I can't believe Christmas is over. I couldn't wait to have the time off work and POOF! it's gone - just plain gone! We had a great Christmas. Lots and Lots of nice presents and lots of good food. I ate like a pig! Time to get back to normal. Piper's favorite gift was her play tent. Well, the one I bought her to start with isn't very sturdy. It's adorable - Disney Princess but she is just tent tarded!!! She tries to lean on the walls like they are sturdy and has trouble getting out of the one end. So on one of our many Target trips we have had after Christmas I found one that has sturdier post. So we got it with the intention of taking back the other one. Well, the box got ruined so looks like we are keeping both and one is going to Grandma's! Ashley loves her cell phone. She was alittle pissy about the cell phone joke we played on her when she opened her gift but she got over it when she heard it ringing in her stocking. Riley got Heely's shoes. He fell on his butt quite a few times and kept taking out the wheels. I asked him how he ever expected to learn if he didn't keep trying and POOF before you knew it - he could ride on his Heelys. Wow!

Ashley got this cool Wii game. It's called My Sims. You build your character and then work on building your town. We are all addicted. Just crazy. Steve and I are sharing his town. It's called Smellyville. Go figure - he named his town Smellyville. Its a great game if anybody is looking to get a cool game for a Wii owner.

Of course like always I got spolied at Christmas. Not only did I get the camcorder(which I didn't need) I got a digital picture frame, a cool Twin Six Shirt, a sd card for my cell phone(my husband is such a geek) some scrapbooking stuff, and some Everest movies and a Macy's card to go shopping yet. Holy Shit. My husband needs to just chill out. But then again - that is why I married him.... oh yeah - the real reason I married him was so he could mow the yard......
Needless to say we all had a very nice Christmas.

We watch the movie The Pursuit of Happyness. Man I did not do well with this show. I was really upset (crying) at the end. I can't imagine going thru all that with your child. Dragging your child to the shelter house and sleeping in the subway bathroom. It all really upset me. Each major life experience for me (i.e. divorce, finding my new love, having a baby) makes me even more softer and emotional. I just can't help it anymore. Oh well. I give up. I just cry!

Piper is turning in to an eating machine. She just wants to eat all day long! Tonight we went to Wendy's - I am tired of all the shit we have been eating at home. And she ate the whole kids meal - 4 nuggets and all the mandrin oranges. And also some of my fries! In addition to that she ate really good at lunch. I think she is going thru that growth spurt again.

Well, back to work tomorrow. I was in on Friday for a 1/2 day and then I went in today for 4 hours. I got so much stuff to do. Since I am new to my position and haven't done alot of the stuff going on right now I am still learning about year end and new year stuff. I can tell you I will be better prepared next year. I will, I will!! Go back to work tomorrow only to be confused again with having Tuesday off. Plus what a week - it's a payroll week for me (and a short week for that) but I have to get my month end done before I can do the payroll. So I will be hitting it hard.

Piper is really going to miss the big kids especially Ashley. She plays with Piper all the time. Thank goodness Piper goes back to the sitter on Wednesday so she will only have a couple of days without kids. I really can't say enough good things about Ashley with Piper. Today she changed her diaper for the first time and she(Ashley) informed "I know how to change diapers" I know she does - I don't like for her to do it because I don't want her to feel like I expect her to do it. But I will miss her too. She also entertains my monster while I try to get household stuff done.

Everybody please be safe over the New Year's holiday. We are going to whoop it up! Have chili for supper and watch movies (hopefully this really ends up being the plan) Happy New Year! And we might be new car owners by later this week. My husband is going to drive a Volks Rabbit. It's a pretty cool car.

Happy New Year!

We got up early today. Steve's back has really been bothering him. And mine has been alittle touchy too. We are kinda wondering if it isn't our bed. But man, we bought it right after we got married - I would hope a nice king size bed would last longer than 5 years. Piper got up around 7. I decided when I woke up this morning that I wanted to go get something else for my mom today. We ate breakfast and got cleaned up. We were at the mall by 10:20! We got what I needed and we were out of there by 11:00. The mall was nice. There were people there but not many. It wasn't bad at all. I also needed to return something to Target. I got that done in like 10 seconds! I am glad I didn't wait. I am sure it will be a mad house for a while after Christmas. That is what I get for trying to buy a bra without trying it on. I just don't have time!!! We just walked around Target for awhile.

Our Christmas Eve family get together is not till early evening. So alittle after 4 we headed to Warren. What a great time. Good food - Good family. Just always a great time. I always look forward to this family Christmas. We have a white elephant exchange which is always fun.

Oh and on my "so proud of us for using the camcorder we ALREADY have" bit.... well, this morning when it was just Steve and I he gave me a Christmas present. He said I had to open it today. That stinker bought me a dvd camcorder..... I told him the one I had was fine. He said no because you have to fast forward and rewind the tape.... WOW! that sounds like a good reason to spend 350.00 on me..... I can rewind and fast forward. I am from the cassette tape era. But no... not for me he said. Only the best for me. I love it. I can't believe how much smaller it is from what we have! I told him he is getting the short end of the stick because I in no way spent that much on him!!! And kinda a funny note - yesterday Piper pulled the old camcorder off the table and Steve says she broke it. Well, I used it after word and it recorded just fine. So, a piece broke off it that covered some area but its fine. I am trying to be cheap and my husband just won't let me!!!

Merry Christmas to all. I hope you all have a great time with your families and friends. Ashley gets her cell phone tomorrow. I can't wait.

We had a great day! Got up around 8 - well, really up at 5 with Piper rocked her for 30 minutes put her back down and headed back to bed! I am not getting up on Saturday the same time I have to get up all week!!!! I got started on some cleaning and laundry. We all got our showers and then headed to get Donny for lunch. He was ready when we got there alittle early. We took him to McDonalds. It was nice to visit with him and hear about all his plans for Christmas with his family. He also told us about all the cookies and stuff all the other neighbors have brought him. He is pretty special to our neighborhood!

We got home from lunch and I put Piper down for her nap and my wonderful husband took the big kids and headed for the grocery store...... yuck. But really for me it wasn't much better(other than no having to listening to the big kids fight) I started wrapping presents and watching White Christmas when they left and I was still wrapping when they got home and then some! I think I have gotten it all done now. But wait I just remembered one of Riley's that Steve has some where that I will need to wrap.

We then ran to Target to get some stuff I needed. WOW! Was that stupid. I needed normal things and the weekend before Christmas is not the time to go get that stuff. But we made better time than I expected. We came home and had homemade ravoli and breadsticks for supper. Either I was hungry or that just tasted good. Steve spent a small fortune at the grocery so we have some good stuff to eat!

After supper we went downtown to see the lights! What a great night for that. It was alittle cold but for Indiana night in December - this late in December it was perfect. We took Piper's walking stroller and walked all around downtown. Check out the pictures! You can click on the picture to enlarge it! It was a great time and we all enjoyed seeing the lights. We also made it to that house that had the elves in the window. The house and the decorations were so cool. The guy has an old house that he has re-done. It's beautiful! Steve hates those big blow up things (for those of you who read his blog you know his distaste...) we found this one house that 11 in one yard. I am sure his blog will have all the info on it. It was so funny... I let Piper get out of her stroller for alittle bit and walk around downtown. She loved it. I tell you its just not the pickle eating that she is like her father - its also the fact that she has to be moving.... don't think you can keep her down.

