From Sunshine to Snow

Summer Craziness!!

2010-07-18T18:25:00.002-05:00

Where does the time go? It is the middle of July. School starts in 6 weeks! Scary thought! The girls will be in 3rd and 6th grade and I will be starting school as a medical assistant. I am nervous starting school after all these years but I think if I study my but off I can succeed! After teaching pre-school for the past 2 years plus the prior 4 years. I think it's time to turn in my crayons for a stethoscope.

More on that later...

Summer has been great. We recently returned from our summer family vacation. We went to Disney World for 3 days and on a 4 night cruise. The trip was wonderful. It was a good time to have family bonding time.

I am setting sail on Thursday on another cruise with my mother and sister. It will be a great vacation filled with lots of laughs.

Hello Again!!

2010-02-08T17:13:00.003-06:00

Where ever do I start.... since Face book I have neglected this blog and I am sorry. It's just that life passes by so fast and then in the blink of an eye the week is over. Chris has been deployed for 6 months and to be honest the time not dragged like I thought it would. I feel bad for Chris he is on his trip doing the same job over and over 7 days a week 24 hours a day without a break. I think I would have gone berserk by now doing the same routine. He calls it "ground hog day"
God will April 1st he ill be home and we can resume life as a crazy family.

The girls are doing great. Lindsey has been busy cheering and playing basketball and Emily is still in tawkondo and cheering as well. I am still working my part time job and making no money as I like to say I don't do it for the money I love working with the pre-schoolers.

I will try to keep this blog up and going starting today.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T20:41:00.003-06:00

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Turkey Day! I have my best friend Stacey visiting this week with her 4 kids. We have been having a good visit touring Jelly Belly, Leggo Land and still have more fun to be had this weekend.

A Visit from Chris...

2009-10-03T09:36:00.002-05:00

So officially Chris left on August 10th for his long trip. We dropped him off a the airport and said our good byes. It was a crying session and hard for Chris to walk away.

Well last week Chris surprised us and came home for 3 days. It was a great 3 days. The girls were so happy to see Daddy that they actually cried. Then when we got home Miley went crazy. She loves Chris the most out of the family.

Well after 3 days it was time to say our good byes again. (It went a lot smoother) and drop Chris off at the airport again.

Chris is now in his new home in the dessert for the next 6 months. I spoke to him him the other night and he said everyone is very nice and the food is rather good.

With fall here it's time to dig out the warmer clothes and prepare for the blustery winter ahead.

Okay I'm a terrible Bloger

2009-09-11T20:52:00.003-05:00

I am really bad at this blogging. With Face Book I communicate with the world daily. Lots have happened in a month. Chris is gone on hislong trip, the girls are back in school and I am back to loving my job as a teachers aide. The girls just went to there first concert. I took them to see Britney Spears this week. Little did I actually know it was going to be a sexy show with more for the adults eye then children. Overall they had the concert experience but if I had aclue it was going to be what it was we never would have gone.

Last weekend we had a San Diego reunion. A good friend who is more then crazy drove 15 hours each way for2 days. Yes Kris hasnot changedat all. She is just as fun and crazy as ever. It was a wonderful 48 hours. We talked, laughed and even managed to go to Jelly Belly. Now when you have been 5 times it is very exciting! NOT!! But the kids all loved it.

Okay enough with this boring blog. I will try harderto keep it up. The cold weather is coming soon so I will have something to complain about soon!

2009 Giammarino Grandchild Picure

2009-08-14T21:35:00.001-05:00

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy is taking 5 kids to the picture studio for a picture. Enough said on that! After an hour I think the employees were more then ready for us to leave and get out!

Daddy's gone and Summer is almost gone too...

2009-08-11T19:08:00.003-05:00

Chris left on Saturday for his trip. He will be in the Virginia area for the next month in training until he departs for his journey. The girls and I arrived in Atlanta yesterday. We drove 8 hours on Saturday and then spent the night in Kentucky. It was a fluke that we actually were able to have breakfast with our good friends of 15 years Then today I spend getting aquainted with Tyler. He is Ami's youngest son. The last time I saw him he was 8 months old so he had no clue who I was.

Were heading to 6 Flags on Saturday It should be fun visiting another 6 Flags theme park considering we have been to the Chicago location 25 times since May.

It's hard to beleive that school starts in 13 days! The girls are getting excited about having new teachers and starting a new grade. I start the 19th with new parent orientaion and then have a whole week to set up the class room. I am really looking forward to meeting the new 3 year olds this year.

2 days until Chirs leaves....

2009-08-07T21:54:00.005-05:00

I didn't think this day was going to come for a while but here it is Friday night. Chris leaves in a day and a half for his 8 month trip. When you look at the trip yes it's for our country but his first obligation should be to the girls and I not the Navy. I know there is nothing I can do to change that but I can still vent over it.

So much has been going on since I last posted. The girls are 3 weeks away from school. Emily got braces and a spacer and not I am packed and heading on another trip. The girls and I are going to Atlanta on Sunday after dropping Chris off at the airport. We have not seen Ami & the boys since New Years. I am really looking forward to binding with my nephew Tyler. I talk to Brandon and Ryan on the phone but Tyler is only one so he has no clue who I am.

On another note I have a potential job at the girls school for the fall but something else has popped up and I am praying about what to do with this lead. Hopefully God will answer my prayers and help me with this decision.

Wow what a month!!

2009-07-20T19:19:00.003-05:00

Wow is July actually almost over? Chris went on leave June 30th for 20 days and in that time we have been in Connecticut and Florida. It is amazing how tired one can get upon returning home. Chris returned back to work today and I spent the day doing errands and taking the girls to medical for follow up appointments. Tomorrow Miley has an appointment at the Doggie Spa. She needs a hair cut so bad! She is going to look like a different dog when Pet Smart is finished with her.

We are down to the final 3 weeks before Chris leaves for his trip. It is going to be a long 8 months but considering the time frame he is leaving I think we will be busy enough to make the time pass by fast.

The girls are 34 days away from starting 2nd and 5th grade. I cannot believe Lindsey will be in 5th grade. It was just yesterday that that was me. (okay it was 27 years ago but when I say it like that it seems like I am old) Emily is not happy about starting 2nd grade. She said she is quitting school and not going.

I better go for now. I am actually trying to grow flowers in the yard but I need to water them.

oh by the way... we had 85' weather for about 2 weeks so I am thinking that now that we are in the 70's summer is over...? More to come on that one.

Summer Vacation!

2009-06-27T16:36:00.003-05:00

Summer vacation is here. The girls have been out of school for 2 weeks. The first week went by slow then last week the girls went to camp from 9-3 everyday and loved it. After camp we went to the local pool which has a water park. By 8:30 the girls were out like lights with exhaustion. This week we are heading to visit family in CT. It's been a while since the 4 of us have been home as a family so it should be a nice treat to my in laws to have everyone home. Chris's sister and her family are visiting as well. My in laws are very excited to have their 3 grand children together under one roof.

After we return from CT we will be flying to Florida to see my parents and have some fun in the sun. Chris and I are planning on taking to girls to Wannado City. It is in indoor interactive theme park that they love. It's boring for the parents but the girls have a good time playing pretend and acting like little adults. visit www.wannadocity.com to see what I am talking about. Chris also wants to go to a baseball game and to some restaurant he saw on food network.

Well congratulate me.... I survived a trip to the orthodontist with the girls. We had our first initial appointment this week so see what's going on in there mouths. Yes, both girls need braces. Emily will need 2 rounds of braces. Phase 1 will happen starting in August and that will be 4 braces and a spacer to make room in her mouth for the rest of her teeth to grow in. Then when she is about 10 she will need a full set of braces. It should be a long next few years. Lindsey will be getting upper and lower braces but not until next year. She still has a few teeth that need to come in before she is ready.

Well it's Saturday and we are off to our favorite place again. 6 Flags is calling. Chris is going to come with us today so it will be few hours of family fun.

2 days left of School!

2009-06-06T20:24:00.002-05:00

OMG!! Summer is 2 days and 2 hours away. I say the 2 hours because the girls go to school Wednesday morning for 2 hours to get report cards etc. After school we are going to celebrate by going to Six Flags. We have passes that is why you see me writing in my posts that we go a lot. I wish it was Disney World but Six Flags will have to do for now.

Summer should be fun. We are heading to Connecticut the beginning of July for 9 days then we return home and 3 days later fly to Florida for 5 days. Then somewhere in there were going to Wisconsin Dells with the girls for 2 nights. Then the beginning of August the girls and I are heading to Atlanta for a week. Then it's time to return back to school again.

I would like to report that the weather has improved since my last posting but it is still the same. Chilly. I am convinced that the only summer we will have here is in August like last year.

The girls are very excited about school ending. Lindsey is going to miss her friends. She really loves school. Emily is a little nervous about going to second grade.

I may or may not have a job so I am sitting on the fence waiting to hear if my pre-school has enough enrollment for me to have a job. I won't know until August. I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one.

Going Camping... yes me!

2009-05-30T11:21:00.001-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that my idea of camping is a hotel with cable and a pool. Well the Mother of the Year, (Myself) is getting ready to go camping with the Girl Scouts & Brownies. We just got home from the girls soccer games, the girls had showers and now I need to decide what in the world to pack for this adventure. Luckily we are sleeping in an indoor cabin with 25 kids. Hope they have electricity because I am bringing the air mattress. More to come in an update when we return/ It's only a 24 hour camping trip and it's about 90 minutes away.

Off I go!

Spring...??

2009-05-26T20:59:00.003-05:00

When does spring come? We had a few days of actual nice weather but now we are back to the 50's and 60's. I am thinking it does not exist here in Chicago. This past winter was the perfect winter for my first winter in the mid west. It was longer then long and colder then cold! I am already dreading next winter!

