White Elephant, The Puppies, & other fun stuff...

I apologize for not posting sooner... for those who care. I read your blogs yesterday but couldn't think of something to say.... I know, I know, SO unlike me! lol. Anyhoo- Today is New Years Eve. We had planned on going to Gordon's sisters house, as we do every new years, but, after much deliberation, we decided against it. It's not so bad when it's summer, and we can backroad home, but on a holiday???? And when the backroads are a little messy? We got a couple of inches of snow last night. Plus, we couldn't leave around midnight, or 2am, so we decided to stay home, and luckily our besties are coming over too. I just got a call from Dianna asking if we'd pick up her kids & Jarrett (they had just returned from watching the movie Bolt), cuz she was going to the E.R. I guess she is having pains, so I'll let you know what happens with that.
I haven't loaded our pic's from Christmas yet, but your not missing much, because I forgot to use my camera a bunch. Or, as much as I wanted to. Like Jen says, I was trying to live in the moment, and like Mayla says....., you get what you get, and you don't get upset! HOWEVER.... I have an awesome video of Gordon's sister opening up the "white elephant" I brought to the gift exchange. ......

O.k., back story. Since Jarrett got his tonsils out last October, I thought it would be funny if I took a little bit of chicken skin, and put it in a... what I call.... a "pee sample cup" and give it away for the "white elephant". This was a huge secret for me because... well.... I can keep a secret!!! I told Gordon, and he shrugged it off. It was all I could do to not tell Shane, or Dre, (daycare kids, & Gordon's nephews) what I was doing. I didn't want them to tell their mom Jodi (Gordon's sister). Anyways, I got the gift together with a book, some clothes, that even in my lighter weight, I wouldn't have worn, and some soap, and bath crystals & stuff. Gordon's sister Billie opened it up, and was wondering what it was, I could bearly get out that it was Jarrett's tonsils, and that I didn't need them anymore, before I busted out laughing, that what happened was WAY funnier that I thought it was going to be! Maybe you had to be there, but it was HILARIOUS to me!!!

The puppies are getting HUGE!!! They have outgrown the initial kennel we made for them, and are now in a left over T.V. box from my mom. They have outgrown that and are in need of a taller kennel now. A couple more weeks, and they are OUT OF HERE!!!! We've gotten 2 spoken for (possibly 3) so..... WHO WANTS A PUPPY????? There's 4 more to get rid of! Any takers??? ( I didn't think so!)

So, Happy New Year to all of you! My tip, don't make any resolutions.... They never get kept, so save yourself the stress. I have to go now, because I am on the computer, while Gordon wants to talk about the mess the kids made. TTYL-Tahmi

Oh, the weather outside is frightfull.......

Another 3-5 inches expected today, then a couple more tomorrow.... but, good news, no snow predicted on Christmas. I'm glad we don't have to go very far, and that we have 4 wheel drive. I think I will be done with the shopping today. I really don't want to go anywhere tonight, & tomorrow. I've also got to pick up Mayla's EXPENSIVE medicine. I'm lovin a drive through pharmacy! Mason is done with basketball practice till next Monday. We'll just stay cozy & warm here in the house, drinking hot chocolate (laced with Baileys. j/k). I think some people are coming over tonight, but we'll see. As long as we don't have to go anywhere.
TTYL- Tahmi

Baby it's cold outside.......

Friday we got 8 & 1/2 inches of snow. Gordon & I were outside breaking our backs trying to clear the driveway so we could get the Durango out of the garage. I love our gigantic driveway...... except when I have to shovel, or sweep it, then, it's not so nice! Anyhoo, we were about 1/2 way done when Jason (Gordon's friend, & Katy's X) showed up with his snow plow to finish the job.



Gordon & I decided to chill on the porch & watch him work, while drinking a beer. We deserved it with the hard work we put in shoveling 1/2 of it on our day off!



So, for now... I'm working today, & tomorrow then I'm off till the day after Christmas. I'm going to try really hard to blog everyday this week, But, Gordon is home, and I cant get anything done while he's here. I haven't worked-out since Wednesday, nor have I been on the computer. I have the time, but IDK. I don't want to let him see me work-out because.... well..... NOBODY needs to see me working out, not yet anyways. I did manage to get the wood floors, and the kitchen floor swept, and mopped this morning, while working. Yeah me! I'm starting my second pot of coffee, so that I can get the dishes done, and dust the house. Then by Christmas eve, I'll just have to do touch-up's before I "try" and go to sleep. My Dad got here yesterday, and it was zero degrees, with the wind chill factor. BURRRR! I went to pick him up, because, my Mom's car was buried with snow. Hopefully I'm going to finish my shopping today, because it's going to snow again tonight, & tomorrow. I'd like to be done with that too! I'm ok if we don't have a white Christmas because there is so much friggin snow now to last me the rest of winter! Oh, Michigan, your so mean to a "desert rat" like me!

Santa visit's Kid Zone pre-school.

