Of Interest in the News and a PayPal E-mail Scam?

I actually had time to catch up on some news this morning after the kiddo's had left for school and found some stories worth reading, for a giggle if nothing else.

Remember my Alien post? Well, here is a new story about the government's very late response:

FORT WORTH, Texas - U.S. military officials said Wednesday that fighter jets were training in a rural area the night of Jan. 8 when dozens of people reported seeing a UFO.

Although officials at the Naval Air Station Reserve Base in Fort Worth initially said none of their planes were in the area of the UFO reports, they changed their story Wednesday, saying that 10 F-16 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp. were training near Stephenville, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) southwest of Fort Worth, about the time of the sightings.

The people aren't buying it though and thier responses are worth reading.

As a parent this story was terrifying. Many people driving to work called the police to report a hitchhiker. What prompted the calls? She was only 5 years old!

Police are still shaking their heads about an enterprising Orem 5-year-old who gave them and her parents a major scare Tuesday.
Lt. Keldon Brown said dispatch started receiving calls around 8 a.m. about a little girl hitchhiking on the side of the street in the area of 800 North and 1150 West.
At the same time, they received calls from a frantic mother who couldn't find her daughter. She was going to take the little girl half a block away to catch the school bus to Aspen Elementary School, but couldn't find her. When she checked the bus stop, the girl wasn't there.

And if I 5 year old hitchhiking doesn't make you sick, according to this report on CNN, the movie Cloverfield just might:

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- "Cloverfield" is the first adrenaline-pumping monster hit of the year, bringing in more than $40 million dollars on its opening weekend. The thriller is told from the point of view of five young New Yorkers using their handheld camera. But for some viewers, being "part" of the movie is making them sick -- literally.

One blogger on the popular movie database IMDB.com said, "I had to get up and leave the theater for nearly 20 minutes just to keep from hurling." Other moviegoers have reported being nauseated and dizzy.

And although this CNN article really is kind of boring, it did contain some interesting US laws pertaining to driving:

The ridiculous

An assortment of seemingly crazy state driving laws exists and can be found easily across the Internet. Most of these examples are sourced from newspapers and come from the site www.dumblaws.com, whose editors did not respond to a call for comment. Here goes:

In California, no vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 miles per hour.

In Florida, if an elephant, goat or alligator is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.

In Montana, it is illegal to have a sheep in the cab of your truck without a chaperone.

In Oregon, a door on a car may not be left open longer than necessary.

In Tennessee, it is illegal shoot any game other than whales from a moving automobile.

Whales? In Tennessee? I would love to find out the history behind that one! And although I've never met anyone who has had a sheep in the cab of their truck (chaperoned or otherwise) my MIL did once call to tell me she had to calves in the backseat of her car. She did not receive a ticket as far as I know.

That was really the best of the 'giggle worthy' or 'off the beaten path' stories this morning.

On another note, I received and e-mail this morning from "Pay-Pal" informing me that my account had been locked out. When I clicked on the link as instructed to find out more information I was taken to this site. Please note when you click it that it does NOT take you to www.paypal.com as it should, but takes you to http://www.juniorek.com.pl/images/www-paypall.com, instead. If you click on any of the links you remain on the same page. I am pretty sure this is a scam and will be sending it to the appropriate people, but I thought I should put it out here in the Blogosphere in case anyone else receives this e-mail. Here is a copy of the e-mail :

PayPal to serendipitymine

show details 9:36 AM (3 hours ago)

Reply

PayPal has been receiving complaints from our customers for unauthorised use of the PayPal Online accounts. As a result we periodically review PayPal Online Accounts and temporarily restrict access of those accounts which we think are vunerable to the unauthorised use. This message has been sent to you from PayPal because we have noticed invalid login attempts into your account, due to this we are temporarily limiting and restricting your account access until we confirm your identity. To confirm your identity and remove your account limitation please following the link below. Click Here

PayPal is committed to ensure the safeguard of each customer's personal information, making sure only authorised individuals have access to their accounts. It is all about your security.