Hope all my friends are enjoying the season of spring. Send some this way! Please!!

1st Visit to 6 Flags this year!

2009-05-10T21:55:00.001-05:00

Today we went to 6 Flags fo the first time this season. It was a great day!

A Horrible Blogger

2009-05-05T08:58:00.004-05:00

I really thought that keeping a blog was going to be easy. Well I can honestly admit that I am a bad blogger. It's been almost a month since my last posting. I have such a crazy life with the girls in gymnastics, soccer practice twice a week, games on Saturdays and then we also have Brownies and Girl Scouts. Then Lindsey was just in a school play which she had extra rehearsals and everything else. She was a great Statue of Liberty and Susan B. Anthony. Emily has been super busy getting ready for 2nd grade. I am very impressed with her reading skills and the changes in personality since she began Zoloft. She has been on it for 6 weeks and there is a major change in her attitude. We had company for Easter weekend, Paula, David, Connor and 2 of David's family members came for Easter. They left on a Monday and my Father in law arrived on a Tuesday. He stayed for a week and then the following Tuesday the girls and I flew to Florida for 4 days. I was getting upset not seeing the sunshine and dealing with this long dreary winter we have had that I booked tickets for the girls and I. It was a great 4 days of well needed sunshine. Poor Emily ended up with a bad sunburn. I did find out that sunblock does expire. (Check those dates Parents!!) On a totally different note. We are a few weeks away from school being out and the weather is finally looking like spring. Yes the trees are blooming and the sun is actually shining from time to time. It is still chilly in the mornings and at night but it is warm enough for the kids to wear shorts. I will try to be a better at keeping up with my blog.

Is it actually Spring??

2009-04-08T01:25:00.004-05:00

So here is the funny thing. The weather man announced that it was spring a few weeks ago except the weather here is getting colder and colder. We have had 2 snow falls in a week. I am so sick of this cold dreary weather. I told Chris last week that I was going to book airline tickets to Florida for the girls and I. I have a flights booked for the three of us to my parents house leaving the 21st.

The girls have spring break this week but we have company coming for Easter weekend so that was not a good time to go. Our house guest asked months ago is they could come for a visit and I am not one to say no to family. I knew moving to the Chicago area was going to be hard but this has really been a brutal winter. Here it is April 7th and it was only 37' outside. Enough is enough.

As I said company is coming for the weekend, then they leave Monday and my FIL comes Wednesday for 6 days. Then then following Tuesday he leaves and that same day the girls and I fly south. They have a short school week so I thought it would be a good time to go. Lindsey is upset with me because I am making her miss a day and a half of school. When I was a kid if I had the chance to go on a trip I jumped on it.

Backing up in time.......

We just returned from a trip to Wisconsin Dells, WI. It was a nice vacation spot to go to if you like water parks. It is the water park capitol. There are not only a million outside water parks but a lot of the hotels have indoor theme parks as well. We had a fun 3 days with the girls we stayed at a hotel called Mt. Olympus. It had an inside theme pars ad water park. I really feel bad for the Dells right now because th whole area was dead. I know it's April but the poor servers in the restaurants were making no money. I am sure they make a fortune in tips during the summer season.

The girls are good. Emily starts gymnastics next Monday and they both start soccer soon. Chris is busy registering for college. I am putting a fire under his but to finish his degree. Realistically he can retire in 2 years and be in the real world. I am trying to decide what to do with my life. I might go to school and finish my degree in teaching or maybe go to nursing school. It is my dream to work in a newborn nursery and I can do that with my CNA which is a short class. Either way after June 10th I will be un-employed for the summer and a full time Mommy again. So many things to decide on. I love my current job at the girls school but working 8-11:30 3 days a week is not putting any money in saving for the future, college or anything. I am going to have to pray for a miracle.

Another year older!

2009-03-16T19:21:00.003-05:00

Well this post is about a week over due but my Emily turned 7! Yes as I like to say "she made 7!!"Things have been a bit rough with her attitude lately and Chris and I are working very hard along with her teachers at school to get her under control. I have decided to take television away from her unless it is something I say she can watch or it is a program we watch together. It Dawned on me that when Lindsey was her age she was not watching Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place not to mention I-Carley. These shows are good and all however I am thinking that Emily is trying too hard to act like the characters on the shows. I have on more then one occasion heard her say things that Zack & Cody would say from there show. I am done with the attitude. She is not happy with the decision about her selective TV shows but I am the Mother and I make the rules. I recorded Dragon Tales and Arthur today. She was angry with me about the shows I recorded but trying something new might help.

On another note. The weather is getting nicer here. Today was 55' and tomorrow will be 70'. I am convinced that we are not done with snow yet.

Until my next post....

Things kids say...

2009-02-26T19:32:00.002-06:00

Yesterday the girls attended mass for ash Wednesday. I went to mass and sat with Lindsey. She and I went to the alter for communion. She was behind me in line. After receiving my bread I glanced back to see her receive hers and she smiled at the priest and walked away. She never took the bread. When she caught up to me I asked her why she didn't take the bread and she said, " I wasn't hungry" I could not believe my ears that she said that. I wanted to laugh out loud in the church. I then made her get back in line and go get her bread. The priest looked at her with a puzzled look as if to say, "did I see you a minute ago?"

That's right... kids say the darndest things!

I am back!

2009-02-23T16:02:00.002-06:00

It has been a while since I have posted. Being back to work I have been working and going to physical therapy then taking care of the kids and the house. It's been very busy.

Things have been good. Cheerleading has ended so my stressful moments of dealing witht he 7th & 8th Graders is over. Well until next year.

We are in the process of looking for a new car. I have been looking for a while and it is AMAZING how prices can change in the blink of an eye. I want what I want and I will find the deal that is right for me. Chris really likes the cross-over type cars and I am set on a mini van. It's me. I do 95% of the driving and like a van.

So we are less then 2 weeks away from Emily's Birthday. Yes my baby is turning 7. I cannot believe it. It seems like yesterday she was created in the lab. I am working on a Birthday DVD for her with pictures in chronological order with her favorite songs. Then her birthday party is going to be at Pump it Up next Friday night. My parents are coming into town next Wednesday and I cannot wait! Yes I will get the usual from my mother on how much weight I have gained and a few other comments but that is to be expected. I just hope when the girls are older I don't do anything like that to them.

The weather is not getting any warmer. I wish it was but we woke up Saturday to more snow and are expecting more on Wednesday. I cannot wait until spring. Were going away for spring break to WI to an indoor water-park resort. I am looking forward to getting away. It should be fun for the girls.

I have finally posted pictures of the new house

2009-01-31T11:42:00.008-06:00

I know it has taken a while for me to get around to posting pictures of the new house. Sorry I have been a bit busy. It's a great house and has a lot of space. It's rather easy to keep clean too as long as the girls don't leave there things down stairs and actually clean up there room. The bedroom with the doll house is Emily's room. The other one is Lindsey's room Then you saw our guest room/Chris's office. He is thrilled to have a place to call his own. I have a corner of our bedroom which is huge for my scrap booking. Overall minus the clod weather we could see ourselves staying in this house for many, many years.

It's been a while since I have blogged

2009-01-31T11:30:00.002-06:00

Okay a lot has happened this month and to be honest I am happy that it is over. I can finally go back to work on Monday. I am still having a little knee pain but for the most part I am doing great. I am back to cooking, cleaning and being my busy self. The girls are feeling much better thanks to God!

Life n the Chicago area is COLDER then COLD. I am definitely not a huge fan of the cold weather. I really miss Florida and the nice weather. Yes Jacksonville had a few months of chilly weather but nothing like what this cold state has. I cannot wait until spring to not have to wear boots and layers out.

We are taking the girls to see the play Alice in Wonderland today. There is a little theater here in town that puts on performances for locals. I thought it would be a nice treat for the girls to see a show.

The times are changing with everythng...

2009-01-31T11:20:00.002-06:00

Years ago My cousin and I used to record a cassette tape letters to my cousin Michele. Granted she lived in New York one state over but it was something we thought was fun to do. We would also write letters to each other.

Now with communication my oldest e-mails her cousins or calls them on the phone. Everyone has a phone plan where long distant calls are included. There is no more waiting till after 5PM to wait for the 10 cents a minute.

Last night Lindsey and her cousin Brandon (who lives in Atlanta) played wii together over the Internet. I was amazed to see them playing together and they were not even in the same house. It's amazing to see how the world is changing so quickly. My question is when Lindsey is a mother what kind of technology is there going to be? It's scary!

Cold weather = Sick Kids!!

2009-01-19T22:46:00.002-06:00

Okay I know part of living in Illinois is the cold winters but below zero is a bit much! Yesterday I had Emily at the ER to find out the kid is sicker then a dog and today I had Lindsey there for the same thing. Basically both girls were spiking fevers of over 102.7 and that scares me when it stays that high for over 24 hours. Motrin/ Tylenol were not helping so off to the ER I went. Emily was a trooper! She had blood drawn and when the nurse walked in with the vial I thought this is going to be bad. It was good. She cried but she did very good staying still. The rubber band they use was worse then the butterfly needle. She told the nurse she was choking her arm. Lindsey has an easier ER experience. No blood work. The doctor took one look at her and said it is a bad cold with a fever. I opted to not give her an antibiotic and see what happens in a day or so. Why give your child medication if they don't need it right away. Some parents run right to the medication. I want to see what happens with over the counter medicine first.

So tomorrow millions of children will be in school and mine will still be home with me. Hopefully Emily will be able to go back Wednesday. I know Lindsey is out till at least Thursday.

Tomorrow I am 2 weeks out of my surgery and I have to report I feel good. Still some pain from time to time but for the most part I feel really good. I am so happy when I can return back to work. I miss my 12 kids and I know they miss me too. Who else is a crazy pre-school teacher other then yours truly.

