thirtysomething

2006-10-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Something to ponder!

Here is something to ponder! Are children better raised by parents or by someone else like a daycare provider?

Is a family happier when the roles as husband and wife are well defined?

Do you ask your spouse when they are bringing you something to bring something for a co-worker when they know them having this co-worker really bothers them?

I wasn't going to ask this one but it happen to me today so I thought I would put it in there.

Ok my answers are I think children are raised best by a parent however it does depend on the parent.

Second answer yes I think a family is happier when roles of men and women are defined

Third, don't ask your spouse to do anything for someone she doesn't like.
That anything your spouse has to do for this person tell them it is best if they don't do it when it is NOT required by work! Yes this full answer is necessary

Messed Up Childhood

2006-10-17T04:38:00.000-07:00

Mental Abuse!
Why would someone mentally abuse their own child? Or why would a parent let a step-parent mentally abuse them? These are good questions aren't they! Yet more and more this is happening all over the country!

I am very happy to be married to the same wonderful man for the past 13 years and we have 2 great kids which are fairly normal. I honestly brought this subject up because this happen to me most of my childhood. Well more as I turned into a teenager.

I will explain! When I was 12 I lost my sister in a car accident. I lived with my mother (boy that is another story in itself). When this happen I felt lost and alone. I felt this way because I was never allowed to grieve over her. I was given no attention and I felt abandoned by everyone. My mother, her husband and I had just moved back to the same town as my father and my sister because my mothers husband had changed jobs. I was so excited to be near my dad and my sister for the first time in 3 years. Other than that I really only saw them a week here and a week there.

Well, shortly after we moved my sister was killed in an accident. I was the one who saw the car. I was with my friends parents and they were driving me home. I saw her car being towed away just mangled. My friends parents stopped the car and I went and asked if the girl in the car was ok and explained she was my sister and they told me what hospital she was in. We went home and told my mom and we went to the hospital. She was in very bad shape and she was flown to a bigger hospital for surgery I think, no one would really tell me what was going on. I felt very lost and alone because my sister was my best friend, my only friend.

I say I was never allowed to grieve because everyone was so worried about my mother and I basically got tossed aside. Can you even imagine being so young and losing your only sister? I wish I hadn't she was such a wonderful person. She had her faults like most teenagers but she was a good person. She loved me no matter what. Unlike the rest of my family. Here I am 18 years later still grieving because I was never allowed to before. I say this because I was completely ignored by my mother, her husband, my grandparents and my dad left the area shortly after she was killed.

After she died the mental abuse really started in on me. My mother blamed me some how some way it was my fault she was killed. She and her husband were having some major problems and some how that was my fault or idlest that is what I was told over and over again. I have to tell you that the time I lived with them I was barely allowed out of my room. If I went into the living room to ask a question about my homework or anything for that matter I was told to go to my room I was bothering them. When the mental abuse got so bad I couldn't take it I talked to my grandfather about it and of course he didn't believe me because my mother could do no wrong to him. It got so bad I left one day! I just packed up some of my stuff and called my friend she came and got me and I left. I was 13 and didn't know where I was going or what I was doing but I left.

When I did go ahead and call a week later, I called my grandfather and I finally told him everything and that I would rather go to jail then to go back to live in that household. So my grandparents took me in and I lived with them for awhile. Honestly it was any better there because my mother filled their heads with nonsense about me. Somehow I was labeled a bad kid. My grandparents tried but when you have your daughter filling their heads full of lies about their granddaughter who is living with them it is hard to be nice to her. I know they tried but it was horrible. The straw that broke the camels back was when my grandfather took my cousin to LA to Disney Land and I was not invited to go and when I asked about it I was told well your not a good kid and we don't want you here and we don't want you to come with us.

I tried to get hold of my dad who offered me to come and visit. Well, that didn't go over well with my grandmother who was the one taking care of me at the time. Of course I was not allowed to go even though my dad did have visitation rights. Ok so I left there to I went outside one day. I was not wanted there I wasn't wanted anywhere!

When I was found, I of course really wasn't wanted there, so I called my dad and asked him if I could live with him. He said yes but I found out later in that year that he was going to say no because he was planning on moving in with his girlfriend. Please tell me how you could say no to your own child? Well he didn't say no and I went to live with him.

Ok I will write more tomorrow. This story gets really sad.

2006-03-31T11:53:00.000-08:00

Something to think about! I write this in red because it is something that just really upsets me. To those of you that do this, think twice! You are really only screwing yourself. What I am talking about is favortisim. Liking one child more than the other or a grandchild more than the other. I see it so much these days it just upsets me beyond anything. I just love the people that don't think they do it. My grandparents where like this with me, my sister and my cousin for years. It wasn't until I was much older that I ever said anything to them. When I did my Grandmother was shocked I felt this way but when I started pointing the stuff out to her she was like oh, we did oh my gosh. She and my grandfather of course extended a heart felt sorry. It never happened again but of course it doesn't make up for a childhood of thinking I wasn't good enough.

I guess what really upsets me is it still happens, I realize I can't change everyone but I see it so much. And like I said before it ruins families. I say that in the sense that some family members do tons of stuff for the children in the family. But the ones that do it are the ones that do it for all the other kids too. Then there are the ones that send a few bucks for a birthday and something for Christmas and think that is great. When you know good and well that the other children especially the ones that are close get a ton of gifts and attention. My all time favorite one is the ones that think they do for all the same. Give me a break! Lets say you have a family that some live close and others live far. You can't tell me that the family members that live close are treated much better than the ones that don't. It is all over the place and we see it with our own eyes. I was waiting for my husband at the airport one night and this lady and her husband were there with all of their luggage. They asked me a few questions and we began to talk. The woman told me she had paid for the son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren to come to Hawaii with them. I was like wow that was nice, and then she proceed to tell me that she had another son that lived on the west coast and they being from the midwest she said that because he lived so far she wasn't going to even offer he and his family to come. I then proceed to ask her why would she treat one of her children differently that the other. Her answer to this was, well he is his son from another marriage. My jaw almost dropped to the floor. I honestly at that point had to get up and get away from them because I almost lost it on a complete stranger. What goes through peoples minds?

The really bad part is they think we don't know? These are the people that wonder why they are never visited? And why after time they are forgotten? Well, I can tell you why? Because you show favortisim and people today don't want any part of it. If you want to be treated good then you need to treat others good too! I am not talking buying them the world but how about picking up a pen and writing to them, or pick up the phone and give them a call. Oh hey even better go and visit them.

Just my 2 cents!

13 years today!

2006-03-21T23:53:00.000-08:00

Today makes 13 years with my husband. Today 13 years ago we tied the knot. It has been a wonderful 13 years the things he has shown me and the places he has taken me are places I would have never dreamed about before him.

He is the best husband and father! Better than I could ever ask for. He is the most awesome man! I have to thank him for all these wonderful years and I look forward to many many more years to come.
Have a good one.

Zorro

2006-02-28T18:44:00.000-08:00

Everyone meet our newest family member Zorro! He is a 8 month old mix we got from our neighbor after we lost Blackie. He keeps our other dog Spike busy and they play all day long. I really believe Spike thinks he is her puppy. She bosses him around and it so funny to watch!
Well, hope you all have a good day!
Happy Fat Tuesday!

2006-02-28T18:19:00.000-08:00

What is a day off to a housewife?

That is such a good question! I can tell you that my days are filled with cooking, cleaning, laundry, errands, kids functions and whatever else my come up. I am trying to be super mom but I can honestly day that I am not super mom. I have health problems so not all the chores I think should get done each day actually get done. I do however work very hard on my home each day. Sometimes you may not actually see it but I do.

