Here is a picture of Grandpa and Grammy with the Piper and Norah!

It's Friday and Payday! My favorite days!!!

Last night I took some mommy time and went to the library. I don't take my mommy time enough - it's my own fault. I am away from Piper all day long I don't really want to be away in the evening too but I just needed to go to the library by myself! The book I got was the next on in the series I started reading - it's A Good Yarn by Debbie Macomber. I have started it and it seems to be as good as the first one - so here is to a weekend of a good book. I also with high aspirations got a couple other books.... I probably won't get to read all them because I always run out of time! I got Piper a couple of kids books I hope she likes.

When I got home daddy had put her to bed and the house was all quiet! NICE!!!

I am ready for the weekend. I have started a list of things to do. I have done this the last couple of weekends. I never complete the whole list but I try. I think I have a problem with list. I have like 7 of them started right now. One for everything! But I plan to do some cooking this weekend. I want to make chili on Sunday because it will probably be the last time before the weather changes. It just never seems to taste good in the summer. Plus we do sooooo much grilling. That is something else I want to do this weekend. Go get some meat from the meat market and start grilling.... I was suppose to bring our gift certificate to the meat market with me today so we could stop on the way home and damn if I didn't walk out of the house without it today!

Also we are heading to the mall! Go figure the Weber's at the mall on the weekend - say it isn't so! We need to do some shopping and I want to check out the spring clothes for me! I got a couple of cute shirts at Meijer last week of all places. But I need to check out Macy's and see what they have new too. I have been finding quite a bit of stuff there over the last year and I just paid off the Macy's bill to prove it!!

It will also be grocery store time this weekend. Yippy! Hopefully tonight is dinner at home and movie! But it is nice out so I am sure Piper will want to play outside some!

Just wanted to let everybody know this tidbit of info......

http://www4.earthhourus.org/

Please click on the link and make the decision to turn your lights off tomorrow night! Hell with daylight savings time... it won't be a whole hour without the lights!!! Let's see what kind of difference it does make!

We had the big kids last night! WOW! Some of the stories of their life are unbelieveable..... maybe that is just exactly what they are unbelieveable! It was Steve's big birthday and we didn't plan on going out for supper because the kids always have so much homework that we knew there wouldn't be time. So the plan was to eat sloppy joes, mac and cheese. That plan was changed by time I got home - so here you go - here is Steve's Happy Birthday meal..........hot dogs and mac & cheese.... Who could ask for a better meal... I didn't pick it - I just cooked it. So, if any of you want me to make you dinner for your birthday come on over! Steve still had his headache and both kids had mounds of homework! He usually helps the kids with homework while I make sure Piper is occupied and stays out of their hair. Before we knew it - it was time to take them back and time for me to do Piper's bath and bedtime.

After he got back we watched Jon and Kate and ate his birthday cookies and milk! What a night!

I just finished reading another Debbie Macomber book - The Shop on Blossom Street. I would highly recommend it.... I loved it- as a matter of fact my Aunt Angie recommended it to me and I want to thank her for that. I am ready to go to the library for the next one in the series. I did start another book last night but if I make it to the library this week like I am planning I will start the next book in the series A Good Yarn. Check them out.

Happy Easter to everyone! We had a great day. We spent the day with my parents and brother and his family. It was pretty relaxing. We had great food! I tried a new recipe out for scalloped pototoes. They turned out pretty good. I was surprised. Piper was in a excellent mood. She never napped all day until on the way home from Grammy's and Grandpa's and then she only slept on the way home and when we got home she was ready for more! She was funny because she is starting to figure out the "gift" thing. I had her stuff in the easter basket in the morning and Grammy had her stuff in a bag and she knew what to do with them!

She still isn't talking too many clear words. I worry about it every day... Each day that she tries and says something I rejoice but I am stilll worried. As a baby and now as a toddler - she has done everything well. Like sleeping thru the night at 8 weeks, crawling, walking, eating baby food and now table foods. I just hope this is just something that is going to take her alittle bit of time and she will POOF get the hang of it and starting chattering away. I know, I know once she starts talking I will want her to shut up but for now I will take it!!

