OH WHAT A WEEK IT'S BEEN...

It's been such a busy week, I really don't even know where to begin.

We've purchased costumes and pumpkins for Halloween. All is almost ready for tomorrow.

Gooey has talked for months about being a scary pirate for Halloween. We went and bought him a really cute pirate costume and he screamed that it was too scary and he didn't want to wear it. Daddeee, the mean parent that he is, finally forced him to put it on. He's so adorable in it. I can't wait to get pictures before trick or treating. The Teenager chose a scary ghoul costume. Wonderful. Gooey's afraid of it too. As a matter of fact, he's afraid of almost everything these days.

We were in KMart a few days ago and we triggered a Halloween skeleton and at the same time, someone in another aisle dropped something and it made a loud noise. Gooey screamed bloody murder! People were coming over from other aisles to see what was going on. It was so embarassing. If he is afraid of everything, tomorrow night isn't going to be fun at all.

On top of preparing for the holiday, the fuel pump went out on Daddeee's truck. Nice. I think the Money Gods know when you have extra money and they laugh and make things like this happen. I had been putting money away into a fund for the past 6 months to cover all the expenses we have coming up with The Teenager's birthday, Thanksgiving, Daddeee's Big 40, then Christmas. I get the money tomorrow. Now it will go towards auto parts. I should just rename the fund something like "Funds to entertain the Money Gods".

Back to some fun stuff. We're having a pumpkin contest at work. The stipulations: it must be a pumpkin under 4 lbs and it can not be carved. This is my entry:







What do you think?

SNIFFLE, SNIFFLE, ACHOOOO!...

I called home after work yesterday afternoon to see what was going on. I was told by The Teenager that everyone was sleeping. I knew Gooey had been fighting a cold and The Teenager had the beginnings of one, but I didn't know that Daddeee had succumbed to the germs too. I didn't go home. Instead, I detoured to The Bar where my sister works and sat with her for a while drinking a diet coke. I was only able to hide out for a short while before the "we're getting hungry" phone calls started.

I did eventually come home and make the family a big pot of turkey potage (that's what the package called it, to me it was soup). I've always thought one of the best defenses against colds and flu is good soup. We spent the rest of the night just lounging around.

Just my luck, I woke up this morning with the cold too. Luckily, it's not a debilitating-can't-lift-my-head-off-the-pillow-to-get-out-of-bed kind of colds. I just have the sniffles, sneezes, and stuffy head. It's enough of a cold, though, that I don't plan on doing anything other than playing on the computer or watching some tv while lounging around in my jammies.

Being sick in this house always leads to the debate about which cold medicine is best. Daddeee swears by the nighttime, sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, fever, best sleep you ever got with a cold medicine Nyquil, while I believe in the plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is Alka Seltzer cold medicine. The Teenager has tried both but hasn't sided with either of us as of yet.

Another benefit of this bout of colds is we've found a new tissue. Kleenex has come out with a new anti-viral tissue. They are 3-layered tissues and the "specially treated middle layer helps stop cold and flu viruses in the tissue". They're super soft and incredibly absorbent. I highly recommend them. I had 2 boxes already here at the house but when I went out and did my shopping today, I bought 2 more. A household can never have enough tissues when everyone is sick.

This pretty much sums up how my weekend will be spent. I know, too exciting for any one person to handle.

TRYING TO BE BETTER PEOPLE...

Yes, I'm making an effort to make myself and my family better people (whether they like it or not). We're not awful people but I know we do have some flaws. We have room for improvement.

One thing I do want to improve upon is being thankful for what we have. We're by far not rich people financially but we are rich in other areas, such as friends, family, etc. I want to begin our journey to greatness (a long trip, I know) by saying grace before our meals. We need to thank the higher power, God in our case, for the wonderful things we've been given, especially in these trying times. I just wasn't sure how to go about doing it.

When I was a kid, we always said the "God is great, God is good. Let us thank Him for this food. Amen." This would be an easy one but ever since I became a smart-aleck teenager (is that where The Teenager gets it from?), all I can think of with that prayer is that good and food do not rhyme. In my head, food is pronounced with the same "oo" sound as good. It doesn't work for me.

My favorite prayer was one that my husband's step-mother's mom (that's a mouthful!) used to say. Mary was such a lovely woman and had such grace about herself. I adored her and miss her terribly. The only problem is, I couldn't remember it. It's been driving me nuts.

So last weekend, while in Springfield, I sat with my cell phone while no one was looking, and text messaged it to myself. The in-laws have the prayer painted onto their kitchen wall with lovely stencils. Darn, I could kick myself for not taking a picture of it.

So, whether the family likes it or not, our meals will now begin with this:

Lord, we are grateful for these and all the many blessings that come from Thee. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Short, simple and sweet. (just like me lol)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY...

Autumn over the Missouri River

OH SO SINFUL...

