Update

So we had our big semi annual meet this past weekend, and it has taken me until now to recover from it. It was a busy 3 days.

Devon did fantastic. He swam 6 individual events and 2 relays. He qualified for finals in 5 of the 6. The last one he was disqualified for a false start. His knee wobbled right before the gun. He was really dissappointed, as it was the 100 yard Freestyle, one of his best and favorite events. But regardless, he finished in 13th place overall! We figured he would have finished around 8-9th if he hadn't been dq'd. He wasn't happy with all of his swims, but he has another big meet Dec 7-9, where he will be swimming the exact same races, and will try even harder.

Marisa did well too! She also swam 6 individual and 2 relays. While she didn't qualify for any finals, as there are sooooooo man girls, and her times are not that fast, she did get 4 personal best times, which is great!

I worked my butt off all weekend, and then on Monday night I spent 3 1/2 hours helping to distribute wreaths from our team fundraiser.

I'm really looking forward to a nice long weekend. Hopefully Don doesn't screw it up for us. He has been sober this time for about 8-9 days, so hoping he continues. Seems weekends at home without a lot to do cause him issues.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Why did I say yes?

So Marisa and her 2 BFF have been conniving a way to make some money, because they want to go shopping. So what do us 3 moms do? We talk and decide to offer the girls a Moms/Daughters shopping day. December 1. No specific details just yet, but we are planning to go shopping and out to lunch. Maybe to Gurnee Mills or some other big mall.

Friday night on the way home from swim practice, Marisa asks me if the 3 moms will agree to stand outside of any stores the 3 girls decide to go in, and not participate in any clothing purchase decisions. Um, yeah, right. As if.

I very calmly explained that we were doing this to spend some time together, AS MOMS AND DAUGHTERS, not chauffeurs. Also that while I would not stand OUTSIDE of any stores, I would not go into the dressing room with her. She seemed to accept that compromise, at least for now.

*sigh* Only 19 days to go. Maybe I should update my will.

My new fav

Why this song is listed under Timbaland, I'm not sure. I do see him in the video making little "uh, uh" noises, but the band is One Republic.

I'm trying to decide if the lead singer could be a new crush for me too.

Last night when I asked Devon who sang this song, and sang him the chorus, he said, "Oh yeah, I love that song, but I don't know who sings it, I have to download it." Scary.

I remembered seeing this band on "So You Think You Can Dance", but had forgotten about it until I heard it on the radio earlier this week.

BTW, you can see the video if you scroll down a bit on the site.

RIP Jessica

A good friend of mine's daughter was diagnosed with leukemia on her 21st birthday in April 2006. They have been battling it ever since, almost getting a bone marrow transplant twice, trying new treatments, having strong faith and dogged perseverence.

Jessica lost her battle on Saturday night, and in her mom's words, is now singing and dancing with Jesus and the angels, in no more pain.

Both Linda (my friend) and Jessica have been such and inspiration to many of us. It helped to remind me to keep strong in my own faith, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles.

I'm proud to have known Jessica in her health and during the past 19 months. I'm not at all sad for her victory over death, just sad for her family that is left behind, for now.

RIP Jess.

Socks

A long time ago, at least a year ago, Bravie recommended Spanx socks to me. At least I think it was Bravie. So I bit the bullet and bought a pair. They cost $10 for one pair. I thought it was completely outrageous, but I must have been in a spending mood. So I got the pair, and they became my favorite socks. So much that I wore a hole in one, at the toes. That's ok, I kept on wearing them, just tucking that little whole under, so that my tootsie wouldn't stick out. Last week I was in a spending mood again, so this time I bought 3 pairs. Black, Brown and chino. I needed some socks right away, so when I was at Target I bought a 3 pack for $4.99. They even said "fuller leg". I figured that would be cool, but they totally dug into my shin anyway. I was in major pain after wearing a pair all day. All I kept thinking was, when are my Spanx gonna get here?

They arrived today! I am happy! My legs are happy too. *jumps around*

What recent purchase are you happy about? LIke maybe buying a banana costume or something?

Costumes

So finally I had some time to go costume shopping with Marisa. Good thing too, cause she has a Halloween party to attend on Friday, and trick or treat is on Saturday. We tried a couple of stores, and found one at Walmart, of all places. Last year we went there and all they had were little kid costumes, so I was doubtful. This year was much better, and the store is only 7 minutes away from home, not like our next choices which were 15-20 min away.

She is very excited. She is a 50's polka dot girl.Devon announced he is not wearing a costume this year. At which point I announced he wasn't going trick or treating then. At that point Don piped up and said he had a Jason mask Devon could wear, with some old clothing or something. They are going to look through our costume bin today.

Mighty Mite

I now know how to use a Mighty Mite. Do you know what that is? See picture at left. It acts like a jumper for cars. Works without having to have a 2nd car to jump your car from.

Yesterday morning my van had a hard time starting, but it did start. Same on the way home. I called Don and he said he would show me how to use the Mighty Mite, since he suspected the battery, as it was over 6 years old. I had to take Marisa to her basketball game, and of course we were cutting it close on time. Got back in the car, and nothing happened. So I called Don on the cell speaker, and had him tell me how to jump it. Worked like a charm. Of course Marisa was hopping like a jumping bean about being late, but I got her there on time.

Haven't had to use it since, but I've turned off all nonessential electrical components like overhead lights, radio, even my GPS. *gasp* Of course once the van is started, I can turn those back on, but then before I turn off the engine, have to turn off all those things again.

We are getting a new battery tonight. I am the Pretty Purple Princess, after all. I shouldn't have to be inconvenienced like this. Plus I got my hands all dirty doing the red on red and black on black clampy thingys.

He ain' heavy, he's my swimmer!

8 Medals, 2 ribbons and 2nd place trophy! That is what DS did this weekend.

He swam a total of 10 events (8 individual and 2 relays). Started off the meet on Saturday with a 1st place ribbon in his relay. Then swam 4 individual events, including 100 yard Freestyle, 100 yard Backstroke, 50 yard Breastroke and 200 yard backstroke, and came away with 3 silver medals and 1 bronze medal. Not a bad day. Then we went back today and he started off the day with a 2nd place relay finish. Then he swam 200 yard Individual Medley, 50 yard Freestyle, 50 yard Backstroke and 200 yard Freestyle. He got 1 Bronze, 2 silver and ended the meet with a GOLD MEDAL! He was so excited! Of course, so was I. I did get tears in my eyes, and I think a few might have spilled over. He ended the meet getting a 2nd place all around trophy for his age group! What I most admired about him today was that going into the last place, he was guaranteed a 2nd place trophy. But he wanted to get that gold medal, and beat the guy who was already guaranteed 1st place. Which he did!

Of course I wouldn't forget DD. She had a good Saturday, finishing with a 7th place and 14th place ribbon. She won her heat in one of the races too, which was great! Today she swam and won a 5th place ribbon in her relay. The individual races today were not her best. Everyone is allowed an off day. I think I was more frustrated than she was, but I think I covered it well.

After all that, I am exhausted! Being a cheerleader (for other kids too of course) is hard work!

Are all my posts about my kids?

Last night in her 2nd basketball game ever, DD made her first basket! Monday she had made a free throw, but that doesn't count. She is one of 2 girls that have scored any points in either the first or 2nd game. The other girl played organized basketball for 3 years. DD - never played organized bball before. She also made a bunch of really good defensive plays. It helps that she is 5'2" at only 10 years old. There were girls on the other teams we played that were much taller though.

Of course after I told everyone else that I saw after that about her basket, she kept yelling at me to stop telling everyone. As if.

We have a big swim meet this weekend. We have to be at a pool by 7am both days. *sigh* At least the Packers are on a bye, so I won't miss that. Plus we have a wedding tomorrow evening for a co worker. I really don't want to go now, but I said I would and there are 28 people from work going.

See, it isn't all about the kids! So there!

Also, because I love watching Milo...

Mural

eta: I took a better picture with my camera. You can see it much better now.


So we have always wanted to have a mural painted in the little inset between the kids rooms. Our painter recommended a lady who does murals, so she came over to discuss it. I had no preconceived notions about it, but after she asked some questions about it, we decided on a tropical theme. Devon wanted dolphins (jumping up by the sun), and Marisa wanted horses (there are 3 little ones bottom left), so they each got their wish as well. I wanted the sunrise.

better than buying online?

I bought a pair of earrings over the phone yesterday! Sight unseen! A friend who knows I like dragonflies called me to chat, and mentioned that a friend of his makes and sells jewelry, and has these 2 pairs of earrings! One was described as too big for my taste, but the other seemed really cool! So now I'm hopping up and down looking forward to getting some new bling!