Today I went to Jarrett's school because Santa was visiting. We got there around 9:50. Santa was scheduled to arrive at 10:00. However, he came early, and Jarrett had already sat on his lap. Thanks to his wonderful (and extremely patient) teachers, they allowed him to go again, so I could get a pic. I brought Mayla, and Destinee (niece) so they could visit too, but Mayla chickened out, and I only got a pic with Jarrett & Destinee on my phone (so I could pic mail to Destinee's mom). Here is the pic I got of Jarrett.....



Today we're going shopping for the kids gift's for the gift exchange at school. I dont have Dianna's twins tonight, and I am looking forward to a night off! We got about 4 inches of snow last night, so when Destinee leaves, I'm going to be out there shoveling AGAIN!! Tomorrow my mom is going to the hospital to have a procedure done, and I'm going to drive her which means.... Dianna will be getting my kids ready for school and driving them. I'm kinda worried, and am fully expecting to see Mayla after school without her hair done... which drives me nuts! Tomorrow is Mayla & Jarrett's parties at school, and Mayla is wearing her Christmas dress, Dianna better do something cute with her hair! I'm not asking her to curl it or anything, but a simple ponytail would work. Jarrett probably will have his hair in the back of his head sticking up, as it usually is every morning, and I have to wet comb it so it doesn't look like I'm lazy. That's asking a lot from Dianna. I hope my kids don't look scrubby on their party days.

My dad will be here sometime this weekend, or early next week. I'm so excited that he is going to be here for Christmas. Gordon will work Mon. & Tues. next week, and then be off (PAID) till the 5th of January. My Mom & Dad, Dianna & her twins are coming over on Christmas morning to open presents with us. Gordon is stressing about that because he thinks the twins will bitch & moan because they didn't get what they wanted. I don't think that's going to be the case, they are going to be excited about all the toys, and they are 3! It's not like they are teenagers!. Gordon is just bummin because we can't have the Christmas we've always had. I realize this too, but I'm not going to let it get me down. It really irritates me that he is so bummed about Christmas because he vents to me about it, and there is nothing I can do about it. Anyone have any ideas about how I can cheer him up? THINK CLEAN!!

Monday.. Here we go!

Nothin new. It was a VERY short weekend. I had the twins last weekend. I'm going to try and enjoy this week, because the next few weeks are going to be harder with the kids being out of school. I'm excited for my kids to be out of school, but I wish I didn't have the daycare kids too. Oh, well, gotta work. 10 more days till Christmas, and Gordon & I will be finishing our shopping on Friday, as long as he gets home on time, if not, then I'm finishing the shopping on Friday. Jarrett is fixin' to get off the bus soon, so gotta go. Sorry for such a BORING blog!

Cigarettes & Tampons

So, I'm reading the sisters blogs, and noticed on the side of Jennifer's blog, some woman jokes one of her peeps had posted. For women, not about women. Really funny stuff. My favorite goes something like this...

Husband sends his wife to the store to buy cigarettes. Wife returns with tobacco, & rolling papers, because it was cheaper that way.
The next day, the wife sends the husband to the store for tampons. Being lost, he was directed to the tampon aisle by a cashier.
He gets to the register and tosses down some cotton balls, and a ball of string. The cashier says I thought you were needing tampons?
Husband says It's cheaper this way, plus, if I have to roll mine, so does she.

Funny huh? I hope that brightens you day. It did mine.

Tagged!

tagged

Five things that make me happy:

1: Sleeping in.

2: Watching the kids play sports.

3: Pistons!

4: Friday's.

5: Not being broke!


7 facts about me:


1: I'm shy, event though I try not to be.

2: I HAVE to drink coffee first thing in the morning.. or WATCH OUT!!

3: Camping is the best summer family fun ever. (unless we were rich enough to go somewhere exotic... like Az. lol)

4: I'm going to start a garden next spring that's twice as big as last years.

5: Breakfast burritos are the bomb!

6: I love to play Wii, and am hoping for Wii fitness for christmas/birthday.

7: I'm in a biggest loser contest with my sister's, and I AM GOING TO WIN!!

*now i tag all my blogger buddies*

Pictures from the bowling party last Friday.

The puppies are here!

So, we stayed up REALLY late last night. Then, at 9:30 this morning, I was woken up by Mayla saying.. "mom, wake up Lucy had 6 puppies". I was hardly awake, and didn't really believe her, but had to check it out. I walked in her room, and this is what I saw....



Apparently some time last night, Lucy had pushed out the puppies, and cleaned the whole mess up herself. THANK YOU!!! And, thank goodness Mayla has plastic on her bed, just for my mentality. I had to wash the sheets anyways, just because... gross! Anyways, mommy is doing good, with 3 boys, and 3 girls. My kids each want one of their own. Yeah, I don't think so. This one is my favorite.....

T.V., and Diet.... What a combo!