Accounts Management As outlined in our User Agreement, PayPal will
periodically send you information about site changes and enhancements.

Visit our Privacy Policy and User Agreement if you have any questions.
http://www.PayPal.com/

What are you doing today??

• Today I have to clean Alex's room. It has gotten very cluttered and obviously organized by an 8 year old boy. Thankfully his taste for bugs, worms and other such 'make mommy shiver' things is very limited. I have been putting it off for far to long.

• I must call HP and scream at them in a hormonally induced rage and ask them nicely if they will pretty please send me a new laptop. I honestly think that seeing this one only loads windows half the time, randomly restarts and seems to have issues whenever I run any type of program that I should have a new one. Did I mention hormonal? Trust me. They had best agree.

• I must find a way to fix my backspace key. Something is lodged under it and it simply doesn't work. I found last night that one does not learn to truly appreciate the backspace key until one does not have the ability to use it any longer. I miss my backspace key.

• I am currently watching Casanova. It is a great movie and Heath Ledger has been one of my favorite actors ever since 'A Knights Tale.' If they could get him and Orlando Bloom in a movie togeather I'd be one very happy woman.

• I have to let people know that I won't be going to Blogher....Oh wait...I Guess I just did that. TeeHee. Unfortunately, child care and other things did not work out. But I will anxiously be awaiting to hear everything that happened!

So what are you doing today?

Summer Loving...Happend so Fast...

Well, it's that time of year when the chill has left air, Jack Bauer has made it through his next 24 hours, Flowers are blooming, Christina makes a mistake and George has a decision, School is almost over, We found out who Survived for the million, Everyone is starting to grill out, and The newest Idol has been decided.

Yes boys and girls, the Summer T.V. season has begun. For people who like their television this means long months of...well...pretty much nadda. zip. zilch.

Except this year! Finally the networks have realized that mommies do have a chance to sit down in the evenings and would like some entertainment after the kids hit the hay.

On top of that, they have decided to feed my 'reality t.v.' tooth with some very interesting shows! I thought I would share with you the top shows I'm watching this summer.

1. The Lot

This is a 'reality show' where wanna be hopeful movie directors are given challenges, tasks and missions to prove that they have what it takes to win a million dollar movie deal and a job at Dreamworks Studio!!

So far I have found it to be fun, interesting, and a great sparking tool for my creativity. Prince Charming and I are constantly pausing to discuss our ideas and what would have worked better. And some of the things these 'directors' come up with is amazing, terrifying or just plain amusing. I am very excited and happy with this show so far!

2. So You think You can Dance

I am a HUGE fan of this show. HUGE. I watched it religiously last year and just adored the performers (YEY BENJI!!).

So you Think you can Dance is by the producers of American Idol and is very similar in format. Instead of belting out notes, these guys have 24 hours to learn a dance routine and dazzle the judges so they aren't sent packing. Half the fun in this show is watching those who try out and seeing who knows how to shake it and who just shouldn't.

The judges are nicer than A.I. for the most part (Although, Nigel, come on. There is no reason to be such an ass. They suck. Send them home. Don't ruin their lives over it. It's bad enough being rejected. Mary: PLEASE.DONT.LAUGH. It's annoying and grates.)

The dance talent is unreal and totally amazing. Watch it and love it (oh, check back towards the end so I can tell you who to vote for..hehee).

3. Hells Kitchen

Gordon Ramsey is back! There is nothing soft, sweet or even a little friendly about this show. Ramsey expects above perfection. If you can't handle the fire...get out of his kitchen.

This show is not for the light of heart or those offended by mean spirited temper. Although Ramsey has shown his more humane and friendly side on his BBC America show, The F Word, previews for Hell's Kitchen are showing this to be his meanest season yet. I don't know how to explain it, but this is one kind of drama I enjoy watching.

