Are you ready to PARTY?

ya.  me either.

Just kidding. 

We had a great Christmas am I so lucky.  Kodie and I went to hang with buddy (my ex-boyfriend, but basically Kodie's best father figure) and his girlfriend for a nice casual visit and dinner.  He had some friends and family over.  It is so refreshing to be able to enjoy a person you had a relationship with and still feel like a part of the family.  I am so lucky that way.  My ex-husband is a dink but I adore his family and they are so good to me.

On Christmas eve we went to my dad's house for dinner.  I let Kodie open her "main" gift, a Phillips Android tablet.  It is a lot like an I-pod touch.

sorry for the yellow pict. still figuring out the new camera

 She was so thrilled and hasn't let it out of sight (even during charging) since.  That makes me so happy.  Christmas morning was very relaxed, we actually opened our gifts on my bed.  I let her take her time opening and enjoying each gift before moving on to the next one.  She loved everything.  Her baby alive was a hit and all the accessories that came with it. I got some new shirts and boots.  I had already began enjoying my new phone and camera.  We went to the theater and saw "We Bought a Zoo" a very sweet movie, yes it kind of dragged some but really was a cute show and we both enjoyed it.  We then went to blockbuster and rented 4 more movies to enjoy the rest of the day and I let Kodie have a friend sleep over, her friend also received a baby alive so they spent the evening mothering.....

and they made a "Christmas cake" 

it says Merry Cristmas B.f.f.s

 Very cute but let's just say I let my child waste a lot of ingredients.

So that is all for pictures for now.  I am not used to having one again yet, phone wise or camera wise.  I need to get my butt in gear with my technological advancement.

My sister drove to Utah from Las Vegas with her 4 kids.  Kodie has been at my mom's with them pretty much since they arrived. 

As for New Year's, my lovely cousin has chosen to get married on December 30th (her poor mother)! We have my mom's family Christmas party on the 31st (my aunt hosting it is from Vegas and figured everyone would be here for the wedding so may as well kill two birds).  My aunt is also having a New Year's Eve party that night but NO KIDS ALLOWED! My sister has 4 so I think we will miss it.  Probably end up having a slumber party at my mom's with all the kids lots of snacks, movies, and games.
 
 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have big plans (unlike me) for New Year's Eve.    

Can't wait until everyone starts posting regularly again.

Treat Pictures

 These little penguin bags are what I gave everyone at work.  I think most everyone ate them up right away!

 

 Kodie painting with white chocolate the inside of the molds. (Please excuse the very messy kitchen, it is small and hey we were baking our brains out).

 

Dipped pretzels.  They are dipped in caramel and I had issues (tried two different ways) and my chocolate just wouldn't work so they are caramel dipped with chocolate drizzle.  Not as pretty as I hoped but they still tasted fantastic.

These are the final plates we delivered to Kodie's teachers at school.  I didn't make the cupcakes but everything else was made with love.

I stayed home half a day today to clean up the massive mess in the kitchen.  Oh I forgot to take pictures of the cake pops.  Kodie's didn't make the plate, her and her friend decided to dye them green! and let's just say they weren't very appealing.

The most wonderful time of the year

I am so excited for Christmas this year!  It is kind of weird because it is just going to be me and my bug, really casual.  Usually we have to go here on Christmas Eve and there on Christmas Day.  We have a couple offers for Christmas Eve and I may take them up on it, we'll see, but Christmas Day is just me and my kiddo tucked away in our tiny little home.  I am so excited for her to get her presents.  She is going to flip out.  Everything is here and other than stocking stuffers and the last thing to arrive today is wrapped and ready to be ripped open. 

I love to wrap presents!  I know if I had a big family to wrap for I would probably hate it like so many others.  I can easily take 10 minutes wrapping each item.  I like to have matching paper, bows, ribbons, and tags.  I know way cheezy but I get compliments when someone actually takes the time to appreciate my work.  It doesn't bother me though when the paper is lying crumpled on the floor.  Something kind of relaxing about it.  I will sit in my room on my bed, put in a movie and wrap away. 

My mom's present this year got compliments.  As soon as Steph (my dad's neice/ my step-cousin?(long story)) saw it she asked me if it was done professionally and I was like oh no that is all me baby.

We had a family and friends get together at my dad and Steph's last night.  I was a little nervous as my brother and his witch wife would be there.  I didn't speak to either of them but I did take a few minutes with my niece(5) and nephew (8) to hug them and talk with them.  I made sure I had a gift for them and Kodie watched them open it, my brother gave Kodie a card with $20, so she was excited. We all exchanged our gifts from my mom.  She is going to Vegas so this was our only opportunity before Christmas.  My mom replaced my Pampered Chef round pizza stone, YAY! (mine cracked down the middle about a year ago..boo).  She gave Kodie a cake pop maker

and let's just say my child was ready to get into it and make some cake pops.  My mom even gave each of my dogs a gift (SHOCKER!, she is not really a dog person anymore, and mine to say the least usually drive her nuts) Bella loved it but Priss was like, what nothing to eat?  That meant a lot to me somehow!  It was a really nice time.  We got a couple of other nice things.  It was a good time, good food and good company.  I would love to resolve the issue with my brother but I don't think his wife will ever speak to me again. 

So there you go.  Just a few more days to go.  Kodie and I are finalizing my work gift bags tonight.  I took pictures of her treat plates for her teachers but I figured I would just post them both at the same time. 

I hope you are all getting ready and hopefully have stress-free holiday plans.

How do you celebrate?  Same thing year after year? Or whatever happens to be happening?

Holiday Baking

My lovely daughter has decided that this year we should make a plate of Christmas treats for her teachers.  Cool right?
Until it is the 3rd night in a row, so far we have made fudge, caramel popcorn, and began making dipped pretzels.  Tonight we have to finish the pretzels, she also has made up her mind that we are making chocolate suckers.  So as I anxiously await going home to a buggy 10 year old (mom you may as well say I am 11 my birthday is only a few weeks away) to melt chocolate dye it and paint each individual sucker mold to resemble Santa Claus, Snowmen, and Reindeer.  She also wants us to make a batch of cookies.....oh dear lord.  How in heavens name did I ever agree to this?