Thank god for the internet! One of my favorite shows premiered last night, and I didn't get to watch it, because basic cable doesn't carry the oxygen channel anymore. I'm not about to shell out any more money to the cable company for an up-grade on cable, because I'd sit on my butt a whole lot more. Did I mention I have a wedding to be in 6 months from now? Sitting on my butt for too long is NOT an option! So, this morning, I had time to kill, and remembered that "The Bad Girls Club" started last night. I'm really excited for the new season, because, there is going to be a whole lot of drama. I love drama, but only on t.v., or only if I'm not involved!
The Diet: Well, I don't really want to talk about it because I seem to jinx myself when I do, so let me just say, It's going pretty good, and I'm starting a "biggest loser" contest next Monday with Ashley, whom is also in the wedding. I think I'm going to start another one in January with my sisters too. I love a good competition, so it should be interesting. I asked Mason if he wants to do the March Of Dimes "Walk-a-thon" next spring. Idk if he's going to do it, but I'm doing it.
TTYL-Tahmi

From the mouthes of babes.......

Last night, Gordon I were watching t.v. in our room, well, really he was watching t.v., I was cleaning out my closet. Mayla had just finished putting on her winter gear.. ie: snow pants, boots, hat, scarf, gloves, and coat. She had to be outside for no more than 5 minutes, when she came in our room crying, and said... "I cant play outside, I'm getting bite-frosted".
Friday night is the Santa parade downtown, and the weather is predicted to be 28 degrees, so by 6:00pm once the parade starts who knows how cold it's going to be. Good thing the parade is only about 1/2 an hour long. Then I'm dropping Dianna's twins, at home and we are going to the farm's Christmas party at the bowling alley. My kids LOVE to bowl, so it should be fun. Too bad Gordon doesn't get that fat bonus check they pass out at the party anymore. That was always nice, but at least we are invited. Thank you Thelen Dairy. Thanks for buying dinner, bowling, and for having an open bar. lol. Then Saturday, I'm going to put my bridesmaid dress on layaway at David's bridal. Idk why I cant get the link, on here so ya'll can see the pic, but I have the dress on my facebook. Someday, I'll figure out this computer thingey!



Yeah me! I did it. I'm pretty sure this is the color we are getting too, so you know I have to hit the tanner!
TTYL- Tahmi

Soon to be ex-neighbor. Not soon enough!

Yup! It's the yellow house crazy man, who is moving. He came over here the day before Thanksgiving, and accused one of my kids of hitting the side of his house with a garden hose hook. 2 pieces of his siding are chipped. He said it's not a big deal, offered me some top soil for my flower beds, and told me he was moving soon. Then, 20 minutes later, he knocks on the door, and says his friend can fix the siding for $40.00. I told him I'd talk to Gordon, and get back to him. So, I called Gordon and said... "you want a good laugh?". Then the next day.... THANKSGIVING, he came over around noon, and told Gordon his master plan, of us giving him the money, so his friend could fix the siding. Gordon was like.. "how do you know it was one of our kids?". The neighbor, Dennis, said that the hook was laying in our driveway, which it was, at the edge of our driveway, right next to his house. Gordon told him that he's not dealing with it today, it's Thanksgiving. We haven't seen or heard from him since then. I do hope he stops by again, so I can tell him to take us to court, and good luck trying to prove it was our kid that did it, and also to get off my property! The chipped siding is the pink spots you see under the cardboard covered window.


One time he called the cops on us because the kids were skateboarding on the CITY sidewalk, in front of his house. The cops told us that we should try and stay away from him because he is mentally un-stable. NO PROBLEM! Our kids (including all daycare kids) know not to go near his house. The sidewalk, however is not his property. Did I mention that he is a renter? He doesn't even own the house.
More recently, he call the cops on us because he were "hanging our dog from the trampoline". Once the police saw that our dog was chained up to the trampoline, NOT HANGING FROM IT, we were cleared of all accusations.
He burns his trash in his backyard, which is against the law if you live in town, and, the smoke travels to my house, so I cant have my windows open in the summer, because the funk gets in my house. But do I call the cops? NO! He's came over here before to ask me if i had any marijuana to sell. I'm like "no dude, I don't smoke it, so why would I have it?" let alone to sell it! With all the daycare kids here? Did I call the cops? NO! Should I have? Probably.
Anyhoo, he'll be gone HOPEFULLY soon, but not soon enough.

On to bigger and better things. Thanksgiving was delicious. I tried to get my mom to cook over here, so I could learn how to make the stuffing, rolls, and gravy. Other than those I can cook the rest, but she made it all at home, so I still don't know the secret family recipe. She told me that next year I can do it all, which I'm cool with me because it is the best stuffing you've ever had! And the rolls, aahh, they are the most perfect rolls, because they open without needing to cut them. So, you get them straight out of the oven, open it up, throw a pat of butter in them, and close it back up, then bit down..... mmmmmmmm. Or, the next day, you throw a slice of ham, or turkey in there, and you have one amazing sandwich. I'm only telling you this because Beckie, wanted me to think about her while I was biting into the rolls this year. So, Beckie... I did think about you throughout each and every roll I ate (4 to be exact-I did say that Thanksgiving was a no diet day). Check out Mayla enjoying a delicious roll. This one's for you big sis!