Piper was sure tired tonight. I hope she sleeps well tonight. Last night she coughed early one but stopped for the rest of the night. I don't think she has the croup. I think she is just having some drainage. All her snot is clear!

Ahhhhhh....... made it thru the week! And no work for a week!!! I have to go in next Friday at least for a 1/2 day because that is all the vacation time I have. I tell you having a kid drains your vacation time! I guess I should've expected as much.

We went to Mancino's for supper tonight. We had 2 free grinders so by time we paid for drinks and Piper's meal it only cost $6! You can't beat that. The last time we were there they messed up our order so they gave us some free grinders for the next time! Worked out great. Then we did what I have been waiting to do all Christmas season. We went thru the drive thru light up display at Franke Park. Piper really liked it. She was babblin' thru the whole thing. Ashley got her out of her seat and let her sit on her lap so she could see better. Finally by the end she got that you had to look from side to side to see all the displays. Tomorrow night we hope to go downtown and see the big Santa and the Wolf and Dessauer elfs are in a guys front window downtown. It's suppose to be 51 here tomorrow so hopefully tomorrow evening will be warmer too! But the lights tonight were pretty cool and Piper thought so too! (and I think the big kids liked it too!!!)

Tomorrow we are taking our neighbor - his name is Donny - to McDonalds for a Christmas lunch. He is so funny. He is probably about a 12 year old living in a 51 year old man's body. He lives by himself and does a very good job with it. He has a job and takes good care of his house. Well, over the last year or so we have become friends with him. Over the summer he came down when we tore out all the bushes out front and cut some down and helped Steve and my dad with all the brush. He worked hard because Steve told him we would take him to McDonalds for supper and even let him super size it!!! I told Steve the other night to stop and tell Donny that we want to take him to lunch Saturday for Christmas. See, the last time we went the big kids weren't at our house that weekend so they didn't get to eat with Donny. He was nothing but a pure gentleman while he was with us. He got the highchair for Piper and he ate all his meal! We had a pretty good time - so it's time to take him out again.

I tell you at work we have the coolest new thing. It's a switchplate cover that tells you the temperature and the humidity level. Is that cool or what. The only thing is it's a single switch. But I bought one for our room. I love it! This time of year I an obessed with the humidity level in our house. I never thought much about it till I had a baby last year. Now, I check it all the time. I know, I know I am crazy.

You know me these days with my "green" obession. Well, for Christmas my really good friend got me the coolest things. I got a book on all the uses for baking soda, a big box of baking soda and a book on 1001 little ways to save the planet. I love it all! She said it wasn't very personal but useful - bull crap that is very personal for me right now with my obession I got going on!

Christmas is getting closer. I realized last night that I have more presents then I thought to wrap..... oh and when I haven't figured out yet.....

have all of you been watching Everest Beyond The Limit??????? It's almost over.... you better be checking for the repeats! Its the BEST! And now they have a show called After The Climb. It's really good too about the climbers and Everest. Check it out - it's way better than Desperate Housewives..... Click on the link off to the side of my blog to check out the website!

Last night was haircut night... our appointment wasn't till 7:30(Piper's chill out and jammie time) but the plan was for her to go first and then Steve would take her home and put her to bed. Well, sometimes things never go as planned. She was none to happy to be having her haircut. She cried the whole time and wouldn't sit still - but she sat still enough to at least get her bangs cut!! That was what needed cut the most so we are good. I let her leave and daddy took her home and put her to bed. I think it was too late in the evening. Plus I think she is getting a cold. Of course she is - its the holidays and we have to run every in the world so why not get sick! I just hope its not the croup. I am scared to death of that. I am scared that I will not know she has it. I know what i am to do if she wakes up breathing hard but I am just scared. I was reading my baby book last night on croup and of course the dad who says "What makes you think she has the croup" with that you are a crazy mommy look... I said I don't know that I am just concerned with the sound of the cough! She coughed early in the night but pretty much after 10:30 I didn't hear a word from her. I went in to check on her a couple of times and she was breathing normal and sleeping peacefully. Babies are so pretty when they are sleeping.

Not much exciting went on this week. Things have been really busy for me at work. Wrapping up many year end things because this week is the last payroll of the year and getting ready for the first payroll of 2008 since that will be here before I know it with being gone much of next week due to the holidays and vacation.

I have the normal mommy things left to do for Christmas. Wrapping presents and shopping for food. I like we have all our gift shopping done. So this weekend it will be hitting the grocery! My favorite place! I hate the grocery! Always have - always will. Lucky for me my husband doesn't mind it at all! I love him. Not only does he spoil me with nice gifts - he likes to go to the grocery! I think I will keep him around.....

Steve got our relief bands in the mail the other day. They are pretty cool looking. If you don't read his blog(which somedays I don't blame you!) Here is the website to the relief bands. http://www.reliefbeads.org/ You all should check it out and hey - buy a couple!

You know I was thinking the other day about Christmas gifts... do people like homemade gifts just as much as store bought gifts? Does it mean more that it was made by the one you love verse just getting something from Macy's or does it just not matter - its the thought that counts?

Check out this fun game - and it's for a good cause!
http://www.freerice.com/index.php

I got this email one day and I LOVE it so I thought I would share it....

Paul Harvey writes....

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.

I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.

I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.

And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you will let him/her.

I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.

I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.

I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy/girl, and when you talk back to your mother tha you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flag pole.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at the Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you -tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.

Written with a pen, sealed with a kiss. I'm here for you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.

I can't believe it..... we actually go the snow they predicted! They say we have 7 inches but man I think it looks like more than that. Steve ate some breakfast and outside he went. He blew out all the snow in our drive and the 2 neighbors on each side of us. I love that he does that for our neighbors. One - because when I was little my dad would go out and clear out the whole neighborhood. Two- because when I was single and had to worry about this myself it was always nice when my best friends husband would plow my drive when I lived in the country and in February when we had all the snow and Steve was gone the neighbor man cleaned our driveway out!

We just chilled out around the house today. I bought Steve a shirt for Christmas yesterday and when we got home it really didn't fit right around the neck so Steve and Riley went out to the mall and returned it and picked out another one. What a great time to hit the mall. Steve said nobody was there - well hell no! Riley was also able to pick out a Christmas present for Ashley while they were there. Then Steve comes home and takes Ashley out to pick out something for Riley - all this going on while Piper is napping! I did my checkbook, paperwork and ironed Steve's shirts. I love nap time......

Last week during the kids Christmas programs we actually video taped them. So, of course Ashley wanted to watch them today... So we did. We also watched the old footage of what little we had recorded. It was fun. We actually had Christmas on there from 2002. The kids looked so little and they were so nice.... that is what we told them!! I told them today that we are going to start recording stuff throughout the year and then have a family video night like next December and watch what we all did all year long. They seemed to think that sounded really cool. Now we just have to get taken some pictures too.