We had a busy couple of days but yet I still felt like crap so I tried to take it easy some. On Friday we needed to go to the grocery to get stuff for Easter. MAN! I thought more people would have to work that day and the store wouldn't be too bad..... WRONG! It was a mad house. But we got our shit and got out of there! Ate some lunch out and headed home for the evening. I made homemade pizza that night for supper. After supper we went over to visit with Steve's mom and brother and Lilly. Piper and Lilly were playing good together. It was fun to see the 2 girls playing. Lilly is a just about 2 years older than Piper but they still play good together. Grandma Weber gave Piper money to go get a baby for Easter.

Saturday we went to Toys R Us to get the baby. Piper is starting to play with them more and more. Which I can't wait. I loved playing with babies when I was little. I had bottles, diapers and the whole works when I was little. I remember it well! And now the have all the "little" sizes of all the baby things so Piper and I are going to have a blast! We went to lunch after the toy store then home for the evening. I am just wiped out with this cold still hanging on. Steve went and got us some movies so we watched 1 1/2 of those. We watched A Mighty Heart. Good movie - it's about Daniel and Marianne Pearl. The journalist who was kidnapped and beheaded. She was 5 months pregnant when it all happened. I don't know how some people make it thru things like that. I hope that if anything ever happens to me - anything I am stronger than I think I will be..... The other movie was The Good Shephard - with Matt Damon and Angleina Jolie. It seems to be a good movie - just hard to keep track of what the hell is going on. We didn't get that all finished.

Last night Steve put in the movie Cash Back..... ok..... it was alittle different.... LOTS of boobies and mommy parts. I mean I don't remember a movie that showed the mommy parts that close or that many times. (that wasn't the type of movie that was suppose to show those parts!!) It wasn't a bad movie. It won alot of awards at the Sundance Film Festival. Just different.

Well, today is my husband's birthday..... and he says he is 39 - but he ISN'T - he is 40! And damn I must say he is a good looking 40 year old. I am sure my body will be in worse shape when I turn 40. He told me that he will always be 39 and even when he dies his obit better say 39. I told him - Hell no! He doesn't look or act 40 so I don't know what he is worried about. I just have to hope now he doesn't flip out and get a red sports car and an 18 year old to go with it!! He always tells me - "after you baby who could want another woman" Do you think that means all the men would go gay???? Tell him happy birthday!!!

Most of this week has sucked. I got this damn cold last week and Piper and I even stayed home one day and went to the doctor last week. Well, this cold is just hanging on. Its just a bothersome cough at this point but still a big pain in the ass. And it just zaps my energy. I am just flat out tired all the time. I just take a shower in the morning and get ready and I am ready to go lay down. I hope it goes away soon! Not much happening this week. Tonight the contractor comes to look at our front door and give us an estimate on the new one. I hope they can do it soon.

We have the big kids tonight. Riley wanted to know on Monday night when they were over if we were going to celebrate Easter with them on Wednesday. Steve said " Celebrate Easter with you???" I told Riley yes we were. My husband has no idea that I have candy and Itunes certificates for them for Easter. I remember as a kid my mom was always really good about getting us little things for the holidays. It was always fun to get the little gifts. So, I will do the same for my kids. The other night I was watching Jon and Kate plus 8 and they had the Valentine's day show on. MAN! She went all out for Valentine's day. I got the big kids candy but she had all kinds of junk for her 8 kids. I would say she has too much time on her hands because she could be so creative but hell I know she doesn't. I guess I better get on the ball and be a better mommy!

Former President Bill Clinton was in town last night. Steve was going to try to go but we got word that the screening process from secret service was crazy so he just decided to play basketball. Only 1 more week of basketball! Oh darn..... But then it will be biking season......

American Idol sucked last night. I wish they hadn't done another night of the Beatles. Those are hard songs to sing. I can't wait for something different next week. And My People better still be on next week. Brooke White didn't do too bad last night and Jason didn't do toooo bad either so they better be back on.