Speaking of jewelry, did I tell you that I bought a set of pearls from China? A friend of mine went there for business, and had told me about pearls they sell there. So she got me a set, necklace, earrings, and bracelet. I am excited about them too. Debating if I should get them appraised, as my friend mentioned that one of her co workers bought a set that was valued over $3000, and she paid $100! I paid $95 for mine!

So, what have you bought lately? Anything sight unseen?

Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Pizza Crusts

"Rustic Crust™, Inc. is a New Hampshire based bakery specializing in Old World style pizza products that are as convenient as they are delicious."



If you suspect that sounds like press release puffery, you're correct. But the press release in question announces a new line of interesting-sounding products, Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Pizza Crusts.

Their website is www.rusticcrust.com. A store locator can be found there.

No swim for you!

So the schools closed all three pools that our team practices at yesterday. They were going to be treating them, is what the emails said. I'd like to know if they were able to test the water, to see if it was contaminated, or if they were just being proactive, which is a good thing too. I'm also curious how they treat them, as the cryptosporidium bacteria is chlorine resistant.

I've decided to have DS tested to see if he has crypto, just in case. He was completely fine the day after being sick, but I wouldn't want my kid to be the one who ends up reinfecting the pool, if he does have the disease. Normally he wouldn't need to be treated, but they do have antibiotics. I read something about not being able to swim for 2 weeks, which would totally suck. Some of the other parents and I are talking about having our kids do some special dryland practice if they keep the pools closed.

Aside from sick kids, the really unfortunate thing is that there was supposed to be a girls high school meet tonight, and our team has meets scheduled on Friday and Saturday this weekend, at our main pool. I'm wondering if those meets are now in jeopardy. What a shame that would be. The kids love going to meets. Especially the one on Sat. Our team gives away trophies to the top 16 swimmers in each age group. DS was going for first place, and DD has gotten one the past 2 years.

On the plus side, I may not have to drive carpool tonight! It was going to be to the furthest away pool, and earlier than normal, so a real cramp to my schedule.

From one child to the other

DS is home sick today. This is very odd for him. More odd because last Monday he stayed home sick from school with the same excuse. I went home at lunch, and today he actually looks sick.

Says he feels like he will throw up, but doesn't actually. Only burps. Gross.

He did eat a piece of toast, and some juice.

I'm trying not to be too worried. I think it is a combination of a lot more swimming, more intense homework/schoolwork, less sleep, growing.

To be safe, I scheduled an appt with our doctor for later this month. He needs a check up anyway.

Update: I talked to our Doctor, he wasn't overly worried, said there are lots of bugs going around. But to schedule him for a checkup when it is convenient. Oct25.

Then later in the day I got an email from his swim coach. A parent reported today that their child has Cryptosporidium! So I called the doctor back. The nurse said if I want, I could bring him in, but they would need to get a stool sample. Um, yeah, right. I talked it over with DS, and he wants to wait and see if he feels better, which he seems to be doing. Also the nurse said that a healthy 12 year old has no concerns if he would have crypto. Ugh.

7 10 year olds is too many

We had Marisa's birthday party on Saturday. We drove into the city and went to Comedy Sportz. It was great. She volunteered to go on stage, and since there were only about 25 people, and we accounted for 12 of them, people in our group were selected a lot as volunteers, or suggestion ideas. It was a great time, everyone really enjoyed it. The whoopie cushions they gave out to the birthday group were a headache maker in the car ride home though.

We stopped at FunWorld to play lazer tag. My team won, cause we kick butt. There was a young lady that was cheating, and I told her not to. Afterward her mom came up to me to pick a fight. What a beyotch this woman was. I didn't back down though, so after swearing at me she walked away. We left shortly after that. I was a bit concerned that she might have a big boyfriend with a gun or something, so I kept a watchful eye until we were back on the road. I had forgotten that FunWorld attracts a lot of scummy people.

We came home, had pizza and ice cream cake, watched a movie, and I managed to get the girls to sleep by 11:40. This was after I threatened to take them all home. We had to get up early, since their parents were picking them all up at 9am, so no late late nights.

All in all, a very successful party for Marisa. For me, there were too many of them. A couple of them not my favorite girls, but that's ok, they aren't MY friends...

GO PACKERS! I have 5 minutes until kickoff! Ready to kick some Bear butts!

1st Swim Meet of the Season

Well, we got the first swim meet of the season out of the way last night. It was a rare week night dual meet between our club team and our rival club team. Fun, but no rewards as far as ribbons or medals or anything. But still a good way to get back into race mode.

DD got a decent start. Her relay team had a best time, and she got one more best time on her first race, the 50 yard freestyle. She didn't fare so well for her other 2 swims, the back or breast. Neither was a best time, but she still felt good. She has her next meet on Oct 13. We are hosting that meet, and it will be a full fledged meet, with lots of competition. I talked with her coach, and he feels it is time to step it up in practice, that he will start to push her a bit more. She has set some high goals for herself, and I hope she continues to see some improvements at each meet, to keep boosting her self esteem. I always make sure to say something positive to her.

DS had a phenomenal night! He started off the night winning his relay with 3 other guys. They beat the other teams "A" team, which had been ranked higher, so that was great! Then he proceeded to win all 3 of his individual swims! He has been really working hard, and this was a great mental reward for him. He was seeded 3rd, 2nd, 3rd for his races, and won each easily. His personal goals are to get State qualifying times for the 13-14 year old bracket, even though he is only 12, because he will be turning 13 before the next State Championship in March. I think he will be able to do it. Only 1 of the 3 individual races are eligible swims for State, but this is still a great achievement for him! His next meet is a Senior meet on Saturday, where he will be swimming against older, more advanced swimmers. Instead of being near the top, he will be near the bottom, which will be a good test for him. Maybe he will surprise all of us!

I was a little irked that the hosting team didn't tell the people that ran the concession stand for the basketball games in the gym adjacent to the pool that there would be a couple hundred people there. As a result, they ran out of almost all concessions. I had to settle for spagettios, which were not very appetizing.

Monday

After yet another night of not enough sleep (thanks DH), I got to work on time. Today is the day of our semi annual Board of Directors meeting. I usually am not invited, which is fine. However, I usually have done all the prep work, and want to make myself available if they need any more info.

After about 1 hour DH called to tell me DS is sick. He feels nauseous, and fell asleep on the couch after being up about an hour. I talked to DS to see if he would be ok being home alone for a while, and he was fine, as long as he knew I was coming home by around noon. I also had to do payroll today. So I buzzed out of there by 11am, and get to spend the rest of the afternoon in peace & quiet at home.

I think DS might have a little bug, but more likely he is overtired. So he is resting on the couch, with my laptop checking out World of Warcraft videos on YouTube. And napping on and off.

I actually logged on to work from my home PC for a while. Sent an email to my boss. LOL Makes me feel I'm not wasting the whole day.

DS will skip swim practice tonight, but DD has her first basketball practice at 5pm and swim practice at 7pm, so I'll still be running. We have our first swim meet tomorrow, a short little dual meet with our rival team. Should be fun.

So, how is your Monday going?

frustration

Last night was a bad night in the dragonfly household. All because of DH and his problem. No, not the gluten challenge, the drinking one.

He got hammered early. I wasn't home (driving car pool) but DD told me he was acting funny. He passed out and then spent the rest of the night completely restless. That is why I only got 3.5 hours of sleep. I did end up sleeping in the spare room where Kim wants to live. (sorry Kim, you can't have it just yet).

He didn't go into work today. Said he was going to make a call to the center. Last weekend he mentioned he had been thinking about going inpatient. Gee, you think? Only what I have been saying for, oh, let's see, 4 months?! I would like to say I hope so, but at this point I have no hope. He has to schedule it though, thanks to his jerk of a boss. He has plenty of vacation, to miss a week. I personally think he needs more than a week.

This is breaking up our marriage. I will listen to the advice I gave to tkit, that this is the worse part of "for better or worse", so I won't actually pull the trigger, but at this point we are becoming roommates more than anything. I do all the scheduling, shuttling kids. Every time I try to trust him, he falls farther off the wagon than he was. I can't fight or fix this. That is the most frustrating thing for a fixer. Helplessness.

*end self pity rant*


Hey, don't forget to look at the pics in the post below this. I love my new paint. I forgot to tell you that we are getting a small mural painted in the inset between the kids rooms. I'm looking forward to that!

Painting pics

We had most of the living spaces on the main floor of our house painted, along with our bedroom. I am very thrilled with how they turned out. I'll let you judge yourself.


Great room before and after



Kitchen & dining area before and after


Master bedroom before and after

The walls not behind our bed are silver. That is the first time I have experimented with silver, and I like it!

Lists

Stolen from Glow, Bravie & Weltek...