Piper's favorite cartoon is Noddy. It's on Sprout TV - which is the coolest kids channel. If you don't know who Noddy is check him out! http://www.noddy.com/index_us.php

We survived the flu! It was bad. Steve didn't feel good last Friday night and Saturday night-Sunday early morning I was blessed with tossin' my cookies. Man it was bad. So bad I couldn't get out of bed all day on Sunday. And Piper still had the diarrhea all day on Sunday so Steve had to deal with that by himself. I felt bad for him but there was nothing I could do! Then on Monday came the sittin' on the toilet. So I decided to stay home and keep Piper home with me for another day. It was a wise choice - we both just took it easy. Before lunch she grabbed her shoes and brought them to me. Then she went to the kitchen to the chair I put her in to put them on and I put them on her - then she grabbed her coat and started dragging it around the house and crying because she wanted to go somewhere! She is a true Weber. Can't stay home - has to be on the go. So I gave her lunch and then a nap. Then we went over to Jefferson Pointe to check out the little playland area. She played for about 30 minutes and then we took a ride. I guess that was good enough for her!

Then the rest of the week was busy! Busy at work - busy at home. Wednesday night Ashley had her choir concert. So we went to Albion and watched 6-7-8 choirs perform. Then Thursday night it was Riley's school program. So, Steve took the kids out for supper(our visitation night) and then went to Riley's program. Riley was Raggedy Andy in the play..... boy we won't forget to tell his girlfriend that!!! Then before we knew it the week was over and it was Friday. The boys went to get their haircut last night and we ate supper at home and watched the new Harry Potter movie. Well, we didn't get all of it watched.

We are suppose to get a bunch of snow today and tomorrow. I guess I get sick of the outrageous predictions and then we don't get much. I guess I just get to where I don't worry because I don't believe them!!! We went out to the mall again. We ate lunch at Applebee's - it cost 60.00 for our family to eat there. That is crazy. I told Steve that is also why we are eating supper at home tonight!!! We are hoping to go over the Franke Park and do the drive thru lights tonight. Piper has never seen them. I think she will like them.

Piper did something really smart the other night. Now, I am not saying she is smart (hence some of the things she does do) but I have Rudolph the Red Noise Reindeer stuffed animals that she plays with and she was watching the movie. She got the most puzzled look on her face while Sam the Snowman was on the screen - went around the back of the sofa - found the stuffed Sam the Snowman and came back and watched the rest of the movie with "stuffed" Sam the Snowman with her. I was impressed! She made the connection - that hey - I have seen him with the stuffed animals.... I just hope she is so smart - she can take care of me and I can quit my job!!!

Well, slowly Piper is getting better. She hasn't tossed her cookies only that one night but the diarrhea is hanging on. And boy you should see her bottom. Its really bad. Today though she hasn't had 1 bad diaper yet - YET I say. Not much going on around here lately. I think her sickness is going to work its way thru the house though. Steve started feeling sick last night. And he really hasn't been himself today either. We have lots of running to do this weekend and I don't think we will get it done. But that is ok. With everybody(I have my normal headache) not feeling well - we are just going to take our time getting it done. And here I sit doing this blog when I have laundry to do, house to clean and many more other things. But I am my normal "I will do it later" self today.

This is a picture of the Mrs. Claus that lives in our house. Piper loves her santa hat. She will even wear it out - she wore it to the store last weekend. Boy did that draw lots of attention!

I am happy to report that we have been using our camcorder. The one that we already had. It works great. Well, as long as I am not running it. I don't do so well with it. I am pretty jerky. I guess I will leave it up to daddy to do it! I think we should record all year long then sit down and have family film night and have whoever is crazy enough to come over and watch it with us. Its fun to see how much they change over the year. Some of the footage on the old tape that we did record on before is cute. I don't even remember Ashley and Riley being that little. I was happy too that we didn't spend the money and get a new recorder. I am just going thru something lately that we should really use the stuff we have before we get new. That really isn't like us. We always just go buy what we want and when we want it. Not that we have the money we are just good at spending it. Like for instance scrapbook stuff - I have so much shit. Its unreal. And usually I just go get more to use and do "sometime" I have actually been going thru what I have and thinking holy crap I have some nice stuff.

Also, I think I am scrooge this year. I just don't want the kids to get alot of stuff that they really don't need. If they need it - great - get it. But just buying stuff so they have stuff isn't going to happen this year. Our kids have lots of stuff and they should be happy with what they have. Plus the more stuff we get (all of us) the more my clutter anixety kicks in. You wouldn't believe what that is like!!

I have to tell you on Thursday when Steve stayed home with Piper - I got to pick up the big kids for visitation. They were so funny. Ashley is getting so big. And the way she talks and the stories she tells from the day are just funny. Oh to be 13 again! And Riley - his are just as funny. It really makes me wish they lived with us and we had a housefull of kids all the time. Yes, I know that they get on my nerves and I get peeved off at them. But the house with all of us here is wonderful. I always wanted a big family. I know now that I could've never handled it. But I always thought it would be fun when they were adults and they all come home for Christmas.

This time of year is really hard for me to work. I just want to be home and be that stay at home mom who has time to bake(which I don't do well anyway - but I could try) and doing crafts, puzzles and just being with my kids. But its not that way. Its just run here, run there and sometimes I feel like we don't even enjoy the holiday. But I do feel that Steve are I are both on the same wavelength about over doing it with the kids. We do stop often and say - hey we got invited to go do this but no we don't want to go - we want to just chill and we do it.

Last night was horrible! At 11:45 Piper tossed her cookies all over her bed and herself! She was so scared and upset. She just screamed. It was in her hair - all over her face. She just has never had anything happen to her like this so she didn't know what to do. And for that fact neither did MOM! But we got her settled down, bathed, and back in clean jammies only in time for her to toss them again! But this time was pretty much nothing but snot. She had alot of drainage going on. Finally got her changed again and she was so tired. I got her back to sleep, put down and didn't hear another thing from her. Well, now what to do.... take her to the sitters or not??? Well, mom and dad are getting low on vacation time especially with the time we have to take off over Christmas because the sitter is closed. And mom had some people coming in the office today that she had to go in. So we got her up to see how she was. Seemed fine - just tired which I suspected she would be. Loaded her up in the car - got almost to the sitters and my cell phone rings. It's the baby sitter letting me know she was going to be able to do daycare today because she has been tossing her cookies since 4 this morning - and she thought she could do. She is alot braver than I would be! But as the morning went on - she is feeling worse and can't watch kids today. So, Steve and I meet in our work parking lot and load Piper and her movie in Steve's car and he heads home. (He has alittle more time off left then I do!)

Piper has diarrhea. When I called Steve he said she has had alot of poopy diapers. So, I took my lunch hour and ran home to get him some Pedialyte and wipes of all things (we were about out!) When I got home she was sleeping. So I didn't disturb her. I think that is the best thing for her at this point!

Wow! This is the time when I really hate being a working mother.... I know every mother feels like this at one point or another. But to come to work when you know your baby is sick - is really hard.

My last day of work for the week! Yeah! Not much happened today. I was busy at work. I have been appointed to be on the 2008 Safety Committee. Boy I am excited..... At least I dodged getting nominated as the Chairman. It doesn't really sound too bad. Our CEO wants to make some changes so it might be a fun year to be on the team.

Piper's bottom is raw again. I think she is cutting another molar. She was crying so hard when she had a poopy diaper that her knees were shaking. It just breaks my heart. I have tried several things when it gets bad like this. The best for her is A&D and wait it out! Tomorrow we go to the doctor for her 15 month check up. Hopefully all checks out well. This week one of her new things is she says "mom" and then stops and looks at me like she is waiting for me to respond. It is pretty cute.

