just a side note when looking for new furniture...make sure it sits on the floor and things can't slide under it....things will get lost...for a very very long time)...I grabbed a bin from the toy room(there were obviously empty ones since my children never fill them) and started piling the new found toys into them. After I got done cleaning under things..I grabbed all the toys from the living and dining rooms. Then the issue began...I walked with the full bins to the toy room...and ugh....it was sooo messy...that I could not just set those bins in there (like I wanted to )..and walk away. Soooo being the wonderful wife and mommy that I am...I started to clean...(luckily as this started...our play date conveniently called and cancelled). As I am starting to pick up toys..it's going through my head as to why I should bother...I needed some guidance...some plans as to what to do with the toy drama that is soaking up my life....and my house. So first things first....the play kitchen has to go...it's big..it's dirty...it has crayon all over it (no idea where that came from...Robert!)...so I thought...well I will put it out the curb with a "free" sign attached and see what happens. Although I was sooo not prepared for Rose's reaction...you would of thought that I was chopping off her left arm...the way that she was screaming...crying...sobbing...omg..it was hilarious....I explained to her that we would give it to some other little kids..that really needed it...blah ..blah..blah...(she of course wasn't buying it)...but I am mean(but it did get taken...and she was okay with it ...alot later that is)..so I put it on the curb anyway....(this also allowed to store away ALL the play food..and dishes..etc...*jumping for joy*)...then I had this brilliant idea..that I would ship bags of toys to each of the kids rooms..and separate out the baby toys....boy did that make a HUGE difference in the toy room (not to mention all the crap I threw out)....the room actually looked kind of bare when I was getting close to being done...so being the brilliant person that I am..I thought...why not put the computer desk in there (like it was many moons ago..before our hooligans came along)...and to my benefit removing it from the living room...(ha ha...now Mr. Jo can't ignore me by watching tv and being the computer at the same time)...and the room looks really nice....less toys...so that maybe they will play with them..and toys in their rooms...for when we have no tv time and mommy wants some peace and quiet....and mommy finally might get daddy's full attention in the evenings(ah who am I kididng now he just won't watch tv..and I'll never see him)...I really think everyone will benefit (well maybe not Mr. Jo...but ahhh you can't please them all!)

As a side note though Mr. Jo did take a table I was trying to use as my craft table...although it wasn't working the way I had it....and put it in the empty spot in the living room....he even organized all my scrapbook stuff..into bins ..and drawers....it looks amazing..and the fact that he did that just for me....was very very nice of him....he just might have to be rewarded...but enough about that...Enjoy your coffee!

Toys... to play with or not to play with?

2007-09-19T08:48:00.000-06:00

Why....oh why do I have toys for my children? Why ...oh why do I have a special room just for their toys? Why..oh why do my damn children mess up their toy room and then NOT play in it? Why..oh why do my children like to play with their toys in the living room..and NOT the toy room? Why...oh why do I not just throw them all away? Why...cause I am a nice mommy (that is completely losing her mind) that's why!

Okay here's what Wikipedia says:
A toy is an object used in play. Toys are usually associated with children and pets, but it is not unusual for adult humans and some non-domesticated animals to play with toys(I mean seriously...they had to put that in there!). Many items are manufactured to serve as toys, but items produced for other purposes can also be used as toys. A child may pick up a household item and 'fly' it around pretending that it is an airplane, or an animal might play with a pine cone by batting at it, chasing it, and throwing it up in the air. Some toys are intended primarily as collector's items and are not to be played with.

The first line "A toy is an object used in PLAY!" A toy is not to be thrown out of the basket or bin that it is so nicely stored in....a toy is not to be stepped on...a toy is for your entertainment. My children obviously missed this memo. Toys are not just for messing up their special room...you actually can play with them..and then PUT THEM AWAY! I know..you might think that I am being a little harsh...my children are still little...but I am not. Those little heathens literally go in there...dump out the baskets and bin...pull out the draws..pull all the books off the shelves..and then their play time is over(and this is always right after mommy has spent her time cleaning it). I mean ...really...and then they have the nerve to not want to play in there anymore ...as Rose says "cause it's messy"..well DUH..you did it....I should just give them all away....or sell them....or just pack them up and hide them...but then again..that's a lot of work for me...and I am just not willing to give up my precious time of sitting at the computer for that.

Enjoy your coffee!

Sick or Dead?

2007-09-18T07:49:00.000-06:00

So as I am begining to be well aware that having a almost four year old makes my life way more interesting. The conversations I have been having with Rose lately are just priceless! We are driving to Nana's house last night on the way home from dance....and we see an ambulance turn the corner on the opposite side of the road..with it's lights flashing and sirens going. This is the conversation that followed:

Rose: "Mommy....what is that thing called again?"

Me: "It's called an ambulance."

Rose: "Oh..right an...andulamce...I member."

Me: " No honey, it's a.m.b.u.l.a.n.c.e."

Rose: "that's what I said......someone must be sick....OR dead!"

Me: "No I am sure they are just sick honey...not dead...why don't we say a prayer for the person in the ambulance that they get better."

Rose: "They ARE sick or dead mommy...probably dead."

Me: "Let's not say that they are dead...if they have their lights on that means the person is just really sick (making this up..hoping to get her off the dead subject.)"

Rose: "When you are dead you go to the dr.......dead people go to dr's...."

Me: " (OMG)....no honey when you are dead you aren't alive anymore so they won't need to go to the dr...."

Rose: "But...they are probably dead...right?!"

Me: " Can we please just stop talking about being dead...we will just assume that the person in the ambulance is sick..and going to the hospital..ok..?!"

Rose: "ugh....but I think they are dea......OH look mommy horses.....can I ride a horse someday...?"

Me: "Sure honey..(thinking..thank God you have ADD like your daddy...and we can stop talking about dead people)

Rose: " Ok ..I will ride a horse when I getter bigger...ok :) "

Some Halloween Help?!

2007-09-16T07:19:00.000-06:00

Okay so every year it's a tradition that my in-laws have a Halloween Bash. It is requested that you dress up. Especially if you are part of the family (well duh I obviously am!)sooo..I need help! My husband and I have done pretty good the last couple of years with costumes. This year for some reason I am struggling. We have little money (and boy do I mean little ) ...sooo we need to think of something that we can put together ourselves maybe with a few props cheaply. We have previously been..."A Wizard & Medival Queen"..."Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dumb"...."Pink Ladies & T-Birds"...."Devil & Pregnant Lady (that was Mr. Jo)...."A Bears fan & Bare foot and Pregnant "(we just went as ourselves...i was pregnant with AnnMarie last year...it was fun) So now this year is quickly approaching and I need some ideas. I love dressing up it brings some of the childhood fun into it. We however need something that is easy and cheap...sooo send me your ideas....anything...so go get some coffee and think(maybe some of our ideas will help you..if you are the dress up type)... Enjoy your coffee!

Just wondering...

2007-09-14T15:05:00.000-06:00

Does every mom wonder..."can I make it through this?"..."will they appreciate me when they get older?"..."am I disciplining them correctly?" All of these thoughts keep running through my mind the past couple of weeks. Life around here has been somewhat crazy and stressful and I just can't get these thoughts out of my head. Do other moms have these concerns...am I just crazy....how do other people deal? I know I love my kids...and I know that they love me. It's just been a rough patch lately....three small kids....one boy that is a handful...a baby...and a little girl getting an attitude (from me i assume..damn it!)...any help? I guess lately it's just been hitting a nerve with me...but I am sure that I will be fine...I just wish I could stop questioning myself. Enjoy your coffee!

Robert's Art Project

2007-09-10T09:47:00.001-06:00

Crayons next time...Enough Said! Enjoy your coffee!

Another shower adventure with Rose

2007-09-08T08:31:00.000-06:00

I obviously didn't learn anything from my last shower experience with my daughter..but she was very insistant that she take a shower with me last night (cause she thinks it's such a big girl thing to do)..so being the best mommy ever..I let her. Boy was that a mistake.

I'll set the scene...small town, IL...little two story house on main st......little bathroom...(and little I mean you almost have to be a contorstionist to walk in there)...me..and my daughter, Rose
(almost 4)..undressing to take a shower....