10 Favorites...
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Candy
Favorite Band: Queen
Favorite Movie: LadyHawke
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite Season: Summer!
Favorite Day Of the Week: Saturday
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Kopps Black Raspberry
Favorite Time of Day: whenever I'm sleeping

9 Currents...
Current Mood: Tired, sick
Taste: Sushi
Clothes: Jean capris, Swim team tshirt, tennies
Current Computer Background: Milo Ventimiglia
Current Finger/Toenail Color: none
Current Time: 12:53 CST
Current Surroundings: office
Current Annoyance(s): People deleting their own posts without explanation
Current Thought: I want to go home

8 Firsts...
First Best Friend: Debby
First Love: Don
First Screen Name: dragonflies
First Pet: Tanya
First Piercing: Ears
First Crush: Bobby Sherman
First Music: Queen "A Night at the Opera" The whole album
First Car: Pontiac T1000

7 Last...
Last Cigarette: Never
Last Drink: Wine with Weltek
Last Car Ride: To the bank at lunchtime
Last Text Message: No idea. My text message box is empty
Last Movie Seen: In theater: Evan Almighty At Home: Sixteen candles
Last Phone call: DH called to talk about our mornings.
Last CD Played: My own mix CD - namely Fergie

6 Have You Ever...
Have You Ever Dated One Of Your Best Friends: Yes
Have you Ever Broken the Law: Yes
Have You Ever Been Arrested: No, but I was interviewed by the police in my teens once
Have You Ever Skinny Dipped: Yes
Have You Ever Been on TV: Yes I performed on the You & I show
Have You Ever Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: Yes

5 Things...
You're Wearing: Lake Country Swim Team tshirt, jean capris, white socks, tennies, bra & panties that don't match
You Did Last Night: not much
You Can Hear Right Now: The effing heating and cooling system above my head (this is what Weltek said too!)
You Can't Live Without: Breathing
Do When You're Bored: OT, Blog, read, sleep, not necessarily in that order

4 Places You've Been To:
1. The Netherlands
2. Aruba
3. New York
4. Paris

3 People You Can Tell Anything To:
God, besides, he already knows. That counts as 3.

2 Choices...
1. Black or White: Black
2. Hot or Cold: Hot

1 Person You'd Do Anything For:
My son or my daughter

Erasing posts

It really irritates me when people erase their entire post on OT. Especially if it was a controversial post. If they just made a mistake, fine, but once it has been responded to, leave it!

ok, end mini rant.

I got prizes!

Yay! I got a package last week! I opened it and found a lovely oil warmer, with some yummy scented oil and some tealights. Also a very tasty (I know cause I ate it) vanilla sucker, and some Bees chocolate. Did you know that when it is melted and rehardens it still tastes like yummy chocolate?!

Anyway, if this was a 4th place prize on Bravie's game, I'm thinking 1st place was a new car or something!

Thanks Bravie! *smooch*!!!


PS. this is my first blog entry dedicated to someone I have never met!

Wildlife

Last night we had all the windows open to try to air out the smell of paint. It was very quiet, kids were in bed, no TV on. All of the sudden I hear howling. Like really close by. I ran to get DH, and when I slid open the patio door he could hear them too. Then when I commented on how close they sounded, they stopped. DH then slid the door shut and said, well, they heard you, so I guess they are close. Like right on the other side of the tree line, in the farm field. I kept listening, after moving away from the door, and about 5 min later they picked up again.

That is why my cats are indoor cats.

We also have been host to a flock of turkeys. This is the 2nd year in a row. Last year it was 11. This year 15. I only mind them when they fly up to my deck and leave lots of feathers and poop behind.

Over the past 6 years of living here, we've seen fox cubs, deer (males, females, fawns), rabbits, squirrels, woodchucks or ground hogs, raccoons, possum, skunk, and once a coyote ran across our front yard early in the morning. We also have quite a few large hawks. The kind that would easily fly off with small dogs.

What wildlife do you see around your house?

Um

Yeah, I will be posting some peep meet pics. I just haven't had any time. This week is totally crazy for me. I'm already looking forward to the weekend. *sigh*

I had so much fun at our WI mini peep meet! I now feel like I've known Weltek, Nolay, Frodis, Kircon and Berwyn forever! I'm a little miffed at Flowerchild for not letting us know what happened and why she didn't show. I'm thinking it was something birthday surprise related, but still.

So, *squints* who's up next? Who wants to meet me?

10 years ago today...

My beautiful daughter was born! 7:01am on a gorgeous Thursday morning. Happy Birthday DD!

This picture is at 1 year old. Wasn't she adorable?!

What a difference 10 years makes. She is still my beautiful girl, but now she is blossoming into a young woman as well. I am very thankful that she still listens to what I have to say, even if she doesn't always do what I suggest. That is free will in action, I guess.

Last night we had so much fun getting ready for the first day of school. She asked me to help her pick out her outfit. She informed me that "Boys really notice you the most on the first day of school, so I want to make a good impression, otherwise they won't notice me at all the rest of the year." I almost felt like sabotaging her outfit! hee hee. Since it is going to be warm today, we agreed on jean capris and a new blue top that has sparkles on it. She is finally wearing her hear back off of her face, with a hair band. I allowed some lip gloss, that is it for make up though.

We also celebrated her birthday yesterday. She wanted to get her gifts early, so I acquiesced. She was very happy with the Webkinz that I bought, as well as the Lilkinz her brother bought. She LOVED the personalized M&Ms that we got too. And of course was very excited about the horseback riding lessons, even though they don't start until November.

We made cupcakes for her school treat, and put the personalized M&Ms on them. What a great idea it turned out to be! She felt very special. I had 1/2 of them say Happy Birthday, and the other half say DD is 10! I knew she would love them! We'll give the rest away at her birthday party.

I'm trying hard to think about my baby being in double digits now. She did tell me she will always be my baby. *sigh*

Kid stuff

Yesterday I left work early (such a hardship) to take the kids to their school's Open House. We met the teachers and dropped off their supplies. Found out that the locker stacker thingy won't fit in DS's locker. I think I've talked DH into making him one. We found a cool design that another kid had. Of course DS is being very nonchalant about it, but I think he would be happy.

Speaking of DS, it is really driving me crazy that everyone seems to think he is already a High Schooler. He is very tall (5'7 1/2"), but don't make him older than he already is! I've had 3 people this week ask me if he was in 9th grade! Noooooo, not yet! I'm not ready to give up my baby!

After the Open House we ran home and made some dinner, then DH & I went back to school for 7th grade orientation for parents. I think this will be DS's toughest year. He has pretty much skated through school so far, getting very good grades, with minimal after school effort. Doesn't seem that way for this year. But that was what I thought last year too, come to think of it. Oh, and he has a field trip already! 4th day of class. The fun thing, they are going to a camp, which happens to be the same camp that DH & I met at, when we attended a precollege Freshman camp.

One interesting thing the teachers mentioned, if he wants to take Honors classes in High School, they suggested that he take the ACT test in February. Anyone else experience this with their kids. Should he study for that? Our high school has about 2400 students, and is ranked very high in both sports and academics, but is very competitive too. I'm really hoping and praying that both kids do well. I'd love if they both stayed in swimming (not sure DD is going to though) or some other athletics. Maybe that might lead to a scholarship. Of course academics comes first, and their are scholarships there too...

I left the orientation early to go to the Annual Swim Team meeting. It was very informative. They asked me to run for the Board of Directors, which I did. Since there were the same number of parents resigning as joining, that worked out. The President later asked me to be Treasurer. That should be fun. The fun thing, the meeting was held at a local wine shop. After the meeting we stayed to socialize a bit, and I had a yummy glass of Sangria.

Today DS starts swim practice with the Senior group. He was moved up before he turned 13, which is the standard cut off, based on his incredible improvement and performance since the beginning of the year. He is incredibly excited, and a little nervous.

DD doesn't start swim practice until Sept 13, but she is also going to be playing organized basketball at her school. Should make for an interesting Fall.

Yes, summer is over. *sigh*

Blogging is fun

Ok, I think I am getting the hang of this blogging thing. It is way fun. Don't get any work done, but have lots of fun. Thanks for making me feel so welcome too!

Upcoming Peep Meet

I am very excited to be able to host a mini peep meet! Sept 8 at my house! We are expecting around 7-8 peeps to join us.

I was a little worried at first. I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea. Kim & I were talking about this some time ago, and how it would be fun to get together with peeps in the area, and it just spawned into this meet. But I guess if anyone is offended, that is their problem, not mind. I opened it to everyone who might want to come anyway.

So I was trying to decide on some food to have, and was at a friend's house. They asked why I needed some ideas, and I explained I am meeting a bunch of people I don't know. Gave more details, and that we had invited them to spend the night in our house. My friends were appalled! "You don't know who these people are, they could be axe murderers" and "Are you going to hide all your valuables". At which point DH piped up that we don't have any valuables, well, except the kids, and if they stole them they would have to drive them to swim practice 4-6 times a week, so in the end they wouldn't take them anyway. I had to LOL. DH, the one who was very opposed to meeting anyone from the box. Now, after having met PRE, Wallflower, EMTBGirl and Brown Roach, he is looking forward to meeting more!