Oh yeah I usually enjoy it too.  The problem is that while I want to sit on my butt and watch Survivor this child somewhere along the way heard me "promise".  grrrr!  So people wish me luck that I will survive.  Luckily this has to be done by Friday as that is the final day of school before the Christmas break.  I will take a picture when they are done so you can see how are hard work has paid off and be jealous that all my blogger buddies aren't my neighbors or co-workers so you would get some lovely homemade treats.  I have to say that our Caramel covered chocolate dipped pretzels are quite delightful.  Good Housekeeping has nothing on us!

Ours will be just as pretty and taste ohhh so very yummers!

Lots of pictures to come as long as my new phone takes decent ones.  My camera is a POS!

400 Words About Things I Love

I saw this on someones blog and decided that it was so great I am going to pass it on.  Thanks Aiming Low.  You all make me laugh out loud every day somehow I have kept from spitting my drink on my keyboard.

 So here you go:

I love the freckles and beauty marks on my daughter’s face, my puppies when they fight, the sound of the guinea pigs when they want attention or need something, the rain and better yet dancing in the rain, getting soaking wet, and walking barefoot on the grass, coming home from work to wagging tails and a dachshund so excited to see me that she pees on the floor, clean bathrooms and the smell of bleach soft scrub, talking to my nephews on the phone, talking  with my sister long distance and trading plans, when my dad calls me babe and tells me to be good “brat”, spending time with friends, and meeting new people, my job, the trooper that calls me Sally, K-9 pictures, cooking with my daughter, creating new recipe’s, climbing into bed with clean sheets after a shower, the smell of dinner already done in the crock-pot after a long day at work, taking off my shoes after a walk, shopping with my mom, the pond at my ex’s house, that swan’s mate for life, my car when it is running well, when all the bills are paid, the relief that the most important Christmas present is bought, cooking new dishes, chex mix, oldie songs by Neil Diamond, singing along to the radio and knowing all the words, when my daughter sings with me, playing slug bug, making my mom happy, knowing who my friends are, selling or “helping” sell Girl Scout cookies, knowing I can trust someone, my condo and that it is mine, reading a book I can’t put down, lounging around being lazy watching movies, staying super busy all day and getting a lot of things checked off the list,  going to dad’s cabin, when it rains at the cabin and you are stuck indoors, the moose family that wanders across the acreage while you watch, hummingbirds, when the dogs chase the birds and squirrels, that the fish my daughter dropped in the garbage disposal is still alive, when my house is clean, no expectations, getting something delivered that I ordered, new make-up, cute jewelry that was cheap or a great deal, new shoes, going somewhere new, spending time curled up on the couch watching America’s funniest home videos, hearing my daughter belly laugh.

White Bean Chicken Chili

 Ingredients:
1 lb great northern soaked 24 hours sorted (way less sodium this way)
1 bullion cube (I used Chicken)
various seasonings (I wing it and add what looks good)
    season-all (Lawry's)
    onion powder (use real onion if you prefer)
    garlic powder (use garlic clove if you prefer)
    chili powder
    ground black pepper
    ground cumin (just a pinch or so)

1 lb. uncooked chicken (I used white breast tenders)
1 can cream of chicken soup
3-5 cups of water
1 cup of frozen corn

 Directions:
Put all the ingredients in the crock-pot 6-8 hours on low 3-4 hours on high.  Taste as it cooks as the flavors will change, it may need salt, or more chili powder just don't go crazy.  Once the beans are cooked through pull the cooked chicken from the pot to shred.  Using a blender or emulsion blender, blend up part of the bean soup mix and thicken the soup.  Add the shredded chicken back to the soup. (I did not end up doing the emulsion blender step at all.  My chicken fell apart in the soup and the cream of chicken soup thickened it up plenty for me)
 Serve:
top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.  Serve with bread.  I just made a loaf of beer bread yesterday so that is what we will be enjoying.

Oh Yeah!

INSURANCE SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!

still working on them people

that is all.............

be back t-morrow!

I am tired and I am baking REAL pumpkin.  I am logging off for the night.....sorry to my regulars blogs.  If I don't read you tomorrow, I promise I will catch up on Monday.

Have a fantabulous weekend.  oh and stick around....you never know what might happen to the goldfish.

mwhahahaha....

Ta Da it is B.Y.O.C yay! Thanks Draz...xoxoxo

It’s Friday so it’s time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer a few questions in order to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy to your own blog if you wish and ENJOY!  (thank you Draz)


Let’s do a little themed version of where you live and why!

1. Describe the structure you live in. (apartment, condo, house, mansion, cardboard box?)
  I live in a two bedroom condo (my first home).  It is less than 800sq feet but it is mine.  It is in the "ghetto" but I send my kid to a charter school (that she LOVES).  Ok so really the good, it is a gated community and a well monitored area, I have fantastic neighbors and we all watch out for each other.  I actually really like it here a lot.

2. Describe the city you live in. (population, main attractions)
  I live downtown Salt Lake City, UT. it is less than a mile from the Annual State fair (which I LOVE!).  So as the state capitol it is huge!!!.... well um as long as you are comparing as to the capitols of Idaho and/or Wyoming.  OK so it isn't a giant city however I can get pretty much anywhere in the valley in 15 minutes.     

3. Why do you live in the town you live in? (job, to get away from a different town, family, schools?)                                                                                                                                                                                              Besides the fact I grew up here and this is what I know, and despite the fact I have lived all over the valley?  My mom and dad live close by (so does my brother and his family but we are not speaking, (he hates me and his wife hates me more)).  I can get to my high school Alma mater in 45 minutes and my g-ma, and my aunts, uncles, and cousins and now their kids.  Someday I would like to possibly move back to my college Alma mater in Cedar City, but we will see! I roll with the punches.

Oh and it super close to my work.....yay big bonus!  

  4. What’s the view like from your backyard?
  My back window view from my window.....yeah 3rd floor people.  I see out one window, trees and rooftops and way off to the south the mountains.  Out my other window, trees, the parking lot and the I-80 freeway.  Lovely I know!  Could be worse right?  I think out the backyard of my SUV might have better descriptions.....just sayin!