I honestly loving being a housewife and mother it is the best job I could ever have. But one thing I can tell you is that I am always at work. It is a job just like any other. I have a hard time saying ok, I am done for the night. I do my best to cook 3 meals a day for my family except tonight I think we are having pizzaLOL.

You know how some people are happy the weekend is here! Well to a home maker that just means that there will be more people to cook and clean up after because everyone will be home. It isn't a bad thing but I honestly think that people on the outside looking in don't realize it. Heck I see most men don't even realize it. My friends husband thinks she is suppose to do it all and then some. Wow does he need a reality check.

Yes so please tell me what is a day off to a homemaker? When I find one I will let ya know!

of course please tell me when the military gets a day off I don't think that exist either!

Happy Fat Tuesday!

A Blue Day!

2006-02-28T00:22:00.000-08:00

Today was a nice day here in beautiful Honolulu Hawaii. I started off my day by getting my kids to school and then returning home and walking my dogs. This is very enjoyable for me since I am just now able to walk them again. My health isn't so good and I haven't felt like doing much. I was doing pretty good today so I took them out for a walk. This is a good for of exercise for me and for them.

Also today, I did my housework for Monday and ran some errands. Just normal Monday stuff I guess. I was approached by a person at the Thrift Store and asked if I wanted the paid position they were offering. Not something that I mention too much on here but I am not able to work due to nerve damage and neuophathy in my fingers and toes. Yea very very bad thing! I finished with my Ba in Business last year and I won't even get to use it. Well, I guess this is how I look at it. These are the cards I have been given to play with, what am I going to do with them. I have to tell you that my husband has been wonderful with all of this. I know it bothers him and he really hasn't said much about it. I just feel terrible that I am always going to have to depend on him to take care of me. Gosh I hope he loves me that much? I think he does we have been married for going on 13 years and have 2 of the greatest kids ever!

Ok enough about me, it actually gets me down too just thinking about it. I just keep plugging along!
Have a good one.

Another Orange Day!

2006-02-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

Do you ever just have those days that nothing seems to work right. Today is mine, I should have known when I messed up cooking 2 different breakfast items. I gave up and got my family McDonald's instead. I am trying to cook different things for my family. So much for that today it just didn't happen!

Today we are going to head out for a bit! I have to admit I get cabin fever living on the island of Oahu so heading out is always good. I just feel like I need to see different things. I didn't think I would get cabin fever here but I have been here a year now and the cabin fever has kicked in! We could pack up and move tomorrow and it wouldn't bother me a bit!

I am thinking we are going to head downtown Honolulu and check things out and then go and eat at a new place there. Not sure what else we will do but getting out of house is sometimes a good thing.
Have a good one!

Who are you?

2006-02-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Are you proud of who you are? I have to admit that I am very proud of who I am. I am not enlisted in the military myself but I am a proud wife of a Seabee in the United States Navy.

I bring this up because it is who we are atleast for now. I have to say that it is a great life. We have been so many places and see so many things. The bad part is, that this life will come to an end in a few years. I have to say I am not really sure I am ready for it to end. I love who I am and the life we have. I love the moving and the changes. I am not found of deployments but it is a part of life in the military. But I am a strong woman because of them. I really feel there is nothing I can't do! I also feel that the time apart from my husband makes me remember why I love him so much. No No No this life isn't for everyone but it is for me.

Have a great one.

An Orange Day!

2006-02-23T00:34:00.000-08:00

I have been in an orange mood all day. Not even sure how to explain being in an orange mood but here it is. If you remember the M&M commerical and the lady is dressed is all the different colors singing and rhyming with each one. Well, nothing went with orange. I seriously think somedays nothing goes with me which is why I say I am in an orange mood.

I honestly didn't even get too much done today. We had a Girl Scout Awards Meeting. Which is basically where our GS get their awards they have earned. My little GS got a bunch of stuff but it does help that I am a leader. We honestly have parents that don't even show up to cheer their child on?

I have to honestly say other than that and a mountain of laundry all it did here in Hawaii is rain, rain and more rain.
Have a good one!

My loss

2006-02-11T03:24:00.000-08:00

Today I lost a furry family member. I alway say that my dogs are my furry children. Tonight we lost Blackie. She was a healthy puppy almost a year old. She was so wonderful! I loved her so much! She would sit at your feet or crawl up in your lap and just lay there with you.

She came into our lives Feb 27 2005. She was just a little one that was so cute! She was a black ball of fur! And she was so soft and so sweet! I still can't believe that she is gone! Oh how I am going to miss her! She was such a good baby. Not more than 2 seconds before she was getting petting and then boom just like a bomb she was gone.

Kids Today

2006-02-09T20:40:00.000-08:00

Do you really think you have to give your children everything?

I see these parents today that just seriously give their children everything they could ever want. I like to be able to give my children things they want but they have to work for it. Other things they get is because it is a Christmas present or a birthday present.

What I can't understand is the parents that allow their children to run around acting like little thugs and getting into trouble. The answer the parents give is well kids will be kids? I am sorry but if your child is acting like this then something must be done. The old kids will be kids thing doesn't work anymore!

Keep in mind that I was a teenager not too long ago and I know that bad situations make bad kids. But come on now not all of the things we see kids doing today is a result of being treated badly at home. It is however lack of parental guidance.

Parents please know where your children are and what they are doing!

2006-02-09T16:34:00.000-08:00

Looking back through my childhood I just sit there and think? I really don't think my mother did such a great job. Even when I was younger I can remember her yelling all the time. When she and my father divorced she got worse. Basically, one night my sister and I were told that we had to chose which parent we wanted to live with? That is a big decision when your 7 years old and don't really understand what is going on? I look at my children now at ages 8 and 9 and think I could never do that to them. I guess my life is different than my parents lives were.

First off, I stay home and care for my family and my mother worked and I was put in daycare. I guess part of my childhood she stayed with me but nothing that I can honestly remember. From talking with my dad she wasn't too great then either and as I got older she got worse. We lived with my grandparents for years until she remarried and we moved to Austin. I can honestly say that living in Austin was the best time in my life. I loved living there I loved life there and that was the best part of my childhood! I still remember every single part of my childhood living there.

Ok enough of my horrible childhood, I just sit here and think of how to make my childrens lives better and wonderful! I think we do a pretty good job. I don't think you have to buy kids everything to make them happy. I do think playing with them and taking them to the park and spending timd with them.

Ok enough ranting today.
Have a good day

Furry Babies

2006-02-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Here are my furry babies! Aren't they cuties? They sleep about 20 hours a day and the other 4 they are busy getting our attention. The full black one is Blackie and the merlie one is Spike. Just thought I would share them!

2006-02-09T16:25:00.000-08:00

Isn't this a view! The Navy sent us to Hawaii for 3 years. It is beautiful here! I just love the views! The picture is from my husband's fishing trip! Just thought I would share this beautiful site!

A learning Experience!

2006-02-08T00:22:00.000-08:00

When you look back through your childhood do you remember or were you the child that was always left out?

I can honestly say I was one of those children. I found this with my parents and my grandparents for that matter. With my parents when they were still married everything was about my sister. Let me explain, she was in pageant's and had to talent classes. She was also a cheerleader and played sports. Now keep in mind that she wasn't an angel. She made mistakes like all kids do but it really seemed like everything was about her. Every summer we were going to her events. Some I was even left with a babysitter for days on end so that my parents could take her. When she was at driving age she of course got a car. She didn't do any of this on purpose. She didn't realize this was happening too me. I think if she did she would have put a stop to it.