Sunday March 15, 2008

What a busy weekend! Ashley had a volleyball tourney yesterday in Butler about 45 minutes from our house. Thanks goodness her games didn't start until 11 so we didn't have to get up so early in the morning to get up there! We enjoyed the games and so did Piper. It's alittle hard keeping a 19 month old entertained on the bleachers at a volleyball game - but she did really well. After that we stopped at McDonald's for lunch and then headed home. Piper fell asleep in the car and when we got back to Ft. Wayne I intended to lay her down longer but she woke up and was ready to go. So off to Home Depot and the mall we went! Steve and I decided to do some home improvement things so we needed to get the materials. Every year about this time (tax return time) we do things that need to be done to the house. We got a new bathroom faucet, kitchen faucet, a new light, and 2 new storm doors. I convinced him while at Home Depot that I wanted a new front door too! I found one I really like but I want our contractors that we use to put it in so we have to get with them to see if they can do it. But sounds like no matter what we are getting a new front door too! It is going to look beautiful! It will allow more light in our living room and look pretty too! So, after shopping at Home Depot we went to the mall. I love JCPenny for little kids clothes. I need some transition clothes for Piper from winter to spring. Like capris outfits and some short sleeve shirts. All she has right now is winter clothes and on those 60 degree days - she gets hot! I found the best outfits! Bright summer colors - cute cut on the shirts. And they were only $5 a piece and then I got 15% off the that! And they are the outfits were all the colors go together so you can mix and match everything!!! To round out the day we went to eat wings and cheese fries (now doesn't that sound healthy) and went and got a movie and headed for home. Piper was tuckered out! With only that little nap she was ready for bed at 8 with no stories! Steve and I watched American Gangster. GREAT movie. If you haven't watched it yet - do so. Very interesting.

Sunday was just as busy...... we went to the grocery store, came home put away the goods, ate lunch, Steve and his dad had to go pick up the storm doors. Then Steve came home and put both the faucets on and the new light and was able to watch the Lakers play at 3:30. He busted his rump! I love all the new stuff. My kitchen faucet is sooooo nice. I got one of those tall ones. I love it! And the light we got...... oooohhh. It's one of those Tiffany style lights. It's beautiful and the funny thing it was a light we NEVER turned on but it needed updated and now with the new one.... I have turned it on every night since! Piper and I went outside for a late afternoon walk and it was still pretty chilly out so we weren't out too long but enough to get the stink blowed off! We went to Target for our weekly Target run and then home! Weekend over and I am exhausted and still sick with a damn cold.........

I have more than made up this week for the weekend of cooking. I haven't been feeling well and neither has Piper. On Monday night when we got home all she wanted was me to hold her and I didn't feel well either. Her and I sat on the sofa while Steve ran and got us a pizza. So, we ate out Monday night. She ate really well and then seemed to snap out of it for awhile. She ate a whole piece of pizza, a whole kiwi and some grapes. Then last night Steve had to stay late at work for a meeting but he had time between so we went and got Piper and went to grab some supper before his meeting started. So, another night of eating out! Which for me is all well, because I just haven't felt the greatest to be cooking this week. So, thanks hubby for the meals.....

I am not sure if Piper is getting a cold or just working on some teeth. Last night she was taking her grapes and putting them on her gums and chewing on them. Now, I know that is her teeth bothering her but the snotty nose and runny eyes and alittle bit of a cough - I think it might be a combo - teeth and maybe a cough. The babysitter informed me and another mother this morning that the croup is going around.... apparently one of the little kids there hasn't been there all week because he has it.... so that means he was probably working on it last week.... and then right at that time one of the kids coughs and its one hell of a cough - her mother tells her to cover her mouth to which she tells her mom NO I DON'T want to. OK! Her mom didn't say anymore other than for the sitter to please give her this cough meds at noon. I wish people would keep their sick kids at home. The sitter informed this little girl after her mom left that she WILL cover her mouth when she coughs again because she doesn't want the other kids getting sick. GREAT!

At least we had sunshine! Today the sun was shining like crazy. Still very cold - but the sun was shining! Piper was pretty funny this weekend. Making all kinds of crazy faces and just being plain funny. She also has figured out how to take her own shirt off. She took her shirt off at least 4 times today. I took her pants off for her supposed nap time (she never fell asleep) and when I went up to get her out of bed. She was just in a diaper. She took off her shirt, socks and there she was smiling in her diaper.

Her and I had a great day on Friday. She behaved and listened really well, Funny thing that day - we went to McDonald's for lunch and brought it home. Well, up to this point she doesn't like hamburgers. So, I got her McNuggets. I got a Big Mac. While we were eating she is checking out what I am eating. She makes so fussy sounds like she wants my sandwich. She has been wanting to eat or drink anything that the rest of us have. So, I gave her a bite of my Big Mac and that little girl finished the rest of my sandwich. I guess I will have to try hamburger on her!

