Grin & Bear It

Melting time

2011-07-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

Lately I find myself in the search of constant knowledge. Reading, listening, watching, then ingesting it all and spitting out the seeds that don't feel right in my mind, heart or mouth. I suppose its a sign of growing up and gaining my own perspective. But in "growing up" comes other shocks of reality. Last week I endured the death of a high school friend. Quite a sudden and tragic loss. A friend, a woman my own age, who leaves behind a husband and two small boys. It struck me hard, not just her death, but the similarities of our lives. I felt the sorrow and pain her husband must be feeling. I felt the loss her close friends and loves ones felt. As I was driving alone the hour and a half to her wake, the time spent at the funeral home and the time alone driving home and there after, thoughts have buzzed my mind. It is somewhat easier to explain a death when one is sick or in an accident, but my mind was having a hard time wrapping itself around a loss so sudden. But as I longed for answers and struggled with my emotions, I was over come with joy and gratefulness. I hugged MY boys a little tighter. I kissed my husband a little longer and cuddled a little closer. I am grateful for my close friendships and the love that is shared. Life is too fragile and can be broken at any time. We all know that, but sometimes it takes a big break to realize it. It did for me.

Time is melting. Seeping between our fingers and onto the earth. And as I watch it drip, I smile for the drops are mixed with my tears of happiness.

Simple Pleasures

2011-06-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

Remember when this was the coolest thing you could do?

Ahhh... the simplicity of a youthful summer.

Thats the kind of summer we are having so far!

Do you stop to hear the music?

2011-06-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this interesting article here and it got me thinking. In Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule. 4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk. 6 minutes went by: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. At 10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children.. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly. At 45 minutes: The musician was playing continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32. 1 hour hits and the man finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100. This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. (Again, the full article from the Washington Post can be found here.)

The questions raised in my mind:
*During an average day, at a normal hour, do we see the beauty of the moment?
*Do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent?
*What are my priorities? (What are your priorities?)
*Why have we made life so fast that we are always rushing?
*Maybe there is more to learn from children than we think.

After MUCH thought on this article, I've concluded: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made...... How many other things are we missing?

I hope and pray that I am in a state of mind that if I were there, I would have stopped to listen and appreciate the moment and peace. I would have thrown money and smiled and let the music touch my soul for the rest of my day. It makes me sad that so many rushed on with out even noticing. It makes me deeply concerned that so many did that, and still do this. I do admit this story has made me thinking......a lot about myself, others and even about my day today. The hustling through the grocery store with two cranky, not wanting to be at the store boys. Then our trip to the library and sighing when they needed help on the computer. I reflected on our afternoon when we finally got home and how frustrated I got with them for not getting along. Did I stop to listen to the beauty of my children. Did I hear their music? No, I too was blinded but I willl stop tomorrow and thereafter to listen, to smile, to play and avert my attention to them. They are MY famous musicians, playing rare intruments, making amazing music.

"You Always Make Me Smile"

2011-05-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

12 years ago this month I joined my soul mate in a little vegas style white chapel on Bragg Boulevard in NC where we eloped. We stood side by side, face to face, in a room with 3 strangers that served as witnesses. There we shared not only rings but tears, our vows, promises and the begining of our shared life.

Still after all this time, he "always makes me smile"

Turn the page

2011-05-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Thoughts and feelings are habits
What we feel, we attract
What we imagine, we become

It was a chilly October evening last fall when a woman that doesn't even know me gave me a gift of words that still rings constant in my thoughts. She amazed me with insight and sparked
enthusiasm. I was told things about myself that she had know way of knowing. I was told to continue on my glorious journey and that the path I'm on is the right one. One of the many magical gifts I received that night was the affirming knowledge that I know who I am and I know where I'm going.

I have been quiet lately. I have been still. The words pouring forth in my mind and chapters of my life being written in thoughts and private journals. I was scared to write. I had let my inner ego (see Eckart Tolle) take over. I didn't want to let anyone in my sacred space. I didn't want the confusion, and second guessing and falsehood that others brought. I didn't want their negativity to bring pessimistic thoughts to me. I refused to have myself plagued by them. However, through meditation, realized my fear was a lesson. Fear is ego and I have worked hard to find a place of love, stillness and simplicity and I needed to let go of the fear. So over the past few months, I have learned to trust the knowledge of knowing who I am. Those that come to my concert may not like the music I play. They may be judgemental and ugly but those are their thoughts and I can choose to not let the thoughts into my being. My music is beautiful to me and to those that I love and who love me.

So starting today, I am back. I must write. I need to share. This blog is me and in reviewing the past entries, I've noticed the change that has happened in my life.
I see the transformation and enlightenment and it makes me smile.
The thought of tomorrow's entry makes me smile.
Maybe it will make you smile too.

A review of our Peace

2011-01-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

A look at our family time, our quiet time, our peace.....our Christmas

The house is a different quiet now. Alarms set and went off. Backpacks packed. Lunches made. Breakfast ate. Kisses, hugs, and c-ya later I love yous. Schedules aligned.

Our uncomplicated simplicity

Your Song

2010-10-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

"Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on"
~Samuel Butler

Can't you just picture that? It's so true! Here we are, living our lives, not really knowing what we're doing until actually doing it. We're finding our way, step by step, choice by choice, day by day. We will stumble, get lost, hit some sour notes, learn a few lessons, and write our own songs. Some reject our music, some try to change our song or the way we play, but some of our audience will embrace it and love it. But through it all, we keep on playing because the instrument tells our journey. It also makes me think that no matter the look of the instrument, its the music that we play that matters. So many judge you on your instrument and don't stop to even listen to your song. Some hear your stumbles, mistakes, your sour notes and walk away. To never give you a chance to learn and grow or play something beautiful. Some will always hear your mistakes. Some will hear the minor chords and will wait faithfully because they know the sonata has just begun. We just must remember that we are playing the instrument and that if one doesn't like the song we play, they are entitled to that, but we will not alter our lessons or our song to please them. We play the song of our lives. While in my youth and involved heavily in music, I was always told "practice makes perfect". Doesn't this philosophy hold true for our life instrument? And then someday, with enough practice, we will be a perfect life-liver, a virtuoso!

Project Pictures

2010-08-25T20:01:00.001-07:00

This Basil is outta control!

This morning pics

June- starting to perk

June

Summer livin

2010-08-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

Its been said there is a time to live and a time to talk about living. I prefer to live. Swimming, catching fireflies, nature, concerts, visits from friends, trips, fairs, love and much laughter. Here's a little glimpse into our summer living...

Sailing in Chicago=Perfection

View from our room

Gino's East! Yumo!

Awesome Jazz Club we found in Chi-Town. This guy was crazy!

Jon and I are "Fairy Godparents" to Ayden

My honey and I jammin to JJ

Jack Johnson (6th row-thats right)

G. Love

Pat Monahan-Lead Singer to Train (Yes, that close)

Fireflies

Lucky I'm in love with my best friend....

2010-05-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

When he gets ready to leave and kisses me goodbye, my heart jumps. When his colonge lingers on my clothes all day, I day dream. When he travels, I wish I could go. When he walks in the door, all is right. Balanced.

When he worries, my eyebrow furrows. When he works late, I stay awake. When he laughs, I smile. When he stares, I blush. When he listens, I share deeply. When he guides, I follow. When he reminds me of truths, I believe.

He is the lock to my key, and the key to my lock

My Confidant, Best friend, Accomplice, Ally,
My admirer, beloved, hottie, one and only

My True Companion

We have survived 11 amazing years as one. Hand in hand, heart to heart. Through the laughter and highs, through the storms, tears and fears.....
He's "Still The One"

When I first saw you, I saw love.
And the first time you touched me, I felt love.
And after all this time, you're still the one I love

Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday

They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

You're still the one
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're the one I want for life
You're still the one
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

I'm so glad we made it
Look how far we've come my baby

Here's to 11 years of highs and lows. I'm so blessed to have shared my journey with him.

Finding the quiet lately

2010-04-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

"Learn to say "no" to nonstop going, to a family that doesn’t know what it feels like to rest, to be pure. Don’t overbook. Don’t pass down addiction and obsessions. Go outside in the wind and nature and fight it out. Take time. Turn the television off, put down the cheetos, the computers and cell phones and put some truth and a little vitamin D on. Find the quiet."~Runamuck

Article Club

2010-04-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

Some girlfriends and I started this article of the week club. Kind of like a book club but with articles that we find interesting. We read it, then get together while the kids run havoc on one of houses and over our apple orchard salads and herbal tea, we get into these great invigorating conversations. These brain stimulating, in depth, opinionated discussions about the articles is blissful. The picture below is what my article club gathering spot will look like soon. You're invited to my club, which color of chair would you prefer??

Last weeks article still has me thinking. It touched me. The words "Choosing to live in the past or future not only robs you of enjoying today, it robs you of truly living". I personally think not only living in the past of future robs you of the moment of now, but also living with attachments, worry and obsessions. As I am trying to find balance and simplicity in everyday, I also see more clearly how focusing all your energy on things that don't really matter can cause you to be neglectful on some of the things that do. So...I better stop before I foreshadow too much of this weeks article.

Article can be found here, but I've pasted it below.

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” - Buddha

One of the best, unforeseen consequences of simplifying our lives is that it has allowed us to begin living our lives in the present. Eliminating nonessential possessions freed us from many of the emotions associated with past lives that were keeping us stuck there. and clearing our home has allowed us the freedom to shape our lives today around our most important values.

Choosing to live in the past or the future not only robs you of enjoyment today, it robs you of truly living. The only important moment is the present moment. With that goal in mind, consider this list of ten tips below to start living your life in the present:

1. Remove unneeded possessions. minimalism forces you to live in the present. removing items associated with past memories or lives frees us up to stop living in the past and start living in the present.
2. Smile. each day is full of endless possibilities! start it with a smile. you are in control of your attitude every morning, keep it optimistic and expectant.
3. Fully appreciate the moments of today. soak in as much of today as you possibly can – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the emotions, the triumph, and the sorrow.
4. Forgive past hurts. if you are harboring resentment towards another human being because of past hurts, choose to forgive and move on. the harm was their fault. but allowing it to impact your mood today is yours.
5. Love your job. if you just “survive” the workweek constantly waiting for the next weekend “to get here,” you are wasting 71% of your life (5 out of 7 days). there are two solutions: 1) find a new job that you actually enjoy (it’s out there), or 2) find something that you appreciate about your current career and focus on that rather than the negatives.
6. Dream about the future, but work hard today. dream big. set goals and plans for the future. but working hard today is always the first step towards realizing your dreams tomorrow. don’t allow dreaming about tomorrow to replace living in today.
7. Don’t dwell on past accomplishments. if you are still talking about what you did yesterday, you haven’t done much today.
8. Stop worrying. you can’t fully appreciate today if you worry too much about tomorrow. realize that tomorrow is going to happen whether you worry about it or not. and since worry has never accomplished anything for anybody, redirect your mental energy elsewhere.
9. Think beyond old solutions to problems. our world is changing so fast that most of yesterday’s solutions are no longer the right answers today. don’t get locked into a “but that’s how we’ve always done it” mentality. yesterday’s solutions are not today’s solutions and they are certainly not tomorrow’s solutions.
10. Conquer addictions. addictions in your life hold you hostage. they keep you from living a completely free life today. find some help. take the steps. and remove their influence over your life.