My sister and I were both treated like this from our grandparents on my mother side. We had a cousin that they thought walked on the moon. We would be given a gift for Christmas and his would be 100 times better and right in front of us. I lived with my grandparents as a teenager for a few short months and my grandfather took my cousin to Disneyland and I was left at home and wasn't even invited. Of course when he hit driving age they gave him a car.

The reason I feel this way because, I was never allowed to play sports, I wasn't allowed to even try out for cheerleader and I had to purchase my first car and every car after that. In High School when I hit legal working age, I had to work 40 hours a week at a fast food place and then clean houses on the weekends just to have clothes and to pay for my car. I realize life isn't fair never is? When I was 16 I lived with my mother again after being shuffled off everywhere and living with her was like living with a child. She had no clue everything was about her. If it wasn't about her then she wasn't interested. As a matter of fact my husband was the first person that ever made me feel important. I met him at a young age and he made me feel like a million dollars. I thank god everyday he brought him into my life. All of this I have written today he would tell is a good learning experience. After all, a lot of the same stuff that I am telling you about happen to him as well. I am sure it happens in every family. I will tell you that I know how not to treat my children. My children are treated equal! If one gets something then the other does too! Period!!!!! The lessons here is if your going to do for one then you better do for all because everyone knows and one day it will come back to get you .

Rants!

2006-01-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile been kind of busy.

It is early in the morning here in Hawaii and I had to get up to take my husband to the airport, yes he is off to another trip. This one will be a month long. I know it isn't as long as most of his trips but to me any time he is away from us no matter how long is a long time. I guess I just am ready for him to retire and be home with us all of the time.

I know that it isn't the end of the world but we all do much better when we are together as a family. Atleast in my opinion we do. I know we get on each others nerves I think that happens in every household at one point or another. I know there are times I am looking at him saying when do you leave again? I know I don't really mean it I know he knows I don't really mean it. I love that man more than anything! I hope he has a safe trip!
Thanks for listening to me rant!

Happy New Years

2005-12-29T00:14:00.000-08:00

2006 is almost here! This has been a long year for me! With my spouse gone for 7 months just made the year drag on. I can say that I am not any good without my family together. My husband he is the love of my life he takes good care of us. My kids are wonderful and even my dogs are wonderful. I am thankful I have such a great family. They give me the support I need to make it through the long years.

I am happy to say that with 2006 coming up that my in 2 shorts years my husband will retire from the military and we will move back to Texas! He will start a new career and we will close one book of our lives and start another. I am looking forward to starting another book with my family.

Happy New Years

Christmas Eve

2005-12-24T16:40:00.000-08:00

Well folks it is Christmas Eve yet again. I have to look back on the year and see all the things that have changed in my life. This time last year we had be driving all over the country to visit family before moving yet again. We were driving from Detriot to Pensacola, we had left in plenty of time to get there and have Christmas with our friends before leaving the next day. Of course it didn't work out that way. We left in plenty of time but the weather was not on our side. We left Detriot and made it to Dayton Ohio before the roads were impassable for the night. The next night we were stopping for the night and on the off ramp an 18 wheeler was stuck infront of us. We were in a 4x4 and with that, some salt a snow shovel and help from a few people we got through and made a path for others to follow. My husband's Aunt made us take the salt and shovel. Boy did we have to thank her later!

Christmas eve was spent in a hotel in Alabama. There was not one store open so my children had to open little gifts purchased at a gas station. Oh it was terrible! Christmas Day we finished driving to Pensacola where they opened up their real presents but still wasn't much because we were moving and anything we purchased we had to either mail or pack to take with us. We picked up our furry family member that was there with our friends and left the next day to Texas.

Yes last Christmas was a busy time for us. This Christmas is a lot different nice and quiet. I also have to add that I did go over board this year. Since last year wasn't much fun. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces.

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

Thinking back over the past 12 years I can't help but think of all the things I have seen. I got an email today from a very good friend of mine! She is one of my best friends ever and I look to her for advice all the time! The email was talking about being a military spouse and how most of the world doesn't understand what we go through!

This brings me back to things I have seen. I will not name names but about 5 years ago I was talking to a family member of my husbands on the phone and she was complaining of how her husband had to go and work out of state for a few weeks. I am sitting here listening thinking to myself, my husband has been in another country for months on end and we hadn't seen him at all. But me being who I am listened and was trying to be a good friend and the she tells me how hard it all is. I can remember I just snapped! I was like ok your preaching to the choir, and then she tells me just it is so hard having children and doing all of it on your own. I was just like, ok whatever! I learned years later set family member is only about herself and forget everyone else. She needed someone to complain too and I guess it was me this time.
I still to this day can't believe that she had the nerve to call me to complain about how hard life was because she was doing it all on her own for a few weeks. I wish! try months at a time with little to no break. I have to admit I kind of look at her differently because she didn't even realize what she was saying and who she was talking too. I just don't understand people sometimes.

I would like to add that I have been a military spouse for almost 13 years now and I can only remember a few times that my husband was home with us for any length of time. I can't wait for retirement when hopefully he will be home even more. Not for the help or the extra set of hands but just for him to be with his children!
Have a good one!

Parents

2005-11-29T22:11:00.000-08:00

I was driving my kids to school like I do every morning. There is a bus but I have no faith in the system, after the bus driver last year ran into the back of my neighbors car and then tried to blame it on her.

I am going threw my neighborhood and I come to the corner of the next street watching the children waiting for the bus. Now this may seem strange but why would you allow your child to wait at a bus stop alone? We live off a major highway I mean anyone could just drive through the neighborhood take which ever kid they wanted and be gone before anyone knew what the heck happen?

I saw atleast 12 kids at the bus stop without a parent in sight! Now these are young children and you never seem them outside playing without a parent, so why would it be ok to let them stand on the side of the road without a parent? They were playing in the street and one almost got hit by a car. Another child left his backpack on the side of the road and when the bus came forgot it there.

What is going on when parents aren't watching their children? Do they not care?

Today was just one time. This happens all the time here. Now you will not see my children outside without me and they will not be playing in the street if they are outside. But you can drive through and there are children as young as 3 outside playing with no parent or anyone watching them. The bad part is this happens everywhere and no one is having to be accountable for what these children are doing. One of the kids on my street age 9 was caught breaking into a house. His parent said well kids are going to get into trouble on well? I guess she will still be saying that when he is 15 and in jail being charged as an adult.
Sometime to ponder!
Have a good one!

Perfect!

2005-11-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday at my house is usually pretty quiet, yes quiet even with children and pets it is quiet. We had a nice day I think for the most part. We put our Christmas Tree, ate some lunch my husband needed to get a hair cut and then we took the kids to see a movie.

From all the rain we have been getting here we have been to the movies alot in the past weekend. Today made 3 movies! Yes it is a lot but they were all ones we wanted to see. Movies are a big entertainment for us in our house. We love going to the movies, renting movies even just watching whatever is on HBO, we love movies!

We watched Christmas With The Kranks last night after dinner. I think we all when we were younger wish we lived in that perfect family with the perfect house and the perfect parents. I know none of us did! But that is another story. In a few years when my husband retires from the military and we can stop moving around I hope to give my kids just some of the perfect life I never got!
Anyway I am going to get my stuff done so I can be ready to start Monday!
Have a good one!

Who do you look up too?

2005-11-25T22:27:00.000-08:00

Who do you look up too? That is a good question!

I was sitting here thinking about the people in my life I look up too. I mean really admire and respect. I have a top three of my husband, my grandfather and my dad. Also, up at the top is my mother-in-law and my good friend Becky.

