The Animal Kingdom...

My life has been wild! My kids just the same! I needed this summer! I really needed this summer! Lazy Summer days here I come! Time to re evaluate, re generate, re vamp!
I am headed out of the "Animal Kingdom" back into the quiet calm that was once my life!

See there!

And here I go...

I finally had some time to sit and write and get my blog going. To tell my online friends what going on and put my goal for this year out there. And here I go...

We have had lots of ups and down in the last few months and my car needing a new engine and Jim loosing his job is just a start! I mean hell.. But such is life! I found out that some of my favorite people in the world are having babies! The year changed! Farren got a great job! We had some fun!

I spent the Holidays with family!

Everything was just perfect, no really it was wonderful!

We started a new year!

The Cards are in the Superbowl and I am not working! We watched History take place!

This year is going to be amazing! Amazing.

I had some time to think and I know what I want to do. I know that I am sticking with my job as long as the airline will have me. I know that it's a pretty amazing job and that I am lucky to have this job and the ability to still take care of my family and to have fun doing it. So now I just flow with it! I am going to read the Bible cover to cover. It's something I have never done. Something I should do during my life time.

I hope to loose about 5 pounds a month and keep it off.

I hope to walk two half marathons this year. I did not do it last year! But I know I can do it!

I gave up dark soda. Logan and I have... so far so good.

I plan on spending some time with my friends again. I miss them!

And I decided to shop. I gave that up a few years ago. I just thought that if I am fat ... why would I buy clothes etc... We hell... I am still fat and now I have nothing in the world to wear... and so the shopping begins. I hope to also have a gift closet in my house. I know! I know! I know! How fun does that sound. I talk to some girls at a baby shower last week and that's what they are doing. So I am jumping on the band wagon. Come on ... play too!

I am totally ready to scrapbook again but I am going to wait. There is a girls weekend coming up and so I am just going to get prepared for that. Three days of fun AND paper!! 50 Completed pages is my goal!

Can't wait to chat with you!

Who knew the airbus would float!

I am in awe of the great job the US Airways crew did!!!

Thankful!

I am thankful for today, yesterday and all of my tomorrows! I am grateful for the love that I feel! I am thankful for family and friends! I am thankful for hope!

What are you thankful for?

Love me, Lead me, Lean on me!

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Hot off the wire! Right from the heart!

Barack Obama, a 47-year-old first-term senator from Illinois, shattered more than 200 years of history Tuesday night by winning election as the first African-American president of the United States.
A crowd of 125,000 people jammed Grant Park in Chicago, where Obama addressed the nation for the first time as its president-elect at midnight ET. Hundreds of thousands more — Mayor Richard Daley said he would not be surprised if a million Chicagoans jammed the streets — watched on a large television screen outside the park.
“If there is anyone out there who doubts that America is a place where anything is possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer,” Obama declared.


“Young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled, Americans have sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of red states and blue states,” he said. “We have been and always will be the United States of America.
“It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America,” he said to a long roar.
McCain notes history in the making Obama congratulated his opponent, Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, for his “unimaginable” service to the United States, first as a prisoner of war for 5½ years in North Vietnam and then for nearly three decades in Congress.
McCain called Obama to offer his congratulations at 11 p.m. ET, Obama’s chief spokesman, Robert Gibbs, told NBC News. Obama thanked McCain for his “class and honor” during the campaign and said he was eager to sit down and talk about how the two of them could work together.


‘Change has come to America’ Nov. 4: Barack Obama tells more than 125,000 people in Chicago, “If there's anybody out there who still questions ... the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”
“The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly,” McCain told supporters in Phoenix, saying that he “recognized the special significance” Obama’s victory had for African-Americans.
“We both recognize that though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation’s reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still have the power to wound,” McCain said.
“Let there be no reason for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth,” said McCain, who pledged his support and help for the new president.
President Bush called to congratulate Obama and promise a smooth transition of power on Jan. 20, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.
“Mr. President-elect, congratulations to you. What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters,” said Bush, who invited Obama and his family to visit the White House as soon as it was convenient.
The president also called McCain to say that he was proud of the senator’s efforts and that he was “sorry it didn’t work out.”
“You didn’t leave anything on the playing field,” Bush said.
Broad, deep victory Campaigning as a technocratic agent of change and not a path-breaking civil rights figure, Obama swept to victory over McCain, whose running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, was seeking to become the nation’s first female vice president.
As of Wednesday morning, Obama had 349 electoral votes compared to 173 for McCain, with only North Carolina left to declare. The Democrat won 52 percent of the popular vote, while John McCain garnered 46 percent.

My take: We have miles to go!
Historically: The political glass ceiling has been shattered!
Socially: Not one thing has changed! As a matter of fact, I am sure most people are still very negative even though we live in a Democracy where the majority just vote him in.
Financially: We are where we are. That will not change today tomorrow or the next day....

So many have asked

"are you voting for him because he is black?"

That says it all!

What do you think?

Why is this a topic of conversation?

Are you not voting for him because he is black?

Is he black?

Does it even matter what color is skin is?

Why do you ask?

He won! He won BIG!

He has changed the world already

and he's not even in office.

Let's move past his appearance

and get the meat of it all!

Let's see what he can do!

I Believe

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . . . Relax . . . And read this slowly.
I Believe...
That just because two people argue,
It doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, It doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe...That we don't have to change friends if We understand that friends change.
I Believe...That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I Believe... That you can do something in an instant That will give you heartache for life.
I Believe...That it's taking me a long time To become the person I want to be.
I Believe...That you should always leave loved ones with Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe...That we are responsible for what We do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe...That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe...That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe...That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe...That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe...That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe...That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had And what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe...That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe...That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, But, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe...That you shouldn't be so eager to find Out a secret. It could change your life Forever.
I Believe...Two people can look at the exact same Thing and see something totally different.
I Believe...That your life can be changed in a matter of Hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe...That even when you think you have no more to give, when A friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe...That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe...That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I believe . . .
'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; They just make the most of everything.

((((((((((((((I got this wonderful email for Lisa Rush!))))))))))))))

Football has taken over!

Football has taken over most of my life! I am at times overwhelmed and at other times over joyed! I love that it fun for my son and I love that it a really structured activity but dang! Football has taken over. It's for sure a life style and I think I am in it for for the long haul! We shall see. Anyhows that's were I have been just trying to keep my head above water... just trying to be there and here and everywhere!

These are a few of my favorite things...

I would add my flat-iron if we had six!

I have to say that the Bible is the most influential book I have read. Not that I have ever completed it! I also really like Maya Angelous Wouldn't take nothing for my Journeys Now. Deepok Choperas 7 Spiritual Laws to Success and this book call Who moved my cheese. GREAT READS!

You bring it, you sling it! I touch it, I tag it!

Could write about funny stuff at work all the time. I could try to re-tale not-so-funny jokes piolets tell. I could talk about the crazy people who fly! But no. I just tell you about the urban legend. I so don't tell the story like it should be told but man... I will give it try!

The luggage issue. It is an issue! There Is a story that a flight attendant would not stow a bag for a passenger. (Have you ever heard of such a thing?) Well the passenger was not happy. "I want your badge number",and the whole nine. The flight attendant went off! You carried this bag from your bedroom to the car. From the car into the airport. Through ticketing... through security... through the terminal... onto the plane. Now you want me to lift it? P-h-lease, lift it yourself or I'm checking it! "You bring it you sling it! I touch it I tag it!"



If you like this crazy airline stories check out Betty in the Sky with a suit case.

http://betty.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=325322

Hair Extraordinair too!

My First job was pretty amazing! I worked for myself and mom. I owned an managed a wig store and beauty salon. I mean to much money for a child at 17! But I did live at home and still drove the car my mom and dad bought. I did shop, a lot! I have a few dozen great vacations. My reality was not real! But for seven years ... I did it!

The beauty salon was not so easy. Really! Adults don't want a spoiled child writing the checks making the schedules and making half of the profit of their work that they went to school for. But the wig store. Was like riding a bike. I could do it all day! Some of the still ask for me at my moms store. In my youth I just did not know what a great store I had. It came to easy.

I closed it and moved to San Diego at age 24. I'd give nothing for my journey but I would open another store in a heart beat!

Funny Story-Photo Rak!

One of our BBC was a funny photo so I thought I'd work with that.

Because we blog i'd love to read a short, funny story about little boys that has a matching photo. My Dh will help me pick a winner! Just blog and add your photo to your blog and the winner will get a mini chipboard album with the Dino theme as a gift. One winner! You have a week to come with your story and photo. Please post here when you are done. Only August BBC players can enter. I will post pages of the book as it is finished.

Can't wait to read and see! Have a great day!

Slacker!

That would be me! Slacker! I am just getting deeper and deeper in. It stops now!

This is my current setting I am in bed with a fully charged laptop! The biggest bowl of popcorn this side of Harkins theatre. Did I mention that I totally have Reese's Pieces in it! HGTV is going in the back ground. I have a movie size cup of water on the night stand, next to the remote. (Okay I am only in control because the Dh is asleep but I have it!) The children are in thier rooms, not quite asleep but way close!

Time to catch up on my bloggin!

Let talk magazines. I love magazines. I don't buy many or subscribe to many but I read tons of them! I call it my garbage fix! I totally read Us and People. I am not ashamed to admit this. It's a flight attendant thing...plus how else would I know that Bran and Angelina are thinking about adopting already! I mean come on now! You didn't know that, did you? Hello!

I love reading O! I feel in touch with myself with O! Plus Nate's in there! Nate says books are part of decor! Hello! I love him! By the way a few years back I order The Key Lime Pie Cake from her favorite things list for a few "Posh" friends! Went over like gold! Excellent! Check out WETAKETHECAKE.com . Have ya'll ever read Domino's the magazine. It's so worth a look. It's my favorite find on the plane. ( You see we are not allowed to keep the movies... laptops... phones... okay anything at all left behind on the plane. But the magazines are fair game! Passengers leave them for us!) I love the normal scrap magazines and read them over and ever! I have back issues from years ago. Some are just plain good! I love Essence. It's a black thing! If I need some fashion there is no where better to go than W! Oh Oh Oh and Sunset! Great magazine! Great! US News keeps me interested in the politics of it all!

It's fun to just take a few moments to read through a magazine or two. You never feel guilt and more often than not it like a good cup of coffee or a piece of your favorite chocolate.

I can't think of a cool seg-way to my first car so I will just jump right in. I drove a Pontiac Lemas. Sad! Sad! It was white and my friends called it "the egg". I called him Dexter! He took care of me and I loved him. Dexter died in the parking lot of Circle K. He was smoking so I pulled off the free way and this man grabbed me out of the car put it park and explained that cars on fire can blow up! Oh to be young!

So this is my thing. I never win anything! I am not unlucky, I don't think. I just don't take lots of chances! I like to say I am lucky in love! Everyone has their thing. I have love. Lots of it. It makes me feel like a winner! It's the key to my happiness.

Well the slacker is feeling a bit better... we shall see.