If you can only live one moment at a time, you might as well make it the present

Wonder

2010-03-31T18:19:00.000-07:00

I wonder.....

Does summer stay mad at fall?
For drying up all the flowers and making them die. For taking away the vibrant green and the lemon sun and replacing it with browns and golds. For taking away the comfort of warmth and bringing an awkward and bitter cold chill.

Does spring stay mad at winter?
For the layers of frost and cold. For the deep freeze, the hiding sun, the howling wind and drifts of snow. For the constant white and struggle for breath. For the agonizing silence.

I wonder......

In sitting in the sun with my boys, playing and soaking up the warmth of the amazing spring day, I noticed the shoots of green all around me. I noticed my rose bush budding and my peonies popping through. The frogs screaming their love and happiness. The birds singing their song of gratefulness and joy and I think about how life is so like the earth and the changing seasons.

If only we let go, embraced and realized it.

What if.....

2010-03-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

What if for one day we decided to live from a place of pure acceptance. For one day, what if we dared ourselves to not bring to mind the rejection and mistakes from the past. Didn't dare think of the frustrations of the present. Didn't stress over the anxiety of the future. Don't you wonder what that day would look like. What it would feel like to live as if you were complete, exhilarated, free and full of peace. To live in the absolute moment. The now. You would hear clearer. Speak softer. See more vivid and be receptive to intuition. You would take less personally, love more fully, and give more abundantly. You would probably want that day to roll into the next and the next and the next..This is where I'm finding myself these days.

A while ago, I found myself in a very deep and dark hole. Upon climbing out of it, I had a choice. To wallow in the mud surrounding it and stay sad, mad, hurt and disappointed or I could move on. Take a shower and clean myself of the muck. In that process I decided to live in the now (you gotta read The Power of Now). To live more simple and more fully. Right now I write more, I smile more, I cry more, I love more, I laugh more. I find myself playing more, snuggling more and reading more. Talking more, thinking more and holding hands more. Not concerned with what they are posting on twitter or facebook or blogs and only peeking in once in a while. Not worried about how hot my laptop is getting on my legs because its not glued there anymore and I'm choosing to keep it off. Not bothered by the he said, she said gossip and staying the heck away from drama. Keeping close to those that matter and keeping those that don't at a distance.

So if you have wondered where I've been, I'm still here. I'm just relishing in my love, my family, my peace.

Rewind 2009

2010-01-25T17:27:00.000-08:00

To recap our holiday season! (better late than never right?)

Zaiden's Christmas Concert

Jonas' Christmas Concert

Pond Hockey

Trying on their new hockey gear

Jonas on the pond

Ice, Ice, Baby...

Gingerbread Houses

Cookie Time!

A glimpse into my weekend

2010-01-24T18:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a little glimpse of my weekend.

A surprise date with tickets to see

Great music + wonderful dinner = an amazing, simply PERFECT, evening out with my lovey!

Day 3

2009-12-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

A weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's

2009-11-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

We headed up for a weekend of fun at Grandma and Grandpa's. Since we will be out of town for Thanksgiving, Grandma outdid herself and made a huge meal and we ate WAY too much. It was a gorgeous weekend with plenty of sun and warmth. We played football, drove Grandpa's truck, went on a nature walk, hunted for acorns, sand songs, did handstands on the couch, and shared lots of smiles and laughs; which is always the case at Grandma's and Grandpa's!!

11 days

2009-11-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

Mine for 4 years

2009-11-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

My Miracle

My Chunky Monkey

My Crab

My Gardener

My Play

My Thought

My Imagination

My Everything

My Love

Happy Birthday Zaiden! Its been an amazing, incredible and very fast 4 years. You are my Oak tree. You are my life!!! Forever and always my baby you'll be!

Germs be gone

2009-11-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

Yes, its flu season, and although I've had the dreaded H1N1 crap, the boys haven't yet (knock on wood) or they have and are just too busy being boys to let it bring them down. Anyway, in my search for a all natural "Lysol", because I hate the thought of spraying pure chemicals in my house (especially when it says on the can to not inhale) I found this GREAT site to make my own anti bacterial disinfectant! Check it out and I guarantee you will find yourself buying some oils and spray bottles. Enjoy!

PepperPaints

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love Halloween. The decorating, the colors, the sounds, the smells and the parties. The hours spent sewing and cooking up yummy treats. Crunching through leaves, the crisp air and little voices saying "trick or treat". By far.......this is my favorite holiday and favorite time of year.

Excuses

2009-10-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

I was recently told (in nice terms) that I was being lazy with my blog. Yes, I have, haven't I? However, in my defense, I've been mucho sick and doing way too much of this:

and living off of:

and for the past few days have been stuck behind this:

and making this:

the most scrumptious candy popcorn on the planet for little kids (altho I ate my share too).

If you love candy popcorn, you must try this recipe. It is sooooo yummy!

Pumpkin Spice Candy Corn
3-4 oz of popped popcorn (I use a colander to remove unpoped kernels)
2 cups unwrapped pumpkin spice Hershey kisses (found at Target) if you can't find the kisses- use 1 cups of butterscotch chips
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees, place popped popcorn onto large rimmed cookie sheet that has been sprayed with Pam.
2. Put kisses, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt in saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until mix comes to a light boil. Remove from stove and pour over popcorn. Gently stir and coat the popcorn evenly. Bake in oven for 30 minutes and don't forget to stir every 15 minutes or so.
3. Remove from oven and pour on wax paper. Break into peices and ENJOY!!!!

Stayed tuned for a spooky post tomorrow. Happy haunting!!!

Let the wild rumpus start!!!!!

2009-10-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

A great book!
An even greater movie!

Fall yummy!

2009-10-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

Have you tried Dunkin Donuts famous Pumpkin Muffin?

If not- its a must!

Then run home and make these. I have hit the jackpot with this recipe as it is EXACTLY like the muffins from DD. Infact, I think they are better. Better because I actually know whats in them, and obviously better because I made them! ha!

Ingredients:
1 box of spice cake
1 29oz can Pumpkin Pie Mix (altho I used just pumpkin puree)
1 3.4 oz box vanilla pudding
2 eggs slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. sour cream
1/2 c. vegetable oil
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 c. brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:
mix cake mix, pumpkin, pudding and vanilla
Add sour cream, eggs, oil, spice
Once combined scoop into lined cupcake cups (I used the texas muffin tin for these trying to copy DD as much as possible). sprinkle each one with brown sugar. Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 30 min or until toothpick comes out clean

Thick Fog

2009-09-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

Its been almost 2 weeks into school and between fighting my eyes to open earlier and getting the boys ready, lunches packed, notes signed, doctor appointments and oh yeah......my other million things I have to do every day; my poor blog has suffered dearly. I have a thousand and one pictures to upload. A million more thoughts to share and hopefully I will get to all that in the days to come.

This week I have really been struggling to stay positive. Some personal issues have me sinking. Treading water with bricks tied to my ankles. We all have those weeks where we think that it can't possibly get any worse. In the midst of the negative fog that is floating motionless around me, I find solace in gratitude. I've started spending a few minutes each night writing down things I'm grateful for. Its difficult to do when the fog is so thick and hard to see through, but its helping break up the negativity. A whole week writing down a few things each night and I'm finally able to see a little clearer.

I will share some of my gratitude's in the days to come, but try it. Its amazing what focusing on things you are grateful for can do for your sight.

Kindergarten's first step

2009-09-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

I wonder what you're doing right now

and if everyone is treating you kind

I hope there is a special person

a nice friend that you can find

I wonder if the teacher knows just

how special you are to me

and if the brightness of your

heart is something she can see

I wonder if you are thinking about

me and if you need a hug

I already miss the sound of your

voice and how you give me leg a tug

I wonder if you could possibly understand

how hard it is for me to let you grow

on this day know that my heat breaks

for this is the first step in letting my baby go

-Wendy Silva

5 years ago

2009-09-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

....my life changed forever

My heart melted to the floor when I first held my newborn son

and as I celebrate his birth today,

my heart still melts

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BOY!

2009-08-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this picture look exactly what summer should look like? Yes, I can almost feel the warmth, the haze, the sticky sweet of what August should be.

But not in Michigan.

More like this

Cold, cloudy and rainy!

Where is summer????

Family visit

2009-08-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

July also brought a very special visit from Jon's oldest sister, Justine, and her awesome family. They blessed us with their spirit for 4 days. We swam, went to the nature center, headed to the "po-dunk" county fair and enjoyed Castaway Cafe (a huge indoor jungle gym). But mostly we hung out and enjoyed each others company. Life was simple, and smiles and laughs came easy. We miss them greatly and love them dearly!

Jon and his Sissy

At the fair (where someone- I won't name names, had their very first elephant ear)

All the Cousins

A month behind...

2009-08-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

Ugh! I can't seem to get ahead, so get ready for a posting marathon this week (crossing fingers)!

My AWESOME preschool had a "going green" kick off with a tree planting ceremony. A local nursery donated a tree and all the kids got together to celebrate with tie dye shirts (look familiar?), healthy snacks, and a lesson about tree's. It was a wonderful and very educational day. We even made the local paper. Horray for Howell Preschoolers Inc.

Here comes the tree (Thanks Leppek Nursery)

The cutest boys in the world (according to me)

Momma and her lovies

Pushing play

2009-07-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Continuing on with my crazy July....

I was blessed with a visit from one of my greatest and oldest friends. Jess and I have been friends since junior high. She now lives far away but her and her daughter came to visit us for a whole week. We had so much fun and the week literally flew by. We swam, talked, played, shopped, and tie dyed! It was refreshing and relaxing. I already miss her so.

"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature" ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Just a few random pics of our week

Awful pic, but give me a break....this is what lounging by the pool all day does!

Good greenie

2009-07-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, I am not the greenest girl around, but I try my darnest! That is why I love the Good Guide website so much. It helps me to make sound eco-friendly choices ranging from the best cereals to the best detergent for cleaning our clothes. And you won't just find environmental ratings and product reviews, there's also latest news and recall notices -- plenty of good stuff. So the next time you're surfing the web, I challenge you to check it out to see how green you can be.

Annual Blueberry Patch

2009-07-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

Travelled down to Erie Orchards for our annual blueberry picking with our favorite girls. Miss Sarah and little Miss E. We had such a fun afternoon. The perfect day. Sunny, breezy and not too hot. Lots of plump, juicy berries hung thick from the bushes. You couldn't walk past a bush without grabbing a few, then a few more, then before you knew it you were standing there picking for 10 minutes. I got about 9 pounds of blueberries with the help of two handsome little pickers. We froze a bunch for the cold winter months that will soon be upon us. We also had blueberries over ice cream, blueberry buckle, blueberry cobbler and of course.... corn meal blueberry pancakes. All so very yummy!!!!!!!!!

The kids enjoying picking

Miss Sarah showing off her prize berries (Miss ya girl!)

J very focused on his picking job

By this point, Z, had ate more than he'd picked

...and lastly, whats a trip to the blueberry patch without little feet getting nasty dirty (and then tracking it in on your friends white carpet- Duh!-) Boys will be boys!!!!!!!!!!