Ashley and Riley were here tonight. Not much going on with them. Ashley apparently behaved well enough for her mom because her mom gave her the permission slip to go to the play next week. Her mom was holding it over her head that if she wasn't "nice" this week she wouldn't sign the permission slip. Ashley said tonight that she has turned it in already.

I forgot to tell that over the weekend we watched the movie Breach. It was a great movie and a true story which I think always makes it more interesting. Check it out if you are looking for a good movie.

Steve was going to Circuit City tonight after he dropped off the big kids. He is going to check out the DVD recorders. He thinks I might need the new one before Saturday. Saturday is our company Christmas parties. The kids one is at Chuck E Cheese. It is soooo nice. The families get pizza, pop and each kid gets a $25 gift and tokens to spend. It is a really special party to all the little kids. The adult party is Saturday night at Pine Valley Country Club and its a casino night. I am really looking forward to that. Steve has put alot of work along with a committe in to the party and I know its going to be a good time!

Wednesday November 28

Been so busy I don't know where the time goes! This week at work out of the 5 days - I have meetings on 3 of them! And then I am not working on Friday (babysitter has the day off) so all this kinda shoots the hell out of my week! And on top of that - I can't stay focused and I have bunches to do!!!!

We had a nice Thanksgiving. Steve's mom cooked her heart out. It was all wonderful. Later in the day I got me one of those nice headaches..... I puked later that night. The lights bothered me so I went to bed and missed the Colts game. Damn.

Friday my crazy husband drug me out shopping. Now, let me tell you I like to shop but not on Black Friday. I never have liked shopping on that day. I like to stay home, put up my tree and decorations and watch Rudolph and White Christmas. That is how I kick off my holiday. I last 10 minutes in Toys R Us before I started cussing..... People are just rude. RUDE!

Saturday and Sunday were pretty much grocery shop and laundry. Boring.

Miss Piper is growing like a weed. I can't believe it... the other day I noticed something white toward the back of her mouth. She is getting a molar. I about shit! No wonder she has been alittle grouchy, fevery, etc. etc. She is getting a molar. All those teething "symptoms" well, my daughter gets them. So teething has been a joy. I was talking to my techy(aka geeky) husband the other night about us not video taping the kids and especially Piper since she is little. I asked him if he thought we would regret not taping some of her "big" moments. We have a video camera. Its old but we have only used it like 3 times. And of COURSE there is new kinds out today that record right on the dvd. So guess what - the geek is checking them out! I have decided that I really want one. I told Steve that is what I would like for Christmas. He says that doesn't have to be my Christmas present since its like a "family" thing. But that is what I want I tell him! He doesn't listen. He always has spoiled me - hell that is why I married him!!! Oh and also to mow the lawn. I got tired of doing that myself when I was single.....

Something I have been thinking alot about - Mom time. You know everybody tells you to take time for yourself, have a girls night out, etc. etc. Not that I disagree with this - but I was thinking.... when did my mom take time for herself? When did she have a girls night out? When? Why do the mothers of today "need" this sooooo bad? Like I said - its not that I disagree with this but I bet most of us don't remember our mothers taken much time for themselves. I don't. And its not because we work that we need to take "mom time" - my mom worked - she babysat a bunch of kids. Like I said.... when I take it.... I like my "mom time" but just think about that?

On a side note...I check on the hemp shower curtains to buy before I put up the "toxic and horrible" vinyl one. THEY ARE 70-90 DOLLARS..... Well, I am trying to help the environment but man.. I put up my vinyl one. Sorry. I don't have the cash this time of year for that spending. Also, I got my Hero Bags.... I am so excited. I haven't had a chance to use them. BUT man they are COOL! By the way I noticed at Wal-Mart the other night they have reuseable shopping bags for $1.00 a piece and my friend told me that Kroger has them too.... Come on guys.....

Wednesday November 21

Just a little note - in regards to the plastic bags issue that I wrote about in my previous blog. I didn't realize what a problem these were. Well, last night on my way home from work I paid attention to the outside...... from Hilgers on US 30 to my house - which is about 12-13 miles - I counted 15 plastic bags - 15 plastic bags either along side the road, in the fields, in the trees..... these are ones that I without a doubt could tell were the plastic bags. I think we have a problem here. Here is another website with cool reuseable bags that I found.http://globotote.com/pages/buy_yahoo/orderpage.html. Also found a really cool site about recycling and using http://www.4rfuture.com/index.php

Why care?
Worldwide, more than one million plastic bags are used every minute.
In the U.S., about 12 million barrels of oil and 14 million trees go to producing plastic and paper bags each year.
Each year, about 4 billion plastic bags end up as litter.

Monday November 19

Busy, Busy weekend. We had the big kids. Ashley had another show choir clinic on Saturday. She had a good time and did a great job! I loved the song they sang - Let's call the whole thing off. It's cute. While she was at that we ran errands - hit Best Buy because my husband thinks that because our cell phone contracted ended November 16 - it's time to get new phones (ours aren't even bad!!!) That is what you get when you live with a geek! We needed Riley to try on jeans at Old Navy so we know what size to get him for Christmas. After that we ate lunch and headed to Ashley's performance. After that we headed to Huntington to have dinner with all the Fishers. It was a nice evening. I love spending time with my brother and my parents in a relaxed setting. We use to go out for everybody's birthday - oh right - it was my birthday. I can't believe I turned 36! Holy Shit! I feel old this year. It just sounds so old. But anyway we use to go out to eat and I hated that - you all can't visit. So, now we most of the time just get together and I like that much better - especially now that I have a 15 month old who doesn't sit still!!!!

Sunday we just hung around home and then later in the afternoon went to the mall. Ashley had birthday money and she needs jeans! So she spent almost all her birthday money and got 3 pairs of pants - 2 jeans - 1 tan. They all looked very nice. She is getting so much taller and skinny! She told me this weekend she signed up to try out for basketball. I hope she makes it. It only helps with self esteem and great exercise! Plus I always love for her to have the social time.

Today was a busy day at work but yet it seemed to last FOREVER! Short week for the payroll person! We get paid on Wednesday this week so I had to get it done today! Its's done so I can breath now. Tonight Piper was cute. Just darn cute. She picked up all her toys and books by herself. I had to keep reminding her what she was suppose to be doing but she did a great job! I taught her the other day how to smile and show your teeth. You should see her do that...... I will take a picture and post it sometime.....

I was reading an article on the internet today and it is all I can think about. http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/plastic-bag-ban-47111905?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgrTomorrow San Francisco is banning plastic grocery bags. Wow! I had no idea how bad those are. After reading that article I found several others about the same type subject.... I just can't believe it. On this page they had several links to purchase bags that are reuseable. I told Steve I would feel weird taking my own bag to Target - but you know what.... I think I am going to buy some and start doing it.http://herobags.com We all should really think about this. Especially if you don't recycle the bags. I use them for other things but they still end up in the trash. So, I am not really recycling them.... Another thing that blew me, blew me away was that vinyl shower curtains are so bad. Not only do they stay in the landfill but when you buy a new one and open it up it puts a harmful gas in your house that could stay for up to a month.... hello.... I have a new one under the bathroom sink waiting to be put up. I am going to do some looking for the recommended one...a hemp shower curtain. I tell you I keep reading and TRYING to learn about the "green" stuff and it just overwhelms me how much my family abuses all these things. I just get a headache thinking of all of it..... we are very wasteful people in my household. I am trying some new things to try to stop it.. Good luck to anyone else that is on this venture too. I am open to any suggestions that any of you are trying.