Funny Photo

So my little guys thinks he can drive! Would you just die if you saw this re-eyed kid driving down the street. I mean really! I'd have a wreck if I saw him! I just love watching him go. By the way he uses his blinker when he turns! Unlike his daddy/chair/peddle-pusher!

Dream Home

Like everyone I have a Dream home and life... Though I am most often happy in my house. I rather be here then anywhere else. I am thrill the the idea of creating a space for my family that we call all be proud of.

Still, I could spend days and hours looking a model homes and getting decorating ideas. If I only had the cash to follow through. HGTV is one of my indulgences. My favorite is Design to Sell. I love Lisa La Porta! I love her. If she'd just do a Design to live a my casa...

Anyhow check out my video. This is a TV Dream Home! Wow!

This is the House that Tif built...

This is the house that Tif built, ya'll. I joined the BBC for August, and this was our first blog assignment. Sort of interesting take on our personaities. It's not the me I see myself as, but that doesn't mean it's not true.

(((((((((((((((Based on the drawing and the 10 answers they gave this is a summary of their personality:You are sensitive and indecisive at times. You are a freedom lover and a strong person. You are shy and reserved. If you've drawn a cross on each of windows, you always want to live alone. You are very tidy person. There's nothing wrong with that because you're pretty popular among friends. Your life is always full of changes. You will avoid being alone and seek the company of others whenever possible. You love excitement and create it wherever you go. You see the world as it is, not as you believe it should be. You added a flower into your drawing. The flower signifies that you long for love. It also safe to say that others don't see you as a flirt. You don't think much about yourself.))))))))))))))))

You should try it! http://http://www.drawahouse.com/

10 Tips for Airplane Etiquette

Air travel can be stressful. Tons of people crammed into a tiny space for hours on end...not my idea of fun -- especially when people have differing views as to what is appropriate, what the rules of basic hygiene are, and how to behave amidst perfect strangers. Here are some basic rules of air travel to make sure you and your fellow passengers can get through a flight without losing your sanity. Don't leave home without them (and print out a copy for the rest of the flight)!

1. The Personal Bubble
Do: Pretend there is a bubble extending from every plane passenger 9 inches into space. Respect that space! Don't: Recline your seat the second you get on board -- wait until you are in the air and when you do, do it slowly so as not to knock the person behind you. Also, don't try to read/look over your seat-mates shoulder. It violates the aforementioned bubble and they WILL notice. On the flip side, make sure you're not showcasing your own personal documents.

2. Families
It can be so difficult traveling with young kids and many of us have been there. Some tips to help respect the rest of the flight:Do: Park yourself near the back of the plane if possible. You'll be close to the bathroom and a spot to get up and stretch or do whatever it is you and your little ones need to do. Don't: Allow your child to have free run of the plane. Sometimes screaming children can't be helped. But what you can do is make sure they keep their arms/legs in their seats. Having your seat kicked or your face smacked as the child next to you has a tantrum can make a flight unbearable.

3. Chatty Cathy
Do: Be polite. Here's an easy way to avoid obnoxious conversation: "I'm sorry I've taken a sleep aid" + big sunglasses, usually does the trick. Don't: Be that person! If your conversation seems one way or you're getting one word answers TAKE THE HINT. It's nice to meet interesting people on a plane, but not everyone is looking to make new friends -- they could be working, sleeping, or just not in the mood. Be respectful!

4. The Noise Issue
Do: Be aware of the noise you're making -- if you're sitting next to a friend, whisper or use a hushed tone -- people DO try to sleep or get work done on flights! Don't: Turn on your personal media without doing the volume test: 1) Find the volume you like. 2) Take headphones off. 3) If the music/movie is still audible, turn it down to the volume your seat-mates will like.

5. Body Odor
It may seem obvious, but if you travel frequently, chances are you've encountered those charming individuals who don't adhere to the following rules:Do: Shower! And please use deodorant or antiperspirant before climbing into an extremely small space with more than 50 people. Don't: Take your shoes off if you know you have smelly feet. Also, take it easy on cologne/perfume that day -- people may not share your appreciation of the scent and some are allergic to the chemicals in perfume.

6. The Armrest War
The armrest war is an infamous airplane debacle. Here are (what I feel to be) reasonable rules of the armrest:Do: Let the poor sucker who's jammed in the middle seat have two. Don't: Shove or steal the armrest the second your seat-mate raises his/her arm, or violate the space of the person next to you if you should be the victor of the armrest battle.

7. Don't: Be aggressive when boarding/disembarking. It is not a race. Your seat is already assigned, and they're pretty much all the same anyhow. There is no reason to push or shove people trying to stow or retrieve their luggage from overhead bins. Do: Let the flight attendant know if you've just got to catch another flight/connection. We all know how painful it is to watch the minutes go by while people try to get their stuff in order and you're already late. A flight attendant has the ability to move your seat up to begin with or help you get off first.

8. Your Stuff
Do: Keep your bags low and in front of you when getting on and off the plane to avoid knocking the people who are already seated. Also, consolidate your stuff BEFORE you get on the plane so other people can get to their seats and you don't dump your things on the person sitting next to you. Don't: Put your suitcase into any old overhead bin. Make sure it's the one next to your seat -- otherwise the people who sit below the overhead bin you've randomly selected won't have a place for their stuff.

9. The Call Button
Do: Push the button if you have a good reason. Don't: Get button happy -- the flight attendants have more passengers to deal with than just you, not to mention other duties on the flight than to cater to your every whim. It's usually a good idea not to irritate the people that have the ability to make your flight comfortable or miserable.

10. The Bathroom
Do: Book an aisle seat if you know you MUST go to the bathroom every hour. It's obnoxious to other people to have to wake up, move their stuff, and be climbed over. Don't: Make the person next to you climb over you should they need to get up. It's rude. Get out of your seat and stand in the aisle so they can get out.

THANKS AOL!

Why she crys...

Why Women Cry

A little boy asked his mother, 'Why are you crying?' 'Because I'm a woman,' she told him. 'I don't understand,' he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, 'And you never will.' Later the little boy asked his father, 'Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?' 'All women cry for no reason,' was all his dad could say. The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, 'God, why do women cry so easily?' God said: 'When I made the woman she had to be special.' 'I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.' 'I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.' 'I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.' 'I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.' 'I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart. 'I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.' 'And finally, I gave her a tear to shed.' 'This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed.' 'That tear holds more then men could understand.'
'If a man was to shed her tear it
would look enormous.'

'For a woman's tear is full of unconditional love, power, sacrifice, beauty, pain and compassion.'
'All ten fold of what a Man is able to feel.'
'And that is my son, why I made her as close to being Supernatural.'
'She's my gift to the world she's an Angel on Earth.' ''Love her and praise her for there will be no other here on Earth that will Love you like I do then your Mother.''You see my son,' said God, 'The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.' The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides.'

RAKed at the drive thru!

I have not blogged in quite some time. To be honest I don't have time now. Something happened today that I have to share! I just can't let the moment go by without saying a thanks!

It's the first day of school for my son's and first day of football for my eldest! I have out of town guest coming and a whole lot of cleaning to do! I get the first child off on the bus and am not ready for whatever the day has in store. I have a list and as long as I stick to it, life will be wonderful!

My four year old has a whole different set of plans! "Sprite", he yells at me. We, as fate will have it, we have none. "here baby, have some juice... water... milk... Dr. Pepper... Coke? "McDonald's" he says. Well... there is no way I am going all the way to Micky Dee's for a sprite at 8 am. I mean really. I 'am' the parent here.

So at the drive thru.... we have a two lane merge. I order. I let the car to my right merge in as I don't know who got there first. When I get to the window. There gentleman at the window says. "The lady in front of you paid for your meal." I am in awe? "Why?" I am not getting it. "She wanted to thank you for letting her go first." I must have looked retarded looking at him. My head tilted and mouth open.

I waved and mouthed thank you. She smiled and just drove away. Just like that. A Random Act of Kindness!

She in her cute little Xterra has restored my faith in people!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I did not know she was so cool!

My baby sister dropped in to visit us on her way back to DC from Cabo. The thing is, I did not know she was so cool. I mean reallly we went to see the Back Street Boys, she was wearing a 4T. When we saw NKB she was in High School. Where is my little sister? The little girl who's hair I braided. I could get her to do anything for a fresh box of crayons...

She is now turning me on to new stuff. I can't live without Chiptole and now, Polyvore... Who knew! She's a women now?! Make it stop!

Readers!

Have you tried the Shelfari?

I know you read but have you had a chance to get the review... groups and feedback on the books you like. My girlfriend turned me on to this and it's a nice little treat! Easy to use and another way to stay close to your friend who read but don't blog a lot. Great fun to talk about and my fav... FREE.

http://www.shelfari.com/

It's New to Mehttp://itisnew2me.blogspot.com/

It's new to me! If you have chance check out my new for sell or trade blog. I will update it often.
Clothes... scrapbooks items... etc...

http://itisnew2me.blogspot.com/

What Do You Do All Day

What Do You Do All Day?

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still intheir pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappersstrewn all around the front yard.The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the houseand there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found aneven bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug waswadded against one wall.In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a Cartoon channel, and thefamily room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled onthe counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on thefloor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand wasspread by the back door.He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles ofclothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or thatsomething serious had happened.He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out thebathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap andmore toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap andtoothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in thebed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today? 'She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day? ''Yes,' was his incredulous reply. She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.

Priceless

(Thanks Angie for a great Email)

I'm from the Lou, and I am proud!

I was born in St. Louis, MO, USA!

I made my dad a dad. I made my mom a mom! I was fat, bold and loved! Through my birth strong relationships grew. My grandmothers were best friends... making every event a family reunion!

How Much things cost in 1972

Yearly Inflation Rate USA 3.27%
Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 1020
Average Cost of new house $27,550.00
Average Income per year $11,800.00
Average Monthly Rent $165.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas 55 cents
Roxanne Ladies Swimsuit $30.00
Kodak Pocket Camera History $28.00
Wrangler Jeans $12.00
ladies Timex WatchFrom $30.00

Back in the day we were, going to see The Godfather and Dirty Harry.
People were listening to, ABBA and Michael Jackson with " Ben ".
And everyone was watching, Sesame Street, The Brady Bunch and Hawaii Five-O

A lot has changed in 36 years! Whew!

25@36!

Family! Foremost!

2. quiet moments!
3. Good Friends!
4. to talk to Jim! I love him so much. I didn't know that he is truly one of my best friends!
5. To hear the kids laughing together!
6. Caramel!
7. Caramel with chocolate!
8. scrap booking!
10. Chick flicks!
11. A good book.
12. Women helping women
13. Great teachers
14. to climb into bed at night!
15.October in Arizona
16. HGTV!
17. unsolicited hugs
18. a clean house
19. NO BRA!
20. Prospects of the future!
21. Black Walnut Ice Cream from 31Flavors or Hagen Daas
22. Hand written letters
23. My Magic Wand
24. White wine
25. Afternoon naps!

Did you list make you smile? Mine did!