I look up to my husband because he has done so much in his short time on this earth. He is wise and smart and takes really good care of us. He is also my best friend I cannot not imagin life without him in it. He has given me 2 wonderful children and a life most could only dream about. He also supports me in anything I want to do or try!

My grandfather was a wonderful man, he raised me for a lot of my life. I lived at his farm with my mother when I was a kid and then for a year as a teenager. I have wonderful fond memories of living at the farm and taking rides on the tractor. My grandfather would take me around to each tree near his house and tell me what kind of tree it was and how much we could expect to get from it that year. I loved growing up on his farm!

My dad is a wonderful man! I am just now really getting to know who he is, well I mean we are getting closer as I get older and understand some of the decisions he has made in his life. I lived with him for a few years as a teenager those weren't so great of years but I did learn alot of from him in that short time. He is a good man and a good grandpa to my kids!

While we are on the subject of this I can tell you my mother-in-law is so wonderful my husband is who he is today thanks to his mother! She taught him good work ethic and responsibility. She raised him and his sisters as best as she could and she is a wonderful wonderful person! She is also one of my best friends I can call her about anything and she will have an answer!

My good good friend Becky is also wonderful! She is the mother of 5 great kids! Yes 5! She is a great mother and a great friend. If you are in need she is there to help you and if you just need to talk she is also there! Her and her famliy are very wonderful!

Ok, well there are others but those are my top 5. This holiday season think about the people you look up too and perhaps tell them and make their year!

Have a good one!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

2005-11-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

It is Thanksgiving! This is my 12th Thanksgiving I have spent with my husband, yes that means we have been married 12 years. I am getting ready for visitors none of them family but I think friends are the family you pick up along the way so they might as well be.

I sit here and think about the holidays and I can honestly say that in my 12 years of marriage that not one of our family members has ever visited us on a holiday. I know that is sad too say, I guess we have never been deemed worthly or something I don't know? This is a big deal with me and I know I complain about it often but family is important to me and it makes me wonder if I am the only one in my family that thinks it is important? I am the only child living of my mother and my father has a new family. My husband mother has one of her children that live close and his father as well. I think we are the forgotten members? I just want to make sure my children know how important family is! Even if they aren't close to them as our famliy is to other members.

Well I have to get back to cooking I will have a house full in a little while.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Can you imagin?

2005-11-21T21:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, today was just one of those days. It started off ok but ended terrible! I got up got the kids out the door to school and did my workout. I then took my dogs outside didn't realize we were out for over an hour. I was behind on my other task for the day! I know it wasn't the dogs fault we were having fun and they are such cuties!

I got most of my outside the house errands done. I didn't find one thing I was searching for but that is ok. I met my husband for lunch because I was out during lunch since I was running late. We ate a nice lunch on the lanai and went to look for a few things before he headed back to work.

I picked up the children from school we started homework and I started a few household chores that needed to be done. I was in the kitchen sweeping up and I tripped over one of my dogs. Mind you my back is bad as it is. There are some days I don't feel like I can move and then others I am able to work threw the pain but none the less it is in bad shape. I tripped over the dog and ended up flat on my back and I couldnt' move. I couldn't get up I was stuck!

I called my son first and he was unable to help me move so I called my husband to see when I could expect him home. The good part was he was on his way and I didn't have to wait long. Thank goodness he got home and helped me to my chair. He is so good to me he took care of dinner and everything. I am still in pain but sitting at my computer chair is pretty comfortable for me so I am good for a bit.

I hope everyone elses day was better than mine.
Have a good one!

How to organize a laundry room!

2005-11-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

This is my task for today! I thought I would share what Martha Stewart online had to say about organizing a laundry room. For more great tips from Martha go to www. marthastewart.com.

Organizing the Laundry Room

Whether your laundry room is a tiny closet or a spacious basement, organization is key. These tips will help you make the most of the space you have.
Arrange products and supplies according to how you use them. Anything you regularly need should be within easy reach; place extras and incidentals on a high shelf or another out-of-the-way spot.
Decant detergents from large boxes and jugs into smaller containers or soap boxes; refill as needed.
Store small supplies in boxes or bins: Place stain-removal products in one, sewing materials in another, and sponges in a third. Have rags on hand for spills.
Sort whites, colors, delicates, and heavily-soiled items in bins or rolling carts.
If you don’t have room for a folding table, affix a fold-down shelf to the wall.
Keep a drying rack handy for drip-dry items.
Attach an ironing-board hanger to the wall so that the board and iron are secure and out of the way but easily accessible.
Install a rod in the laundry room on which to hang clothes as you iron; or install a hook over the top of a door to serve the same purpose.
Keep clothes hangers and mesh bags for delicates with your cleaning supplies or in a nearby cabinet.
Use free space in the laundry room to store gift wrap, ribbon, basic tools, and pet supplies.

I do have my work cut out for me!
Have a good one!

What are you thankful for?

2005-11-20T01:05:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is approaching fast this year. We are having guest in our home for dinner. There is never a dull moment in our casa. Between the dogs, our 2 kids and all the neighbor kids we have a house full.

I can't help but sit here and share all the things I am thankful for this year. I have to start off by telling you that I am thankful my husband is home safe from Iraq. I am thankful we have wonderful healthy children. I am also thankful our extended family in Texas, Michigan, and many other states are happy and healthy. I have to admit this has been a trying year for me.
Hurricane Ivan hit Pensacola which turned everything there up-side-down for months. We travelled during Christmas because we were moving and needed to visit family before we did so. We spent Christmas Eve in a hotel in Alabama and my kids opened presents purchased at a gas station because that was all that was open and all the other presents we purchased them were in Pensacola.

We moved shortly after the first of the year to Hawaii and right as we moved here my husband deployed to Iraq. We were still living out of boxes when my husband left and when he came home he didn't know where anything was. It was a sight for him to find his coffee cup.

Yes I am thankful for my family being together this Thanksgiving!
Have a good one.

Are you a Surf Junky? Do you want to be?

2005-11-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

I have been a member of Surf Junky for a year now! I must say I love this program! They surf for me and they pay me to do so. Here is the link check it out?

< http://www.surfjunky.com/?r=elizabethmoscow>

Sorry for the long period!!!!

2005-11-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long pause in my blog! I was able to go on a date with my husband last night. Yes a real date no kids!!!! We went to dinner and then too the book store. My family loves the book store even the kids! My husband pointed out too me 2 teenagers that were talking and he told me what he over heard. I found it pretty scary!!!! One teen said to another, "omg your not buying a book"! "Dude I will have to hurt you if you do", the teen said. My husband told me this later and all he could say is that is why you'll be working for my son one day.

What are kids today thinking? What is wrong with purchasing a book? Nothing they might even learn something. I just think that is it sad what goes on when no parents are around. Honestly you hope and you pray you have brought them up right and they don't conduct themselves the way these 2 teens did.

One thing I can say about living in the area we do, people don't watch their kids the way they should. I have lived in this area almost a year and I have seen things that are just sad. People leave their children in hot cars unsupervised. They let them run wild in stores! They play in busy streets with no adult in sight! My neighborhood is right by a main road that just anyone could drive onto our street snatch up a child and be gone before their parents even knew they were gone.

Just some food for thought!
Have a good one!

What I love most!

2005-10-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

What I enjoy most!
As I sit and watch my kids get themselves ready for school I have to really think what I enjoy most? I love being a mom. I am not a perfect parent and I have never claim to be. But I love watching my children grow and learn new things. There is nothing in the world like the bright little eyes looking up at you when they have figured out a problem, a new word or anything at all. I have to admit I am so proud of my kids. For as much as we move they are very well adjusted! From what I have seen in their classmates this is rare. There are so many kids in my daughters class at school that are on some kind of medication or being seen for misbehavior. My daughter and one or two other kids are the only ones that aren't.

