Did my Tackle it Tuesday projects get accomplished? Why no they didn't. Thanks for asking. After I did school with the girls and took Camille to piano lessons, I just didn't get around to it. Heavy sigh. Today I must clean the bathrooms. And make dinner.

I absolutely love reading Molly's blog. I am so glad she is blogging by herself again. I used to read her all the time before they started Choosing Home. It's not that I dislike Choosing Home, I just really like reading Molly's thoughts w/out the constraints of "fitting the mold" of the readers at Choosing Home. I appreciate her honesty and the clarity of her writing style. I wish I could communicate that effectively.

Olaf has had a very busy week at work. He is part of a planning committee for the Delta Employee Appreciation Day this Saturday. There will be fun stuff for the entire family. I don't think I am going to go. I cannot stand the heat. Olaf has to go and he will probably take all four children with him. What a man!! I can only imagine how hot it is going to be on the tarmac at 2:00 in the afternoon. YUCK!

I go to the midwife on Friday to discuss PDD. I know I have it. As I age (and start this peri menopausal crap) my PMS symptoms are EXTREME! Let's just leave it at that:) For your own safety.

randomness

Olaf took Camille to Six Flags today. They went with Cami's best friend, Molly, and her father. They are on their way home right now. And it was HOT today. (I say that a lot, eh?) Grace has missed Camille terribly today, but has also prayed several times that Camille would have a nice time with Molly. Isn't that sweet? I cannot wait for her to come home either. I have missed my girl today.

Olaf ordered a new computer yesterday. This one is at capacity and runs very slowly. I can't wait to get the faster processor for Toontown. Woo Hoo! I am not sure how old this computer is, but we bought it when "Pentium" was brand new if that gives you an idea.

Caleb starts school next Monday. He is excited about the bus as usual. His fall baseball starts August 17th. He loves playing baseball. I am grateful that there is a Challenger League for him to play on. Olaf is a coach and Caleb loves that. He always says, "Me baseball. Papa coach." He is an Auburn Tiger this year. He looks handsome in his uniform.

Olaf got some bad news from his aunt in Germany. She has had some extensive surgery recently and was in the hospital for months. (I don't understand socialized medicine.) They also found some spots on her lungs and she will find out soon if that is cancer. She has been a smoker for a long time which always raises the red flag. Olaf's mother died at age 50 from breast cancer. This is her younger sister. I'm not sure of her age, but she is near 60 I think.

Tomorrow is Tackle it Tuesday in the blogging world. It's where you have a project/job that you want to accomplish and then you do it. Last week I cleaned out the linen closet. Tomorrow I am reorganizing the Tupperware closet and cleaning out the fridge. That should take me all day. LOL! Cheri you don't want to look in MY refrigerator right now:)

Maybe I'll post again tomorrow...if you're lucky;) Thanks for stopping by to check in on me and my family.

This, that, and the other

Our raccoon friend comes everyday. She loves the peanuts that are in the birdseed. She will grab one, roll it around in her "hands," then eat it. All the while we are literally 10 feet away staring out the window. If I open the back door and go out on the deck, she climbs down the tree slowly but once she hits the ground she runs like crazy into the woods in my backyard. She shows up so much that she is no longer the spectacle to my children that she was.

I cannot wait for autumn and winter.

I want to hike this with my family in the fall. That would be super fun. Tonight on GPTV (Georgia Public Television) there is a show on GA state parks. I can't wait to watch it. I am a state park kind of gal. I much prefer the mountains to the beach. Cooler weather over hot. Sweaters over tank tops. Jeans over shorts. You get the idea.

Off to do school with the girls. I don't even like saying "do" but I guess there isn't another word that describes seat work.

More on the raccoon

Our little friend has visited every afternoon for the past three days. I did a little research on the web and discovered that it is probably a female getting a break from her "kits." It seems nursing mothers need a break in the afternoon as well as some extra nourishment. And bird feeders with peanuts in them are a very strong attraction to get her out of her little nest. So, chances are, our little friend is healthy...just a tired mom who needs an afternoon snack. Anyone want to leave the children at home and go out for lunch?