What a memory...

2009-01-17T16:25:00.002-06:00

I was having lunch with Lindsey and one of her friends today and horrible childhood memory came back to me. I was about 12 years old on a Youth Group field trip to 6 Flags "Great Adventure" in New Jersey.

As I said I was 12. I had taken a field trip with the church youth group and was paired with 2 friends, Alyson and Heather. (Which if I recall neither belonged to the youth group- they used me to go on the trip!) We exited a ride and my friends lost me. I spent the entire 6 hours we had of free time looking everywhere for my friends. The worst part is they had my money so I couldn't even have lunch or anything.

What a horrible day that was. I have to say that was close to being one of the worst days in my life. I remember meeting them later on the bus at the scheduled time and asking where they were and they said they looked for me for a little while then decided to go on the rides. To think I forgave those 2 so called friends! Now that I am 38 I am really pissed off that we did not have a meeting place for separation or emergencies.

Okay I just shared a horrible memory with you!

Greeting from the Couch

2009-01-13T15:10:00.003-06:00

It has been 7 days since my knee surgery and I can honestly say I have cabin fever. It's been very hard just sitting here with my leg up. I have so many things that I want to be doing and sitting with my leg up is not one of them.

I go to the doctor tomorrow so I hopefully he will lift a few restrictions and maybe let me drive soon. I feel bad having people bring the girls to and from school. I enjoy dropping them off and giving them there, "have a good day and come home on Green" that is mainly geared towards Emily's behavior for the day.

The weather here is very WHITE!!!! I really mean that. It is currently 11' and tonight it is suppose to go below 0'. Where do we live Antarctica? I think I am done with this weather. I am sick of bundling the girls up to go get the mail. Well the good news is we only have another 21/2 years of this winter weather.

More Flipping Snow!!

2009-01-10T13:55:00.006-06:00

Well as of yesterday we no longer have a speck of green grass showing. Poor Chris has used the snow blower three times since yesterday. Right now we have about 8-12 inches outside. It's not fun for poor Miley either. Chris has to actually shovel a potty area for Miley. She is not a fan of the snow. If she had the choice to live in Chicago or Florida I know she would pick Florida.

The girls went outside to play today. It took 10 minutes to bundle them up with layers and from head to toe and after 3 minutes Emily was back inside crying that it was too cold outside. Lindsey is a trooper. She stayed outside for about 30 minutes.

It's been 4 days since my knee surgery! I am feeling good. I am still taking it easy because I don't want to over do it. There are times that I am ready to walk a mile and then there are moments that it hurts to even take a baby step.

Military Take Advantage... Free Disney!

2009-01-08T18:33:00.006-06:00

It's about time Disney is giving to the Military...

Military and Retired Military Receive a complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket

Through December 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with Park Hopper® and Water Park Fun & More options. This ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World® theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions.

During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel (or their spouses, but not both) may also make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five 5-Day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper® or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. Actual prices may be less. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 23, 2009.

Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists (with orders showing active status after January 1, 2008) and active or retired members of the United States Coast Guard are also eligible to participate in this offer.

"Disney's Armed Forces Salute" tickets can be obtained only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at the Shades of Green Resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort), or at main entrance theme park ticket windows. Tickets are not valid until activated at the main entrance theme park ticket windows. Valid military identification (including, for activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, orders showing active status after January 1, 2008) will be required to be presented by the service member (or spouse) for all ticket transactions (including to activate tickets at the main entrance theme park ticket windows)

Save up to 40% on rooms

Special deal for eligible members of the U.S. Military: Save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts!* For stays most nights January 4 to December 23, 2009, except not available at all 2/13-2/15, 4/4-4/18, 5/22-5/24, 7/3-7/4, 11/25-11/26/09.

Also, ask about special rates through December 23, 2009 at other select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults per room.

2009-01-08T18:33:00.000-06:00

My knee surgery is over!

2009-01-07T12:42:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was my knee surgery. I am so happy it is over. I thought I was going to be in more pain then I am. Thank God I am not. I have been able to climb up the 16 stairs we have in our house and back down. It takes a lot out of me going up and down the stairs but I am proud of myself that I can do it. I hate having to lay around. I think I might scrap tomorrow.

Who Says Kids Can't Fly!! Mine Can!

2009-01-01T11:07:00.006-06:00

Hope you like the pictures. Chris had fun having the girls jump in the air on top of Stone Mountain. We had a great Family day. Stone Mountain was still set up for Christmas so we had the opportunity of seeing a Christmas parade and hearing Christmas music all day. Yes I said I was done with Christmas music in a prior blog but I can honestly say I am REALLY done now!

Out with 2008 Hello 2009!

2008-12-31T20:27:00.002-06:00

Well as we have just 2 hours left of this year I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!!

This past year brought a lot of change to the Detje Family. One major change is we left Florida and moved to Illinois. That is a big adjustment to us considering we were used to the beach like weather and are now finding ourselves bundling up to get the mail.

The girls have gone through so much change this year. Emily has grown up a lot and is now sleeping in her room where last year at this time she was camping on our bedroom floor. Lindsey has come out of her shell and started making friends and communicating more with kids her own age. Last year she was very shy and kept to herself.

Chris has had a major career change going from a ship to being home with us for the next 3 years. I have had to learn to drive in the snow all over again, and learned the meaning of patience with the girls. In the past I expected too much of them, wanting them to be the perfect little ladies. I have come to the understanding that they are 6 & 10 and sisters who will most likely never get along. Do I want them to be friends and like each other. Oh sure but miracles don't happen everyday.

I am grateful for the family I have and the close relationship we share!

I am looking forward to 2009 and spring time weather!

Christmas is finally over!

2008-12-27T17:06:00.004-06:00

Well it's over with. The tree is down. I have to tell you I am sick of taking the tree down. I took it down from the other house and then had to re-set it again in the new house. We are never moving at the holidays again. Too much work! I finally have my living room set up and am very happy to report it's over. I love Christmas like the next person but how many times can we hear "White Christmas" That is my fault though. I started listening to Christmas music the 2nd week in November when the radio started playing it. Next year I am holding off another week or 2.

The girls had a good Christmas. They each got an American Girl doll. It is their 1st one. They are so excited to go to the American Girl store now with there dolls and have a tea party at the store's tea room. We are also now part of the wii club. I broke down and let Santa bring one this year. Usually I am against video games. I know I am so mean!

We went to our friends the Perez's for Christmas. It was a great day. We tortured ourselves and saw Marley & Me. It was cute but be advised it is sad!

Tomorrow we are heading to Atlanta to my sisters for 4 days to visit with my parents and my sister and her family. Were going to Stone Mountain on Monday and I cannot wait. Chris has never been so he is in for a treat. It's no Disney World but in my book it's 2nd best.

Happy New Year to Everyone!

Be safe and have a great 2009!

Yes it is still snowing....

2008-12-23T16:09:00.002-06:00

Okay for the past 4 years I have wanted a "white Christmas" I think I am over that now. We are in the middle of getting another foot when all is said and done. Chris and the girls had fun playing outside today. I was the good Mommy and took pictures from the window and had the hot chocolate waiting for them.

1 more day till Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas to all my readers and Friends!

Fun in the Snow!

2008-12-23T16:07:00.002-06:00

Let's bake!

2008-12-22T14:44:00.007-06:00

Nothing like a little holiday baking with the family to get you in the spirit of Christmas. This was Chris's 1st time decorating cookies and I have to say he had fun and did a great job!

The countdown continues of how many times can the kids ask to open presents and the famous question... "how much longer till Christmas...?"

The weather here is beyond cold! It is -17 with the wind chill and there isn't even a number we are -4! Good Lord that's chilly!

Christmas eve dinner is just 2 nights away ad I just found out I will be having a house full. Time to get my menu together. We will have teh traditional fishes that Italians have every year but I think I need to make some ziti or something for the non-fish eaters.

4 days till Christmas!!!

2008-12-20T19:58:00.002-06:00

Actually this day is coming to a close so it's actually 3 and a wake up. Yesterday we had our first snow day. We got almost a foot of snow with a bonus of ice mixed in. The girls made me crazy all day. I can see the next 2 weeks are going to be a lot of fun with them home. We had play rehearsal last night for Christmas eve mass. After shoveling the pile of snow out of the end of the driveway an hour later we made it to the church. I love the fact that the plows come by but must they block the driveways? Today we went to a few stores and to lunch as a family. Chris finally made it home last night after spending 48 hours straight getting 5500 sailors on vacation and to the airport. He was quite tired last night and is still dragging today from being so busy.

Parent update. I have realized that there is nothing that I can buy them that they would appreciate so we are sending them to the theater and to dinner as there present. It's just a fun gift that will give them a night out on us. For me to shop and buy things that they don't want or need is just plain stupid. As I said before I am not buying just to buy. Debt is something I do not want to have after this holiday.

Tomorrow Emily and I are going to see The Nutcracker. Chris and Lindsey are not coming with us. We all went last year and Lindsey and Chris walked out of it last year so they are not invited this year. I think Chris and Lindsey are going to a movie or something.

Happy chaos of weekend shopping if you are venturing out...

7 Days till Christmas!! What's happening in our house...

2008-12-17T13:33:00.004-06:00

mere we are 7 days till the most expensive holiday of the year. Am I ready? No no really. I wish I could say I was but I still haven't bough a thing for my parents. I know it sounds strange but this year I am not buying just to buy. I hate shopping for my parents they are the worst people to buy for. My father used to be into sports so any tennis equipment was a good gift. My mother is the type of person that no matter what you buy her she returns. I am half tempted to buy then a gift card for dinner and 2 movie tickets. That is a gift that they cannot return.