I hope that you, Phil, and Katy got all my picture text's on Thanksgiving. Nobody ever responded, so I'm thinking that you got them and you were jealous. At least, that's what I'm telling myself! lol.

I'm too cool for a coat!

I just got back from picking Mason up from a 1/2 day at school. I was actually early, so I saw a lot of the high school kids coming out. Now, I haven't bought a coat for Mason in 3 years or so, he just wears a hoodie all winter long. He says it's because he's not outside for very long, like from home, to the bus stop, to the school.... etc. O.k., so, cool, an expense I can save every year. I was parked in the students parking lot, and I noticed that all the drivers only wore hoodies, or "spring jackets" also. ok, so, they aren't outdoors all that much either. Then as I was headed home, I noticed that the walkers were wearing hoodies too! I mean HELLO!!! Is it un-cool to wear a jacket? Is it cool to be sick? Maybe I'm just a wimp! I throw my warm & fuzzy coat on just to walk to the end of the driveway to get the kids off the bus! I've been sick for a few weeks now. I need a vat of Dayquil, & Nyquil daily! Should I switch to the hoodie thing, & chance my luck. Haha, I don't think so!

And on another note...
When Mason was in grade school, I was by far the youngest mom there. Now that he's in high school, I am still one of the young ones. However, when I go to Mayla, or Jarrett's schools I am not. Boo Hoo, woe is me. I'm getting old!

One more thing....
Our crazy neighbor to the south is moving!!! HIP HIP HOORAY!! Now the cops wont be called on us for stupid reasons! I'm so excited. Plus, he's not just moving across town, he's moving to Texas! Oh, Happy Day!

Nothing much going on.

It's snowing today. Big fluffy flakes. I have Jason's kids till about noon, then Jarrett will be home around 12:30, Then I'll have Dianna's kids at 4 till about 8. I really need to get our family pic's done, but now it's too cold to do them outside, so I've got to think of a good backdrop here in the house, or at someone's house. The party was a blast, and I stayed up till 3:30. Thank god Gordon let me sleep in the next day.
I'm totally excited about the holiday season. Thanksgiving is going to be a diet free day for me. I love all that parties that come along with it. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and of course New Years. Also, we were invited to the farm's Christmas party which is on the 5th. We always have a good time there, and I'm going to bring the kids this year, because they will have a blast too. I'm grateful that even though Gordon hasn't worked at the farm for years now, they invite us to events, and still think of us as part of the family.
Christmas this year is going to be smaller than normal, as I'm sure it is for a lot of people. I get 3 paychecks in Dec., so I'm going to do after Christmas shopping and I hope that the kids will be cool with that, if not then OH WELL!!
I'm gonna get off the computer & sweep. Hardwood floors are nice, but a lot of work!

Saturday.....

We are hosting a party here at the house for Nate's birthday (Gordon's friend, and Ashley's hubby). So, I've been cleaning all week, and doing touch ups today. However, I have kids today, so when they leave at 6:30, I'm gonna have to do a few last minute things. My plan is to be showered & ready by 6:30, so I can focus on the house, and my AWESOME green olive dip. I also bought a wreath of bread, and am going to slice it, and put a bowl (that Mason made in ceramics class) of spinach dip in the middle. It's tostito's spinach dip, and if you've never tried it I ABSOLUTELY RECCOMEND IT!! It's in the chip aisle. I'm not too sure how many people are coming, but you can be sure, I'll have my camera ready all night. Dianna picked up a 5hr energy drink (which are fab also!), So if I take it around 8-9 I should be good all night.
Mayla started taking Concerta today, and an extremely small dose. I didn't expect a miracle the first day, but she's just been watching Kung Fu Panda, and Wall-E anyways, so.... We're going to break out the WII next, just because it keeps the kids occupied, and it's WAY too cold to go outside! It's 30 degrees today. BURRR!!

TTYT- Tamra J. S-G.

p.s.- Does anyone watch the real housewives of OC, NY, or Atl? I can wait for the reunion next week, and the premiere of the next OC. I'm totally geeked up about it.

I should have read your blog first.

2 in one day? does that count for a day I have missed this month? I read my OLDER sisters blog, and thought I'd give her some inspiration......



Yeah, it's floor to celing! I LOVE MY TREE!! (did I mention that before?)











Not to mention that fact that we have this going on up here.......

Dianna's Birthday.

Happy Birthday to my little sister (who's older than me now!) Dianna. I know it gets stressful raising 2-3 year old's, especially boys, but your doing a fabulous job. You don't need..... whats his name to help, he never was a good help anyways. Stay strong! Your a Sauls girl. REPRESENT! I love you, and I cant wait to hang with you this weekend.

Yeah, it's Lucy.