Our little friend

It may be squirrel proof, but it isn't raccoon proof. That's for sure!

Sentences

Man, it's HOT here!

Where can I live that will never get above 70 degrees?

Cami had piano today.

She doesn't like it.

I'm making her stick with it for awhile longer.

I love the new reality TV show called Treasure Hunters.

Not as much as Survivor.

Who never called me for round two of interviews.

Dummies.

I need to vote today before the poles close today.

I have a headache.

I need to do my Bible Study before Thursday.

I'm not sure if I would recommend the study though.

I love the Lord, but I despise religion.

The church doesn't save anyone.

Jesus does.

He died for my sin, not Christianity.

Loaded statement.

Not going there right now.

I need to join Weight Watchers again.

And start exercising too.

Old news, eh?

Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Tammy

Dear Screaming Eagle,

Remember when we used to roll out the red carpet for each other at our locker? And steal people's combs from their back pockets? And get thrown out of Mr. Aldrige's class? And you used to steal my synonym list with Vicki? Remember saying, "George!" whenever you picked up a stuffed animal? Or making that high pitched noise with your teeth while I was in class that only I could hear? Or when I used to walk you half way home and we would lay on the grass and look at the clouds? My poor Dad...we stole everything from his store. Candy, quarters for video games, beer...no wonder he filed bankruptcy! Have a great day my friend! I hope it's the best birthday so far!

BFF,
Eemo

Sorry..

not that anyone is waiting desperately for me to post, but I really suck at being consistent.

It's Saturday. I did some grocery shopping at WalMart. I had to take Josiah because he didn't want to go swimming with Olaf and the other children. Weird child. It is super hot outside. I mean, yucky, nasty, awful hot! So hot that the air conditioner in our van doesn't seem to be working very well. It just cannot keep up with the heat outside.

I have been wearing my new make up everyday. I love it. It makes me feel pretty again. Even though I'm fat. I actually saw a friend at WalMart that I have not seen in five years. I am a good 30 pounds heavier than the last time she saw me and the only thing she said to me was, "you look so pretty." Made my day!:)

Public school starts in less than a month here. August 6th. Camille and Grace are enjoying their new school year. I am making more of an effort this year to incorporate some science this year as well as some Georgia history. I will probably try to do science once or twice a week and the same with history. I really like the Georgia history curriculum that I bought from The Notgrass Company.

Charity reminded me this morning how much I love the movie The Princess Bride. If you like it too, leave a comment with one of the lines out of the movie. You know...like, "Hallo. My name is Indigo Montoya. You kill my father. Prepare to die."

Taste of Home

Tonight I am hosting a Taste of Home Entertaining party for my friend, Misty. She signed up to be a consultant and I said I'd do a party. So far today I have made pasta salad, pecan pie mini muffins, a cheesecake cheeseball to be rolled in chocolate chips and served with graham cracker sticks, and some dip for the chips. I need to get my bathroom cleaned, the floors vacuumed, and some general straightening before 6:00 pm. All with four children in the house who undo what I've done...

I bought some make up from an infomercial and I love it. It's called Sheer Cover. I usually don't wear foundation at all because it looks yucky and I hate the feel of it on my face. However, I LOVE THIS STUFF!!! It is the mineral make up that you brush on. I really didn't expect it to be all that the infomercial said it would be...but it is.

I need to get going. Lots to do... Have a great day!

Feeling Better

I'm done with my pity party. Hormones are leveling and the world is coming into focus once again.

I went to my Bible Study last night which always helps my perspective. I got to see Charity! I haven't seen her in ages. Either she has missed Bible Study, or I have missed, and it's been 6 weeks since I saw her last. She walked into Bible Study last night with her pregnant belly poking out a bit. Cuteness abounds!