Time to play catch up

2009-07-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

When was the last time I updated my blog? Before the Fourth? LAME-O!!!! Sorry ya'll, I've been busy. House renovations, gardening, 2 weeks of nonstop vistors (and more are still coming- ahhh!!!!), a surgery, cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning, and did I mention 2 WEEKS of out of state vistors? At one point, there were 12 bodies running wild throughout my house. Crazy I tell ya!

I will do my best to catch up. So many pictures and so many memories. So get ready for some mega posts in the next few days.

Todays post will be all American. We ventured to the local fourth of July parade. It was beautiful, if not a little chilly. Low 70's and a slight breeze. Lyric went with us and had a ball. We think she liked checking out the other doggies. Celebrating the fourth of July always makes me feel so prideful. I suppose that comes from my many years of celebrating with the military. I am so thankful for all that this great country offers me. Happy (belated) birthday America! Small town style.

Waving the flags

Here comes the firetrucks

Whats a parade without candy?

My red, white and blue boy- isn't he cute?

My Ziggy Zoo (yes, thats really how he smiles...it melts my heart)

Momma and her boys

Happy 4th of July!

Who's in?

2009-07-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Rothbury Festival

www.rothburyfestival.com
July 2nd- 5th
All things Hippie
Great Music

(A'hem....G.Love and Special Sauce!!! One of my Favs!)
Great People
Great Memories

Who wants to go?

Sadly, I'm not going this year, but you better believe that next year I will be there. Find your tent and your tye dye and come to Michigan to join me.

No more Dye

2009-06-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

Nope- not talking about hair dye! Artificial dye. I'm sure you've heard talk and rumors of the effect artificial dyes have on your system. Its amazing. If you haven't read research on this check this out: No more Dye & Red Free Dye

I am hardly a "No Dye Nazi" but I do try my darnest to not allow artificial coloring in the things we eat and buy. When it happens I notice a HUGE change in the boys behavior. They are children and boys will be boys, but when they eat that cool red, white, and blue popsicle they had to have from the ice cream man, their behavior is almost instantly changed. (could be from the sugar intake as well).

Anyway, in my need to cut out anything that is potentially harmful to my son's and really that makes them crazy Satan boys, I started looking around the web for different ideas for food coloring alternatives. Here is what I found;

Itty Bitty Bistro has the coolest idea for all natural food coloring for frosting. Yummy....butter cream frosting....I say who needs color anyway when you have a bowl of buttercream frosting. Really awesome blog too. Fun and super healthy recipes for your little ones. Can't wait to try some of them.

(taken from her blog, hope she doesn't mind)
I made a big batch of my favorite buttercream frosting (the Cook's Illustrated recipe - 2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar, 2 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, 2 Tbsp of heavy cream, a splash of vanilla, and a pinch of salt) and added some dyes. My thoughts:The spices (turmeric, paprika) added the most easily, but leave a hint of their flavor behind. Not as badly as I thought they would, and I would definitely not hesitate to make yellow or light orange this way.The juices (blueberry juice, beet juice, pomegranate juice) yield the best tasting frosting, but their sheer liquidity is a problem. I had to stir in a lot of extra sugar to compensate for the liquid, and they are still separating a little. For a "real" cake, I would probably try my hand blender to really emulsify the liquid in.The avocado actually works well, but tastes avocado-y. I should have pureed the avocado better before adding it in. It is a nice green, and I would probably just stick to using it for accents, like flower petals, rather than trying a whole green cake/cupcake.No blue - I thought the blueberry juice would be closer to blue or purple, but it's really just magenta. I Googled and found some people use red cabbage or onion skins, but... ew. I can't imagine frosting my cake with water that cabbage was boiled in. If I'm desperate to make something blue, I'll use my India Tree dye.

I just want to add that I am going to try juicy pureed strawberries for red dye and also going to check with the local health food store and see what they've got.

Tshirt for pants

2009-06-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what it is, or why it is, or where my two boys get their sense of style, but they love nothing more than to express themselves freely and I say "Go for it boys!". When they are dressing in the morning, there is no telling what they will come downstairs wearing. That is what makes my mornings so entertaining. Self expression and self confidence is so important to me. It is a quality that I want my boys to grow up learning and sharing with others. I feel that all too often parents are pulled into the competition trap with their children and essentially that wears off to the child, who then grow up not knowing their true soul and who they are, but yet always trying to be the best and look the best and have the best things that they loose touch with reality and what really matters in life. I hope for real. I hope for honest. I hope for courageous. I hope for warriors of doing right and if that means letting them head outside in a tshirt for pants then so be it. (ok, not really...but the galoshes and swim trunks are fine by me).

Only as high as I reach can I grow, Only as far as I seek can I go, Only as deep as I look can I see, Only as much as I dream can I be.~Karen Ravn

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. ~e.e. cummings, 1955

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss

My week

2009-06-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

I've waited all week for a phone call, just to hear that the results were indecisive and they will be retesting on July 17th. Not a good week!

If you looked inside this girl
you would see how much she really cries
you would find so many secrets and lies
but what you'll see the most
is how hard it is to stay so strong
when nothing goes right
and things seem so wrong

Quiz time

2009-06-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

I'm on face book and every now and then I get bored and fill out silly quizes. Some of them are pretty fun and some are pretty lame-o! This one however nailed me! I've always known my soul was stuck in the 60's.

Tirzah completed the quiz "What Decade Fits Your Personality Best?" with the result 1960's.
You are anything but square...you're more like a flower. You are a cool, laid-back, deep-thinker type of rebel-- one who has strong beliefs about keeping the peace with regards to society and the world. You go against the norm and are proud of it; you don't care what others think because, after all, your differences are what make you stand out in order to make a difference. You clash with the rules and regulations of the cultural norm which stereotype you as a Class-A Rebel-- but a rebel WITH a cause. You are also in tune with nature and protecting the environment; therefore you are most likely drawn to bohemian, earthy styles (or perhaps anything that stands you out in a crowd of boring colors). Your style and attitude POP. You are in touch with your inner-self, feelings, and deep-seeded emotions, and love to express them with music and art. .

Thyroid says what?

2009-06-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? Where are pictures of my garden and the boys and my sweet tan I'm getting from lounging by my pool? Well folks....here's what I've been up too! (story shortened due to laziness)

2 weeks ago I woke up with trouble swallowing and a soreness to my throat. I noticed a large lump around my lower throat area and thinking it was a swollen lymph node, decided to call the doctor to get some antibiotics. I had recently been feeling awful. Very tired, cranky, no energy whatsoever and I really believed that I had some big infection my body was trying to fight which was causing this lump. I went into the doctor and was told that I needed an ultrasound as this lump was NOT a lymph node. Ultrasound proved to be a Thyroid Nodule. Was then sent to a Thyroid Specialist within another day. The specialist did another ultrasound and freeze framed my thyroid for me to show me all the nodules. The Doctor said my thyroid looks like swiss cheese and he wasnt joking. I have 6 nodules in my right side and 8 in my left side to include my 3x3 centimeter cystic nodule with a solid mass in it. I did undergo a fine needle assperation to pull fluid off the nodule and biopsy it (which I will only say was pure HELL) and a ton of blood work. Results should be in no later than Tuesday. If the nodule is benign, I will be given medicine to take for the rest of my life and constant follow ups to check the size and any growth of the nodules. If the test reveals the nodule is malignant or the test comes back indecisive, the doc will remove my whole thyroid and I will take meds the rest of my life. So.....meds and no surgery or meds and surgery. At this point, I'm tired of being tired and I want to enjoy my summer with my two crazy cute boys. I'm anxious to get better and my fix is coming. I will keep you posted!

For more information on Thyroid Nodules check out this site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-nodules/ds00491

My baby, My little Man, My Graduate

2009-06-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, my little babe, who I once cradled in my arms, was dressed in blue and wore a tassel as he proudly graduated from preschool. He walked in rhythm to pomp and circumstance and retrieved his little diploma from his teacher. They sang songs and recited a poem. My babe, my little boy is growing way too fast. Yes......I cried.

Do you remember way last fall

When I was only just this tall?

Now look at me! I'm up to here!

And my, I've learned a lot this year!

Now its my graduation day

You see how much I keep growing

I try to make you proud

In all the ways I'm showing;

That everyday I'm changing

Toward what I'll be someday

I'm growing up, day by day

I am on my way.

Momma is sooooo very proud!

Under construction

2009-06-03T20:16:00.001-07:00

As you can see, my blog is currently under construction. It will be completed shortly and until then....grin & bear(with)it!

5 months to go baby!

2009-06-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen this yet, you've got to see it!

New Moon Official Trailer

Only 5 months away. November can't come soon enough!!!!

Trying to catch up

2009-05-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics to let you know what I've been up too....

Soccer time

My boys are on different teams and love, love, love soccer. It is amazing to see them interact. They are growing so darn fast. Jonas is the team kicker. He is really good! ZZ is team clown. He is best friends with a boy on the team (also in preschool together) and to watch them together is a riot! ZZ is totally atheletic but not as serious as Mr. J!

Wheelchair

Full story to come, but dear hubby has been sporting the 4 wheels for 10 days now with probably many more to endure. Friends have sure been life rafts during this time of stress and feeling overwhelmed. Thank you guys~

Lilacs

Thats right folks, I have 6 mature lilac bushes (really tree's) in my new yard. I couldn't be more thrilled and my home is already filled to the brim with them!

Its ALMOST swimmin' time! 'Nuff said....

Nature walks with my boys

I am raising OUTSIDE boys. We love to go on walks with a bucket and pick up all the treasures we find. Even with all the stress I'm feeling lately, they make me smile and are ever forgiving for my short fuse. They tell me to stop being crabby and it puts me back on my "nice mommy" highway. They are my rock and my oak tree. Strong and tall for me right now (even when they make funny faces and are jumping off our rock wall-hehe).

Bend in the road

2009-05-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
And we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And he knows that it's only a bend-
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we've stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow-
You've just come to a bend in the road.
(Helen Steiner Rice)

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and concern during this time. There has been a huge bend in our road this weekend and it will be pretty bumpy for the next few months. Your friendship is invaluable to me and I can't express in words how full my heart is with gratitude.

Temporary Hiatus

2009-04-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

With two muddy boys, preschool board meetings, painting, restoring and construction in the house, 10 year anniversary, birthdays and a trip to North Carolina......

I'll pop in soon with a million pictures to share.

Mom2Mom sale

2009-04-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick announcement.......

Howell Preschoolers Inc. is holding a Mom2Mom sale this weekend. Saturday at 9am. Located at the Methodist Church in Howell off Bower Street. $1 to get in. Please come and buy all my boy stuff!!!!!

Earth Day

2009-04-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

Earth Day

I am the Earth

and the Earth is me.

Each blade of grass,

Each honey tree,

Each bit of mud,

And stick and stone

Is blood and muscle,

Skin and bone.

And just as I

Need every bit

Of me to make

My body fit,

So Earth needs

Grass and stone and tree

And things that grow here

Naturally.

That's why we

Celebrate this day.

That's why across

The world we say:

As long as life,

As dear, as free,

I am the Earth

And the Earth is me.

Jane Yolen

Remember to....