5. Repeat question: How has your week been in blogland and in real life?
  Not to bad, a little slow due to sickness and catching up on a lot of work.  My fish story was pretty funny if I do say so! and yes the little bugger is still swimming!!!! amazing I know.  Sometime I will have to tell you the background story on our "Nervous Nelly" goldfish.  (I seriously never ever thought it would make it this long).  Real life rocks (now that we aren't sick and back in our home safe and sound).!!!! Love my life, love my job.  Glad to be back to work and healthyville.......

Okay – your turn! Go do BYOC! You know you want to!


Have a great weekend everyone.  Thanks to my 2 (yep 2) new followers.  My goal tomorrow it to dig out the Christmas decorations so Kodie and I can put everything up Sunday when she gets home. xoxoxoxo

Couple things ok?

First of all:  So funny NOW! not then.  Yesterday I am at work and I get a phone call from my munchkin, in tears(screaming)!
child: "I dropped my fish in the garbage disposal!"
me: "What?"
child: "I was cleaning the fish bowl and I dropped "her" in the sink!"
me: "well reach your hand down in there and get it out," 
child: "I tried but I can't find "her", I can't see"
me: "no, you can't see, just feel around and find it"
child: " I GOT IT!, I got her mom!"
me:  "get it in water!"
child: "she is"
me: "is she alive?"
child's friend in the background: "her gills are moving"
me: "is she swimming?"
child: "not yet, but she is breathing in water"
me: "ok, well leave her alone for a while, I am sure she is freaked out right now and just needs a few minutes to re-cooperate, are you ok?"
child: "ya mom, I was just freaked out, love you"

I get home and ask, "so how is your fish?" 
she is just fine!  She is swimming around in her little bowl like nothing ever happened, and yes she is still alive this morning.  Wow!  that is all I can say, this child won the goldfish at the state fair in September, never thought it would make it this long......oh and how the hell do we know this fish is a girl?????

Second:  I DO NOT like blueberries!!!!

 little blue dudes, I will not be eating you

 I have tried, I don't like the texture they are nasty!  I have tried! fresh, frozen and canned.  Please tell me people are dried any good? (Not you people that like blueberries.) I need an opinion from a fellow blueberry disliker.  I know they are "good" for me, I will take them in a muffin or a scone, but bleck! any other way.

Should be at work right now!

but I am not..... we are still in Cedar City.

Kodie and I have had a great vacation up until the last 2 days.  We arrived in Cedar City Saturday around 7:30pm.  I was feeling cruddy with a cold (thanks Gines family) we stopped at Brad's for food (mmm I miss Brad's, best drinks evah!)  we went to bed and I had a horrible night.  Kodie and her cousins slept over in our room at Willow Glen (my ex-inlaws b&b)  they played the day away and I laid in bed dreading 4 o'clock when we "needed" to get on the road.  I decided to bag it and called in sick.  Kodie started out planning to sleep over with her cousins but ended up at my door around 9:30 pm, good thing cause about 1:30 am, my poor child ran for the bathroom and has been throwing up since.  I have finally got some broth in her.  As long as she keeps it down we will be on the road by 1 pm (fingers crossed).

My puppies on the other hand have had a fantabulous time at Willow Glen.  10 acres to run free, I can guarantee they will sleep all the way home. 

We had a great time in Vegas (despite the sickies) it was worth the cold to snuggle with sweet Kolin (3 months) and Kaleb (almost 2) "aww dang".  The older ones are stinkers but still totally sweet.  Keith and his "shuffle" so freakin funny.  Then you have my brother Mitchell and Crystal's kids.  Kailey (6) and her pouty face, Dennis (3) and Payton ((1)miserable baby with her virus).  We had dinner at Denille's on Thanksgiving we both prepared, and then dinner with the Rock's (Crystal's family) on Friday.  It was nice to have my dad with us and enjoy the Vegas families.  Every time I come I realize I need to come more often. 

The Carter's always make us feel so welcome and glad to be here.  I am so blessed and Thankful to have family that we enjoy spending time with.

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoyed your family and friends as much as we did.

and now dun dun dun.......let the Christmas shopping and celebrations begin!

about a Boy!

There is a boy he has been my friend for well forever!  He was at in my wedding (yes he was one my now ex-husbands good friends), I went to his.  When I got divorced he called me all the time (he was divorced by then). We have always had chemistry but the timing has never been right.  Now we are both single.  He won't answer my calls or texts.....he did at first, but I think I scared him.  I think he thinks that I want to run into his arms and have him save me.  I don't need saving!  I care a lot about him.  His marriage ended really badly, I know they all do but, this girl really really really messed him up! I have tried to tell him let's just hang out like we used to.  He says it is to weird that because he was friends with my ex (whom he has spoken to in over 6 years) that people would think it was wrong.  I say bah! screw what people think!

When I told him we should get together and just see?  No expectations for anything, let's just see?  Now here I am really close by and he knows I am here and he won't answer me.  I am like bock, bock, bock big wuss take a chance!!!  So then I drive by his house and...... bock, bock, bock, I am to chicken to knock.  I don't want to be the crazy psycho girl, I don't know what to do? 

Any suggestions????

BYOC (Bring Your Own Crazy

It’s Friday and that means it’s time for another installment of BYOC! That’s Bring Your Own Crazy!! We answer 5 questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy and paste to your own blog if you so desire – and ENJOY!

DRAZ is doing a Thanksgiving themed BYOC this week (it was her friend Jenny’s idea)!

1. What is your FAVORITE part of Thanksgiving?

Family, the food.....Family, the food.  JK.  I am super excited to go to Vegas and help my sister do Thanksgiving. 

2. How many Thanksgiving family events will you attend?

One it was going to be 2 but my brother's in-laws had to change their plans so my brother and his family are going to join us at my sister's with her in-laws.  My dad and my daughter and I are all going to Vegas.  My mom is staying in Utah and I am sure will spend time with my other brother.

3. What’s your biggest Thanksgiving tradition?

Food and family.  Looking through the ads.... oh WAIT, halt, duh!  Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, at the end my mom calls all of us crying asking if we watched and if the kids saw Santa.  Never fails no matter where we are even before I had Kodie and was a newly wed in Cedar City (That morning I think I called her?) had to let her know that I saw Santa arrive.  It is like our way of saying "it is here, the holidays have arrived".