Birthday Girl AKA Fairy Godmother

I want to say that I did all kinda crazy cool stuff for me but the truth is I took the kids back to the farm and bowling and out for treats. I caught up on some blogs and the kids and I destroyed a cake. I mean eating with our fingers... frosting in the hair... you know!

I had a billion wonderful little moments and lots of well wishes. I got cards and calls and emails galore. I got a new digital camera. I wanted a smaller one I could keep in my purse or luggage. But my favorites gift of all... A Magic Wand!

I am so trying not to cry. This is the cutes thing ever! EVER! Background: I flew up to see my friend and baptize her daughter.. Perfect and fun. Well the older daughter asked why I was there and what I was doing and why I had all this stuff. Well the long and the short of is it is. All Marlee heard is that I was a FAIRY GODMOTHER! Yep! I am! So when my birthday came she asked her mom if I had a wand and they made me one. They made me a Magic Wand!

Bet you didn't get one of those for your birthday!

I love you Marlee!

Drive thru!

I just need to let this out...

The menu doesn't change enough to have to read the whole damn thing! You went there because it's what you thought you wanted. You do have a choice! If it's not what you want, why are you here?

Speed the hell up!

Turn off you flippin cell phone, no really. Don't get mad when the crap ain't right... you don't even have time enough to put the person on hold to make sure they even heard the order. It's fast food not rocket science!

Hang up!

You knew you were in a line at a fast food place, right? Now is not the time to look for your money! Really from the time you decided to eat, the order, the drive, the wait... really you had time!

Be prepared!

If you are ordering for everyone in your office... go inside. You can't carry that many drinks in your car anyway! You can't check your order either! If you want to be throe... go inside!

For Pete's sake, go inside!

Fast food is slow enough. Don't make me wait behind you as you try to make the garbage we are eating taste better. I know you didn't know... but I have a life too. This too is my lunch break.

Just Go! This is a drive thru not a drive, wait forever, get frustrated... try not to curse at the person in front of you while the person behind you blows the horn.

Okay, I am done. Thanks for listening (reading)

Lazy Summer Days!

My kids would do all the thing they should do in the morning on their own. Get up. Bathe and Brush. Get dressed. Make the bed. Have breakfast, that is not only sugar! They'd feed the dogs and play with without being asked.

We as a family would go threw pictures and photos and the kids would get an appreciate why we do what we do and how very blessed they are. They say they are happy and having fun and mean it, without a huge price tag on it!

We'd nap and swim and laugh for most of the day. We'd get the latest who-dun-it on audio and listen to it together. Quiet and peaceful.

Dinner would be delivered. The order would be correct and we'd sit and eat and talk about the future. We listen to old music and sing and dance and swim again! Fall asleep off and on just because.

A perfect summer evening is one sitting back with the family. With a cool breeze blowing after a crazy fun day with the kids. Quiet time cuddled up with Jim and a good book. A froo froo drink that you should have only in summer. A Fuzzy Naval! Jim would rub my feet and I cry(or giggle) at the out come of my book. We'd fall asleep in the cool night air not worried about the house... bills... life... or what we have to do next. Just laid out enjoying life.

No TV. No telephones. No video games. No make-up! Just the sound of a lazy summer day!

All of this would be done at home!

Summer is here

Today is the beginning of summer, and my day was not to shabby!



My day started in the air. On an Airbus A320. My crew is fun. The pax (passengers) are low maintenance. All is well. The van driver is a off duty cop so he cannot take tips... That never happens. My hotel room is clean and comfortable. I don't have to have a alarm clock as I have all day.


I wake at noonish and dress read a few blogs downstairs in the lobby before heading across to the mall. The mall is sort of empty so it's fun to shop. I find the dress that I bought for my god daughter has matching bloomer that I did not get last we with my purchase. After telling the associate at Von Maur, sh gives me the bloomers free! Nice. I walk into boarders and they are having a book signing of a new poet. Well hello, my mother is a poet. She gets a signed copy. Nice, her birthday is two weeks away. As I stand there waiting for her to sign it to my mother. Stephen King books (my Dh's favorite) is on clearance. Hardback and one he doesn't have. $5.00!
Cha-Ching!

I then go into a kids store because my so is so into Webkins... Hello can you say buy one get one free! Score! I am the sales magnet today! I run upstairs to in the Parisian to find a little something for my son Glenn, found a cute yellow Speed Racer Tee for $7.00. Go Mommy!

I did not want to press my luck further so I took a walk to find some Linner (lunch/dinner). I went over to Red Robin, yummy burger and excellent Raspberry lemonade. Full and ready for a nap I walk over to the hotel. As I enter the hotel it starts to rain. Not a drop of water hit me but only by a hair did I enter the atrium. I flop down in front of the computer and the lobby and read a few more blogs and head off to my room where I get a two hour nap before work.

Work was no big deal. DTW to LAS. LAS to OAK. into a comfy bed. I chatted with my Dh for a hour then slept like a baby.

It's not the day I would have planned but all and all. Not to shabby!

Bloom!

This picture is from my front yard.

See things bloom desert.

Puppy Love

My animal situation is rather odd. We have a fish named Stipee". We have two dogs named "Hayden" and "Pumpkin". Our dogs are cute.

Hayden was a gift to Logan when he was about two years old. My mom and dad bought it for him. Hayden is a mixed breed dog, with the most loving and sweet personality ever. Really Hayden is just adorable. He's a hyper still after six years. He is crazy about new people and just shows off to get attention. He was a bit of a task to house break. He almost had to move! I was pregnant and on bed rest and the smell of pee in my family room (same spot, whenever I'd fall asleep on the sofa down stairs) was killing me. But he's stopped that. We moved ( after pet shampooing the spot, professionally) and he's all good. Hayden is lazy, in the cutest way. If I let him into the park across the street, he runs and runs (looking like a bird dog) then when he's done, he just comes home. That easy, that fast. He just lays at the front door as to say, 'time to come home'. This process takes about 10 mins. He also is a car dog! GREAT with people and loves to go for a ride.

Pumpkin is a Sheltie. She was "won" at the Halloween Festival. "WON?" The price tag on this sort of pet is over $800.00 and my DH won her. Not likely! Let me back up...

My Dh is a P_E_T person. If for one second I would let him we'd have at least four dogs, a few cats (to which I am allergic) fish and some sort of reptile. Animals are oddly attracted to him. When dogs run away... they come to our house. No, really dogs just come and sit in our front yard. They cry at our back gate. The chase our car if they are lost. It's odd and I know it. I call my DH "Dog Whisper". Neighbors laugh because they see him with strange pets often. Cat... dogs.. lizards... frogs... ERrrrr!

So back to Pumpkin. While being the dad, he's supposed to be' he takes the kids to one of the local Pumpkin festivals. Kids are all dolled up in their costumes and the bounce house and hayrides are in full swing. Somehow he enter a raffle for $5 bucks. Clearly, he wins. Who wins a dog? Who gives dogs away like that. Kids are crying because they did not win her. Grandmas are trying to purchase her from Jim. Nightmare! So I get the call ( I am at work). "Honey, you will not believe what I just won". I am thinking, wow, another TV (we only have 6), then the sales pitch starts. She is so cute... we brought her home, these are really smart dogs... the boys want to keep her. They already names her.

I was going to kill him! But Pumpkin is home! She is not smart let me just tell you! She is not house broken and she is mean to Hayden when it comes to food. I have to feed her outside and Hayden inside to keep her from yelling and nipping at him. When I bring her inside I physically have to go outside away from the door and allow her to come in without being to close to the door. She looks like Lassie, but way small. I know that's super cute but her coat is white and we live in the desert. We have a dirt back yard still. She is not a good fit for our family. But just like kids, God makes away for love. After all is said and done, Hayden loves her. My four year old adores her. And my Dh still thinks she is a gift! So Pumpkin is ours. A year later... we all love her!

Self Tune Up!

I want to walk two half marathons this year!
I want to work on my weight .
I want to learn to love me and my spirit more.
I want to reinvent my job!

These are the goals that I had for myself this year. These are the things I wanted to accomplish. Well! I need a self tune up! I need to get back on the proverbial saddle.

Work: My job had been driving me crazy for over a year of so. I dreaded getting ready and going. Now have you, once I was there; it was fine. I hated the thought of missing the little moments at home. Since my children were born I'd only worked 40 hours a month. And starting last year I went up to 50 hours and now in 2008 60 hours. I went from two day trips, where I was home everyday to three day trips where I would be gone for one full day a week. I had issues with the job not be progressive. I felt like it's not a job where you use your thoughts. I mean outside of an emergency... I smile and help people... or give them drinks. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to do that.

It was making me crazy. I some how thought the job was beneath me... sorta! You know... I thought, I am to smart to just wastes my life away not learning anything new. That even thought most flight attendants have degrees that their home lives were weird and they did not love their family the way I do... (There is a lot of loose activity in airlines. )

I decided to look at all the good things. I decide to change my thought process, thus creating a new job! I decided to enjoy my mini vacations. I decided to stop being a "slam-clicker" (Airline jargon for going straight to your room and not coming out til it was time to work again. Not be social) I decided to work smarter not harder. To take trips to places I enjoy! To use work as a vacation... a way to see my friends all over the US!

You see being a flight attendant affords me the ability to fly free or close to free anywhere the airline goes. I have excellent medical benefits and the ability to take and entire month off work each time I have a vacation in that month. I get to be a part of my kids everyday school activities and I don't need a sitter 98% of the time. I make upwards of $30 dollars and hour and I don't have a boss on the plane. I have been there just about 10 years and can retire with life time flight benefits in my 40's. Hello! The discounts that I have on travel are out of this world and my kids get to see my parents who live and hour flight away, constantly! More often then most people who live in the same city.

I am good at my job. Passengers stop me, hug me, send in letter about me. When my day is over at work. I just simply wash the stink of airplane off and I take another four or five days off till I do it again.

I revamped my thoughts about work. I like what I do. I have a job that most women have at one time wanted to do. I got the job, where most people try but fail to attain. Yeah, I am a flight attendant... but I am good at it.

As far as the loosing weight and the marathons go. I still can do it. I just want to walk the marathons I am not ready to run, them. Loosing weight is part of that process. That's a big part of learning to love me more.

I used to be that person that everyone was drawn too. Never the pretties or smartest or most fun. But, I had enough of those qualities to get by. I don't really need that in my life but I still need to feel capable of it. I am working on that! Now don't get me wrong. I am pretty darn cute! I am not stupid and have more common sense than any handful of people put together.
I also am still fun! (don't you agree?) I just need to settle in and get comfortable inside my own skin again! t

I can still do it! I just need a SELF TUNE UP!

Enter the fun!

Today's BBC was to enter a scrapbook challenge and complete it! I did it! Nothing new to you girls in the BBC. I used Faith Hills, This is Me lyrics to do a monochromatic LO with that picture of me from Easter.

Arizona Nights

Arizona Nights!

We think the sky is the color of love!

Father's Day!

I am not going to go over again how lucky I am to be born to my dad. Nor will I tell you that my sons are named after my dad and grandpa! I will not tell you that one of the reasons I am so in Love with Jim is because his such a great father...

