We were in the 18th row . . .

And it was awesome . . .

A sneak peek:

(Photo by IzzyBeth, 2008).

Here David Cook is pointing to the AC on his guitar that stands for his brothers Adam and Andrew Cook.

I'll try and update more tomorrow!!!

I am so excited . . .

Because tonight, Hunkahubby and I are going to Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to see . . .

(image from latimes.com)

Yes, we're going to see the American Idols Tour. And I am really excited.

I am interested in hearing how they sound live in comparison to how they sound on TV and in studio recordings. It should be a great show!

I'll update tomorrow!!

They are growing up so fast!

This was last week at our friend Kim's pool. I wish I could be as brave as they are . . .



And this was just a few minutes ago.



Now all of my babies can ride their bikes without training wheels.

Why do I feel happy and sad at the same time??

Belated Birthday Post

So - Hunkahubby had a birthday this week.

And I've been too busy to post about it -- so I'll let you see the highlights . . .

Here he is on "party" day. Isn't he handsome??

Opening an ornery gift from my Dad.

the cake

the cheese bread (which accompanied the pizzas)

the brownies (are you hungry now? I am!)

the opening of presents (just for Sandy!)

Grandpa and Grandson (just cause they are so cute with their matching hair)

And a glimpse into what I gave Hunkahubby for his birthday on Monday.

I hope you had a great day honey! I love you so much!!!

Pet . . . Shark??

The Indianapolis Zoo has a pretty cool exhibit right now. When we went last week (in the rain) we visited this exhibit (because it is enclosed!)

In the Oceans section - you have the opportunity to pet a shark! Yes, I just said "pet a shark."

There is a pool of dog sharks, that the guide told me are perfectly harmless and that they would never put something out there that could harm us or our children. (Because zoo animals are so safe . . .) We were asked not to touch the sharks fins or tails, but to use two fingers to pet the back of the shark. I think this was meant to protect the shark, as the fins and tails are really fragile.

Here are the sharks.

And here are the kids attempting to pet the sharks.

Yes, we each got to pet a shark (or two). It took some coaxing for the kids but they finally were brave enough to complete the task. The texture was kind of weird. Not quite slimy, not quite rubbery. Strange would be a good word.

But it was a great experience for the kids and they talked about it the rest of the day.

Me? I can't get the image of this alien looking flower out of my head . . . it gives me the creeps.

(photo by Hunkahubby)

Sleepy Kitty

Willow has definitely won over the cats in the house. She is rambunctious and playful and they had no choice. One of my favorite things about having cats is when they buddy up to each other and sleep together. I just think its so sweet when they trust each other enough to do that.

With every other cat we've ever brought into the house, it has taken at least a week for the older cats to warm up to the new kitten. Well - it hasn't even been a week . . .

And look at this (forgive me, these pictures were taken with my camera phone). . .

Here is our oldest cat, Britney. She is usually the crankiest about adding new kitties to the house. She doesn't seem to mind this one.

And this picture just melts my heart . . .

Our second oldest cat, Cali is also usually pretty grumpy about new kitties. NOT THIS ONE!



Isn't that just the cutest thing?

And why is it that my other cats now look HUGE? :-)

Happy Tuesday everyone.

I wish you were here . . .

It has been three years. I can't believe it. I really can't.

And even though it has gotten a little easier - it still hurts knowing I can't just call you and get your advice. I would love to hear you say, "Don't worry your pretty little head about it," or "It will be better in the morning," or just have you hug me because that would always make everything feel a little bit better.

When I have issues with my kids, and I feel like I have no clue what I'm doing as a parent - I long for a way to talk to you and ask your advice. But instead, I try to think back and figure out from your example to me - what you would've done. You taught me so much. I don't know if you ever realized how much.

Even now, I can't imagine how you did all that you did. So many children came through your doors and you blessed each and every one of them in some way or another. That one summer when you were watching 5 12-year-old boys, along with lots of other kids - how did you not go crazy? How did you keep your sanity? My kids are still several years away from those teen years . . . but I get scared now just thinking about it! (and I only have 3!!)