4. Pirate Masters
This show has yet to air, and I am having some high hopes for it. Same people who brought us Survivor, thought up Pirate Masters.

The idea is:

16 modern day pirates embark on a high-sea adventure around the caribean island of Dominican in search of hidden treasure that will total $1 Million. Only one pirate will win the booty and claim the title of 'Pirate Master'

The previews show the characters to be a bit annoying, a trait that the producers seem to carry over from recent Survivor casting. That is a bit disappointing, but overall I have high hopes for the show.


Check these out and have some fun this summer, and if you have any 'must see' summer shows..Please let me know in the comments!

It's Snowing, It's Snowing!

A little bit ago Jen asked me how much snow we had, so I decided to run out and take a few pictures. We haven't had this much snow all winter, but once it started around 9 a.m. this morning, it just kept coming! Now we have just over 5 inches!!

Part of our toy area and corn field

My freezing toesies as I take pics
(okay...so slippers weren't the best choice)





So that's why they call it a doggie igloo!



So did you get snow today? How much and did you go play?

The New Look

As you can see (hopefully), I've re-decorated a bit. It is a work in progress as I learn how to do everything I want with Bloggers suckey wonderful restrictions. And thank you to my most wonderful Mom for doing the header for me! I LOVE IT.

I have realized that some Internet Explorer users see my page a little (okay...A LOT) out of order. I am working to fix this (if you have any suggestions, please share!).

Personally, if you are using IE, then I suggest you ditch it and switch to Mozilla Firefox. Much nicer to use(IMHO) and it also has some GREAT add-ons.
A few of my Favorites are FoxyTunes, Foxmarks Bookmark Synchronizer, Web Developer, and Clipmarks.

Still aren't sure if you're ready to drop IE? Then read this review to help compare them, or read these user rated reviews, and finally this review.


Of course the most important thing is that you'll be able to see this site as it's intended :-D And you can always keep IE on the computer for those 'other' people!

The Thing about Teddy....

Who is Teddy?
Teddy has lived with us Since September of 2006. Teddy is, supposedly, a yellow lab. I say supposedly because by 2 weeks post arrival, we were convinced she is actually more polar bear than Labrador. She is approx. 6.5 months old. Teddy belongs to Alex.

Teddy's Quirkiness

Quirk # 1
Teddy firmly believes that Pink Soft Fuzzy hat/mittens are the axis of evil in the world.
They all must, without a doubt, uncompromisingly be:
destroyed
chewed
tore apart
and exterminated.

Resistance is Futile.

We only discovered this quirk once Liberty wore her Pink Soft Fuzzy Mittens/Hat outside while feeding them. Teddy grabbed on...and would.not.let.go. Liberty finally gave up chasing after the dog for her mittens and hats and asked me to rescue them. It took me nearly 20 minutes to pry them away from her. We don't allow Liberty to wear them outside to play anymore as the mere site of them agitates Teddy into leaps and contortions of hopeful destruction.

Quirk #2
(and what prompted me to write this blog)
Teddy loves Coffee.
Before writing this blog I had gone upstairs and came down to find my coffee missing.
Hmm...Could have sworn I brought it in the living room. weird.
I check the kitchen. No coffee.
Okay....W-T-H...I know I made a cup of coffee.
I make myself another cup, feeling very puzzled. Once I return to the living room I notice that Teddy is in her Kennel. Very odd as she only goes there if she's done something wrong. I begin looking around for puppy tinkle or one of Bean's toys that had fallen prey.
After looking around for a few minutes I notice something red behind Teddy...IN the kennel.
My Coffee Cup.
Thank GOD..I really thought I was loosing it!
I at first assumed she had just taken the cup and spilled the coffee, but never thought to check for the spill. I took the cup, put it in the sink, walked back into the living room.
There is Teddy...Drinking my 2nd cup of coffee. Just lapping away at my new red coffee cups. Enjoying every single tongue full of that sweet French Vanilla taste.