Me: (undressing so I can get in the shower)

Rose: (Looking at me with great question in her face) "I am growing big boobs too mommy." (touching herself as she's saying this)

Me: "Oh, really...that's nice."

Rose: "They are going to be really big like yours...they just are still growing ..right now."

Me: "okay" (thinking..stupid stupid me..for letting her take a shower with me again)

Rose: "What is that ,mommy, on your boobs?" (with the strangest look on her face)

Me: "That is my nipple...." (OMG...trying not to laugh and cry at the same time)

Rose: *laughs..giggles* "Oh....I don't have nipples..hee hee!"

Me: "Yes you do they are right there...(pointing to her little dots on her chest)"

Rose: "Those aren't nipples silly..."

Me: "Okay (thinking..I'll go along with it if it means an end to this conversation)
(Thank God..converstation over...although she is still looking at me with question..but I hurry and get into the shower)

So later that night..we are at walmart(sucky)..and I really need a new bra...I am looking at them..and Mr Jo takes the kids to another part of the store (god forbid he is in the bra section)..but Rose is wanting to stay with me (of course she is)..so I let her. I grab a handful of bras and head into the dressing room...Rose in tow. I tell her to sit down and she does...watching me intently as I am trying on these bras. She is smiling..and I am thinking oh no..what is she going to say now. Then she gets up and giggles..."I want to try one on too." Without waiting for an answer she picks one up...and is trying to open it "where are the buttons on these things she says." Then..she proceeds to take off her shirt (even though I said ...Over the shirt!) but..she obviously doesn't listen. With no luck finding the button she just slips it over her head...now she is standing in front of the mirror..posing..and smiling at her self...(me standing behind her trying to not laugh)..then I realize....How do you know when your boobs are TOO big....when your bra cup is as big as your almost 4 year olds head! Needless to say...I really need to quit letting Miss Rose shower and dress with mommy...she's getting to curious.....and it's freaking me out! Enjoy your coffee!

An adventure in kid raising

2007-09-07T13:08:00.000-06:00

For those of you that don't have boys (or boys like mine at least) you are very very lucky! My middle child, Robert, is just a little spit-fire. His new favorite word is "no." Oh yes and as you can imagine..it's just a blast to have him use it. I am all for updating your vocabulary but he could have never learned that word and I would be okay with it. The thing is he says it with such charm and personality, and of course always followed with a smile (cause he assumes that makes everything sooo much better). On top of loving his new word, no, he also has become quite the little terror lately. Purposely causing problems...or throwing things...hitting..biting..you know the fun stuff. My mom was nice enough to take me and the two youngest kids to breakfast the other morning. My sister was with as well..for this eventful gathering. Now the baby, AnnMarie, is a very good baby..doesn't cry for no reason..sits well and plays...but then there is her older brother...oh geez. We get seated in a booth and I have Robert on the side with me. He decides that he is going to talk to the lady sitting behind us (who is waiting for her party so kindly talks back with him)...I am trying to get him to sit down and be a good boy... he's refusing. He is taking the jelly little packets and the creamers and biting into them...I was only imagining one of them squirting open and flying across the table at my mom and sister (now that I think about it..it would have been pretty damn funny). It's time to feed AnnMarie so I have her sitting on the table giving her a bottle...and she knocks over a glass of water...everywhere...I get Robert to stand up..but he is refusing cause he wants to grab the ice cubes so he can eat them...there was water everywhere..and AnnMarie...continued happily eating. I give Robert two of his "people" to play with and a truck (thinking this will keep him entertained...yeah right). He does play for a bit...but decides to drop them under the table(oh and he was playing behind us and the lady thought he dropped a toy down her back)...and refuses to get them...also dropped his sippy cup down there...he thinks it's just hilarious that they are under there....and keep in mind its a tight booth..me, mom, and my sister...can't just squeeze under there. Sooo....the three of us are trying to get the toys and sippy cup with our feet. I can't even see most of them cause they are on my side...my sister is trying to guide me...we are all laughing...and as we get the pieces onto the table...Robert is taking them and throwing them over at mom(and by throwing I mean whipping them)...she is ducking and laughing..well...the laughing contributes to the throwing and Robert assumes we are liking the game he is playing so we are having a hard time getting him to stop. Finally...his fire deceases. At this point we are thinking..can we have the check now...breakfast is thankfully over..our bellies are full...Robert has had his fun (for now that is) ..and my mom and sister are thinking we are Never going to eat at a restaurant with you are your children again! Well....dealing with kids...in public always was an adventure...I am sure there are more fun times to come. Enjoy your coffee!

Our long weekend

2007-09-05T09:09:00.000-06:00

So I haven't blogged in a couple of days. I guess I am feeling very ..ummm..blah (sorry that's the only word that is coming to mind). Since we had a long weekend...I am a little thrown off for my week. Considering it's Wednesday and I feel as if it is Tuesday. I guess maybe...since I have nothing better to do today..(well I do ..but who really wants to clean)..I can give you a synopsis of my weekend...it was rather...ehh..umm..boring (i am a mother of three living in the Midwest how exciting could it get plus I wanted to say it was "blah" but I have already used that description)..so since there is nothing better for me to think about writing why not indulge you with the highlights of my life (right..)Here goes nothin:

Friday: Oh yeah...we did nothing. I know shocker. My mother stopped by for a bit...she was off work, but she was on this kick that she needed to be alone...well alone in the sense..she didn't want anyone to go with her for the day (i.e. my children). Which actually I found quite funny. She wasn't working...she wasn't cleaning...she didn't have her grandchildren...she was doing nothing. It was driving her crazy...she looked like a lost puppy. She just wandered around for the day stopping here and there...then going home and not really knowing what to do (you see she is a busy body so this was very funny to witness). By the end of the day she was so annoyed with being alone..(she obviously doesn't have three small children at home anymore to keep her busy)..she says to me "Mrs. Jo, don't EVER let me do that again....this being alone all day stuff...trying to find things to do ...was for the birds." I was laughing sooo hard. After talking with her numerous times that day...my family and I just vegged out and watched the boob tube all night. Very enjoyable.

Saturday: We went and took family pictures. I have a wonderful surrogate mother that is a professional photographer (and may I just say that she is wonderful!). We went to a park...the bugs were horrible...and my kids were only semi cooperating. We did get some nice pics...and some very funny ones. I laugh at some of them..because even though it's not your average everyone smiling looking at the camera pic it captures my family to a tee....here's an example:

As you can see....my son Robert is trying to run away (typical he's always on the go)...Rose is sticking out her tongue...and AnnMarie is off in wonder land playing with the grass. As the parents Mr Jo and I are trying to smile ...even though we know that are children aren't participating. But hey that's us..I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sunday: Well you can see my previous blogs:Broken Car Part1 and Part 2 to hear about Sunday....oh..Sunday the day from hell!

Monday: My sister in law's neighbor was getting rid of a twin bed frame and mattress (conveniently the night before I had told my SIL that I was looking for one)..and she very kindly brought it over to us. Robert has been having lots of tough nights sleeping and we figured that it might have been due to his toddler bed mattress (aka crib mattress) I believe that it was ancient. Mr Jo and I figured that it might be beneficial for Robert to have a new big boy bed so he could sleep through the night (who am I kidding it was so we could sleep through the night). Robert did not like his bed at first he was very upset that "his bed" (meaning the old one ) wasn't there...but that soon changed and now he loves it...and so does his big sister...they have both slept in the bed for the past two nights..and might I add that it has been two nights of pure joy due to that bed Mr. Jo and I have gotten two wonderful nights of sleep..and only sleep! Yea!

Well...that was my weekend...in a nutshell....looking back it was enjoyable ..well mostly anyway...Enjoy your coffee!

Broken Car..Part 2

2007-09-03T07:23:00.000-06:00

Well..the trauma is finally over...the van is fixed. Mr. Jo did indeed return from walmart(sucky) with a new battery..and go figure he actually got the right one this time. He went outside and put it in the van....and I decided to follow..nervous as hell that it wasn't going to work. He gets into the van...turns the key...AND ..it starts..yes...at first it seemed a little iffy...but then i completely started up and was running (like nothing was even wrong). I guess that's what we get from buying our battery at walmart(sucky) ..but we did get the other new one from there only cause it was free....so let's hope that it last longer than this one did! We even drove the van last night to my sister in law's and it worked. A big plus that we didn't get stranded anywhere on the road..cause that would have totally sucked. So at least we have one car for now...Mr. Jo's car will have to wait....we will put it on our 20 year plan..it might get fixed by then ;)
Enjoy your coffee!

