Claim to fame

See this? This is literally at the corner of the street where our offices and plant are. You couldn't turn right out of the street! Unfortunately, the police department had it so restricted, we couldn't see anything but the trains. :(

They were here filming on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

Seven Things Mememe

This is all Boo's fault. And like my original twin, I can always think of this stuff until I actually sit down to type it.

Seven things to do before I die:
1. Watch my children grow up
2. Go to Disney World
3. Go to Hawaii
4. Build my dream house
5. Own some horses and cattle
6. Finish college
7. Win the lottery

Seven things I cannot do:
1. Whistle
2. Stand on my head
3. Stay focused lately
4. Control my temper with my ex
5.
6.
7. Win the lottery

Seven things that attract me to my mate:
1. His ass
2. His sense of humor
3. His Wranglers
4. His cowboy hat
5. His dog
6. His love of old cars
7. His smile

Seven things I say:
1. What the hell?
2. Why me?
3. What in the blue hell....
4. STOP touching/kicking/hitting your brother/sister!
5. NO!
6. How many times have I told you....
7. WHAT!?!?!

Seven books I love:
1. The Earth Children series
2. The Little House on the Prairie series
3. Stephanie Plum series
4. Harry Potter series
5. The Little Prince
6. Little Men/Little Women
7. I can't think of anything else right now....

Seven movies that I've loved:
1. Most anything Disney
2. Dirty Dancing
3. Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood
4. Stepmom
5. Pretty Woman
6. ET
7. Shrek

Seven People I Tag:
Is there anyone left who hasn't done this?

In a nutshell...

The Rottens....they haven't seen their grandparents in almost a month. The ex-inlaws are quite agonized over this, as they usually see the kids every couple of days. They haven't been over to their dad's in over 6 weeks. They don't want to go and I refuse to force them. Throw in the nearly weekly sleepovers, birthday parties, and a trip to the farm and the ex-family is a bit upset with me right now. The way DH and I figure it, the kids are growing up, they have several friends and are having fun. *shrug* If the ex and his family want to see the kids, they need to make an effort to make it happen. Since they haven't tried (up until this past weekend), then they have no reason to complain. And speaking of their "efforts," the Rottens are leaving tomorrow evening to spend 10 days at the lake with their grandparents, aunt and uncle, and cousins.

Me.....I called the company on Friday and told them that regretfully I could not take the position they offered me due to the money they offered. I asked HR to keep me in mind should another position open up. We'll see.

My oobie cysts....I go in tomorrow afternoon for my first ever mammogram. I am dreading this. I'm scared shitless. I will survive and once again, they will tell me that I have fibrocystic oobies. This time, however, they will probably recommend removal.

Breezy.....there is a new Keith Anderson song on the radio with vocals by Steven Tyler. It's called 3 Quart Country and American Rock & Roll. They played it this morning at 7:40 for the first time and I thought of you. I would have called, but...well...there's no Breezy in my cell phone.

Augie....*hugs* Your Keith needs to have his head examined. That is all.

Carey...I'm not speaking to you. Or Jen. Or Glowie. Or mm. Or mtw. Or Catt. Or .... any other person you had meet up with you in SF this weekend. Meanie.

Life in general....dealable. The kids are having fun so far this summer. DH has been in a pretty good mood. And I'm hanging in there. Stressed out, but hey - that's become a normal thing for me again.

Gah!

I just wrote a huge, long post about the Rottens having a life and those adults in their life being jealous and blogger ate it.

Waaaaaaaaaah!

More job news...

I was offered a job this morning. It's for a medical management company, doing accounts receivables and dealing with the insurance companies. I really would like to take this job. BUT...it's a $400/month pay cut and that's $400 we "need."

What to do...what to do...the state of my current job is bad enough that I'm about ready to take the job and figure out our finances later. Yikes.

Update on yesterday and today

Thanks for the Anni wishes. Boo's right, it does seem like we've been married longer than a year. However, that's a good thing!

Rotten2 and I had a brainstorm! Instead of buying her something, I gave her my wooden handmade doll house. She'd never seen it before, as it's been in storage at her Nana's for the last 9 years. We bought new doll people and have decided to fix it up over the next few weeks together.

Rotten1 has been glued to his Playstation2 and 4 new games with breaks to go swimming and play with his friends.

As for the doctor's appointment....*sigh* It's something I've been dreading for a few months now. ***TMI ALERT*** A few fluidy cysts appeared a few years ago. They've been monitored but there was no reason to do anything with them because they were just hanging out. Well, a few months ago, I noticed a slight change in one of them. Thus, today's appointment. So, I now have a sonogram scheduled in two weeks and a follow up appointment to decide what to do in a month. Doc says there's nothing to worry about...so I'm trying not to worry.