Like I said in yesterday's post, I spent the weekend with the in-laws. The in-laws aren't bad people, but the whole packing up a family of 4, hauling things 3 hours south of here, being jovial towards everyone after a 3 hour drive with a road-raging husband, a cranky 2 yr old and a bored teenager, doesn't make for a fun trip. What made it worse was repeating the whole process the next day to come home. I was exhausted.

So tonight, I threw all dietness to the wind and made The Pioneer Woman's Creamy Herb Potatoes. They were sinfully delicious and I know I probably packed on a good 2 lbs eating the small portion that I did eat. It's so worth it every once in a while and I justify it by telling myself my stressed mind needs it. Well, it does!

I recommend checking out all the other recipes on her website because they are so good. I'll warn you, though. If you're purposely trying NOT to block every artery in your body, don't make any of her recipes.

I had lots of leftovers if you want some. If not, I'm going to pop them in the freezer and save them for another stressful-in-need-of-creamy-goodness day, which will probably be tomorrow.

So I'm cutting this post short because now I have to go walk a few miles to get rid of the guilt.

OWL update: 42.1 lbs lost

WHO ARE YOU MOST LIKE?...

It was a busy weekend out of town at the in-laws for a family reunion so I'm pretty tired. I had to get all the housecleaning, grocery shopping, etc. done this afternoon. Plus riding in a car for 3 hours didn't do much for my back. It's pretty achy tonight.

I saw this and thought I'd share. I'd be interested who you are like. Come back and share with me.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Grace!

You are a Grace -- "I need to understand the world."

Graces have a need for knowledge and are introverted, curious, analytical, and insightful.

How to Get Along with Me

• Be independent, not clingy
• Speak in a straightforward and brief manner
• I need time alone to process my feelings and thoughts
• Remember that If I seem aloof, distant, or arrogant, it may be that I am feeling uncomfortable
• Make me feel welcome, but not too intensely, or I might doubt your sincerity
• If I become irritated when I have to repeat things, it may be because it was such an effort to get my thoughts out in the first place
• don't come on like a bulldozer
• Help me to avoid my pet peeves: big parties, other people's loud music, overdone emotions, and intrusions on my privacy

What I Like About Being a Grace

• standing back and viewing life objectively
• coming to a thorough understanding; perceiving causes and effects
  
• my sense of integrity: doing what I think is right and not being influenced by social pressure
  
• not being caught up in material possessions and status
  
• being calm in a crisis

What's Hard About Being a Grace

• being slow to put my knowledge and insights out in the world
• feeling bad when I act defensive or like a know-it-all
• being pressured to be with people when I don't want to be
• watching others with better social skills, but less intelligence or technical skill, do better professionally

Graces as Children Often

• spend a lot of time alone reading, making collections, and so on
• have a few special friends rather than many
• are very bright and curious and do well in school
• have independent minds and often question their parents and teachers
• watch events from a detached point of view, gathering information
• assume a poker face in order not to look afraid
• are sensitive; avoid interpersonal conflict
• feel intruded upon and controlled and/or ignored and neglected

Graces as Parents

• are often kind, perceptive, and devoted
• are sometimes authoritarian and demanding
• may expect more intellectual achievement than is developmentally appropriate
• may be intolerant of their children expressing strong emotions

IT'S A GIRL....

I haven't posted this previously because we weren't sure things were going to work out but we adopted a little girl. A little girl cat to be exact.

My friend, D, took her mom to get a new kitten last year at the animal shelter. They were wanting a kitten but discovered this beautiful 5 yr old cat that had lost her owner. The owner's son found that his father had passed away and the cat was crying on his lap. D and her mom decided to adopt her. Well, D's mom had to move away and couldn't take the cat. So, D convinced us to adopt her. I told her it would only be on a "let's see how it goes" basis.

So far, she's fitting in fine. We renamed her Kiki because it sounds like your saying "kitty kitty" really fast and she'll come to you. She's a beautiful long-haired cat and has a very sweet disposition. So far, she'll only stay upstairs but I'm going to work on getting her to come downstairs.

She's not a huge fan of dogs (D has 2 rather rambunctious dogs) so she steers clear of Ranger but they're slowly getting used to one another.

At least now I'm not the only female in the house. Go estrogen!!

PS. I'll post pictures of her soon. I haven't had time lately to catch her for one.

BLOWING OFF STEAM...

Tonight was The Teenager's fall orchestra concert. He's been playing the violin for 2 years now and has gotten pretty good. We, Gooey included, really enjoyed the concert.

Each time he's had a concert in the past, I've told my sister about it and she's forgotten. "You should have reminded me," she'd say.

So last night, I reminded her and she said ok. Again, tonight, on my way home from work, I called her and reminded her, giving her exact time and location. Did she show up? NO! Big F-ing NO!

When her kids were younger, I rarely missed a concert, event, etc of any kind that they participated in. She has never once made it to one of The Teenager's events.

I wish I could say that posting this to blow off steam helps but it really doesn't. I'm so angry with her. It'll be interesting to hear what her excuse is this time.