Broken Car..Part 1

2007-09-02T15:49:00.000-06:00

Okay..like life totally doesn't suck right now..let's add another problem to the mix. So I went to go to church this morning..all the kids in the car...everyone dressed nice and ready (keep in mind Mr. Jo was already at church ..cause he had to run sound) and my car wouldn't start! Seriously..on your day of rest God you must be laughing at me...ugh! Let me just tell you that Mr. Jo's car is broken right now too..it has been for about two weeks now...and life in general is just crazy..so this was just the cherry on top of a big "sucky" sundae. So...I called my Mechanic guy and he says that by the sound that is making it is probably the battery. I need to get a jump and see if that will start it. So I decide to wait for Mr. Jo to get home and he tries to jump it with my mom's car (which for some reason is also acting up and isn't doing anything right) sooo..he borrows the neighbors car and lets them sit for a few minutes and see if they will jump...ugh...as you guessed it...NO! But, however it did seem like it almost was going to turn over....so our mechanic guy said that is sounds like we have a crappy ass battery that won't hold a charge(that's what you get for going cheap and buying things from wal-mart...sucky ass walmart) and we should go and get a new one. Great ..cause we are just loaded..so let's of course go and buy a new battery. But, alas I do have the receipt for the battery and it had a three year warranty on it and it's only been 2 1/2 years. Thank the heavens. Soooo Mr. Jo heads off the wal-mart (sucky) to get a replacement one that we don't have to pay for (whooo hoo)...about an hour later he returns with the new battery. He is standing in the dining room and looking dumb founded at the battery and then realized that the battery he got has the wrong connecters..ugh..are you freakin kidding....welllll..he decided to go outside with my father and see if he can find some attachments to make it work...about ahhh 10 minutes later he returns...and looks pissed...he says "ummm I looked up the battery type for my Grand Am and not the van!"...OMG seriously...so off to walmart him and dad go for yet another battery....stayed tuned for more..and really go drink some damn coffee..cause I haven't and it's obviously a problem today!

Toy Commercials must die....

2007-08-31T17:03:00.001-06:00

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!

2007-08-29T12:06:00.000-06:00

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....

2007-08-29T06:40:00.000-06:00

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...

2007-08-27T12:35:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-08-24T07:34:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-08-23T19:57:00.001-06:00

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

2007-08-21T17:42:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-20T10:19:00.001-06:00

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!

2007-08-18T15:11:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-16T11:54:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-16T11:27:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-15T12:19:00.000-06:00

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.....

2007-08-14T18:48:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-13T17:17:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-12T19:19:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-08-10T10:40:00.000-06:00

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....

2007-08-09T07:57:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-08T13:42:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-07T13:49:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-06T11:34:00.001-06:00

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?!

2007-08-02T08:46:00.000-06:00

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?

Ahhhhh the foot......

2007-07-31T18:53:00.000-06:00

Well if you didn't know before...then you know now...I am irritated! You got it..irritated...so incredibly frustrated that I could scream. Not that anyone would care about my scream..or respond...but at least I think that the scream would make me feel somewhat better. I have had this pain in my foot for about three weeks now...I know what you are thinking three weeks and you just went to the doctor..what are you my mom. Geez. Well when I was up staying with my sister in the hospital I felt it starting to hurt. It kind of felt like a big ole' bruise on the side of my foot. I think the myself...did I fall...did I walk funny....did I twist it...did I do anything humanly possible that would have given me this crappy ass feeling in my foot. Ummm...no! So I just conquered on in the life of me...and tried to ignore it. Although instead of the feeling going away..it justs keeps getting worse. I am determined that it is just going to magically get better...so i pretend it's not there. Then just this past week...it really starts to hurt. The hurt where when walking I am in pain....when standing I am in pain...and the foot starts to swell occasionally. Ugh...I guess that maybe I should go to the doctor. I keep thinking..what if he puts me on crutches...I Can't do crutches. I mean come one...if you are a previous reader ..you know that I am a pleasantly plump girl..and plump girls don't do crutches. Pluse I have three kids...and one of them can't walk on her own..how was I going to take care of her. Well anyway...I decided to ask my friend (who just happens to work at a foot doctor) what she thinks. She says that it could be a fracture because where I was having the pain is easily fractured...OH freakin great! Well...she talked me into it...and I made an appointment...well..actually..she called me and said..I have one apt left at 3:30..do you want it...but I said yes (against my will of course). Go to the doctor and we says..."well..there's no fracture...but I think that you have torn your ligament that hold your last two toes together." Huh!? How on earth did I managed to do that! Well...actually I have no idea how I did that..and that's what pisses me off even more! So my friend (the dr.'s helper) is giving me walking boot...yep that's right people it's a walking boot...not stylish....not hip...not fun in any manner or form. OH and let me add that "my friend" is having a freakin hay day putting this boot on me....real funny friend...real funny. So off I go until two weeks ..with my boot...walking like an idiot...on with my life. Let's hope that the boot does it's job...cause I don't want the worse case to happen...surgery...that I just can't handle...So I WILL wear the boot like a good girl....even though I really think it sucks. Try and enjoy your coffee...I know mine is going to be spoiled for a while!

Baby Question: What is the best pregnancy book?

Pretty Woman OR Lord of the Rings?

2007-07-30T22:04:00.000-06:00

Mr. Jo and I had a long car ride tonight...and the conversation of movies came up. We obviously don't have anything better to talk about since we had to result to this....but anyway.....movies....what is your preference feel good movies or sci-fi/drama movies? As you can imagine Mr. Jo and I had different takes on our answers. He was all about the Lord of the Rings...Harry Potter..Star Wars crap...and I was like ..oh no...The Wedding Planner....Pretty Woman....Jerry Maguire love fests. I guess as a girl I just prefer the movies that make you get all those little butterflies in your stomach when you watch them. Of course Mr. Jo wouldn't admit that he gets butterflies from watching "Pretty Woman" but I am sure that he does...I mean come on who doesn't. He just doesn't understand how I can not like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings...ick..I mean why on earth would I...can we say boring. I must admit I have watched a couple of the Harry Potter movies and they aren't that bad...but just not my take. I guess that I figure life is crazy enough..the world has enough drama...and fighting...and messes...that why would I want to watch a movie like that...I want....romance..and love...and whitty humor...and gust busting laughs..you know the type. We both have different tastes for sure...although I will say that Mr. Jo is usually a good sport and will watch almost any of my feel good movies with me (whether he stays awake through them is another thing). I should be a little more open to his type of sci-fi..dramatic type of movies...I just find myself bored and wandering off into my own thoughts. They have deep story lines....maybe my little girly brain just can't follow them....oh who am i kidding...of course that's not it (i am one smart chick)....it must just be that i'm not a dork! (no offense to those of you who enjoy these type of movies). So what's your take....the feel good movie or the sci-fi/drama movies? Which side do you fall on....ponder your thoughts as you enjoy your coffee!

Baby Question : What was the best part of your baby shower...or what is the best thing at any baby shower that you have attended?

Good find

2007-07-27T21:57:00.000-06:00

Okay soooo not really that interesting in the life of me today. My kids were crabby as hell..my husband was not home..and I cleaned all day. AND get this no one paid me for it...assholes! Well anyway I did find a little time today to have some computer time between cleaning, lunch, spit ups, crying, naps, tantrums, and fighting...to find this wonderful site for all of you..I know I really am too kind! The site is called BabiesnBellies.com. Not really sure who it will pertain to but it's a maternity website..with some fun additions.

Make sure to check out these dad shirts they have..they are adorble..the site is just very shi shi looking...even if you aren't pregnant take a look..they could be some very cute gift ideas as well! Enjoy your coffee!

Baby Question: What do you wish someone would have done for you while you were pregnant or just after you had your baby?

Alone and lovin it!