Thursday November 15

Question for the day......(please leave your answer with or without your name in the comments)
When you see parents that have the backpack on their kid that is attached to a "leash" like thing that the parents are holding - What do you think????

Tuesday November 13

Man - just been so busy I haven't had a chance to write lately. I have been being lazy in the evening. Well, not really but when I have "my" time I have been knitting. I love knitting. But I noticed this weekend as I was putting my knitting stuff in a new knitting organizer I bought that I have alot of started projects that I need to complete. So, I think I will work on those before I make any trips to the craft store and buy more yarn! Its hard because they are always coming out with pretty yarns and you see it and think you need it. Well, based on all the started projects I don't need it.

Feeling good. My incision were hurting quit a bit at the end of last week. I just took it easy when I got home at night and tried to relax as much as possible and they felt pretty good by Sunday. I really haven't had too much trouble with eating any food I want. I even ate medium wings on Friday night for supper. Not too many of them but I ate some!

We had the big kids last night. And boy are they always full of stories after the weekend at their mom's. Some of them I believe and others well, let's say may not be the whole truth and nothing but the truth. They may be some of the truth. Ashley got some cool things for a birthday party they had for her. She seemed to like all them. She had $39.00 and then was telling me how she didn't have anymore face cleaner things at her mom's house ( I usually buy them for her) and I told her she has more money then I have so she can go get her some next time they go to Wal-mart!! She said - Oh yeah...... I think she forgot she just showed me the wallet full of money. lol!

I tell you Piper is a fruit girl. You stick any fruit in front of her and she will just chow down. She loves kiwi. She doesn't even give me time to clean it before she is just plain upset about not eating it yet! But I realized the other night I am not doing so good with vegetables. I need to figure out a way to get her to eat some veggies. She hates green beans. She is ok with peas and carrots. And she seems to like corn. But man - we really have to try some others on her. I guess I keep forgetting to give them to her because we don't do a good job with them. Before Piper I always served veggies on the night the big kids were there - but now - POOF! I have no brain and I get wrapped up in dealing with her while I am making dinner and I forget to do them. I need to make a better effort! Not like it won't do me some good too!!!

Steve and I had our "new" meal on Sunday. We had a turkey tenderloin/spinach/oranges meal thing. It was good. It was worth the try. And while eating it we decided other ways we would like to try it. If anybody is interested I will send you the recipe - very easy and very quick meal!

Wednesday November 7

Well, I have been back to work for 2 days now. Everything seems to be going ok. I was alittle tired when I got home but I think that is more because its so dark so early anymore. Piper is really changing this week. Each week her personality (good and bad) is coming out more and more. If I am on the computer she has to sit with me.... well, that is for a few minutes then she climbs up on our computer desk and sits in the middle of it and plays with everything. Last night she decided she was going to stand up in the middle and swing her arms and sing..... she is going to be a handful I think. Its getting so much fun that she really understands what you are saying now. Like you tell her to get her cup and go to her chair supper is ready and low and behold she is standing at her chair waiting for you. She is really starting to help clean up the messes she makes all thru out the house. (help being the key word!) So that is lots of fun seeing her listen to you and understand what you are saying.



I received my HOSPITAL (just hospital) bill yesterday. I couldn't believe it. Over $10,000 for the surgery. I went to the hospital at 6 am and left by 3 pm and its over $10,000 for that. HOLY COW! I could've never afforded to have this done if we didn't have insurance. There is no way - I would just have to live with the pain. I bet with the doctor bill I will have 15-16,000 in this surgery. That will be the same for a 2 day stay for having our daughter. That is crazy.....

Sunday November 5

What a weekend. We had the big kids this weekend. It was a very busy weekend. I remembered at 9:15 on Saturday that I had a hair appointment. So I showered real quick and took the girls with me. I decided that instead of me getting my hair cut I was going to get Ashley's hair shaped up and Piper's hair trimmed. So, the nice girl that cuts my hair said the change was ok. So, Ashley got her hair shaped up and Piper got her hair trimmed. She did pretty good at sitting still and she didn't cry till it was getting close to the end. Ashley looks much better. Then at noon we had to go to Lilly's birthday party. And Steve left there at 1:15 to go pick up Ashley friend she was having stay the night on Saturday night. Riley, Piper and I stayed and played with Lilly and had cake and ice cream. After Ashley got back with Katy they messed around for awhile and we went to Applebee's for supper and then they all went to see Dan In Real Life. Steve said it was a good movie and so did all the big kids. I watched Georgia Rule. It was a pretty good movie. But it just made me realize that I really don't like Lindsey Lohan. She is pretty slutty and I think that is probably how she is in real life just like she is in this movie.

Today we took Katy home and noon and Grandpa Weber came over for lunch at 1:00. We had cavanti and it turned out really good. Everyone ate real well. Especially Grandpa Weber. He always does though. I am really tired tonight because I did not sleep well last night at all. I was up pretty much all night. I think I had too much caffeine and maybe something I ate didn't agree with me. So, I am also in a really bad mood. The big kids have really rubbed me the wrong way. Ashley was really ungrateful for the whole weekend. It was like we "owed" her this weekend. Her mom and step-dad didn't even get her a thing for her birthday and we did nice gifts and a nice weekend and she didn't even say good-bye when she got out of the vehicle tonight. Riley left his room in a complete disaster and ground his deodrant all in to our carpet in the bathroom. I just don't understand. Lately at their mom's they are lucky to have the heat and have running water and then they come here and treat us like crap. I just don't understand. I think I just need to go to bed and sleep it all off.

I have a doctor appointment tomorrow - let's hope all goes well!

Friday November 2

I AM ALIVE! Finally feeling much better. What a couple of rough days though. I have felt good enough today to do some laundry and just be up moving around. I was alittle worried because the doctor wasn't going to see me until Wednesday (and I have a busy week at work next week) but I was able to call and get the appointment changed to Monday. So hopefully she will release me to go back to work Monday. No rest for the wicked.

Surgery was interesting. I wasn't as scared as I thought I was going to be. When they wheeled me in to the OR I moved over to the other table and I felt a burning in my iv and then I woke up in recovery. Now recovery on the other hand was fun. You know that scene from the Exorcist where she throws up everywhere with the green bile stuff....... I would win the academy award for that scene in reproduction...... It was everywhere. They ripped my blankets and little hospital gown right off my right there and changed it all...... I remember the nurse asking if I was going to get sick - I said yes and she didn't move fast enough for the medicine and it was everywhere!! Then she took off running for that medicine! I was in recovery for quite awhile because I couldn't wake up and they kept giving me pain meds that would knock me out! They finally moved me to discharge and we were in there for a while too. I finally was better enough to leave by like 2:30. They kept telling me that the doctor said I could be admitted if I wanted to. HELL - I can't keep my eyes open and you want me to make a decision???????? At one point I was all for it. But then I started to feel better and I was ready to come home.