Anni, Musings, and a Question

Today is our 1 year anniversary. We aren't doing anything special, just another day for the most part. DH is getting a nearly new riding lawn mower though. It's also Father's Day and Larry's neice's 16th birthday. The kids opted to stay with us for the weekend, even though, once again, they should be at their dad's. *shrug*

DH just called me from Walmart. Apparently Rotten2 has found a tank top that I need, but they weren't sure what size to get. I can't help but laugh.

Tomorrow, I have a doctor's appointment. Wish me luck and good thoughts.

Now, for the question....I'm debating on buying Rotten1 a new Playstation2. He's been in the Dark Ages with his Playstation1 for years. But...if I do this without it being a birthday or special occasion, I feel like I should do something similar for Rotten2, especially since she'd be the only one (DH, her brother, her) that doesn't get something new. But what the hell does a 6 year old girl need? She's got more toys than effing Toys R Us.

Momma needs a meme

So Catt's done it. Dweeze did it. What the hell, right?

Momma needs sleep
Momma needs a bath now!
Momma needs a girls' night out
Momma needs your help right this minute
Momma needs a new pair of shoes
Momma needs some inspiration
Momma needs a new roof (WTF???)
Momma needs her cocktail
Momma needs more smilies
Momma needs a haircut
Momma needs a cigarette
Momma needs plane tickets
Momma needs to pay her credit card bills

How the hell do these folks know me so well?!

Of course, entering my real name brings some effing hilarious results...

(Real Name) needs a visit to The Bunny Planet (How odd that Google seems to link together those in blogland just when they need it most)
(Real Name) needs to shear all her sheep in a matter of days
(Real Name) needs a food we are happy to leave smeared on our faces
(Real Name) needs private support

Shhhh!

Be vewy, vewy quiet.

No. We're not hunting wabbits. But it's quite peaceful in my house. The kids stayed at the farm for the week, DH is at work, and the animals are sleeping. Yay!

Maybe I should throw a party. What are you going to bring?

Vacation Day!

Hooray! *hops* I was quite worried that I would end up having to go in to work today and tomorrow. Seems that every time I take a day or two off, something major goes wrong. So far, I only have one parts shortage to concern myself with and it can be worked around. Let's just hope that this time, no one quits or gets fired.

In related news, DH was supposed to be off work at 7 am. He's still at work. His relief quit yesterday. So who knows when he'll get off work. I'm just hoping he doesn't have to pull a second 24 hour shift, because that makes for a very unhappy and grumpy DH.

We are supposed to be heading to the farm this weekend for the annual car show. The kids will be staying there all next week. Rotten1 has a baseball game tonight, that he's probably going to miss - if DH gets off work. He's a bit upset, but quite ready to get out of town for 10 days. We may head up there later whether or not DH gets off work. He can drive up later or tomorrow.

And now? My right eye is twitching. That can't be good.

What day is it?

Not sure if I'm suffering from wanna-be-summer-vacay or what, but I've had a hell of a time remembering what day of the week it is lately. And this week has really thrown me off, as I'm taking Thursday and Friday off. Which meant I spent all day today convinced it was Wednesday. Ah well.

So.....what's up with you? What day do you want it to be?

Ut Oh

This has been the strangest weekend I've had in a long time. A weekend of firsts, if you will.

It started with DH keeping the kids on their first day of summer vacation. He has been known to keep the Rottens for bits and pieces, but never a whole day. He has gained a new understanding and appreciation for (step)parenting, I do believe. And I'm enjoying the hell out of it.

It progressed to the ex not picking up the kids Friday night. Come to find out, after dinner and ice cream, they didn't want to go with him anyway. How did I find this out? I sure as shit didn't ask them! They told their dad when Rotten2 called him at 9-something to ask him why he wasn't picking them up.

Saturday dawned hot and slightly humid. We took the kids to Rotten1's baseball game, where the ex and his girlfriend showed up. Nothing too odd there, except the ex actually pretended he gives a shit and helped out in the dugout for the first time all season. Of course, it's the second to last game. Then, standing in the parking lot after the game, the kids inform their dad and me that they want me to take them to a friend's birthday party at 4 and that they are going home with me and DH. This is at noon. I had no idea this was coming, so I was a bit surprised but told the kids if that's what they wanted to do they'd best load their butts in my truck. The ex was not happy but blew it off. We went to the party, had a good time, and the kids decided to veer off to spend the night with friends, knowing they were supposed to be meeting up with their dad after the party. Of course, who's left to call the ex and let him know? Me. Yeah. He was slightly pissed and started to get an attitude, which I quickly shut down with something along the lines of "Hey, I'm not going to force them to go to your house when they don't want to."