One of my other friends, who has met peeps online through a sheepshead site, warned me about the reactions of our other friends. And they did reference him as well, that we were as crazy as him.

I'm so happy that I am not as short sighted and closed minded as some people I know! Getting to know my online friends, even if it is just online, has greatly enriched my life, expanded my horizons, and really helped me to see things from different perspectives. Also to see how truly blessed I am.

Happy Birthday

To my husband! Now we are the same age again!

Since the Packers are playing, we won't be going out for a special dinner. I am going to try a new recipe that Qwertypie gave me for Oven Crisped Orange Chicken. It is gluten free, and I know DH has missed eating fried chicken. I have all the ingredients except for orange juice concentrate, so I'll have to stop on the way home.

I'm also picking up an ice cream cake that I had made for him. Normally these cakes have this yummy cookie crumble inside, but that has gluten, so I had them remove it.

He asked for a GPS, so I found a decent priced Garmin Nuvi 350. It is smaller than mine, has more features, and of course was cheaper. Go figure.

I hate allergies and school supplies

I have been sneezing all day. I even took a dang allergy pill. Unsure if it is August allergies, a cold, or due to the dust created by the electrician who installed a strobe light fire alarm in my office this morning. Stoopid fire marshall guy. I think he has it out for us. I do usually have more allergy attacks during April & August. So far this month it has been nearly nonexistant. I figured the anti oxidant stuff I was taking this summer really did help. So much for that.

Happy Monday. Last night DD commented on how weekends always go by so fast, and that they should be longer. Couldn't agree more. So far I have no reasons to leave work early this week. *sigh*

Yesterday we spent 1 1/2 hours at Walmart buying school supplies. $150 down the drain. We even had a few things that we could reuse. By the time we left, I noticed that each kid had somehow managed to finagle a few extra things they really didn't need either.

Now I know why we always have done School Pak before. I think I would have saved money in the end. But then I wouldn't have had that wonderful bonding experience with my kids. (end sarcasm)

Beginning of the end...

for my business, that is. I've been feeling more and more done with it over the past 8 months. I still love candles, but I feel my life is going in a different direction for now.

I'm not willing to give it up completely. Not willing to say "I quit". But I'm not actively seeking home shows anymore. Of course that means I will be getting a lot of calls to have shows. That is ok, but I'm not actively growing my business. I figure I will still take care of my current customers and their candle needs, and that is about it.

I was listening to a Fergie song, and realized that part of it described how I feel about PL right now.

(I need) ...to be with myself in center, clarity, peace, serenity
I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We got some straightening out to do
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've gotta move on with my life...

I do realize some of my feelings stem from the problems our family is dealing with now, especially between DH and myself. But I honestly believe that I have been feeling more and more ambivalent about my business for a lot longer. I'm getting more involved with the kids' activities, namely swim. I'm running for election to the Board of Directors of the swim team, and if I am elected, I am hoping they ask me to be the treasurer. It isn't as hard as it seems, since the club has a finance person, but I would still be overseeing that aspect.

With the contact list I have, I figure I could always pick it back up. But for now, doing home shows isn't fun anymore. I always said if it wasn't fun, I would stop.

State 12 & Under Swim meet

Wow! What a weekend! So I missed Friday's events. I couldn't catch an earlier flight home from Houston, and then my flight was delayed nearly 1 1/2 hours, so I got home around 12:30am. But the rest of the weekend was fantastic!

DS swam in 7 individual and 4 relay events. He finished with 5 individual ribbons and 4 relay placements, including a 3rd place finish in the 400 meter freestyle relay! It was the very last heat of the very last event on the very last day of the meet. I'm sure all the boys were tired, but our team was sick of coming in 4th or 5th throughout the meet. They all swam their fins off, and it ended up being a close race, with our boys narrowly beating out another team who had consistently beat them! DS was so proud (as were we!). Our boys were only 1 of 2 relay top 3 finishes by our team (there were 12 total relays). It was so great to see him standing on the podium. That had been his goal, to get on the podium at least once. For relays, only the top 3 are honored like that, with places 4-6 getting a ribbon. Individual races have the top 8 finishers stand on the podium, while the top 16 get ribbons.

We now have a month off. I'm looking forward to not having to chase to the pool every day! Both DS & DD have expressed some interest in doing some laps during open swim. Guess they are dedicated after all!

I'll post a pic as soon as I get one. We only had our video camera, and asked others to send us pics if they have them.

Later this month I expect to be elected to the Swim Team Board of Directors. There are 3 people resigning their positions, and 3 interested in taking on a position, so it won't be a real election. I'm looking forward to getting more involved. (Did I just write that out loud?)

**side note**
I'm really looking forward to the upcoming WI etal peep meet. Anyone is welcome. Will you be there?

Heading out...and back

Howdy y'all!

I'm about to leave to go to the airport! Heading to Houston for PL's National Conference! It will be a blast, but I think it will be the last one I attend. With everything going on in my life, I am making a conscious decision not to build my PL business. I still plan to take reorders from friends, family and customers, and if people want to do a book show, I will be happy to accomodate them. Maybe an occasional home show for a good friend. It has been 4 years!

I'm coming home early this time. Normally I stay until Sunday, but this year I'm flying home on Friday. DS is in the State Championship Swim Meet, which is held Friday-Sunday. He said it would be fine if I missed his 2 events on Friday, but not the rest. And of course, wild horses wouldn't drag me away! My original plan was to head home late on Friday, but now I am rethinking that. There are 2 earlier flights that have availability, so hopefully I can go standby on one of them, and surprise my family!

See ya soon!

Birthday weekend

Ok, I know I'm a little late in posting this, but all the kidlessness over the past week made me lazy.

I met Weltek on my birthday for a quick drink. She was on her way to visit Breezy, so I sent along 2 cupcakes and told her she had to share. She gave me a gorgeous bouquet of yellow roses! It was a lovely surprise, and they smelled wonderful. I still have a couple of them left. The goofy thing is this is the 2nd peep meet I've had with Weltek, where neither of us remembers to take a picture. Go figure.

Our family went out to dinner at Maggiano's. They offer gluten free pasta, and after the chef came out to discuss options, he made DH a yummy gluten free marinara sauce, along with the gluten free penne. I had my favorite, Zuppa de Peche. Yum.

We had a big swim meet on Sat & Sun, at which the kids did great! DS got his 5th state qualifying time, this time in the 400M Freestyle. It was the first time he swam it, and he had no problem at all qualifying. He is turning into quite the distance swimmer. DD got 3 out of 4 best times, which is great as well!

Even though it was 97 degrees, on Sunday we went to Summerfest. After surviving for 4 hours, including an hour long visit to the Cool Zone, and air conditioned room commemorating Summerfest's 40 years, we got to see INXS! We found seats in the 9th row. It was quite loud, didn't get to stay the whole time, but saw just over an hour. I got to hear most of my favorite songs, including By My Side, Afterglow and Pretty Vegas. JD was quite hot. *swoon*. I like him better with short hair, but h-o-t nonetheless. My camera has issues, especially when zooming. This is the best picture of the ones I took. Notice the open shirt at the bottom.

I also took some video. Just can't figure out how to upload it here. Tried Google & Yahoo, and they didn't seem to work. Maybe I'm just too impatient.

All in all, a very satisfactory birthday weekend!

Wahoo!

We had one of our 2 day swim meets this past weekend. Finally, all that hard work has paid off for DS. He got his first 2 individual state qualifying times! On Saturday he swam the 100 meter Freestyle and beat the state cut by about 1/2 second. Of course I was so happy I was crying a bit, but when he came up by us he totally melted as soon as he reached me, and at that point I completely melted right with him. We are so proud of him! Then on Sunday he got the qualifying time in the 50 meter Freestyle. We knew he could do that one, as he had swum 5 times in relays with a better than the cut time, but it never counted, unless he would have been the lead off swimmer. Overall he ended up with 1 medal, 5 individual ribbons and 2 relay ribbons for 1st & 2nd place!

DD had a good meet too! She swam some hard races, including the 200 meter Freestyle and 100 meter Breaststroke. In fact, she got ribbons in both of those races! She ended up with 3 best times as well. She was very gracious in congratulating her big brother on his accomplishments, although I could tell later that she was a bit envious. I reminded her how proud we are of her, and she is a different person, with different accomplishments.

DD is in summer school this week, and having a fun time. Who would have thought?!

My dad arrived on Sunday. It is good to have him here, but it also adds an additional wrinkle in our schedule. Maybe he will see how busy I am, how much I do, etc. Of course last night DH made dinner. That was a nice change too. I am working 1/2 days this week, which is also very nice. I'm going to be spoiled after this week!