4. Do you Black Friday shop the day after Thanksgiving?

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't kind of depends on my mood.  If there is anything I have to have.  I had a girlfriend I used to go with that was "hard-Core" she had her family at different locations strategicly planned to get exactly what they wanted.  My favorite store is Shop-Ko and they don't have one in Vegas.  It is fun to go with my mom and sister.  We will see?

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog world.

Real life has been good, work was busy cause I had to get everything done and tie up loose ends to be gone all next week.  Today we are doing all the preparing and last minute stuff before we leave.  You know change the oil, pack, etc.

Blog world has been slow.  I have been reading my favs but I have posted all week until today.  Not sure I will post next week either.

If not I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 

Let me Know what you Think

I have a bunch of new followers.  What do you all think.  Do you enjoy reading what I have to say?

I am still working with my insurance to find out if they will pay for LapBand I really want this but I can't afford it on my own.

I am doing some very productive things in my life and I am looking forward very much to the upcoming holiday.  I am taking Kodie and we are going to Vegas.  We are leaving next Saturday after miss Haydn's birthday party.  I am looking forward to spending a couple days in Cedar City with Kodie's grandparents, then off the Vegas with my brother and sister and their families.  My dad is supposed to be coming to but I haven't talked to him in a while.

Well have a great rest of your weekend people.  Please leave a comment!

Moron

I am a freaking moron.  I did the stupidest thing.  On Friday night I agreed to let Kodie have a friend sleep over if she could find a place to sleepover for Saturday because I had a birthday party for my friend Heather that I really wanted to attend.
Cool right?  I got my self all decked out.  I looked really cute!  I drop Kodie and her friend off for their sleepover and headed up to the Leprechaun.  I walk, in say hi to Chad my friends sister's hubby who works there.  I say where is everyone?  He gives me a questioning look?  For the birthday party?  I said ya, he says um that was last night..........

thunk....son of a witch!  I went home....all alone.  No friends to play with : (

Loser, moron!

moral of the story......double check the date!  or take a friend with you so it at least worth staying for a beer!

Shaleez or Leezy or Shae! take your pick

Rest in Peace Austin,  you will be missed!

Shaleez Jai Walsh my "twin" cousin, I love you!  I am so so sorry for the loss of your love Austin Snow.  You are a strong amazing woman (I still think of you as my baby cousin).  The last year of your life has proven the saying "God only gives us stuff we are strong enough to handle".  I love you!  This is such a sad, tragic, blessed day.  I wanted so much for you to spend your entire life with "spunky" (your nickname not mine).  I was so happy to see the support of so much family and friends.  You are amazing and beautiful and stronger than a lot of people I know.  If you need anything I am here!. 



I cried so many tears, funerals are just nobody's favorite way to spend a day off.  I had to re-schedule my first mammogram for this.....not sure which is worse!  jk   xoxoxo

B.Y.O.C

Let’s do another themed BYOC…..this one will be called “What’s In/On Your….?”

1. What’s on your desk between your monitor and keyboard? (if it’s a laptop – what’s on your desk in general)
I have a lap top and no desk.  I am on the lookout for a small desk for my daughters room.  My condo is between 700-800 sq feet so there is barely room for my fat butt, 2 dogs, a smallish child, and the laptop.  Now if we were talking about my work desk that would be another story.

2. What’s on your mind right at this moment?
my sweet cousin Shaleez she is 20 years old and lost her fiance' last Sunday today was the funeral.  (I will blog more about that in a few)

3. What’s in or on your nightstand on your side of the bed?

My C-Pap, nail clippers, inhaler, lotion, lamp, a lot of dust, a glass for water, tweezers.  I think that is it and I am to lazy to go look.

4. What’s on YOUR Christmas wish list (let’s assume you’d get what was on it)?

Not a thing.  I will ask "Santa" for a crock-pot.  My mom is going to Vegas, my dad is not a big celebrator, I am not really communicating with my brother, I can't afford Vegas.  Maybe (hopefully) Kodie's dad will step up and take her for Christmas this year.  It is a frugal year for this mama!!!!

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.

I have accumulated 9 new followers this week yay me!  I won tickets to a blogger event and got to meet a blogger that follows me and I follow her.
It was a lot of fun to go watch My Fair Lady at Hale Center Theater with my fav 10 year old.  

Today was very sad to attend the funeral for Austin Snow.



Thanks DRAZ for another B.Y.O.C.  love ya momma hope your weekend is better than your week!

THRILLER...THRILLER Night!

As many of you know we got free tickets to see Thriller.  It was a lot of fun other than Kodie sitting in the lobby with an Usher and hiding in the closet.  Here is why....

these lovelies were wandering amongst the living before the show.

Let's just say she wasn't to keen on meeting zombies.  I went into the theater to watch the show and Kodie chose to sit in the foyer with a sweet usher named Julie and watch from the t.v.  After about the 3rd song I managed to get her in the theater.  She stayed with me for most the rest of the show.  We never did sit in our actual assigned seat, and we left 10 minutes early to avoid the final zombie attack of the evening.

All in all it was a fun mom and daughter date dinner at "The Pie" and a show.

Here is Kodie and her friend in their costumes at their school sponsored trunk or treat.

Sorry I should have edited it (maybe I will later). 

Now I am off to pick up my GNO partner and my favorite kid on earth for another fun-filled evening this time at the Hale Center Theater for My Fair Lady.  I can not wait to meet fellow bloggers and Utahn's like myself.

Look for B.Y.O.C. tomorrow.  Thanks to all my new followers I am up to 13!

I won again!

Hale Center Theater — Come see My Fair Lady with me!! {giveaway}

 I am so excited.  I won 2 tickets from Tater Tots and Jello Kodie is going to love this one.  WE are just becoming theater going fools.  So this Thursday I am going to meet other Utah bloggers and have a girls night out with my favorite girl in the world!

 

YAY!  Thanks Jen

Halloween

I have some picts.  I will have more.  Still busy running today so I will do a detailed post tomorrow.