Damn Quirky Dog.
That was my last cup for the night too.

Three Questions

In honor of No Lurking Week..I have made it a point to leave comments on every page I visit. I don't typically lurk, but there are a few blogs I visit and don't comment. So far the blogs I visited have had some pithy and interesting question to ask. However, I'm feeling tired and a tad bit cranky right now (must be the no cigs...GUH) and I can't seem to think of any really good juicy questions. So I will ask three questions (making up for quality with quantity..haha)....ANSWER THEM. **EEK..sorry...told ya I was cranky!**

1. What is your favorite blog(s)?

2. Why?

3. What questions should I have asked?

To answer my own questions:

I think my favorite blogs are Troll Baby and Petroville. I visit them Daily and am always a little sad if there's nothing new.

Troll Baby is my daily pick me up. She makes me laugh with her humor or debate interesting topics. If a blog could have the same effect on me as my favorite coffee...it would be TrollBaby.

Petroville is just simply....warm, fuzzy, sweet, and funny. It's like coming home for Christmas. Once you read, you just want Momma K for your best friend.

As for what question should I have asked?

I still have no idea. HA-HA. So I cheated and asked Prince Charming. He said..I should have asked you to name one thing you did as a child you still pray your mother never finds out?

I'm pleading the 5th on this one. My mom reads this blog. Hi Mom!

If Life were only a bookmark...

A few days ago Prince Charming attempted to save a web page to our book mark folder. He was rather dismayed to find 70 or so bookmarks saved with no rhyme, reason or method. Our last bout of computer problems had forced me to import from another computer and I just never had the time to re-organize them. Plus, the pages saved of Christmas gift ideas, new web page building resources, and a treasure trove of new online kids sites had caused our bookmark folder some chaos.

Anyway, I am bored out of my mind tonight and so I decided to start cleaning out and reorganizing the folder. I think it took me only 15 minutes. As I was doing it and complaining how bored I was prince charming suggested I listen to my book and 'organize' the bedroom. I love listening to my book and wanted to very much but had no desire to 'organize' the very scary teetering towers of clutter and lost objects that have accumulated in my sleeping quarters.

A funny thought occurred to me then. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could simply organize your entire house and life via the computer through a bookmark folder?

Dirty clothes...no problem. Whites folder...Darks Folder...Towels Folder . Simply take the icon and drop into appropriate folder....VIOLA...Laundry sorted. Next take that folder....drop into WASH folder...BAM...Laundry done. Multiple child households would no longer have to stress that boy scouts and ballet begin at the same time and are 1/2 hour away. Take child one..drop into boyscout folder..and POOF...he's there.

Oh...if only it was that easy!

Samantha....

I mentioned yesterday that Liberty received an American Girl Doll (Elizabeth) for Christmas. Well, Prince Charming also purchased mine. Here is Samantha:


Now, Why does a 28 yr. old mom of 3 need a doll? Because I have wanted her since I was a little girl, and he noticed how I teared up when I touched her at the store on the day we bought Liberty's. Impractical? Absolutely.
One of the sweetest things he's ever done for me? COMPLETELY.
That is why he's my Prince Charming.



***The stair case was a gift from my sis that I could NOT find a place for in my house...until I did this table top display this morning. Now I LOVE it!**

Tales of The Trouble Maker Parent

Alex went back to school today. Neither of us was overly excited by that fact. We both bemoaned getting up early again, the homework and not having him home during the day. I had cookies and milk waiting when he got off the bus, hoping to make the slip back into after school routine of chores and homework a little easier. As he was emptying his folder he started to hand me two slips of paper, then stopped and looked them over.

He said, 'Mom, a lot of people got one of these one's today..but I'm the only one who had a green one too. Some of the other kids were laughing at me saying I was in trouble. Can you please send lunch money in tomorrow?'