Happy Chocolate Pudding Day! No skins for me please!

Eight Random Things about me

Thanks for the tag MTW! Sorry it took so long. I got sidetracked. That happens to me a lot.

1. I work 7 - 4pm, and have a hard time getting in at 7am. But I won't change to 7:30, cause then I would get out later.
2. Stupid people annoy me. Especially when they are asking me stupid computer questions. Like why they aren't getting emails from someone, when in actuality the emails are going into their spam email, and I've reminded them a bazillion times to check their spam emails daily.
3. My favorite color is green. As in Packer Green. But I lurve purple, pink and blue too.
4. I love sitting at the pool when my kids have swim practice. I used to hate it, felt I was wasting time, but now I consider it "my time".
5. I miss my mom just about every day.
6. I do not enjoy shopping much. It is more fun when I go with DD.
7. I love fruit flavored custard (as in ice cream). Especially Kopps Black or Red Raspberry.
8. Not really random, but I have to. I sell PL candles!

I tag Sharnina and Cygnus!

Happy Fathers Day

Hope all the Father's that might read my blog had a great day!

We went to church, did some shopping, relaxed at home a bit, then sent DS off to Confirmation Camp until Friday! Luckily for me, this isn't the first time he has been gone for that long. I still got a little verklempt. Then we relaxed at home some more, and went out for dinner. Culver's was DH's choice, although he would have preferred somewhere else. But DD took a 3 hour nap, and anywhere else was going to take too long.

Did you do anything special to celebrate Father's Day?

Swimming Bragging!

What fun! We got our swim pics this weekend!

Topped off a great swimming weekend. Both kids got 4 personal best times! DS is "knocking on the door of State Times" according to his coach. I'm glad he was so positive with DS, as DS was mighty frustrated after swimming both relays. He swam what would have been a state time in both of his relays, but only the first leg on a relay counts as a possible state time, and he swam 4th both times, so they didn't count. When he later swam his own individual 50 Free, he ended up 1 second short of a state time. But I told him I was so dang proud of them both, and we've got plenty of time to get those state times! After all, we have meets almost every weekend from now until the State Championship Meet the last weekend in July.

DD actually got a ribbon on one of her races! There are sooooooo many girls, that unless you are a phenomenal swimmer (DD is not), you don't usually get awards. But with this meet, they split the results into different classes of swimmers, and as a result, she got a ribbon!

DS got 3 out of 4 individual ribbons. All of them 4th place, which is just out of medal contention! Call him consistent if nothing else! He got a 1st & 2nd place with his relays, so all in all a successful weekend!

I love short weeks

So this was a good week. Maybe because I only had to work 4 days? I think I got more done these past 4 days than I did in the 2 weeks before that! Depression is mostly gone! That is because

DH is back on the wagon, and communicating with me more than ever. Also

we have a swim meet this weekend, both days, and DS is totally geared up. He is really really close to meeting the first of his goals. His goals? I asked him last night what they were. The answer? State cut times on every event. Dang. He goes from nothing to the moon in one swing! In addition

DD is growing up before my eyes. And it is freaking me out. She is maturing, but is still my little girl sometimes. And she is singing again. All.the.time. Turns out I missed it the past couple of weeks. She also starts piano lessons on June 11. Should be interesting. And finally

I've gotten over my disappointment about not going to Mexico. I am happy about that.

What are you happy about?

one step forward two steps back

So he made it 36 days.

I knew it on Sat. He seemed drunk. He denied it, but it turns out I was right.

I found a bottle in a new hiding spot on Tuesday. I left it there, and last night there was a 2nd one there. So I told him that I knew he was drinking again. Very matter of fact. No emotion, just detached facts. After his stunned silence, he admitted it. I reminded him I love him, not his actions, and asked what he was going to do about it, if anything. That I have to take care of myself and the kids, he needs to take care of himself. He said he would go to more meetings and find a sponsor. I did set a boundary that he cannot drive the kids anywhere from now on. period. I will remind him of this.

So today he called me and thanked me for 'kicking him in the butt'. Doesn't he see it? I'm not doing anything. I just bring it in the open. He referenced that at our first group meeting too, that I pushed him. WRONG. Nope, I didn't. He asked me to help him get help. According to his counselor, he hasn't bought into the fact that he can't control this. He says all the right things, but doesn't believe them, deep down. He said he relapsed because he wanted to see what it felt like. All together now, can we say rationalization?

I went to my first Al Anon meeting last night. Was quite uncomfortable, with all the people trying to give me these soft, lame hugs. But it was divine intervention again. At about 2:30, I had made a decision to find one to go to, so I found a place that worked with our schedule last night, and went. The topic was "Detachment with love". How appropriate. I had first hand experience last night, and I'm proud of myself and how I handled it.

He is lying about a lot of things now. I've found out a couple of things to prove it. But I can't do anything about it. I will try another Al Anon meeting or two, and proceed with my own well being and that of the kids.

I'm trying really hard not to be pissed about this. I know it is part of recovery, but it still pisses me off. I am sort of relieved this first relapse is out of the way. I just hope and pray he gets back on the wagon. I'm not sure he will. One of those lies was about the meetings too, so we'll see.

In the meantime, he is staying in one spot, and the kids and I are moving on. Without him for now. How sad.

Gee, this blog is good for me! Whodathunkit?!

Gotta love those All Day Meets!

Sorry, not a peep meet. It was a swim meet! Had to get up at 6am this morning so that DS could get to the pool by 7am for warmups. Thankfully a good friend whose daughter swims with DS picked us up. That way DH and DD could sleep in a bit. So after warm ups, we sat and watched other kids swim 400 yd IM (individual medley, which means 100 yd each of Butterfly, Breaststroke, Backstroke and Freestyle) and waited about 1 1/4 hours until DS actually swam in a race. 50yd Freestyle. He did FANTASTIC! His time was 1:03.90, which was 3.5 seconds faster than his previous best, and only .61 slower than a state cut time! WAHOO! Then we waited another 45 min to watch him swim the 200 yd Backstroke. His best friend was in the lane next to him. Those two are so competitive, especially when it comes to Backstroke. His friend is a better sprinter, but DS is better at long distance. Anyway, he finished just ahead his friend, finishing in 2:43.45, while his buddy finished in 2:43.97. The best part? He knocked off 9 seconds from his best time, and is less than 2 seconds off of a state time! Another WAHOO!

He ended up in 5th and 6th place overall, and got medals for his hard work. His coach said "See, all that hard work you have been putting in is paying off." I love when the coaches show encouragement too.

So then home for lunch and back to the pool for DD's portion of the meet. She was a little envious of the medals, and had hoped for one herself, but it wasn't meant to be. You see, there are over 5o girls that swim in her age group at these meets, while less than 1/2 of that total swim in DS's age group as boys. So her chances are slimmer. She did end up with a best time in her 50 yd Freestyle, and felt good about that. I'm thrilled that she is still willing to get up and swim in meets, and that she keeps having fun. I keep telling her that she is only 9, and has time to work on getting better. Compared to DS, who started swimming when he was 9, she started when she was 6, and I'm hoping will be an even better swimmer! Of course that is hard to swallow when you are watching your brother get the glory, but I give her plenty of praise and compliments too. I'm thrilled that she got 1 best time, since the last meet she didn't get any! Improvement of any sort is GREAT!

So now I'm hope, gonna make Thai noodle dinner that is gluten free, and begin another week.

Did you have a good weekend?

Reflections

When I first created this blog, I really wondered if I would ever really post anything. I have found that this place is a great form of therapy. I say things that I can say, without giving away too many details, but still get the thoughts out of my brain and psyche.

I've been dealing with a bit of depression the past few weeks. It is totally selfish, but it stems from DH coming out of the alcoholic closet, so to speak. There are so many aspects of it.