2009-04-21T18:28:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is Earth Day! I hope you remembered! We went out this weekend to our local conservation club and bought some trees to plant. We are also all geared up to get some seeds planted tomorrow for part of our celebration. For preschool today, the boys helped me fill a little bag with some pea seeds and a note that read Happy Earth day Love J/Z. Teaching my boys about being earth conscious has been very easy and fun. Here are some tips to help you teach your little ones the simplicity of reducing, reusing and recycling....

Education: I think this is a major part of learning for little ones. We have a ton of nature inspiried books (i.e. I love Dirt, 50 simple things kids can do to save the earth). We love Dr. Suess "The Lorax" and also Wall-E. We do a lot of activities and crafts that involve these principles.
Water: Teach them to keep the water flow to a pencil-thin stream when using the sink. My boys bath together to save water.
Energy: Tell them to turn off the lights when leaving a room and to leave the lights off during the day. Natural sunlight is generally good enough. We also love the book "Being Wasteful" by Joy Berry. The boys really took to this lesson and talk about me being wasteful all the time-ha
Toxic Exposure: Cleaning up messy little hands? Be sure to avoid anti-bacterial hand soaps and hand sanitizers that contain triethanolamine. Anti-bacterial hand soaps have been proven to cause more harm than good because they kill beneficial bacteria as well as the bad stuff and may be leading to super-strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Hand sanitizers that contain the ingredient triethanolamine can damage liver and kidneys. Soap and water work for us!
Waste: Recycle newspapers, magazines and junk mail. You can present it as a game that involves sorting out the different types and putting them in their special bins for points. Assign a daily chore to help with the sorting and recycling. J & Z take on this job as their daily chore. Its great to see them working together for at least once a day.
Food: Teach your child how to help pick out ripe seasonal fruit and vegetables for their snacks and meals. Show them that when they have finished their fruit and vegetables, there are parts that can be composted. Involve your children in composting your food scraps, coffee grounds, etc. Get them used to seeing that food waste is not garbage but rather something that can be turned into soil to grow more food.
Transportation: Walk whenever possible. Although I live in the country now and can't really walk 5 miles into town, we do conserve our trip and plan our weekly menu and shopping needs, and go to the store once to cut back on multiple trips.

BYOB

2009-04-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

Look to the right...see an addition?

I added the plastic bag consumption counter. Can you beleive this? Please tell me this will make you ditch the plastic bags and bring your own. B.Y.O.B!!!!

A few interesting facts:

-Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. That comes out to over one million per minute. Billions end up as litter each year.
-According to the EPA, over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps are consumed in the U.S. each year.
-According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. (Estimated cost to retailers is $4 billion)
-According to the industry publication Modern Plastics, Taiwan consumes 20 billion bags a year 900 per person.
-According to Australia's Department of Environment, Australians consume 6.9 billion plastic bags each year - 326 per person. An estimated 0.7% or 49,600,000 end up as litter each year.
-Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales and other marine mammals die every year from eating discarded plastic bags mistaken for food.
-Plastic bags don't biodegrade, they photodegrade - breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food web when animals accidentally ingest.
-As part of Clean Up Australia Day, in one day nearly 500,000 plastic bags were collected.
-Windblown plastic bags are so prevalent in Africa that a cottage industry has sprung up harvesting bags and using them to weave hats, and even bags. According to the BBC, one group harvests 30,000 per month.
-According to David Barnes, a marine scientist with the British Antarctic Survey, plastic bags have gone "from being rare in the late 80s and early 90s to being almost everywhere from Spitsbergen 78 degrees North [latitude] to Falklands 51 degrees South [latitude]."
-Plastic bags are among the 12 items of debris most often found in coastal cleanups, according to the nonprofit Center for Marine Conservation

AI rant!!!!

2009-04-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

Just a little post on my thoughts about American Idol. I've kept quiet these past few weeks about one of my favorite reality shows mostly because I've not been impressed. Tonight tipped the boat for me. Actually pissed me off.

First of all- you all know that I'm a lover of the classics. I remember jamming to Steppenwolf while driving around forgotten country roads in my youth. I remember my hair blowing in the summer wind and my hand out the wind making waves in the rushing air. Steppenwolf is one of those magical bands that whenever I hear a song, it brings back memories of freedom and flying. Songs that instantly make me smile.

This is why I threw up in my mouth a little when I heard Adam's remake of probably the greatest song ever recorded by one of the greatest classic bands of all time. First he slaughtered a Johnny Cash song (which was so wrong) and now this......he has lost my vote all together.

I'm sorry Adam! You have great style and usually a great voice and cool song choices but why do you constantly screw up the good stuff? You should know better than to mess with the classics. You are not that good!!! But Danny Gokey.....you are that good! Thanks for being at least one consistent great artist.

Prick to my heart

2009-04-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

20+ skin pricks and a million more to my heart. About a year ago, Z was seen by an allergist and since moving, losing the paperwork, and getting a new pediatrician, we needed a new allergist and a new allergen test. Our first allergy test was a blood test and all I had to do was hold little Z while they drew 4 viles of blood. Todays event was truly horrific! 2 nurses plus me holding my little guy down while they picked his back, then waiting 15 minutes for the results that were immediatly apparent due to the welts that appeared all over his marker spotted back. Our last allergist had threw paper work at me but never explained in detail what he was allergic too, so I tried to mentally prepare myself for the worse. It didn't help!

The doctor explained that the last test Z was given was the blood test that tested for everything and its immperative I find those results or call for them, since todays test was just the common 20+ allergies.

So, here I am, finding myself feeling elated that I finally know how to make Z feel better, but yet sad and helpless that I didn't committ to this before now. I'm also finding myself going back through my pantry and meal plans to adjust for some minor changes. I'm kind of feeling a bit excited at the changes and how to cook not only to make Zaiden more healthy, but for us all.

Here are the results: (0=negative 4=being the worse)
Early tree: 3
Late Tree:3
Grasses: 0
Feather: 2
Dust mites: 4
Weeds: 3
Ragweed: 0
Seasonal mold: 3
Perennial Mold: 2
Cat: 4
Dog:4
Egg: 3
Cows Milk: 3
Soybean: 3
Wheat: 3
Cocoa: 0
Almonds: 2
Cashews: 4
Corn: 0
Rice: 0
Oat: 0

You probably noticed the high allergy count for cat and dog. I was seriously starting to cry over this one thinking about my cat that is more like my first born child. I think the doctor noticed the tears welling up in my eyes and left the room for a few minutes. She came back with some catalogs and told me that we can control the allergy with medicine and some work on my part. Work meaning making his room a complete allergy free zone. Mattress and pillow covers, vent covers, hepa filter and vaccumming with my dyson- pet allergy vac every day! Thank goodness for Dyson. I knew that was the best $500 I spent (and the doctor aggreed~). Z was prescribed meds and lotions for his eczema and I have a ton of literature to read and even more research to do.

Here's to being allergy free! (rather on the road to getting there~)

2009-04-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

Wishing you peace, love and happiness

at Easter and always~

In like a lamb, out like a lion...

2009-04-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

This is what my world looked like Monday morning. Thick, wet, horrible snow clung to everything it touched (including tree's that fell on power lines that knocked out my power-ugh!) Since there was nothing to do inside, we dragged out the snow suits again, hopefully for the last time, and went outside to play the day away.

Sweaters and scarves

Thick socks and boots

Snug hats and mittens

Bulky snow suits

All bundled up

And ready to go

Out of the house

To play in the snow

Although I feel clumsy

In all of these clothes

I am so happy

Whenever it snows!

Zaiden rolling his snowball for his snowman

Zaiden and Ali putting the finishing touches on the snowfamily

Jonas and his big rolled snowball

Grin and Bear it WEEK!

2009-04-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

Due to a FREAK spring time snow storm, my little part of the world was without power since Monday. Yes......crazy!

But alas, no more candles, no more warm fire in the fireplace and no more spaghetti o's and hotdogs and warm pop. We have seen the light!

Pictures to be added soon, once I catch up to reality!

Muddigush

2009-04-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

Glorious mud

Wonderful mud

Happiness is a big puddle of mud

Mud on my head

Mud to my toes

Mud in my ears

Mud up my nose

Happiness is a big puddle of mud

Wonderful mud

Glorious mud

WT.....

2009-04-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

Happy April Fools!

Hope you survived it better than this guy~

My Constant

2009-03-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

He is lazy

when the sunshine spreads on the floor.

He's relaxed

in that way, a cat is more.

The cat that was frantic

chasing shadows up the wall

has conformed to every ripple

in the blankets by the door.

All the muscles that were tensing

now in slumber is relieved.

All the movement that was fury

is tamed to a bore.

He is lazy

when the sunshine spreads on the floor.

Earth Hour

2009-03-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

EARTH HOUR

SATURDAY MARCH 28TH

8:30-9:30 PM

Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights (and all electricity) as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

For more information check out http://www.earthhour.org/

Passion

2009-03-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines passion as the emotions as distinguished from reason, intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction ; an outbreak of anger; ardent affection : a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept; an object of desire or deep interest.

Looking back on my life so far, there are certain things that I have attached myself to. Things that have gotten my attention and had me fixated. I find myself doing things to the fullest when my mind is made up. Whether it is loosing weight, running, being more green or being the best June Clever...I don't half ass it. So my latest, probably most deepest passion (as if you didn't see this coming) is volunteering with the local animal rescue group. My heart has always been softened to furry friends and I have a deep devotion to teaching my children of the love and care we should always show these friends. A great quote that I saw recently says " I don`t hold animals superior or even equal to humans. The whole case for behaving decently to animals rests on the fact that we are the superior species. We are the species uniquely capable of imagination, rationality, and moral choice - and that is precisely why we are under an obligation to recognize and respect the rights of animals. ~Brigid Brophy~

To continue with my story, I have been volunteering for Take My Paw rescue (http://www.takemypaw.org/) and have been helping with fostering animals before they are adopted to loving homes. Most of you know this story, but for those that don't, a few weeks ago our rescue picked up a stray that was feeding on a dead carcase in a ditch. We were called and picked the dog up to foster him until his owners were found or until he was placed. When we saw the dog it was love at first sight. We were staring into the big brown love able eyes of a male German shepherd. He had been obviously wandering for a while as he was wormy, full of fleas, skin and bones but that didn't stop him from falling right into the flow of our family. I made the necessary phone calls to Animal Control and the humane society to report a found dog and within 30 minutes I received the first phone call of a supposed owner. The man could not identify the animal but assured me it was his dog. I told him that if he could send me pictures we could discuss further. He called back and then said the dog was his sisters dog and got out Saturday (the day he was found) and that angered me. I told him again that he needed to send me photos. Then a woman called, demanding her dog back. To skip about two hours of nonstop phone calls from these lunatics, I finally called Animal control to find out what I could do since I was not returning this dog back to "supposed" owners that have neglected him to the point of worms and skin and bones. Animal Control told me to bring the dog in and they assured me they would do a health eval and if there would be steep fines to pay to release the dog, if in fact the people claiming him were the owners. To avoid further harassment, I decided this would be the best thing and told AC that I would bring the dog to them. A few hours later I received a phone call from the director of AC (who had an attitude with me from saying hello-which is not a good thing) who stated that I was holding another persons dog and he needed to be released to them. Again, to shorten this story, I explained my earlier conversation with her office and the situation and she said that she would send someone out right away to pick the dog up. After tears were shed, AC drove a way with the dog. That was on a Monday. I then filed a neglect complaint on line and called and email everyday with no correspondence back from AC. I finally decided to just go to animal control and find out myself what was going on. I walked in and stated my name and was beginning to state my reason for being there and the receptionist said "Oh yes.....Tirzah Sirken". The director came forward then and with her mean lady attitude began to tell me that the owners were there to pick the dog up before the truck even got back with him. I asked about the health eval and what identifying papers they brought and she looked me in the eye and told me the dog was fine. I was appalled. Anger set in and I stated that I could go home and scoop up dry poop that was full of dead worms and that I had taken pictures. It didn't seem to matter. She just said over and over again that the dog was fine and he was released to the owners. I left with only one last remark that I was glad that she was in charge of the lost and strayed animals of our county. So- if passion is a fire, what fuels passion?