I took the sheets and one was informing me of his lunch $$ balance (-$3.10) and the other was a slip stating the new lunch procedure that became effective in November. Here is what it says:

New Lunch Procedure
Last year and this year, we have struggled with students having negative balances in their lunch accounts. Beginning in November we will start a new procedure to deal with negative balances. Any time a student's balance reaches -$3.20 (equivalent to two lunches), that student will be charged for a lunch but will receive a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk. Low balance notices will be sent home on Mondays and Thursdays and negative notices will go out every day. If you have any questions, please contact the school office at 555-1212.

When they sent these notices out in November I was highly irritated. First, it doesn't seem fair to embarrass a child in front of other kids. Nor does it seem right to punish a child, especially with food, for the forgetfulness of the parents or circumstances that may be out of their control.

Their system is flawed this year as many times a lunch balance will go below the cost of one lunch on a day that is not a balance notice day. So when you receive the notice saying that it is $1.25, and does not reflect that days lunch purchases you are already in the negative. Last year you were notified if it was under $2.00 the same day. Very rarely has this been an issue for us, but on occasion we have simply not had any money until payday to put into the account. We could of course pack a lunch, but again...we have gotten to the point where I have been out of bread and realized on that morning he had no choice but to eat school lunch. The only reason this happened this time is because The last day of school, before Christmas break, was on Wednesday. Therefore no notices were sent out. Obviously his balance was already low.

I know in the grand scheme of things...lunch procedure and policy is not a huge burning problem. I am however furious that my son was laughed at today, made to feel embarrassed and that I feel reprimanded by the school for an honest oversight. And I honestly believe that the policy itself is wrong and unfair to the child. Prince Charming is furious..not because of today..but just because of the policy in General. He is upset that I won't call the school and voice how we feel. But..I am already known as the trouble maker parent to many. The sad thing is that I know that other parents share my concerns now and have in the past. But for the sake of my son I refuse to be the one to voice my opinion first and single him out any more than I already have.

Do you agree with the policy or not? Why?

Happy New Year...

Happy New Year!!!

It seems crazy that 2007 is here. I hope you all had a wonderful new years eve night! Hubby and I sat at home and rang in the new year in our own 'special' tradition of the past 4 years. Lets just say...we brought in the year with a "bang" of sorts. **blushing**.

This year I'm going to really try and keep my new years resolutions.

So here's my list....so you can help me stay on track ;-)

1. Be a better and more involved friend
I have social anxiety and I use that as an excuse to not meet new people who want to get together and also to not stay in touch with the friends I have. I value each one of them and I need to start showing that!!

2. Loose Weight
I will be purchasing the Ultra Ab Lounge this tax season after my step brother has had amazing results and the reviews are wonderful! Plus I will also be ordering a month of Nutra System. My mom has done it and had GREAT results. She also let me use an extra months worth she had and I LOVED the food. I still crave many of the meals. I lost 15 lbs. and have kept it off for over 4 months!!!! So I will be purchasing my own month this time and hope to see the same results with that combined with the ab lounge. It is expensive...but worth every penny.

3. Get back and STAY on the Flylady system.
My entire house and prince charming were soooo much happier when I did the system. It also freed up a lot more time for ME and to spend having fun with my babies.

4. Take better care of ME
I'm going to start tanning, get my nails done and immerse myself in my favorite hobbies by actually making time for them.

5. Quit smoking!!!
Enough Said

6. Take more time to relax and giggle with my babies.
I have spent so much time stressing out about the house and homework and money and everything else and not enough time enjoying the wonderful unique things my babies are.


Right now that's all I have thought of :-) I'm sure I'll add more as the days go on.

What did you do to ring in the new year?

What are your resolutions??

Bah Humbug

I do it every single year. I SWEAR that next year I WILL have all my shopping done by Thanksgiving. And if it's not all done...that I'll at least have most of it done, with just a few items left to pick up, but it will still be planned out.
And every year Thanksgiving comes and goes followed by Christmas school concerts, and special school projects, and this thing or that thing and before I know it...I look up and it's 12 days 'till Christmas.