My sons class is the same. I help out in there for a few hours a week. I am just glad my child doesn't act like the ones in his class. I even asked his teacher if this was a show for me. She said, "no", this is how he always is. Ok, that was a load off my shoulders. I always wonder if they are good when I am not around?

I learned the answer to this question over the weekend when my friend took my kids for the weekend. I learned that they are good kids in general. Not only did they help out at my friends house cleaning up messes they didn't even make. They also helped out with the dishes and tiding up the living area. I am so proud of them.

Have a good one!

Aww Yes It is Tuesday again!

2005-10-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

Yes it is Tuesday again! When you have a Monday off Tuesday seems just as bad as the Monday. I have to admit my day today so far has been pretty good. I got some of my cleaning done, my mother in law is coming for a visit, so I must clean! I think it is the whole Mother-in-law theory. She is one of the most awesome people ever!!!!! I can't wait until she comes! She introduced me to her son whom I married 9 months later, so I guess she likes me too. We have been married almost 13 years so I guess she knows what she is talking about. Of course does it help that my husband is really an awesome man! Of course she raised him! He takes such good care of us! He is the best dad ever! My kids think he hung the moon! Ok so do I!

Ok, I have to help the kids get their homework done.

Have a good one!

He Finally Is Home!

2005-10-10T03:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, as silly as it sounds, I almost feel like a kid at Christmas. My hunny made it back from Iraq! I am glad he is home with us even if it is just for a bit.

I am sorry I haven't been updating my blog I have been busy spending time with him! This past weekend our kids went to my friends for the weekend! Yes the entire weekend! We went to the movies and out to dinner. All of the things we would either have to pay a babysitter for or take them with us ( which isn't a bad thing) but we got to see a movie that wasn't kid friendly! They had fun with their Aunt Tami. She is my best friend and almost like my sister all in one. We aren't really family but she is my kids Auntie.

I will update more later! Hope everyone has a good holiday!

My weekend!!!!

2005-09-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

HOk well it has been a crazy weekend here! I baby sat for 2 of my friends so they could go to a formal function. Yes that means I had 6 including my 2 kids over night. I took them to the movies and then to McDonalds to eat dinner. We got home about 9 pm they put on their pjs and were up until about midnight. Someone how the first one was up at 7 am. Needless to say I got no sleep last night.

My husband still isn't home! Not real sure when we can expect him!

Ok all visit my adsense under the video your enjoying!!!! Help my kids threw college!!!!! All money made threw ad sense goes to my kids college fund!

Have a good day!

2005-09-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Waiting is the worst part about my husband returning home. He is in Kuwait right now and I got an email from him and he told me he may not know until he gets to LAX which flight he will be on when he returns home. Ok this is enough to make any wife nuts!!!!!

Today I finished up recovering the dining chairs, and tidey a bit around the house. Tomorrow I have to take the recycling in and help out in my sons class room.

Wednesday the truck goes in for a bath. I arranged it with the dealer to have it done when I purchased it for him.

That means I am pretty much ready for him to come home. The funny part is I make such a big deal about all of this and he really doesn't care. He just wants to sit in his chair with his kids and watch a movie.

Have a good one!

He made it to Kuwait! Let the fun begin!

2005-09-11T00:16:00.000-07:00

I just got an email from my honey and he has made it to Kuwait. This is a big step on the road to home here in Honolulu. It will take him awhile to actually make it home. Now the waiting begins this in itself my just drive my honey nuts. He likes to always have a plan no matter how bad a plan it may be.

Today I took the kids and my neighbors kid to see a movie and when I came home I babysat 2 other kids so their parents could go out for a bit. I love kids to much I don't mind having all of them the good part is I can give them back to their parents at the end of the night.
Well I am off to bed.
Have a good one!

2005-09-10T02:43:00.000-07:00

It is Friday here in Honolulu and it was such a nice day! Temperature hit about 92 today! Today I finished up a few projects! I am just trying to tie up loose ends before my honey returns home. I have been recovering my dining chairs. I love my dining set cherry wood super nice, but I have had it awhile so the fabric on the chairs have seen their better days so it was time to change. I also have been mending items for my friend. I have remade one of her daughters baby blankets and I have 1 more to remake. I also have a bag of stuff to mend for her. I am also refinishing 2 of her dining chairs that had seen their better days. I fixed 3 silver pcs for my other friend and polished and ready to return tomorrow.

My weekend will consist of yard work, cleaning and grocery shopping. I know sounds fun right! I hope you all have a good weekend.
Have a good one!

On his way!

2005-09-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

My honey left Iraq! Yes that means he is on his way home!!!!! This to me is like the best thing ever! He has been gone now for over 6 months and by the time he gets home it will be 7 months! For some reason this seems like the longest deployment ever and trust me we have had longer ones. I am so excited! I just can't wait. I know being too excited will make the next few weeks go even longer!

The really good part is he should be home with us by his birthday! Of course our daughter has already wanted to start baking for her daddy! She insisted we purchase the stuff last month to make him a home made cake! His favorite! My son has been helping out like crazy! They are both so ready for their daddy to come home!

The furry babies know something is going on but can't place what it is? They are acting funny and being really good for some reason?

Well I need to get dinner made so the kids can go to karate!
Have a good one!

My Song!

2005-09-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

Well pretty much anyone that knows me knows I love country music. Music to me calms me down and tells what I want to tell without me saying a word. Turn your speakers on and listen to Brad for a bit. This song is something my husband and I need to do with this new truck when he gets home. 17 days and counting!!!!!! Hurry Home Honey.

Friday

2005-09-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

It is Friday Yeah! As my children would say as we are leaving school. Tonight we are making Welcome Home Signs for daddy! This is a big deal in our house! Daddy is in Iraq for the second time and he will be returning home soon. I am so proud of him! He has been in the Navy a long time and has succeed in every job he has ever done for them. He is the smarest person I know! And even more important he will be returning home soon!

Have a good one!

Let me see!

2005-09-02T00:57:00.000-07:00

I am trying a new haircolor right now as I write my post for today. It is a bit different, nothing too funky just a change with some highlights. I do my own hair I pretty much always have unless we are visiting my mother-n-law who is the only other person I trust with my hair. I would tell what I am doing but it is a bit of a surprize for my husband and he sometimes reads my blog.

Today was a good day. I only got sick once from my nerves! Yes I am so nervous keeping food down is hard!

Well it is time to rinse my hair I will let everyone know tomorrow how it turned out.
Have a good day!

Yet Another Wednesday

2005-08-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well with about 23 days give or take a few my husband will return home to us from Iraq. I can say that I am almost nervous! I am not sure why? We have been married a long time he is my perfect match! He is the love of my life! I just get nervous! I guess that is a good thing! I get nervous because well, we had just moved here to Hawaii when he deployed. I am wondering if he remembers what our house here looks like? I guess once he gets here I won't be as nervous! But for now I am all elbows!

Today I purchased more frames for family pictures (something I have been meaning to do for awhile). I have them ready to go up in the hallway within the next few hours. I feel like I have been cleaning for a month but I know it hasn't been that long. Yesterday I took my trusty old cleaning tooth brush and my cleaner and got every inch of my kitchen cleaned! I mean eat off the floor clean. Now mind you I have animals so eating off the floor isn't a good idea but it is that clean.

Well, I guess I will catch you up later on how I am doing with all of this. I hope everyone has a good week!

Soon!!!!!!!!!