Now onto the house. It's almost finished. We still have to hang pictures and curtains then the garage is a job in tiself but for now it's looking good. I will post pictures soon of the finished decorated house.

Let's talk snow... last night we had about 5 inches. Tomorrow we are due for 10 inches and an ice storm as well. I think the word White Christmas definitely applies!!

Happy final days of Christmas chaos!!

What a few days!

2008-12-13T21:46:00.005-06:00

Our new house- the view is Lake Michigan-

Well in my last blog I said how I messed up on the zip code of our new house. Well it goes further then that. Chris went to pick up our keys to the new house on Wednesday and found out that a pipe busted in the house. Needless to say we could not move in. So Chris calls me in a panic to say I really need you to come over to the housing office and help pick out another house. Well.... God was on our side because the other house we got is bigger, nicer with top of the line upgrades and so much nicer. It is still a brand new house and only a block away from the other house we were suppose to get.

So much going on...

2008-12-09T10:19:00.002-06:00

Okay in my last post I said we were moving. Well tomorrow is the big day. Today I am packing and doing a million things. It's amazing how many items go into a kitchen! This room is never ending. Tomorrow we pick up the keys to the house and Chris will be making trips back a forth to the house with the van. Then Saturday our wonderfulful friends are going to help us with the rest. Gotta love friends!!

Did I mention is to snowing AGAIN...!! (sick of this weather already!)

I sent a group e-mail out with the wrong zip code so change it to 60035 not 38. I'm a bone head these days.

There are pictures of the house on my picture page off this web site. Hopefully this will be a quick un pack and we will be all set up by Sunday. I want my Christmas tree back up. It was depressing taking it down the other day.

Until next time....

Were Moving...

2008-12-02T21:03:00.006-06:00

Okay I wish it was to a warmer place but it's to a bigger house and a half mile away from the girls school. Chris asked me today if I was interested in getting a bigger house so I said sure let's go take a look. Well after seeing the house... OMG it's huge and has a little fenced in area for Miley to do her business in. The best part is the distance from the kids school to the house is 5 minutes not 20 or even an hour like it took me yesterday with the snowy roads.

We will be moving next Wednesday-Sunday. It's going to be a crazy few days but worth it.

I will post pictures when were all moved in but the pictures above are of the house. The White one is OUR house and the blue one is what it looks like from the front. The wind was so cold earlier that I did not want to be outside any longer then I had to. So I borrowed the neighbors house.

Deck the Halls

2008-11-29T14:13:00.003-06:00

Today is the beginning of the Holiday season for us! Chris is outside putting up the lights and the tree is up. Our Tree skirt and topper are in the mail from Disney World as I type this. Then the tree will be complete. It's a hard Christmas this year having to start fresh with all new decorations but with the help of my sister walking through the Christmas shop at Disney I was able to re-place quite a few special ornaments. Then my sister bought me some for Christmas as well. The tree is full of life and looking good. I will post a picture when it is all done and the tree topper is here. It's Minnie Mouse of coarse. You know I love Disney!

Happy decorating everyone!!

My Husband the turkey maker!

2008-11-29T01:45:00.003-06:00

Our Turkey!! This year my husband was home for Thanksgiving. It was the first Thanksgiving he has been home for in 3 years. Chris really has been making an effort to cook more and has become great friends with the Food Channel. Chris was excited to do as much as possible for our dinner and he certainly did... not only did he create a great rub of butter onions and garlic but he went the extra yard of massaging the turkey for about 10 minutes to make sure it was good and ready for cooking. (We did a breast only- no one eats the dark meat so why bother) He also assisted in a lot of the side items as well as carved the turkeys. (I had a boneless breast as well)

Kudos to you Chris on a job well done and Thanks to Food channel!

Happy Turkey day!

2008-11-27T21:42:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. My sister and her family came for a visit last Saturday and we have been busy touring the area, and mostly eating. I have no desire to step on the scale anytime soon! the 12 pounds I lost with Weight Watchers I'm sure is back. This week it's time to be good and watch my eating again.

Hope everyone is ready for shopping tomorrow!

Tis the Season for Ginger Bread Latte's!

2008-11-19T18:22:00.003-06:00

Tis the season to have expensive hot drinks! Starbucks has started there Gingerbread Lattes as well as the Egg Nog. That's Chris's favorite. Lindsey is a BIG fan of the holiday Lattes. Little does she know she gets one shot and mostly milk and syrup but none the less she really likes her special drink.

What a busy week we have had. I have not had time to post a blogg due to our busy lives. Here it is Wednesday night and Thanksgiving is only a week away!

Ami & her family is coming this weekend and I cannot wait. The girls are excited about spending time with there cousins and Chris is excited about having a male around to talk to. I think the guys are going to go to a sporting event of some kind.

The weather here has been super chilly. We have had a few days of snow flurries but noting that is sticking. I'm sure that is on the way though. Hopefully when Ami is here so the kids can go sledding.

Cheering is going good but the drama between the 6th and 7th graders is too much! I am used to my pre-schoolers not drama queens. Lindsey seems to be enjoying it. She says at every game she wants to quit but once she is there she is happy to be cheering. There is a boy on the basketball team who tells me that she is HOTT! Oh Lord!

BRRR it's chilly out there!

2008-11-08T22:07:00.003-06:00

Well this week flew by... I really mean flew. After all the Birthday excitement last weekend we took it easy this weekend. I was beat all the way until Wednesday. I really mean that. It took me a few days to recover from staying up till 1:45 on Saturday. Then with the time change it made it worse. Here is my week.

Emily came home from school sick Wednesday and missed Thursday. (She is still coughing but surviving) Although she did barf at 3AM last night. Thankfully hubby was my hero and cleaned it.
I had an MRI on Tuesday that shows I tore my meniscus and need surgery. (not scheduled yet. More to come on that.)
Lindsey turned into a young adult as far as the Navy goes and got her military ID card.
The weather has changed from cold to colder
5 girls from my squad want to quit all because of one girl. Boy the drama is worse then 90210.

I think that is it. Tomorrow is Sunday and we have no plans. I might go look for boots. It's hard to find nice looking boots in a size 12!

Tuesday is our first Cheer leading event. I'm a bit nervous but excited at the same time. Oh and in case I forgot to mention it BRRRRR!! I am dreading next months weather if I am cold now!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Happy 10th Lindsey!

2008-11-03T06:33:00.007-06:00

November 3, 2008!!

Today is a special day for Lindsey. She is celebrating her 10th Birthday! We are so lucky to have her in our lives. Lindsey was born 1 pound 3 ounces and 15 weeks early. She is a miracle in every way!

Oh my God..... Lindsey is 10! She had a great Birthday party over the weekend that was in a prior blog posting. She is an incredible girl who just makes you smile with the things that come out of her mouth or just being around her makes you smile. I do not think she has a mean bone in her body. (Well with the exception of her behavior towards her sister that is)

We Love you Lindsey Anne! Happy Birthday to our Special Angel!

Lindsey's Sleepover Birthday Party!

2008-11-02T19:34:00.008-06:00

Well the party is over. We had a great time at the water park. There were 8 girls total with my 2 and we, danced, ate, swam and had the biggest ice cream I have ever seen. There were 10 of us who ate the sundae below and we still did not make a dent in it. Tomorrow is Lindsey's official 10th Birthday. One more day of cup cakes and junk food!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T20:00:00.004-05:00

Well all the planning of what to be, buying the candy, baking the baked goods for school parties, decorating the house and its over!

The kids went out with Chris at 5:00 and came home at 7:20. Last year they went house to house for 30 minutes and wanted to pass out candy. Hope you like the pictures!!

Tomorrow is another day of soccer at 8:30 and then from 3:00pm to 10:00am Sunday Lindsey's class friends will be spending time with her at her Birthday Sleep over party! There will be pictures posted on Sunday form the event. If I survive that is.

Happy Anniversary!

2008-10-30T09:51:00.004-05:00

Today we are celebrating our 15th Wedding Anniversary! Chris and I have known each other since Senior prom 1989. We were engaged on New Years Eve 1992. Then the following October 30th we were married. Above are 2 pictures. Our 1st date and a picture that was taken last weekend. It's amazing the think of all the things that have happened in the last 15 years. 2 kids, 5 states, several deployments etc.

I love you honey!!

First Snow!! And were off!!

2008-10-27T20:48:00.002-05:00

Today the weather was about 40' with a chilly wind. Then this afternoon it started with snow flurries. October 27 the first snow! Nothing stuck but still it's not even Halloween yet and were seeing snow. My girls are going to freeze on Friday going Trick or Treating. The mall is offering it on Thursday night, maybe we should go then.

And were off......

Brownie Cupcakes- A MUST BAKE!!

2008-10-26T19:46:00.002-05:00

This recipe was given to me by my MIL and let me tell you.... GREAT!! I baked 4 boxes today and froze them for the girls Halloween Parties on Friday. I also decorated them with a Halloween candy decoration that I bought at the craft store. Print this and save it. I'm not kidding when I tell you they are easy and yummy!

Brownie Cupcakes:

1 package Pillsbury Family size Fudge Brownie Mix
2 eggs
1/4 cup water

Use muffin cup liners. In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs and water. Stir until just mixed. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes. The tops should be shiny and slightly soft to the touch. Makes about 12 cupcakes

Weekend Update- Wicked

2008-10-26T19:35:00.004-05:00

After having a horrible week things finally got a bit better. Friday night Lindsey and I went to see High School Musical 3 with my friend and her daughter. Then Saturday we had a great day seeing WICKED. We took the bus from the base into downtown with 2 other couples. The show was amazing. The seats were smaller then airline seats so my knees were smashed. Being 60" tall I have that in life. Then Sunday we stayed in. I baked Brownie Cupcakes which are amazing. I will post the recipe.

