Christmas Pictures......

Christmas was wonderful. The family was together and there were a lot of laughs. Christmas Eve we all tried to play the game "Catch Phrase" and lets just say we will never win any "Catch Phrase" tournaments if such a thing exists. (smile) The girls were very happy with their presents even though there were not many surprises. I did however manage to surprise them with the Pandora Bracelets that were in their stockings. The weather has turned cold again here in Sunny Florida so we will be having a quiet day in doors today. I only have one of my little munchkins the other two are home with their families for the week so the house seems quiet (of course my girls are still sleeping) for now. Enjoy the week of Christmas aftermath and leftovers and we will see you in the New Year........

Christmas is coming, I'm trying not to get fat (er)..

Oh my gosh it is SO HARD to follow weight watchers so close to Christmas . I have currently lost 16 1/2 pounds, but that of course is before tomorrow. I am worried about tomorrow. I have had the toughest week. I can't blame it on anything but my complete and total lack of self control. I keep playing with the idea of skipping the weigh in tomorrow, but I know I won't. I won't because if I do it will be so easy for me to skip going all together and I made a promise to myself that no matter what I will keep going. Even if I have several bad weeks (which currently that has never happened. I have gained twice but always came back the following week with a good weight loss to make up for it) But no matter what I WILL WEIGH IN EVERY WEEK!!!! There I said it!!!! Have a FANTASTIC weekend!!!!!

RIP Freddy the carnival fish....

Ok, I don't know why I started with this pet update thing but since I did I feel obligated to share that last week we lost the COOLEST GOLDFISH EVER Freddy Fish. I never thought I would get so attached to a Goldfish but he was really unique and I was devastated last week when I looked into his bowl and he wasn't there. I knew immediately that something was wrong because he always came over to the top of the bowl and talked to me (seriously, if fish could talk he would of been talking) My initial thought was that somehow one of the cats got him, but I quickly dismissed that idea because if it could of been done it would of happened already. I moved the bowl all around and didn't see him on the counter and then much to my horror I discovered him in the sink. He was dead, I was so sad. He must of some how jumped out of the bowl to his death. I had heard of fish doing this before but wasn't sure if it was true until now. I almost shed a tear. Seriously, if you can love a Goldfish I loved that Goldfish. Even the Englishman who is kind of anti pet except for the dog and his ever devoted black cat Tuesday was saddened by the news. His words were "that sucks, he was a cool fish" See what I mean, Freddy was the bomb!!! Of course I am really attached to the way the fish bowl looks on my kitchen counter so I ran right over to Walmart and bought another goldfish. We named him Wally after Walmart but it is not the same. He is not cool, he does not come to the top of the bowl begging for food like he hasn't eaten in a year. He does not kiss your finger when you put it in the bowl. He does not swim around like a maniac in hopes of getting noticed in his endless pursuit of those delicious golden flakes.

But I suppose he will grown on us...

Thanksgiving Photos....

Thoughts....

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." Elizabeth Stone


I absolutely LOVE that quote. I recently ran across it again and thought to myself as I always do how true that is. I remember back to before I had children (yes, I can remember that far, for now anyway) and think about times when my feeling we're hurt by something someone did or said to me. I remember that sad feeling and wishing I wasn't so sensitive. I remember telling myself to toughen up and not to let things that people said bother me. I remembered that time is really the only thing that makes it better (except for maybe an apology from said party lol) and that it always got better.

Then I had kids......

Now, I am 50 times more sensitive than I ever was when it comes to them.
Now, no matter how many times I tell them to toughen up and not be so sensitive I am still fuming inside that someone hurt them.
Now, long after my kids have forgotten an incident and have totally moved on I find myself still thinking about it, still holding on.

So while this SUCKS... Yes it really does, it is also a learning experience. (As all things are if you think about it)

Because I know how sensitive I am when it comes to my children, I am always so careful when I talk to other Moms. (Being a daycare provider I have to do this a lot)

I always try to teach my girls to give people the benefit of the doubt and yes sometimes they are better at this then I am when it comes to their feelings.

And above all I remind them that time heals (or helps a whole lot) all wounds because this I believe with all my heart.

Growing up there were two things that my Mom told me over and over again.

The first was "will this bother you in ten years?" and if it wouldn't then don't let it bother you now.

The second was "Remember, if they are talking about you they are leaving someone else alone."

I have found myself on more than one occasion sharing this wisdom with my girls.

My hope is to raise confident, compassionate, and loving children who possess empathy for others.

Children who when the time comes (and I hope to be blessed with lots of little ones's) are able to have their hearts walk around outside of their body even better than their Mom did.....

More Bullet Points

Just can't seem to find time for a proper post so here you go....

1. Soccer Girl got her acceptance letter to UCF so looks like she is a "KNIGHT" she is very excited and so are we...

2. Soccer Girl had her very last high school swim banquet Friday night. She was awarded "most valuable swimmer" so proud of my girl....

3. This weekend was fall clean out and it felt so good. The Englishman and I (mostly him) cleaned out the garage and our closet. The girls and I went through their rooms and it feels so good to be organized.. (You know for like a day or two lol)

4. Our weather is gorgeous and our windows are open.

5. Thanksgiving will be held at our house this year and we should have a big crowd, looking forward to it.

6. This is the first year in awhile that I haven't had next week off. Kind of bummed but planning on taking all the kids to Busch Gardens one day should be an adventure.