So, we are pretty sure that Lucy, the new dog, is pregnant. The kids are totally excited. I'm sure she's gonna deliver during the week, while Gordon is gone. I really hope she wont deliver this Monday or Tuesday, because it's going to be a rough couple of days for me. So I'm sure that's when it's going to happen, and probably in the middle of the night! She's acting like she's going to do it today, which means we can sue Gordon's sister Tina for child support. lol. We've only had her for a few weeks. We went from one dog to 2, then to no dogs, to 1. And now?????? I'll make sure and take pic.'s when she's done, and the puppies are all cleaned up. Where did I put that pack of rubber gloves?
On a lighter note....
I got some good (non blurry) pic's of Mason's relay track record.

OMG!! I think she's pregnant!!!

Details the next time I blog, which hopefully will be tomorrow. But seriously.... SHE CANT BE PREGNANT!!!

So, I missed a few days.... sue me!

Went to Mason's awards ceremony for football last night. I thought sitting in the bleachers for an hour or so was tough...... But, sitting on the cafeteria table/benches for 3 hours was WAY WORSE!! My butt was so numb by the time it was over. I've come to realize a few things for next year...
1-The ceremony is more for the Varsity players.
2-The ceremony is mostly for Seniors.
3-The new dog, Lucy, thinks the trash cans are an all you can eat buffet when we leave the house.
It was nice when it was over because.... well... I could stand up, and also it was held at the middle school, & with Mason's record breaking feat in track last year, his name was on the records board, so I tried to get a couple of pic.'s. I couldn't get the right angle, so all the pic.'s I have are blurry. I'll try again Saturday. Mayla has Basketball camp then.
Gordon is sick AGAIN for the second time in a month. I guess he thinks it's my fault that he's sick cuz he's bitchin' at me about other stuff that is so irrelevant to his illness. I understand his frustration, but geez! I didn't do it, it was the weather with it's warm, then cold, then warm, and cold again. oh, well.
I got my Christmas tree up last weekend, and allowed Mayla & Jarrett to decorate it, which means only the bottom half was decorated. Too cute! Tuesday I broke down and fixed it and told Mayla that the twins & Jarrett had knocked it down, so I had to fix it. We did blue & silver this year, because Gordon's little sister Jodi had given me all of her old stuff. It looks so beautiful.
Mason is old enough to start drivers training. He will be 15 in January, but he can start training now. However, He doesn't want to do it because it will interfere with sports. I asked him.... "Do you want to miss ONE season of spring sports, or drive?" I would think he would want to drive, but he wants to play baseball (I think). I suggested that he get his classes done while he's a Freshman, that way he does the jv/varsity sports un-interrupted. I even told him... "You know your getting a car for Christmas &/or your birthday next year." He's looking into a night class, so he can still play a sport, and do Drivers training. I don't know where he gets the energy and drive to want to do so much, but I'm grateful for it. I think it will help him in his career (whatever it may be). In Michigan you have to take drivers training in order to get your license. I think it's a conspiracy, because the dang class costs $400.00.
Ok, I need to get to the grocery store before Jarrett gets out of school, and it ends up costing me more that I want to spend.
TTYL-Tahmi

IDK!

Had to post something, & since for some reason I have insomnia.... Here we go.

Nothing new. Went Christmas shopping today TOTALLY FUN!! I forgot how much I love to shop for ANYTHING!!! (except groceries!) But seriously, I have a confession...
Because I watch Intervention on A&E, I have caught a few other shows on that channel. (I sound like a couch potato). The show "Dog the bounty hunter" has been a staple in my T.V. line-up. Now, this is a serious confession, because I wouldn't be hanging out with friends raving about it. "Dog", is such a chode... with his mohawk & all, then his wife, with her..... ummmm..... big ones? The brother with his tail, And his buff son with his tail (didn't that go out in the 80's?), and the other son & daughter... Pretty normal looking, but when they bust someone, it's like an adrenaline rush. I found myself yelling at the t.v. for going to commercial!

HOWEVER!!!

The Pistons were on tonight..., and with the new trade (Billups, & McDyess for Iverson) I had to watch. Iverson wont play till Friday... so waiting for that (I know Jen, don't nod off lol! I love ya sis.) They won in Toronto 100-94. Friday should be interesting. But, Gordon told me they gave Iverson the #1!! HELLO!! Are you serious? That's not even cool!

O.K., since I don't wanna lose Jen ;), The kids are doing great. Mason has started basketball season, and Mayla has a basketball camp the next 2 Saturdays, which means I have to wake up early on the weekend (poor, poor pitiful me!). We have a Luau party this Friday and Gordon said I can go because he doesn't want to, and since Mason has taken on a more active social life.... we have lost our free sitter. Luckily, Gordon's more inclined to stay at home. I LOVE MY HUBBY!!

Nothing much tomorrow. The grade school kids have a 1/2 day, then I'm off till Saturday morning. I'm hoping Dianna will hang with me tomorrow night to celebrate, but I doubt it.

Jarrett up-date

Jarrett's surgery went very well! We were home the same day, around 3:00pm. He was ready to go outside and play that day, and we had to keep him in the room to chill. He just didn't understand why! Other than trying to eat stuff he wasn't allowed to, he was a real trooper, and only cried once because, "it hurts to take medicine". Other than the high pitched voice he's sporting now, along with the funky breath (both normal) he's all good, and will be going back to school tomorrow after a week off. This is a pic of him after surgery, and after an orange popsicle.