Tomorrow starts another work week! Then in 7 days my baby turns 10! Lord help me on that one!

A Bad Week!

2008-10-24T14:20:00.004-05:00

I have had a lot of good weeks so I guess I was due for a bad week. Where do I begin....

I only worked 2 days this week so that is going to be a lousy paycheck.
Emily got in trouble at school twice this week one time including going to the principals office.
I backed into a car not realizing it was there. (Thankfully no damage to either)
I had t0 be a mean mother and take High School Musical 3 away from Emily and break her heart. (She has been counting the days for the movie to begin) Bad behavior does not deserve rewards.
We got a letter from the moving company today saying they denied our claim for all of our garage and Holiday items that were left in Florida. It was a claim over 6K! I actually cried on this one!

Now on a good note...

Lindsey has her first crush on a boy at school which is cute.
I figured out her Birthday party plans and made all the arrangements.
Lindsey and I are going to Red Robbin and the movies tonight with a good friend and her daughter. (poor Chris will be home with the punished one)
Tomorrow Chris and I along with a few other couples are going into the city to see "Wicked" Chris bought tickets for our Anniversary which is next week.

That is about it in my life right now! I'm just really upset with Emily's behavior and this claim!

I'm an assist Cheerleading Coach! Rah Rah Rah!

2008-10-21T21:32:00.004-05:00

Okay so I have always taken on things for my kids. It's something I love doing. Well today Lindsey had her first cheer leading practice. During the practice I noticed one coach for 13 girls. That is where my crazy heart steps in. I offered to be the assistant coach for the squad. I have never been a cheerleader nor on the pep squad but how hard can it be... I have seen Bring it on about 60 times or so.

So after getting home and realizing what I had done and that, I was crazy I called my friend Cyndi and my cousin Danielle. Over the phone they were able to give me simple cheers to teach the girls. There first game is in 2 weeks and they only have 2 practices before then. I think we need to make it 6 practices. I want our squad to look like they have a clue to what they are doing. Lord knows I will be wearing my poker face and playing the part.

Wish me luck on this one!

A Definite Must Try Recipe!

2008-10-20T18:04:00.002-05:00

I got this recipe from a friend about 5 years ago and over the years have tweaked it. I finally have come up with the final version. It is a must try recipe. It seems very hard but I swear it's quite easy to prepare. Your kids will even like it! Enjoy!! It is not a weight watchers meal so if you are dieting hold off for a cheat day to eat this!

Ravioli with Sausage and Cream Sauce
1 lb Italian sausage (taken out of casings)
1/2 cup Butter2 cloves chopped or grated garlic
1 medium Chopped onion
1/2 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Tarragon
1/4 cup Parsley
2 cups Sliced mushrooms
1 Bag of Cheese Ravioli
1 cup Heavy creamParmesan cheese to taste
1 TBSP Flour (at very end) Pepper to taste

Preparation:-In a skillet, sauté the sausage until cooked.-In a separate pan, melt the butter. -Add and sauté the garlic, onion, oregano, basil, tarragon, parsley and mushrooms.-Add the sausage and heavy cream, heat through. Sprinkle 1 TBSP of Flour and stir until thickened a bit. You can leave the sauce watery if you would like. -Toss in the Ravioli.-Add Parmesan and pepper. Mix Well.-Makes 4-6 servings

Our 1st Bulls Game

2008-10-19T10:35:00.009-05:00

Last night was an amazing night. I have never really been into sports but to actually be at a Chicago Bulls game was incredible. I have seen them play several times on TV. I love there intorduction. Well last night I can honestly say I had chills and tears in my eyes when the music began and the lights started going crazy. I could not believe we were actually at a game. The best part was it was FREE! The USO was giving tickets away to military families. There were 9 in our party to include our friends Chris, Angi and there 3 kids. When Chris went to the window to obtain out tickets he asked if ther ewere 9 seats together they said, "sorry not 9 together but how about a penthouse box" Chris was thrilled. There are more pictures on my picture link.

Were not sure what we are doing today. I have been updating my blogg, face book and catching up on e-mails so far today. I need to go to the grocery store at some point. That's what Sunday's are for. Being lazy!

A Great Day with my Daughters

2008-10-17T18:00:00.003-05:00

Today the girls were off from school for some conference that most of the staff had to attend. I was lucky enough not to have to go. We started our day with Flu shots (Well the mist up the nose) then we went to a yard sale. (Love Yard Sales- I am on a mission for Christmas items) then we went to Red Robin for lunch. Then we went to see the new dog movie. Beverly Hills something. Very cute movie. After the movie we ventured out to Hobby Lobby. Wow what a store! I cannot believe how big it is. I am going back by myself when I can take the time to look up and down the isles without the girls. Now were home, I am drinking a cup of hot tea to warm my bones and waiting for dinner to finish cooking. I might whip up a pot of chili to have on Sunday. Tomorrow we have soccer and then the Bulls game so we will be gone most of the day.

Enjoy your weekend!

Getting ready to start with the winter weather...

2008-10-16T09:02:00.002-05:00

Okay so here we are. It's almost the end of October. The weather has been great. It was such a warm day Sunday the kids wore shorts to 6 Flags. Well today we wake up and it's in the low 40's. Right away I pull out the tights, turtle necks and winter coats. My poor kids were bundled up so warm for school that Emily was actually hot. She also had her school sweat shirt on as well for an extra layer. What am I going to do to these poor kids when it is in the 20's? Snow pants for the ride to school? I guess I have to learn the art of dressing for winter.

Lindsey's Birthday is right around the corner. It's hard to believe she will be 10! I cannot handle this. I remember her 1st Birthday. We are going to Keylime Cove water park and Hotel for her birthday. I told her she can invite 2 friends to spend the night in the hotel. Chris and Emily will come too but leave after dinner and head home then I am going to stay the night at the hotel with Lindsey and her 2 friends.

The final decision on my mother's present was nothing like I wanted but it was something sentimental that she can keep forever. I bought her a music box that plays "Unchained Melody" that is her favorite song. I know it's a bit lame and not a cruise but this time of year and with working I could not get away to go on a trip to Florida or a cruise. My sister and I wanted to go on a girls cruise but my father talked us out of it.

I better get going for now. I have housework to do and groceries to buy. Then tonight we have soccer practice. It should be nice and warm on Lake Michigan with the temperature in the 30's at 5:30 PM. Can't wait!! NOT!

A Creepy day at 6 Flags...

2008-10-12T22:28:00.006-05:00

Okay I know Halloween is 2 weeks away but 6 Flags went over the top with decorations and creepy characters. We went to 6 Flags today. It was a 80' day and beautiful! We went with our Friends, Angi, Chris there daughter and twin boys (who adore Chris) The entire theme park was decked out in fake blood and everything else horror. To be honest some of the things creeped me out. The girls were a little scared. I almost punched this actor who was following Emily and I. She was made up like a zombie and creeping me out! I threatened to punch her if she didn't leave us alone. Hope you like the pictures!! There are more pictures on my picture page. I think there is a link from this web site to it. If not go to Anchors Aweigh and you will find my link off my husbands blogg.

Another week closer to winter...

2008-10-11T10:03:00.003-05:00

Here we are the middle of October. Okay well it's October 11th. But still every week that passes means another week closer to the winter I am dreading.

The weather in Chicago is throwing us for a loop. Today it's suppose to be 72' tomorrow 78'. I don't get it. I am happy with the nice fall weather but when it hits 20' I'm not going to be too happy.

Things are good. We had a very busy week again! It seems the weeks fly by between soccer practice, dance class, girl scouts and everything else that comes up during the week. Tomorrow we are going to 6 Flags for the day. With the beautiful weather why not take advantage. Today is a crazy Saturday. Soccer practice, then Emily has a birthday party to go to and Lindsey needs a hair cut sometime today. Then we have dinner and game night at our friends house tonight. It's nice to have something to look forward to and game night is going to be the highlight of our winter when the snow falls.

I am happy to announce that Lindsey is in a Halloween Play. It's not a short play either. It is a big play and she is one of the main characters with a ton of lines to learn. We also have to squeeze that in this weekend to practice.

Chris started decorating for Halloween. I bought some purple & Orange lights yesterday. (they look like pink) He is trying to make our house look festive. I'll post pictures when all is finished.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Another Saturday Soccer Game!

2008-10-04T21:55:00.001-05:00

Why in the world do we have the luck of both girls having games at the same time? All Chris and I do is walk back and forth from game to game. Luckily it was fields 2 and 3 today. Last Saturday it was 1 and 3 which was a further walk. As you can see Emily played goalie. She did a really good job. Both girls won there games and played very well despite the 53' weather. Chris and I were bundled up in layers but the girls just had sweat shirts under there uniforms.

Tonight was an interesting evening; Chris worked Casino night at the girls school. It is a fund raiser with actual gambling. Chris was an amazing craps dealer. His table was the most crowded and I have to say entertaining table in the room. I went as a guest and walked out $45.00 ahead so I was happy. It was enough to pay the babysitter and then go to Target with. I am starting to buy warm items. The girls now own long johns and warm gloves. Were getting there. Another couple of weeks we are going to need the warm items.

Field Trip to Lake Michigan

2008-10-02T18:33:00.007-05:00

We went on a field trip to Lake Michigan today. The only word I can use to describe it is COLD!!! it was 51' and very windy! I could not believe the white caps in the lake. I cannot wait till winter when the lake freezes. We'll post more pictures then.

The field trip was a nature hike through the woods and then we ended up at the lake. BRRRR!!

First Blogging now Facebook

2008-10-02T12:27:00.002-05:00

I have recently realized what facebook is, and might I say... WOW! I have seen pictures and have been contacted by people from High School who I have not even thought about in 19 years! What a program. Here is my question... how is it a free program? I don't get it. Something like Reunion.com costs money well facebook is just like that program.