I will simply say

Happy Fathers day to all great dad's.

Some of my favs are... Robert... Sam... Warren... Steve... Jerod... Chris.... John... Derek... Michael ...Ron

May God continue to Bless you all, as you are blessing in our lives. I hope that my boy's will following in your footsteps!

The first photo is a picture of my BIL and nephew, taken by my SIL

The second is Jim Father's day loot!

Shot out!

For all of the ladies who are playing in the BIG BLOG challenge, Love ya! Spent two hours catching up on blogs etc. You ladies are wonderful and it's fun to get to know you!

Just Peachy!

Yummy! That's the treat for my kids! I took them to a local farm who allows you to pick your own fruit off the vine.




Logan and Glenn really should know where food comes from. Not just from the market or grocery store. It was fun. Beautiful and great to watch.


Glenn was less than thrilled when one of the peaches mushed in his grip. Funny for me but less than joyable for him.



Logan on the other hand just couldn't pick enough!

Oh NO, it's me!

I started a blog because I was going through a funk.... I needed to get my feeling out and work on me inside and out. Thus the name... Loving Tiffany. I do love me. I like me most often. I write about me as honestly as I can. But... this one is for you.

I am 35 years young! I am married to the man who was born for me! I was gifted two boys, Logan and Glenn. I am over weight at 5 foot 4 and a half! I am more like 6 feet with personality, which makes me look a lot thinner! I work in my home as well as being a flight attendant.

I think, I am a good person. I use to collect people but now I am very selective of who I allow in my intimate world. I treasure those I love! They know, how much they are loved!

I have a great family. I was born to great people... crazy, but still great. I have two sister and a brother. I have great in laws and exceptional friends! I think I am a good mother... a good friend and pretty good wife. I am a great daughter, period!

I'd like to change a few things in my life... like my hair is way to dry.. and I would love a breast reduction. The smaller the better! I'd like to loose 30 to 40 lbs. I haven't the desire to be skinny just healthy! I like to be a better listener. Though I do feel I am better than most ... you know sometimes you just need to listen more than you speak.

I am hyper sensitive when it comes to me and my children. I don't want to hear it! I don't really care! I don't pass (verbal) judgement on you so leave me alone! I cry too much. My eight year old often says ..."mom, are you crying yet?" or " my mom in not in control of her emotions". LOL I didn't ask him either.

I have big feet... but I am not sure when that happened. I am wearing a 9 to 9 1/2. But before the kids I wore an 8 to 8 1/2 . I am hoping that as I loose weight that my old shoes may fit again...lol

I really like my house. I think in 10 years it will be finished and beautiful. I enjoy getting it together. I don't like cleaning it. I am working on changing that. I am reprogramming my mind that I do enjoy it! LOL

I don't know... let's see. I love scrapbooking but I think I also like swapping. I love the feeling of accomplishment when it's done. Shh, it's weird I know!

I think that's enough about me... stay tuned the best is yet to come!

My Goal is to be 40 and just plain FABULOUS!

I am grateful to my husband- A poem

Sometimes I forget to tell you all the things you should hear,

like I love for the little things and you are a blessing to me, Dear.

I am grateful for your love, it makes me feel complete.

...And I hunger for your hugs, you're my peaceful retreat.

I am grateful for your touch, it still makes my heart race.

Twelve years and two children and I still long for your embrace.

I am grateful for our boys, that you helped create.

Even though I hate the words... you must me my 'soul mate'.

I am grateful for the way you provide for our needs

Appreciative of the kind of man... who makes sure his family succeeds.

I am grateful for you, my loving husband and all the things you do.

I promise to be BY YOUR SIDE, on earth and heaven too!

- Tiffany Hatch 6-08'

Waldorf Chicken Salad

I know we have out talked food totally but just in case you have one near... California Pizza Kitchen has a Waldorf Chicken Salad

" A bi coastal rendition of a NYC favorite! Field greens, chilled-grilled chicken breast, seedless grapes, Granny Smith apples, candied walnuts, celery and Gorgonzola cheese. Tossed with your choice of Dijon balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing." Can you say yummy! It's not heavy or over done. It's light and rich in flavor. You don't need a drink. Water is perfect with it. It borders on healthy! Well worth the money. It's still fast food, but it's so much better than the same burger week-end-week-out! The are most likely TVs and WiFi in the restaurant and for the little people there is pizza.

The Chinese Chicken Salad is also excellent! I have this often as they sell them in the airports. This is what's in it: "Shredded lettuce and crispy wontons tossed with julienne carrots, green onions, basil, toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro in a spicy sweet & sour sesame dressing. Topped with chilled-grilled chicken breast."


I highly recommend these two salad especially in summer. Light, tangy and almost healthy.

Splash into Summer

Time to take the kids (those with two and four legs) out! Splash into Summer!

This is were we play at least twice a week in the summer!

Our community pool has a splash park too. Arizona living at it's best.

(Thanks to the price of gas... we can walk there it's less than a half mile away.)

Vacation memories

Memories..

My family loved to get away. We did it all! I mean. We turned the West Coast upside down! We did the drive on the 1! We did San Fran, and Pier 39 will never be the same. I kissed my dad (on the cheek) under the boardwalk. I do know the way to San Jose! I road the Demon at Marriott's there. Old town in Sac-town! I have been to Shell beach in San Luis Obispo. Catalina Island glass bottom boat tours. Santa Monica Pier... I did the 6th Promenade as a child and a women. I rocked the Roxbury in Hollywood. I shopped Rodeo Drive! Venice Beach was full of muscles. The San Diego Zoo and Sea world was my stomping ground. I been to Jillian for some apple pickin. I thought I was cool in La Jolla! I paid my respect to Coronado Island. Hot water spring'ed it in Corna, and found a man in Temecula.

We've done skied Tahoe and Reno. We've done Las Vegas enough, that I don't ever have to go back. Hoover Dam, Lake Mead... done it!

We didn't stop in Texas. Dallas! Corpus Cristy. Austin, San Antonio.. Hell, I have been to Lubbock! I grew up in El Paso so... I have gotten suck on the wrong side of the bridge to Mexico, drunk!

Arizona! Yeppers. Tuscan, Flag, Sedona, the Grand Canyon! Scottsdale is were I lived when I moved here! I took my kids for a ride on the Polar Express up in Williams. I did the deed in a rest stop in Wilcox! I had a baby in Phoenix and another one in Mesa. Hiked in Tempe...

I fly for a living! I Love to travel! LOVE IT, but my favorite vacation is always going home to my mom's house! When the kids run to her yelling Grandma... Grandpa! You know that there is no place like home. Mom cooks. Dad tells the crazy stories that dad's tell. We just plain, Kick it! Swimming, shopping, laughing... and the best part is when I at 35 climb into bed with my mom and dad. Dad says" get over here in your rightful spot", the middle!


Goodness, I hope my kids feel that way about me and my home!

Summer eatz!

First, let me say that I am a lazy cook! I don't want to be in the kitchen all day. I hate cleaning it cooking and cleaning it again. It makes me crazy! Second, it's crazy hot were I live in the summer months. So you have to cook fast, early or outside so your house doesn't melt. LOL

One of my favorite summer meals is a quick and easy yet so dang yummy

LEMON PEPPER GRILLED SALMON. Yeah! YUM!

Let me walk you threw this. Rinse Salmon. Put in Heavy Duty Foil. Sprinkle with lemon pepper, garlic and olive oil. Put on a few slices of fresh cut lemon. Grill! Yeah! That's it. That all I got! It's so dang yummy!

(Oh wait, if you are camping you might add your veggies to another little baggie of foil. Freeze and just toss it into the camp fire for about 15Min's. When I go camping I prepare a few meals in foil and freeze them. Cook fish the first day. Chicken the second and red meat the last. That way you are sure it will stay as cold as you need it for your trip.

I place both my chicken and fish in foil for easy cooking and clean up. The chicken is no different than the fish. I put in Chicken fillets with pepper, meat tenderizer, garlic salt and add cut carrots and potatoes into the same foil. It's a meal. Great grilling.

Top it all off with fresh lemonade. (I am not sure why I am on the camping kick but iIf you are camping: put 1 and 1/2 cups of sugar in a gallon jug of water. Add two lemons cut up and a pack a Koolade Pink Lemonade. Shake! Pour over ice when dinner is ready! Same thing with Ice Tea. I just buy the $.50 water jugs and add my goodies, so when I get to my camp site I can play! (Not cook!) Maybe I should be calling this Camping Food! LOL I think it was those dang smores on yesterdays blog.

What I need is a vacation!

I know I am not alone in this! I mean really. It's getting hot here and the daily grind is killing me! KILLING ME! The house is never clean! NEVER! There is just not enough time in the day! I want to be all those things to all my boys, but right now, I need to recharge! I NEED A VACATION!



I need to go up north... Like the lakes around Seattle.
Yeah. That's it!

That's what I need. I'd love to rent a bungalow on the beach and read! Watch the kids play! Drink red wine at night and white during the day. I need the last season of Greys Anatomy on DVD... Yeah and 27 Dresses and... all the other chick flicks I want to watch while my Dh grills Salmon that we just picked up at Pikes Place Market.

Yeah!


Smores at night with kids, from a bonfire on the beach.

Silly board games with my Dh as the kids sleep in the fresh night air. Goose down pillows in freshly washed sheets.



The big decisions of my trip would to get dress that day or not. Not, most likely! I wish! I can just feel the night air (or is that my ceiling fan?)

Maybe a ride on the ferry. Maybe the Space Needle. Maybe just some fresh ground Starbucks! Yeah! That's it. That's not a bad Vacation, right? Lovin, sleepin, readin, drinkin, and eatin!

Dang... Starbuck may be just what I need!

A Special Treat!

Okay... so this was my idea. How can I be at a lost? I mean really! How can I not know what to link. There are so many things that I really do love. God and Family are at the top of that list! I really do love scrapbook.com. I mean it's one of the things that I do everyday. Everyday I can.

I want to link you to something that is fun and inspiring and neat and new! I just I just don't know. I love when us ladies do things... got it.

So here is my story... I needed three teacher gifts. I had no idea what to get a Preschool teacher who was now going to retire. She really did give my child a voice. {Glenn stopped talking when he was two and just never progressed verbally from there. He had all the test and interviews etc... "You child is fine", he doesn't speak because "he doesn't have to." Err so it's my fault. Whatever. He's my baby!} Mrs. Crabtree (yes, like in Dennis the Menace), and her staff worked their skills with Glenn. Now I find myself asking him to be quiet! Anyhow.. back to the point. I wanted to get her something she would enjoy. I did not want to not get them the same things as I am sure it was a team effort getting Glenn to where he is in such a short amount of time. (Five months or so.)

So I ended up meeting a girl through... a LSS (THAT'S A WHOLE NOTHER BLOG). Joy Anne! So super cute! Way crafty and her SIL is no different. Well, she set me up like a champ! The teachers loved what she did and RAVED! For days! Mrs. Crabtree raved so much that her dh asked if a man had given her the treats... I also gave her flowers..
Check out my link to: The Paisley Patisserie http://thepaisleypatisserie.blogspot.com/




Yummy and Pretty! It was a Special Treat!