The thing is - I really do know how you did it. You knew what was most important. You knew what was worth getting worked up about and what wasn't. And you praised God no matter what the circumstance. You were able to sing in every situation. Even hours before you took your final earthly breath, when your body must have been in so much pain - and you were facing leaving all of your loved ones behind, you were able to put everything aside and do your best to sing along with us as we gathered around your bed and sang all of those old familiar hymns. What a legacy. I just hope I can live up to that.

So even though I miss you and it hurts more than usual on this day - I will sing. I will praise God. And I won't forget everything you taught me.

Until we meet again, Grandma.

April 19, 1926 - July 6, 2005

Oh no I didn't . . .

Oh yes, I did.

Meet Willow!! :-)

I'm a sucker. I admit it. My husband isn't speaking to me, but I had to do it.
I rescued another kitty.
Which brings our total to (drumroll please . . .)
SIX kitties at home and one kitty at the office.

Seven total.

I know, I'm nuts.

But honestly, how could I resist this little spitfire?


She has already won over all five of our cats,
which is a record in our household.
I guess they've given up on me,
and they're just used to me bringing another fuzzy thing home.

I promise that now I'm done.
No more kittens.

I think.

No - if I want to keep my husband, I have to be done. ::sighs::

(To be honest, he wasn't that upset,
he pretended to be -
but he is just as crazy about the purry furballs as I am.
And I think he's crazy about me too - THANK GOODNESS!)

Happy Independence Day if you are in the US. Happy Day to everyone else!

Lions, Tigers, Bears, and The Chosen Ones

I took today off to take the family to the zoo. And of course, as it has been doing more often than not lately, it rained. A LOT. But we had fun anyway.

We went first thing in hopes to see the lions, as they usually sleep during the middle part of the day. We got to see two female lions, AND a tiger today. It was very exciting. (but it was raining so much, we didn't get a picture).

We also saw this beautiful polar bear . . .

And we couldn't help but snap a picture of this emu and the well placed sign.

But the coolest part of the day (in my opinion) was our visit to the White River Gardens. They have a butterfly conservatory. We spent a lot of time just sitting and watching all the different colors of butterflies flit from flower to flower . . .

. . . and other things!

A large gorgeous butterfly landed on Hunkahubby's back, but of course, he had the camera and I didn't get a picture.

Then this happened . . .



My poor son sat really still for about 10 minutes with his finger stuck out in hopes that a butterfly would land on him - but alas, we were not the chosen ones.

It was a great day, even if it was really wet!

Happy Thursday everyone!

The Road to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

So - we bought Guitar Hero (The Aerosmith Edition).

So, I love it.

So, my arm hurts.

So . . . I DON'T CARE. It is a lot of fun! I've always wanted to play guitar, but my fingers are short and stubby and even though I knew the chords, they only came out as an annoying plunk. So with this game, I can live my dream in some small way. :-)

I now want to buy Rock Band for the Wii for the family for Christmas, but I'm hoping they'll come out with a Disney Edition so the kids will actually know the songs.

And I think my friend Barry and my Uncle Steve need to play Guitar Hero. I would love to put THAT on YouTube. :-)

Happy Wednesday! (I'm off for 4 whole days! WOOHOO!!!)

My son, the Grandpa

We always call my son "Grandpa" or "Grandma" (depending on how ornery we are being) because he is often SO SLOW. He eats SO SLOW (unless it is chocolate). And if there is a TV on anywhere, you can just forget getting him to pay attention to YOU! But now, since he has NO TEETH - we've really taken to calling him Grandpa . . . but wait until you see the newest reason . . .

This weekend, I took my Dad and SuperStepMom to lunch for their 'make-up' Mothers/Fathers Day lunch. While we were at their house, I asked my Dad if he could give my son the 'summer buzz cut.' I know - many of you are probably cringing. Any guy probably remembers those cuts from his own childhood (and HATED them.) Well the fact is, my son has really fine hair and a huge problem with his hair sticking up in the back. I thought it might help to buzz it all off for the summer (plus - I just wanted he and Grandpa to have a 'memory moment.' :-)

It was so fun to watch and my son giggled the entire time.