I would like to add that wow technology in this day in age is moving fast.... what's going to be out there in another 20 years? Who knows?

Desperate Housewives is back... or is it?

2008-09-28T21:27:00.001-05:00

I just got finished watching the season premiere of Desperate Housewives and I can honestly tell you I am thinking about not watching it anymore! The word STUPID comes to mind. I cannot believe they made everyone 5 years older! The writers are pretty desperate to pull a stunt like this one!

I'm done complaining now. It's just a few things I look forward to and that show was one of them! Now it's STUPID!

Khaki Ball 2008

2008-09-28T13:09:00.003-05:00

Chris and I went to the Khaki Ball last night. We had a good time. This was the 6th Khaki ball that we have attended. We had a treat and stayed at the hotel and made a little vacation out of it. Our God Daughter slept over and watched the girls. The Ball was held at the Marriot Linconshire resort with was a 5 star hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub. There was also 2 weddings going on so beside the Ball we had the entertainment of the weddings.

Below are our friends Chris and Angi. Chris works on the base with Chris and Angi is just as sick and twisted minded as I am. That is a scary thought! The picture is of the 4 of us. It's hard to believe I actually lost 9 pounds because I look at the picture and want to vomit when I see myself!

Any Birthday Ideas for Mom??

2008-09-24T18:18:00.004-05:00

The Upcoming Birthday Girl with her Grandchildren

My mother is the type of person who looks forward to special birthdays and anniversary's. For her 50th my husband and I bought her a tanzinite bracelet. (We were not rolling in the cash so the gift set us back a small fortune) She didn't even like the bracelet. I think she might have worn it once. For my parents 40th Wedding anniversary we gave them money towards a flat screen TV. (I don't think she was happy with that!)

Why do we feel like we have to go crazy for a parents birthday present? My mother is turning 60 next month and my sister and I are racking our brains trying to come up with something special. Can we think of anything? We thought of a cruise but neither one of us has the time nor money. Plus my mother is the type of person who either has it, or has the money to go buy it. We love out mother don't get me wrong but this birthday present thing is really taking a toll on our brains!

If you have any suggestions please I beg you help!

Soccer has begun!

2008-09-21T16:06:00.005-05:00

Yes the joy of being parents to active kids has begun! Mondays Emily has dance Class. Tuesdays is soccer practice then the girls have Brownies & Girl Scouts. They both have soccer practice twice a week and on Saturday is game day! Yeah for a busy life!!

This weekend flew by. It is Sunday after 4:00 and I have just realized we were on the go all weekend. Yesterday was soccer games and then they had a birthday party to go to in the afternoon.

Today was a special day at church where they asked all the faculty to attend the 9:00 mass for a prayer. Plus it was pancake breakfast day so hubby was at the school by 6:30 this morning setting up for that.

Here is a tip my MIL does, plan out your meals on Sunday so every morning you can glance at the fridge and know what to take out for dinner.

Easy Chicken & Dumplings Recipe and quick too!

2008-09-17T20:05:00.003-05:00

I made a new recipe for dinner tonight. I watch the Rachael Ray show religiously and love her, anyway a few days ago Jessica Simpson was on the show and made a quick and easy Chicken & Dumpling recipe. It looked so good I had to make it for dinner tonight. Below is the link to the recipe. Click on great Dinner to go to the link.

Great Dinnner

My MIL makes a similar recipe to this called Cheesy Chicken. It is pretty much the same recipe with the exception of using 2 cans of cream of chicken soup (omit the mushroom soup) and by adding baby swiss cheese to the bundles. That is a must try as well.

This is not a figure friendly meal however if you use the low fat brands of the crescent rolls and soups you can save a few calories!

Brrrr.... And it slowly starts!

2008-09-16T08:35:00.002-05:00

Here it is September 16th and the weather is definitely changing. Florida is still in the 90's and here it was 54' this morning as I was driving the girls to school. Not fun. At least there is no snow yet. Ha ha!

Today is the Crazy day of the week! Soccer practice from 4:30-5:30 then Brownies and Girl Scouts from 6:00-7:30. Somewhere in there will be dinner. Not sure where it falls into place right now but it will happen. Then after that showers, reading and bed. I'm tired already from talking about it.

Have a great day to all!

Weight Watchers Update

2008-09-11T21:10:00.003-05:00

As I said a few posts ago I joined Weight Watchers. It is a very easy program as long as you watch your points and drink your water. Not to mention eat lots of fiber. Well as of today I am down almost 6 pounds! I am making slow progress but trying. I took a week off of dieting while my parents were here and ate Chicago Hot Dogs, Pizza and everything else under the sun but as of today I am officially back on the horse. The Khaki ball is in 2 weeks and I really want to fit into a dress I already own and not have to buy a new one.

Now onto the girls.... they are officially grown up... They blow dry there own hair now. Last week they got to the point of taking a shower from start to finish this week they are in the polishing process of primping and everything else. I really hate this getting older business!! Where did my babies go??

How cruel am I...? No buying just look!

2008-09-10T22:00:00.006-05:00

If I was one of my daughters I would be so angry with me... Sunday I took the girls to an aquarium downtown. After seeing the boring fish and plants that were just sitting there my friend and I decided to go to lunch and then to the AMERICAN GIRL STORE. Wow What a place!! Anyway... We had lunch and after lunch I made the girls promise and pinkie swear that they would not ask me for anything or beg me or make a scene. We were just going to look.

If I was the kid in a huge toy store filled with dolls, clothes and everything else under the sun I would have had a fit. But I can honestly say they were great and followed through on there pinkie swear. They also came up with a list 10 feet long of what they would like for Christmas from the store. I think they will get a doll and maybe an outfit or two but that's where I draw the line. I am not spending $225.oo for a doll tree house. I can buy the wood and build a real one for that cost. Okay maybe not me for say build it but you get the point.

It's Wednesday by the way! The work week is 1/2 over and I am thrilled for this weekend to come. Were suppose to go to 6 Flags (yes again!!) and then see a couple of movies at the base theater. It's a great theater and cheap too! The food costs more then the ticket price. Go figure!!

Grandma & Grandpa Visit Chicago

2008-09-06T17:21:00.005-05:00

My parents came into town on Tuesday. We have been on the go since they arrived. Wednesday I worked in the morning then we went to the mall, Thursday we walked around downtown Chicago (in the pouring rain) today we went on a tour of the Naval Base, lunch and then to dinner and the mall. Grandma wanted to buy the girls some winter clothes. Oh yes the weather is starting to change here in Great Lakes. It was 90' on Tuesday and then today a high of 65'. Winter is just around the corner! YIKES!!

It was a great visit with my parents. They ate deep dish pizza and Chicago hot dogs. You can't leave Chicago without doing both. Coming from a close family it's always hard to say goodbye not knowing when I will see them again. On that teary note I will end here.

Happy 40th Anniversary!

2008-08-31T10:16:00.003-05:00

Today my parents are celebrating there 40th Wedding Anniversary. They had an early start in life with being married at an early age and becoming parents. Well compared to now a day. I was 23 when I married Chris and became a mother at 28.

My parents will be here Tuesday for a few days and I cannot wait to spend a few days with them. I love introducing them to friends. Everyone says what cool parents I have. And you know what... they are!

I love you Mom & Dad! Happy 40th!

Second week of school!

2008-08-30T08:46:00.004-05:00

Well 2 weeks of school down. Well okay a full week and 2 half days. Older kid (Lindsey) really likes her school. She had made 2 friends and is excited about having them come over for a sleep over and younger kid (Emily) is the class nurse. I know that doesn't make sense but Emily is the official person to take kids to the nurses office and office. I know this because my pre-school class is by the office and I always see her walking kids down the hall. This week she had 2 bee stings and a boy with a bloody nose. I think she just likes getting out of class but that's my opinion.

We are still fighting with Emily over getting dressed. She hates wearing a uniform. Hopefully she will realize that she has no choice. My pre-schoolers start this Wednesday. I will be having 11 maybe 12 3-year olds in my class. They are young 3-year olds too. I have been working with pre-schoolers for the past 3 years however never this young so it' should be fun.

This weekend we are taking it easy. We do not have any plans except seeing Mama Mia on Sunday night at the base theater. It will be my 3rd time and I'm bringing the girls. They are very excited. I have the sound track and they know the words to the songs. Emily is very excited for the movie.

My parents are coming into town on Tuesday for a few days so at some point I will be doing some cleaning.

A Great Gift- Pretty enough to eat

2008-08-30T08:41:00.004-05:00

I received a wonderful present yesterday. It's amazing what florists can do! Thanks so much Sikes Family for thinking of me and sending me a cake without calories. We miss you!

Another Year older!!

2008-08-28T21:17:00.003-05:00

So today I wake up and realize I am now closer to 40 then I was yesterday! Yes I turned the "BIG 38" today! The girls and Chris bought me the Jasmine Precious Moment to add to my collection and a set of butcher knives. The knives I have been using have been a bit dull. They are only 15 years old! My wonderful husband baked my cake and little Kid helped decorate it.

I had off today which was wonderful. I got caught up on laundry, cleaned the toilets and went to lunch with Chris. Lunch out with your husband is a treat considering the girls were in school.

Tonight we had some friends over for cake and ice-cream and it was just nice hearing the kids play upstairs as the adults talked. Little Kid was having a dance party her bedroom. She had 7 kids dancing to the tunes of Hannah Montana, High School Musical and the best of Disney. It was quite entertaining to hear the music keep changing through the wall.

Not much of a dieter but I'm trying....