Have little Faith... for ME

My first thought was John Meyers ... Waiting on the World to Change.

Lyrics:

So we keep waiting (waiting)

Waiting on the world to change

Now if we had the power
To bring our neighbors home from war
They would have never missed a Christmas
No more ribbons on their door
When you trust your television

What you get is what you got
‘Cuz’ when they own the information oh,
They can bend it all they want
So while we’re waiting (waiting)

Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting (waiting)

Waiting on the world to change
It’s not that we don’t care
We just know that the fight ain’t fair
So we keep waiting (waiting)

Waiting on the world to change

But I have to make it closer to home! Home makes me think of my mom... Happiness was there.. so maybe, Corinne Bailey Rae's Butterfly.

Lyrics:

In my mother's house

there was happiness

I wrapped my myself in it

it was my chrysalisas

my life unfolds

see a pattern through

of you protecting me

and i protecting you

what was THAT YOU SAID

make your own mistakes

and when YOU'RE GROWN

made sure that you REMAIN the same

now i realize what was on your mind

when i left your side

like a butterfly

shower me with your love

COLOR everyday

you make the milk GOLD sunshine on me

lift me up so high

watch me fly away

give me life

like a butterfly

Well, that is a beautiful song but that's about my mother... This is about me! Yeah Me!

I settled in on a country song. It just about sums it up!

This is ME!

Lyrics:
Yeah I have my addictions
I keep my share of secrets
And things you'll never see
Mmm I get selfish and defensive
And pay too much
attention to my
insecurity

Though I
I'm just like everybody else
I try to love Jesus send
my soul, yeah yeah
I don't know what you believe
What you think or what you see
But this is a part of me yeah
What I do and who I am
All about your purities oh
I'm right here up my sleeve
This is me
This is me

Yes my heart breaks for the homeless
I worry about my parents
And all my bills are late
Yeah I I'm dealing with the changes
This complicated strangeness
I'm seeing life this way

Hey yeah I
I'm just like everybody else
I try, Lord I try to
love Jesus send my soul,
yeah yeah

I don't know what you believe
What you think or what you see
But this is a part of me yeah
What I do and who I am
All about your purities
I'm right here up my sleeve
This is me yeah
This is me
Wo... yeah yeah, yeah

I laugh at silly movies
To acquaint I see babies
And I'm stubborn as a stone
Yeah I
I critisize my body
I wonder if I'm ready
to ever be alone
Oh I
I'm just like everybody else
I cry yes I cry just
like everybody else yeah
yeah yeah
I don't know what you believe
What you think or what you see
But this is a part of me
What I do and who I am
All about your purities
I'm right here up my sleeve
This is me
Oh this is me
Oh this is me
I'm gonna celebrate it
I'm gonna celebrate it
Don't be afraid who you are
Celebrate who you are
What you do, what you
feel, what you see, who
you are
Celebrate, celebrate
This is just me
I'm not afraid, I'm not ashamed
This is me

Refreshing...

I think of two things when I think of refreshing:

1. my kids playing. They have no worries! Life is good. Innocent, easy and free!








2. The first drink you have in the morning. You know how good it feels going down. You can feel it feeding your heart. You can trust that it's something your body wanted and needed. I love that. No matter what you drink the rest of the day it's never quite that good. Know what I mean?
It's refreshing!

Caliente!

Feliz Cumpleaño (or Happy Birthday!)

Today is a big day in our house. It's Viva La Glenn (the life of Glenn)!

I was giving one of my greatest gifts in life four years ago today! I was given a son! He made my Logan a brother and our family complete! He is the highlight of my everyday! His little face is so yummy that you just want to kiss him all the time! He is my 'persona que abraza ' or little hugger!

Everything about today is going to be hot!

the candles!

The pool and splash park,

Go Speed Racer.. and

Zippa (that's what he calls pizza!)

The love I have for him is perfección ... now that's Caliente!

Two things.. the fact that I go into diffrent langs when I am happy... is an inside joke. (shut up Autumn!)

and Glenn is now awake watching the New Speed Racer Cartoon, with a Speed Racer Hot Wheel in hand, wearing his new Speed Racer swim trunks... so far so good!

Big Blog Challenge

Everyone is doing it!

And now it's your turn to get into it to! Let's Blog! We will leave each other comments and you can pick the days that you play and don't. Just jump in! Leave us a note so we know you are bloggin!

Step one! Get yourself a Blog! You can have one anywhere you choose. It needs to be up and running before June 1st! Up and running!


June2: First blog assignment... Blog about something "Hot". What does that mean to you?
June3: Photo of something Refreshing!
June4: Link something/someone you love!
June5: If you have not already... add our
summer theme song!
June6: Vacation (yours, dream, plan for)
June7: Summer Menu (favorite summer drink, dessert
BBQ, salad, take out whatever..)
June8: Greatest Summer Memory
June9: photo of water
June10: Review! summer movie, book, meal, etc.
June11: Grateful letter. Tell us what/who you are
grateful for.
June12: YOU! Blog about you! Your picture! YOU!
June13: Okay it's a biggy! Treats for your
kids/or pets or friends! Then a photo
shot! and Blog!
June14: Read three blogs and leave some love!
June15: Father Day
June16: Photo of a summer sunset or rise
June17: Pick a Scrapbook challenge finish it and
post!
June18: (another hard one) The year is half
way over, time to revamp goals and
revisit promises of the New Year.
June19: Animal time! Tell us all about it!
June20: PHOTO, of something yellow, orange or red
June21: It's the first day of Summer Your day in
review.
June22: Fantasy! What is your perfect day?
June23: You get to have a take. Vent!
Say what you want!
June24: It's my birthday! Tell how you celebrate
birthdays!
June25: 25 of your very favorite things!
It's only 25! You can do it!
June26: Go to the Blog area here at sb.com and
enter a contest! Why not you are blogging
already!
June27: I am stealing this from a Blogger here!
Take a walk! Take pictures and Blog it!
June 28: Where were you born... take us back.
June29: Read 5 blogs and leave some love!
June30: Copy and paste a great email you got!


More later!

Come Blog Big! It should be a blast!

Check out some of my friends who are Blogging in the Big Blog Challenge --->

Memorial Day 08

Pay Respect! Be grateful!

Our freedom isn't free!

A little History:

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

I gotta man...he's so good to me...

"...I give love and he gives it back to me. ...My man is what a man is supposed to be!" Santana and Mary J

I am still so in love with this big head man! I still can't believe how in love with him I am. We are at year 12 of being together and year 7 of marriage. People keep asking if I am itching. Hell yeah! Itching for more! The song that is playing is the last song he said reminds him of me! I cried like a baby! He makes me feel loved, all the time!

I am all those things that wives are. I am impatient. I am needy! I am way emotional. I always want more. I expect greatness! I nag! I cry! I know he thinks I am loosing my mind. But my Jim. He is all those things a husband is supposed to be! He is gentle. Kind! Hard working! Loving! Affectionate! Honest! Trusting! Giving! He is patient to a fault with me. He's a great lover. He listens (as well as a man can). He tries to please me! 7 years and he is still trying to please me! He is a gift to me from above!

I am a lucky Girl. I have always said that 'everyone has something'. I have love!

Happy Anniversay Jim! I love you, still!

Telling on myself

Okay so I had to come tell on myself. I am sitting in the floor folding a load of laundry. I am planning on leaving it in the floor for someone else to put away. I am going over in my mind that in four days (when I get home from work) that the laundry will be in the same spot. That no one will take the time to put things where they go. That Jim and Logan will just leave it there for me. LOL Oops! I guess I could just put it away. I mean really, I'd be done already if I didn't come to tell on myself... See I almost forgot. Get it done right, the first time! Off to put away some laundry.

Sedona

You know when you feel like, you just need air! You just want to breathe. Sedona was my cure. We went for the weekend and just took it slow! Breathe...

DC and Farren!

These boys, I tell ya! They amazing me all the time! Drive me crazy... make me want to kill them... count to 10... but lovin' every minitue of it! They did really good on the long flights to and from DC!

Logan had his moments but as usually I am super proud of him. I am not sure but my guess is his favorite parts of the trip are as always, time spent with Farren.
They have this thing. It just their thing. He loves her! It's in everything he does! We stayed extra as he just could not fathom not having his own special, personal, alone time with her. I love it! They are adorable together!

MY Glenn...
He was just on adventure the entire time! He is grandpa's

boy! He just wanted to play! That's okay ,he's three. I don't expect that he will remember any of this. I got a few good shots of him in DC. He beat the crap out of Farren's boyfriend (sorry Bryan!) He also got to go out with just him and daddy! They went to see Speed Racer! Glenn is still singing.. "go Speed Racer.... gooooo".

Jim and I had fun too. I got to spend time with my family! He got to play golf and see the sights in DC. It was nice! We'd do it again.

I guess the golf needs some details.

He and dad played a course called Rendentions. The course has replicas of many of the most famous holes in golf. So now I get to hear in detail about the amazing shots! ... "dude, it breaks hard left." "Lay it up, safe!".... have you for the $100.00 they spent each... it should have been fun! They now think they have played Torrey Pine... Augusta... Pebble Hills....








Farren's boyfriend.. he's a cutie. I like him. He thinks in advance. He took her out a few time while we were there. He shared one of his biggest moments in life, with us. He remembered that it wasn't just about him. He had flowers ready for her when she graduated, have you he was graduating too. He shared Mother's day Brunch with us. He cooks!

The Family! You know the Family! They were super proud! Look!

One of my favorite moments of gradutation was when the kids walked out to a song they picked... "shine... throw your hands up to the sky"... This is how they got down!
The camera was moving because I was dancing and crying too!!


(I will edit later... time just got away from me)

Love like in the movies Part 2 (Kissing)

I found something! I am on to something huge! I am sure of it! Kissing! Remember kissing? Not that "Hi, honey" kiss. Not that "How YOUUUU doing" kiss. Not the "thanks", kiss. The kiss. That one! The reason you keep him around! That one that takes your breathe away. The Big Kiss! The kisses that still make you giggle like a school girl.

All great movies have big kisses! That's huge! That's really important in the perfect husband proto type! Yeah! Kissing...

Here's a video for you... I have homework!

Love like in the movies Part 1 (Say Anything!)

I recently had four friends call and tell me their husbands are loosing thier minds. Mine is no exception! Really! So.. I thought I'd try to reprogram mine. I figured that I would first have to figure out what it is that is expected of a perfectly behaved husband and if it is attainable. Because my girlfriends husbands are also suffering from: Being-a-husband-itus, I will not be able to use them as examples. So I am off the La La Land to create a proto type! Let start with the Cusak expectation.

I need you to want me!