Wanna watch with me??

Here he is BEFORE.

BZZZZZZZZZ
(This is where I started to panic . . . what if his head is shaped funny? What if he hates it?)

Awww. He has a cute little head.

And here is where Grandpa got out the vacuum cleaner to sweep the extra hair off his neck . . . oh boy did the giggles happen then!!!

And here we have my 'bald' son. I hope his head doesn't burn!!!

And now I need to do a re-take of this picture - so they'll REALLY look alike!!



Happy Tuesday!!

Commercial Memories

Remember this commercial??



But this one is my personal favorite, and it always reminds me of my brother . . .



What is your favorite commercial?

TGIF!!!

I am so thankful that it is Friday and that I get to sleep in tomorrow. It was a LOOOONG week.

I've seen my husband a lot this week, due to his assistance, but I haven't got to speak with him much. We are both EXHAUSTED. But I think the meeting went well, so I can REST this weekend - and hopefully take a little time off next week.

We have no plans this weekend, and I am GLAD.

How about you? Anything exciting planned for your weekend?

It's Limerick Thursday!

I have a busy week at work this week - so I'm hoping you'll all help me out with this post. I've deemed it "Limerick Thursday!"


Here is my offering . . .



I haven't had near enough sleep
So little it makes me want to weep
Oh could someone please
(for real now, don't tease)
Let me rest, I won't even count sheep!



Now it's your turn - write me a limerick about your week and post it in the comments!



Happy Thursday!

Kitty Pics!

I haven't posted any kitty pictures lately - so I thought I probably should . . .



Here's Gracie in the early morning hours . . .



And Hunkahubby's cat, Max.



And the office cat, Lily.

There - the cat fix is completed.

Happy Wednesday!

Conquering our fears . . . together

In May, when we went to the indoor water park - my oldest daughter was scared to go on the water slide. I told her she needed to do 'one thing that scares her every day' so that maybe she won't be so scared of things anymore. (I didn't want to tell her that I was scared too!) But we both rode it, and we both LOVED it. It was really worth it.

This year, my oldest daughter was finally old enough to ride the roller coasters with her Daddy at the amusement park. He was SOOO excited! She . . . was not. I had to remind her of our 'one thing that scares us' rule.

Since Hunkahubby knew he would probably only get one chance to ride a roller coaster that day - he went on the one HE really wanted to ride on (which - with a double-helix among other things, was probably not smart for his green roller coaster buddy).

Here they are before they got on the ride. As you can tell - she is NOT thrilled, but she is still smiling.

And here she is after having survived the roller coaster . . . according to Hunkahubby, she screamed, screamed some more, and then just cried. Poor thing. She has sworn off roller coasters for the rest of her life. And Hunkahubby probably has 2 more years before the other two are tall enough.

But Mommy had her 'one thing that scares her' moment as well. In the water park, we decided (okay - it WAS my idea) to go on a ride with 4 people per innertube that goes through this large purple enclosed slide. It didn't look that scary.

Except - I kind of forgot one thing . . .

I'm a tad claustrophobic.

And the minute the innertube took off (with me and my two girls in it) I was plunged into complete darkness. And then water splashed over my face. I panicked. But I didn't scream. I didn't let the girls know how freaked I was (they couldn't have seen me anyway). I just kept breathing and praying for the ride to be over.

When we got to the end - the ride attendants just about had to pry my fingers off of the innertube, and my body was so stiff I could hardly stand up. I was shaking for the next 20 minutes. But I DID IT, right? (NEVER again.) Open water slides, I can handle - enclosed . . . NUH UH!!

My daughter and I bonded over facing our fears and hating it. LOL

What have you done lately that scared you? Was it worth it? Would you do it again?

40 Ways to Live a Better Life

I was forwarded this email this weekend. I do not know the origin (if you do, please comment and let me know!) but I wanted to share it with all of you. A lot of these tips are great ideas to remind us how to live our life to the fullest.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to. (Silence, with three kids??? Really??)