2008-08-26T21:39:00.002-05:00

Okay so the life story of Dawn is.... I have always been the "fat kid" Yes I'm Italian and like to cook and eat. (Who doesn't!) Well 10 years ago I weighed 346 pounds. Yes it's true. I would post a photo but just can't bring myself to look at a fat picture. I had a gastric bypass and lost so much weight I weighed 135 pounds. Someone 5'10" should not be a size 8. After time My 8 went to a 10 and I stayed there for a while. Well in 2001 I got pregnant with little kid. It was still a weight loss for me. I ended up being 21 pounds thinner then I was before my pregnancy. (Another story there!!!) Well over the years I began to gain weight a little at a time. I realized that I am almost 38 years old and 238 pounds. I'm not happy with myself so I'm attempting Weight Watchers. I joined last week. I had my first weigh in last night and lost almost 2 pounds. I'm counting everything I put in my mouth. in the past diets and I did not go together. I had no will power and would give up quickly. Hopefully this time will be different. I have no desire to be 135 or anything. I would like to be to the point where my knee doesn't kill me at night and lose 30 pounds.

So that is the weight loss story of my life. Wish me luck because as I said, "I'm an Italian who likes to cook and eat"

No more Baby rides... Free fall or Nothing!

2008-08-23T21:25:00.006-05:00

Today we went to 6 Flags. Yes again to the readers who are thinking that we go a lot. We have passes so it's something to do. Anyway... today we talked Little Kid into going on a roller coaster. Well after the 1st coaster she was ready to take on the world. She wanted to go on "Free Fall" I thought for sure Hubby was going to call me from the line and say she was backing out but she didn't! I was so proud of her for taking the next step in the area of rides. You can only go on the flying chairs so many times. It was a great day a bit humid and hot but overall a great day! Hubby and Big Kid went twice if you are wondering about the seating in the pictures.

And the fights begin...

2008-08-23T09:13:00.002-05:00

I knew that it was going to happen with little kid... she is into fashion and the fancy hair clips and wanting to dress herself her way. Well yesterday little kid had a fit about her knee socks. Her uniform is a jumper (which she hates) a button shirt (she hates the top button) and knee socks. The overall uniform is very cute. Not to mention for catholic school so she has no choice but to wear it. The fight yesterday was a good one. I was so happy hubby was home to deal with it. He tool little kid in his closet and pointed out all of his navy uniforms that he has been wearing for almost 19 years and said now deal with it and go get dressed. I think we won this fight but who knows what will happen down the road when half way throughout the school year she realizes she is still wearing the same plaid uniform day after day.

We rented College Road Trip last night. What a funny movie. Martin Lawrence is so perfect for the part. If you have daughters you have to see this movie.

Today we are going to 6 Flags as a family. We'll post pictures later.

The 1st Day of School is here!!

2008-08-21T13:17:00.011-05:00

The day finally came! School is back in session! The girls were really good getting up for school today. Older kid woke me up at 3:12AM and asked if it was time to get up yet. I sent her back to bed and said come see me in 3 hours. I don't know if she went back to sleep or not because at 6:05AM she was asking if it was time to get dressed? The girls seemed to do okay with the new classes and teachers. Hopefully they will enjoy this catholic school. Older kid did 2 years in catholic school when we lived in Florida and really liked it. I like the fact that I can secretly spy on them to make sure they are behaving. I was looking out my classroom window today watching little kid on the playground. I think reality will set in with our new routine next week when the homework begins.

Were going out for our usual 1st day of school dinner tonight with some friends. Were going to a place called Red Robbin. I have never been there before so it should be fun.

Last Day of Summer!

2008-08-20T20:32:00.005-05:00

Today was the girls last day of summer. We went to a water park. It was more like a public pool with a few slides. The girls had a great time. I had a good time as well watching the girls play. The water was a bit chilly so I was only in a short time. The day was going great until Little kid got stung by a bee. She has never been stung before so it was a guess to see if she was allergic to bee stings or not. Luckily she was fine. An ice pack from first aid and an ice cream cone from the snack bar and the world was all better.

The girls uniforms are all ready, socks and shoes are laid out and they have had showers. It's 8:30 and both girls are asleep. Life is good! I'll pose 1st day of school pictures tomorrow.

Yeah... I survived summer!

A Great Day at 6 Flags with my Girls!

2008-08-16T22:32:00.010-05:00

As summer comes to an end I am trying to make the best out of the days we have left before school starts. The girls start school on the 23rd and I start my job as well shortly after that. Summer will be coming to a close really soon.

Thursday the girls and I went to 6 Flags (Yes Again... we have passes) we were there for 8 hours. We went on so many rides. Little Kid went on the same ride 5 times in a row. She was also asked for her phone number from a boy. Hubby didn't care for that much. Luckily she doesn't know our new number yet so when the boy calls our Florida number he's in for a rude awakening.

It's amazing how quickly summer is over. I remember as a kid we thought summer went on forever. Plus growing up in Connecticut we didn't start school until after Labor Day. Now kids start early. Georgia & Tennessee started last week. (Sorry Nephews!) The girls took pictures with the super hero's for you!

My Nephew tuns 10!

2008-08-14T00:19:00.002-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

To my nephew Brandon!!! It seems like yesterday you were born and now in the double digits!

Have a Happy Birthday!

We love you!

A Visit with Grandma

2008-08-13T20:56:00.002-05:00

How quickly the week went by. It seems like yesterday I was making my way to the airport to pick up my MIL. Now it's over. We had a great visit. I know the girls enjoyed having Grandma's company for the past week. Hopefully the girls didn't scar her off and she will come back again next summer.

Tomorrow I'm headed to 6 Flags with the girls for a day of fun. (Weather Permitting or it's Chuck E' Cheeses) They have been so good this week. yes they are still fighting but the usual. One week until school starts and let me tell you...... I'm counting! Ha ha! I wonder if my mother thought this way when I was a kid? I honestly am just ready for summer to be over. My 3 nephews all started school on Monday.

It's Monday!

2008-08-11T21:28:00.002-05:00

It was a busy couple of days. We have been busy visiting with my MIL and touring different places here in Chicago. Yesterday we went to see Mama Mia. (It was my 2nd time that's how much I loved it! What's not to love Pierce Bronson! HELLO!! it used to be Alec Baldwin who could sweep me away now it's the former Remington Steele!) Okay back to what I was saying. After the movie we went to Rainforrest Cafe. I think my MIL was shocked when she saw the restaurant. It was loud, stormy and had animals coming to life every 10 minutes. Then we headed back to the house for a game of how many books can Grandma read to me. This was from little kid. She loves when Grandma reads to her.

Today we went to hubby's job, the exchange and lunch at Chilli's then I had teacher orientation tonight from 3-7. It was my first official act of being a teacher at St. James. I got to meet the other teachers and some of the parents.

Tomorrow we are heading out the mall and book store. I am sure that Grandma will end up buying a book or two for the girls. That's what Grandma's do and my MIL is a teacher and loves buying books.

Happy Birthday to my friend...

2008-08-09T20:23:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to my friend Rhonda!! I'm sorry we can't be celebrating together today like we used to. We will be together for our special Girls Nights out soon enough.

Being a Navy wife you have the opportunity of meeting a lot of great people. The ladies in the picture above are Jennifer, Sam Rhonda and I. We were all stationed in Millington, TN together and had a lot of great times.

Jelly Belly with Grandma

2008-08-08T21:40:00.010-05:00

We went to Wisconsin again today. (20 minutes away) We wanted to give my MIL a treat. A ride on the Jelly Belly train. She is a big train fan as I am a Disney fan. It was a fun day. The best part was sampling the jelly beans in the gift shop. You can taste nasty flavors such as, "ear wax, bugger, dirty diaper and vomit" Yeah pretty gross!

After the factory we went to the outlet mall to a few stores. Mom loves Coach so that was a must. Then we had dinner at Outback. Tomorrow were still planning out. I know somewhere this weekend we will be seeing, "Mama Mia" and taking the train downtown.

New Couch

2008-08-07T11:37:00.004-05:00

I can honestly say the house is almost done. We bought our last thing that our house needed. Moving from Florida to Great Lakes we not only inherited a new change in seasons but a family room. We bought a great couch yesterday. It is comfortable and affordable. Now I have to find curtains and a rug to match it. The carpet is the same light color so it blends.

I picked my MIL up from the airport yesterday. She is visiting us for a week. She is wonderful to have around and loves being here with the grand kids.

Not much else happening right now. We are off to the Jelly Belly Factory maybe tomorrow and a few other Chicago sites this week so I'll post pictures then.

It's a Monday...

2008-08-04T16:45:00.003-05:00

All I can say is 17 more days till school starts!! Yes I'm counting. My girls got out of school on June 5th and have been together non stop ever since. They are getting along a little better as long as they are watching TV or on silent time. My husband actually told them one night last week that they were not allowed to speak till the next day. It was a nice quiet night.

We had a great weekend. We spent the weekend at Daisy's in the country. I call it the country. Any area where the nearest store in 20 minutes away and there are farms every other block that is country to me. We hung out Friday night with a karaoke machine and snag like we were on stage. I even did the Michael Jackson, Billie Jean hat dance with the moon walk. The odd part is we were all sober just having a good time.

Today I did something I hate doing.... I cleaned out my closet and actually got rid of 1/2 my clothes. It kills me but if I'm not wearing them why keep them? Our bedroom closet here is a lot smaller then what we had in Florida.

I better go for now and go finish working on the bedroom. I have to box all my things up.

Were looking forward to Wednesday.My Mother in law is flying in for a week. I'm looking for a nice tea house type place for her and I to go to lunch.

Medication update.... the new medicine that little kid is on s helping. She has been sleeping all night for almost a week. I hope I didn't jinx it by saying anything.

This week is almost gone!