2007-07-26T20:09:00.000-06:00

So today...I started a job. BUT it's one of those jobs were I control the work flow...I am my own boss...I decide the pay...I ..me and only me..make all the rules! That's right I became a cleaning lady!...LOL it's funny just saying that. I clean other people's houses. Well okay I clean one other persons house. Today was the first day that I cleaned...and it was definitely interesting...a tad bit weird...a little okay....and alot of work. You never really realize how big other houses are until you have to clean them. Actually as I was leaving my house this morning I had to laugh...I thought .....my house isn't even clean and I am going to clean another house..but hey..that's the kind of action you get when someone is willing to pay you for cleaning. But as Mr. Jo reminded me this evening he "pays" me..yeah right...Mr. Jo ...you are soooo not funny! Back to the cleaning...it was actually a relaxing morning. Which is weird to say when you are cleaning...(unless you are some sort of freak...which I am absolutely not!). I had four hours to myself...no kids screaming...nobody needing help wiping their butt...no sippy cups to fill...not one baby to hold and bounce...it was a wonderful experience. Yet I was cleaning..it was hard work....but to be free from everyday life...to be ALONE (which is rare in this house) ..and on top of it..having someone pay me to do it..amen sisters! I am glad that I made the executive decision to start cleaning it looks as though it is going to benefit me in several ways. Good for my sanity and good for my checkbook! (Just a side note for those of you that may be thinking of my previous blogs...no ..no...I did not stick my hand in their toilet to clean them..I used a brush) Anyone out there contemplating starting a cleaning business..I say thumbs up all the way! Enjoy your coffee!

Baby Question :(if confused what this is refer to past blog)
What is the best solution for diaper rash?

Wild Wacky Wednesday Adventure

2007-07-25T20:07:00.000-06:00

Today just kept getting better as the day went on. Well better I guess is not the correct term...interesting would be more along the right line. The day starts off with a trip to the dr with my littlest one AnnMarie for her 4 month check up....and all you mothers out there know what joy that was...four shots and awfuls screams of horror from her. The nurse says "keep in mind she might run a fever...be cranky...and have sore legs." Gee thanks really I've had two other kids...I know! But this one...oohhh wasn't she quite the little spitfire today...cranky does not even describe what she ended up being. Maybe I should include that I went with my mom after the dr apt up to Chicago to see my sister and my nephew (who is in the hopsital). So thinking that I would spend time with my sister today and get her away from the hospital to relax...boy was my projection of the day completely off. We started off by going to the Wizard of Oz park to let the kids play and have a picnic...to enjoy the scenery and relax ...yeah right I should have expected...Robert getting stuck on the slide hanging from his arm...the two oldest kids running away...AnnMarie screaming and pooping every chance she got...so much for a peaceful afternoon. So my sister decides that we should go back to where she is staying to let the kids play and cool off (cause it was so damn hot out today). After getting there...AnnMarie turns into physco baby and starts screaming for no reason...she's not hungry...but I make her a bottle anyway...she enjoys a few sips..screams..sips..scream..sips ...screams..you get the picture..It was awful. The I finally get her to calm down....and I see Robert fall...and start screaming..I look over and his mouth was FULL of blood...(omg..I of course think the worst)...practically throw the baby to my sister and run to the bathroom to check the situation. End result...it was he punctured his bottom lip with his upper teeth causing major blood everywhere for a small injury ( that happen to include a big fat lip). We continue on with our relaxing afternoon (you aren't paying attention if you actually think this was relaxing) ....Robert seems tired...and looks exhausted all the sudden...he falls asleep on the playroom floor. When he awakes...he looks really bad...eyes glassy...pale...not his super kid self....I start to worry....we decide we better leave after feeling his forehead and he's burnin up! But of course not as soon as I can pick up him he pukes exercist style all down and behind my back ( I know ...makes me throw up a little in my mouth just reliving it) We go back to the hospital to get Mom (aka Nana) and head for the parking garage...while waiting for the car...he loses his lunch again ....and again...ugh...while trying to help him and get everyone in the car ..then we start to drive (keep in mind we are leaving chicago at rush hourish and having a sick kid in the car) we make it quite a ways before ..having to pull over and cause he's puking everywhere....(shiver...) clean that up..and off to home we go....so far no more puking....but there's a long night ahead of us....god help me!

Other wacky wednesday happenings:
1. While driving all front dash electric goes off...check engine light comes on.. complete panic
2. Big blister on my thumb from pulling around two kids in wagon
3. Foot throbbing from some pain...not sure the cause...feels like my foot is going to fall off
4. Trunk on van won't open. (had to pull stroller and wagon out the side door....and return them the same way)
5. Had to wear sister's tie dyed crazy shirt..cause beloved son throws up all over mine!

Enjoy your wacky Wednesday coffee!

Baby Question: What baby product do you hate?

New Website

2007-07-24T13:30:00.000-06:00

Sooo...I have some kind of bug up my butt and decided to make a website. I was just driving in the car one day and the idea popped into my head...and when something pops I just need to go with it. I am creating a baby website called http://www.yourbabyplace.com/. It's currently just a parking page until I create my materpiece ( oh come on you know it's going to rock!). The basis of the website pretty much is going to be everything and anything baby/pregnancy! I am very excited about this new little project I have created for myself. It seems that alot of times I go searching the internet for things on the subject and just don't find what I am looking for ( I am sure that you all have experienced this) sooo to solve the problem I have decided to do the website so hopefully I can help someone else find what they are looking for. I am looking for a decent amount of input from mothers of all kind. Today I have listed some questions for you to answer....and after every post that I do from now on will be a question. If everyone could give me a little input..it would be greatly appreciated. Just put your answer through a comment. Also if anyone has any suggestions as to things that they would love to see on a baby site...just let me know I am open to suggestions! Send everyone you know to here so they can give their input as well... Thanks in advance for all your help! Enjoy your coffee!

Question #1: What is the absolute best baby product that you have or have used and you could not have live with out?

Question #2: What is the best baby/parenting advice that you have received or heard?

Questions #3: What is the most useful baby product?

Question #4: What advice have you been give about parenting/babies that is totally off?

Question #5: Do you have any weird questions about babies or pregnancy that you need answered or that you have already had answered?

Question #6: What is your favorite parenting/baby website?

My Little Helper in the Bedroom

2007-07-23T20:20:00.000-06:00

Okay.....just pull your mind right out of that gutter....it has nothing to do with sex....or toys..or anything your dirty little mind might be thinking. Today I decided to clean my bedroom....(((screams of horror))) I know..it's a miracle...God must have touched me this morning and cured my inability to clean anything above the stairs. For those of you that may not know my bedroom is my catch all....throw all....store away the unstoreable. It's a mess....needless to say. Not only from myself...but my wonderful Mr Jo as well...not to mention my little children. (you didn't think that I would accept all the blame for it being a mess did you?) As I was cleaning my oldest, Rose, decides to come upstairs and check on me...(because it's obvious I need to be watched)...and she sees that I am cleaning and becomes very interested..interested why you might be asking...who the hell knows...she probably is going to be one of those clean freaks. I continue on with my business and she keeps asking for things to do...and of course I take advantage of her....(oh you would tooo don't think you wouldn't).....she takes things downstairs...brings me things...what a good girls she was being...Well she surely got bored with that routine real quickly..she wanted more. She grabs a rag and the pledge spray and starts spraying her rag....and wiping anything and everything possible. It was too cute! I continue on ...as does she....then..she starts singing as she works...I just stopped...(she was oblivious to me watching her)...she's wiping..singing..wiping..and still singing...i almost lost it...she was too funny. A little later..(keep in mind she's still wiping things) she says to me " Mommy....we need to get these germs out of here....they are disgusting." I say "Okay..honey you just keep working on that and mommy will do her thing." I go over to wipe off the dvd player before I move the tv stand...and I ask her for the rag..."what do you want the rag for," she says...."to clean this off," I reply. She must not have noticed what I was pointing to when I said "this" which meant the dvd player of course. I start wiping the dvd player and she looks at me with disgust and says
" Ummm I just cleaned that" (with one hand on her hip ...and the other out with complete annoyance) "I am so sorry I just was doing it again..just in case." Um yeah that totally didn't fly with her...she gave me the nastiest litttle look a 3 1/2 year old can give and walked away! I guess I shouldn't mess with a girl and her rag! Enjoy your coffee!