7. I lost 5 lbs in one week last week at weight watchers and I am THRILLED. This makes a grand total of 13 lbs...Yay!!!

That's all I got today, have a great week!!!!!!

Pictures from Halloween

10 Updates Hopefully.....

1. I had my surgery yesterday and it went well. I was in and out in no time and I am feeling great. Did I mention I LOVE my Dr.

2. Soccer Girl got her acceptance letter to USF and we were pretty excited. Of course she really wants to go to UCF and she should be hearing from them soon but now we have a back up plan.

3. Our Halloween was a lot of fun I will post pictures but on a separate post (yes, I still haven't mastered text and photos and I just don't want to mess with it today.

4. Cool weather has arrived in Florida for the weekend anyway and we are all excited. My Aunt and Uncle are visiting so we will be spending some time with them this weekend.

5. We booked our spring break vacation and are heading to Myrtle Beach. We've never been before but have heard wonderful things. Can't wait....

6. Still going strong on Weight Watchers and really liking it, although I will admit this is my 5th week and for some reason it was the hardest. I've learned that the key to this is planning and this week was so crazy busy it was really hard to be prepared. However, I've also learned that it's OK you just have to keep going and plan better next week.

7. My Grandmother arrived from Michigan on Halloween night for her six months in Florida (she does the six and six thing ) She's such a trooper she went with me to Walmart on Wednesday with three kids and I couldn't have done it without her. I love to get my grocery shopping done during the week days but with three little guys all day it's next to impossible so having her help me was awesome. Thanks Grandma...

8. My BFF just got offered a great job making more money than the one she is getting laid off from next month and I'm so proud of her they are very lucky to get her. YOU GO GIRL!!!

9. Might Mouth and Miss Priss are going on a field trip to our local Folk Fair that comes once a year here. I think it is kind of cool because I remember taking field trips to this same FolK Fair when I was a kid.

10. Wow, I got to ten but actually don't really have anymore news. So have a fantastic weekend!!

Consistently Thankful

Ok, remember when I said I was going to post everyday with something I was Thankful for. Yeah, um you see how well that went. I have such a hard time with "consistently blogging" although in my heart I am "consistently thankful." I decided to write another list to make up for days I missed. Remember, these are little things that effect more of my day to day life in addition to the big one's (health, home, overall happiness) that I am forever thankful for.

1. I am Thankful that the Englishman managed to get off the same week the kids have off for Spring Break. Since he is at the bottom of his works totem pole this was really great. We have plans to visit Myrtle beach.

2. I am Thankful I have been going to Weight Watchers for three weeks now and have lost a total of 7.2 lbs. Just a little sand off the beach but a great start that I am very proud of.

3. I am Thankful that after working on it for roughly 3 hours I finally figured out how to load audiobooks to my Ipod from our local library website for FREE. I love listening to books when I walk. My goal for this week is 10 miles.

4. I am Thankful that the Englishman and I had a date night on Saturday night and went to dinner. It was a lot of fun. I also stayed on program (weight watchers) so that was even better.

5. I am Thankful that we are having friends and family coming over for a pumpkin carving party on Sunday for Halloween. It should be a lot of fun and I am really looking forward to it.

There that made up for 5 days right? LOL Have a great week...

P.S Pet count is back up to 9

1 dog, 2 cats, 2 bunnies, 2 fish, (can you believe that Freddy the carnival fish is still going strong?)1 hermit crab and 1 hamster.

Miss Priss got another Hamster this weekend. A little Siberian Dwarf she named Bella, a cute little ball of fur.

Oh yeah, Thankful the Englishman didn't throw to much of a fit.

(we lost the bird and the other hermit crab over the summer, not sure if I mentioned. RIP Crabby and Blue Bird)

Another year, another three pumpkins...

I decided to get my grocery shopping over with tonight instead of tomorrow or Sunday. I did this because for once I didn't have that big of a list. Because I am a coupon shopper I tend to stock up when things are on sale. Because of this I have about one week a month where I don't have to buy much at all, this was that week. So because I didn't have much in the cart (normally it is like a workout just pushing my completely loaded cart around the store) I decided to go ahead and get the girls their pumpkins for carving. As I was lifting them and trying to get ALL THREE in the cart, because anyone with more than one kid knows they HAVE TO HAVE THEIR OWN. I was thinking maybe this would be the last year that I would have to do this. Maybe next year they will out grow the whole pumpkin carving thing.

Then I bit my tongue. Hypothetically of course because this conversation was going on in my head, you know so the other Walmart shoppers didn't think I was nuts. Although, in our Walmart talking to yourself isn't really that unusual. I remembered that next year Soccer Girl probably won't come home for Halloween because lets face it there will probably be some cool college Halloween party that she will want to go to. Will my other two girl's want to carve pumpkins if their sister is not there to do it with them? You see that's the thing that kind of stinks. I feel like my younger two miss out on some stuff because when Soccer Girl gets to old they feel like they are to old too. If I am honest I contribute to this a little. (ex: this year I kind of encouraged Mighty Mouth to skip having a B-day party and just have the money that I would spend to buy something she wanted.)