2008-07-30T21:19:00.003-05:00

Here it is Wednesday night. The week is half over and has flew by. Monday I took the girls to the water park. We had a lot of fun. They love the wave pool. I love it too. They can jump all they want and I sit on the edge as I watch them. Tuesday we went clothes shopping. I bought the girls there school shoes ans I found 4 pairs of pants for work. Finding pants is always a joke to me. I have a strange body. Waist I can wear a 14 but tush and thighs I need a 16 or 18. I'm just happy I found pants. I can buy tops anywhere but pants are the issue. After clothes shopping we came home and the kids played outside on the neighbors trampoline for about 2 hours. It was great. They had a good time while hubby and I had adult conversation with our neighbors. What a great neighborhood we have. Today we went to medical again to re-adjust little kids medicine. The doctor is trying something new again. Then we came home and hubby and I sat int he front yard for about 2 hours in the shade talking and munching on pretzels. It was a great afternoon. Now it's Wednesday night and I'm folding laundry wondering what were going to do tomorrow. I'm thinking about heading to the water park again. Why not it's summer and school does start in 22 days! Yes I'm counting!!

Diabetic Banana Muffins- GREAT!!

2008-07-30T20:37:00.002-05:00

I have been experimenting with diabetic baking and this one is GREAT!! I encourage you to try it. The milk with the lemon is the most important step to make the muffins moist. This recipe makes about 30 muffins. I froze some in plastic bags for the future.

Ingredients

1 cup white flour
3/4 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 cup Splenda Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 cup Milk with 1 TBSP of Lemon juice added to it
3 mashed Bananas
2 tablespoons Canola Oil
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup of Chocolate Chips for decoration

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, mix together the flours, sugar, baking powder and baking soda cinnamon.

In separate bowl, whisk together the milk, mashed banana, oil, egg and vanilla.

Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir just until blended.

Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about three-fourths full.

Sprinkle 3 Chocolate chip on top for decoration.

Bake until lightly brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Allow to cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes, then turn out onto rack and cool completely.

Our 1st Visit to Downtown Chicago

2008-07-28T10:42:00.009-05:00

Yesterday we decided to venture out and catch the train to downtown. We figured it would be cheaper then driving/parking and sitting in traffic etc. Well the train ride was eventful. It took 21 stops and over an hour to reach downtown. After the train ride. (note to self bring activities for the kids next time!!) We walked around Navy Pier. It was an indoor and outdoor mall with a carnival on the pier etc. What a great place to spend the day. I would have been better just hubby and I walking around looking at the sites instead we had the complaint department with us. When I was a kid we used to go for long car rides on Sunday afternoons. Next time it will be hubby and I. They had a great children's museum that I will be bringing the girls back to in the future. We were short on time because we had to make the 6:30 train back to the Great Lakes area so we briefly looked at everything. Next time we plan a trip to the city we have to plan out time more wisely.

We did eat lunch at a restaurant that holds Chicago history. The "Burgor/Burgor" place. Not sure of the story behind it but it had burgers and hot dogs. If you are a baseball fan then I'm sure you know the story behind the restaurant. Something with a goat.

After returning back to Great Lakes we had dinner at a little diner and came home.

I can honestly say that the sleepy medication the doctor gave little kid does not work! We gave I to her 2 nights in a row and the nights were horrible. Hopefully there is a miracle out there waiting to be found for her! School starts in 20+ days and this kid cannot be up all night and keep us awake as well.

Sleep Aid Follow up

2008-07-26T11:26:00.003-05:00

Let's just say things did not go well last night. Little kid fell asleep at 10:00 and was awake from 11:30-5:30. Instead of the pill making her sleepy it make her hyper. The part that amazes me is she is 6 years old and going on 4 hours of sleep and she is not tired. Chris and I are ready for a nap but this little energizer bunny has so much spunk to her! We are going to try the medication one more nigh then call the doctor on Monday if there is no change. I just cannot believe a drug that makes grown ups sleepy hypes her up. The name of the medication is, Clonidine.

Today were off to do a few errands. I have to go find 3-D glasses for the girls. Hannah Montana is having a 3-D movie on TV soon and they want to watch it. I took them to the theater when it was showing. $45.00 later Disney Channel is showing it for free. Go figure! Oh well a small price to pay to be the mother of "Tweens" In case you are uncertain of a "tween" it is not a child but not yet a teenager. In my day you were a kid until you hit 13 then you were still a kid with the teenage title.

I'm Employed! & The girls Physicals

2008-07-25T20:43:00.003-05:00

I found out today that I was hired for the teachers aide position at the girls school. I am so excited about it. Not only will I have some income but I will only have to drive them to school and home. No 2 trips to and from the school. There is currently no bus to there school. Small price to pay for a catholic education. It will all be worth it.

The girls had there school physicals today. Big kid is 54 pounds and younger kid is 64 pounds. My how they have changed from being born 1 pound and 4 pounds. The doctor prescribed a sleep aid for younger kid. We'll start it tonight. He was quite amazed to hear that her sleep issues have been going on for so long. Cross your fingers!!!

Tomorrow Hubby has a command picnic to go to and the girls and I are ...? Not quite sure yet. Maybe the water park unless it rains. Then maybe the mall. I have to start shopping for work clothes. No more jeans, capri's and crocs. I have to wear business casual clothes. I'm happy with capri's a cut t-shirt and crocs. Finding shoes should be an issue with my foot size!!

A Great Tip!

2008-07-24T21:19:00.002-05:00

If your family is a "Croc" lover then here is a good one. Put your shoes upside down in the dishwasher on the top rack. Run it through like normal. You can even wash dishes at the same time. I can't take credit for that one my sister told me about it but wow they turn out great! I tried it today and wanted to share it!

A Great Day at 6 Flags!

2008-07-23T20:51:00.010-05:00

We went to 6 Flags today. It was the first time hubby has been there since he was in "A School" 18 years ago. We had a great day! It was nice weather and not too crowded. The average wait time for a summer day. We went on the roaring rapids. I actually wore my rain coat on the ride. (Reason being I have bad luck and always end up soaked!) Even with the hooded jacket I still managed to get soaked. 6 Flags has something called Wiggles World. We forced the kids to take pictures with Dorthy And Waggs the dog. (these pictures are for Little Jon Sam) After almost 9 hours in the park we went to UNO's for dinner. Now it's a little after 9:00 the dog has been walked and seriously we are all ready for bed. Hubby is checking into his new command tomorrow so he will be up early. I can honestly say our girls are not babies anymore. It's all about the big rides and no more baby rides. It makes me sad to think how much they are growing up.

A Lazy day...

2008-07-22T20:56:00.002-05:00

Today flew by. It was such a lazy day that I actually took an afternoon nap. All the laundry is washed and put away and the house is in decent shape. Hubby went to the movies today to see the Batman movie. (How many freaking versions are they going to have of Batman and Star Wars??) Then tonight we were the Brady Bunch and went for a long bike ride. Tomorrow if the weather is good were going to got to 6 Flags for the day. Chris has not been yet so it should be fun. Plus with a Wednesday hopefully the lines will be short. We told younger child if she sleeps in her room we will go. We'll post pictures tomorrow from our day of Family fun. Hubby starts his job Monday so our little mini vacation and family time is over. Then the girls start school soon. Still no word if I got the job or not. Still crossing my fingers!

What is with the drivers here in the Great Lakes area? They think red lights mean go! CRAZY!!

The Jelly Belly Factory

2008-07-21T18:28:00.019-05:00

Today we decided to be tourists! We visited the Jelly Belly Factory in WI. It was a 30 minute tour that you rode a train through the actual warehouse and watch video's at differn't stops. It was amazing to see how they make something so small. Dis you know 1 Jelly Bean takes 7-10 days to make. Then about 2 seconds for us to eat. That is a lot of work for a sweet little treat. After the tour we went to lunch at Cracker Barrel. (Love it!) Then we found an outlet mall. We bought the girls there school sneakers. I figure get ahead of the game. Plus when sketchers are buy one and get one 1/2 price you have to buy them. Hope you like the pictures for today.

Sugar Free Banana Bread Recipe

2008-07-20T19:23:00.003-05:00

Okay here it is my 1st posted recipe, since hubby was diagnosed with type II I have made changes to my cooking and baking. I made Sugar Free Banana bread today that is very good....

DIABETIC BANANA BREAD
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. for Spenda for baking
2 eggs
3 c. flour (You can also use wheat flour)
2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 bananas, mashed (Make sure they are really brown)

Cream shortening, sugar substitute and egg. Add flour, soda, salt, milk and vanilla. Mix well. Add bananas. Mix well. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes in 2 lightly sprayed or greased pans.

A Busy Friday & Meeting Jim Loveall

2008-07-18T21:38:00.003-05:00

Well another weekend approaches us. It's Friday night. We just got in from the Lt. Dan band concert on the base. Older child and I got to meet the Astronaut from Apollo 13. Jim something...?

Our day was busy....

We left the house at 11:20 to go to a movie. Hubby doesn't know his way around so he picked a movie theater in the middle of no where. It was a good learning experience and we found a Cheesecake Factory Restaurant so the getting lost was worth it.

I saw Mama Mia (Loved it!) Hubby and the girls saw Wall-E. Then it was off to the dentist with older child for her tooth to get fixed. She broke one crunching on a lolly-pop. It's now 4:00 as we get out of the office. Time for lunch or an early dinner. We went to a diner that everyone brags about. It was good. There is a diner in Atlanta better, but it was good.

Then we came home took the dog out and were out the door to the concert. After the concert we took the kids for ice-cream and are now home. Both girls have had showers, hubby is passed out from sleep deprivation (hopefully she sleeps tonight!! ) and I'm off to go watch Days of our Lives from today. I'm also doing laundry.

Our weekend is going to be quiet. I hope at least. Were going to finish the basement and start working on our claim for the dumb movers who lost our things. I'm still pissed about them leaving our shed in Florida. Such idiots!!!