Coffee Factoids

2007-07-22T16:08:00.000-06:00

Since everyday is just not complete without some coffee...I thought we all could enjoy some fun coffee facts. I know what you are thinking obviously I have had to much coffee today if I think this is fun...but just keep your insight to yourself and read on...coffee lover read on....

Fact #1 Germany is the world's second largest consumer of coffee in terms of volume at 16 pounds per person.

Fact #2 With the exception of Hawaii and Puerto Rico, no coffee is grown in the United States or its territories.

Fact #3 October 1st is the official Coffee Day in Japan

Fact #4 The popular trend towards flavored coffees originated in the United States during the 1970's.

Fact #5 Goats actually discovered the coffee plant. Their shepherd noticed that they were getting very hyper; therefore, one day, he followed their every move, and found out that they were eating a strange berry that was keeping them awake all day and night.

Fact #6 Even though the caffeine in coffee keeps you alert while you are awake, it doesn't always keep you from falling asleep when you are dead tired. Many people can drink several cups of coffee before bed and still fall asleep with no trouble at all. Others can't fall asleep after drinking even one cup of coffee before bedtime.

Fact #7 Overall, coffee is not bad for the teeth. Some dentists agree that although coffee stains teeth, it also helps prevent cavities. Properties in coffee help in fighting plaque, which may lead to cavities.

I know that now you are more satisfied with your day...you have coffee knowledge...or coffee crap which ever you prefer....Enjoy your coffee!

What is your coffee factiod?

My Graceful Child

2007-07-20T15:35:00.000-06:00

Okay I must say that I can remember as a child being very clumsy...falling all the time ...tripping over my own feet..my dad never wanted me to wear shorts because I was always falling and scrapping my knees up. Till this day I still have lots of scars and scratches on my knees. Well...God has blessed my first born with this wonderful trait of mine...only it seems that it is a million times worse. She falls over her own feet....walks into walls...walks into things (anything and everything)...falls over toys....drops things...she is the definition of klutz! I sometimes feel bad for her always falling...but sometimes it's just hard to not laugh. She gets so used to it that she will fall...and get up and look right at me...and say "don't worry mommy...I'm okay...i just fell!" lol! It's hilarious. Yesterday was most definitely one of her off days. She fell over every toy in the house.....she hit her elbow on the corner of the wall. She was trying to carry her lunch plate to me to get some more noodles...and she trips over a basket....and the plate and her go flying...I felt bad because she was very upset and I couldn't stop laughing. The worst part is she thought that she was going to get in trouble! We go over to my sister in laws last night for dinner...and of course the gracefulness continues. She goes walking into the house and falls at least three times. Later that night was are outside having a fire and she goes to walk over by the driveway and trips over something in the grass...falls....then...she gets up...not even five steps later she falls again...she just gets up and keeps on going...Hopefully she will continue to go on with life and grow out of her falling problem...I guess that I can only hope...All I can say is thank goodness we didn't name her Grace! Enjoy your coffee...and try not to trip!

For Tommy Girl....

2007-07-17T21:04:00.000-06:00

Well here it is...my post dedicated to the one and only Ms. Tommy girl. She seems to be bored at home with nothing better to do and she wants me to blog....I say " I was going to but i can't think of a darn thing to say" and she says "well think!" True motivational words if I have ever heard any before.
Tuesdays Radom thoughts:
**It was raining out today...and driving i thought...why do some cars windshield wipers going side to side and others go up and out and then down...strange i know...to think to question the master minds behind the flow of windshield wipers..but it just doesn't make sense
**Sitting and watching people today makes me wonder....do people just not care what they look like...do people even want to look clean...smell clean...brush their hair....I mean come on people..it's not all about being beautiful and crap...everyone ever heard of personal hygiene.
**Do kids realize that when you tell them to do something that mean...go ..right now..and do it...not tell me no or wait five more minutes....or just plain ignore me..but of course I am obviously talking about someone else's kids because mine would never dream of doing something like that.
**Listening to the telephone ringing....checking the caller id and it's a telemarketer..grrr...I just hate them...but am glad at the same time that I have caller id and I can completely ignore their calls...you must think that the telemarketing companies out there must be completely pissed off at the inventor of caller id...it totally screws with their plans!
**Talking to my sister today realizing that maybe she does have half a brain....actually more like a a full brain. I got off the phone with her earlier and said to Mr. Jo " I think I actually like my sister" which for me is wierd..I have felt forever we were light years apart..and today...things just seemed different....she became a mommy recently and I am sure it has something to do with it. It's a great feeling to feel connected with your sister again.

Well radom thoughts those definately were....I hope you are happy Ms. Tommy girl! I know that everyone that reads my blog today with have a more complete and fulfilled life...and you can send all the thanks my way...Enjoy your coffee!

7 Ways to Improve Your Quality of Life

2007-07-16T14:55:00.000-06:00

Just browsing through my family pictures and thought my kids had some wonderful ideas on the great ways to improve the quality of your life this summer. Being they are just the smartest kids ever ...you should really listen to them and take their advice to heart. Your summer will be more complete by following through on their suggestions. Okay on with the list:

1. Since it's the summer of Shrek everyone should find the "ogre" in themselves....everyone has a little green...bug eating....mud bathing dark side....

2. Take some time and enjoy the way the sand feels between your toes (obviously the idea of standing on the outside of the sand table is just absurd.)

3. Enjoy an outdoor nap with someone you love. (Or fall asleep on your Nana's porch swing after a long day of play with your annoying brother)

4. Take the top down and enjoy the wind flowing through your hair on a nice Sunday afternoon drive. (In other words drive your "big foot" around the gated back yard cause mom won't let you go any farther)

5. Try out some new and innovating hairsytles. Rose recommends these two...they definately will be the hot new trend very soon.

6. Try out a new sleeping technique (just try to stay on the bed)

7. Dance when no one and everyone is looking (even if it's with your brother and your mom has the camera)

A night out

2007-07-15T11:41:00.000-06:00

It seems like it has been forever since Mr. Jo and I were able to go out. We were invited out for Ms. Tommy girl's birthday. She was turning 26 and wanted to go to her favortie restuarant Mongolian Barbacue. Mr. Jo had some extra cash so we decided to treat ourselves and go along. You forget about how it feels to go out with adults and friends and just have fun. We decided to go early and walk around downtown in the area of the restuarant...then we went into Barnes and Noble...we are both book freaks. It was soooo enjoyable for it to be just us for a bit. With everything that has been going on with my sister and my nephew we have barely seen each other. Then we met friends for dinner and it was a blast. Mr and Mrs Tommy girl are some of our best friends. We have so much in common and have a great time whenever we are together. We can talk about nothing and everything..from serious to retarded..it's great to have friends like that. The evening was very relaxed and enjoyable (i keep wanting to use that word "enjoyable" i really need to broaden my vocabulary). The small escape from reality was nice. Even the car ride there and back was good....no kids screaming in the car...no one wanting to talk in the back of van and you can't hear them....no one saying mommy or daddy....we were just Mr and Mrs. Jo...sometimes I think that we lose those people in our everyday life and it's nice to find them once in a while. Every parent should remember to escape ...you get to be you and no one else even if it's just for dinner...it's very worth it! Enjoy your coffee...it's Sunday...so enjoy lots of coffee (weekends are always big coffee days in our house).

Dakota

2007-07-14T11:34:00.000-06:00

I have created a website for Baby Dakota. He is my nephew that was born 7 weeks too early. We are trying to keep everyone updated as possible for the most current updates check out this site.

http://www.carepages.com/
You have to sign in as a new member...the care page name you will need is : dakotajames

Thanks for all your prayers and love.