12 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS.....AW WW DAMN!

Here I sit...with one gift purchased. That's it. My daughters American Girl (More to come regarding her later) is safely tucked away..and she is the only one.

So now I am freaking out, desperately hoping that when I do get to go shopping that everything will be in stock and that Santa won't have to make any last minute substitutions.

sigh.

So next year...I SWEAR...I will have my shopping done by thanksgiving....and the things that are not purchased...will be written down and perfectly planned. No...really!

Baby, it's .....Warm?....outside..

When I think back to winter as a Child, it seems that it snowed very early in the year..and stayed snowy until early spring. Not only did it seem like a November thru March event, it also seemed like there was SO MUCH snow. Enough to make snow angels, and snowmen, and snow forts and have snow ball fights. Yet still enough left to find an untouched patch and delight in being the first person to make your mark.

My kids love the snow, yet they never last as long outside as we did. After about 45 minutes they will come in with their pink noses and small frozen fingers, begging for homemade hot chocolate. I always think this is so funny seeing they actually have snow boots and snow pants and snow gloves. I know I had snow boots and coats, but we just put on as many types of pants as we could fit over the top of each other. First you'd have tights, then spandex (this was the 80's..we had in abundance), then tight sweats and as many more layers of sweats and jeans as you could get done up and still move.

I sometimes feel bad that we live in the country because they don't get the joy of having a snow plow drive by and make huge cresting waves of packed snow. My neighbors and I would spend hours and hours digging and refining our snow forts to perfection in those giant drifts. They also don't have next door neighbors to stage snow ball fights with, but at least they have each other.

So, in case you've asked yourself what brought on my trip down snowy memory lane, it's that I've noticed as the past few years went by that we have received less and less snow each year. Last year we only had 2 or 3 major snow falls, and they were mostly gone with in a week. It's made me sad that my kids haven't really had any chance to have fun playing in the snow.

Also, the past week when I've gotten out of bed, felt the chill in the air, and donned my heavy coat as I went to take the puppies out...I've opened the door bracing for that first rush of freezing crisp November air...and....and....It's warm. It is the last week of November and we've topped 60 degrees every single day. There is actually a warm and spring like hint to the wind as it blows. It's not the cruel and bone chilling bite I've come to expect of November's end.

Today is supposed to be between 63 and 65 degrees! But tomorrow...tomorrow is supposed to be 30! And possible snow! Most of the world is dreading the frigid freezing arrival of true winter weather. But me...all I can think of is homemade hot chocolate, warm cookies, babies laughing in the snow, reminders to NOT eat yellow snow, watching Beans face as she really sees snow for the first time, seeing Liberty attempt a snowman, watching Alex and Prince Charming as they build their snow fort together and keeping my wood burner going. I love this time of year. As much as I do not enjoy being cold...I love the snow!

Is winter different to you now than when you were a child?

See Ya Sunday!

Hey! Thanks for coming! I hope you like the new look!

Sorry, but I have out of town company this weekend and 3 days of activities at Alex's school..so I will not be posting for the rest of the week!

Bored? There's a great recipe I posted yesterday. Please let me know how you liked it!

Still bored? Take a walk down Memory lane and re-read some of my favs :-)

Even more Bored?? Then click the links below to visit my top Five favorite blogs to read daily!

Mamaritaville

Troll Baby

Petroville

A Comfortable Home

BlogHer Blog about GREAT mom blogs

(Congrats to ' A Comfortable Home' for Making thier list!)

Enjoy your weekend!

A Day for Baking!

I LOVE to bake. I feel that nothing shows your family you love them like baking yummy treats....or at least nothing gets them to actually notice that you love them...like yummy treats.

Last year I started making a serious effort to always have warm, homemade cookies or another type of treat ready when Alex got off the bus. I was surprised how much it meant to not only him..but everyone in the house. And I started finding ways to make baking a little quicker and more efficient as Liberty always wanted to help and Bean always wanted ME.