Wednesday I was still very sick to my stomach. I got sick all over myself while sitting in the recliner. Steve was looking for the puke pan but didn't get there in time. Oh well. Steve stayed home with me on Wednesday and I was very thankful for that. I had to go back to the hospital for a liver function test (just a blood test) but I never wouldn've made it there on my own. Plus it was nice to have his company that day. He has been doing a great job taken care of me and Piper too. She is really keeping him hopping! Piper went to see all her friends at the sitter. She was pretty bored on Tuesday being home with just Grammy. And that is how she is when she is home with us. She likes all the noise and her friends.

Thursday felt better. I couldn't believe I was starting to feel better. I ate a little chicken noodle soup and some crackers. But pretty much just laid around and relaxed and took a shower. We had Ashley and Riley that evening. So I cooked supper. I actually got to put Piper to bed. I am going crazy not being able to be with my baby. It is the worst thing in the world when you are use to doing all her stuff for her and now you can't even hold her. It was nice to get hugs and kisses from her again.

Today I feel great. Just like myself again. I went to Wendy's and got a baked potato for lunch and haven't had any problems. I hope I have the doctor stuff figured out. I need to go back to work since next week is a payday week!

Monday October 29

Tomorrow is the big day. I am ready. I am still worried but not as much because I am just ready for it to be over.

Not much happened today. I was busy at work trying to wrap up a couple of things. We had the big kids tonight. Riley was bummed out because their dog Carmel (who has been living with their Grandma and Grandpa) is real sick and probably won't make it thru the night. Ashley was just excited (a 13yr. old for you) because her birthday is in 2 days. And she can't wait to turn 13! We called one of her friends tonight and she is going to come spend the night Saturday and we are all going out for supper. Ashley is really excited about her friend coming to spend the night.

Piper was in a great mood tonight. She wore her halloween outfit to the babysitters today. It wasn't her costume. Just this cute pair of leggings and a shirt that said Gouhls Just Want to have fun. It was a pretty cute outfit. I hope she is in that good of mood tomorrow for her Grammy. My mom is coming up to watch Piper tomorrow so we don't have to take her to the sitters. We really appreciate it. And now that surgery is so early I don't think the sitter would take her that early so I don't know what we would've done. So, Thanks Grammy!

One of the most important things for tomorrow is having my favorite jammies clean. I made sure I washed both pairs of lounge pants that are Steve's really - but now they are mine. They are clean so when I get home I can hop in them and hang out! They are quite the treat I tell you. They have old style pin-up girls..... with santa hats on.... I guess maybe someday I will shop for some new ones that are alittle more girly..... but how much more girly could you get. They are very comfortable so I am just going to keep sleeping in them!

Talk to everyone soon.....

Sunday October 28

Steve and Piper were both home on Thursday. I took both of them to the doctor. Piper seems to be doing better. She just had a little red in the ears he said. But Steve is still not feeling well. They have told him he needs his sinuses cleaned out for a 50% chance of not getting as many sinus infections. But 50% chance that it MIGHT not give him as many sinus infections - that to me isn't good enough odds for what they want to do to him!!!!

The weekend was good. I stayed home yesterday late morning while Steve went to the store. I hate the grocery. But I really didn't go because our little princess was sleepy and I put her down for a nap. She took and 2 hour nap. I was able to do somethings and that made me feel good. And the grocery shopping got done too!! Then in the early evening we went down to my brothers for a halloween party - it was basically for the little kids. There were a bunch of them running around. It was fun to see Piper around all those people. It was loud there and lots of people and little kids she had never met before. This one little boy kept hugging her. Finally by the end of the night when he would come up to her she would put her arms straight out and fend him off. Its was a good time and we left about 7:30 because I was tired and I wanted to get Piper to bed at a pretty decent time.

Today we went out to the mall. Macy's was having a sale (supposedly) We need winter clothes for Piper. I didn't find anything I liked. So we checked out Penny's - there wasn't much there either. I am looking for cheap clothes for some reason. Now that she is eating table foods. She trashes her clothes. A lot of her clothes are really getting stained. I don't want to pay so much for clothes then they get stained and I can't get the stains out. So, with that I took a trip to Goodwill. The one that is down at Covington Plaza. Well, I was really disappointed. I have only been in a Goodwill store twice before so I am not a seasoned Goodwill shopper. They didn't have many kids clothes at all. So within 20 minutes I was out of there! I headed over to Once Upon a Child. I was in there the other day WITH Piper and needless to say I couldn't shop so I went back out today. I got her some jeans, kahki and 3 shirts for $33.00. It wasn't bad. One shirt still had the tag on it. I told Steve I must be cheap because I was expecting garage sale prices and these were alittle more expensive from that. But still got some nice things without stains cheaper than new. I got home Piper was up from her nap and we went outside for alittle while.

Ok - in regards to saving money..... what are the ways my faithful readers save money??? What things or thing do you do to save your family money? Please leave all your bits of advice in the comments section!

Also, something Steve and I have decided to do is every week try a new receipe. Steve found what looks like a good one in my Better Homes and Garden magazine. Its a turkey tenderloin one.

Wednesday October 24

Ok - I am still really pissed off about this surgery re-schedule thing. I just need to get over it and move on. But last night while I was not feeling good then I got even more pissed off because not only did I have everything all scheduled - but I DON'T FEEL GOOD.... HELLO! I wasn't doing this for fun. I was doing it because I don't feel good. So now I am still pissed because I WANT IT DONE! Ok enough of that crap.

Funny thing - I must be a wimp because my daughters hair needs cut - well mostly her bangs but it wouldn't hurt to have it all trimmed up. And EVERYBODY keeps saying "Just Do It" - trim up her bangs. I AM NOT A HAIR STYLIST BY THE WAY. I want to make an appointment (which I will do) and get her hair professionally trimmed by someone who knows what they are doing. I really don't want a hair cut like Dennis the Mennace (which is what she would look like if I did it) But everybody just looks at me like I am stupid. I can't cut a straight line on a straight line why in the heck would I "trim" my daughters hair........ But then again I am not to worried about the "you are stupid" looks I get - I will do what I want to do. If I think its right - its GOTTA be right! Right???

Our dog Gunnar got out of the back yard last night. So Steve went in his car and I loaded up Piper and we went hunting for Gunnar. Usually I get really upset and cry the whole time I am looking for him (I love my dogs) but last night I wasn't in the mood (until I found him - then I cried) We drove around for probably 15 min. - 30 and finally I found him back in the industrial park between 2 buildings and some guy was trying to get him to come to him. I wonder if he would have kept him or taken him to the shelter??? And of course I didn't have his collar on him. He has an ear infection which causes him to shake his head all the time and his collar makes a crap load of noise in the middle of the night - so I took it off. So the guy might have thought he was a stray and kept him. But my loving husband was quick to inform me that HELL NO he wouldn't have kept him - one day with him and the guy would be returning him...... Steve plays a tough card with the dogs - the I don't care card....... But I KNOW better. Or better yet maybe he just doesn't want to have to put up with a psycho wife if anything happens to them? Gunnar wouldn't last a night in the wild. There is no king size bed with his mommy there for him to sleep in!!!!

Tuesday October 23

UGHHHHH! I am so mad..... I just received a call from the doctor that is doing my surgery on Thursday - well suppose to be on Thursday. Well, now she is going to be out of the office on that day - they need to re-schedule my surgery. Glad I made the surger appointment 3 flippin' weeks ago and NOW she finds out she is going to be out of the office......... So, all my planning is out the window and its changed to October 30. What a pain in the rear-end....... How would the doctor like it if I called her today and said, "You know I don't want to do it this week" - I bet I would get a bill. And no reason offered what so ever.... I am understanding (just ask my step-kids!!!) so tell me why - a family emergency - OK I would understand. But WHY?????