Sometimes, I rush Mighty Mouth through things because I have "been there, done that" but I need to remember that she is only eleven. I need to remember and encourage her to be a kid and enjoy all the things that being a kid entitles her to. Because I know from experience that she too will grow up fast and I will be wishing for someone to carve pumpkins with, bake Christmas cookies, and color Easter eggs. So I guess that's why I am writing this post. To remind myself to enjoy and treasure my girls and to make the most of our family time.....

Homecoming 2010

Soccer Girls Homecoming was last night. It was a beautiful evening in Florida. It was cool but not cold and all the kids looked wonderful. A group of her friends came over ahead for snacks and pictures and off they went. She looked beautiful but of course I am VERY prejudice...

Changes in attitude

Today I am grateful for cooler weather, beautiful parks, and a good friend to walk with and discuss life. I am also grateful for a change in my attitude. Maybe the change in weather has ispired it, maybe listing what I am grateful for inspired it, or maybe it was just time for a change. But I feel lighter and happy. So now I am working on feeling lighter LITERALLY... I'll keep you posted...

As the Mother of teenagers this breaks my heart...

We must teach tolerance to our children.....

Water Fountains at the Park...

Dominic getting a drink...








Today I am grateful for slightly cooler weather and water fountains at the park (since I forgot drinks) when we went today. The humidity is finally down and the weather is gorgeous, still very warm but beautiful right now.

My Dr.

Today I am grateful for my Gyn. She is so wonderful. When I first went to see her 2 1/2 years ago I just really liked her we "clicked" so important when someone is looking at my most embarrassing parts. (smile) As I mentioned before I have seen her more than normal this last month. Today we discussed my surgery (very routine outpatient surgery) and as I was leaving I said well I guess I will see you in about a month. (when my surgery will be scheduled) "Yes you will" she said and she reached out and hugged me. How awesome is that. I have never been hugged by a Dr. before. She just makes you feel so comfortable like she is your friend and she really cares. I believe she does as I am sure all Dr's do but perhaps can't convey it as well. I'm not saying were going to be BFF's or anything or hang out outside of the office but she makes you feel like you could. So today I am grateful for my wonderful Dr who I just think the world of. Oh yeah and Health Insurance because you know this isn't going to be cheap.....

Today I am grateful for

1. Dental Insurance, my girls all went to the dentist today and the cleanings and sealants would of been a fortune without our insurance. But it was free today thanks to insurance so I am so grateful we have it.

2. My DVR, I have mentioned in the past how I am kind of (totally) addicted to T.V and recently with all these premiers I am having a field day. The Englishman and I have a new show that we can watch together. We have completly DIFFERENT taste in T.V and the only show that we BOTH really like and enjoy watching together is "Friday Night Lights." But we found a new one called "Chase" about some Texas U.S Marshall's that we both really enjoyed. Maybe we are just Texans at heart.

These are two things I am grateful for today. Hope everyone had a good hump day!!!

Struggling...

I have been struggling lately with so many things. Let me make a list:

1. My job and how confining it can be.

2. My girl parts and how they require all these Dr's Appts.

3. Finances, I'm not complaining I know we're not really struggling, but struggling to figure out WHERE all our money goes????

4. Friendships and how dissapointing they can be not just for myself but for my daughters as well.

5. Making dinner, I know silly, but man I struggle with having to make dinner every night...


Okay, I am glad I decided to write that down because now it doesn't seem so overwhelming. I mean there are only five things on the list.

So, I guess I am not really struggling as bad as I thought I was. (smile)

With that in mind I have decided to move on by concentrating on things I am grateful for and so I am starting my new challenge to blog everyday with something I am grateful for on that day.

So today I am grateful that:

1. My sister came over and I got to spend time with her and my neice.
2. That my little Dominic (boy I babysit) is feeling better he was sick last week.
3. That Mighty Mouth got a 88% on her health test a class she was initially struggling in and we really studied hard together for that test.

Ok I am quickly seeing how this could get really out of hand because I have SO MANY things to be grateful for so I am going to stop because I realize that the purpose of this challenge is just to list a few pertaining to this day even though EVERY day I have so much to be grateful for.

Wow, I feel better after writing this post, I don't feel like I am struggling nearly as much. Thank you Internet and have a grateful day!!!!

Coupontastic

So for awhile now (about 1 1/2 years) I have been trying to save money on groceries. Being a family of five and having two teenagers and a preteen you can probably imagine how groceries become a huge part of my budget. Second only to my mortgage in fact. I had seen this website on Oprah called the Grocery Game and joined that for awhile (there was a minimal fee involved) then I discovered that there were several free websites that do the same thing. After I was doing it for awhile I really didn't rely to heavily on the website but would still refer to them at least a few times a month because sometimes I would miss something. On those websites people loved to post pictures of their loot and talk about how cheap they got it. I am no exception I get incredibly excited about my savings and love to brag to my family and friends. It surprises me how so few people will take the time to coupon shop. I have had several people ask me about it and then reply "oh, I don't have time for all that." I'm not going to lie it does take a little bit of time but like I always say I have lots of time I don't have lots of money. Yesterday was one of my best days. I got $182.00 worth of groceries for $81.00 so I couldn't resist piling all the groceries on my counter and taking a photograph. (Of course I really wish I had finished the touch up painting that needed to be done after we installed a new exhaust fan that totally shows on this picture) So take a look.....impressed??? I know you are..... (smile)

Senior Pictures

Here are just a few of Soccer Girls Senior pictures. I can't believe my girl is a Senior this year (I know I have said that a hundred times already) Sorry the quality isn't that great I had to scan from a proof book. I will be scanning more soon but this took longer than I thought because I had to scan the whole page and then crop. Me being the computer genious that I am this took FOREVER....