• I'm mad because our lives have so changed. First we had to deal with the Celiac disease, which has been ok, but a challenge nonetheless. Now this? I'm not a big drinker, but I certainly know how to tie one on occasionally, and most of our friends are the same. Does that mean we won't be able to do so many fun things that we have done over the past 20+ years, all of which involve drinking? I mean I don't want to tempt DH, but then I feel I am being deprived too. I've been told that I am being extrememly supportive, by his group counselor. I say all the things that I know I should, and I believe them too, but that selfish part of me is mad.
• I'm sad, because I didn't see this coming. I know DH has always drank too much. I have told him so many times, starting back in college. I even gave up drinking for a whol year once, just to prove to myself that I could. And every once in a while over the past years DH has had 'too much to drink' and I could see it, and I let him know I wasn't pleased about it. He always agreed (typical addict, I'm sure he believed it too) and would slow it down for a while, then it would happen again. But I had no idea the extent of his drinking for the past couple of months before April 12, when he finally reached out for help. And that makes me sad, guilty, mad, you name it.
• Somewhere inside of me, I am mad about not going to Los Cabos. I know that it is the right thing to do, but it still disappoints me that I am depriving myself. I know that DH said to go on my own, but first, what fun would that be? I would be constantly worried about him back here, and feeling guilty knowing that he would know what I was doing, since he was there in Aruba last year.
• Another part of me feels the martyr for having to deal with everything going on in our schedule. I know that I was doing most of it before, but at least then I could rely on DH to make dinner when I was running around to the pools, or watch DD while I was carting DS around. Now I am doing 99% of everything, and it is wearing on me. Poor dragonflies, losing her identity. But then I feel guilt about feeling martyrish, because wouldn't I rather do this now instead of having to live completely without DH? Of course!
• I've had to ask for a lot of help from other parents. They have all been very willing, even though all but one have no idea why I have to ask for help. That makes me feel guilty too.
• All of this has had an effect on the kids. I've tried really hard to keep things at home as level as possible. And they are happy they are getting their dad back. But it has had some effect. Like DS mentioned how we rarely eat as a family now. Hopefully that will change after DH is done with his intensive program to get him started on sobriety. I know he'll be going to AA meetings, but hopefully it won't be 3 times a week until 8:30 every time. Maybe some of those he can come home for dinner first. Or we can work them into our schedule a little easier.
  
• Lastly for now, I sprained my ankle badly almost 3 weeks ago. As a result of our lives, I really haven't been able to rest it much. But I don't have a choice. DH has meetings 3 times a week, and the kids still need to get to their activities. Plus I have my PL business, although I was able to switch a few things around to slow that down a bit. But my ankle still swells up every day, even though I am taking Ibuprofen all the time, and it hurts. PITA. Just enough to put me over the edge.

It is really hard for me to deal with this, as I am a strong person, an optimist. People say what a trooper I am. And I truly don't enjoy being depressed (ok, that sounds bad, like who does?). But it makes me feel ungrateful, weak, and most importantly not trusting in My Lord to take care of me. That is something I have been working on really hard the past week. Giving the things I need to into His care. I admit I haven't been doing that much lately. But I tried to focus on that this week, and I do feel better as a result!

Now that I've gone through 4 tissues, I will need to check my makeup, and get back to work! What a great therapy this blog is! Have a great weekend! I will. We have a volleyball tournament with DS tonight and tomorrow, picture day with the swim team, then the rest of the weekend to putz around out in the yard.

But don't even get me started on the Mother's Day thing. What a mixed blessing that is! LOL, I'll just enjoy it...

I'm grumpy

I've been grumpy and suffering from self pity all week. Of course, I blame it on the weather. It is supposed to be nice this weekend, like 70s, maybe 80! Hopefully that will make me feel happier.

Got any good jokes?

Change of plans

Ok, so taking into consideration recent events in my family, DH & I have decided not to travel to Los Cabos. I am totally fine with that! Earning the trip to Los Cabos was important to me, but actually going wasn't quite as important to me as my husband is. Last year, going to Aruba was a big thing, but not so much this year. Plus it wouldn't have been quite the same anyway, as a couple of good PL friends weren't going either. I still get to say I "earned" the trip, and in lieu of going, PL will give me a $500 gift certificate! More GC to help fill my candle closet!

Watch out Sammy!

PL is coming to Cabo Wabo!

Wahoo! I (unofficially) have earned my trip to Los Cabos this May! DH is going too, although his trip isn't completely free (but it is cheaper than last year!) I say unofficially, because I haven't received confirmation yet, but I crunched all the numbers, and they all add up! This pic is one of the infinity pools at one of the 3 resorts we are staying at.
I am so pumped! I worked really hard this year, and although I didn't want this trip as much as I wanted to earn Aruba last year, it still means a lot to me! I guess I'm proving to myself that I can be successful at what I do. This is just a small portion of what I do, but a part I love. And I don't neglect my family, my faith or my day job either! Of course DD isn't thrilled about us going, but she'll get over it. And my dad is once again travelling up from Florida to watch the kids, which is so great. I"m so blessed that he is willing to spend 5 days and nights with 2 growing, active, and sometimes bratty kids! DD promised she would be nicer this year. She informed me that she is "much more mature now". My dad is going to turn 77 while we are gone, so the kids and I will make him a surprise cake!

Today is also my 1 year anniversary of promoting to a Unit Leader with PL. We had a little celebration meeting at our house tonight. It was great to see some new friends and some old friends! And the Ice Cream Cake was yummy. Poor DH can't eat it though, the crunchy middle part has wheat flour in it.

It really sucks, we find so many of our favorite foods are banned for him now. Pizza is a big one. And I feel guilty eating them, especially in front of him. He has told me that he doesn't want me to feel I have to go gluten free, but I don't like to eat his favorites in front of him. Especially since this is so new to us all. We still have to go grocery shopping at the natural foods store. He is really hesitant though. I think partly because every gluten free substitute has paled in comparison to the wheat filled original. We really need to find a good white bread. I don't know that we will... I think I also need to expand our menu. It will get boring if I don't. Problem is I'm not much of a baker or cook. Guess I'll keep trying and learning.

Weather

I tell you, it totally stinks when it goes from 2 gorgeous sunny days of 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit a current temp of 45, and cloudy.

I am ready for summer. I checked my plants, and I am seeing some sprouting. Now we will probably get a snowstorm, just to screw up the growth of those little flowers.

*sigh*

I really love volleyball season. For DS, that is. He practices or plays games between 2 and 4 times a week. The times vary. Sometimes 5-6:30 or sometimes 3:30-5. I love the latter. On those days, I have to leave work early to get home, since DD will be on the bus, and isn't ready to be home alone.

Today is his first game, at 4:30. I'm leaving early anyway.

Why do I do this?

I stress about stuff. Stuff I can't always control.

Like right now. PL. I'm stressing about earning this trip to Los Cabos. I need 3 people to start, and 2 have so far, but neither has actually qualified, which they also need to do. Then I need a 3rd. A person contacted me, and she is trying to put together enough sales to qualify by March 30. But who knows. I've talked to all 3, and they are all trying, so I need to just let that go.

Then there is the part about earning DH's trip for a discount. Right now, assuming all 3 of the above people qualify, I have earned my trip, and his for a slight discount. But at the beginning, we agreed to only go if we could get his trip for a significant discount. Right now I'm quite a bit away from getting to that goal. So what do I do? Stress about it. I have 5 shows on my calendar between now and March 29. Will that be enough? I don't know. But I can't let it go.

Guess it's the overachiever in me. Failing is not an option. My mind accepts that if I earn this trip, but not DHs at the buy in I want, that is not failing. But my emotional side doesn't.

So I am staying positive, and looking forward to the next 10 days!

Hey, anyone need any candles?

trial and error begins

As you may realize, our family is going through some major trial and error, regarding foods that are gluten free.

DS & I went shopping yesterday. We wanted to find some pizza crust that would fit the bill, since DH mentioned to me he misses pizza a lot.

We went to the local Pick & Save, which has a VERY limited gluten free section. Found 1 type of pizza crust mix. It seemed very easy to make, which is critical for me. I'm not a big baker or cook. I like to cook, but the hassle of getting all the ingredients has outweighed the ease of buying the ready made stuff. Up until now that has been the guiding point in my culinary achievements.

So we bought the dough mix, I took it home, and made the crust. The brand is called Namaste. Of course everyone had to inspect it and comment. Then parbaked it, and later baked it with sauce, cheese, canadian bacon and mushrooms (on half). So we sit down to eat it.

Not a lot of comments. No "Yum, this is great, or Yuck, I'm not eating this". So I figured I had made an achievement. We all agreed it wasn't the best and wasn't the worst. I still have the other 1/2 of the bag left. Not sure I will make it though.

Who ever heard of this?

Ok, so up until about a month ago, I had never heard of Celiac Disease. Now I'm becoming an expert. Ok, not really, but sort of.

Nearly 3 years ago DH mentioned he had been having some sort of pressure on his side. Not pain per se, but pressure, uncomfortableness. He went to our doctor, who couldn't find anything wrong. Over the course of the next 2 1/2 years, DH has tried numerous different meds, to no avail. It's been a roller coaster ride. The one good thing that came of this, we were at Six Flags July of that year, and he had an anxiety attack. As a result, he was hospitalized for observation, and decided to give up smoking. Hasn't smoked since. No idea if this was related, but I'm thinking in some way it was.

So fast forward to early Feb 2007. He goes to see a gastroenterologist, or something like that. The doctor thinks he might have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which sucks. But he wants to do one more test, a biopsy of DH's lower intestine, as he suspects an intolerance to gluten. What the heck is gluten I wondered. So I went to the mother of all info, Google, and found out. Simply put, gluten is a protein in wheat. Intolerance to it is Celiac sprue, or Celiac disease.