TO COMMENT OR NOT TO COMMENT...

Yes, that's a good question. I love to read other people's blogs. I really do. I probably visited your blog today. Or yesterday. Maybe it was the day before.

I'm awful, though, because a lot of the time (ok, I won't lie, most of the time.) I don't leave a comment. It's not because I didn't like your post. It's simply because I just didn't know what to say.

Blog commenting reminds me of when I was back in high school and it was yearbook signing time. Someone would bring their yearbook over and ask you to sign it. The comment had to be fantastic because it would forever be etched into the history of this person. The same with blog comments.

I crack under the pressure.

Someone needs to create an acceptable generic blog comment that you can leave that just simply means "I was here. Loved what I read. Will be back to read more later." At least the blogger would know their time and imagination (or whatever else goes into a blogging post) didn't go unappreciated. All pressure on the blog reader would be relieved. Antidepressant sales across the world would weaken. Wine consumption would decline. No more blog comment duress. Hallelujah!

If only...

THE BIG DAY...

Yes, today was the big day. I'm not talking about just any ordinary day. I am talking about THE day...the day for my annual exam at the doctor.

All of you women know what I'm talking about. This is something that you can't deal with lightly. It's an occasion that you have to psych yourself up for. You prepare for it days in advance.

I started my preparation Saturday. I went shopping for new underwear and socks. Yes, I buy myself a new pair of nice panties every year for this event along with a new pair of socks. Now, I know that the doctor never sees the underwear but it's all part of the psyching-up process. The new socks are a requirement. When you stick your feet up into the stirrups, you don't want the stain of the grape jelly you stepped in at breakfast to be seen. Your feet are pretty much in the doctor's face.

Sunday was shaving day. I spent an hour, possibly longer, in the bathroom shaving every part of my body that needed a good shaving. I'm a lazy shaver. If I'm only going to be wearing knee-length pants, I don't bother shaving my upper legs. Why bother with what's not seen? Do you really think that the paramedic breathing life into your body, after the accident that your momma always predicts is going to happen, is really looking at your unshaven legs? This particular ceremony requires the full leg shave plus some neat trimming of other crucial areas.

So this morning was shower time. Yes, I used up every possible drop of hot water within a 5 mile radius. It's something that has to be done. A woman has to be her cleanest for an exam of this caliber.

But I adore my doctor. She makes me feel so comfortable about the whole process. Well, at least as comfortable as a woman can get when someone is inserting a metal speculum into such a private space.

I did fine. I survived for another year. Plus I have my pretty new panties as a bonus.

BONUS: According to the doctor's scale, I've lost 39.5 lbs!

WESTON APPLE FESTIVAL...

We spent the day yesterday at the Weston Apple Festival. The weather was gorgeous and we had a wonderful time, although we hardly saw any apples at all. Strange.

Gooey wanted the ride a pony at the pony rides but I knew that if we tried, he'd probably have a cow and end up not riding so we settled on petting a pony instead. I was really surprised he even got close.

After the festival activities, we went to Weston's statuary where we got to paint concrete apples. Even The Teenager got involved.


This was Gooey's first time painting and he really did a fabulous job, with a little help from Daddeee.

My great-niece was with us and her daddy was helping her paint her apple.

Daddeee and Gooey working on his apple.

We took a family photo near their pond. It was beautiful spot and other than my cheesy grin (I was trying to get everyone else to smile together), it's a pretty good photo.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage each of you to help spread the word about how important self-exams are for the early detection of breast cancer.

Please feel free to snag this graphic for your blog, website, email, etc. to help spread the word.

The code to make it link back to this so that others can help spread the word too is:

<A href="http://mommeee.blogspot.com/2008/10/breast-cancer-awareness-month.html" target=_blank><IMG alt=Photobucket src="http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k3/my2sonsmommy/BCAM.jpg" border=0></a>

Leave me a comment if you're using the graphic. Let's see how many people we can get to spread the word.

Chicken again?...

Several friends of mine are struggling. They're struggling with being able to afford their bills, groceries, etc with the current economy. I really wish I could help them out but things are tight for us, too.

So I'm sharing an idea that I use all the time. Yesterday, I put a chicken in my roaster. It was just an average size whole chicken that I got on sale at the grocery store. When I find these sorts of things on sale, I normally buy several. So I roasted this chicken and we had it along with noodles and peas. I got lucky with this chicken because it was a very meaty one. I cleaned the leftover chicken off the bones and, lucky me, got enough for 2 more nights worth of dinner.

The first half of the leftover I will shred and cook with a can of tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. This I'll spread over a flour tortilla, top with cheese, another tortilla, and grill it in a skillet. Presto! Easy quesadillas.

The rest of the chicken, I'll shred, add some diced boiled egg, diced pickles, and mayo for a simple chicken salad.

If anyone wants more specifics on these recipes, just holler. Even better, share your frugal ideas by commenting.

We could all use some help in this day and age.