A deep sense of caring and anger fuels that fire within me. I am still so pissed! I have seen the sheriffs department, the police department, all of who have no idea who is over animal control. I am in the works of contacting the county commissioners office and am drafting an editorial for the local newspaper. My passion is now a bon-fire.

I hope that in reading this you to will have a passion for this and help our rescue or a rescue in your area. You can locate local rescues by going to http://www.petfinder.com/ and searching in your area. If you are from my neck of the woods, you can go to my rescue website: http://www.takemypaw.org/ or contact me personally at tearzsirken@yahoo.com.

New Addition

2009-03-23T17:52:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to

Lyric V Sirken

The newest addition to the Sirken pack!

She comes to us from Eko-Lan Shepherds (http://jmadesign.com/eko-lan/). She is AKC registered and from a fantastic bloodline of pure breds. She has been with us since Saturday and we are thrilled to invite her into our family. She has been a little nervous about steps and the tile, but loves the boys and has fallen right into her place in our pack. She even gave Mooch a bit wet kiss and the king of the castle, Moochie, has instantly taken a liking to her.

We are so happy, excited and love her so much! We can't wait for you to meet her!

Victory (Garden) at the White House!!!!!

2009-03-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Did you see that Michelle Obama selectively picked up a peice of earth on a shovel to start the begining of an organic vegetable garden? The new White House Victory Garden. As a first time gardener, Michelle Obama's victory garden will be an inspiration to all who struggle to feed their families healthy, local and organic food. While the organic garden will provide food for the first family’s meals and formal dinners, its most important role, Mrs. Obama said, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern. “My hope,” the first lady said in an interview in her East Wing office, “is that through children, they will begin to educate their families and that will, in turn, begin to educate our communities.”

High Five Michelle!!!!!! You rock!

AI

2009-03-18T06:20:00.000-07:00

Grand Ole' Opry night- Yippee. Sorry ya'll but I grew up on country music and have actually been to the grand ole' Opry with my pops and loved Opryland even more.

So it was Randy Travis as the mentor. Lets see how it worked out for him tonight. (of course according to me!!!)

1. Michael-He did really well on the Garth song and all those words, but he got boring at the end of the song. Just kinda stood there. On a positive, he should stick to country. He sounded good singing country.
2. Allison- Man, this rocker chic can even sing country. I love her! She is so cute and her I agree with Randy...it was "Dope" (haha)
3. Kris- My favorite hippie guy took it slow tonight. He sounded awesome! Even his high notes were right on. Goosebumps baby!
4. Lil- I was real excited to see what song Lil picked. I figured she would do a Martina song. She is about the only one that could pull off Martina's vocal range (You all know my love or Martina) but it was hard for me to not compare her. I didn't care for her spin on the song, plus Lil looked VERY uncomfortable. There is no doubt that Lil has an awesome voice, but I was not liking her performance tonight. Sorry Dawg!
5. Adam-Utoh! Changing up a Johnny Cash song.....I sure hope my Daddy didn't watch AI tonight. That being said, I thought Adam's spin was exactly true to his style and although I'm a true rocker at heart, I'm a little nervous at his Johnny Cash take over. He was very brave to do that. I'm predicting the blogs are gonna roll with this tomorrow. However, I love Adam's Jim Morrison and Robert Plant kind of style. He's still number one (but what he did to the Cash song was not cool!)
6. Scott-This guy has mad piano skills. In fact, made me want me to sit at piano and play for a few hours. I think Scott will go far in life with his talent, but I don't think he did as good tonight as he has in the past. He got a lot of applause, but it just wasn't that good to me. Maybe, just maybe I agree with Simon in that Scott's song picks were not great.
7. Alexis- I like Alexis but I sure didn't like her poofy hair and her arrangement of a classic Dolly song. She did alright and her voice is so smooth and cute. I'm going to start calling her "Tink" because I realized tonight that she reminds me of Tinkerbell. Next!
8. Danny- I liked seeing Danny messing up and being real during his practice sessions. Then I smiled even bigger when he tore the heck out of the song and was in my opinion the best one of the night. I love his new glasses that make his face seem brighter and I thought he looked so handsome wearing white. He is way ahead of Adam tonight. By a loonnnggg shot.
9. Anoop- Anoop sure surprised me tonight. He can sing really good. I think he has an amazing voice and his eyes are so beautiful and remind me of Z's big brown eyes. His parents must be so proud of him. He did an excellent job tonight.
10. Meghan- Patsy....She sang Patsy and I loved it. I'm not too fond of Meghans "shake" and weird dancing, but she has a crazy cool voice. I LOVE it! She reminds me of a modern mix of Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy and Joss Stone. All my female favs. I can't wait to see what she does next week.
11. Matt- Give it up for my MI guy and for his awesome talent. He took a country song and made it sound so his. I am always impressed with him and he did so good. The guys are definitely tearing it up this season

I'm predicting Michael, Alexis, & Scott to be in the bottom 3. Maybe even my Morrison Man, Adam, since a lot of other folks may not have liked his Cash song. What did you think?

Parades

2009-03-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sunshine, firetrucks, horses, bagpipes and Shamrock cookies!

A very happy St. Patrick's Day parade!!!!

Love thy Neighbor??

2009-03-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

So we have a new neighbor.....

He made his home here..........

Thats right, directly next to the pool.....

So Animal Rescuers to the rescue and the trap was set

Less than 24 hours later, Mr. Groundhog was trapped

and taken to a new home a few miles away!

Always love thy neighbor, no matter how smelly and furry!

AI

2009-03-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am dating myself when I say that I like MJ. I like the old school stuff and I love to groove to Thriller (maybe because its all about spooky, Halloween stuff). I have to say that up to this point, I was a little bored with American Idol. The weeks of bad singing great songs churned my stomach, but tonight inpressed me. On to the singers

1. Lil- The way you make me feel-Lil is good. She was really controlling the stage and her voice is so smooth. Its like she's been doing this for years. She doesn't need AI to be big. She's already there
2. Scott- His family looked so supportive and tight knit. I loved that! and anyone that plays the piano melts my heart and Scott sounded great and behind the piano is where he belongs. Not to mention the song choice "Keep the faith" and the lyrics were about believing in yourself and I thought that was so awesome. The only bad thing about Scott, is the fro has got to go.
3. Danny- Sounds like an Osmond family, but a family that sings together stays together. His song didn't start out great, but once started, it was so cool. Danny is one of my favorites and he really shook it up. "Loved Simon's comment about him being a white guy with soul. LOVED IT~
4. Michael-Its weird for me to see such a tough redneck Texan so be soft and sensitive. I really didn't like the song he sang. I'm sure its because I see MJ singing it with Priscilla and that makes me ill. Maybe its because he came after Danny that made it sound so bad to me. I really didn't like it- Sorry Dawg
5. Jasmine- What a beautiful girl and I was diggin her dress. She did so good tonight. It was good that she came after Michael. I think Jasmine had some off notes, but she did good and for being so young....Go girl!
6. Jake..Opps...I mean Kris-Hmmm.......last time he sang was just ok for me, but this week had me smiling. You all know how much I love acoustic guitar, Jack Johnson style and this is the hippie guy of the season and I love it. I loved his rendition of the song. SO cool. Move over ladies....I think the guys are dominating this season and Kris is in the top!
7. Allison-She's so cool. I wish I could pull off the red hair. She is soo the rocker chick and she's better than any other rocker that AI's had on. Her personal spin on a MJ song was amazing. Staying true to her rocker roots. Wow!
8. Anut- Boy do I love Chapel Hill. Anut sang Beat it. Another fav song that is frequently sang in the shower or to the boys. He did ok, but it was more of a cover song. Where was the moon walking and white glove. That would have really stepped it up a few notches for me.
9. Jorge- What a big family. I bet they can cook some yummy food. So my thoughts on Jorge is that he is a great singer, I just wish he would put more of a latin spin on his songs. Just ok for me.
10. Megan- I think she is adorable. Her voice is amazing and so unique. Her song choice was pretty neat. She reminds me of a 50's girl with her dancing. I half expect her to break out in the Charleston, but even that may be too much for her. I like her but was embarrassed for her. (especially with her bird call at the end???)
11. Adam (YAY!)- This boy is gonna win. I'm just saying it right now. If he doesn't win, he will be on the billboard charts right away! I LOVED IT & I LOVE HIM!!!!!! Awesome and I can't wait to buy his cd!
12. Matt- Poor guy had to go after Adam. I've like Matt especially since he rocks the piano and is from Michigan. He did awesome too. He does look like Justin Timberlake, hugh?
13. Alexis- This girl should have tried out for the part of Alice in Twilight. She's such a little pixie. I think she did a fantastic job. I can't believe she has such a big strong voice out of such a little body. In my top females for sure.

We won!!!!

2009-03-10T19:07:00.001-07:00

Well, I didn't....but little Mr. J did. He won the all day-every day lottery for Kindergarten. J will be attending Southeast in the fall and going all day every day. We are sooo excited for him and this oppurtunity to learn and grow!

Yippee!!!!!!

Here is a recent pic of J with his preschool teacher in music and movement class.

Bowl-A-Rama

2009-03-07T17:53:00.000-08:00

Our preschool recently went on a feild trip to the local bowling alley. What fun! Bowling is suppose to really help children understand individual success, help with control of your body, and group socialization. It was seriously a riot watching 20 little 3 and 4 year olds bowl. 10 frames later, the kids were loosing interest in pushing the ball down the lane and more interested in the arcade and snacks. It was a ton of fun, and if you haven't taken your preschooler bowling, you need to soon (and bring your camera along!)

Disapointing AI

2009-03-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

Last night was very disapointing for me. There wasn't really anyone that blew me away and most of the show consisted of good songs gone bad. Just wasn't feeling it Dawg.....but here is my two cents worth anyway. Tonights result show should be interesting.