When you are not home, call me! Tell me you love me! Tell me you need me! Tell me you miss me! Listen with out trying to solve. Take out the trash. OPEN UP! Tell me about your day. Take me on a date. Do things that need to be done without asking why. Take the kids out. Bring home dinner. Dance with me. Kiss me, just to kiss me. CLEAN THE KITCHEN. Send me a postcard a text message, even if I was with you! Say thanks for the little things.

See 'you had me at hello', 'I can't do this without you'. It's what I grew up on. I played with Barbies. I practiced with dolls. I was told that, 'one day your prince will come! Now, older jaded and humbled... I still 'want it all, I want the fairytale'.

There is a bunch of truth in that, huh! Don't you want the perfect little house. The handsome, smart and wealthy husband. Great friends! A normal family! Giggling, happy, healthy kids. The perfect little package. Isn't that why you picked him? Isn't that's what you thought you would attain? Didn't you want John Cusak to stand under your window... Didn't you want Richard Gere to ride up on the pony (in runaway bride) or climb to the roof top (in Pretty Women) to get his girl?

Yeah! We all want them to help us clean for guest! To not say that stupid things he aways says (or fart around the company).

Dear God, please don't let him wear that again! We all want them to say 'Honey, dinner was wonderful! Thanks for taking the time, I know it's not alway easy. I'll do the dishes. Go, baby.. go sit and watch your favorite show. I've got the kids. We'll go for a walk so you can take a bubble bath! Oh and hey... your wine is in the fridge next to the chocolate.'

LOL clearly that's what movies are made for. Leave me a comment about the 'Only-in-the-movies' thing your husband did/does for you.' because we know they still try. In their sad little, I am a spoiled man sorta way!

HU!

Howard University

It just hit me! The excitement, that is! Washington DC! Right on! My sister did the damn thing! She is going to graduate from a historical black college (it's a really big deal) Howard University! Go Farren ! Go Farren! So proud! My Girl! Wow!

This is her moment! It's her deal! My parent don't even need plane tickets... they could float there on pride alone! I remember when we dropped her off at college, on the other side of the country.. Man! I thought my dad was not going to make it! My mom, well she just stopped talking! I was in awe! Man, how cool is that! I'm having babies and doing the grown up thing but she... Farren was getting ready to experience something amazing. And she'd do it all alone! I don't have that trait! I wouldn't even push in labor till my mommy got there! And I was 30!

She did it , and she did it 'all by herself!'

Alumni BABY!!!

Peace

• PEACE (noun)
The noun PEACE has 5 senses:

1. the state prevailing during the absence of war
2. harmonious relations; freedom from disputes
3. the absence of mental stress or anxiety
4. the general security of public places
5. a treaty to cease hostilities

POP Culture (or History so called):
Beginning with the Egyptians, the dove was as symbol of quiet innocence. The Chinese felt the dove was a symbol of peace and long life.

To early Greeks and Romans, doves represented love and devotion, and care for a family. The dove was the sacred animal of Aphrodite and Venus, the goddesses of love. The dove also symbolized the peaceful soul for many cultures.

The Bible continued this symbolism, often referring to the dove as an animal representing love, loyalty, fidelity and honesty. The dove is entrusted with the olive branch when Noah hopes to find a new home for himself and his flock. The dove often also represents the Holy Spirit.

Picasso popularized doves again in the 1950s. When WW2 ended, he was asked to create an image for the Peace Conference and he chose the Dove of Peace. This became an instant hit and he continued to portray doves for many years.

I don't pretend to be a scholar or zealot. I believe that Peace is our gift! It comes from God. I believe that it is simply, faith manifested through happiness! That we are all capable of having it, that it is attainable here on earth. I believe that peace is our quest in this world. We just have to wanted bad enough to go after it.

50 Things I Love!

The key to happiness is to appreciate what you have. Sounds simple.

(expcerpt from: http://www.aish.com/spirituality/foundations/The_Secret_of_Happiness.asp)
A young man ... he had an unusually happy disposition, so I asked him what's his secret. He told me:

"When I was 11 years old, I received a gift of happiness from God.
"I was riding my bicycle when a strong gust of wind blew me onto the ground into the path of an oncoming truck. The truck ran over me and cut off my leg.
"As I lay there bleeding, I realized that I might have to live the rest of my life without a leg. How depressing! But then I realized that being depressed won't get my leg back. So I decided right then and there not to waste my life despairing.
"When my parents arrived at the hospital they were shocked and grieving. So I told them: 'I've already adapted. Now you also have to get used to this.'
"Ever since then, I see my friends getting upset over little things: their bus came late, they got a bad grade on a test, somebody insulted them. But I just enjoy life."

At age 11, this young man attained the clarity that it is a waste of energy to focus on what you are missing. And that the key to happiness is to take pleasure in what you have. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

Sounds simple doesn't it? LOL! It really does! I want to be happy there for I can! The power of positive thinking... It truely is inspiring!

I love my things and even more people so here goes. I love Jim! I love the way he loves me! I love that he is so patient with me! I love Logan! I love the way he laughs! I love to see him smile! I love the way he looks for information! I love Glenn! I love his face! I love his big-old brown eyes! I love his kisses! I love when he is proud of himself! I love my parents, they did a good job! I love my sister; Haather! I love her freckles! I love that she was put on this earth to keep me humble! I love my sister Farren! I love that she busted her butt for four years to gradute from Howard Univ. I love that she is finally 'happy'. I love my brother, Nick. I love my girlfriends, they rock! I love all of their little people!

I love my house! I love my Arizona, even when it's hot! I love scrapbooking! I love Bazzill paper! I love caramel! I love pasta! I love bread! I love a clean house! I love lunch with friends! I loved dancing naked in the rain! I loved to see people happy! I love that first drink of water in the morning! I love to see my kids play! I love when Jim tries to be funny! I love Bella ponytails! I to see Marlee dance! I love to see Anniston scoot! I love to watch Emma wave! I love to watch Emma (W) scrapbook! I love to see Brianna and Logan together! I love to watch Alyssa tumble! I love to watch Andrew run! I love Parker, meek ways! I love Conners strong will! I love Spencers 'Tude'! I just love Turtle and cute little everything! I love to hear Vayda sing!

I love many things and even more people! I love hard!

Oh! Oh! Oh! I LOVE this big fat raise Jim gets at the end of May! ATTA Boy!



This Post was inspired by:

Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom:

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom:

I had never been puked on.

Pooped on.

Chewed on.

Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom:

I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom:

I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the
hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom:

I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and
happy.

Before I was a Mom:

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make
sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,

The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

Thanks Angie!

My Family Love!

When I think about my childhood, I think about ________ (one word).

Family Love!

My childhood was amazing! I mean, I didn't know it then. I had the same troubles most kids had and the older I got the more I worried. For sure though, I was loved! I felt like a princess everyday! My mom and I were and are friends. Even though she kick my butt a few good times! More than a few! Okay a lot! She demanded a bunch of me, but was never afraid to let me fall on my face(, a few hundred times!) She told me "I am your best friend! I will always have your back. If you are wrong, I will tell you, in private. As far as the outside world knows; you can do no wrong!" Crazy,right! I loved it! I believe her today! She has proved it over and over!

My dad, ahh my dad! He was a great dad! He is a great dad! (And now a great, grandpa!) Even now, my husband and dad are great friends! He, my dad, took me on so many dates when I was little, so many! Straw Hat Pizza then Thrifty's to buy FIVE candy bars! (Remember when they cost twenty-five cent! He held my hand, all the time! He yelled at boyfriends who where not up to par! Get this! GET THIS... he wrote a letter to my husband before our wedding... long story short; he said " I expect that Tiffany will be the love of your life for all of your life... But if a time comes that she is not, you don't have to hurt her. Bring her home to me. She always has a place to go!" When I'd come home in tears over someone girl or boy, he'd say "I have lived my life... I have taken a bunch of shit off a lot of people; so you don't have to!" "Do you want me to get them?"

I really thought I was the Queen of the World!

I have sisters and a brother! Yes, I thought they were better than other people! Really! The flaws they had, I did not see and would be hard pressed to listen if someone tried to tell me!



We loved hard! Played hard! Laughed and laughed and laughed! Shopped big!

My Great Great grandma (Big Mama) said "sometimes you just got to let them have the whole cake". And my parents did! Sometimes.

Best Christmas... I got a 'ten speed!', 'A boom-box!' and the "Barbie dream house!" Who get's that? I was ten!

When my kids are asked 'When I think about my childhood, I think about ________ ? I want them to say LoVE!!!! (Just like my mom had!)

REAL FRIEND TEST!

REAL FRIEND TEST!

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himselfand doesn't feel even
the least bit weird shutting your 'beer/Pepsi drawer' with her foot!

A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend's shoulder is soggy from your tears..

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call afterthey've gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it!

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

Thanks Misty!

Living Like Water

I got this good read from Sidney a few days ago!

Fluid Like a River


The journey of water as it flows upon the earth can be a mirror of our own paths
through life. Water begins its residence on Earth as it falls from the sky or
melts from ice and cascades down a mountain into a tributary or stream. In the
same way, we come into the world and begin our lives on Earth. Like a river that
flows within the confines of its banks, we are born with certain defining
characteristics that govern our identity. We are born in a particular time and
place, into a specific family, and with certain gifts and challenges. Within
these parameters, we move through life, encountering many twists, turns, and
obstacles along the way—just as a river flows.

Water is a great teacher that shows us how to move through the world with grace,
ease, determination, and humility. When a river breaks at a waterfall, it gains
energy and moves on. As we encounter our own waterfalls, we may fall hard, but
we always keep going. Water can inspire us not to become rigid with fear or hold
fast to what is familiar. Water is brave and does not waste time clinging to its
past but flows onward without looking back. At the same time, when there is a
hole to be filled, water does not flee from it, fearful of the dark; instead, it
humbly and bravely fills the empty space. In the same way, we can face the dark
moments of our life rather than running away from them.

Eventually, a river will empty into the sea. Water does not hold back from
joining with a larger body, nor does it fear a loss of identity or control. It
gracefully and humbly tumbles into the vastness by contributing its energy and
merging without resistance. Each time we move beyond our individual egos to
become part of something bigger, we can try our best to follow the lead of the
river.

(This is an excerpt from the new DailyOM Book.)

Spot light on Karen

If you know me, you know that Karen is my ray of sunshine! She can clearly make grey skys blue! I got some photos of her and her girls the other day. I have to share them with you! She is so stinkin cute! Look at these girls! Karen eclectic persona is so real! You see it in her girls. Her personality is just as "wow" and her since of style!



It's not just now! It's from way back! Karen is a Diva! Bring up to more, Divas! She once had a party and changed her clothes five times during the party. She said "If Mariah can do it, so can I."




Who buys knee socks? Tell me Marlee isn't rockin those socks! Did you click on the photo of Karen hilding the car seat? Go back and do it! I'll wait...

Those are argyle tights! Yep! Those are so cute in her boots! Please! Those hats the girls were are mostly originals! (Let me know if you need his addy!) Marlee in the pink turtle neck and faux fur in white! What?! "Superstar"! Don't leave out little Anniston who is just learning to walk and already bring down the house! Green and Pink... what is she; the the mascot for future AKA's.

