Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Well Honey I have some yarn but probably not enough to make one, but maybe to help, also am working on my scrapbooking stuff and will have some of you...love mammie

Awesome Mammie! And actually, one of the blankets I have planned calls for "scraps" anyway. And even if I don't use them for the blanket, they may serve for the dishcloths I have to do as well???

Got a huge dent in my reading today. I suspect by the end of the day tomorrow I will have Part One all read! Woot! I am actually enjoying the book! I have never read a classic for pure enjoyment, so it is for sure a change!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

August 26, 2008

7 DAYS! Yup. Just 7 DAYS until the kids start back to school! I can't wait! Hehehe.

My grandfather is still in the hospital. Not my place to publicly announce exactly what is going on, but it's not good in any event, so if anyone actually reads these, some prayers would be nice.

So, I did some more organizing today. I worked on the laundry room again and re-organized that. I'm not kidding myself. I know I will have to organize these rooms more then once. When you have three kids and a husband, things don't stay organized the way they should..

Been doing some more preparing for the start of my 101 in 1001 Challenge. I actually fully completed one of my goals today and that was to get a library card! #40 is CHECKED off my list! Woohoo!

Along with that, I began on #42 which was to Read 10 Novels Off The "Classics" List

I have started reading Little Women, but it is hard to concentrate with Pat yelling at the XBOX. Perhaps during the day tomorrow will be more productive for me =]

#9 Make Blankets For Christmas For Each Family

Yeah, yeah, so some of you will know what you are getting for Christmas, but it may not be THIS Christmas when you get it! Ha. I have some plans and I am hoping to get yarn this week and start on one of the blankets!

So, for now, good-night

Loves

Preparing

This post was suppose to post last night, but I'm not sure what happened

My start date for the 101 in 1001 is September 1 and so, I am going through and preparing myself for the start.

#10 Use Reusable Grocery Bags ALL THE TIME

- I forgot to grab a bag yesterday on my way out. Luckily, the challenge hasn't started yet!

#72 Be able to recite the state capitals alphabetically

- I think I pretty much have the first ten down:

Albany, Annapolis, Atlanta, Augusta, Austin, Baton Rouge, Bismark, Boise, Boston, Carson City.

Quiz me if you see me!

#42 REad 10 novels off the "classics" list

-My plans are: Little Women
Emma
Pride and Prejudice
Sense and Sensibility
Peter Pan
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Wuthering Heights
Secret Garden
Canterbury Tales
Crime and PUnishment

#3. Drink more water

- Been doing plenty of this since it is all we really keep in the house! (by choice)

#31 Throw things away we don't need.

- I have been trying to go through room by room and trying to keep up on this!

There are a lot of other items that I have begun researching and looking into!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Just a quick note

It's the early morning here and I am just killing time while a video uploads. I went and saw my grandfather yesterday who has been in the hospital since Wednesday. His blood platelet (sp?) count has been down. From 17,000 to 9,000. They were hoping to not have to do a transfusion, but from what I hear around 8 pm last night, they decided it needed to be done. =[ Hopefully they let him out today, but I will be waiting to hear whether they do or not. I'm sure you will hear more from me later.

Loves.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Pictures....

Nap time didn't last as long as I thought it would, so here are the pictures of the clothes I got today:





^^The above shirt does in fact say, "I'm so good, your Mom cheers 4 me"






Cute huh? So, Summer only needs 3 more shirts (by the standard that you start with 5 of everything) and Michael needs 5 pants. Then of course, they need belts (well, Michael does) and other small things of the sort. =]





And the above are obviously Jason's. He got a firetruck and jean shirt and then one other outfit. The shirt on the second outfit says: Trouble Squad: Team Leader =] And he is trouble....

Loves for now!

Boy Am I Tired

It's for sure nap time. I got up early because I THOUGHT Old Navy opened at 7 for their sale this morning, but NO, not until 9. So, Jason and I hit Wal-Mart and got Michael's shirts for school and an outfit for Jason as well. Then we went to Kohl's to kill 20 min. before O.N. and got Jason ANOTHER outfit. And then finally Old Navy. Sadly, the jean sale was a limit 3 per customer, so I bought all of Summer's jeans, two of her shirts and one pair of Michael pants...too bad the hanger said size 8, but in reality they were 14! DOH! Looks like I have to go back either today or tomorrow. OH well. I have pictures, but it is 10:30 and it's past mine and Jason's naptime! So, Ciao for NOW. LOL.