1-Von- Not bad- but so broadway for me. Cute kid but I think AI is a little too big for him.
2-Taylor- Badsong and bad vocals.
3-Alex- I was embarassed for him. I know nerves can work a number on a person, but what in the world was he doing and how did he make it into the top 36. Jez'
4-Arianna- Ugh! Next
5-Ju-Not- Double Ugh!
6-I thought this rendition was horrible. I'm fan of the original song and this girl just slaughtered it. Ugh! I hate when that happens. It sounded like she had a few too many and stepped up to sing karokoe at the local bar. Can you tell that I didn't like it
7-Nathaniel: He labeled himself as a drama queen and I was nervous. His peircings are a little wild. I've neer been a fan of the lip rings/studs. And what the heck.....he sang a Meatloaf song? With a headband? Its almost as if he tried to take Meatloaf and make it into a Dancing Queen song (which by the way, Shaka would have been a better song choice for him). Next!
8-Felica: A Stay at home Mom! Yay for me already! And signing an Alecia Keys song is tough, but I think she did good! Great in fact. Good job fellow SAHM!
9-Scott: The blind guy is a fav before I even see him preform. His voice is so soothing, and I could hear him signing a hippie favorite (I'm thinking Hermans Hermits) but his performance was not that great. Unfortunatly I don't think he nailed it but he does have the want and passion to be on the show. We'll see
10-Kendall: Cute girl and country is definately her mantra. I love Martina and she did a great job with the song and personally I'm going to vote for her just to see her Dad do that silly alligator dance.
11- Jorge-First of all, why is the latin guy signing Elton? Why not a rump shaker, Ricky Martin song? He did good with the vocals. Probably the best guy for the evening. I sure would have liked to see him sing a latin, fun, get up and dance song.
12-Lil Rounds- I liked this girl from her audition. She's so down to earth and her voice is so rich. Her song choice of Mary J. Blige is perfect and she looked soooo nice. She was on fire and we will see her next week!

Honestly, I think I'm just bummed that I didn't get to see my Adam. He and Danny have really spoiled the show for me. Here is another reminder of who I want to win. Vote for Adam!!!!

Aldi-licious

2009-03-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

I've talked about Aldi before and I'm going to again because I'm just amazed at te savings. It was a great weekend here in Howell because a new Aldi opened up less than 6 miles away from my house. I was so happy and so was our budget. I have talked before about monthly meal planning and since moving it has been somewhat difficult since the only stores close are Mejeir and Walmart and I was use to the prices at Aldi. I still ventured the 60 miles round trip to go to Aldi about once a month, but it was getting old- quick! My monthly meal planning has saved us so much money. I simply go through my pantry and see what I've got on hand. I then go through recipes and make a list of meals. From that I decide what is needed from the store and head out to Aldi and get whats on my list.

Here is a crappy pic of my monthly plan (which is taped to my spice cabinet door). This one was made on 2/18 and goes through 3/18 but since going to Aldi this past weekend, I will need to add to the list since I picked up some extra stuff. Up until last weekend, I hadn't needed to go grocery shopping except for constant stuff like soymilk, milk and bagels, etc. Monthly planning keeps me out of the stores and buying extra stuff that I don't need (i.e. that cute scarf that was on sale, hitting the clearance racks,magazines that I don't need, etc.) and saves us mucho money! My last trip to Aldi came to $130 and that was in February. I spent some money this weekend at Aldi's grand opening but I stocked up and should be all set till the end of March.

Monthly planning is really a great way to shrink your grocery bill and its amazing to see your budget grow for other things (like a new wood floor, paint for the barn, and flowers/plants). You can see where my priorities lay.

Happy planning!

What a week its been...

2009-02-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

...on American Idol that is!

Wow- what a show last night. Some good ones, some bad ones and one crazy, wild, and funny one. Here is what I thought about last nights show. I'm anxious to see how America voted!

1-Jasmine- What a pretty girl Altho- in my opinion, the song was too low for her voice range. I didn't like it.
2-Matt- Yay Michigan Native!!! wow- his audition tape was awesome and I loved the piano. His voice sounded shaky. I guess he was feeling a bit nervous but I liked him. Better than some of the guys from last week (and I swear its not the fact that hes from MI) Poor guy tho- his nerves just lost him the song.
3- Jeanine-oh no.....this chick butchered my Maroon 5. What a karaoke rendition.Ugh! Yuck! (and I'm not even liking her legs)
4- Nick- What a weird-o, but a funny one. I loved it from the beginning! Its about time we had some comedy on AI and someone that takes it a little less serious. I smiled the whole song thru and loved the "sassypants"
5- Alison- I really like her bar voice. the deep smokey sound and to sing Heart was the best song choice she could have made. Best girl of the night!!!!! and I am really digging her sweet rocker style.
6-Kris- Holy crap-this boy looks like my BFF's son Jacob. Karen, can Jake sing? Well, this Kris boy can and I like his real, non fancy approach to his turn. No fancy clothes, just him and his voice and it was reallly good. I hope he gets voted thru
7-Megan-first of all, I LOVE THIS SONG. and I love this girl. Hippie chick w/tats. However, I think she was all over the place w/this song. She was trying too hard to put "her" thing on it and I didn't like the over doing it part, but I still like her and will vote for #7.
8-Matt-What a safe song. He sings good but noting special. Next....
9- Jessi- I really liked her. I like the uniqueness of her voice and I thought she looked really nice but I'm afraid she was just too "plain jane". Sorry Girl
10- Kai-He reminds me in looks like Adam Duritz (Counting Crows) and I was excited to see what he would sing and do, but too bad his voice was "ok" for me and his song was a safe=bad choice.
11- Mishavonna- Drops of Jupiter is another one of my favorite songs and she didn't do too bad. Not bad at all and she is a good singer but I don't think she will be making it through. There were others that were better. I see her coming back next season in full force.
12-Adam- Saving the best for last for sure. First impressions are important and his looks are great. His eyes are amazing and I don't care if he sports eyeliner. And singing the Stones? Rock on Adam!!!! and Randy mentioned Twilight. Could Adam be the real Edward Cullen?! Vote for Adam!!! My new Idol crush-ha~

Kindergarten Registration

2009-02-24T17:22:00.000-08:00

I'm proud of him. I'm scared for him.

I'm proud of me for getting him to this point.

Mothers all over the world face this every year , I know.

Sending their children, one by one, to their first year of school.

Letting go.

I guess we ask ourselves the same questions.

Have I prepared him enough?

Could I have done more?

Will he be alright?

He's spent the last five years at home with me,

At places where he's been loved and protected.

School is scary, probably scarier for me than for him.

"You'll love school" I'm telling him with tears welled up in my eyes

I'm proud of him. I'm scared for him.

Southeast Elementary

Class of 2022

The three R's

2009-02-22T17:04:00.000-08:00

Did you know that recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, and 4,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity — enough energy to power the average American home for five months. Did you know that recycling aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy used to make the material from scratch. That means you can make 20 cans out of recycled material with the same amount of energy it takes to make one can out of new material. Energy savings in 1993 alone were enough to light a city the size of Pittsburgh for six years. Did you know that if every American household recycled just one out of every ten plastic bottles they used, we’d keep 200 million pounds of the plastic out of landfills every year?

I am truly amazed at recycling. Before moving to Howell, we were unable to recycle. Why waste management companies don't add recycling to their services is beyond me. I guess it doesn't pay the mob bills-hehe. However, since moving to this great little town of ours, we found a place local to recycle. Its $25 a year and you drop your stuff off on Wednesday or Saturday. You can drive up and volunteers open your trunk and grab your stuff and you are on your way. So-during another crappy snow storm, I loaded the back of the van up with our bins of recycling. Plastics, paper and metals. I drove to the recycle center in town and for $25 a year, you drive up and volunteers open your trunk and unload all your recyclables into huge dumpsters to be reused. I was bummed that I forgot my camera. It was quite a site. Blowing snow and freezing cold and all these dedicated people dropping off their recyclable and the volunteers all bundled up in arctic clothes. It was sort of inspiring.

Paper, Plastic, Glass and Metal. How I separate my recycle-ables is easy. I put some totes in the garage and before I throw something in my trash can, I think before I throw and half the time I take it to the garage to the totes. I also want to add that we went from filling our trash bin to overflow capacity and praying it didn't overturn on the trip to the end of the driveway to two bags of trash. Yes, only TWO bags of trash this week.

I just wanted to post about how great recycling is. Its a little more work but the efforts are worth the work and it pays off in the whole picture of our earth and what it takes to preserve the beauty we take advantage of. Start now!

Here is the link to our local recycling center. Find one in your area tonight!

http://www.recyclelivingston.org/

Reading

2009-02-20T17:27:00.001-08:00

For all that I do that is wrong, it is in special moments like this that makes me believe that I mus be doing something right.

Who said lessons are only taught in a classroom?

Its back.....

2009-02-18T05:33:00.000-08:00

Thats right....American Idol is back and I'm so ever happy. I love watching this show and pretending that I'm a judge. Ha! Last night didn't disapoint as there were many great performances and many not so great. I think it will be easy to vote this week for the top three. I was also impressed with Paula. She was poised and composed and when she talked it made sense. Maybe having another female on the panel has helped her control her substance abuse. (just kidding). The new judge, Kara, seems to have hit the ground running and fits in really well. I like her a lot and I'm anxious to watch her in the future.

Now....on to the goods. My opinions

01: Jackie AKA: Spandex girl= outta here. She is an ok singer and looks like a young spunky Sheryl Crow but what in the world was she thinking wearing what she wore. I must totally be out of the fashion loop.
02: Ricky Braddy: Slow song downer but he's from Elizabeth City NC so I like him. Anyone from NC is rocking
03:Alexis-I think she looks so cute, but I'm not liking the fact that I'm getting the vibe she is a fake that only looks like this to "be different" and because the judges asked her to dirty up her look. On a good note, I liked her voice and song choice. She is the girl going through. Hopefully!
04: Brent- Country songs suit him and "Hick Town" brought back some memories. And seriously his dimple was cute.
05: Stevie- Goodbye- I was totally embarassed for this 17 year old. Poor thing and I really liked her in the auditions but she did not shine last night. Ouch!
06: Anoop- This guy is ok. He reminds me of someone, maybe a comedian, but he has a good voice and his auditions have all been upbeat and fun. HO-Hum to me.
07: Casey- Blah....infact, already forgot about her. Nohing really stood out about her. Not a bad talent, just nothing special either.
08: Michael-I think this guy can sing for sure! I thought his performance was good and I hope he makes it through.
09: Ann Marie- I liked her at Audition time but I agree w/ the judges that her song choice was off. She is probably the most real that I've seen though and I liked that.
10: Stephen- Michael Jackson old school in the house. Yay! Though I was disapointed at the elevator style he put on the song. Who sings MJ like that??
11: Tatiana-Singing a Whitney song is a huge risk. Did she not learn anything from watching past shows.....but she pulled it off pretty good. Personality flaws may not be with her, and I think that will ultimately hurt her. She is weird, hugh?
12: Danny- HE IS MY FAVORITE SO FAR! I loved him from audition week. His story made me cry. I love his style and realness and he is sooo cute. Bazing hot, the redeemer, sold out arenas and Simon said it was good. Vote for Danny!

Sending you....

2009-02-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

Lots of LLOOVVEE

Horror Day!

2009-02-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

For all my fellow horror flick buddies......have a happy Friday the 13th!

What works for me Wednesday!

2009-02-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

The boys will be celebrating Valentines day tomorrow at their preschool. They are especially excited. They have so many little buddies. Of corse, in my typical fashion, I spent all day preparing cards and treats for tomorrow's festivities. The treats I made are goodies I've made before for special events and I had to share. You will love them too!