Friday night we went to Cebolla's for supper. Piper eats the chips but ONLY if she can have the salsa too. The salsa there is pretty hot. But she has to have the salsa or she won't eat the chips..... a little girl with plenty of attitude...... The had a mariachi band there that night. They were going from table to table and Piper was enjoying them. So wouldn't you know they come to our table. They ask if we want them to play anything. Steve and I both are like no - both of us thinking "Hell we don't know any of that music" then they ask if we want them to play anything for Piper and once again we are like no. They all talk and the next thing I know they are playing this song.... this song sounds very familiar.... well it was - it was the Barney theme song! Holy - it was so funny - Piper started bouncing her head from side to side! It was great! Riley was very tired on Friday night because I guess he didn't get to bed until late (10ish) on Thursday night because they were out late for his step-dad's birthday. So, I made sure he went to bed early Friday night!

Saturday Iwas able to take Ashley to volleyball practice. I had gotten a new book at the library Friday in the grandma section.... and I was able to get a great start on it then. Volleyball went well for Ashley and we were home by 10:45. Piper and the boys went to get Riley's haircut so they were home just a bit after we got home. We pretty much hung out around home the rest of the day. I made Apple Crisp for a dessert for supper that night. I have never made it before and it DID turn out. And it was very good! I made pork roast, noodles and corn for supper. Steve's brother, his daughter (Lilly) and Steve's dad stopped by right before our supper. That was fine. They all stayed and visited for quite awhile. Steve's dad (Jim) had eaten supper earlier and then turned around and ate supper with us too! And he had dessert. This guy must never eat! It was a nice evening. I really enjoyed it. I took pictures of Grandpa Jim and all the grandkids. They turned out nice. I know he will enjoy them.

Today was homework, clean the bedrooms day. We just realized today that because of Easter and spring break we don't have the big kids for 6 weekends in a row. That really sucks and the kids didn't act to excited about it either. I guess that is the way the cookie crumbles. We have asked their mom to consider switching some weekend if possible but according to her "She doesn't mind having them 6 weekends in a row" Hell no she doesn't her built in babysitters are there and they don't get to see us...... well, I just stop with that now. So, we will have to see what happens with all that.

I made a meatloaf today for lunch. I have never made one of those before either.... funny thing - why haven't I - it was the easiest thing I have every done. It was great and it tasted great too!The kids ate it like crazy - so I will for sure make this again. I feel like all i did all weekend was cook,,,,,,But it still was a good weekend

Ok - just a short one for now.... I was off work today because the babysitter needed the day off to take her daughter to the eye doctor. Before lunch Piper and I went to the library. She was very excited to be out and about. She toured the whole library. In the children's section there were 2 little kids 4 and 5 maybe and their mother. The were sitting at the table doing puzzles. I overheard the little boy (5) say to his mom - maybe that is her Grandma with that baby...... do i look that freakin' old...... Thanks that just made my day. I knew I should've had kids when I was younger. I made sure alittle later on I told Piper to bring mommy that book! Kids and their honesty.... but sometimes it just hurts....hahahaha!

Also, I am reading the book The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. I know its an old book - but I am alittle slow remeber I am a Grandma.... If you haven't read it - READ IT! I started it yesterday and I will finish it today!

OK I AM TIRED OF SNOW AND WINTER..... we woke up to a shit load of snow yesterday. Steve went out before we had to leave for work and cleaned out most of the driveway and the old lady next to us. And because of me the other neighbors didn't get their driveway done... I thought when I got up in the morning that it looked like they had done their driveway already. I could see snow piled up some.... well it was just a path in their drive! Sorry Jill and Larry. It's my fault. I owe you one!

The roads were horrilbe going to work. Steve and I ended up riding together. People were in the ditch all over the place! But by lunch - the main highways were pretty clear.