Friday, August 22, 2008

It's Been A Few Days

Well, it's been a while since I checked in. Been busy contemplating things. Wednesday night I got a phone call from my cousin Michelle. Now, I love her, but it's true that she rarely calls me unless it is important ~ but I digress. I was smack in the middle of watching The Bucket List when she called to tell me that our grandfather was in the hospital that evening. Let me tell you, it was rough while she was talking to me, but I made it through and he is still in the hospital. And it sounds like they aren't sure when he will be home =[

The Bucket List was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. by the way. Made me cry.

I've been trying to get a jump start on my 101 in 1001 list. Cleaned the junk out of my bathroom this morning and I'm considering doing a go through around my desk area as well. Right now, I'm getting ready to break out the Pack And Play from the basement and take the kids outside. I have an area of JUNK that needs to be cleaned (with some help from the kids because it is their junk mostly).

I've designated an area for my REUSABLE shopping bags to hang with a reminder note to make sure if I am going shopping to take them and use them!!

I'm getting up early tomorrow morning to hit a SALE at OLD NAVY They are having an awesome sale starting at 7am ~ all kids jeans are on sale for $7 each. I'll be there waiting.....hehehe. I've never done anything like that before, but that is too AMAZING of a deal to pass up!!

So, that's all for now! Until later!

Monday, August 18, 2008

101 In 1001

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.




1.Lose 5 lbs x4

2. Go to the gym at least twice a week

3.Drink more water

4.Spend a day getting nails done, a pedicure, hair and massage

5.Take an “artistic” photo everyday (0/1001)

6.Volunteer more

7.Visit my grandfather every other week as long as he feels good (0/71)

8.Take the kids to see a movie at least once a month (0/33)

9.Make each family a blanket for Christmas at least once

10.Use reusable grocery bags ALL THE TIME

11.Dust the house every other week (0/71)

12.Take a jazz dance class for at least one session

13.Start drawing again and use online lessons once a week (0/143)

14.Get my Monroe piercing

15.Get my nose re-pierced

16.Get my tattoos done for Jason and Summer and the star behind my ear

17.Take a walk at least once a day for a month x3 (0/3)

18.Get Jason’s handprints done like Michael and Summer’s

19.Save a dollar a day for 1001 days (0/1001)

20.Learn to swim at least well enough that I won’t drown =]

21.Try food from a ethnicity that I never have tried before

22.Print wedding photos and actually hang them

23.Scrapbook the box of pictures

24.Take a photography class

25.Learn to knit

26.Buy a new movie once a month (0/33)

27.Learn sign language

28.Take Patrick to see a Red Sox vs. Yankees game

29.Go to at least 3 events that are held at the Spectacular Events Center (0/3)

30.Build my hallway bench myself.

31.Throw things away that we don’t need!


32.Walk the Summer to school everyday that it is not pouring!

33.Spend time outside playing with the kids at least once a week (even in the winter) (0/143)

34.Get a Nintendo DS!

35.Have a game night with the kids/family at least one night a month (0/33)

36.Actually plant that flower garden!

37.Keep up on blog ~ at least every other day

38.Donate hair to Locks of Love

39.Get a library card

40.Get a book and read it each cycle (check out the book read it and return it when it’s due. Get another one…etc.)

41.Read 4 self help books (0/4)

42.Read ten novels from the classics list (0/10)

43.Make my bed every morning for a month x3 (0/3)

44.Actually do my monthly breast exams (0/33)

45.Do the Race for the Cure Walk EVERY YEAR

46.Attend a Play at the Penobscot Theater x3 (0/3)

47.Do a paint by numbers, frame it and hang it!

48.Clean the bathroom once a week for 2 months

49.Learn to change a car tire all by myself!

50.Purchase Photoshop and USE IT!

51.Take a first aid course

52.Have a GlamourShots Photo shoot

53.Stay off the computer during the weekends for 3 months

54.Go play paintball with Pat! Only once is required.

55.Paint the laundry room

56.Paint our bedroom

57.Hang art in our bedroom

58.Paint stairway

59.Keep the car clean of all trash

60.Buy new bed sheets (good high count ones!)

61.Buy a bathroom set (shower curtain rugs, etc.) that match! Curtains as well

62.Crochet dishcloths

63.Take the kids apple picking every season

64.Take them strawberry picking every season

65.Buy new curtains/blinds for all the windows

66.Get teeth straightened

67.Body contouring?

68.Get a proper bra fitting!!!

69.Go 30 Consecutive days with no fast food, no take-out

70.Learn to drive a STANDARD!!

71.Visit my grandparents in WA

72.Be able to recite the state capitals alphabetically

73.Learn proper massage technique (even if it means studying online)

74.Learn a foreign language

75.Get my hunting license

76.Learn to shoot a bow and arrow

77.Use my AbLounger for at least one session every week

78.Watch all Johnny Depp films

79.Learn to make jam

80.Make a mix CD for 5 people

81.Make homemade macaroni and cheese and make it good!