2005-08-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hello from Hawaii!
The deep cleaning has begun! My husband is due home in less than a month from Iraq! Today I cleaned out the frig and freezer, moved all the furniture out and cleaned under it cleaned out my pantry and made an inventory so I know what I need to purchase, and finished up my room! Of course I realized I will have to reclean some things but the major stuff has to get done. I recurited my neighbors children dauther and son to help me move furniture for me and to do the things I just hate doing and that my children are too little to do still. Thank goodness for teenagers they work cheap!

I am getting really excited! I have talked to my husbands mom and one of his sisters to let them know when we should expect him home. I tried to talk to the other sister on messanger today and was completely blown off. I am like fine then you don't need to know when he is coming home!

Well this has been my weekend! Clean Clean Clean! Yeah I know sounds like fun right!
Have a good one!

Honey is coming home Let the Nesting begin!!!!!

2005-08-28T02:29:00.000-07:00

To anyone other than me who cares my husband is returning from Iraq soon! Yeah!!!!! He has been gone for 6 months shortly after he moved us here to Hawaii. He is coming home hopefully with about 3 to 4 weeks and I am starting to get really excited! I have been nesting, getting ready for him to return. He was in this house with us for such a short time I wonder if he will remember what it looks like. I have changed a few things in our home since he has been gone. I got a big screen tv, him a new recliner and him a new truck. Oh and I sold his truck we left on the mainland. I think that about covers it.

I have also been working on weight loss while he has been gone and trying to get myself healthy. Not sure I have done great at this but I am really trying so I guess that is what counts.

I can honestly say I am a bit nervous. What if he doesn't like the things I have purchased for him? What if he doesn't like the friends I have made here? There are alot of what if's I guess? I don't know I guess it all comes with being apart for a long time. I just hope he is happy with the changes I have made.

I have been putting the finishing touches on the house. I have rearranged it so much I don't remember how I had it when he left. The house we live in here is older and kind of a funny shape so getting anything to fit in it is hard. I think I want so much for things to be perfect and we don't live in a perfect world therefore it won't be.

Wish me luck in my nesting I have a lot to finish up!
Have a good one

2005-08-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have one of those days you just think nothing can go your way? Gosh did I have one of those today. Honestly didn't seem like anything went right!
To start off I woke up late 6am I am suppose to get up at 5:30am to work out before I get the kids up. I got the kids to school and came back to start my housework and I got back to one of the kids leaving the water on in the bathroom. Ok that wasn't so bad but just after not getting to work out it was alot first thing in the morning.

I got most of my morning stuff done kind of good for the kind of morning I had. I had to call the dentist because my wisdom tooth on the rightlower side is swollen and it hurts like heck. I have an appointment on Friday for them to tell me they need to come out. Of course I know this because I have been putting it off. I guess it is time to take care of it.

I also attempted to contact a family member that knew of someone wanted to purchase our truck we left on the mainland. I need to send the check for the storage if they don't want it. And of course the battery went dead from sitting for so long so I need to send them money for a battery. Yes I know it is the little things but when yours trying to tie up loose ends and you can't get ahold of anyone it just drives ya nuts. Also the family members that have the truck are as busy as we are and I am sure that is the last thing on their minds as well.

Now I am sitting here after having soup for dinner because my tooth hurts so bad that is all I could have waiting for my husband to get to work in Iraq so I can talk to him. Everything will be good once I get to talk to him.
Have a good day!

2005-08-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

Well it is Sunday here in Honolulu Hawaii, yes it is nice here. I will be nicer in a month or so when my husband gets off deployment and is here with us again! Our yard sale was good and I got rid of some things I did not use anymore and made some much needed room!

I must admit today was a nice and quiet day we slept in even the kids! We watched movies and that was pretty much it! I love these days I have started to love just being at home and enjoying the simple things! Awh yes the simple things!

Soon my husband will be home and he can enjoy the simple things also!

Now yesterday was a different story! After the yard sale we went up too my best friends house to take her to Costco. Ok that place was a mad house, I don't think I will ever step foot in that place again! I will stick with my slow paced commissary thank you very much! There were people everywhere I mean everywhere you looked there were carts and tons of people. I guess my thought was the prices weren't really cheaper why do all these people shop here? It was crazy!

Well I am going to finish up watching a movie with my kids and wait for my husband to get to work in the "sandbox" so we can talk a bit before I head to sleep.
Hope everyone had a good weekend!

2005-08-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

Ok I was sitting down getting ready to make my blog post of the day when I got a call from my friend telling me my dogs had gotten out. I thought to myself great this is the second time in 2 weeks! She caught one of them but the baby was long gone! My friend is helping me get the other one and of couse who does she go to but my son of course.

Ok once I got her back in the house along with the other one. I called the yard people thinking it was them, it wasn't them. Someone had opened up my back yard gate and just left it open. I am not sure who did it nor do I care I was just upset my girls had gotten out.

I put a bike rope around the entire back gate and locked it that way. I also put a lock on the handle. I also installed a lock on my front gate because this week a person was found sleeping inside somones lanai. I feel like I live in Fort Knox! I do feel much safer but it now takes a key to take the trash out.

Yes this was my day today! Crazy crazy crazy! Now the yard people have to make an appointment with me since they can't get inside my gate. I don't think this is a bad thing but kind of a pain.

Have a good day!

52 Week Plan

2005-08-19T03:04:00.000-07:00

This was something I had to share with you! This is from one of my favorite Yahoo Groups and the woman that posted this on the group is one of the most frugal people I have ever talked too! I just hope to be as good as her some day!

FOOD STORAGE BUYING GUIDE PER WEEK (52 Week Plan)