Monday October 22

I had to go to the hospital today for pre-admission work. The nurse that did all the work was very helpful. She had the same surgery last November. So, that was really nice to talk to someone who so recently had the same procedure. Especially since I am in "meltdown" mode. Last night I thought Steve was going to take me to the hospital and leave me. I am so worried that they won't be able to do it the easy way. I am so worried that I won't wake up. I am so worried that they will find cancer when they get in there. I am so worried...... As my husband says - they won't find cancer when they get in there - they will just find that dead animal he has been smelling lately..... funny isn't he...... I am also worried because with the labs they take they do a pregnancy test. Well, as I told the nurse - it better be negative. Not that I think we have anything to worry about but I have to take this little pill every morning and some days I don't do so well with the remembering thing. I am trying to talk Steve in to the big V - but all he says is " Why you have a hit on my nuts" I don't have a hit on his nuts. I just want to make sure we don't have another kid!!!!

Piper was so funny tonight. She is trying to pronounce words. It is the greatest. You can tell she wants to talk so bad. Hey - she is half Haneline - like this chick won't be a talker - yeah right! But I feel so bad for her. Her bottom is raw. I hate when they are teething and it makes them have bad diaper rash. She was screaming at a diaper change tonight. She took a big ol' dump in her diaper and within a minute she wanted changed and then she screamed! I took the baby wipes and rinsed them with water to get the stuff out of them so it wouldn't burn. I buy the natural care ones anyway but they do have some scent. She seemed ok with that. I then put straight vitamin E pill on her bottom and that seemed to help some too. She is turning into quite the monkey. Tonight she stood up on her beauty parlor chair and was dancing. Her daddy was so proud. He tells her she just might be the kid (trouble maker) he has been waiting to have. See he tells the big kids all the time to get in trouble (which he doesn't mean) and they won't do it. So he has picked Piper to be his trouble maker..... I don't think so. See the above picture to see the monkey~

You know I am the queen of list. Don't all people make list?? I have a list of random things I think of that I know I won't remember again. I have a list of movies I want to see. I have a list of to do things. I have a list for shopping at each different store. I have a list of passwords for a bunch of different website I logon to. I have a list of authors and books I want to read. I have a list of projects I would like to do "sometime" I just have a list for a list..... I think I have all these because I can't remember shit anymore. Before my darling daughter I could do pretty good. But now.... they delivered my brain in with the afterbirth I always say.

Ashley had her show choir clinic on Saturday and she loved it. She did a very good job. She was right on with her moves and lyrics. She got a t-shirt (the highlight), her picture taken with a frame and a goody bag and a chance to perform on stage. She was in heaven. It was well worth the money!

Riley was just Riley this weekend. If he could sit and watch TV and leave EVERYTHING he owns just lay around life would be grand! He did though learn how to detail cars this weekend with Steve. Riley would like to start his own business detailing cars so he is in his apprentice program right now.

Just wanted to include today a picture of Piper with her new hair-do. Today she really looked like Pebbles. Her pony was sticking straight up!

Friday October 19

The week is over. Really it all went very fast. I didn't get all the things done at work that I needed to but I work until next Thursday so hopefully it all gets done.....I had a pretty bad attack today at work. It didn't last too long but it was a doozy. It just confirmed that getting my gallbladder out next week is the right decision.

We have the big kids this weekend. Tonight we decided to stay home because we have such a busy day tomorrow. Ashley is going to a show choir clinic. They are at the clinic all day and then in the late afternoon they put on a performance for the parents. It should be cool. While she is at that - the rest of the Weber clan are going to Huntington to detail my mom's car this weekend. She needs hers done too and that was part of the bushes deal. Plus Piper will get to go to Grammy's and Grandpa's again. My Aunt Jill brought the girls out a plastic slide so Piper will love to play with that tomorrow.

I can't believe Indiana had a tornado last night. Steve has 2 aunts that live right in that town. We will have to check on them and see if they need help with anything. Sounds like the town is pretty much demolished. Our work sent a Line Crew up to help one of our neighboring co-ops up near Plymouth that received alot of damage also. I am not sure how long they are suppose to be up there but probably until the co-op sends them home.

I am reading a book at home To Scotland with love and a book at work The Nanny Diaries. The Nanny Diaries is so funny. If you haven't read it yet - I would highly recommend picking it up and taking the time. I checked out the reviews for the movie - sounds like it might not be as good as the book. I have stocked up on books for my surgery time off. My friend at work today gave me 3 Nora Roberts as JD Robb books today and another friend gave me a book by Harlan Coben. If you haven't read any of his books.... I highly recommend him also. His books are excellent.

You know something I always wonder..... How many people live in a house that is just like the house on Father of the Bride. I love that house. I love the outside of it. I love the inside of it. I love the little carport thing that you drive under to get to the garage in the back. Someday I want a house that has a big upstairs like that - with the open staircase that goes to the long landing area. And I think about the kitchen - so nice and big and just perfect - everything in its place. How nice would that be?? And do people really live in a house like that? Where you walk in front door when you come home and you have the beautiful living room off to one side and the beautiful dining room on the other. I really don't know anybody who has a house "just" like that but we have many friends and family who have very nice houses.

Wednesday October 17

Well its hump day! Thanks goodness. Today we had parent teacher conference for Riley. We got an excellent report on him. He is doing good. Only 1 C on his report card in spelling. The rest were all A's & B's and the teachers love him. We even asked them to make sure they were talking about Riley Weber....... Ashley gets her report card tomorrow. And boy is she happy. Its all A's & B's she says. See.... she wants a cell phone..... and her dad told her make the honor roll and we will get you one. But she doesn't get it for just making it this time. She has to keep her grades up for awhile (around Christmas) and then keep them up to keep the phone. She seems pretty determined so she can be cool like ALL the other 7th graders. Yes, its called bribery but hey isn't that what our work does to us each day.... come here and work and I will give you money...... We are very proud of both of them.


Piper was in a really good mood tonight clear up till bed time. She is getting so big. She is starting to cough a bit. I hope she isn't getting sick. That is the last thing I need with my surgery next week. As Steve says " We will be fine..." Like quit worrying you worry wart....


You know I have this addiction. Its called Pepsi. Along with this addiction now I have gained at least 3 lbs. in the last 2 weeks. I drink it all the time. I started today going back to diet pepsi as much as possible. I mean I was drinking 24 oz before lunch.. drinking it at lunch... and then have 1-2 with a snack at night. That is a lot of calories just in soda and not to mention that I don't always eat a salad...... I like food. I just plain love to eat. Like right now I am hungry for breadsticks(which I ate at lunch today and craved my WHOLE 9 months of pregnancy) or how about some chicken wings.... boy those sound good too. And its 9:15 like I should be this hungry? Well, maybe some day I will learn to be one of those healthy eaters and have it under control. But its not looking so good right now. But let it be said - those things that sound good I don't even have in my house so I won't be able to eat them..... except I have PEPSI!!!!!! Oh no look out! Well, enough of my mommy blog as my friend Wayne calls it. Dogs are walked, kid is in bed and now I am going to unwind with the TV.