Back in the Swing:

Of things that is. So um where was I, gosh it seems like forever since I have posted. School has started and my girls are loving it. Soccer Girl is a senior in high school I can't believe it. Yes, she will graduate in June 2011. I know this real well because she is forever chanting along with the other seniors "one, one". Kind of funny eh? She has a tough year ahead she is taking 5 AP classes (yes, I tried to talk her out of it but she wouldn't listen) so I am just wishing her luck. She has also started filling out her college applications and writing her application essays. I can't believe that this time next year she will be in college and if all goes according to plan and finances living on campus away from home. Miss Priss is in 8th grade her last year of Middle School and feeling very comfortable. She is finally participating in school a little bit, (remember she is the shy one) she has joined the yearbook staff this year and is having fun with that. Mighty Mouth has started sixth grade and is enjoying it. I love dropping them off in the morning and watching my two girls walk up to the school together (it's the five minutes of the day where they are not fighting.) She also celebrated a birthday on the 1st. She is Eleven now and so tall. I know it is just a matter of time before she is taller than Miss Priss and probably later Soccer Girl. She is all arms and legs. She has started wearing a little makeup to school. Growing up quick.

Now that we are back from our trip we are trying to do some home improvements. Last year it was the kitchen re-face and this year hopefully before it is over we are replacing our windows. We have two installed already with 5 more to go. We would also like to replace the sliding door in Mighty Mouth's room with French Doors. She has always hated the fact that her room has a door instead of a window. When we bought the house her room was used as an office so the slider out to the lanai was a nice feature, but for her it is awful because it scares her. So instead of putting in a window (we're thinking ahead for re-sale value) we will put in French doors that have the blinds inside them so that no light or "scary things" can see in.


In the next few weeks fall ball will be starting for MP and MM and high school swim has already begun for SG so our evenings will be busy. Tonight is MM first concert The Jonas Brothers. My friend and I our taking our daughters. It is an outdoor venue so I am a little concerned about the famous Florida evening storms but hopefully all will go well she is very excited.

Hope everyone is well. I am going to try to post more often on here wish me luck...

"Better Together"

Soccer Girl is out with her very "first" friend tonight, they went to see Jack Johnson in concert. Her friend is the son of one of my best friends and he and Sydnee have played together through their babyhood, toddler days, and preschool years. Of course when they hit the "I hate boys/girls" stage they grew apart a little and then we moved out of the neighborhood so they didn't see each other as often. What is wonderful though is that through the years whenever they have gotten together it is like no time has passed. (kind of like their Mom's) My friend and I have always said wouldn't it be great if when they grew up they would get married. Of course, whenever we say that the kids look at us like we are insane. But just in case we always take pictures of them together. You know, so if they do get married one day we will have an awesome slide show to play at their wedding. LOL So on this post I am going to give you a little preview of that slide show. First picture: Sydnee and Trevor circa 1995. The second picture was taken tonight before they left for the concert. When it comes to the two of them Trevor's Mom and I feel like the Jack Johnson song says "It's always better when they're together"


 

Home Sweet Home

We are home sweet home. Well, actually we have been home for over a week now but it was tough getting back into the swing of things. First off, three of the five of us had to go back to work the very next day and we didn't get in until 7pm the evening before. Second, your sleep schedule is all messed up with the 5 hour time change. Third, it is hotter than you know what right now in Florida and England was so gloriously cool. WE LOVED IT!!! In fact aside from seeing family that was probably our most favorite part. Ok, so I am kidding, England is awesome regardless of the weather but the temperature sure was a bonus. It would take forever to write down all about the trip and I don't want to bore you so I am just going to share some of the highlights.

1. Renting our own car was really the way to go and sure made for a lot of laughs.

In the past we have always been picked up from the airport and shared the Englishman's parents car which because their car only seats five, (minivans are a rarity over there) it always meant two cars had to come get us. ) We rented a seven seater small version of a mini van and it worked out great. Of course when we first got there and had the three hour drive home from the airport I made the Englishman crazy. English people drive super fast and follow way to close to each other. Factor in the wrong side of the road thing and I was going nuts. I must have said at least 500 times on the way home "Dave, your hugging the left" and "Dave, I need some distance between us and the car in front." I will admit at the end of the trip I complimented his driving and thanked him for not making me drive at all. ( We had insured me on the car as well in case he wanted to have a few "pints" when we were out. I am so glad that never happened)

2. My nephew and his fiancee flew over from Australia to surprise everyone.

He immigrated to Australia with his fiancee (then girlfriend) 8 years ago. It was wonderful to see them. I had never met his fiancee, I haven't seen him since he was 17. They also announced that they are expecting a baby in March. Very exciting news as this will be the first great grand baby and will make me a GREAT Aunt.