Week 1: NUTS Drug stores have Christmas sales. 2 lbs per person. Dry roasted ones store the best. Freeze bagged ones.
Week 2: CLEANING SUPPLIES Detergent 156 loads per person, Bleach 1 gal per person, Cleanser.
Week 3: MEDICINE CHEST Feminine Products, Pepto Bismal, Vicks, Cough Drops, Cough Syrup, Tylenol, Calamine Lotion, Kaopectate, Ipecac, Sunscreen Dispose of all outdated medications.
Week 4: FIRST AID SUPPLIES Band-Aids, Antibiotic Ointment, Ace Bandages, Steri-strips, etc.
Week 5: PERSONAL PRODUCTS Soap, Deodorant, toilet paper at least one roll per week. Shampoo, lotion, hand soap, 15 per person etc.
Week 6: PEANUT BUTTER 10 lbs per person (stores for a year or more)
Week 7: SOLID SHORTENING less expensive than oil. 12 lbs per person. Be sure and rotate. Will last several years.
Week 8: JUICES Avoid watered products. Get 100% juice. (lemon, orange, pineapple etc.) Week 9: PERSONAL GROOMING Toothpaste, floss (important) razors, shaving cream. Consider your family needs. (you can always brush with baking soda)
Week 10: MIXES Cakes, pancakes, muffins, Bisquick etc. Bisquick stores best in the freezer or it gets bugs. You need an annual total of 300 lbs of grain products per person.
Week 11: SPICES AND HERBS Think of what you use most often. Salt (NOT Plain you need the iodized kind) pepper, cinnamon, bay leaves. Look for bargains .
Week 12: RICE Secure 10, 15, 20 lbs. White stores best but is not as nutritious. I find brown gets bugs. Counts towards grain total.
Week 13: FIRST AID Gauze patches, swabs, cotton balls, first aid tape etc. Old fashioned Kotex is good for wounds. Sanitary napkins with adhesive do not store well.
Week 14: PASTA 5 lbs. Get other kinds besides spaghetti. I have found that spaghetti does not store well. Counts towards grain total.
Week 15: DRY MILK 40 oz. will make 5 gallons . Get what you family needs. 100 lbs per person per year. Stores well.
Week 16: SEWING KIT Thread, pins, needles, buttons (cut off of old clothes) snaps, zippers, tape measure, scissors. Consider your family's needs.
Week 17: READY DINNERS Ravioli, Pasta, Oriental, Boxed, Canned, Frozen. Buy what your family will eat.
Week 18: FLOUR 50 lbs per person (put in freezer or it will get bugs) Be sure and rotate. Counts towards grain requirement.
Week 19: SOUP Dry or canned soup, don't forget crackers.
Week 20: JELLO Jello gelatin and Pudding Mixes
Week 21: GARDEN SEEDS Radishes are great in an emergency. They grow fast, full of vitamins and minerals, and full of water. Buy locally if you haven't ordered yet. Here is an address of seed company that will send you there catalog free if you send a self addressed envelope with a couple of stamps. Territorial Seeds P.O. Box 157 Cottage Grove Ore. 97424 They have the kind of seed you can store. or http://www.johnnyseeds.com
Week 22: SAFETY WEEK A length of cord or twine. Light rope. Flashlight and batteries, (dated)
Week 23: CHEESE Whole 5 lbs, or grate and freeze for casseroles or soup.
Week 24: PAPER PRODUCTS Paper towels, Aluminum foil, garbage bags, freezer bags, etc. Week 25: CONDIMENTS Mustard, catsup, mayo, relish, Worcestershire.
Week 26: BEDDING Watch for White Sales. Buy a new thermo blanket.
Week 27: JAMS AND JELLIES Sure-Jell, Certo, Parafin, etc. Or buy the jams and jellies. Be sure you have supply of canning jars. Not large mouth, and lids and seals.
Week 28: WATER Fill those water jugs. Use plain Clorox not fresh scent.
Week 29: CANNED MILK Look in Dec. 1989 Ensign for ideas for use. 100 lbs per person.
Week 30: CANNED GOODS Be sure and rotate. We like sardines (small ones). They are rich in protein and cheap.
Week 31: SCHOOL SUPPLIES Back to School Sales. Paper , pencils, journals, envelopes, postage stamps, etc. (Great Stocking Stuffers)
Week 32: STAPLES Baking powder, soda, corn starch, Baking Soda, 2 lbs per person of each item except soda. Buy 3 lbs per person.
Week 33: TOMATOES Juice, whole, sauce, paste, Salsa. Buy or make it. Counts as part of vegetables.
Week 34: CANNED FRUIT 80 quarts per person. Buy or can it yourself.
Week 35: SUGAR 100 lbs per person. Buy an extra 25 lbs.
Week 36: VEGETABLES 150 lbs per person per year. Can or freeze from garden or purchased fresh, or buy canned.
Week 37: BEANS Dry bean, peas, legumes, 100 lbs per person.
Week 38: SWEETNERS Honey, Karo, Molasses, etc. Counts towards sugars.
Week 39: CANNED MEATS Tuna (be sure and rotate) Spam, dried beef , go for 10 cans.
Week 40: IODIZED SALT 10 or more canisters. It seasons & preserves. In a pinch it can be used as a toothpaste or de-icer. Get canning salt for canning.
Week 41: VINEGAR l (or more) gallons. It is a great cleaner too. For cleaning you need white. Week 42: CANNED SOUP Buy soup when it is on sale. Soup counts towards vegetables.
Week 43: APPLES Do something with all those apples. Pie, applesauce, juice, canned apples with sugar are good.
Week 44: HARD CANDY On sale after Halloween. Leftovers will make a good addition to your 72 hour emergency kits.
Week 45: VITAMINS 365 vitamins per person. Get extra C and calcium with Vitamin D
Week 46: TREATS FOR BAKING Cocoa, coconut (gets old) nuts ( store in fridge gets rancid) chocolate chips.
Week 47: GRAINS Rolled Oats, Corn Meal (In fridge) Cream of wheat. (Rotate this, does not store.) Counts as grain. There is an oats you can buy at health food store that does store. I think it is scotch oats. Check and see.
Week 48: SUGARS Brown and white, powdered. 100 lbs per person total
Week 49: OILS Vegetable and olive oils. Get a good quality. 12 lbs per person.
Week 50: CANDLES AND MATCHES Put in a sturdy box (preferably fireproof) and in a cool place you can locate in dark.
Week 51: POPCORN Go for big twelve pound bags. Counts toward grains
. Week 52 : Merry Christmas You have given yourself a great gift security.

Goodnight

2005-08-19T01:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, I think I am done for the day finally!
I have the house cleaned up or atleast as much as it is going to get done until after the Yard Sale on Saturday. The kids are sleeping and the furry babies are on their way to sleeping. Now I get time to email with my honey! He is still deployed so email is pretty much what we have to look forward too!
Have a good night!

Thursday!

2005-08-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

Open house for my kids school is tonight! Yes here in Hawaii the schools go all year round and they started July 20th! My kids are excited about open house! Then after the open house they have a 5 day weekend. Yes a 5 day weekend! We are planning on going to the on base movie on Friday night it is Fantastic 4 the kids really want to see it. We are having a yard sale with our friend on Saturday we decided today to do this. So I am running around like crazy getting the stuff out the kids have outgrown and stuff I don't use anymore. I don't ever sell any of my husband stuff without him being here so that will have to be another day. No big deal I have plenty to get rid of. Not sure how I don't buy much but the kids both gave me 3 boxes of stuff from their room to get rid of. Things they have out grown, don't play with or they have lost interest in.

I guess I will have my work cut out for me the next few days. I will ley ya know how we do on the yard sale. We have never done one in Hawaii so it should be interesting.
Have a good day!

What did you do today?

2005-08-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days for me. I woke up and got the kids too school. I have a super long list of things I wanted to get done today. I got about half of it done today! That just made my day. I am still not feeling well I have been sick for about a month now. I go back again to the doctor on friday to see what is wrong with me? Who the heck knows?

I walked both of my furry babies not at the same time they would walk me then, we walked about 4 miles today and then I weeded the garden, cleaned out the pantry and organized it and did some of my daily cleaning. I went threw my coupons today to check them against the store ads to see if I had coupons for stuff that was onsale. The bad part is that living in Hawaii if I don't go to the commissary I am not getting a good deal. I good part is that my dog food and my laundry soap were both on sale at the commissary and I had good coupons for them making them cost next to nothing. 22 lbs of dog food ended up being 5.00 and 400 oz of laundry soap was 4.00 after coupon. I was a happy woman! I know the simple things.
Have a good day

Privacy!

2005-08-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Ok my weekend consist of hanging out with my kids. Today we went to the grocery store for a few items. We also picked up a white bambo screen from a person on freecycle. By the way if you don't belong to a freecycle group in your area your missing out!

I get home and the kids and I get the grocerys in the house. We let the furry babies aka dogs that don't think they are dogs outside. My son and I get out the tools and the wire and put this bamboo screen to cover part of our porch. We have a nice private front porch the downfall was that part of the fence that is seen from the road you could see right threw. Now I may not have done a great job on this but it served the purpose I wanted which was to give our front porch a nice private feel without everyone in their brother being about to see in.

I think I will have to work with it some but it will settle in and look pretty good. I have plants on the other side of this wall that are growing well and help block a direct view of the road. Honestly I would like to be able to sit on my front porch on my nice patio furniture my honey got me and eat a meal without the neighborhood knowing what I am eating. Did I mention I don't like that many of my neighbors. Oh well that is another post.
Have a good one.

Frugal Frugal Frugal!!!!!

2005-08-13T23:54:00.000-07:00

Ways of saving money in the kitchen!