You have to be in public with her to really understand. People everywhere comment on the girls and her too. I was a kids fair with Marlee and the other ladies there were like "Excuse me... where did you get that", or "Oh my God, Look how cute she looks". My favorite was" I would have never thought of that, she looks gooooood!"

Show them how to do it Lustig Girls!

Love them!!!!!

Invisible Mom

It's a must read! I just got it from Maymee!

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and asks to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be
covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're going to love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM!

The Meaning of Life

I write all the time! Well at least I use to! I write to clear my head, to change my world, to escape work, house cleaning etc... I write so often that I forget what I wrote! I find little peices of paper everywhere! No really! Everywhere! I was pulling out some magazines to trash and a napkin fell out:


I was brought to this earth to love. To give love and share love. My gift is life. I give to the world you and your brother. I release onto earth greatness in love,kindness, faith and strength. You are my meaning of life.





I must have liked them that day! LOL

The Kitchen cleaning list

As many of you know when I am feeling like a normal person, LOL I Flylady! This is my thing! I love it and it helps me get it together.

Flylady breaks things down into weekly zones.. This week it's the kitchen. One week to 'get'er done'.

Here is what the list looks like: Kitchen: Detail Cleaning List


EMPTY REFG/CLEAN THOROUGHLY
CLEAN MICROWAVE INSIDE AND OUT
CLEAN STOVE/OVEN
WASH CANISTER/KNICK-KNACKS
STRAIGHTEN DRAWERS/CUPBOARDS
WIPE FINGERPRINTS OFF WALLS
WASH INSIDE WINDOWS
CLEAN FAN/VENT-A-HOOD FILTERS AND HOOD
SCRUB DOWN CABINET FRONTS (only a few at a time)
CLEAN LIGHT DEFUSING BOWLS(GLASS GLOBES OVER LIGHT BULBS)
CLEAN UNDER SINK/THROW AWAY OLD RAGS
CLEAN PET DISHES

Check out

Chicken Kiev

Try something new!

Chicken Kiev
4 boneless chicken breast halves
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup flour
1 egg, beaten with 2 teaspoons water
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs

Blend the softened butter with parsley, chives, pepper, and salt. Divide into 4 portions and chill until firm.
Flatten each chicken breast half to about 1/4-inch thickness by pounding each between wax paper or plastic wrap. Place a portion of the chilled butter mixture in the center of each flattened chicken breast half. Roll each to completely enclose the butter. Dust each roll in flour then dip in beaten egg and water. Roll in bread crumbs then place in lightly greased baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer.
Chicken Kiev serves 4.

4 boneless chicken breast halves
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup flour
1 egg, beaten with 2 teaspoons water
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs

Blend the softened butter with parsley, chives, pepper, and salt. Divide into 4 portions and chill until firm.
Flatten each chicken breast half to about 1/4-inch thickness by pounding each between wax paper or plastic wrap. Place a portion of the chilled butter mixture in the center of each flattened chicken breast half. Roll each to completely enclose the butter. Dust each roll in flour then dip in beaten egg and water. Roll in bread crumbs then place in lightly greased baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer.
Chicken Kiev serves 4.

Thanks Sarah!

In Twenty Years... I want it all!

Twenty years
from now?

Twenty years from now I want to be reading a story book to my grand children in my vacation home. I want to be remember today and the fun I’d had in the pass. I want to be taking a art history class and writing hand written letters to my friends children. I want to be working in my garden and holding hands with my husband. I want to be making invitations to my daughter in laws baby shower.

In twenty years a I want to look back at Logan as a wonderful father and husband who made the right decisions. I want to be looking back at Glenn and wondering how my baby became such a wonderful man.

In twenty years I want to be opening the screen door when my husband and sons have come home from 18 holes of golf with my dad. I want to wake my daughters-in-laws up from their nap after a relaxing day at the spa. I want to be in the kitchen cooking a Soul Food Sunday with my mother waiting for my sister and my nieces to get there so we can eat. I want my brother to surprise my mom and dad and bring his family for dinner.

In twenty years I want the sacrifices of today to manifest in the prosperities of tomorrow. I want to be happy, healthy and In love!!!

I want it all!

Mommy

Sending some love to the Moms in my world!

A Poem for the little moments:Blessed be innocence, smiles from the heart,
Small dimpled fingers that take things apart,

Noses that wrinkle at spinach and such,
Eyes filled with wonder for they see so much.

Blessed be questions with no easy answers,
Bubble-bath swimmers and mud-puddle dancers,

Climbers and diggers and builders and bakers,
Dreamers and gigglers and up-at-dawn wakers.

Hearts that are gentle, wills that are strong,
Minds learning left from right and right from wrong

Blessed be hugs that wrap around your knees,
Sweet angel voices that sigh "Once more, Please?"

Blessed be, "Read me a story" and then,
Blessed be each whispered, "Bless me...Amen."

Blessed be sleepy eyes, each little yawn...
Blessed be childhood before it is gone.

The above picture are of:
Hiedi and her sweetness, Emma!
Ann and her beauties Brianna, Alyssa and her little boyfriend Andrew!
Sidney and her beautiful Bella!
Karen and her Goddesses Marlee and Anniston!
Maymee and the "Diva" Vayda!
Antumn and her boys Conner, Parker, Spencer, Tucker and Princess Emma!
Let's not forget:
Farren and the notty Shaskpere
and finally Sweet Pea's mama Meya.
(Realize that I don't have a picture of Meya's "Sweet Pea" as he won't get within 20 feet of me! LOL)
The picture of Angie and the kids is older but I refuse to live in the moment. Patty is wearing high heels now. Krystin is going to college and David just had a baby making Angela a grandma. So forgive the picture from 04/05 but that's were I am staying!

I found this scrapbook page...

I found this scrapbook page I did awhile ago..

Description: Circle Journal

It reads: Your home shows the world the very best of who you are. It is not just the beds and baths, but your dreams and desires. Home is the way to make sure that where you live says who you are.

I have ‘miles to go before I sleep‘. I work hard at creating a home that is comfortable, safe and enjoyable. I want whoever comes over to feel like they can grab a drink, and put their feet up. My wish for my home is to exude warmth, comfort and love.

Much like my personality, I have dreams of grandeur.

Still, again I have ‘miles to go before sleep‘. I can see and can almost taste who I dream of being and how I dream of living. It is all so close. I would love to be thin. I would love marble counter tops. I love to be comfortable in my own skin. I would love to have slate stone instead of carpet downstairs.

I somehow equate the perfect home with the perfect me. I feel like, if I live the part, then I can look the part. If somehow the Pottery Barn could meet William Sonoma at a Target budget… Then I can look like Halle Berry, think like Oprah, have
the spirit of the Dalai Lama and the ability to cook like Rachael Ray.

Do not get me wrong! I live well. I have more than most. And I am extremely aware that it is all a bonus. I am lucky in love! I have two healthy boys. Great friends and more laughs than tears.

I am blessed!

Still I want the world to see me as I feel. I want my home to reflect the ME that I truly am.

I have ‘miles to go before I sleep’ …

(A really old blog) ME..instinct and advise...

I found this... I wrote it just about a year ago... Yuk! Sorta funny, sorta sad!
I thought I should add it to my blog...



Okay.. so here goes. Who am I?


That’s the million-dollar question. I have until resent, thought I knew. Through this Blog, I hope to find out. I hope to share who I am and who I want to be and who I preserved to be. Who I think I am is a cardinal no, no. I am a mom. I am a mom, first! I have in fact lost myself in my children. Torn between instinct and advice.

Instinctively I do what I do for my kids, my family, my friends and then me. I know! I know! You are supposed to love yourself, first and foremost. That is how you learn to love others the way they should be loved. Still I love my kids first!. They are the air in my lungs. They are my blood line of my hearts beat. My heaven here on earth. I have never believed that I myself was destine foe greatness. But I knew before they were born that greatness would come through me. I bask in there potential. I have high expectations for my boys. I expect greatness. Still I know that they are merely men. That I will me furious, disappointed and broken hearted more then once. (That’s doesn’t even include their teenage years.) But I suspect that they will be good men. They are my gift to the world, to society , my promise to God. -- That’s a lot on my plate. I’ve got ‘miles to go before I sleep‘.

My husband. Wow! I did not even want to be married. For what? I never had the need to prove to other people that I was in love with him. I was. I am! I hope to always be. That being said I am really, truly happy to be married to him. He is a wonderful man. Kind. Loving! He’s a great father, an excellent provider. A unselfish lover! He’s a rOckStar! He listens as well as a man can. But tries harder than anyone I have ever known to please me. I am a lucky girl! He believes in God, family and forever. And he doesn’t fight with me. Go figure. I am blessed. I am 50 or so pounds over weight and he still tells me I am beautiful and sexy, all the time. He reaches out to touch me for no reason at all. He still after all these years gets goose bumps when I touch him. God created him for me.

LOL see, I forgot. This is about me. I wish I could say that I was a mix between Halle Berry, Oprah and Drew Bahramore (sp?) But I am not. I am good at a lot of things. I have issues with a lot of things. I am an average girl. I feel happy more than I feel sad. I had big dreams when I was younger and I have in fact let go of some of those. But I have new ones.

I was pretty fabulous when I was younger. Never the pretties girl, but cute enough. Never the smartest, but I could get by. Never the riches, but my life was good! I have two loving parents that are still married to each other and in love. A few real girlfriends and I have been friends with them for years My circle of friends are all great moms. Fun! Bright! My sisters and I are still super close. My SIL’s are fabulous! My life is good!

My job is a good job. Thought that’s a whole topic in itself. I ’m a flight attendant. How do I leave my kids… it’s not easy. It’s hard! It make me crazy once a week. (That’s how often I work) But I on average have 18 days off a month. I am at home more that most working moms. When my oldest son says he want to see grandma who live about 700 miles away. I say okay and we go. Free. When I need a sitter. My sister flies in from Washington DC ( to Arizona) for about $50. My boys play on the beach… Most kids in Arizona call that vacation. My boys call it a weekend. Its hard to let go. My girlfriend Sid just flew from Frankfort, Germany to San Diego for $300.00 round trip. That same weekend my mom and dad went to Napa Valley for the weekend. Last week my Uncle flew in from St Louis to Phoenix to watch the Rams play for $75.00 . It’s a good job!

My issues. I am fat. Fat enough that I don’t look at myself often. I don’t look at myself when I pass mirrors. It’s hard. I realized that as a scrapbooker I am writing myself out of my family history. That there are no pictures of me in my albums. I have stopped that. Good for my family. Bad for me. It makes me sad to see myself this way. I feel like people may think that I don’t love my children the way I should. Because I am abusing myself. I know all these things. I am trying to make a change. I am not sure when what people think of me started to matter. Also, I have gotten jealous in my old age. I recognize it and try not to be but I am. Not so much with things. I have a good life. But, organized, healthy, happy. Yuk! How do people do that. For instance I don’t know her but we have met a few times. Heidi Swapp. She is athletic, smart, witty, fun, attractive, creative and her persona shows a wonderful family life on top of being rich. I hate her. Okay I don’t really hate her , but I think she’s living my best life. Da*m her. LOL! I also am total unorganized and a procrastinator. I am not sure how this happened. My best friend Sid is a professional organizer. I am out of control. Our best friend Karen, is literally like a blooming flower everyday. She is on task. If she says it will get done. It will. (except laundry she hates that!) Your lucky if I comb my hair if I am at home. Both of them and my girlfriend Ann Marie put on make-up almost everyday. Good grief, who has time for that? I personally don’t want to see that much of myself!