Diviniy Popcorn

1 package of white candy coating

2 bags microwave popcorn

-Pop popcorn and pour into a large bowl, melt candy coating and pour over popcorn, stir and enjoy! (*note: I tripled the recipe here to feed 2 classrooms of preschoolers)

Truffels for the Teachers

3/4 cup heavy whippingcream

1 package chocolate chips

2 tsp vanilla (or any flavoring extract)

Nuts, sprinkles, powered sugar to roll truffels in

-In a saucepan, heat the whipping cream to boiling. Turn heat down and slowly add the chips and stir until completly melted. Add the vanilla/flavoring and stir. Slowly pour into an ungreased 9x13 pan and stick in the freezer for a few hours. Pull out when solid and scoop out mixture and form into a ball. Then roll in whatever you want. So yummy. Melts in your mouth!

Handmade Valentines

I pulled out my trusty sucker molds and went to town. I made little flower pots out of card stock and put sayings on the card like "We are buds" or "Our friendship is growing". Then I stuck the sucker in the back of the card. Cute if I say so myself-ha! Jonas is really enjoying writing his name. He writes it all the time. Since he wanted to sign his name to the cards, I had to make dots for him (so he would write smaller) but he did a great job. My baby is growing up.

So I hope you enjoy the rest of your week and are getting ready for the big LOVE day. Maybe you will try one of the treats above. You won't be disapointed!

Being a follower for once in my life

2009-02-09T18:29:00.000-08:00

Being addicted to Facebook, I felt the need to do this silly little survey thingie that everyone else is doing. I swear peer presure is a .......

1. I use to be a HUGE WWE Wrestling fan. Laugh if you will, but I was glued to the TV every Monday for Monday Night Nitro and even met Chris Jericho in person. (Got his autograph on an AppleBee's napkin)

2. I have had my ears, nose and navel peirced

3. Everytime I pull up next to someone at a stop light, I feel like they want to drag race and I ALWAYS have to be the first off the line. I'm sure this is from my Trans-Am days, although I still race in my mini-van.

4. I'm not yet 30, but I enjoy sewing and knitting. I love to sew projects and costumes and knitting is my newest hobby.

5. I am completely OBSESSED w/halloween. I love fall and the joy that halloween brings with candy, costumes, decorations and fun.

6. Though Mama told me not to, I love to talk to strangers. Some of the best conversations I've had is with strangers on airplanes. (I want to add to this that I seem to have a pretty good sense of character. I trust my instincts and talk to those that seem interesting)

7. I can not stop reading. I read something every night and frequent the library at least two times a week. My reading has been passed on to the boys which I'm delighted about.

8. I haven't ate red meat since I was 12 years old. I can't even remember what steak taste like and I don't care to know.

9. I LOVE football, baseball and playing pool. Not good at either three, but still makes me smile!

10. When I'm nervous or anxious I have a habit of picking my cuticles and hang nails. Sometimes to the point of bloody fingers.

11. I use to have really long hair (waist lenght) but love my short hair much better and will never grow my hair out every again.

12. I lived with a 1960's washer and dryer for 10 years and recently bought a frontloader and I'm in love with laundry now. Miracles can happen!

13. I was adopted and believe that I choose and was suppose to be raised by my parents, but often wonder about my birth parents. Being adopted also makes my polotical view pro-life and it sickens me that the president that I voted for just signed a pro-choice act.

14. Music is my life. Not only do I play music and received a full ride scholarship for classical piano, but music brings me so much. It can bring memories, moods and moments to view in the opening chords of a song.

15. I have a thing about entertaining. I like to have parties with good food, good laughs and to be surrounded by good people.

16. I am facinated by dreams. I believe dreams have meaning and are somehow connected to our thoughts and brain and I wish so badly I could figure some of them out.

17. I drink nothing but water.

18. My goal is to do a tri athlon sometime in the next 5 years. I run and bike, so I just gotta work on the swimming. Good thing we just bought a house with an inground pool. Bring on summer!

19. Moving away from my hometown and family at 19, I made friends that became my family. This taught me about the value of friendship and friends are very important to me. Through miles and time, I value them more than they know even though I try hard to let them know how much they mean to me. Friends are forever.

20. I am surrounded by boys..but I love my boys with every cell in my body and with every beat that my heart makes.

21. I have a housefull of the latest techology and own the newest and coolest tech "toys" but I use a tracphone cell phone that I buy minutes for that was called "ancient" by a teenager. I do have cell phone envy, but reality hits when I look at plans that are over $100 a month when I spend about that much a year.

22. I CAN NOT stand when people are fake. I get disgusted when I know someone does a certain thing or acts a certain way, but given another situation infront of other people and they act a different way. It also pisses me off to have people try to imulate the people around them. It makes me angry. Just be yourself if you know who that person is....jez'!

23. A few things that I can't live without are sweaters, rocketdog shoes, coconut and lime body butter and eye liner.

24. I have been journaling since I was 9 years old. Its nostalgic to read back through old journals and to time travel to those periods in my life. I even have an entry of when I was in Toronto at age 12 when I met my now husband.

25. I know without a doubt that I can do and be anything that I put my mind to. I'm a believer and a dreamer and optimistic about life and my future on this earth that I love.

(25.a. I can not spell and bow down to whoever invented spell check, but for some reason I am unable to find the spell check for this random randomness so please excuse any misspelled word and chalk it up to two preschooler boys frying my brain cells with cars and monster trucks)

Vday is coming

2009-02-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

The day to celebrate love is less than a week away

Check here (http://www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/printables.htm) for some great ideas for the little ones. We are busy making and personalizing our 20 valentines for the boys preschool buddies and enjoying the spring like weather. Hope it sticks around. Its been great to play outside all weekend long.

What works for me Wednesday!

2009-02-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

This is an old school recipe, but one of the favorites in my household. Its easy to whip up and such a great snack! I love, love, love it and hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Ingredients
1 bag/box 16 oz.Oyster crackers

1/4 cupVegetable Oil

1 packet/1 oz.Hidden Valley® The Original Ranch® seasoning & salad dressing mix

Preparation
Prep Time: 10 min.Bake Time: 20 min.Place crackers in a gallon size Glad-Lock® Zipper™ storage bag. Pour oil over crackers; seal bag and toss to coat. Add seasoning & salad dressing mix; seal bag and toss again until coated. Bake on ungreased baking sheet at 250°F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

You gotta be kidding me....

2009-02-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

Come on Woody......
6 more weeks of this white, cold crap?
Jez'!

Link to article: http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090203/NEWS01/902030303&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Update on Mom: She is recovering well and is expected to go home in the next couple days. Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes!

Mother Dearest

2009-01-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

As children, we can't comprehend or fully realize the meaning of a mother's love. How wise she is, how much patience she has, or how much guidance she gives us by her example and by her helpful caring ways. Years go by before we know and understand the depth of her concern and the love in her protectiveness. But as we mature we do finally understand and we can look back and see through older eyes and wiser hearts her unconditional love, devotion, and family loyalty. It's these and many other things that make us realize how lucky we have been and how lucky we are to have this amazing woman - mother, grandmother - as the centered root of strength and love in our life. Tomorrow as my mother under goes triple bypass surgery, I will be reminded of what an amazing person she is and how lucky I am to have her raise me to be the person I am today. I love you Mom.

Today, I looked in the mirror;

Curious as to what I would see.

I expected to see my reflection

Staring back at me.

But as I looked, I saw something more

In the face that was there.

I saw the reflection of my mother;

A woman filled with care.

Each year is another year closer

To looking like my Mother.

I see her in my reflection,

In one way or another.

I may not look like her

But, I reflect her heart so well.

For, it's full of love and kindness;

God's goodness in a nutshell.

Another year closer to looking like mom,

That only makes me glad.

For, I love my beautiful Mother.

She's the best reflection I've ever had

Randomness

2009-01-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

I realized I don't put enough of "me" stuff on here. I put a lot of stuff I like, enjoy and crafts I do.....but do you know me?

Here are some random facts about me.

-I have two middle names (Christine-Marie)
-I have had my ears, nose and navel pierced
-I LOVE old muscle cars (dream car is a 69 Camero)

-I'm so cold all the time, seriously....even in summer I get cold and have to wear a sweater
-I love to sleep, I still try to get my boys to nap so I can nap with them
-I'm currently obsessed with learning how to knit

-I have a goal to do a tri-athlon
-I will be 29 on my birthday this year (ahhhH!!!!!)
-and being 29....does that make me too old to love One Tree Hill and Twilight?
-and Twilight.....I so have a huge crush on Edward!!!
-My Ipod touch is full of classic rock tunes.

-My favorite color is red
-One thing I do every morning is put eyeliner on- no matter what!
-Oh and lotion....totally obsessed with lotion
-I feel that I have a lot of friends, but only very few that truly know me
-I hate confrontation, but will blow my top if pissed off enough
-I wish I could tell my cheap side to take a hike and go ahead and buy that Boden jacket I want
-I get excited when I go to the thrift shop and find a deal.
-I love thrift shops!!!! and yard sales and Goodwill's...Oh MY!

-You all know I love to garden, but I also really enjoy the getting dirty and sweaty part, it makes me feel like I'm actually doing hard work
-I really like feeling like I'm doing my part to save the earth I live on and love
-I love noting more than to laugh
-I get distracted VERY easy. Maybe I have some sort of disorder (something called 2 preschool boys)

Ok- thats enough for now....and also because again, I'm distracted! Fringe is on and gotta watch my Fringe.

Feed it to the birds

2009-01-26T17:48:00.000-08:00

I love my fury and feathered friends. I think of them often, especially since we have had below zero temps in my neck of the woods. I worry about them and get concerned that they can't find food or shelter. Since I can't invite them all into my warm house, I feed them. I've posted before about birdseed ornaments and since the animals loved them, the boys and I make them weekly. I have still kept up with my composting, but instead of throwing my compost in a bin, I put them in a big bowl on my porch. We have all our bird feeders hung and filled. Most of all, the excitement the boys and I get from seeing the birds come or catching a rabbit munching on old lettuce is priceless. SO....I was very excited to find a post on one of my favorite blogs about fun ways to feed our birds. I have some cranberries in the fridge that would be perfect for this suet. Can't wait to try it out tomorrow with the boys. Check out this site for some other pretty easy ways you can help keep our animals fed this winter.

http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/

Cranberry Suet

1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup real cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 teaspoon sand
1 cup lard (or ground suet)
Mix first five ingredients in large bowl. Melt lard in a double boiler. When in liquid form, pour over dry ingredients and mix well. Spoon mixture onto piece of waxed paper and let dry.

Haiku Friday

2009-01-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

"Courage does not always roar, sometimes it the quiet voice whispering go ahead and try"

This week has brought some surprising thoughts of change. Some that I'm not quite ready to share with the world.....but soon!

A few sleepless nights
thoughts swarming my head like gnats
Courage is needed

What works for me Wednesday!

2009-01-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

Finally!

History

2009-01-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

What a day to remember and to be apart of (thanks CNN!).

Better than......

2009-01-19T18:22:00.000-08:00

Well....these cookies are just about better than anything! I would have pictures but the cookies didn't last long enough. They really are that good! I will never make plain jane chocolate chip cookies again. I bet you don't either.