Sunday Funday

What an amazingly fun weekend. I am exhausted today. Last night we were watching the Pistons game, with Nate, & Ashley. Then Amber & Mike called Ashley, and her & I ran out to the Ashley bar with them. Was that a little confusing? There is a town about 20 minutes from here called Ashley Michigan. It is where Gordon's sister Tamie lives, and where we camp.



So because we were in Ashley, I texted Gordon's sister Tamie to meet us there, and she did. We found this random guy, with a silly costume, and he was more than willing to take a pic with us.


Fun was had by all!

NaBloPoMo

National Blog Posting Month (I think that's what it stands for.)

So, because I got the idea from my lovely sister-in-law Jen, I'm gonna try and do a blog a day for all of November.
Halloween was a blast! We made a fun dinner (as we always do on Halloween)



I made these biscuit things that I need to come up with a name for still. The eyeballs are made out of ground turkey, slices of cheese sticks, and black olives. When I saw these a few weeks ago at a Halloween party, the mouths were made with ketchup. I think the person that made them had a small nozzled ketchup bottle, and I did not because we buy our ketchup in bulk (the kids eat it with EVERYTHING!!). I'm gonna have to come up with another idea for the mouth. They were super easy because I prepared everything the day before, and just had to assemble, and bake the biscuits. Good to go! I also made Deviled eggs, and after watching Rachel Ray yesterday morning, I added tomato paste to the mix, so it would look like blood-shot eyes, and topped them off with a sliced black olive. I also made hot wings, because... well..... We've all kinda been on a hot wing kick, and I just had to George Foreman them so it was super easy. We had "hot dog men", but because of the holiday, we called them "scarecrow" hot dogs. Dianna made "cups of dirt", and we had some chips, salsa, and queso. I also made jello shots, but clearly those were for the ladies.


Here are the kids in their costumes. Mayla is a cheerleader, and Jarrett is the blue Power Ranger. Dianna's boys are the red & white Power Rangers. Mason was at the Varsity game in Mt. Pleasant. It was un-seasonably warm. THANK GOD! I think it was 60 degrees, so no coats were needed, plus the kids were warmly dressed under their costumes. By the time we walked downtown (yes Beckie, we walked! lol) I had to take my long sleeve shirt off, and walk around in a tank, it was that warm! Yippee!




Trick-or-treating in Saint Johns begins at 6, and lasts till 8, and there is a siren that goes off to begin & end it. Gordon, Dianna, & I took the kids around till about 7:15, while my mom passed out candy here. Then we came back home, and chilled for a bit. The kids went to bed around 8:30 (half an hour past bed time) With a sugar buzz, we figured we'd let them stay up a little later. Then our peeps started coming over. We had, Nate, Ashley, Talia, Theresa, Amber, Dianna, & Dianna's new "friend" Brian (& his friend Ryan). Here is a picture of Dianna, & her "friend".





I think Brian has a man crush on Gordon. Most men do.





Here is a pic of me, Ashley, Dianna, & Kevin from last weekend's Halloween party.




Anyhoo, we had a blast last night. Poor Dianna, I don't think she got any sleep, and she's working 12 hours today. I've got all my Halloween decorations taken down, and am contemplating putting up my Christmas tree, & decorations. Don't hate me for it, I do it every year! I LOVE MY TREE, & I LOVE CHRISTMAS. So bite me!
Guess I'll talk to you tomorrow.

We B- "illin".

I was warned about it on the news, and I knew it would happen. However, it is hitting us hard. 2 weeks ago, Gordon was sick. He's just getting over it. Mason was a little sick too. Jarrett got sick last week, and thankfully he's getting over it now. Luckily, because his surgery is on Friday. Mayla, & I have been coughing, and stuffed up since last weekend. UGHHH! I'm gonna run to the store tonight after I get out of work, to get MORE medicine. Mayla, & I are also going to buy Jarrett a few surprises for Jarrett to have while he's in the hospital.
I got my haircut last night, and so far I love it, except for the fact that the hairstylist thought I should accentuate my "natural curl", and therefore put this stuff in my hair, that encourages my curl, that I try so hard to straighten every time I wash my hair! You know, I really love to get my haircut, but I don't do it very often (or as often as a stylist says I should). No matter what you wash & condition your hair with, they always say it's "so bad" for your hair, because they want you to buy their products. I hate that! Of course I'd love to buy a $25.00 bottle of Shampoo &/or conditioner, but It's not in my budget, I mean really, I had a coupon so I only had to pay $7.00 for the haircut yesterday (total bargain! thanks for the coupon Dianna)..... Does that really make them think that I'm gonna drop $50.00 there? HELLO!!
Well, I guess I better get back to my mopping. I think I'm getting "high" on the pine-sol fumes (but I love the smell!).

I keep it real too!