... blah! blah! blah!

A Stay at home mom..

All I can say is WOW! There is no way! I have dreams of it but there is no way! Jim and I don't make enough money to entertain our kids with a job let alone with one income down. Walk with me through my week..

Saturday night I called my Dear husband who informed me that both of our children needed new sandals for Easter Sunday Service. So off to shop after a five hour flight from Florida. For those of you who don't really understand... Florida is EVIL! They are old people who are use to a very high standard of airline service. As they have been fling for many years. They do not understand the concept of a low fare carrier. And of course the people coming from the cruise ships. Yep! Somehow they have forgotten that they paid a 20% gratuity for the on call service and beckon call boy standards they'd just received. To top it off ALL grandparents move to Florida! They just do! So the unaccompanied minors on these flights are spoiled rotten as Grandma has been cooking and pampering them the entire spring break visit. The fact that the flight attendant in first class was a cute,young, ditsy-incompetent, did not help. Because we where fling with an all male crew who was sure that she is a stripper. I basically worked the flight alone. Yep!

So running out to shop for my kids the day before Easter! Fun! Have you I am at the airport and it 7:45 pm. Hell... I am a mom, I Can Do Anything!

Sunday morning at say 4 am I had to make sure the Easter Bunny did all the things that I would in fact do for my children, while my Dear Husband needed just a few more mins of sleep. As I finished tweeking the items "Big Bunny" had left.. My Loving Husband walking down the steps to see how thing had gone... Killing your husband on Easter is really not a good idea. ...So I gave him a pass. And he spread eggs around the house while I set out the Spring colored clothes that will never be worn again.

The service was nice but I really need to find a church with a bit of soul in it! When the service ended with ... I'm coming home...to the place that I belong... yeppers the rock song. I realized that I am either to old or black to be there! The petting zoo and egg hunt went well.. I guess. Sunday school for Logan was "good" that day as they gave out candy. --- no cursing on Easter Sunday! We had a great lunch and a home cooking dinner and everyone seemed happy.

Monday we had a play-date with Emma, Heidi's little angel of a daughter. Logan who was crazy in love with her, was upset that she went to sleep. (She's about 8 months old). Glenn on the other hand was crazy jealous. He made me take out his boppy for him as he played with her toys. Chris, Heidi's Dh (Dear Husband) picked Emma up. And Glenn got naked for him! NICE!~~ But Chris brought a pound for freshly ground Starbucks... I love him! Jim brought dinner home like a good Dh! Monday was good! Monday was my only saving grace!

Tuesday was Logan birthday! He ranked it up there with the top three, "maybe two" he said! He had a shopping spree.. Happy- Happy- Happy! We went to Toys R Us, Game Stop, Panda Express, Target, Ross, Walmart, Tilly's etc... We got off pretty easy! We bought a new bike and cake, balloons, dinner, clothes and gave him $50.(on his spree). He had just shy of $300.

Wednesday was a mommy and the kids day. We went to the Arizona Science Center. We saw the Dinosaur and Titanic special exhibits too. We went out to breakfast, lunch and dinner. We stayed there for 7 hours! Man!



Thursday we went to downtown Mesa. We walked around and ended our adventure at the Natural History Museum. More Dinosaurs... great fun. We left there and had dinner with Dad at Johnny Rockets after shopping at Arizona Mills.




Today... as soon as my Starbucks (did I say I love Chris)kicks in, we are going to an Art Festival in Tempe! or Movie night!... which ever the kids want.


Don't get me wrong it's like this every week that the kids are not in school. (Last week: Sunday- Horton Hears a Who. Tuesday- the Bodwins slept over Wednesday and Thursday Vayda slept over. Friday- Lunch with the Saunders and Dinner with the Cagles and Saturday Jim cleaned the carpets)

I feel like a good mom but I am tired and my house is trashed. My bank account is busted and finally I go to work tomorrow. I know that every ones life is just like this. I realize that everyone is "living the dream" of parenting! But gosh! Who has time and who can afford it?

Stay at home mom? Do they stay at home?

Eight

Eight years ago my life changed! It changed in the biggest way possible! I became aware of the greatness in me. ..Of all the things I am capable of. Eight years ago I learned the true mean of love; of unselfishness. I learned that the greatest gift is to give. I felt first hand that life is precious! ... I learned eight years ago that miracles are REAL!

Eight years ago.. I became a mom! It was my biggest, best and most amazing moment!

Happy birthday Logan!

Three Miles

http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1514671&assetId=fcc8e9da-970d-4f2e-bfb2-4f3a8eb80a4c

One of my goals for this year is to walk two half marathons. Yep! That's something I'd like to do for me! I think it will also be great for my boys to see. I have a girlfriend that is going to help me find a few later in the year that will be fun and not to taxing on my body (yeah right).

As of lately I have been running into lots of Runners. I tell them my goal for this year and they all say the same thing. "DON'T WAIT!" "Jump right in". I am. Jim and I are going to try to run/walk one in April. The races/walks cost very little and most proceeds go to a cause...so here I go.

Renee, a flight attendant/runner/nutritionist turned me on to the website ACTIVE.com. Jim and I picked a race/walk and a date... so here goes! I am nervous and excited already. I can even remember the last time I felt excited about anything.

Three miles! Just three miles! I can do that! I am sure of it. Even if it takes an hour.

I start walking today! Today! I am off to the YMCA when I drop Glenn at school!

Wish me luck!

No one watching

No one watching

The real person you are is revealed in the moments when you're certain no other person is watching. When no one is watching, you are driven by what you expect of yourself. You're not attempting to impress anyone. You're not putting on a show. You're expressing your true nature.

The foundation of success is built in the moments when no one else is watching. If your efforts are only made for appearance, they will fall short. When you make the effort even though no one else is keeping track, that's a sure path to achievement.

What do you do when no one is watching? You can't keep any secrets from yourself. Success is built in the moments when you're truly free to be you. Make those moments count. Being a real winner is much better than just trying to look like one.



Angela Liggins

My dirty little secrets

so.. this is my home. Un-staged! It's how I live. It's my pretty side! I like the things I have. I'd rather not have stuff, than to have something I really don't want! I know what I like, when it comes to stuff. But there is another side to my home, a dark dirty secret, something you don't share with people... The dirty laundry so it's called...














My question to you is: Does the way your house looks (most often)have any relation to your physical, social, emotional health? Meya is your house always spotless? Farren, you only have you to worry about, is your apartment clean? Maymee, Ron works from home, how do you clean and work the hours you work? Sid, you are a perfessional organizer, is your house organized? Angie, does it change when the kids get older?... No really. Is my house part of my problem?

Often when you call I say I am cleaning and I am! I really am. But it pretty much stays the same. I will get the whole house clean.. or the laundry done... or both and a few days later... there are three loads of laundry, to many left over bowls in the refrigerator, three days of news papers and my to biggest messes are my "catch- alls" (the kitchen island and the table at the top of the stairs) are full again.

Don't get me wrong I love being a mom and a wife and I LOVE my house, but I swear that when its dirty and unorganized I feel helpless.

Oh and let's not even go with the scrapbooking thing. I love it! I L_O_V_E scrapbooking. I am sure it's the dirtiest hobby of all time! The health department would shut me down! I had an "ah ha" moment the other day and that's that it money that is all boxed up sitting around for years at a time.I have thousands of dollars worth of stuff to scrapbook with, that I will never use... sad but true!

I know you all have a junk drawer or a dirty closet but how does that affect (effect?) your everyday?

The Procedure

Okay... so today is the "procedure". I have not allowed myself to think about it. Nor did I tell Logan about it until this morning. Jim in not scared or anything so thats always good news...

I on the other hand am, worried about the amount of pain he will be in after. I am not sure I know how to react to Jim in pain. I have seen him cry and I know he sometimes hurts but I never see him afraid or unable to do for himself.

Say a prayer for him...

I am so over hearing that Kidney-Stones are as close to child birth than you can get... OVER IT! But if it's true... poor baby...

My Playlist

Well here goes...

I know! Who has time? But I am starting a blog for me. Just for me! Lots a questions and complaining silly emails and event in my life. I am asking for help from my friends. I have lost my sparkle, and I want it back! I am in search of where I lost it or a how-to guide for getting it back.
Don't get me wrong I am not sad or depressed. I am just Blah!

I am hoping that a few people who know me. Who really know me will be the people who respond often. Those few people who see me without a bra (... you know what I mean). I hope that you are brutally honest,and forgiving when needed. I hope you laugh when its time to laugh and call when I need hug! This is just my search for me. ...For loving me!

These are my friends. This is why I need you...

Sidney, because I love you! Because you are a good listener. Because you are and have been for more years than I care to count my sounding board. Because you more than anyone I know, think like me. Because you will tell me when I am wrong, need to step up, or sit it out!

Karen, because I love you! Because you are able to see outside the box outside of the Gap, McDonald's and Bank of America! Because you make me feel special and genuinely loved. Oh yeah, and you are no holds barred! Your fun factor is off the chart!

Farren , because I love you, you are my hero! You are amazing and beautiful and more talented than you know. Because you have a fresh out look on what life can be! Because you are still wet behind the ears. LOL Because you have the ability to dream BIG!

Meya, because I love you! Because you are a voice of reason! Because you can put things in perspective. Because I have always felt at ease in your company. Because you live...'it is what it is'!

Autumn, because I love you. Because I know in my heart of hearts that you will go to bat for me. I learn from you. I admire your zeal for knowledge and your thirst for fun! I love that after ten years - of marrage you are still completely in love with your husband! You give us all faith!

Ann, because I love you. I love the way you love! I love to see you with Steve and the kids. I love to see what you do for them but still making time for you. I love that you have already mastered LOVING ANN! I am always inspired by the way you say thank you. Your graciousness is immeasurable. Oh yeah... You drink as much wine as Sid and I- that's got to help!

Maymee, because I love you. Because you are taking this life by the horns and making it a hell of a ride. I love that you give Vayda the freedom to make her world exciting and fun! I love that you still take the time to look fabulous all the time!

Angie, because I love you. Because you are REAL! Because you do it your way! Because you know how, when and where to say NO. Because you know that sometimes you can just do it. No NO NO and then Yes! That's why your life stays yummy!

Hiedi, because I love you. You are that person. You know the one, who is cool and fun and cute. Who makes it all look perfect and effortless. You are beautiful inside and out. Intelligent and down to earth. You are refreshing!

Now there are tons of other people in my village and I know I need a little bit of help from you all ... check in often and let's keep on Loving Tiffany!