Monday/Tuesday October 16

Well, already the days are running together... Monday was Monday. We had the big kids and that was an exciting evening. Homework, homework and homework. Ashley didn't take a shower again Monday morning. She claims her mom didn't get her up in time. I can't imagine her mother not wanting her to go to school clean. Monday I just asked her dad (actually begging and pleading) to let me get her hair shaped up one last time. (long story behind the haircut - I have taken her several times, spent lots of money and she never takes care of her hair) And then she comes Monday looking all greasy and not taken a shower that morning. Well, I guess I dont' need to discuss that with him anymore - I pretty much know the answer.. Piper and I went outside and played on her new plaything that we bought from the neighbors. Its pretty cool. Except our big dog Sandy has to "mark" his territory on everything including her slide.... I think Piper is cutting more teeth. We have the sore butt, drool, runny nose thing going on again. I swear I feel like she has been cutting teeth since she was 10 weeks old. She has 6 teeth so far so we have plenty more to go.

Tuesday was boss's day. I forgot till I was on my way to work and noticed on this one sign that the people were thanking their bosses for a job well done and I thought what a bunch of brown nosers - you would think it was boss's day.... oh wait - it is. So, my co-worker and I took our boss and his wife to Red Lobster. It was nice. We all laughed and had a good time. I am having a tough week at work staying focused. Every day I go in with the best intentions and then my mind wonders. I really think I have adult ADD. I have lots to do before I have surgery next week. I need to get my butt in gear. But now that I think about it. I think its just me. I have this problem at home too. So much work and no ambition to do it. I guess what I need to call myself is a procrastinator. And boy am I a pro at it. Some days I have all the energy and desire in the world. Other days - well take it or leave it. The evening wasn't too exciting. I needed a run to Target - so after supper we went to Target. Speaking of supper- we had grilled cheese and tomato soup. You aren't going to believe this - I burnt the tomato soup. How in the hell do you burn tomato soup?????? Well just to let you all know.... its burns and it taste disgusting when its burnt! Piper has had her bath and is now down for the night(hopefully) now is mom and dad's time.

Sunday October 14

Well, I couldn't wait for the weekend and here its almost over and I have accomplished nothing. I am trying to get laundry done today. And OH BOY does the house need cleaned. So hopefully I get some of it done today too. Plus we have a grocery list the size of Santa's good kids list!!! So, that needs to get done today too. I tell you with working all week then you only have 2 days on the weekend to fit in all the stuff you don't have time to do during the week. I never have time and then I feel guilty when I play. And for me - I have to have a play day on the weekend. That was yesterday. We went down to my parents house. In exchange for my dad helping Steve come cut down and tear out a bunch of our bushes we had to detail the outside of his truck. The way Steve details vehicles - it is a 3 step (yes 3 steps) waxing system. So we actually waxed my dad's truck 3 times. It took awhile but boy it looks GREAT when its done. My dad was very happy with it. It was also nice because Piper went to Grammy and Grandpa's house. My mom always comes up to Ft. Wayne to see Piper but yesterday we went their way. Its really important to me that as Piper gets older she "goes" to Grammy and Grandpa's house. I want her to have memories of her Grandparents house - plus really look forward to going to their house. I want it to be a big deal to do to Grammy and Grandpa's house. So we will have to work on that now that she is getting older.

We called the big kids to see how Ashley's game went on Saturday. We got their answering machine. Which we often do. And some how they never get the messages and call us back.... huh?

Piper got to see her cousin Norah yesterday. Norah will be 6 months old at the end of this month. I forgot how little they can be. Plus when you have my girl trying to play with a 6 month old - she still needs to learn a little tenderness! She did pretty good. But we still have some things to work on! She knows alittle bit because of the other babies at the sitters. I can't wait for both of the girls to get a bit bigger and be able to play together. We decided yesterday that we feel sorry for Adam and Natalie's next child - because between Piper and Norah - they child will get picked on and probably beat up!

Friday October 12

Well, the week is finally over.... sigh...... Steve left work half day today and came home. He went biking because it was a nice day, spread mulch around some plants in the back yard and mowed the back yard. So, he may not have been at work but he was working hard! I stayed and work and made it thru the afternoon.... Friday afternoons are usually the worst. They last forever. We decided that tonight was movie night. We went to Kaysan's for wings and fries and then came home. Ashley's foster parents stopped over to give us our Christmas gifts! Boy does that feel weird. Christmas gifts. I have actually started buying some so that I am not strapped in December. We visited with John and Judy for just a bit as they had to go and Piper needed to go to bed. I got the stinker bear put to bed and Steve walked the dogs and we hit the sofa for the movie! We watched Black Snake Moan. It was ok. I have seen much worse and I have seen better. I consider it good because I didn't fall asleep!!!! It is not a movie I would recommend if you don't like movies with sex, drugs and violence. There is plenty and if that is something that bothers you - skip this movie for sure! Well, then it was 11 o'clock and way past us old peoples bed time!

Thursday October 11

WOW! What a week. Steve has had software people in since Tuesday and work and he has been very busy so each night he is tuckered out! It's payroll week for me so that makes my week busy so I have been right there with him on the tired thing. And this cold weather and dark mornings and nights. I wanted it to cool off..... but really. When I picked up Piper at the sitters tonight Mary had pulled her hair up in a little ponytail on top of her head. It looks adorable.... it also helps get some of her bangs out of her eyes. I guess I am going to have to break down and get her hair cut. I guess I am just not ready for that. It seems like yesterday that she was born and now she is this big girl who needs her hair cut. Just think it won't be long and she will be starting school. Piper is climbing on everything. Her monkey stage is kicking in. Ashley had round one of her conference for volleyball today. We haven't heard if she won or not. We will have to call her tomorrow night and find out.

I wish I wasn't so busy. I think of so many things in my head that I want to do and then when I have down time all I want to do is read, watch tv. I just get lazy. I guess I think I need some relaxing time but meanwhile my mind is racing hundred miles a hour on all things I want our family to do and to change and to.......

Wednesday October 10

I have decided to start a blog. Our life isn't too exciting but it might just be to someone. Tonight we had the big kids. They were in pretty good moods. Both were asking to take clothes to their moms as the often do. I will never understand how their mother can not buy them clothes. But its been the same for so many years you would think I would be use to it by now! At least that is what Steve tells me all the time! Ashley took home 3 shirts and a sweatshirt and Riley just took home one. I told him he could take home the other one he had picked out - but he said he was good. So, I guess all is well. I feel bad when I give the initial reaction to their asking this all the time. But most of the time I feel drained - drained because their mom gets our support money, drained because we have to buy clothes for here and then drained because we buy stuff for them to take to their mom's house. Oh well! Piper is really getting funny. Her word this week is DUH! Of all words - well at least it isn't a curse word! She was funny tonight too because she was having a snack - we were sitting on the kitchen floor - and she kept kissing me then laughing. Oh and her kisses...... are full open mouth...... I was trying to teach her tonight to close her mouth but to no avail...... Steve is really tired tonight. He has been really busy at work this week and my eyes hurt from looking at my computer all day! So we are an old married pair I tell you! My stomach has been hurting quite a bit this week. I can't wait till October 25th! Have the surgery and feel better - and get a couple of days off work! Signing off for now. I have to go walk the dogs and I am ready to do my relaxing before its time to retire to the bed.