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and/or prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6. (I love this one.)

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants. (Yes, this is a good one for all of us!)

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, flax and other seeds, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life. (Oh boy do I have clutter that needs clearing!)

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. (AMEN!!!!)

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card. (HAHAHAHA, I love this!)

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what the journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business. (Wow.)

28. GOD heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. Doesn't have to be everyday but consistency is key. (Or email them)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:
I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass.
You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Share these tips with the people you care about.

Have a great Monday!

Fitness Challenge!

Yes, I'm letting one blog bleed into another for just a moment.


I've committed to doing a fitness challenge - do any of you want to do it with me?? It is a 6 week program that should make you capable of doing 100 consecutive push-ups by the time you are finished with the program.

I'm not sure that I'm up to the task - but I'm sure going to attempt it!!

Here are the details: http://www.hundredpushups.com/challenge.html

Leave a comment if you're as crazy as I am and want to try it with me!! (I'll be posting my progress on the other blog. If I stop posting, you'll know it didn't go well. LOL!!)

Kitchen Tips

Anyone who has known me most of my life knows that I used to be pretty USELESS in the kitchen. I used to be pretty proficient at making boxed macaroni and cheese . . . and that was about it!

Well, during my working at home stint last year - I got really in to baking, and had a lot of fun trying new recipes and attempting to make things the way my Grandma did.

Now that I am making a healthy change in my life, I've gotten excited about making things that are delicious but HEALTHY. It is really pretty fun - and a challenge at the same time.

Anyway - one of my favorite bloggers/cheerleaders, Mizfit, pointed me toward this really informative post of kitchen tips and I thought you might benefit from reading it as well. I know I did - I need all the help I can get!!

The post is entitled:
50 Amazingly Helpful Time-Tested Tips for the Kitchen.

It includes some really helpful ideas including:

• What do you do if you over-salt a pot of soup?
• How do you clean cast iron?
• How do you keep bananas fresh longer?
• How do I reduce the crying factor when chopping onions??

Check it out and have a great Saturday!

Who needs coffee?

Several months ago, when I was working mostly out of my home - I often met my colleagues for coffee at Starbucks. It was usually pretty quiet and it was a nice atmosphere to have a small meeting. I am not a big coffee person, but will partake of a mocha every now and then when I really need some caffeine. Usually - just get hot chocolate. I LOVE Starbucks hot chocolate. It's like they took a big delicious candy bar and just melted it in a cup. MMMMMMMM.

I digress.

One of my colleagues, Kevin, shares my love of Starbucks Hot Chocolate. But even more than that - he LOVES the whipped cream. On one occasion of meeting in Starbucks he told me that one day he was just going to go to Starbucks and order a Venti (the largest size) whipped cream . . . with whipped cream on top! We always laughed about this.

Well last week, our IT guy, Scott, called me on his way to the office to see if we needed anything. It was one of those mornings - and so I asked him if it would be out of his way to stop at Starbucks and get me some coffee. He is not a big coffee drinker. He likes iced tea (in fact, I think he has a problem - and needs to seek help over his iced tea addiction.) So he told me to give him specific instructions on what I wanted, because he doesn't know the coffee lingo.

Because I am trying to eat healthier, I asked him to get me a tall (the smallest size) nonfat mocha. I didn't want to get the whipped cream, but didn't want to make my order so long he might forget. So I didn't mention the 'no whip' that I would usually tack on the end.

Well, of course - he got to the window, he ordered my drink and they asked him if he wanted whip. He didn't know. And he told them he didn't know and didn't want to mess up my drink. So do you know what they did?

They did this.


Yep - they did. They put the Whipped cream in a separate cup. Just in case.

When I saw it, I started cracking up. I grabbed the cup of cream and ran into Kevin's office saying, "You won't believe what I got for you!" It wasn't a Venti whipped cream, but it was a Starbucks cup of whipped cream!

We laughed all morning. He had finally got his wish.

How about you? Do you have a coffee addiction? A tea addiction? An incredible urge to order a Venti Whipped Cream?

Happy Friday!!!