How to love myself

2007-07-14T10:38:00.001-06:00

So today I guess I am full of coffee...but not so full on life. I have been really down on myself lately for numerous reasons. It seems that everything in my life is just in a downward spiral and it would be very good to have to upwards motion soon. I am a person that when you meet me ..you might think that I am a very confident ..strong...together person. But, most of the time that is a complete act. I truley don't like myself..for one reason or another. I have been trying to come to terms with the way I am...the way I look and so on..but it's a lot harder than I would like to admit. It's hard to love myself the way I find loving others. I know the old saying you have to love yourself first...but obviously I didn't get that memo. I am one of those obbessed people that hate everything about themselves...and I am always putting myself down inside my own head...it's frustrating somedays ..like I just want to give myself a break but it just doesn't let up. I can't walk by a mirror without looking at it and wanting to cry...or critizing myself for one aspect of my body....I always fuss with my hair tooo much cause I never think it looks right....I can't stand pimples or blemishes on my face so I always try and get rid of them...which usually just makes them worse. I ALWAYS compre myself to others.....and I never come out winning. I have so much stress going on in my life I really shouldn't be so worried about my weight or my appearance but that doesn't seem to matter. I need to love myself I know this....but how? when?...what will make me? I am disgusted with myself most days and I really don't know how others don't find me the same way. I question occasionally ..why does Mr. Jo love me...or find me attractive....or what do my friends really think about me...am I classified as the "fat friend"...it's all so much to handle....I try to diet...or make myself exercise to make me feel good about myself...but it only lasts for so long and then something comes along to get me off track..and back to normal Mrs. Jo...grrr...it's so frustrating. Everytime I get dressed in the morning I want to cry...and alot of the days i do...which is painful...I look at my beautiful kids and hope that they don't go through what I put myself through on a daily basis...I want to love myself...and feel good about myself..i really do...I guess I just don't know how...I feel so low some days I just want to stay in bed all day long....but for my kids...i get up....I love them and want to be better for them...to love me and portray a positive self image for them so they can feel that way about themselves later in life.....someday...hopefully sooner rather than later I will learn to love me...for me...and then work on getting better...and making me a better me.....but for now..I will just try to live one day at a time...I hope you enjoy your coffee...mine obviously was spoiled.

Reality

2007-07-11T21:08:00.000-06:00

Life...it's been a crazy ride lately. My new nephew was born on July 6th at 33 weeks....for those men out there that's seven weeks tooo early! All was thought to be okay in the beginning and then things started to go down hill. His lungs weren't fully developed and he detected that he had some kind of heart problem...and being that we live in hodunk town the hospital is not equipped to handle these kind of baby issues. So he was transfered to Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He actually is having open heart surgery on Friday because the drs there found that he has a heart defect ....but it is totally treatable by surgery. Thank God! I have been up there with my sister pretty much since Friday. Things have been crazy to say the least...I sort of have been neglecting my own family and household to be with her. You really learn to thank God for all his wonderful graces when you see all those sick little babies that come into the world fighting for their lives. The reality around us becomes so much more real. I am blessed that all three of my children were born healthy and safe into the world. The issues that my nephew is having to deal with are just unfortunate. Oh...by the way his name is Dakota. I really wasn't fond of the name when my sis first told me...but now that I see his cute little face I am glad that is his name and i love it! He is sooo adorable. For only being 33 weeks..he is a big boy which is actually to his benefit. Please just send out your prayers for this little guy...he is needing all the help he can get. Just be thankful for your reality and live every day like it's the last....you never know when something is going to change. Enjoy your coffee!

Potty

2007-07-06T13:05:00.001-06:00

Ok...so Mr. Jo and I decide that it might be time to start introducing the potty to our little boy (who just turned 2 on 6/20). Obviously wearing underwear and going on the big boy potty is much cheaper than buying a huge pack of diapers every week. So to start off slow we decide that when we change his diaper we will just sit Robert on the potty and get him used to it. We bought him his own little potty seat for on top of the big toliet ..the one with the little wee wee guard so he doesn't paint the walls with his pee. We had sat him on the toliet a small amount of time before we got that and we kept having to tell him to hold down his wee wee or we would do it...so now he has a little guard and doesn't have to hold it. But some how his little brain actually remembers things and the first time that we set him on his new seat he wanted to push it down...he just kept pushing on his wee wee...and pushing and smiling and pushing more. ... it was so funny i couldn't get him to stop....he finally had pushed so much on himself that he had made himself "hard" I was laughing so hard that he was getting such a kick out of it that I had to get him off the potty. So the next morning I was in the bathroom getting ready for the day and Robert sees the potty and wants to get on it. He needed a diaper change anyway so I take off his diaper and let him get on...he sits for about 5 minutes or so...then he makes it quite apparent that he is done and wants off. So off he goes and I scream to Mr. Jo that he needs to put a diaper on him. I continue to go on with my routine...and then think to myself..Mr. Jo has a wonderful way of completely ingnoring me and I better make sure that he did indeed put a diaper on Robert. Well to my shocking surprise (not really) he didn't put a diaper on him and there was pee all over the floor by the coffee table and Robert was walking around stradle like and whining a bit. I say "Ummm..didn't you hear me say PUT A DIAPER ON HIM"...Mr Jo replys " I didn't hear you say anything." (of course you didn't because you were too busy playing on the computer)...then I look over a little closer...and I think no it couldn't be...it isn't...OMG yes it is...he took a big dump right there on the living room floor! Gross....I couldn't believe that Mr. Jo didn't first hear him pooping....or not to mention smell it....he did it like 10 feet from where Mr. Jo was sitting....And you better believe that it was not me cleaning up that mess.....poor Robert was walking around with goop in his tooshy.....if only his father would listen to me! Potty training ...it's going to be a long long road...ugh! Enjoy your coffee!

Stomach churns

2007-06-26T20:13:00.000-06:00

Okay so why on earth do I eat things that make me feel like shit. At the time I think okay it will be fine...nothing is going to happen...bull shit...my stomach is killing me....I feel like I am going to be sick. I hate the fact that all this crap that I eat I think that it tastes sooo good and that I am so going to enjoy it. Well of course I enjoy it when I am eating it...but gross the aftermath is soo not worth it. Maybe that's why I am pleasantly plump because I eat things that are bad for me...that are made to taste good but really in the end result make me feel like crap! Well it's a lesson learned I guess eat like shit...feel like shit....now I know...onto to tomorrow more eating like crap...more feeling like crap when will I ever learn...if only I could actually make my brain automatically eat healthy...only if I had control over my own mind....wait a damn minute I DO! duh.....I just need to get my ass in gear and quit making myself feel like crap all the time....here's to eating healthy....maybe....
Enjoy your coffee!

So sorry!

2007-06-20T21:54:00.000-06:00

Okay I know it's been forever....Well guess what I have been out of coffee for quite some time now and it obviously is affecting my blogging skills. My husband and I have decided to try and diet...I know I said it the d word....it's okay though we both have come to terms with our fatness and decided we needed to do something about it! Finally right...I know it's about damn time. So as a result of the diet I haven't been drinking my coffee...cause with the creamer that I use it's just too many calories....sooo I have switched to tea and 2 splendas and obviously it's just not working for me! I decided tonight that I am going to use those wise calories that are in my creamer and continue to blog. No diet is going to keep me from blogging about absolutely nothing and everything all at once. I do enjoy getting on here and venting or raving or just babbling about not having coffee. There have been other stressful issues in my life that have prevented me from blogging but I am happy to say that I have pushed them aside (for now..Lord knows they will be back) and will trek on! So all you five people that might read my blogs the crazy coffe lady is back.....hopefully...for good....so enjoy the coffee i know I will!

The Outback

2007-05-28T11:53:00.000-06:00

OMG please don't go to the Outback. I think it was the worst place that I have ever eaten. Everything and I mean everything was spicy. It was totally gross. I hate really spicy food and even their kids cheeseburgers had spice on them. It was totally disgusting. I ordered a small side ceasar salad in the beginning and the dressing was hot...not hot like warm..but hot like spicy...I have NEVER eaten a ceasar dressing that was spicy...I am totally disgusted with the whole experience and would steer anyone away from eating there! Enjoy your coffee..just not at the Outback!