Last night we had the big kids - they were full of piss and vinegar because they didn't have school. Riley remembered his spelling list and practiced without any back talk. Piper was in a good mood. We found a new show to watch sometimes it's called Gina D's Kid Club. Its a singing and dancing show for toddlers. It's really cute. p://www.ginadskidsclub.com/Main_content.html check it out! Click on the music and listen to "Do the cuddlebug" I love it! Piper is still kinda not sure what to think of it. Probably because when the show is on mom goes crazy and sings and dances. Well, she might as well get use to me and how things are going to be when she is 13. I guess she can just ask her big sister.

Ashley had totally had it with Steve and I last night. She gets so freaked out about serious talks.... I just don't understand why. And the funny thing Riley still thinks that he is going to have his period someday!

Sunday the time changes. Everybody don't forget to change your clocks! I am wondering if I am going to be even more tired in the morning! I was liking the little bit of daylight we were starting to get and now POOF it is going to be gone again with the time change. But like Steve reminded my last night that means it will be lighter later in the evening. They will be nice too. But even more if the weather breaks and we can enjoy some outside time.

Watched American Idol the last 2 nights (see my husband's blog for more info) I love Brooke White. She is the one for me this year. And Jason - the dude with the dread locks. He is just cute....... Ashley doesn't think so. She just kept saying "YUCK" but I told her to look into his eyes.......

I am pretty sure Ashley is losing her phone this grading period. She has a C- in math and the grading period is almost over and a B- in Social Studies that is right on the edge of a C+. I guess she knows the results of not making all A&B's. I have reminded her several times to quit messing around with her homework because it's making her grades go down. So, at some point she has to take control.

Ashley has spring volleyball practice this weekend. Of course not real easy for us since it is in Albion but I am so happy that she gets to play - I am going to take her on Saturday and stay there and read..... Nothing selfish in this at all.... I just thought I would take her and have some ME time too! I can't wait. Watch it will probably snow and get cancelled!

Piper was a terror today! Steve said he thinks he put her in the naughty chair 3 times today. She kept getting up on a bench that we have behind out couch. And its one of those things you know she is going to fall off one of these times! I know I swatted at her bottom 2 times for trying to fall out of my arms when I was trying to get her up on the changing table. She was just a pill. Very busy and full of spunk today! And we did go out for alittle bit before lunch to our weekly Target shopping trip. She got in trouble there too! She was trying to stand up in the seat of the cart. So, we put her down in the seat and buckled her in!! Boy was she pissed! But she got over it and behaved the whole rest of the time!

We didn't make it to Texas Roadhouse last night. Steve's buddy wasn't feeling good so he cancelled out. But we are going to go in a couple of weekends. BUT we went to Huntington to take some stuff to my parents. And I made everybody eat Z PLACE PIZZA! I love this pizza and most of the rest of my family just tolerates it. I told Steve to be thankful we don't live in Huntington because then I would want it all the time! So, I bought since I was punishing everybody by making them eat the crap! We visited with my parents and had a nice relaxing evening.

We went to the grocery on Saturday. It was crazy at Meijer. Steve said he hates that store and we really need to shop somewhere else. I am not sure where else to shop but I guess we can try the Kroger out southwest. I think they are probably more expensive but I guess he buys the groceries. Wal-Mart doesn't have a big enough selection of stuff and plus we dislike Wal-Mart even more than Meijer!

We didn't get any movies watched this weekend. By time we got home from Huntington last night (8:45) and I got Piper to bed, I was on the sofa and asking Steve if he was ready for bed. He informed me that it was only 9:20 so I just fell asleep on the sofa and he woke me up before 10 to tell me it's time to go to bed. I told him I was tired!

They delivered my stove yesterday. It is beautiful! I love it. But man I don't know how to work some it yet. I baked some cookies in it tonight(slice and bake) and I thought I set the timer....well, they got alittle more done then I wanted them to get. I guess I don't know how to set the timer yet! Plus the glass cook top - it heats up like right now I tell you!

My Aunt Jill was on the news tonight. If any of you were watching the 6 news on ABC - when they were talking to a lady from Target about Dr. Seuss' birthday and reading to the kids...well, that was my Aunt Jill. I was flippin' out! Funny thing was she was talking about reading to your kids and here I sat with my big butt on the floor reading my daughter her favorite books. I love reading to my daughter. I really wish she would sit still longer than she does but she is getting better with that too. And it is nice to read to her before bed each night.

Can't wait to see the big kids tomorrow night.

It is such a shame that Nate Berkus is gay!