I was asked to take pictures of the following 10 things. But there was a catch — no prepping, primping, or picking up. The point is to see how these things/items/people exist in real life. Take your camera and just go for it.

Seriously though, I found this one while browsing through my sisters blogs, it looked like fun. Although, I wish I would have spent the day doing a little cleaning, instead of other stuff. I did work out though! (go me! go me!)

Here goes…… :/
1. The fridge:


It's Friday, and this is what our fridge looks like on Friday.












2. A closet


SOMEDAY.... This closet will look like a real closet.... SOMEDAY!!!













3. Kitchen Sink


Once again, it's Friday.













4. Toilet


You get to see the 1/2 bath toilet, because NOBODY is allowed in my bathroom except me & Gordon.













5. My favorite shoes:


These ARE ABSOLUTELY MY FAVORITE!! I just don't wear them too often, or for long periods of time, because they get so uncomfortable!













6. My favorite room:


My bedroom is actually my fav, but because it is one of the last rooms to re-do, I wouldn't dare keep it that real! lol














7.What are my kids doing right now:


Up, until I told them to turn around & smile, they were fighting. Mason is at a friends house.














8. Laundry piles:


I always do laundry on Mondays, but I wanted to get the blankets done today, so, I did have a little bit.














9. Self portrait:


UGHHH! I need to shower & get ready for the night. Gordon took off to backroad with his bff, so I have to wait.














10. Your dream vacation.


This is "The Palace Of Auburn Hills"...... Don't know what that is??? Then YOU SUCK!! It's where the Pistons play. If I could get season passes, that would be my dream vacation!!














I tag: Well, since Beckie already did this, and I only have a few friends on here anyways.... I tag, Jen, Laura, Samantha, and Amy.

My baby

I took Jarrett to the E.N.T. on Friday for a little sleep apnea testing. After waiting in the waiting room for an hour (my bad, I got my appointment time mixed up), and in the exam room for another 10 minutes, we finally saw Dr. Goebel (hubba hubba!). Basically, because he snores (which I think is in the gene pool), and has a hard time breathing at night (my main concern), and "tosses & turns" while sleeping, he is getting his tonsils & adenoids out on the 24th. YIKES! I'm so nervous. I've never had to take a kid to have surgery. Luckily the surgery is on a Friday, so Gordon can come too, and my mom is coming. I remember when I had mine out, and all the pain of even swallowing the liquid Tylenol. It's gonna be rough, but he's a trooper, so I hope for a quick recovery, and he should be able to go trick-or-treating the following weekend. Please keep him in your prayers, because, although I don't pray, I believe in the power of prayer.

Jenn's questionaire.

1. How has blogging changed your life?
Well, it lets me release the thoughts in my brain. Plus, I get to let my family know whats going on, and I can see whats new with them. I love to read my families blogs. If I blog on myspace.... well, if you've read it, you know how that turned out! lol.

2. What do you do before bedtime?
watch tv.

3.If you could do it all over, would you get married again?
YUP! I might have waited a little longer, but then I wouldn't be who I am today.

4. What is the city of your dreams and why?
Amarillo, Tx. The people there are so genuine.

5. Are you an introvert or extrovert?
ummm, a little of both.

6. Do you trust easily?
Yeah, I like to give people the benefit of the doubt.

7. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
mornings, before I have coffee. The scale!

8. Is being tagged fun?
yeah, ok.

9. What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?
Well, the kids are watching Barney right now, so... The smores song.

10. What is your best quality?
I would say, letting things go. Not "sweating the small stuff" with everything.

11. "If [you] had a million dollars" -- what would you do?
Pay off my house, and buy another. Pay bills, take a vacation, throw a party.

12. What's better to give or to receive?
Well, of course it's better to give, but I totally enjoy receiving too!

13. What were your parents going to name you if you'd been born the opposite gender?
I have no idea.

14. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?
AWESOME, silly, patient. A great match for my big bro.

15. What’s your favorite household appliance?
The coffee pot! I cant live without it!

16. What websites do you visit daily?
Besides this one... Facebook, myspace, myfamily, & Amber & Mike's wedding website.

17. What are you eating for dinner tomorrow night?
Probably take out, cuz Mason has a football game tomorrow night.

18. Name a book character you’ve crushed on.
All the smart men in the romance novels I've read. NOT FABIO!! (eeewwww!)


19. What do you like for breakfast?
Coffee. If I actually eat breakfast, then an omelet, any type as long as no onions are involved!

20. How many questions did you change? Come on ‘fess up.
none, but I thought about changing #5.

What new in the upper tundra.