82.Potty train Jason

83.Learn to make jewelry

84.Get a new (preferably king sized) bed

85.Get some indoor plants and keep them alive

86.Get a very unsafe haircut

87.Read a photography book

88.Learn how to grill

89.Walk some of the trails in Maine

90.Go sledding once a week during winter

91.Plant a tree

92.Go to a movie with my mom

93.Update passport

94.Buy something from an antique store

95.Buy a Polaroid cameras

96.Play Beer Pong

97.Handwrite a letter to someone at least once a month

98.Make a Lucky Star Jar and give it to someone

99.Identify 100 things that make me happy

100.Send a just because gift to a friend

101.Write a new list



Who else is with me? My start date is going to be September 1, 2008, which I believe makes my end date May 30, 2011

Monday, August 11, 2008

Uh-Oh

Yeah, I fell behind. And not for any good reason either. Just because I have forgotten all about writing here. Sorry folks.

So, we did a little more school shopping last week. We got socks (20 pairs for each kid! Except Jason), underwear (10 for Summer, 9 for Michael because boxers come in packages of 3) and some shoes. Now normally I cringe at buying shoes for Michael because he is rough on them. He likes to play kickball on the playground. This lead to banged up shoes and we end up needing to buy about four pairs through the school year. However, this year I have somewhat genius plan. My plan is to buy a junk pair of shoes (from Wal*Mart) for him to play kickball in. And if I catch him playing kickball in his Airwalks...so help him...

Of course, I have all ready started preparing for Jason's birthday. Ordering invites, napkins, banners, fun stuff like that.

Went and visited my grandfather this weekend. I'm glad I finally did it. I am planning to get down there again before school starts again for the kids.

I've been trying to keep up with the Olympics. Pat doesn't like watching them so much though. Oh well.

I think that is all for now.

Lovingly,

Me

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Just another day....

So, Friday afternoon, I took the kids to L.L. Bean to get their backpacks. They REALLY, REALLY wanted their names stitched on them, but I just couldn't see paying someone else to do something that I could handle myself....So, I got some iron-on patches and this was the result:



Not too shabby if I do say so myself...Then today, we went and got them shoes and socks and underwear...you know..the fun stuff. LOL.

Nothing too exciting. My friend Becky became delayed in getting down to NC. Please pray for her and her daughters. Hopefully they will be able to get to NC soon.

Jessi is leaving the 15th, Tracy the 25th and Megan and Bre will be gone by the end of the month as well, sooo BOOOOOOO!!!

I've started planning Jason's birthday party. He's going to have two. A BBQ on September 12 at our house and another at the YWCA Pool on September 13. The party at the pool is pretty much just for kiddos, but there will be some adults there as well. We will work it out.

I forgot to mention last week that my old washer and dryer (Bessie and Bertha) finally crapped out:



They ran me a good 4+ years, but alas, Bre broke my dryer while doing laundry and thus, they are no more. Fear not though, for in their place, I got these bad "girls":




Front Loaders BABY!!! They are sweet!!

So, I'm waiting for my pillows to dry before I go to bed, but I think I'm going to go paint my nails perhaps...Pleasant dreams all....

Saturday, August 2, 2008

I hate good byes

I'm not feeling very talkative and it's after midnight. Today was a crappy day. I went to say good bye to my friend Becky who is moving on Monday to North Carolina. I know she is moving because it is what is best for her and her children, but I really want to be selfish and tell her NOT to move and like wrap myself around her leg and kick and scream and tell her not to go. I love Becky and don't want her to go, but I'm thinking my feeling has a lot to do with the fact that I have her moving this month and then in September I have MORE friends moving away.

Jessi is moving to New Hampshire. Megan and Bre are moving to Portland area so that Bre can go to school and then Tracy is moving to Millinocket so that her husband can take a better job. =[

Just a depressing day and I'm ready for bed.

Friday, August 1, 2008

So, I'm a little late, but as promised, here are some pictures from the fair when we went on Tuesday night!




Summer and I went on the Surfer, which totally mixed Summer up. Hehehehe. But it wasnt' too bad she said. She just got a little nervous when it started lifting up off the ground and going fast. But, she did good.



Michael and Pat were brave enough to go on the Cobra which came off the ground and spun them around super fast!




Jason and Dad went on the Super Slide!!! Jason had SOOOOOO much fun! He wanted to go again, but Dad wanted to do the Freakout, so he passed....



I got the above keeper while waiting for Bubby and Sissa on the super slide!





By the end of the night, Jason had enough! Poor guy! It was wayyyy past his bedtime..



That's all for now!