The bike ride from hell

2007-05-25T06:25:00.000-06:00

I am on a mission to fight the plump body that I have been living in. I guess people say that to do this I need to some form of exercise (go figure)....My friend and I have been walking at least five days a week 2.4 miles a day! I know don't applaud it is just wonderful...We have been getting a little worn out on the walking though and decided the other night to ride bikes. We leave near the I&M canal which is what we call the tote path...so at around 7:20 we decide to start our bike ride. Now keep in mind that I am a big girl....riding a bike is a definite workout for me...even if its just around the block. The friend says..."lets just ride 20 minutes one way and then we will turn around and come back." Alright was she trying to kill me...I was ready to turn around when she said that it had only been six minutes. I thought that I was going to die! We are riding the grandma seat bikes sooo at this point my butt isn't really hurting...but that joy was still to come. We kept riding ...and riding ..and riding...I felt like 20 minutes was never coming....so friend says...i think we are almost to the next town...let's keep going...was she smoking crack...I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest and I still had to turn around and go home....HELL No i didn't want to keep going...but she is a persistant friend..and I am stupid..sooo I followed her...we made it to the next town in 40 minutes. Then I needed to rest for a bit....my ass was pounding...my heart was pounding....my legs were pounding...I wanted to kill her! So it's about 8:10 at this point and we rest for like five minutes and start to head back and at this point I am thinking that we are never going to make it back before dark. The tote path isn't the most friendly area...especially when it's starting to get dark (and if you remember from my useless facts ..I am afraid of the dark!) So...we begin on our journey back home. I am trying to peddle so fast but my body is just screaming for help....It's getting darker and darker...and there are so many bugs out..being right next to the canal...the insects were awful...I bet I ate about 1lb of nats..gross...we had passed a landmark to let us know that we were almost to the end of the path....I just started peddling...stopped talking and peddled my plump ass off...One i was tired and felt like croaking...second it was getting dark and I was getting a tad freaked out. We finally saw the end and I felt like Rocky after making it to the top of the stairs! We stopped real quick and looked at the map board to see how far we actually rode. It was 11 MILES! OMG! I haven't rode a bike in years....and before that it was probably around the block..and i just rode 11 miles! No wonder I can't feel my ass or my legs. I guess the battle of the plumpness is alot harder than all those books I have been reading make it sound...you figure you actually have to work and feel the burn...well...maybe I will take another bike ride soon...around the block sounds good! Enjoy your coffee.

The friendship trio

2007-05-23T07:38:00.000-06:00

Friends...we all have them..good friends..close friends...acquintances...fake friends...so many friends. It's crazy the different levels woman can have friendships on! I love all my friends in sooo many different ways. I would say that right now at this point in my life I have three great friends! I think that having a few close friends is sooo much better than have lots that are not so close. I know cliche but it's a very good statement. The funny thing is that all three of them are SO extremely different...it's kind of funny that I get along with all of them so well ..but in extremely different ways. The first one...we will name her....Spunky...she is a spit fire...we have been friends longer than i can remember and I love her like a sister....She's the type of friend that you get drunk with ...laugh with....tell everything to....and experience the shitty aspects of life with! We tend to talk really fast to each other and can completely grasp what the other one is saying...sometimes we don't even need to really "say" what we mean(in other words we talk code in front of husband and kids) and the other one always gets what the other one is saying. We can get on the phone and talk about absolutely nothing (and i mean nothing..like watch the same show when we are on the phone and talk about it) but we have a great time doing it...She's a treasured friend and definitely one of kind...Onto the next friend..we can call her.... Tommy Girl...which is just exactly what she is :) On the surface you would think that we are nothing alike...she is sort of reserved...loves name brands....very together and proper....(well to most people ..lol) but when you really get to know her she is so much fun! Her and I think exactly the same most of the time....we can go from having a very deep serious conversation to laughing about something all within an hour's time. I love that about our friendship...we can share everything and we enjoy each others company without even doing anything special. Tommy girl has a very big heart...sometimes she doesn't always let people see it but she is one of the most caring people i know. And i just love that about her....we share so many special moments and we cherish alot of the same things in life. She is a great woman and I am honored to be one of her friends. Now onto friend number three ..let's call her.....Techno ....(and no this name has nothing to do with technology..because funny enough i think technology frustrates her!) She just loves techno type music... even though to me it's the weirdest type of music...she hears it and just starts a boppin and dancin'...she's crazy...We became friends by fate...she moved into the house next door to me a few years ago...and we have been friends ever since but we are growing closer everyday i think. I just love talking to her...we have lots of coffee together...lots of talks about everything and anything and we love every minute of it...I'm the one she's calls when she needs her hair dyed...or someone to watch her dog...and I call her for just about anything else..from borrowing some cooking oil to asking her to watch my kids for a bit...we have the convienece of living close...but we have the will to have a friendship...and I love it...she's so full of energy...and she's always their to listen...(oh and she will give her opinoin..but she wouldn't be herself with out it)..she is a wonderful mother and wife...she gives a great example to others and i admire her for that...not only can her and i get together and have a great time..we can have the whole families together and the fun just continues...it's great to have her so close!

I am a person that cherishes my friendships and I try to work very hard at making them great! There are many times that I don't really like one or all of them...for one reason or another...but that's what friendship is all about...I love my friends...all in so many different ways. I am blessed to have them in my life and I hope they all know how much they mean to me. Everyone should have at least one close friend to laugh and cry with...it makes life so much more enjoyable. Enjoy your coffee!

More Useless Info

2007-05-22T14:09:00.003-06:00

So with this being a relatively new blog I should keep you interested in me..right?! Well...here comes some more very UNimportant items about me so we can get to know each other a little bit better:

1. I love coffee flavored ice cream
2. I completely enjoy cleaning ( okay maybe my house doesn't always show it..but WHEN i do ..do it ...i enjoy it ;)
3. My husband has called me his "little sugar purple panda bear" ever since we started dating! I know a little insane..and weird but I never said that he was the creator of cute nicknames
4. I have an Associates in Business Administration (although I am not currently using it but who doesn't like to waste money
5. I love Math! (it's the dork in me!)
6. I never pay my water bill on time..I mean NEVER...it's been shut off more than I can tell you and it's not because I don't have the money..it's just because I always forget to pay it!
7. I like to play games...but i hate to lose...i may not always show it (okay maybe most of the time)...but i really don't like to lose...ask my husband he would tell you that i am a sore loser
8. I am NEVER late....i can't stand to have late friends...or late family...or being late....to anything...i will go 1/2 hour early just not to be late!
9. I wanted to be a lawyer when I was little because I thought I could agrue anyone and win!
10. My mom is one of my best friends ( doesnt every mom wish their daughter would say that about them...but I am not just trying to score points..she really is)

Alright now your life is definitely more complete because you have more knowlege about my life! I know you can stop crying....it's okay...i know how much you truly care..LOL! Seriously now that you have wasted five minutes of your life reading this...you should be cleaning your house or something. I can see that it needs it! :) Enjoy your coffee!

Thankful

2007-05-20T15:01:00.001-06:00

I have had a interesting weekend (well not really but I have to dream that it was interesting...) Some things have been brought to my attention this weekend that made me realize that my life is pretty wonderful! If you knew me at all you would realize that ..that statement doesn't seem completely true..but it is! I have a wonderful husband (as good as they come) three great kids (Rose is a little mouthy....Robert is a little monster...and AnnMarie is a little cranky) but, they are healthy and they are here! I have a roof over my head...and can provide food for my family...well most of the time..even it's is grilled cheese all the time. Try and think for a moment when you are having a really shit ass day, that you aren't homeless.....you have a home...that you aren't hungry...you have food to eat....that you aren't alone..you have a family and friends around. There are tons ...make that millions of people out there that don't have any of those things. ...people right in this area....we may forget about it or be so caught up in our own lives that we don't see it but they are there....I just want everyone today ...tomorrow...or sometime in the very near future...to be THANKFUL..for what they have...and don't complain about the things they don't have ..even the littlest things can be appreciated. It's not important that you don't drive a fancy car...or live in a 500,000 house or get that new toy that you want...the important things are the ones that we forget about ...so take your time and remember those wonderful things that make like so absolutely worth living! OH....and be thankful for coffee cause without it we would have lots of crabby ass woman out there! :)