3. We had a big barbecue and invited all the Englishman's friends and family.

We did this last time we were there five years ago it was so much fun to see everyone and marvel at how much all the kids have grown. (picture of the girls was taken the night of the BBQ)


4. We traveled to Blackpool a seaside town for a couple days.

It was really neat to see the English beach. Of course, it is nothing like our gorgeous beaches with our powdery white sand but it was awesome just the same. What I loved about Blackpool is to me it is very vintage. It really looks no different than it did in the 20's, well from what I could see in the pictures anyway. They have this tower there and inside it is like an indoor amusement area with a circus and an aquarium and all over are these pictures of Blackpool in the 20's, 30's and 40's. There are two piers that are set up with carnival rides and then there is an old fashioned trolley car that you can ride up and down the beach. (The picture of the Englishman and I is taken in front of the North pier) It was freezing there I don't think it ever got warmer than 65 degrees and I marvelled at the little English children who were on "holiday" splashing down at the shore line in swimsuits or "costumes" as the English call them. While my girls are in jeans and sweatshirts freezing their tails off, these pale skinned adorable children with their buckets and spades are playing like its a sunny 95 degree day on Clearwater Beach. We stayed at a quaint little Bed and Breakfast and because it is almost impossible to find accommodations for a family of five in one room my daughters got their own room and loved it. Soccer Girl said she felt like she was in a college dorm. Of course, Mighty Mouth was just excited to get to sleep in the top bunk of a set of bunk beds.

5. My in laws house. I LOVE my in laws house and always have.

While the inside is cozy (as most English homes are) and even cosier when inhabited by five extra people their back yard is large and gorgeous. The English love their gardens and my in laws are no exceptions. Flowers are in bloom everywhere in the Garden. Every color of the rainbow and if I were not such a brown thumb I could tell you what they were. My FIL even has a vegetable garden and I loved making salads with produce picked right out of the back yard. They live on a canal that flows into the river Severn so boats go by from time to time and just like anywhere on the water in the world as I am told by my favorite sailor (yes, Aunt Sharon that's you) everyone waves as they go by. On the other side of the canal is a large pasture which this time was inhabited by Piebald Ponies that my girl's fell in love with. They loved going and feeding them. They even named them. They also loved feeding the ducks every morning that would come up the lawn from the canal and wait for breakfast. We hung all our clothes on a clothes line something we just don't do here (or I don't anyway) but everyone there does and the clothes smell so fresh and clean when you bring them in off the line.



6. We went and played Bingo

Something my in laws do every Sunday night and sometimes Friday nights. Mighty Mouth loved it and Soccer Girl even won ten pound.


7. We walked everywhere.

Everyone walks everywhere there. I think it is because parking is hard to come by and also can be expensive. I was glad we walked so much because I have an addiction to English chocolate. Cadbury makes all these fantastic chocolates that you cannot buy over here, so when I go there I go crazy. Of course you don't mind walking when it is not 98 degrees with 100 percent humidity.


8. I loved seeing my girls spend time with their cousins.

It always broke my heart that my girls did not have cousins their age. Growing up I remember always playing with my cousins, we were always so close. Even after we moved to Florida I can still remember when we would visit we would all get together and hang out and just have a blast. With my husbands family living so far away and also the huge age difference my nieces are in their twenties and my nephew early thirties they didn't really play together but now that my girls are getting older they LOVE going places (especially shopping) with my nieces and horsing around with my nephew playing practical jokes. After dinner one night we had a crazy water balloon fight that even got me involved. Then we played softball together as a family in the field adjacent to my in laws house. It was hysterical and so much fun. (Right here I must give a shout out to my Mother in Law who in her seventies ran the bases like a pro GO HELEN!!!)

9. Hearing about my in laws early days.

I love hearing about how they met. Where they grew up, how things were different back then. I Love hearing about my husband and when he was young. One day we were in their old neighborhood for a "Farm Show" it had a fancy name but I can't remember it. Anyway, they showed me the very first house they ever lived in as a married couple and it was still there and they said it looked pretty much the same as it said when they live there. I took a picture of it but I haven't loaded it to the computer yet or I would share it. I love that everything in England looks pretty much the same as it did 200 years ago. Now don't get me wrong there is new construction everywhere but right beside it is a building that was there 200 years ago that still looks exactly the same on the outside.


10. Sharing meals with family.

Laughing at each other (some more than others). teasing each other about this or that. Sitting in the big yellow tent (that my in laws put up when we come over to extend the living space) with each other just enjoying the moment!!!!!

Three COOL Things.......

1. Went to a wedding Friday night with the Englishman and Soccer Girl. It was beautiful and they had the COOLEST photo booth there. They asked everyone to use it so you had a souvenir picture and they had one for their wedding Scrapbook. The Englishman is cracking me up in these pictures because he thought we should all make goofy faces while SG and I thought we should look pretty OF COURSE... LOL

2. I bought a new pair of jeans today and I love them. Why is this COOL you ask? Well, let me tell you. Any full figured gal can attest to the fact getting jeans to fit that look good (look thinner is the ultimate goal) are comfy (a goal but not necessarily a must) and not be $100 or close can sometimes be difficult. I got a pair today that look good, feel good and were only $30.00.. WAY COOL!!!!