So, this morning.....I pick the kids up around noon and we call their dad. At this point, they are kind of resigned to the idea that it's the end of dad's weekend and they haven't gone over there. They called. He "requested" their presence immediately. And they started to refuse. Again. Then I guess they figured it'd be okay. Of course, all the way over there, I had to listen to them complaining about the girlfriend's three kids, the girlfriend, their dad, etc.

And now....I've vegged out and napped for the better part of the day. I feel like a truck ran over me and I'm running a low grade fever. No real complaints other than a nagging headache that doesn't want to go away. Joy. I do not want to get sick. I have plans for this week, dammit. I do not need to get sick. I haven't been sick with a fever in almost a year! For the moment, I have a bit of energy, so I'm trying to clean this pigsty I live in. It's absolutely looking like a train wreck.

Off to dust a bit! Then I'll try to catch up a bit more on the blogworld. *smooch*

Quote of the Day

Courtesy of Rotten1 on the way home from his last day of school today:

"You know, Mom...it really sucks that grown-ups don't get a summer vacation."

*sigh* Tell me about it. *sigh*

In other news, Larry started using his insulin pump yesterday. I'm still sending out resumes regularly, although I haven't had any callbacks recently. The dog and cat seem to have some type of skin thing going on with itchy spots that turn into an open sore over time. It appears this will result in quite the interesting trip to the vet's office.

*smooches*

And School is almost over.

Yesterday was Rotten1's award ceremony for 2nd grade, where he was given certificates for A-B Honor Roll, DEAR reading, and the Determination Award by his teacher. The Determination Award was voted on by his classmates - and he was the only one who received it - for always finishing what he starts, no matter what. Here is Rotten1 with his teacher after the ceremony.

Rotten2 also had her Kindergarten graduation last night, complete with caps and gowns and little diplomas. They sang several songs for the parents and showed a movie with pictures taken throughout the year. I know they all grew up this year, but wow. Looking at those first of the year pictures compared to the kids sitting in front of us....Truly unbelievable. And here is Rotten2 with her teacher after graduation.

I have to hand it to this year's teachers. They were both truly amazing, very caring, on top of things, and just all around wonderful teachers for the kids. Very special, wonderful ladies who made this year a joy, a great learning experience, and were easy to communicate with and work with. So, to all teachers, thank you. Without wonderful people like you to influence, teach and enrich, my kids would probably hate school.

ABC's mememememe

A is for Age - 28, almost 29
B is for Booze - Margaritas, Jack & Coke, Rum & Coke
C is for Career - I'm supposed to have a career? This deadend job does not qualify.
D is for Dad’s name - Lawrence
E is for Essential Item to bring to a Party - Drinks, chips and dip
F is for Favorite Songs at the Moment - Gotta be Something More, by Sugarland
G is for Goof off thing to do - Blogging, altho there hasn't been much time for that lately.
H is for Hometown - Of all the places I've lived in Texas, the East Texas area will always be home.
I is for Instrument you play - I played the piano for a few months, does that count?
J is for Jam or Jelly you like - Strawberry jam, peach jelly, blueberry jelly
K is for Kids - As if we don't all know about the Rottens by now?!
L is for Living arrangement - House with DH and the Rottens
M is for Mom’s name - Jeannette
N is for Names of best friends - Tracey, Crysta, and all of you!
O is for overnight hospital stays - 2 - the birth of each child
P is for Phobias - Death before my kids grow up, Mice
Q is for Quote you like - "I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seemstoday, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow." OR "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back." - Maya Angelou
R is for Relationship that lasted longest - This is a tie - 4 years each
S is for Siblings - one half brother, three stepbrothers, and one stepsister - altho the only one that counts and is a permanent addition to my life over the years is my half brother. The steps have come and gone.
T is for Texas, Ever been? - Do I really have to answer this one?
U is for Unique trait - Very little is unique about me, altho these days, honesty seems to be almost a unique trait.
V if for Vegetable you love - Corn on the cob, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, fried okra, squash....
W is for Worst traits - Stubborness, Hardheadedness, and Defiance
X - is for XRays you’ve had - chest, wrist, ankle, knee, and many dental xrays
Y is for Yummy food you make - Rotten1 loves my tacos, Rotten2 loves my spaghetti, and DH loves my meatloaf.
Z is for Zodiac sign - Leo

Saturday Musings

Rotten2 had a wonderful birthday and says thank you to momma's 'puter friends. She was thrilled about the entire day - so cute.