I had an awesome time at my girlfriends party.  I was to inebriated to drive my happy tuck-as* home so I crashed in her spare bedroom and let just say sleeping was minimal.  I had a great time.

Diabetic

I just found out today that I have diabetes.  I am FAT!  I know that I HAVE to get my weight under control. 

I found our today my sweet cousin is going to lose her fiance. 

WoW not a good news day.

I am considering LapBand surgery!  My doc. supports my decision......and the research begins!

Love you Leezy!!

B.Y.O.C. (bring your own crazy)

It’s Friday and time for BYOC – Bring Your Own Crazy! A couple of questions we answer to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break. Copy to your own blog and enjoy!


This week my questions are going to themed…as in they are all about blogging and just to throw you off – there are more than 5 this time!!


1. When did you begin blogging? Do you plan to do it a long time or do you think you’ll stop after a while?

I began blogging in I think April of this year 2011.  I began blogging because I thought it would be a great way to journal the crap running around in my brain!

2.  What do you enjoy more - blogging yourself or reading other’s blogs?

This is a tough one. I started blogging because I was reading so many blogs and thought ya, I could do that.  I never thought oh, I could make money or anything like that.  Blogs I read inspire me and make me laugh and give me ideas.  The blogging world is full of such amazing people!

3.  What’s the biggest thing blogging has taught you? Biggest surprise about blogging?

That people are interested in what I have to say, even if they aren't my family,  my mom is my most critical reader.

4.  Have you met any other bloggers in real life – solely because of your blog or theirs?

Nope, but I really truly hope some day I will. 

5.  Does your blog have a general theme as in one topic or do you cover everything and anything?

again Nope!  The title of my blog is "Just Stuff to Say"  and that is what I mean.  I might post a funny story about my kid, my dogs, or a recipe, you never know what you might find here.  That may be my downfall?

6.  Are you public or anonymous? Whichever you are – do you ever wish you were the other?

I’m public, I share pictures of everything!  Hopefully I live in a safe enough environment.  If I ever feel that it isn't right then I will do what I need to do!

7.  What’s your best blogging advice for a new blogger?

This is so cliché – but be yourself. I am me. I can’t be anyone else and I have to try to believe I offer my own “flare”.

8.  Does anyone in your real life read your blog/know it’s address? Do you wish they would or wouldn’t?

Yes, and no!  My mom and sis know about my blog.  Sometimes they read sometimes they don't.  I post my blog on facebook.  I hope my blog inspires positivity.  I don't care who reads my blog I just hope they realize this is my way to say what I need to say, nothing personal no hard feelings.  Twice my mom brought up hurt feelings about something I wrote so I changed it.  My desire is to voice my thoughts and feelings without hurting anyone.  Sometimes I care about their opinion sometimes not. 

9.  Do you enjoy blogging or do you view it as a chore? How often do you blog?

I blog because I want to, know one makes me.  I blog when I have something to say.  I like having some help in the thought process, like BYOC.  This sometimes gives me an idea or puts me on track.
 
10.  Do you tell people in your real life that you blog? Or keep it a secret?


I mention it on occasion.  I don't feel I need to keep it secret.  If someone mentions their blog I ask about it.  If someone asks me about something and I have blogged about it I send them my way. 

Not letting you get to me!

Last night I took my lovely daughter to "So You Think You Can Dance"  I won tickets on the radio.  So awesome she was super excited. 

We were sitting there sharing our diet Coke and nacho's, snapping pictures (not good pictures by any means but, hey they are still memories)

 I decided I needed to go potty.  I ran into someone in the restroom who let's say, used to be a "friend".  I went and found my daughter and she was very excited to see her friend.  We made small talk during the intermission and then parted ways.  I posted on facebook "Of all the people to run into holy freak!!!"  someone asked me who and I commented back "someone I didn't think I would ever see or want to see again, hmmm fate".  No names, sure this person knows who I was referring but she chose the fate of our friendship so no harm done.  oh no! I get a text this morning from someone not showing on my caller id (cause I deleted you, YO!) blah blah.  I did delete the comment about "who" I ran into but thank you for the butterflies and anxiety so perfectly early this morning. 

So it is up to me, right!  You are not going to ruin my day or my news!  And that! is why! we are no longer friends!

So my news..... are you ready?  Kodie got free tickets for tonight to see......

 Thriller

by Odyssey Dance Company at Kingsbury Hall.  I am so excited! 

I am planning on posting B.Y.O.C. (bring your own crazy) tomorrow.  Monday I will post about THRILLER, hopefully Kodie makes it!  She really isn't into "scary" and I'm not sure she knows what she has gotten herself into.

Costumes

Costumes, costumes, costumes.....

So when I first found out my friend was having a halloween party my instant reaction was "I am so there" (duh), then my second reaction was I need a costume that is bomb-diggity!

You see growing up my mom made us the most amazing costumes.  I was sitting on the floor of her kitchen last night going through her "costume bin" and talking about the awesome costumes she created for us. There almost at the bottom was the tiny little dress for the "Strawberry Shortcake" costume she made me when I was in 1st grade at Lakeview Elementary (back when Strawberry Shortcake was "originally" cool Yo!).  She made me a princess Leia costume, she went out and bought a wig to make my side buns people!  Then I had a mad crush on the Peculiar Purple Pie Man from Porcupine Peak.  If you ever smelled this delicious doll you know what I am talking about (and not in a weird way people).  So as anyone would know a 3rd grader could not dress up as a "boy" (eww gross, ick, yuck, sick, bleck), So I settled for second best and went as "Sour Grapes"  see those long green gloves, yep I had them (mom dyed a pair of white ones lime green), see the bunch of grape earrings, yep mom made those too (she bought fake fruit to make those bad boys) and the snake around her shoulders oh yeah baby my mom made me a freaking stuffed boa constrictor snake.

Kaylee's Korner (photo came from)

 

 

 

 

   

 

So can you see why bomb-diggity is the goal?        I was going to go as a ghost.

That costume costs some bucks baby, gonna have to save it for a less frugal year.









It is cool as hell though, Yes?

We picked out an really neat pirate costume for my dad and forced hopefully he will wear it.  I really wish I would have taken a picture of him.  (I really need a better camera then I would be more willing to carry it around for every photo op).