DH was scheduled for the procedure right before we went to NYC. He ended up rescheduling that appt, and the doctor had to reschedule the next 2 appts. So that brings us to last Wed, when DH finally had the procedure, without any sedative, btw.

Monday the doctor's assistant calls, and tells DH that he has Celiac disease. He doesn't have a severe case, but it is definately positive. So now begins a lifestyle change for our family.

I, for one, am happy we finally have a diagnosis. Now there is something I can do! Thanks to some friends from OT, and more googling, I've found out a lot more about Celiac Disease.

One thing that concerns me, it is genetic. So it is possible the disease could manifest itself in DS or DD. There is a gene that if you have it, you have a propensity for this disease, but not guaranteed. So we've made a decision to eliminate wheat products from DH's diet, and limit them with the kids.

We have an appt with a nutrionist next week. In the meantime, I've begun reading labels. Turns out that many companies are aware of this disease, and have taken steps to remove wheat from their products, or at least label them properly. The one questionable item is "Modified Food Starch". Turns out that most companies use corn, but it needs to be verified first.

Did you know that most of Lay's snacks (Doritos, Stax, Wavy Lays) are gluten free? Most food manufacturers address this question right on their site. However, licorice and jelly beans often have gluten in them. Go figure.

Makes me VERY happy this is happening to us now. It must have been horrid to try to deal with this before all the proactive labeling was required.

Did you know that an estimated 3 million Americans have Celiac Disease? Many of them don't even know it!

I've found a few sites that give good info, and am hoping to find out more.

Spring!

The weather is making me happy!

What a great weekend we had! Temps in the low 50s, which is above normal for March! We went to the Zoo. It was "Behind the Scenes" day. Didn't see a lot of behind the scenes, due to longer lines, but we saw the new Cat House, and I got to say Hello to my fav cats, the Snow Leopards.

Today it is in the mid 50s, and tomorrow should break 60! That is almost tanning weather!

Unfortunately, after that it is back to reality, and highs in the 30s again. Boo!

What are you happy about?

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Bragging rights

Ok, so I don't like to brag about myself. But I feel I can brag about my kids anytime, right?

DS had the 12 & under short course state championship swim meet last weekend. He didn't make any individual state times, but was fast enough to swim on 3 of 4 relays that were available. His best friend beat him in the 50 yard backstroke to take a spot on the 4th relay, which of course we were very supportive of. (Plus that way we only had to go to 3 sessions, as there is only 1 relay per age group per session, and as it was we were there Friday evening, Sat morning and Sun afternoon!)

So the first relay he swam really well! He was the backstroke leg of a 400 yard medly relay. They were the B relay team, and ended up in 14th place out of 18 teams. Not bad.

Day 2 was the highlight of his swimming career! It was the 200 freestyle relay, where all 4 boys swim a 50 yard freestyle, one at a time, just like a relay you would see at track & field. DS was the slowest seeded swimmer, and his coach put him in 4th out of 4 boys. The other 3 boys on his team are all in a more advanced group, and all had state cut times in the 50 freestyle. Well, after the race was over, our boys came in 11th! Awesome! But more awesome for us was when I saw DS's split time on his portion of the race. Not only did he BEAT the times of the other 3 boys on his team (which doesn't matter, just a personal thing), but his time would have been a state cut time, if it had counted! In relays, only the first leg counts as an individual time. But most importantly, now DS knows he can swim that fast!

I was so proud of my boy! Of course, DH was too! After the race was over I was ecstatic, and was accepting congratulations from all the parents around me. (as if I had swam the race, hee hee) We were all wondering where DS pulled such an incredible time from! He beat his previous personal best by nearly 2.5 seconds! So I was sitting there glowing, and DS came walking over, with the biggest grin I have ever seen on his face! He came running up to me and gave me a huge hug, which he doesn't do much anymore in public, being the "mature 12 year old". He was all teary eyed, and my tears were just flowing as well. I heard one of the other parents say "Seeing expressions like DS's make all of the driving so worth it!" That totally made it worth sitting at the hot pool for hours and hours!

Sunday he also posted a personal best time, and also beat the other 3 swimmers on his relay team. I just knew he was still flying on the high from Saturday!

Now he is already talking about swimming all 5 sessions at the Long course state championships in July! And getting some individual times as well.

We have a month off now, and start the next season at the end of March. DS can't wait! Neither can I.

My special offer!

I’m asking for help! I’m really close to my goal of earning the trip to Los Cabos for DH & myself. But I need a little help to get there!

I’m offering 2 ways to get free candles!

#1 – Have a $250+ show in March and you could get your choice of 2 or more of a list of 10 items each at a 60-70% discount! PLUS, if you host a $250+ home or catalog show and submit it to me by March 29, I will add $50 to your free hostess credit! Remember, you can schedule a home show or a catalog show!

#2 - Would you like to get a free candle Gift tin? They are Nectartini or Cherry Orchard. Just make a purchase now and get one of them for FREE! Make a $50 purchase and get them both for FREE!! I will be happy to send you a flyer that shows the pictures of the items mentioned above.

Act now, as this is a very limited time offer!

I must be crazy

So DD has been bugging me since November about going to see a concert. One of her good friends (who is way more spoiled than she is, believe it or not) got tickets, and of course she NEEDS to go too. (segway, this other girl has a phone in her room! And she is 9-10 years old!)

I told her that I would keep an eye on Ebay for good seats at a decent price. I looked at Ticketmaster, they were sold out right away. Not a good sign. So for the past 3 months I've been watching, and bidding where possible, to no avail. Oh, and the concert is this Sunday. So tick, tick, tick. (no this is not the show 24, or I might have to blow something up)

So today I looked, and some guy posted 3 sets of 2 tickets. He also posted his phone # if someone wanted to combine to get 4 or 6 seats. So I called. Looking at the going rates, the cheapest tickets were well over $100-150 a seat, which is highway robbery. After a nice conversation, I decided to buy the 4 tickets, for less than that, but still more than any ticket for any concert I have ever been to.

And DS doesn't even really want to go, or so he says. Might just be a 12 year old "I hate my sister so anything she wants to do I don't" thing, I hope. DH does want to go, which is what helped me to decide to buy the tickets. 3 out of 4 ain't bad, right?

Oh, and the concert?
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High School Musical.

*Sigh* I must be crazy. Tell me I'm not crazy!

shameless plug

Ok, so I think you all know that I sell PL candles, don't you? And you all know that last year DH & I went to Aruba. That was a free PL trip. Well, it was free for me. DH we paid a discounted rate for.

So this year, the trip is to Los Cabos Mexico. My goal is to earn both trips for free, or only have to pay a minimal amount for DH. That is where YOU come in!

If you or anyone you know it interested in getting some GREAT candles, just let me know, and I'll send you a link to our catalog. I don't really want to post that here. I am offering 20% off all purchases, as a little thank you to you!

Thanks for humoring me in my little venture!

So I officially have a preteen

DS turned 12 on Sunday. It feels odd to have a pre teen child. So sweet, he went to another kid's birthday party! We decided to wait until January to have his, especially since he can't make up his mind what he wants to do. Other than go to Wisconsin Dells, which isn't happening.

He is all of the sudden being more helpful though, so that could be a big plus. He helped me carry a cooler to the van, without being asked!

74 hours until we leave for warmer weather.

If I don't get back here, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

update

So I was googling something (don't remember what), and one of the top results was my blog! That reminded me to post an update. After all, it's been over a month!

So Winter is here, summer is gone. Darn. However, it will be around 50 here next week, so that is good. I just don't like Winter. It really creates too many problems for me. Driving during snow storms is horrid, and it's cold out. Can't really wear sandles, or walk around bare foot too much. About the only good thing about it is people burn more candles in winter. Not sure why, cause I burn them all year round. You can always use a good scented candle, especially when the air conditioning has been running for days.

We had a big swim meet this weekend. Both kids did FANTASTIC! I am so proud of them. DD actually qualified for the finals in the 100 yard Butterfly, but she was going to a birthday party this afternoon, so we pulled her out of it. DS was an alternate on a couple of races as well.

Got a call from my dad. He had stopped by a couple's house who he is friends with, for no apparent reason, other than to say "Hi". The wife wasn't feeling well, but seemed ok. Then the next day he got a call from the husband. The wife died! I feel so bad for him, and my dad. He was thankful that he had a chance to stop by. God does work in mysterious ways. RIP Mies.

I'm gearing up for a busy couple of weeks with PL. Doing a couple of fund raisers, including 6 different shows as part of a group fundraiser for the swim team. I sure hope it goes well!

Then in January the Los Cabos trip contest starts! So if any of you want to help me earn it by buying some candles, or trying PartyLite for yourself, let me know! (end shameless plug)

Is Summer over?