Crabby

2007-05-19T06:10:00.000-06:00

Is there a reason why when you are crabby everyone in the known world needs to ask you .."what's wrong." If anyone had a flippin clue they would know by now when I am pissed off...angry...crabby...etc...just leave me the hell alone! I obviously don't want to talk about it or I would have. People just have the need to keep asking...what's wrong....is something the matter...are you okay....OMG just shut(l0ts of swear words) UP! My life lately I guess you say is some sort of emotional roller coaster and some days I just don't handle it as well and I do other days....is there anything wrong with this? NO! I am human and don't always want to *share* my feelings with others....I guess if I talk about them I have to deal with them (lol) ...not really I do deal with them just on my own level. I however think that I have very good reasons to have bad days...they hubby(he's a union worker) has been laid off for a year now...and we have three kids under the age of 3 1/2....We added the littlest one (AnnMarie) to the mix while he was not working...not really on purpose ( but I guess God knows what he is doing). Soooo.. just that is enough to drive anyone crazy...and I feel that my hubby and I are handling the whole situation pretty well...although there are days when we want to kill each other....It just isn't meant to be to have married couples TOGETHER ALL THE TIME! Some days it puts a strain on our marriage I think and it's no ones fault but it's there...we bite each others heads off for no reason (well...okay somtimes I have good reasons..but who's really keeping score) ....we pick fights just for some entertainment! I guess I could look at the good side...we have lots of family time...he's great with the kids...and don't forget all the afternoon sex (when the kids are napping) ...As I am sure all you woman can imagine...it takes some getting used to ...our normal homelife schedule has been interuppted for over a year now and some days its just a handful...I guess *today* is one of the times I actually wanted to share my feelings (aren't those of you reading this lucky)...my family is wonderful...my kids are awesome...and my hubby....he's the best (for dealing with me and our children) ..Life just really sucks ass sometimes! (See the outcome of an early morning blog and absolutely no coffee yet!)

A Horny husband

2007-05-17T10:21:00.000-06:00

Full of coffee.....and full of life this morning...boy aren't you lucky! It's better than yesterday I guess that's what happens when there is no coffee consumed and I have a full to-do list :) I however do have a complaint....my husband...of course..is wonderful .charming...lovely...great father..blah blah blah...you know all those good qualities. BUT (you knew it was coming) he always decides that he wants to get all hot and frisky at the worst times! As we all know women get periods...and i just happen to have mine (i know gross...stop making that face..you all get them) and of course this is the day that he picks to want to play horny husband....I mean really...out of the whole month...he picks the one day that it's just not going to happen...! Not to mention that I am trying to start dinner...Let's set the scene for you...

It's about 4:00pm yesterday....in my kitchen ..I am at the counter starting to get things ready for dinner..in walks hubby...

Hubby...kissing the back of my neck.....starting to have wandering hands...

Me...thinking what is he insane he knows he can't go anywhere with this.....*but of course I am secretly loving it at the same time*

Hubby...turns me around and starts to kiss me like we are high school teenagers at a make out party....more wandering hands.....

Me....sort of annoyed ..sort of turned on..getting all hot and bothered...and a little pissed off at the same time.

Hubby....kissing down the neck..hands ever so wandering...hands moving to my pants button....

Me..."HELLO! what are you retarded you know this isn't going anywhere I am on my period!"

Hubby....yah i know but i am "horny"

Me...Well...then alright....now that I am aware that "YOU" (i hope you sense the sarcasm) are horny then just go right ahead....right you idiot....i mean how could i be soooo insensitive!

He laughs and walks out of the kitchen..i continue on with what i was doing...but now I am horny and definitely pissed off that nothing is going to come of it....was this his plan....it's seems as though he has got me all worked up now and he has had his fun.....stupid men...it's always all about them isn't it! Just wait his time is coming and I can make him horny as hell...wanting it more than he can stand....and then ...at the right moment..i will roll over and go to sleep leaving him all hot and bothered..wanting more and not going to get it(who am i kidding...he may not get it from me..but his hand will do)ugh...men...Once again just another reason being a woman sometimes sucks ass!

Pleasantly Plump

2007-05-16T14:43:00.000-06:00

Well here comes a rant....I haven't had ANY coffee today (I was out of creamer)! As you can imagine starting off the day to no coffee and lots of things to do and being on my freakin' period..didn't help anyone! I feel like a freakin elephant today ...I must be carrying enough water weight to quench the thirst of a small sports team. It's just insane! Why on earth did God decide to make the woman have all the flippin fun....couldn't he give men just one little thing to deal with (big deal they have to pee standing up!) ..there should be something at least a little painful or annoying they have to go through! Ugh! Well....you will come to find out from reading my blogs that I am a pleasantly plump girl...but, I am learning to come to terms with my plumpness! Well...okay....that was sort of a fib...I'd like to think that I have come to terms with it...but that is just something that I tell myself so I think it's okay. I have been trying to walk and get some exercise in daily and it seems to be helping (a little). BUT I guess that I just like food to much! I mean really is it fair to deprive myself of the things that every woman loves...chocolate...ice cream...etc.. you get the picture. And especially at this time of the month I feel like all I want to do it EAT! For instance today I was a nice mommy and took Rose to "donalds" (that's mcdonalds to you that don't have kids) and I thought okay I will get one of their yummy salads...who am I freakin' kidding...I went in and ordered a BIG MAC and fries...who on earth can get a salad...I will tell you who...no one! I tried to coax my brain into the salad even before I get there and it obviously didn't work there was no coaxing...not even one little bit...this crazy woman had to just have a big mac. You want to hear the real icing on the cake....the big mac sucked... it was awful....definitely the worst sandwich I have ever had there...what was that God's way of saying...ha ha you should have eaten the salad dumbass! Well thanks alot! I added more calories to my fat ass and didn't even appreciate it!

Okay I feel better now...I have ranted about my plumpness! It took a load off my chest (well not really those things are bigger than you can imagine), but at least I feel better!
Let's hope tomorrow I get some coffee or it's going to be a serious issue!

Welcome!

2007-05-15T10:35:00.000-06:00

Ok...my first post...what in the hell do I say? Do I tell you about me (why no one really cares), but since when do i care about what other people think. My name is Mrs. Jo (obviously not my real name) I am a stay at home mom currently with three kids : Rose 3 1/2, Robert 2, and AnnMarie is 2 months. Oh btw I said "currently with three kids" like it is going to change or something...my husband of 6 years has made it quite apparent that there will be no more additions to this family, so i guess that three kids is final! I push them out... who in the hell is he to say that there is not going to be anymore...oh I guess i shouldn't get sidetracked( I could go on forever)...we can talk more about that at a later time. Where was i? Oh I also have a golden retriever, Oliver, he is a beast and a cat (that we all hate but had to take in ) Angel. My family and friends are very important to me and is my Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ! I am told that I am a perfect canidate for this blogging world..but only time will tell. Everyone keeps saying you have a great personality for it (is that supposed to be a compliament...the jury is still out on that one). I try to always be high on life but some days present a real struggle with that especially when I am running low on coffee *hint to the title*. I will do my best to make you laugh , maybe cry, and sometimes smile...scouts honor (not that I was a scout..but it seemed appropriate). Just to get a better feel of who I am here is a list of some unimportant things about me *smile*:

1. I am 5'8" and very pleasantly plump
2. I hate replacing the toliet paper roll
3. I love to watch people (everywhere)
4. I gossip ..too much ..but i just can't help it!
5. I hug my kids everyday and tell them i love them
6. I hate working (i mean a real job...it takes me away from the things i love)
7. My home phone plays a song when it rings ...it's always throwing people off
8. I pick my nose (just can't help myself)
9. I love rain and thunderstorms , they are so relaxing
10. I LOVE to clean the bathroom (and I use my hand and a rag to clean the toliet..grosses some people out...but that's the best way to clean)
11. I love Betty Boop ..she has an awesome body
12. I am afraid of the dark....COMPLETELY ( I am a huge baby)
13. I LOVE to color
14. I am very sarcastic ( i just can't control it)
15. I love to sit in recliners :)

So now that you know more about me (although it's absolutely irrelevant) , you will have a better idea of who I am. Keep in mind men I know those items listed make me sooo completely appealing to you...but keep your self in check I am taken...I know hard to beleive a catch like me is already been taken..but when it's this good....OMG...i am laughing so hard right now who the hell am I kidding...my husband is crazy and felt bad for me so he thought he would marry me! There will be more to come so stay tuned and pray that I have my coffee before I decided to post!