3.We leave for England on Friday!!!! This is super exciting and super duper COOL!!!



P.S Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister. I hope you had an awesome day!!!!

So I am FORTY!!! Yes, I celebrated the big 40 this past weekend. Pictures are from my Birthday dinner where I was joined by my Aunt, Mom, Best Friend and her family, and the Englishman and our girls. It was a nice day. We are gearing up for Mighty Mouths Sectionals in Crystal River this weekend she is very excited. I also have a wedding to attend on Friday night. Then in nine days we wil be boarding a plane to go to England. Busy, Busy, Busy, but then again I wouldn't have it any other way.

District 5 Champions and the Countdown to England.

Mighty Mouth's softball team won districts last night. She is so excited!!! They play in Crystal River in two weeks. In three weeks we will be getting ready to board a plane for England. The Englishman is so excited and I am so excited for him. Sometimes I forget how hard it must be to live so far away from your family. I cannot imagine living so far from my family especially my Mom. Early in our marriage the plan was to live in England after a few years of living here. Of course once we had children and established ourselves in jobs, schools, and mortgage payments that never happened. I used to ask the Englishman if he still wanted to go back always assuring him that we would make it happen if he really wanted to. He has always told me no and I have always said a silent prayer of thanks for that. We are very lucky that his Mum and Dad have always been able to visit once a year. His sisters and their families making it here when they can too. My children have wonderful memories of our last trip to England five years ago and cannot wait to stay at Nan's and Grandad's. They are proud of the fact that their Dad is from England and that in turn they are half English. And although they probably wouldn't admit it they love it when their friends say "I love your Dad's accent, it is so cool."

We are heading to Orlando to celebrate the 4th. Should be a nice time. My Aunt is treating us to a few days in her timeshare. So once again the poor Englishman will be surrounded by women (his lot in life lol) Myself, our girls, my Mom and my Aunt.

Wish him luck and have a wonderful 4th as we celebrate our independence from those AWFUL English people....(SMILE)

Summer is Underway....

Well, it has been officially summer now for two weeks and I love it. Everything is so laid back. It is HOT HOT HOT, this will never change see: living in Florida. Can you believe my Electric bill actually went down by 20 dollars though. It's got to be the combination of the new dryer and new dryer venting or the fact that as much as it kills me I have been leaving my thermostat on 78 instead of 76.

We are just 4 weeks away from our trip to England. I'm trying to get excited about it but of course it always comes back to how much money I have to save before we go. Why must everything revolve around money?

I just finished Jen Lancaster's latest book "My Fair Lazy" and laughed through the whole thing. She totally cracks me up. I have never been one to want to meet an author or anything as much as I LOVE to read, but I'm telling you if she ever came to town for a book signing I would so be the first in line.

Mighty Mouth's first Allstars game is Thursday night, looking forward to that. Of course,it had to fall on the same night as the first Meet for swim team. Bummer (And as per usual in my world, we found out AFTER I had already paid for the Meet)

Soccer Girl just made her first big purchase with her first job earnings a Surf Board. This has become her new thing "learning how to surf." It's pretty (can a surf board be pretty?) and she got it off craig's list so I can only hope she got a deal on it. The Englishman looked them up on line and said she did really good. Now I just hope she doesn't get bitten by a shark. You guys know how I feel about ocean water PRETTY TO LOOK AT NOT TO GO IN. (without copious amounts of Rum and Diet Coke, 38th Birthday, Archibald Beach, Krista and Kelly do you remember? The Englishman had to drive us home that day and that NEVER happens)

Well, I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and staying cool.....

A quick 1,2,3

1. Last day of school is tomorrow. I can't believe it, another year has flown by. Two of my darlings graduated from preschool and move on to kindergarten next year. I have had them both since they were a year old so as you can imagine I will miss them terribly. Their last day with me is Friday, it's going to be a tough afternoon with a few tears shed.

2. My little newbie has been with me six weeks now. She is beautiful and I am completely in love. I forgot how fast New Born's grow and she has already changed so much. I also forgot how relaxing it can be to rock a baby. You have the perfect excuse to sit down and not get a thing done all the while enjoying the contentment and cuddles of a gorgeous baby. I find it funny how quickly my almost three year old has figured out that when Suzie is rocking the baby he can get away with more because it is harder for her to get up and stop him. Kids are SO SMART.

3. Soccer girl LOVES, LOVES, LOVES her new job and couldn't be happier. I finally let Miss Priss get contact lenses and she is thrilled. She looks even older now that she is not wearing glasses. Mighty Mouth got picked for ALL STARS in softball and she is having a great time with three of the other neighborhood girls who got picked as well. (Miss Priss was to old to play for this team) Should be exciting as the coaches think this combined team has the opportunity to go really far. I'll keep you posted........

My Daughter, Lifeguard on Duty.....