2 Pkg. Bakers Semi-sweetg Baking Chocolate

3/4 Cup Firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 stick of butter (slighly softened

2 eggs

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 Cup flour (3/4 Cups if not adding the nuts)

1/4 tsp. Baking Powder

2 Cups Walnuts (optional and you know I didn't add them)

Preheat over to 350, Coarsely chop 8 squares (1 pkg.) of the Bakers chocolate an set aside. Microwave remaining 8 squares (other pkg.) in a large microwave bowl on high for 2 minutes~stiring after 1 minute. Stir until completely melted. THen add sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla. Stir until blended. Then add flour and baking powder, mix well (note: I did all the mixing with a wooden spoon- no need to break out the heavy mixer at all- another reason I love this recipe). Then add the chopped chocolate (and walnuts). **Note: If not adding the walnuts, up the flour to 3/4 cup

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet. The dough will be very wet, but don't worry.

Bake for 12/13 minutes or untl the cookies are puffed and shiny. Cool for a minute on the sheet then move the cookies to wire racks. Again, the cookies will seem gooey and not done, but they will set up. Cool completely and enjoy the best cookie to ever touch your mouth!!!!

Baby its cold outside....

2009-01-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

Howell, Livingston County Airport

Lat: 42.63 Lon: -83.98 Elev: 961

Last Update on Jan 16, 9:56 am EST
Fair

-8°F(-22°C)
Wind Chill: -21°F (-29°C)

Humidity: 84 %
Wind Speed: SW 6 MPH
Barometer: 30.52"
Dewpoint: -11°F (-24°C)
Visibility: 10.00 mi

So cold that most schools in MI are closed today.

So long for the weekend as I tend to my igloo of ice and my little eskimos

**Sidenote: I'm getting the heck outta here and heading to NC as soon as my fingers and toes thaw!

What Works for me Wednesday!

2009-01-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

All about me

Check this out.... http://www.polyvore.com/

Find me on Polyvore

Sickness comforts

2009-01-13T18:12:00.001-08:00

Isn't it an odd thing that when you are sick, you crave certain things. A certain kind of kleenex, certain medication, certain juices, etc. Well, I'm sick. The good ole' common cold times 50. My head feels like a bowling ball on a match stick and when I'm laying down my stomach aches from all the coughing I do. Ugh! So since I'm sick, I require my "comforts"...

Down comforter

Hot tea w/lemon and honey

Popsicles (I know its crazy to want popsicles when its 20 below outside..but I can't help it!)

Chicken Egg Noodle soup

Homemade bread (toasted)

Warm fire

My glasses and fleece jammies all day long!(hey- keepin it real folks)

SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Recap of the holidays

2009-01-12T18:54:00.000-08:00

Just a few pics to recap our holidays!

Homemade Kids tree

and lastly......I'm so sick of snow!!!

Blog worthy

2009-01-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

The sky is falling! Yes, I feel a like an overly dramatic Chicken Little. And I wish it were true considering recent congressional legislation is about to crush the life out of the handmade clothing and toy industry. I'm talking about H.R. 4040, the Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) signed into law August 14, 2008, and the ramifications it will have when it goes into effect February 10, 2009 (now being popularly referred to as National Bankruptcy Day). Make no mistake. CPSIA was necessary in principle and has noble intentions, keeping our children safe and holding companies accountable for importing toxic toys. We all demand safety for our children and this is the intent of CPSIA; specifically to ensure safe levels of lead and phthalates in all products manufactured for children under the age of 12. Unfortunately this legislation lacks common sense, is ambiguous and fails to take into account the handmade industry.What you see is not what you get with CPSIA. There is no distinction between big, small, or even micro one-person businesses. Whether it's a large-scale manufacturer importing apparel to be sold in big box stores, or a work-at-home mom (WAHM) selling customs on ebay, the legislation applies the same to all. Unit testing will be required on finished products, regardless if the components are natural materials or if you have documentation from a vendor stating that buttons, for example, are certified lead-free. As it stands, H.R. 4040 fails to recognize that textile products are inherently lead-free. Why then is an organic cotton shirt being tested for lead exactly? Unit testing is extremely cost prohibitive to small business, but worse, it is unnecessary. In fact, it is completely redundant if the components that comprise the whole have already been tested and due diligence can prove they meet the guidelines. To put a real dollar amount to testing one of my products, I solicited a lab quote. I was told it was $75 to test for lead per garment component and each substrate. Coated or painted items such as buttons are $100. So my Little Red Riding Hood Shirt, a 100% cotton knit shirt with an appliqué made from 7 cotton fabrics and 2 buttons eyes would cost $625 to test for lead. Flammability testing is also required and is either $50 for a certificate per component stating it meets weight code or $100 for actual testing. So add another $400-$800 for a grand total of $1,025-$1425. in testing costs for a shirt that retails for $40. If the shirt is offered in another colorway, the same testing is required despite the fact that the same fabrics are used throughout. Small manufacturers have no way of absorbing the price of such redundancy. And all manufacturers will be required to test a finished component/item from each batch. Easy to do in mass production—simply pull one sample from a lot of thousands. But how does one comply when your "batches" are made-to-order batches of one? SKUs will also be required for each product with a permanent label on the item itself.CPSIA will be retroactive and takes a guilty-until- proven-innocent approach with extremely hefty fines for violators. As written, any product used by children 12 and under (such as toys, footwear, carpets, clothing, bedding, luggage, lamps, toys, books, magazines, baseball cards, consumer electronics, school supplies, office supplies, jewelry, housewares, sports equipment and so on) without the newly required certification would be deemed hazardous, whether the item poses an actual threat or not. So on February 10, 2009, any unsold merchandise (in big box stores, the corner boutique, your fabric stash, Good Will donations, etc.) will be deemed "hazardous goods" and illegal to sell unless 3rd party testing proves otherwise. By the way, there are only 14 said labs currently in the United States.Think you won't be affected? I hope not, but the sad truth is that hundreds of thousands (if not millions) will be. Do you make children's clothing, toys, jewelry, hair bows, accessories, furniture, artwork or anything else "intended for use by children age 12 and under"? Are you a retailer of children's goods? Do you resell used children's clothing or toys on ebay? Do you participate or shop at craft fairs? Do you donate used children's items to needy organizations? Do you belong to a church that has rummage sales as a fundraiser? Does your child play sports and get their uniforms from a local screen print shop? Are you a consumer shopping for alternatives to mass-produced toys? If so, this law takes away that freedom.Surely this legislation can be amended by incorporating some common sense and still make it possible to ensure our children's safety without further hurting the US economy. According to the 2002 Economic Census (the last survey of its type), small U.S. clothing manufacturers (with fewer than 20 employees) contribute over $900 million dollars [consider: nearly $1 billion dollars] annually to the economy and comprise 68% of total apparel manufacturing in the U.S. This is clearly a vital and contributing asset to our economy. Multiply this fallout exponentially when you take into account the myriad other manufacturers, retailers and businesses that will be hurt or ultimately driven out of business.So, why should you support amending this legislation? Because the CPSIA isn't fair and will not function as written. It inadvertently punishes American industries unrelated to toys and will ultimately result in fewer alternatives to mass produced merchandise made in China. The concept that small producers should be subject to the same rigorous standards but with lesser regulation (and common sense) has already been fought for and sustained in the food industry, which is why your local farmers market still exists. Now this same idea needs to be applied to children's products. (The Sky is Falling - CPSIA Issue December 17th, 2008 Article by: Heather FlottmanOwner/Designerliliputians NYC)

What can we do?

1) Email or call the CPSIA - the office of the CPSC ombudsman 888-531-9070.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/newleg.aspx Comments on Component Parts Testing accepted through January 30, 2009.mailto:Sec102Compon entPartsTesting@ ....

2) Email or snail mail your representatives.http://capwiz.%20com/americanappa%20rel/issues/%20alert/?alertid=

3) Call your representatives. For their contact information just enter your zip code.http://capwiz.%20com/americanappa%20rel/dbq/official%20s/

4) Make your voice heard by voting on this issue. The top 3 in each category will be presented to President-elect Obama.http://www.change.%20org/ideas/%20view/save_%20handmade_%20toys_from_%20the_cpsia

5) Sign the petition.http://www.ipetitio%20ns.com/petition/%20economicimpactso%20fCPSIA/index.%20html

6) Spread the word! Write about this on your blog. Tell others about this issue and encourage them to do the same.

7) Join others in fighting this cause.Facebook groupTwitter searchhttp://cpsia-%20central.ning.%20com/notes/%20Notes_Home

8) Join the etsy community in the virtual chat with CPSIA Small Business Ombudsmen

9) Send a handmade children's item that will become "hazardous goods" as of 2/9/09 to Bobby Rush, founder of H.R. 4040.http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/handmade-childrens-items-unintended-conseque nces-consumer- pr-3056/Etsy Thread

What Works for me Wednesday!

2009-01-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

Goodbye 1980's old and nasty wallpaper and tile

Hello Behr Mississippi Mud Paint

(completed project pictures to come....

you don't want to see what the mess looks like now

Trust me)

Grin & Bear it days

2009-01-06T19:40:00.000-08:00

I swear I'm not turning into one of THOSE bloggers that only blogs once or twice a month. In my defense, things around my new home-sweet-home is a little topsy turvey. Lots of stress, two boys, tons of projects and not enough time. Don't loose faith in me yet, friends. I have some interesting pictures and stories to post soon. Very soon.

Its just been a "Grin n Bear it" two weeks!

New Year, New Choices, New Mojo

2009-01-02T19:35:00.000-08:00

As I rang in the new year on my couch watching a very old Dick Clark count down to midnight, I was contemplating 2009 and what this new year has to bring me. I then turned my focus. I remember sitting at a motivation conference once where the speaker said "Choose your attitude". This made me realize that 2009 won't bring me anything, its what I will bring to 2009. What will I do this year to make me live lighter? Lighter in my step, lighter in my mind, lighter in my wallet. What will I accomplish to make my health goals, my "green" goals, my overall personal goals? What will I do to further my children and their passions and their education? The answers to these questions are endless and bursting with words of expression (hence too deep for this little ol' blog of mine), but I will make 2009 a fantastic year!

I'm addicted to quotes and on New Years day I go digging through all my quote books that I love and find a quote to stick on my mirror, my whiteboard, and my fridge that motivates me. I like to read words that touch my soul and seem to add fuel to my inner fire. So, to kick off this year full of ideas and promises, here is my mantra or as I like to say my "mojo".....

"Promise yourself today to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind, to make friends feel there is something in them. Look on the sunny side of everything and make your dreams come true. To think the best, to forget the mistakes of the past, and press on to greater things. To give so much time to improving yourself that you don't have time to criticize others. Be too large for worries, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, too happy to permit the presence of trouble. To think well of yourself and to proclaim this force to the world, not in loud words, but in great works." ~Christian D. Larson

My Absent Note

2008-12-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

A little bit of this..

caused this to melt

then a drop in temps later caused this

which in turn caused this

and this..

NO POWER for almost 2 days+COLD= Unhappy Tearz

Holiday Goodie post coming soon!

Joy to the world!

2008-12-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

Joy to the world

the Lord has come

let earth receive her King

Let every heart, prepare him room

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing

Merry Christmas! From my blog to yours~
May we all remember the reason for the season and let heaven and nature sing!