It's been a mix, of getting on a schedule of school, daycare, football, homework, diet, workout.... etc...
My diet is not going so good, no matter how much I eat (or don't eat), so I need to really focus, and read labels. I started working out today, and Richard Simmons kicked my butt! Jordynn (daycare kid) got a huge laugh at me trying to do the moves, but it was my first time doing this video, so soon enough, I'll have it down. I do love the Carmen Electra work out series I bought a few years ago, but Gordon doesn't have the dvd hooked up in the frontroom (the only room big enough to move) So, I'll have to wait on those videos. I need to lose 6lbs this week, & I have faith in myself that I can. I wonder how many lbs I lost today sweeping, and mopping the frontroom, dining, and kitchen. I really had to scrub too. Mayla & Jarrett painted pumpkins on Sunday in the kitchen, and made a little mess on the floor, so it took a few extra swipes of the mop.
The real reason I'm blogging today, is because of a show. It's called Intervention, and it's on A&E. I started watching it about 3 weeks ago. It's about people who have an intervention on a loved one whom is addicted to drugs, or alcohol. I've cried at every episode I've watched. Last night was about this guy named Lawrence, who was SMOKIN HOT, before he started drinking. He was from Vegas, and had opened 7 tanning salons there on his own. Then by the end of the show, he went to a treatment center, did good for a few weeks, then stopped cooperating, and was asked to leave. He ended up re-lapsing, and died. He was only 2 years older than me.
I absolutely recommend this show. If you drink, or don't, you can really get into the story. I think it might be my new favorite show. Try & watch it, Mondays @ 9:00pm on A&E.
I tried to get the link for Lawrence's story, but I couldn't find it, so watch this link about Ed & Bettina. A married couple from Utah, who are alcoholics.

http://link.aetv.com/services/link/bcpid1452232410/bclid1830063997/bctid1832238961
or try www.interventiontv.com

The fruits... er... Vegetables of my labor.

I picked the last possible survivors, before the first frost. I have a few possible tomato's that might make it, if not, I guess we're eating fried green tomato's! Yummy! BTW- this is the 4th batch of Green Beans I've picked this year. We also planted corn, (didn't work out so well, a lesson learned) cucumber, (delicious) and zucchini, (didn't make it a day!). Here's a tip we found at Petsmart, Put a slice of zucchini, or lemon in your fish tank. They love it!

'ode to my amazing mother

So, if you are familiar with my previous blogs, you know I have had trouble with Mayla in school, as far as focusing, and the school wanting her to be on whatever drug you put a kid on for ADHD. Today, I had the first (of many) meetings with Her teacher, her speech therapist, her reading teacher from last year, and 2 school psychologists. I asked my mom to go with me, because I have filled her in last year about what was going on, and what not. She has gone through this before with a sister of mine after the sister was held back. I DO NOT WANT MAYLA TO BE HELD BACK EVER! I think it would not do anything for her, but make her feel stupid. The school is pushing for Mayla to get medication, and if she is not diagnosed with ADHD, then apparently "their hands are tied". My lovely mom, said... "that's b.s."
Thank god she went with me. I don't even know the questions to ask, but mom spoke up for Mayla. like.....
When she goes to reading or speech, what is she missing in class?
well, she is missing directions for whatever math they are doing that day. ok, well they are harping about her math scores being down.... F'n DUH! I'm not gonna make her do homework till bedtime. How is she ever gonna be a kid? We do about an hour and a 1/2 of homework, or practice work a night. I am going crazy trying to figure out what to do to help her. I cant afford a tutor. Mason has always been good with the grades, so this is all new to me.
Thank you amazing mother for being my voice (& memory) when I don't know what to ask, or say. This year should be a good one for Mayla getting the help she needs to have success. FINALLY!
p.s- I could go on forever on how amazing my mother is, but if you know her at all, you already know! This is just the tip of the iceberg!
I LOVE YOU MOM!
TTYL- Tahmi

Just bragging about my superstar.

Mason had an awesome game yesterday! My dad was here visiting, so he got to watch Mason in action! He is the photographer in all of these pictures, since I didn't realize my battery was dead on my camera till I got there. Saint Johns High school beat Mason high school 27-20. Now, I know what your thinking, and yes there is a Mason high school, in Mason Michigan (about 40 minutes from here). Did I name him after the town? NO! I got the name from a soap star from the old soap opera "Santa Barbara" (now I'm telling my age!). Moving to Michigan was not even a concept in my mind when I was thinking of names for my first born. Back then I had never heard of the name (besides the soap opera), now I hear it all over! COPY CATERS! Next thing you know, there is gonna be a bunch of Mayla's running around! I'm such a trend setter! lol!
Anyhoo, it was difficult for the announcer to decide between Mason Sauls, and Mason high school! I wish I would have counted how many times Mason was said over the loud speaker! Between the lame high school, and the amazing Mason Sauls, with his interceptions, touchdowns, passes, and tackles. Okay I'm bragging, but seriously, this boy is good! Instead of JV, I think he'll shoot right up to Varsity next year (& my daddy thinks so too!). Mark my words, when he graduates college, he'll play pro in whatever sport he decides to focus on. Right now he's into Football, Basketball, Lacrosse, Boxing, Track, and he mentioned taking up Baseball again. 1 down, 2 to go.


Headed to battle.


This was in interception pass that he caught. The pic is taken just b4 he caught it.


This is Mason carrying the ball. He's #20, with the red tips on his shoes.