Today I made a recipe that I 'invented'. I'm sure there is an existing recipe out there...I just have never run across it. So, I thought I'd share both the recipe and hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as my house has :-D

Serendipity S'mores

Ingredients:

1 bag Large Marshmallows

1 bag chocolate chips or 6 blocks chocolate Bark


1 box graham cracker crumbs



Prep Work:

• Place approx. 1/2 c. of graham cracker crumbs in a bowl (it's better to add more as needed so that you don't end up with too much extra)
  
  


• place marshmallows in a bowl: this allows them to 'fluff up'


• Line one or two cookie sheets with wax paper


• lay out bowl for Melted chocolate
  


• Place all the above in an easy to reach location next to each other

Begin the Fun:

• Melt Chocolate: (I did use a double boiler and found it to be a GREAT way to do it w/out burning the chocolate and it helped to keep it from cooling) Stir until completely melted and smooth
  
  

• Place melted chocolate in bowl (This is if little people will be helping..otherwise you can leave in double boiler to help keep soft)
  
  
• Dip one end of marshmallow in chocolate..then roll in Graham cracker crumbs (Placing a Popsicle stick in one end of marshmallow adds a fun touch and makes eating a little less messy!!!)
  
  
• Set chocolate dipped side down on wax paper and let cool
  
  

That's it! Now eat 'em up and enjoy!

Let me know how you liked 'em!!

The Gift Of Giving

Recently one of my favorite bloggers, MommaK of Petroville wrote about the lost meaning of Thanksgiving. I completely agree with her and was going to hold off on this post. But then realized that many people do much of thier Christmas shopping online and in stores during this month. So, I have decided as an early Christmas gift to my readers that I will help relieve some stress on deciding what you should buy by offering some helpful tips and ideas and a laugh (okay..hopefully a LOT of laughs) if nothing else! So enjoy!

This and That

Well, as for yesterday's post...apparently it is NOT chicken pox! WHEW!!! I can not begin to stress how thankful I am for that. The school nurse confirmed that it appears to be a very bad flair up of his eczema. The poor boy can't stop itching though and I feel bad for him.

Tomorrow we have the first Parent/Teacher conference of the year! I'm very excited to hear how Alex is progressing. I love his teacher this year. She is young and enthusiastic. She makes learning fun and works with the kids instead of expecting them to just get it. The only bad thing is she is VERY preggers. So she will not be returning to class after Christmas break. Alex is very upset by this. He doesn't take change well. I've been trying to prepare him and talk about it and how he feels. Hopefully the transition will go smoothly.

A 'Friend' (okay..SHE wants to be friends and she wants help with every single project she undertakes at the school and she wants to start this and that and wants help with this and that) called me at 6:40 this morning. It surprised me and I only answered because I had told her that if anything happened with her babysitter I'd watch her littlest boy. Apparently she has started a new job and it's the promise land. So much money in the deal that her husband is quitting his painting business to stay home with the kids. The good news?? They need someone new at her work, and I would be perfect for the job! Lucky me. I know..I know. I couldn't sound more ungrateful. But honestly she has only been there for 3 weeks. And yes..she landed her first client on Friday and made $500 that day. But....that's all she's made. So I am not seeing where the $$ is. SHOW ME THE MONEY! (sorry...couldn't resist) She kept on for 15 minutes about how it was a 'no brainer' and 'such a great opportunity' and that her boss doesn't like to go outside for help...he prefers referrals from employees. She had told him about me and said I sounded perfect. Hmmmm. Am I the only one who sees something possibly fishy here?? When she finally let me get a word in, I thanked her...told her I'd think about it...but I hadn't even had a sip of coffee yet (we woke up late)...and I'd let her know. **sigh** So I guess I'll just have to tell her that apparently I have no brain ;-)

I voted tonight! Did you?? If not...WHY?? I took Alex with me as it's sort of become a family tradition. Liberty goes with Prince Charming..and Alex goes with me. They love it and the 'I voted' sticker they receive when we're done. At first it happened by accident a few years ago 'cause I had no one to watch them. Then I realized that I was setting a good example for them and by letting them join in the process they would be more likely to vote when they're old enough.