As for our weekend, we have no major plans. Caleb has horse riding on Saturday. Olaf will light the fireworks tonight that he didn't get to light on the 4th because of rain. We have "The Pink Panther" with Steve Martin from Blockbuster Online. We will probably watch that.

Hey, is anyone from Women at Home reading my blog anymore? I never get comments from Becky or Cheri or Dana. I'm wondering if they are boycotting me or something?:0)

God's Smite Button

Well, He did it to me again. You know the smite button that I think God has? The one He likes to use on me just so He can look down from the heavenlies and say, "Ha Ha!" My period was five days late this month. Five days. That has never happened to me before in my life. I took a pregnancy test. There was the faintest pink line although it did show up after the allotted "do not read this test after 10 minutes." I got my hopes up. Dumb thing to do. Very dumb. Aunt Flo has come to visit and all I can think is, Why?!?! Why did my period have to be five. days. late? I wouldn't be so disappointed if it showed up on time!! You know that. I do pretty good every single month...month after month...of wanting another child so desperately I can almost feel it in my arms. I don't cry, I don't complain, I accept Your plan. But why did you have to press Your smite button and make me get my hopes up?? It stinks! Really bad. And I'm mad. So there.

Happy 4th of July

All is well here. We've just been enjoying the time spent with Olaf. He goes back to work tomorrow and we will get back into some sort of routine again. I will start school with the girls this week as well. We like to start early so we can take days (or weeks) off if we want to. It's hard to believe that Cami will be in the FIFTH grade. Yikes! Where did the time go?? Gracie starts Kindergarten. Hopefully she will be reading before too long. It should be an interesting week...that's for sure.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. We will be grilling burgers and hot dogs and spending time inside. It's too darn hot to "enjoy" the weather!

Remembering 9/11

On September 11, 2006 an effort is being headed to memorialize the 2,996 lives lost on that day. It is very simple to participate. Go HERE and leave a comment. You will be sent a name. From there you dedicate your blog on Sept. 11th of this year to all of those lost, but specifically remembering your assigned person.

2,996 is an effort to bring together 2,996 bloggers in a massive memorial to the victims of 9/11.

On September 11, 2006, the 5th anniversary of the attacks, 2,996 bloggers will each post a memorial to one victim. We will remember the innocent victims of that day–we will not remember the murderers

My husband is home

He got home about two hours ago. Of course the children accosted him and then we all begged for our surprises. I was the most spoiled! He bought me Angel perfum by Thierry Muglar and this adorable espresso coffee set. It has six floral cups with matching saucers and spoons. So ME! He brought home pastries and rolls from a local bakery and a TON of chocolate. There are four bottles of French wine, one bottle of chocolate liquer, and a duty free bottle of Johnny Walker Red Label. (We really aren't alcoholics) He brought the children some little French toys from a toy store, but they are liking the chocolates much better than the toys. I have had two chocolate croissants, two cups of French coffee in my new little cups made with my old French press, and a few pieces of chocolate all the while wearing my new perfume. Yes, life is good. Olaf is tired, has jet lag, and wants to go to sleep in his own bed. Good thing it's a long weekend. He doesn't have to go back to work until July 5th. Woo Hoo!!!

Toulouse, France

My husband leaves tomorrow for France. He will be home Thursday. Pray for me. Caleb does not do well without Olaf. Bedtime is always hard. He cries and wants his Papa. It is so sad. Anyway, Olaf is going for a conference or something. He's told me hundreds of times what it's all about, but I always forget.

It's been hot here. Looking forward to October when the weather starts to cool down a bit. It doesn't get cold till January though. Oh, I'd love to live in Montana. I have never been there, but I bet it's beautiful. Maybe next year we can do a family vacation out West. Maybe go to Yellowstone and then drive to Mt. Rushmore or something. It has to be in the fall though. The only prerequisite is cool weather. That is the great thing about homeschooling. We can take vacations when other children are in school. Love that.