Warning: I am totally going to brag about my daughter in this post, so if you hate braggers don't read on. Consider yourself warned.. LOL

About a month ago Soccer Girl completed a lifeguard training course at our local community pool. Her goal being to get a summer job at this pool. The course was $119.oo which the Englishman and I paid for. I had told her several times "I hope your Dad and I didn't pay for this course for nothing, I really hope you can get a job at the pool" Of course two of her friends were hired before the course had even finished (they had taken the course last year) so I was not so confident that there would be a position left. As it turns out there was not a position available however she did apply with our local county beach department. We didn't expect her to even be called in because she had no (zero, zilch, zippo) experience and she was only 16. Anyone who lives in a coastal community knows that being a beach lifeguard is a huge responsibility. So when they called her to interview and take the SWIM TEST we were shocked. She was a nervous wreck and really intimidated. I told her that no matter what happened it was a great interview experience. The swim test consisted of a 500 meter swim which she had to complete in less than 10 minutes. (She completed it in 9.38) a one mile run which had to be completed in less than 8 minutes (she completed it in 7.11) and a mock rescue. She told me later that as fate would have it the lifeguard supervisor picked the "hottest" lifeguard on duty that day to play the downed swimmer she had to rescue. Well, long story short they hired my girl. I am so proud of her. She is everything I wanted to be as a teenager. She is beautiful, smart, athletic, determined and extremely goal oriented. The best part besides the wonderful experience she is getting is the money she is making. While most of her friends are working in grocery and department stores (not that there is anything wrong with that) making $6 to $7 dollars an hour she is making $11.73 an hour. She is keeping our beautiful beaches (lets hope they stay that way with this oil spill) safe for residents and tourists alike and this Mom couldn't be more proud!!!!!!!!!

P.S Our pet count is back up to 10. Miss Priss talked me into a Beta Fish last night for her room. Welcome to the family Carmelita Fish we think your gonna like it here...

A 10 year olds changing space....

These adorable posters used to be the only posters that hung in my daughters room. She went to sleep every night with visions of ponies and puppies... How Sweet.

Now these are the posters that adorn her walls. She even went so far as to attach notes to them claiming her love for one and that fact that she finds the other "HOT" Oh my gosh are you kidding me. She is TEN!!!

My only consolation at this time is that luckily they are only boys on posters that she is proclaiming her love for...

Elisabeth H, will you please shut up!!!!!!

I am not one to really care to much about celebrity gossip but this time I just had to say something and let's face it not to many people read my blog so I am not worried about offending anyone. First, let me say I cannot stand Elisabeth Hasselbeck. She has always rubbed me wrong especially after the Elisabeth/Rosie incident. Oh yeah, then there was the Elisabeth/Whoopi incident and now of course we have the Elisabeth/Erin incident. This time though she really blew it and may I just say "Elisabeth, it is about time your holier than thou attitude FINALLY came back to bite you in the boo tay" Was it not so long ago that YOU were prancing around on one of the SURVIVOR beaches in practically nothing. Yes, I do believe a Bikini is a lot more revealing than ANY of Erin Andrews dancing costumes. Let me just end this post with "Hey Elisabeth, JEALOUS much"???

From "Intimidating Circumstances" Clip 2

I absolutely could not resist sharing this. This is a video clip of a amateur film a friend of mine made back when we were in college. He posted it to Facebook tonight and I laughed till I cried. Look at the ridiculous way I am dressed, look at my horrible acting. My girls are so embarrassed by me they can't stand themselves. To me the saddest part of all is that I really haven't changed at all in 20 years. (Okay yes, I have gained a few pounds) While in some ways that's ok (the changed part not the weight lol) in other ways it makes me think that I am really out dated as far as my style. Enjoy but don't laugh at me to hard.....

Love this....

Okay so I saw this on another blog that I read and had to share. She made a list of all the things she wanted to accomplish. This was one of them:


17. Be nice and smile at the neighborhood kid even when I know she's been mean to my kid.

Oh my gosh!!! How many times have I had to pull that one off? Too many to count that is

FOR SURE!!!!!!!!!!

One more day till FRIDAY!!!!

Random.....

1. I recently bought a washer AND a dryer, yes while the Internet is wonderful the advice I got only solved the problem briefly. Then just as I realize I was destined to buy a new washer the dryer went out. This after we just put $40 dollars into it a month ago for a new sensor. It is such a hard call do you keep putting money into the old or buy new. We chose the latter, gotta love Home Depot and "no interest for 12 months".

2. The girls are all doing really well. Miss Priss and Mighty Mouth are enjoying softball and I see such an improvement this season over last. Miss Priss is becoming a really great catcher and Mighty Mouth has finally learned to hit. No more hoping for a walk for this Mom. The coach has even moved Mighty Mouth to in field as her ground ball fielding has improved greatly and she has made some awesome catches. Soccer girl is currently taking a life guarding class in hopes to get a job life guarding this summer she's also really hoping that she can help coach the summer swim team that her sisters participate in. I hope it works out because I know she would be great at it.

3. I have got to get back to my exercise routine. I have severely fallen off the wagon. I just can't seem to get back in the groove. I just need more hours in the day, or I need to prioritize better I have to admit time management has never been one of my strong points. Wish me luck on this one I need it. Especially because I really want to do the half marathon in November.