Well, that's all for today! Hope you all had a great Tuesday!

Why did the Chicken Cross the Road?

Well, for me....the great mystery may be solved. To infect my household with chicken pox!!!! After the worst two weeks in the history of my mommy hood (we've all recently gotten over pneumonia, sinus infections, strep throat, eye infection and stomach flu) Alex told me tonight as I was putting him to bed that his stomach was very itchy. So I pull up his shirt to take a look...not really expecting to see anything as the room was dark. But..there they were...red dots..ALL over his stomach. So I asked him to come into the bathroom so I could take a better look. The poor boy was covered (his back, sides and stomach) with small and large bumps. At first I thought it was his Eczema flaring up....but it's never acted up like this. So...now I have to wait to morning to find out if I should take him to the doc's. OYE. So...here's a pic of the poor boy. Tell me what you think!

The Cereal Box..

Every morning is pretty routine around here. I drag myself out of bed....pour a cup of coffee...take a sip....then drag myself up the stairs to wake up Alex for school. While he gets dressed, I head back downstairs and switch laundry loads then make him breakfast. Breakfast varies depending on my level of zombiness. He loves cereal, which really helps on the zombie mornings, so 3 out of 5 days that is usually what he asks for. I am not a big fan of the scooby doo, captain crunch, cinnamon toast crunch crowd. The sugar content is soo out of the world, plus the kids always fight over whatever prize there is. My kids can actually tell you that the reason cartoons and special toys are on cereals is to make kids want to buy them and they usually aren't the healthiest choice. Usually we have Life, cheerios, raisin bran or so on. So..back to the routine. Once dressed he comes down and sits at the table eating his breakfast. Usually we chat while I get a headstart on the girls breakfasts. Well, three weeks ago the grocery store had a sale. Cinnamon bun cereal, halloween lucky charms, peanut butter captain crunch, and spooky scooby doo cereal...all for .50!!! Okay...so...saving money won over healthy eating. My kids were soooo excited...they jumped and yelled and I even got 'Wow...you are the best mom EVER!'. The fun thing about these cereals..were the games and jokes and activities all over the back. My kids LOVED these and we've had a lot of fun in the mornings playing the games...deciphering the puzzles. It has really stepped our morning activity up a notch. This morning as we were trying to unscramble a word I realized how much more we have been enjoying our morning. All because of a simple, silly thing like a cereal box! I still won't buy those brands on a regular basis. But I will look now for our cereals that maybe have something like that on the back. I mean really...so simple...such a thing most people over look...has brought such fun times! Who'd a thunk it.

G is for Grateful

Okay so before my blog here is what we are to do.. next one to post a blog must put in the subject line.... H is for H_______ and so on going in order of the alphabet... and what you write has to in some way cordinate with the sub line. I know we didnt start with 'A' but my sis started with F is for Friend.. so here we go...... and if you put one out without the letter in it you have to buy first round of drinks when we are all together...

I am Grateful for:

My Family- Without them I could not survive my life. I would have no one to share my sadness and my joys with. No one to hug me when there is no one else. No one to love me regardless of who or what I am and allow me to do the same for them.

My Friends - Without them I'd have no one to listen to me, no one to have late night chats with, no one to drag me out when I am hiding, and no one to help me fix my give a damn ;-)

My Children- Without them I'd never have a reason to strive to be more than I am. I'd never have a legacy to leave behind. I'd never have anything to be proud of.

My Husband- Without him I would never know the meaning of total love. I wouldn't be able to stay home and raise my babies and enjoy every moment of thier growing up.

My Freedom- Without this....I would not be free to be me...to feel safe...to believe what I want to believe...to say whatever I feel I must