The biggest I know of for most families is to stop eating out! Yeah Yeah Yeah I know it is hard and I say this and last night we went to McDonalds but my trip to there was used on a gift card I got for my birthday, I cook for our family just because by the time we go and eat the evening is over and all we have done is eat.

Make your own! Yeah it takes a bit more time. I love to make my own! The other night I made black-eyes pea with corn bread OH it was yummy! It was all from scratch! I made enough to freeze some for another night! It cost me 3.00 total and I got 2 dinners out of it!

When making meatloaf use extra filling and less meat! You can also make meatloaf cupcakes and freeze them for the kids. It is perfect size for them!

I will add more later!
Hope everyone has a good weekend!

I Hate Mc Donalds!

2005-08-13T01:53:00.000-07:00

My son chose not to stay all night at the sleep over so at a little after 10 he calls me to come and get him. No big deal and he wants to stop at McDonalds for a snack and a drink. Still not a big deal. I am thinking yeah I can go for a diet coke and some chicken nuggets. I know what your thinking real good for ya but anyways.

I get up to the window after a very rude person took my order and she handed me my order and I asked for BBQ sauce. She says we charge 10 cents a pc for them? I am thinking I order chicken nuggets and your going to charge me for the sauce. Then she proceeds to tell me that there was some in the bag and it was free but if I wanted any more I have to pay for it. I am like NO I am not paying for something like that when it should be free. Ok so I get home to find NO BBQ sauce in the bag and yes I was pissed!

So I guess my question is if you don't want sauce are they going to take that money off your chicken nuggets?

Some People I guess I have to yell at a manager in the morning.

Getting Ready for Chirstmas!

2005-08-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

I know it is only August but it is never too late to start thinking about Christmas and the things needed to make it a great holiday! Here are some good ideas for homemade Christmas presents that are inexpensive and fun for everyone!

1. Home made pot holders
2. Home made bread for local families
3. Home made bark this sends well
4. Home made cookies
5. Small lap quilts
6. Home made Christmas cards
7. Home made puzzles
8. Book marks

These are some easy things you can start now on!
Take Care

Belt Testing is done!

2005-08-12T00:34:00.000-07:00

Well the belt testing is done and now we have 2 purple belts in the family! They are so proud! We of course took pictures for Daddy! They were so happy even the instructors took pictures for Daddy since he doesn 't know any of them.

To my babies I am so proud of you both!

Google Ad Sense

2005-08-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hey all
Yes I have added Google Ad Sense Please search it and help me out a bit!
Thanks

My favorite Roast Recipe

2005-08-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

Good Morning from Honolulu Hawaii!
Something you will learn from reading my blog is I am one of the cheapest people you will ever meet. I am like this because I enjoy raising my kids instead of trying to keep our head above water by working to pay for child care.

I found a wonder recipe I wanted to share!

5 pound Roast
1 can of pepsi
potatoes
carrots
onions
bake covered for 2 hours at 375 degrees

Now not only is this a frugal dinner because of how many other meals you can get out of this one time cooking but it is good for you!

This recipe is my best friend Tami's and it is the best!

Send More Info!

2005-08-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

Have you signed up get! I love this paid email! It comes to your inbox and they pay you just to click on the email!

2005-08-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Did you have a good childhood?
I know that is a deep question one most of us don't even care to answer. I think parts of mine were ok but for the most part my childhood is something I chose to forget. First off, I was shuffled between parents and grandparents for a long time I figured no one wanted me. It wasn't until much later in life that I came to the conclusion that it wasn't me it was their situation and I wasn't a convient part of it.

I see now raising my own children the mistakes my parents made with me and I have made a promise to myself I will not repeat the same mistakes. I will not allow my children to feel unwanted and unloved. We will give our children the attention and the chance to do anything they want to try rather it be sports, cheerleading, or just scouts. We attend every function and watch every practice with attention to how wonderful they are just for being out there and trying.

Nor me nor my husband claim to be perfect parents we will give our children a better life than we had. We will give our children every chance we didn't have and will support them not matter what their dreams are.

Send More Info!

2005-08-08T23:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.sendmoreinfo.com/ID/2991777

Ok I know it is silly but I am a stay at home mother of 2 so I do little bits here and there to make some extra money so here is one of my paid email sites. I do like this one! Please if your interested click on the link and sign up!

Belt Test Tomorrow

2005-08-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a big deal to my children! They start their first belt test to Purple belt. It is a 2 part test so it takes 2 classes to go threw it all. They are very excited! I think it is important for children to learn the basics of protection and how to get away from someone without hurting them.

The instructors my children have are awesome! They teach them the same things we teach them at home, clean up after yourself, mind your parents, be kind to others and a lot more. It is nice to have another adult telling my kids the same things I have been telling them for some reason it does help them listen.

Good luck tomorrow guys I will be there to support you 100%!

Don't worry?

2005-08-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

It never fails me to always worry! I guess that is the job of a wife and mother. I got an email from my husband this morning. It says honey, I have to be on the road for a few days I will call and email when I can I love you don't worry I am being safe. Don't worry who is he kidding? I worry about him all the time. He is in Iraq for the second time and seriously I went grey the first time he was there. I had to start coloring my hair at age 26 because of the first deployment there. The second deployment the grey is coming threw the color! Not to worry who is he kiddding.
Don't get me wrong I do worry all the time about him. He is the most wonderful man on earth! The best husband and father you could ever ask for. He works hard to take care of us! We have never wanted for anything! All of our needs are met and a ton more of our wants are also met thanks to his hard work. I have been married to him for 12 wonderful years and he has shown me the world! He has shown me stuff most people only get to read about! Of course threw all of this he tells me not to worry about him. How can I not? He is my partner my husband and of course I will worry until he is home safe with us again!

Public Schools!!!!!

2005-08-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

I wonder what goes on in the minds of people? We currently live in Hawaii on the island of Oahu, I am sitting here listening to the news this morning taking my children to school. When I hear the governers voice saying that Washington DC declined the state to only admit native Hawaiians to a certain local school.

First off it is a public school wouldn't that be called discrimination and secondly segeration?

Now I am all for making it a private school and charging everyone the same amount of money to go but the average person here doesn't have the money to do that either?

While I was listening to the same news program she says something about the Navy not shutting down Pearl Harbor ship yard. This was a big issue because of the amount of jobs it brings to the community. Well considering that the only good paying jobs here are for the military of some sort don't you think they would want us here also? The answer to this question is NO! They want our military exchange and our commissary which they aren't allowed to shop in anyway and the money the military jobs bring it. And that is about it!

I guess I feel this way, we are a Navy family we have 2 kids that attend public school here so this means the school gets extra money because my husbands serves his country. Plus they get money because we live in housing! Yet they don't want my kids going to a certain school because they are not Hawaiian born? But they sure as heck want our money?

I have never really lived anywhere were the color of my skin matters until now! This wasn't a place where I expected it too happen either.

I guess what I am really trying to say here is don't hit the hand that feeds you!

Stay with my children!

2005-08-07T22:32:00.000-07:00

I love my kids! I love being a mother to them and I love that I get to stay home and be there when they need me. I know so many people that have gotten lost in the workforce and this is fine for some people.
But for me, I was raised by babysitters, I can remember when I was a kid that my mother would take me to a babysitter that had 5 of their own kids and really didn't want any of us there and just leave me. I would not see her for a few days sometimes. And for some reason she thought this was ok?

I would never want my kids to feel the way I did about my mother. I could never understand how come she would just leave me?

I just thank my lucky stars my husband supports our family in such a great manner that I can be a mother to my children with out too many worries.