Anyway I think I have come up with something good, fairly original (it isn't store bought), inexpensive (cause I have most of the materials already).

Gonna leave you in suspense though.......sorry!  I will take pictures of Kodie in her cute Butterfly Fairy costume (store bought) this child is picky!  and some of me oh and heck, I'll throw in a few of my mom her costume this year is hilarious!!!  Can't wait to see what everyone else comes up.

How about you?  Do you go all out for Halloween or just the bare minimum?

WooHoo I am up one more

I have another official follower.....thanks to Laura Belle over at Beer, Dogs, and Getting Healthier, a girl after my own heart.

I made an effort to post my tag you're it challenge on some of my favorite blogs and woo my stats went through the roof.  I know if I post more often and probably more entertaining info I would keep more people coming back.

Well tonight we are going to my mom's to decide on halloween costumes so I will try to take picts and show everyone what the possibilities may be.....

So come back soon people!

It's Halloween week so there are lots of fun things going on!

Tag You're it!

 Amy over at Mike and Amy is expecting her first baby very soon.  I enjoy reading her cute updates and her little "ha"s all mixed in.  I discovered her blog, I don't know her.  She shares my religious beliefs and I hope she doesn't think I am freaky but hey it's a public blog.  So this was her challenge......


"I've decided the blogging world has been pretty boring lately. It seems nothing is going on with anyone right now- ha. So I've made up a tag, and I tag everyone!"

words you always mis-spell typing: the- I always type teh.  I do this one and, the stupid "i before e except after".  I always have to think about it......grrr!

words you don't know how to spell: I am a good speller in general however I type Sheriff wrong.  I always want to type Sherriff.

Things that really annoy you: negative people, and people who say "hate", I always say "I don't hate anything but I can dislike it".  I have to bite my tongue to stop myself from telling adults they shouldn't hate, but I will tell any child not to use that word.

What's that meal you can always eat over and over again? Chicken tacos with my black bean salsa. 

Do you brush your teeth at night? No, I don't floss either!  I know naughty.

Dumbest movie ever: this one is tough.  I don't think I store dumb movies in my head, if I have to choose it would have to be a talking animal movie (not cartoons) like "Babe" or "Beverly Hills Chihuahua", these are movies I can not even patiently sit and watch with or for my child.

What's a song that you would be embarrassed to admit you really like? ICE ICE Baby.  I mean come on clearly a classic people!  Vanilla Ice rocked that one hit wonder!!!

Are you capable of eating an entire bag of candy in one sitting and not feeling THAT sick? nope.  I am not a sweet eater.  Now chips and dip, Houston we have a problem.

Do you love sea food? YES, and my daughter loves it too, which is good and bad.  Expensive taste at such a young age, future boyfriends beware.  My mom said that at her age I didn't even know what shrimp was.

When you fix meat, are you anal about what you've touched, and sanitize alot? Yes mostly just pork and poultry though.  Red meat I am not as anal but still careful.

Do you put your leftovers in the fridge after dinner in fear of it spoiling or can you wait? Usually, there are somethings that I leave out to cool before refrigerating.  Like rice actually can grow bacteria if cooled quickly in the fridge it needs to be room temp. before storing leftover rice.  I don't like things to get all soggy from condensation.

Do you use a sponge or rag to wipe your counters? rag!  for sure.  I use one of those dish soap dispenser sponges to scrub my dishes before I put them in the dishwasher.  Otherwise I only use sponges to scrub the floors and bathroom.

What's your favorite Holiday? Christmas/ Halloween.  I love decorating for both but the Christmas feeling when you have candles lit and the lights in the window and on the tree and a good Christmas CD playing.

What's your favorite pie? not a huge pie fan, I would say Cherry crumble or Cream pies like banana or coconut.

What's your favorite candy bar? again not a big sweet eater I think someone is missing their sweets (Amy), but it would be the Zero bar, hard to find, usually available at Wal-Mart it is white chocolate with chocolate nougat inside with nuts and caramel

When you pick something up at the store and change your mind, do you put it away? Not usually, I will give it to the cashier though.  I don't generally stuff it on the shelves by the cash register, (probably because I was a cashier and I hated that, just hand it to me dude!).

Do you like raisins in your Cinnamon rolls? Gross, it ruins the whole experience. I say down with the raisins!!!!

Do you shower every day? No

Are your dreams scary? Sometimes,  lately they have been more shall we say "risque"

Do you like scary movies? not blood and gore, I like the suspense ones, the edge of your seat stuff.

Do you like roller coasters? I am not sure.  I am glad I went after it is over but I get anxious waiting for it.  I scream like a mad woman.

Do you have a fear of needles? no.  I don't like them, but I could give myself a shot if I had to.

What's your guilty pleasure TV show? Big Brother, I even subscribe to the live feeds.....terrible I know.  I like any reality show, I get totally sucked into anything.  Keeping up with the Kardashians, Gene Simmons family jewels.  I schedule Survivor and Amazing Race into my life.


What is something you're really stuck up about? My desk,  I need my bubble people, this is my personal space now back it up baby, you need scissors I will hand you the scissors, please do not reach into my world and take them!

When you're at a restaurant, can you ask questions about the food? YES, but I am not a complainer or a substitutor (my own word)  I don't ask for special stuff.  I will speak up if I need a side of something like sour cream. 

Are you a lake or a river person? Lake or river or no lake, well maybe river.  Hmm fine both!

Are you a good swimmer? I love to swim, I might not have the technique correct but I can get from point A to point B and I certainly won't drown.

Do you like to camp? Love to camp.  Love the fire and the outdoors and the stars.  I didn't camp enough last year.

Do you like rodents? Seriously?? who "likes" rodents.  Well I guess technically I have 2 of them but they are Guinea Pigs (cute, caged, somewhat stinky, but lots of personality), now a mice or rat, no thank you very much!

Are you afraid of spiders? Yes, yes and yes, however I bravely bury my fear for the sake of my child and take on the triumphant role of household spider destroyer!

If you could be an amazing singer or dancer, which would you be? Singer I think, I love to sing.  I would like to have some dance skills though, just so I don't look like an idiot on the dance floor!