Wow, did we have a super fantabulous weekend! It was in the 70s both Sat & Sun. Worked great for DD's birthday party! We went roller skating, then to a pumpkin farm, where we took a hay ride to pick our own pumpkins. We've been going to Jim's Pumpkin Patch since DD was 1 month old!

After arriving back home, we played, ate pizza and ice cream cake, played some more. Then DD & her friends gave each other "make overs". That means putting make up on, and not in huge amounts either! Then watched Harry Potter and to bed! I couldn't believe they were all sleeping by 11:30pm, until 7:30am! Guess the high level of activity helped!

Yesterday the temps were only in the 50s, today too. There is talk of the dreaded 's' word, possibly tomorrow night. But it won't stick, since the ground is too warm.

So how's the weather been in your neck of the woods?

P.S. Anyone need candles? :)

Why do we blog, then don't?

Ever notice that blog entries go in streaks? I wonder why that is. Do our lives go in streaks, where we are too busy to blog, then not? Or are we too bored to blog, then not?

For me, I'm just too lazy.

Or a motormouth.

What's new?

I've had a busy month! August is PL's bonus month for earning next year's trip to Los Cabos! DH & I have set a goal to earn both trips for free, so I have quite a challenge ahead of me. As a result, I decided my goal for August would be 15,000 points. I actually acheived 14,680! Plus I helped one person start her new business with PL, and I think she will be sponsoring her daughter in the near future! Yeah! My team is growing, and we need to keep that up! We're still struggling to maintain the unit though, so growing is good!

Work is in a bit of a holding pattern. I'm trying to focus on cleaning off my desk. Yeah, right.

Kids had off of swim this month, which was great timing. Next week DS starts back, 4-5 practices a week! DD starts back 2 weeks later, 3-4 times a week. Of course they aren't at the same time most days, and sometimes not even the same facility! So here we go back to taxi driver! Thankfully gas prices are going down!

We're heading down to see my dad & sis for Christmas this year. Right now we're driving (yuk) but it beats $500 each for flying!

Ok, that's my update!

A little sad

Today would have been my parents 49th wedding anniversary. But they only made it to 41 before my mom died, of cancer.

Happy Anniversary Mama. I miss you.

I'm baaaaack!

Wow, was that a fun 5 days! St Louis was hot, hot hot! 103 on Wed & Thurs, or something close to that. Wicked storms Wed night! Tornado in East St Louis. Saw a bunch of broken windows, downed trees near the Arch, and this big piece of metal (like 10'x10') wrapped around a pole in front of the Dome, where we were. But our facilities (& hotels) had power, so it ended up good for us. I'm so sorry for all those peeps in St Louis area who STILL had no power as of this morning.

Anyway, Conference was awesome! Had a great time, laughed a lot, cried a lot, shared info, ideas and gambled too. I got to walk on stage in recognition of PayDay, and earned an extra $1000! I didn't win any extra prizes, but a friend of mine did. She won another $1000 and the entire Holiday Product line!! Whooo Hoooo!

We went up in the Arch, in this little Mork type pod. It was a bit freaky. Then on top it was swaying quite a bit, since some big winds kicked up while we were up there. The pic is me at the top, 630 feet up. Oh, and cell phones don't work very well up there. go figure. As we were going back down, we heard some fireworks, and managed to catch the finale. Very cool.

PL's new Fall/Holiday catalog is now available, and I love it! There are 6 new scents and a bunch of dift holders! My favorite new scents are Brandied Apricot and Roasted Chestnuts.

Oh, and next May, we are going to Los Cabos Mexico for the incentive trip! I'm going to have to do some research, as I've never been to the west side of Mexico! But we will! Also, next year's conference is in Houston, at the end of July. Geez, can it get any hotter?

{Insert sales pitch} I am having a 25% off candle sale, from now until August 9. If you want me to send you the list and info, just send me a PM or email.

Ok, enough for now, gotta get to bed.

Meet me in St Louis

Just a few more hours until I get to go to St Louis! yeah! It is PL's National Convention. This year is very special for me. I am going as a Unit Leader (as of April 1, no foolin) and this year I get to go on stage for special recognition! I won't be alone, as there are probably a few hundred of us who earned a cool $1000!! But still, how totally cool it will be!

I had to go and buy a new outfit to wear. It is black long pants (yeah, black, and it 'll be 100+ degrees) and a tan with black piping sleeveless tunic. Looks quite professional, to match the dress code, but I think I look good in it, and the sleevelessness will help me not to get too hot.

I am hoping to do a winery tour, and of course visit the River boats. I hear they have casinos. Shh, don't tell DH.

Another great part will be when we find out where next year's trip will be. Remember Aruba? I earned that trip for free. DH & I have already decided we will earn both trips for free next year. So anyone need candles?

I love summer

It is hot here, for Wisconsin Standards, and is going to get hotter this weekend. Near 100 F with heat index nearing 110F. I say awesome. As long as I can sleep in air conditioning. Otherwise I get crabby, and my evil twin comes out for a visit.

I love how it stays light later, and most weekends you can see fireworks somewhere around. We just went to Sussex Lion's Daze tonight and saw some fireworks. They were ok. Finale was great. But it was mostly ground works, and those big Boom flash fireworks. Sadly, no 'waterfally' ones.

I also love how the kids are busy in summer, but I don't have to help with homework. Going to pick up DS from a week long camp. He went last year and had a blast. This year went horseback riding. I can't wait to hear how it went. I missed him, but we had some good bonding with DD.

The only thing I don't love about summer are the bugs. Mainly no see ems and mosquitos.

Oh, and on an unrelated note, I got a pedicure & manicure last night. New girl started at the salon I go for my haircuts. Relatively cheap too, but it took too long. I am impatient. Now I have pink nails. OPI Blushingham Palace.

Yesterday...

Yesterday I got 3 bouquets of flowers! Carnations, roses and a lovely basket from my sister! I also got some candy (M&Ms, licorce and more chocolate). My co workers know how to suck up. I also got a nice necklace. I got a bunch of emails, cards and a few phone calls too.

I went to a PL leader meeting in the evening, so we are going to go out for dinner tonight with the family. DH was really cool about the meeting, he said I could do what I wanted since it was my birthday.

This blog stuff is a Pita

Ok, so I thought in honor of Cyggie getting a blog, I would make a point to add something every week. Well, today I want to add some links to other blogs. I added them in my templates, and while I see them when I preview from within the template, when I publish and reload the blog, they are not there! ARGH!!!! I feel like Charlie Brown when Lucy pulls the dang football away!

I find I have nothing to say

Ok, so I have this blog. But I really don't know what to say. I read some peeps' blogs, and they write novels. Here I am talking briefly about geese, Aruba, etc.

I don't know what to write. My brain is like my blog. Thoughts flit in and out, like a dragonfly.

So maybe I'll add more later.

Thanks Cyg.

I did it.

Ok, so on Monday I finally gave my testimonial at our monthly meeting. I sat in the parking lot before the meeting and rewrote the beginning, and then promptly lost my place because I couldn't read my writing!

But all in all it went well. I hope was able to make a difference and show someone that this business is something they can do.

I did get a cheer when I mentioned I am an accountant. I guess there were a few of us out in the audience. Also got a big cheer when I mentioned Aruba, and next year's trip.

The best thing about the meeting, it was short! We got done 45 min early, and then a few of us went out for a drink. As a result I got home about 1 hour later than I would have anyway! LOL

More Aruba

Ok, a few minutes to update some more. We had such a great time! PL treated us extrememly well. We had breakfast & dinner (and drinks) provided every day! We went horseback riding, which was super fun. During the horseback riding, we went to the Natural Pool, where we got to swim & snorkel for a while. Then after we rode on the sand and got to canter, which was cool. The weather was awesome. 92F each day, 80F at night. There was a bit more wind the last couple of days, plus there were jellyfish, so no ocean those days. :( We just had to deal with only the pool then! I got totally addicted to Rum Punch. I even make it back home now. Dangerous!

I learned a new game at the casino! 3 card Poker. One of my friends taught me to play 'blind' where you don't look at your cards, just bet. I won, then lost, then won again, so we came home with more money than we left with! Always a good thing!

DH had a wardrobe malfunction the 2nd last night. He jumped up on a big boulder and when he jumped off his planted foot's sandal broke, and he fell down on the ground, right on his side. Turns out he bruised some ribs, so it could've been worse, but the plane ride home was agony for him. Dummy didn't take any pain meds!

All in all a super dee duper vacation. I want to go back right now! But we're already talking about next year. General concensus is the trip will be western coast of Mexico. How cool will that be?! So if you want to help me out, and need some candles, let me know!

Ah, Aruba

I just love this picture. It takes me right back to the beach at our hotel.

We had a fantabulous time. I would recommend Aruba as a vacation spot. Not sure how it would work with kidlets, just because I don't know about activities. We do plan on going back, with ours, sometime in the future.