Now. Who in the world decided that mid-May was the time to bring on mid-90 degree temps? It's freaking HOT outside. I think its already 80 degrees and it's not even 9am. Gah. And I have to go sit at a baseball game at 11:30.

And now for my weekly chore list. Let's place bets on how much of this gets accomplished with no kids and no DH today. Dusting, vacuuming, bathroom scrubbing, mopping, cleaning my poor nasty truck (again!), grocery shopping, bill paying, and....it's my turn to clean the litter box. I need to figure out where the leak in the pool is. It's one of those above ground blue ones at Walmart and it's slowly losing air around the top. We've patched a few holes and apparently have missed one. I also need to drive 45 minutes to the jewelers to have my wedding ring inspected. Holy shit. That means DH and I have been married almost a year. Wow. Where does the time go?!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Update: I was in the shower after cruising the blogs and the dog went Nutz. I mean, insanely cuckoo. So I get out, wrap a towel around me and peek outside. The mailwoman came by and was on the porch because I had a package! A package! Yay! Wait. I didn't order anything. Hm. So I sneak onto the porch in my towel, grab my package and quickly get back in the house. It's a box from Monsty!!! And inside, just in time to head out to Rotten1's game - a Red Sox hat! Hooray! So I finished my shower, got dressed and wore my brand new Red Sox hat to the game.

Also, I got absolutely nothing on my list accomplished. Instead, I went to the game, window shopped, went to the bookstore, got my hair trimmed, window shopped some more, went to Walmart and then Petsmart. Then I came home and took an evening nap.

Happy Birthday to my baby girl

My baby girl is 6 today. I can't believe how time flies. It seems like only yesterday I was in the hospital, fully coherent (which was a complete change from Rotten1's birth) and scared to death that something was wrong. She had been taken straight from the OR to the nursery, before I could hold her because she still had amniotic fluid in her lungs due to the CSection. I was in recovery for only a couple of hours ... so afraid for her and wanting to see her and hold her that I forced myself to walk before I was really ready. In fact, I couldn't feel my feet yet but I managed to walk around the room so they'd let me up to go to the nursery. To this day, I have no idea how I managed that.

Today, she is a confident, outgoing, spirited child. So very girly and prissy, yet has her moments where she will play in mud puddles. Of course, those moments are usually followed by a check of her clothes and shoes and a desire for a bath. She's grown so much this past year - it's amazing how much she has learned and how much more of her personality has developed. She is entirely too much like her momma, that's for sure.

At 1 year...

And today....

Wednesday, already?

Where the hell has this week gone? Oh yeah....baseball, a church school program, and hell/work. Tonight is Lost, cake baking, present wrapping and laundry. Tomorrow is Rotten2's birthday and Friday is baseball. Whew.

Someone please tell me what it's like to have a life. Please?

Weekend Update

After baseball practice last night, Rotten1 & Rotten2 ended up going home with one of Rotten1's teammates and his sister. An unexpected night with DH! So what did we do? Went to sleep at like 9pm. *rolls eyes* It really has been a bizarre week.

This morning, we headed to pick up the kids and stopped at a garage sale on the way. Found a Gateway Pentium II for $15 that needed some memory...so we bought it! Stopped at a local computer repair shop and picked up two memory sticks for $10. Then spent the better part of 6 hours trying to get around the Administrator password on Windows XP Professional. And no, the folks we bought the computer tower from had no idea what the password was. *sigh* Redneck Techie Momma finally ... um ... managed to get it working for DH after he found a little program on the Internet *grin* Then we got the free Compaq working, too. So now I'm in search of two decent used monitors, a keyboard and a set of speakers so both kids will have their own computers again! Yay! In the midst of all of this, we picked up the kids and ended up bringing Rotten1's teammate home with us, too. The boys played and swam all day, Rotten2 left them alone for the most part, and we all had fun. Rotten1's teammate ended up spending the night tonight, too.

Tomorrow? Hopefully I'll get that long list of chores accomplished from below. At least DH got my truck washed today, and the kitchen and living room are clean. I think most of the laundry is done too. Hm...may not be so bad after all.

*smooch*

TGIF

No, really...Thank God it's Friday! I am so glad this week is over. It's just been a bizarre week all the way around. I'm trying desperately to forget that Monday will be here shortly.

The kids ended up spending the night with some friends tonight, so DH and I got an unexpected evening to ourselves. Of course, he crashed early since he was up all night at work and I'm tired, but not sleepy.

This weekend's excitement is geared toward finishing shopping for Rotten2's birthday, yard work, cleaning the house, watching the kids swim and not much else. Yay! What fun will you be having this weekend?

*smooch*