There you go Amy!  Hope you enjoy reading.  My thoughts and prayers are with you that little Maddie joins you soon healthy, happy and held in your safe loving arms.

Slacker

So I haven't posted in a while. I am a slacker I know. 

So what do I want to tell you all about?

Things have been crazy at work.  My supervisor had a family tragedy and it left myself and Joe to run the office.  We managed just fine. I am proud to say that I was there 100% and proved that I am dependable and reliable and self sufficient.  If it needed done, I did it!  The thing is that I have managed the office many times before but it was preplanned.  I was left with instructions, loose ends were tied up, things were left clean and tidy.  I only had to manage any new comings or goings. 

This was a non-planned family situation that left this woman for the first time ever with not a thought in her mind about what was going on at the office.  I know that she knew I could handle it and that gave her piece of mind.  It gave me a greater appreciation for my job, for her, and the people we work with.  So to Sherri, take your time, grieve, we are here, we are capable, we are glad you are back!

You are awesome, people here truly care. 

Look I'm funny!

Caption It: Tough Guys Edition

by IzzyMom on September 8, 2011
Posted under All Posts, Capture It

Each week, we present you with a photo and you leave us your shards of caption brilliance in the comments. Then we laugh and laugh and struggle to pick the best caption.
Upon making our decision, we update the post with the winner and that person gets to bask in the glory of our undying admiration. Fun, right?
Okay…ready, set, CAPTION!!!

UPDATE: And this week’s winning caption is from Teri Carter with “We won’t tell anyone that you got my housekeeper pregnant, too!” Congratulations on your funny, Teri!
Photo credit: funny.com


I love this blog it makes me laugh out loud every day.  Go check it out. Aiming Low

Banana, Zucchini, Chocolate Chip Muffins

So I had a bunch of borderline banana's and a zucchini someone gave me.  Kodie does not care for zucchini so I try to find creative ways to use it since it is so good for you.  One trick I have found is pealing the zucchini, nothing says mom is sneaking healthy food in like green flecks of skin.  Then I went to search out a recipe to use up borderline banana's and sneak in some zucchini.  This is what I found......

Zucchini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 egg
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1.5 cups grated zucchini (squeeze the extra water out of it)
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup pecans
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F. 
Grate zucchini (either by hand or using a food processor), then squeeze grated zucchini to remove some of the water. Measure 1 1/2 cups zucchini and mix with the mashed bananas.
In a medium-sized bowl, beat egg and honey. Stir in the grated zucchini, then the oil. Sprinkle baking soda, baking powder, and salt over the top of this and mix in.
Add whole wheat flour and cinnamon to the zucchini/banana mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
Spray muffin pan or individual muffin cups with non-stick spray, then divide batter evenly among cups to make 12 muffins. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Bran Appetit!  is where I found the recipe and let me tell you they turned out so good that Kodie wanted to make another batch.....and she even added the zucchini.

I loved the fact that it used Whole-wheat flour, and honey.  The only thing "bad" for you in them is the chocolate chips and it is only 1/4 cup so it just adds a little sweet chocolate bite.

Happy Birthday to ME!

Today is my Birthday.  I am a single mom with one 10 year old daughter.

My mom sent me a card with my b-day money. (the best card ever!!, my mom is really good at picking out cards, she is card fanatic.  I tell you people this one hit the nail on the head.(I took a picture but I left my camera cord home))

My dad went to his cabin. (granted he did also get my vehicle up and running, so I am not complaining.)

My daughter helped me clean the house and her bedroom.  She is a great help!  She doesn't have any money.  Cleaning the house with me was one of the best gifts she could give.  I love her.... xoxoxoxo!

I am going to an 11 year old's birthday celebration tonight, his birthday was yesterday.  I feel special being included, and this way at least I will get cake.

I have had a hundred Happy Birthday messages on my face book page.

My mom called and sang happy birthday, my sister chatted with me during the call.

All in all I guess that isn't so bad.  Besides it is just another day really, and I did the math and realized I am year older than I was thinking, CRAP!

Have a great day everyone, and if you get the chance to eat cake have a slice because it's my birthday and I said you could!

HA HA

Total coincidence that the day I change my back ground to back to school.  I do a girls are stupid, boys are stupid blog!

So Stupid

Girls are stupid?

Boys are stupid?

I am stupid because I am a girl with girl emotions and I work with a bunch of boys (guys)?

I am not stupid, I have a right to be an emotional female even though I live in a world filled with testosterone filled boys?

Today I almost ripped the head off of "a boy" that messed with my files..... oh no you din't!  Nerve!  I was fuming.  I am telling him, you need to give me a minute, I need to take some deep breath's, and he is arguing with me that his system works and is just as fast, and I am like you are so lucky there is a four foot wall blocking you buddy, and you better back off and give me a minute to chill or..... I. am. going. to. come. unglued!  My supervisor even came out of her office to check on me.  I gave her the death look and "the boy" walked into his office cause he finally got the drift.  I went into the bathroom and plucked my eyebrows until I calmed down.  (luckily they were really bad, and yes I still have eyebrows)

Then I get a phone call from a good friend, and ex-boyfriend!  Someone I will always "love" (I know we can't be together because we are both so stubborn and we both do things that we won't change that drive the other person insane).  He has a favor, cool! that is how we roll, we do stuff to help the other out all the time.  I got him to admit he has a "girlfriend"(my term)/"hook-up"(his term) and even though, I knew....it hit me....and I just wanted to bawl!!!!  It is so dumb!  We have been broken up for a long time and stopped "hookin" up a year ago.  I have had a boy friend since he and I broke up (I do not have a bf now).

OK, so thankfully it is lunch time!

I took my book that I had about 5 pages left, and I knew it was going to make me cry.  I called my sister, she told me it was alright to cry....I cried!  I opened up my book and finished it, crying....through the last 5 pages.  Blew my nose.  Wiped my eyes.  Read the authors notes.  Went back into the office to the restroom.  Fixed my face.  Went back to work.

I am not stupid, sometimes a girl just needs to cry!!!

p.s. "the boy" was told to put my shizz back the way he found it!

The End!

