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.