4. We put our red neck pool back up and that has been a challenge. First off when we put it up there was a leak in the liner. Well good luck finding that. As it turns out it was only $25 cheaper to just buy another one vs buying just a liner. Walmart had them on sale $50 less than I paid last year. So I just bought a new one (the Englishman loved that as you can imagine, he hates the pool even though he did use it last summer) I knew I wanted it again this summer the kids had a blast in it almost everyday last year. Like I had said several times if it just lasts one summer it is well worth it. Well, I guess that's the life expectancy "one summer" unless we keep it up all year. I was reading on the Internet (see previous post) that taking the pool up and down is very hard on the liner and makes it more prone to leaks. But it's up and looks great because I learned some tips last year as far as leveling. Even though it is on a porch the porch isn't exactly level but it's nothing that a little sand couldn't fix so this year it is almost perfectly level. In fact Mighty Mouth is in it right now.

5.It is hard for me to believe that there is only 5 1/2 weeks of school left. 5 1/2 weeks and two of my little charges will leave my care and start kindergarten. I will miss them so much. I tentatively have one of the slots filled with a darling little baby girl who is only 3 mos old. It's been awhile since I have had a new born. I will be loving the rocking, cuddling, and cooing that comes with a newborn. I feel bad for my 2 1/2 year old little man he is going to really miss the other two. He is 2 1/2 going on 5 and that baby girl is not going to be able to play for a long while. I'm hoping that my other slot gets filled with a little one closer to his age or we will be going on play dates A LOT.

I guess that's it for now, have a great rest to your week.....

Why I love the Internet .......

So this afternoon my washing machine overflowed. Yes, all over my garage floor. Luckily, the Englishman and I (well, really mostly him) had just cleaned the garage out yesterday or it would have been a lot worse. So we cleaned up the water and then got down to the business of figuring out why it happened. Luckily, it wasn't a plumbing issue (those are the most scary to me $$$$). What was happening was the washing machine kept wanting to fill with water even after the drum was full. Regardless, of what water level I set it for it wanted to just keep filling. So I got on the Internet and looked up washing machine problems. Low and behold there was a section on our problem. It said sometimes it is as simple as a hose coming off. Apparently, there is this small hose inside your washer that is filled with air. This air pressure controls a sensor that tells the machine when to stop filling. ( I know there is probably a little more complicated of an explanation then the one I just gave but you get the gist) So, the Englishman took the panel off of the washing machine and sure enough there was the hose. He blew it clear, re-attached it, and "Voila" the washing machine is working like a charm. Hip Hip Hooray!!!! Anyone with children, especially three, knows that YOU CANNOT BE WITHOUT A WASHING MACHINE!!!!!!!!

Spring Softball Pictures.......

Here are this season's Softball pictures. I love that Miss Priss is smiling because now with her braces she very rarely smiles with her teeth for pictures. (Did you notice the bands on her braces are Black and White to match her uniform, how cute right?) I just wish Mighty Mouth would have taken off her her hat like Miss Priss did. Enjoy!!!!

Pictures, Plane Tickets, & Sunshine

Here are some pictures of last week. We went to the beach and to Busch Gardens. Taylor a friend of the girls went with us to the beach it was a gorgeous day. I love the picture of the three of them. My Mom joined us at Busch Gardens for the day on Friday and that was a laugh. Between ME tripping up the stairs with a tray full of lunch food after telling my MOM countless times to BE CAREFUL. (she made it up the stairs with her tray just fine) and then at the end of the day Mom cutting people in line to get on the tram and dragging Natalie as her accomplice. It was a riot. (I will add she didn't do it on purpose she didn't realize how the lines worked) She really upset this older couple, if looks could kill Mom wouldn't be here.

I am very excited to say that we have booked our tickets for our trip to England this summer. It is official we will be visiting the Englishman's family for just over two weeks WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!!!

Florida weather is back and in full force. My air conditioner is back on and I know it will be now until probably late November. We have had beautiful sunny days with cooler evenings and if it were not for the pollen that is HORRIBLE right now the weather would be perfect.


HAPPY THURSDAY!!!!!

Happy 77th Birthday Grandma Betty!!!!!

The Englishman and Grandma!!!










My Grandma is 77 today...Isn't that awesome!!! What is even more awesome is to look and feel as good as she does at 77. I hope it is in the gene pool because when I get to 77 ( I plan on living to 90 at the least, just so you know) I hope I can look as good as her. We celebrated her Birthday yesterday at our annual Easter dinner poolside at my Mom's. It was a beautiful day!!!!!!

Spring Break

We are having a great week. I will post more pictures soon. These are from yesterday. (Taken with my cell phone so excuse the quality)Miss Priss, Mighty Mouth and I went to the St. Petersburg Pier. We parked at Straub Park and then walked around the Marina and the Vinoy. It was gorgeous. We saw these kids jumping off the pier into the water. Oh to be young and brave again. I told my girls that it is fun to watch other people's children do these things and take their picture but they were never to attempt it. LOL We went to the pier aquarium (we hadn't been since the kids were little) they have a little "touch tank" there now so that was a nice treat. We held star fish and anemone's (sp) and little sea urchins. Really neat... Then got ice cream and walked back. It was a great afternoon... I love Spring Break!!!