I hate my bra

I hate my bra.  I have 2 bras that I currently wear.  They are both from the same store.  They are both the exact same size.  Yet they both fit weird.  The purple one is loose and half the time my boob(s) are falling out the bottom, even though it is on the first notch.  The white one is tight!  It fits on the last notch but by late afternoon it feels like it is cutting into my flesh.  My boobs at least stay in it though.

What to do?  Good question! 

I have to buy my kid school clothes therefore buying a new $30-$45 bra right now is not an option.

So I guess for now when you see me, you can wonder which of my 2 bras am I wearing?  jk

The days go by......

So Kodie survived camp (barely).  The camp director called on Wednesday to tell me she was having a hard time and what should they do.  I talked to her and told her she needed to make her mind up that she wanted to have fun and not worry about me at home. Basically put on your big girl panties and suck it up.  When we picked the girls up Saturday morn, she looked no worse for the wear and the director told me they need more parents to have this attitude.


My wonderful mother let us borrow her car while she flew to Vegas for the weekend.  Praise the lord, Hallelujah, what a blessing.  We won't be confined to our house all weekend.

So needless to say we took full advantage.  Friday night I went and saw the final Harry Potter all by myself!  It was great!!!!!

Saturday afternoon/evening Kodie, Sadie and I went to the Salt Lake County Fair.  (they have lots of free activities for the kiddo's, it is free to get in, and score we found free parking!  So other than the ripoff food we got by pretty cheap.

Sunday we went to see the Smurf Movie in 3D.  It was cute.  The girls loved it and other than about the last 15-20 minutes that dragged it was OK.

Girl Scout Camp *Junior Mariner* 2011

ahhh my baby girl is growing up (said with a tear on my cheek and sob in my throat).  I made her go!

When I was a kid..... I went to every summer camp I could talk my parents into.  I finally decided it was Kodie's time to go.  She was good all the way up the Mountain.  When we got to the check in place she started grabbing my arm.  I told her to look around at all the fun!

 Her camp counselor came and took role.   The girl in blue behind is "Kat" (camp name, the reason Kodie wasn't Kit Kat this time)

 I helped Kodie hang up a picture frame by her head where she sleeps.  (Hi Sadie!)

Kodie err um I mean "Brownie" (her camp name), and Sadie.....can't remember Sadie's camp name right now..... and the girl across from Sadie is "Snickers" (Kodie's second chioce, for camp name).


As Stacie and I walked down the hill to the car Kodie and Sadie were standing outside the tent spraying each other down with bug spray.  and.....she said "bye mom love you" *sniffle* 

See you on Saturday morning Kodie bug..............whaaaaaaaaaa (when she wasn't looking of course).

Sleepover cont'd meet the Dorkies?

ka-ching!  WE have picts.

 Okay so one of the tiny monsters is my aunts and the other one is looking for a good home.

They are half Teacup Yorkie and half mini Dachshund.  Mama (Tootsie the Dachshund) weighs in around 11 pounds and daddy (Harley the Yorkie) weighs about 2 pounds.  There were 5 pups in the litter and they are so stinking cute.

My Bella (also a dachshund) wants to play so bad, or mama them.

 Now my Priss (a Pekingese) she is pissed.  Why are these damn little monsters in my house?

yes she is really hot in this picture

because....Miss Priss you are not the boss my sweet friend, and dang diggity look how cute they are..

so Prissy poo you can go ahead and hide under my bed until they go away (and they will) for now you lose baby girl!   Maybe tomorrow things will be back to normal???

Sleepover

and.... I have amazing I mean amazing cute tiny puppy pictures to prove it, but I lost my f*ing phone and I left my stupid frigin" camera cord at work.  I still have no wheels, but I am telling you the pictures are worth the wait.  I am this evening without my sweet child (that had to have an embarrassing physical with her pediatrician).  Yet I have 4, yes I said 4, doggies at my house this eve!  Priss is pissed! Bella is trying to decide if she wants to be the mama or keep me away from the 2 puppies that have made residence at my home this eve.  My aunt is taking the sweet little girl that I have started calling Sissy and her bro who I am sorry to say is Mo. (not official, but he is MO)  Mo has spunk, I would keep him but my parents would kill me.  I will post picts, ASAP.  Stay tuned.........

12. every girl should eventually get three things from her boyfriend- a stuffed animal, one of his sweatshirts, and a really pretty ring. even if it’s not a serious relationship.

I really want to Blog

So I had time today, and I was like hmmm I should do something on my blog......hmmmm hmmmm.

My camera died (or well got wet in my purse and no longer works) so I haven't had a camera other than my phone, there is no zoom or anything so what you see is what you get and that doesn't always work out well.

Kodie was so homesick to come home, then last night found out her church group was going to the zoo and suddenly, that homesickness was gone in a flash and she is off and running again.

When she got home from the zoo she wanted to make something so we came up with some creations.
 First she made Peanut Butter Cereal Treats from our family recipe blog.  Sorry no picture because of the above mentioned camera issue.  Then she made "corn flake" crispy treats (rice crispy treats with corn flakes instead of rice crispies).  I made her go unpack her suitcase after that.

My lovely mom knew I needed to go to Wally World so she came and got us after work.  She took us to dinner and then we headed on to Wal-Mart.  She wanted to get a pedicure so she handed us her list and we were off.  We got her stuff and our stuff and two "treats" we have needed for a while.  We bought 2 universal remotes.  Since I turned off the cable we have had to get up and walk over to the t.v. to change the channel......I know crazy right! and I splurged and bought a new CAMERA....woohoo.  It isn't anything fancy but it beats the crud out of my droid camera and it is even a little better than my old camera and it was a really good deal.  Sooooooo I'm back people!

My arm is still in a sling, but I can type fairly well, as long as I don't lift my arm or pick things up.  It still hurts like Hell.  I highly recommend you think twice before you ever attempt to fracture and dislocate your shoulder.  I have given birth and had kidney stones and I would take either of them any day over this crap!

So I have played with the camera and I promise my next post will include pics. 

As for the rest of this weekend it is Utah Pioneer Days this weekend so I have a four day weekend, we are headed to Kamas tomorrow to spend the holiday with family and friends.  Sounds like photo op's waiting to happen.  Have a great weekend everyone.  See you all soon.....with pictures!