Off to enjoy the day with my husband since he leaves tomorrow afternoon. Have a great weekend.

Neurologist Results

Since they didn't have the results from Olaf's MRI (I could rant about that forevah) the doctor decided that all of Olaf's symptoms are stress related. He told him to take a baby aspirin everyday to help prevent a stroke, a B Complex Vitamin for stress, and then handed him a prescription. Olaf asks what the prescription is for and the doctor says...and I quote..."One to make you happy and one to relax you." Hmmm.... He prescribed Olaf Elavil, an antidepressant, and Klonopin, a seizure medication. Olaf is going to go back to our family doctor and see if he agrees with this neurologist. We really want a second opinion because we don't think it's just stress. He'd like to see a doctor that actually has his MRI results in his hands before he walks in the door. So, there ya have it.

Funny Note: Whenever I do a spell check, the suggested spelling for Olaf is olive. That is what my grandma called him. SHe'd say, "Oh Olive, you are such a good boy."

Insert witty title here...

We had a great Father's Day. We went and saw Cars. It was a cute movie. I enjoyed it. We gave Olaf all kinds of German goodies like candy and coffee and yucky stuff that no one else will eat but him. He loved it. He is at the Neurologist as I write this so I will be sure to post the results of that visit later on.

So far today I have cleaned both bathrooms (always fun scrubbing tubs...blech!) and showered. Woo Hoo!:0) My children are fed but still in their pj's and it is 1:00 pm. They have watched a movie and done a few chores. Now they are all playing pretend together behind me. I need to vacuum next and then get the dishes done.

My poor dog, Ella, isn't doing so good. Her hips are hurting her so badly she can barely move. I hate to say this, but it may not be too much longer before we have to put her down. If there comes a time when she is immobile, then Olaf will take her to the vet for the final shot. As it is now, she moves incredibly slow and has a hard time getting up once she has lied down. Poor doggy. She is only 9 years old.

I am loving my hair. I love to wear it down and not have that dang ponytail all the time. Granted, I don't curl it or anything, but I love it anyway.

Olaf and I are at our "we're fat" stage again. I love it when Olaf finally gets there because he'll actually start watching what he eats. That makes it much easier for me. I need to do the Lord's Table Bible Study again.

Have a great week everyone!

Bragging a little

I am going to brag about my wonderful husband for the next paragraph. If you don't want to read it because it will make you jealous, or worse make you want to hire a hit man for me so you can marry him, then please don't continue reading...

This is Father's Day weekend and right now my husband is sleeping in. Well, trying. Our house isn't huge and I'm sure, despite my best efforts, that the children's voices have woken him up on a few occasions. Do you know that every morning (this morning included) when Caleb wakes up at 5:00 am Olaf is the one who gets up, wipes Caleb's rear end, feeds him and plops him in front of the TV. Then he goes into the garage where our two cats spend the night and puts them in a carrier so they won't scratch on the door and wake me up. This morning he got to go back to bed because it's the weekend, but most mornings he heads off to work at 6:15. I am so blessed to have a man that is not only willing to do those wonderful things for me, but he wants to. He wants to be a good husband and father. He wants to see me happy. There are so many times when I lash out verbally and deserve a good whooping in return...but never. He never gives it to me. He is a rare gem of a man. I am so happy he's mine.

Before and After

This is me BEFORE no makeup:



This is me AFTER with a little makeup:

HAIR CUT DAY!

Today is the day. The BIG day. I get my hair cut. I will take before and after pics and post them on Flickr. Or maybe I'll post them here. Grace and Camille do not want me to get my hair cut. Josiah says he wants me to have bangs (ain't happening) and Caleb could care less. Olaf just wants me to leave some length to it. He does not like short hair and I will honor that request.

Regarding my post yesterday, Andrea commented that she needs space in the morning. That is EXACTLY how I feel. Don't talk to me, look at me, or otherwise bother me and we will be just fine.

Alrighty then...I'll post pictures tomorrow.